New Covers! RED DEMON & DARK AND STORMY KNIGHTS

Check out the cover for Deidre's third GODS OF MIDNIGHT book, RED DEMON (June 2010), and her upcoming anthology with Rachel Caine, Jim Butcher, Illona Andrews, Shannon K. Butcher and many more, DARK AND STORMY KNIGHTS (July 2010)!

Deidre Knight continues her “unique world building”* in the new Gods of Midnight Novel, in which immortal Spartan warriors fight for humankind while battling their own desires…

After assuming the power of life and death for the immortal Spartan brotherhood, Aristos Petrakos still hasn’t mastered his unpredictable, newfound abilities. And now a medium brings him a message from the other side—a romantic message Ari doesn’t want to hear…

A century ago, the love of Ari’s immortal life, Julianna Tiades, drowned herself in the Savannah River—after she learned about Ari’s shapeshifting abilities. Desperate to reveal the truth about her death, Julianna makes a bargain with a Djinn demon, who offers to give her physical form. But as Julianna and Ari are reunited in passion, the debt must be paid—in souls and spirits…

Deidre's Fave Christmas Traditions

Deidre's participating in an awesome online scavenger hunt! Today she's blogging about her favorite Christmas traditions on EditorTera's Blog. Check her out and also take a minute to find out how you can win a Kindle this holiday season! http://editortera.wordpress.com/2009/12/07/kindle-contest-day-14-deidre-knight/

Join Deidre on Ning.com!

If you are on Deidre's MySpace or Twitter friend list and join her Ning site this weekend, you will be entered in a random drawing to win a copy of one of her GODS OF MIDNIGHT BOOKS -- RED FIRE or RED KISS --- your choice. Three winners will be picked!!!

So here's how it works:

1. Join Deidre's Ning.com group at http://deidreknight.ning.com/

2. Email contests(AT)deidreknight.com with your new Ning user name

3. The contests ends this Sunday, November 22nd at midnight. Three winners will be randomly drawn and notified via email on Monday morning.

Just FYI, Ning is a great site for people with similar interests to form groups. We have several active discussions happening right now on Deidre's official site. Hope to see you there soon!

Louisa Edwards Guest Blogging About First Sale @ Dear Author!

Louisa Edwards, former Berkley editor and debut author of CAN'T STAND THE HEAT, is blogging about her first sale today at DearAuthor! From paranormal Navy SEALS to a light-hearted culinary romance, click here to read about the winding path that led Louisa to finally write the book of her heart.

Tune it in! Deidre's on Houston's KPFT FM Today @ 1pm ET!

An interview with Deidre focusing on digital publishing will air today on the literary radio show, From Cover to Cover, on Houston's KPFT FM station. Also on the program are fellow TKA'ers, Rachel Caine, author of the uber--successful MORGANVILLE VAMPIRE series, and Marjorie M. Liu, author of the DIRK & STEELE series, who were interviewed about their journey to the New York Times bestseller list. Click here to access the show via KPFT FM's live streaming radio.*

Once the show is archived will will provide a link for those that are not able to listen live. Check back soon!

Guest Blogging @ Smutketeers!

Deidre is guest blogging at Smutketeers about the sometimes stressful, but always rewarding, high wire balancing act required of an author/agent/mother/superwoman. Click here to read the post.

Deidre Chatting Tonight in Second Life!

Don't forget! Deidre will be chatting in Second Life TONIGHT, Wed., August 19th @ 9pm ET! Second Life is a 3-D virtual world where you can create your own free avatar. She will be chatting "in person" about her current books RED KISS and BUTTERFLY TATTOO, as well as a few other fabulous projects she has in the queue. Hope to see you there!

What: Author Chat w/ Deidre Knight

When: Wednesday, August 19th @ 9pm ET

Where: Second Life Author Salon

How to Chat: Visit SecondLife.com and create your free custom avatar if you don't have one already!

Next, click this address to enter the chat room location: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Book%20Island/202/47/23/

Guest Author Q&A with Diana Peterfreund!

RAMPANT by Diana Peterfreund

(HARPER TEEN, AUGUST 2009)

Give us the elevator pitch. In short, what's RAMPANT about?

DIANA: RAMPANT is a young adult fantasy adventure about killer unicorns who can only be hunted by virgins descended from Alexander the Great. It's set in modern-day Rome, after it's discovered that unicorns are not extinct after all, and once again pose a threat to people. The teenaged heroine, a born unicorn hunter, is sent to Rome to train in the crumbling nunnery where the women in her family lived for centuries, but things there are a lot more complicated and dangerous than she could have imagined -- especially once she meets a handsome art student.

Did you have any unfortunate unicorn incidents as a child? *side-eye* Why pick on the good guys?

DIANA: Who says the unicorns are good guys? The unicorn legend is actually much richer and more varied then the things you see in the average child's coloring book. There are unicorn legends from all over the world, like the kirin of Japan (maybe you are familiar with the beer? Next time you have one, check the label. It's not a dragon, it's a unicorn!) There was also a middle eastern legend about a unicorn called a karkadann, a vicious, maneating beast that some stories claim was the famous steed of Alexander the Great.

The unicorns in my book aren't necessarily "good" or "bad" -- they're wild animals, like sharks or tigers. Which is part of the problem. Back in the day, we humans killed predators. Now we hit 'em with sedative darts and relocate them to wild areas where they can be safe and free.How do magical hunters fit into this brave new world, a world where it's also uncommon to tithe your daughter to a nunnery at birth?

So, the warriors have to remain virgins to retain their fierce unicorn butt-kicking abilities... Not so easy for teens hopped up on hormones. Why did you decide to tackle the oft-debated subject of teenage sexuality, specifically female virginity?

DIANA: Unicorns and virgins go together like vampires and blood, like werewolves and the moon. It's an integral part of the legend, and the topic of developing sexuality is a natural one for young adult literature. I was abstinent as a teen (and yes, my school had awesome comprehensive sex ed), and I remember being taken aback by the people who assumed that there had to be some "reason" I was "saving myself." "I don't want to" or "I'm not ready" weren't viewed as valid reasons.

Luckily, even as a teen I knew that was dumb -- of course they were valid reasons! Every bit as much as a religious restriction. I wanted to write about the different reasons teens might choose to wait, and how they are all valid -- even if the reason is that they want to be able to hunt unicorns. It was important for me to show right from the start that though it is Astrid's virginity that allows her to be a unicorn hunter, the reason she is not sexually active is because she is not ready and does not wish to have that experience yet.

There are thousands of years of history of institutional celibacy, and even institutional virginity, from which to draw to create my idea of the hunters. Nuns, priestesses, even the vestal virgins of ancient Rome are all orders that included vows or chastity or virginity as a basic part of their makeup. I decided that the unicorn hunters would have organized themselves, once upon a time, as an order of warrior nuns, much as in the middle ages, the Knights Templar were an order of warrior monks. Of course, that was a lot easier to do in times where everyone you might put in your order was European and Catholic, and living in a time where it was no big deal to tithe your daughter to the church from an early age. In the modern milieu of my book, however, the order is defunct, and those born with the ability to be unicorn hunters must rediscover its secrets within its ancient monastery's crumbling walls.

Why do you think RAMPANT, and young adult literature in general, has such a mass appeal to both teen and adult audiences?

DIANA: I hope it does! I think RAMPANT will appeal to both teen and adult readers of fantasy and paranormal romance. It's really not that different than reading one of Deidre Knight's books. The same conditionsapply: a richly imagined world, a fast-paced adventure, high stakes, a forbidden romance, and a full cast of characters you care deeply about. The only difference is that the main character is a few years younger than most of Deidre's (many years younger than her immortal Spartans!).

But the nice thing is that all adults were once teens, and the issues are familiar to them: trying to figure out how to control your own destiny, worrying about disappointing your parents or whether your parents' plans for you are the correct ones, finding and keeping friends, falling in love. These are universal issues. One of the nice things for me about writing young adult is that my teenage protagonist is experiencing a lot of these things for the very first time, with all the wrenching emotional struggle that entails.

For more information on Diana, visit www.DianaPeterfreund.com!

Deidre Chatting In Second Life Virtual World!

Deidre will be chatting in the Second Life Author Salon on Wednesday, August 19th @ 9pm ET. This isn't like the chats you're used to! In Second Life you can create a free 3-D avatar and "sit" by the fireside as you chat with friends or shop the latest fashions in the virtual mall. It's a lot of fun (and a little bit addicting ;)).

To make it even more interesting Deidre is running a contest for those that attend the chat. All you have to do to win a $30 Borders gift card and a signed copy of RED FIRE and RED KISS is email the color of the dress Deidre was wearing in the chat to contests @ deidreknight.com (remove the spaces in the email addy). So that means you have to come to find out!!*

It's easy peasy to sign onto SecondLife.com and create your free avatar. Once you have finished your masterpiece, simply click on this link to enter the chat room: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Book%20Island/202/47/23/

For more details on attending the Author Salon, click here to visit the moderator's website: http://www.melissamayhue.com/Page9.html

What: Author Chat w/ Deidre Knight

When: Wednesday, August 19th @ 9pm ET

Where: Second Life Author Salon

How to Chat: Visit SecondLife.com and create your free custom avatar if you don't have one already! Next, click this address to enter the chat room location: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Book%20Island/202/47/23/ See you there!

If you have any questions about this event, please email admin @ deidreknight.com (remove spaces in email addy).

*The contest will run until Sunday, August 23rd at midnight, and the winner will be notified via email.

Jessica Andersen on TKA's Blog

Jessica Andersen is blogging at The Knight Agency about her new release, SKYKEEPERS. Find out some great background info on her extraordinary series and enter the book giveaway! http://knightagency.blogspot.com/

From Concept to Cover

Check it! Erin Craig, art director for Harlequin TEEN, dishes on the process of creating INTERTWINED's amazing cover. Penned by NYT bestselling author Gena Showalter, the book will be the second title released by the fledgling imprint.

CLICK HERE FOR AN INSIDE LOOK!

Deidre Guest Blogging @ The Lipstick Chronicles! Comment and win a copy of RED KISS!

Head over to The Lipstick Chronicles site to check out Deidre's guest blog "Life in the Fast Lane." She's sharing fun details about her recent family trip and the crazy coincidences that keeps bringing Sparta/Spartans into her everyday life. Oh, and of course there's a contest! Leve a comment before Sunday, August 9th at midnight to win a signed copy of RED KISS. Click here: http://twurl.nl/gkk4hz

Chick-n-scratching Blogger Takes on Romance Naysayers

Check out Chicks-n-scratching blogger Inez's thoughtful and comedic take on why women love romance (and should be left alone with their version of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, among other hilarities). Not only does she argue that romance is escapism at its best, but that it is also a powerful tool that empowers women in their relationships. And what did she denote as the perfect example of romance done right? I won't make you read the whole post to find out (though you really, really should because it's SO worth it)...BUTTERFLY TATTOO, of course! ;-)

Smart Bitches Trashy Books Picks BUTTERFLY TATTOO as One of Their Top Seven Romance Books of All-Time That Aren't Impossble to Find

Sarah Wendell and Candy Tan, romance mavens of the uber-successful blog SMART BITCHES TRASHY BOOKS, were recently profiled in People Magazine. The bloggers-turned-authors recently released their first book, BEYOND HEAVING BOSOMS: THE SMART BITCHES' GUIDE TO ROMANCE NOVELS. They were asked by the magazine to name some of their all-time fave romances. Although, Deidre's BUTTERFLY TATTOO didn't make it into the final five selected for the article; notably, the e-book did make the authors' top seven list. Read more...

Deidre Chatting with Futuristic, Fantasy & Paranormal RWA Chapter on Thursday, July 23rd @ 8pm ET

Deidre will be the featured guest for RWA's Futuristic, Fantasy and Paranormal Chapter's (FF&P) weekly author chat tomorrow night, Thursday, July 23d @ 8pm ET! If you are a member of this fab chapter, don't miss out on the opportunity to talk to Deidre about her phenomenal GODS OF MIDNIGHT series, her e-book BUTTERFLY TATTOO, writing habits, world building and much more!

When: Thursday, July 23rd @ 8pm ET

Where: FF & P Chat Room

How To Chat:

1. Visit the FF&P website @ http://www.romance-ffp.com/

2. Login using your FF&P membership credentials (instructions provided on website).

3. Click on Chat Room

BUTTERFLY TATTOO Contest @ RWA!

If you will be attending the RWA conference in Washington, D.C., this year, don't miss Deidre's BUTTERFLY TATTOO contest in the goody room! Sign up for a chance to win a bold graphic print butterfly messenger bag and luggage tag. Why a messenger bag and luggage tag? Because, as the main characters in BUTTERFLY TATTOO make clear: everyone brings baggage to a relationship.

To be eligible, you must "legibly" complete all the information requested on the sign-in sheet. The prize will be shipped to one lucky winner the week of July 20th.

Author Tour!

BRANDED BY FIRE

by Nalini Singh

Though DarkRiver sentinel Mercy is feeling the pressure to mate, she savagely resists when Riley Kincaid, a lieutenant from the SnowDancer pack, tries to possess her. The problem is not simply that he pushes her buttons; the problem is that he’s a wolf, she’s a cat, and they’re both used to being on top.

But when a brilliant changeling researcher is kidnapped from DarkRiver territory, Mercy and Riley must work together to track the young man—before his shadowy captors decide he’s no longer useful. Along the way, the two dominants may find that submitting to one another uncovers not just a deadly conspiracy, but a passion so raw that it’ll leave them both branded by fire…

REVIEWS:

"As her legion of fans can attest, Singh has a rare talent for impressive worldbuilding, intricate plotting and riveting characterization. The Mercy/Riley relationship is intense and fraught with divided loyalties in this red-hot thriller. Singh delivers excellence every single time! " ~ Romantic Times (Top Pick)

"I loved Riley and Mercy..I recommend Branded by Fire as a rich, satisfying, very sexy and romantic read!" ~ Allison (winner of Branded By Fire ARC)

"I don't think there is a single paranormal series as well-planned, well-written, and downright fantabulous as Ms. Singh's Psy-Changeling series." ~ All About Romance

"Branded by Fire is the best Psy/Changeling romance to date, packing in everything I love about PNR today: hot, emotionally fulfilling romance, suspenseful action and a great world built to support it all in." ~ Lurv A La Mode

Click here for an excerpt.

ABOUT NALINI SINGH: Born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand, Nalini has been writing as long as she can remember. Her stories always held a thread of romance (even when she was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes). She loves creating unique characters, loves giving them happy endings and she even loves the voices in her head. There's no other job she would rather be doing.

Favorite Romantic Scenes of All Time: Love Actually

Today's special guest is one of the funniest ladies I know. Jill Monroe is the author of "Wet and Wild" in the upcoming ENDLESS SUMMER ANTHOLOGY (Harlequin Blaze, July 2009), and her novel SEALEd AND DELIVERED will be on a shelf near you this November. She's also one of the creators of Author Talk. I had the joy of filming one of these hilarious (and certainly now infamous!) Author Talk skits with her and her partner in crime, Gena Showalter, for my GODS OF MIDNIGHT series. Without further ado...

When Deidre asked me which romantic scene from a movie was my favorite, I only had to narrow it down to...which Colin Firth movie. So many choices, Colin in a wet shirt in Pride and Prejudice bumping into the woman who'd rejected him months earlier - charming and awkward and sexy...just the way I like my men. And of course there's Colin Firth telling Bridget Jones he likes her just the way she is - charming and accepting and sexy...even more ways I like my men.

But then it hit me, my all time favorite romantic scene is from Love Actually, which stars Colin as Jamie. As he tells Aurelia, in butchered Portuguese, that he loves her, tears are streaming down my face (although it has been pointed out that I'm an easy crier - I sobbed watching Mama Mia, which also stars you know who).

Thus started a three day quest to find the video of that scene. It's not anywhere. I tried YouTube, Google and IMDB, although I could find it in another language, which may have been Italian, but without the English subtitles, the humor of the scene was lost. BUT here it is in plain text (courtesy IMDB):

"Beautiful Aurelia, I've come here with a view of asking you to marriage me. I know I seems an insane person - because I hardly knows you - but sometimes things are so transparency, they don't need evidential proof. And I will inhabit here, or you can inhabit with me in England."

Her response, in butchered English is just as romantic because it shows to Jamie that in their separation she'd been thinking about him just as much, even trying to learn his language:

"Thank you. That will be nice. Yes is being my answer. Easy question."

The scene below is when they part. To me, it's romantic because it's heartbreaking. Brilliant actor that Colin is, his face shows so much - his hope and yearning, but also his pain and frustration. This is followed by the physical comedy of almost walking into each other, which proves great comedy is emotional. It's the second most perfect romantic scene!

*Technical Note* This video cannot be embedded. You'll have to make a trip over to the You Tube theater! Click here. It's so worth it ;).

Michelle Buonfiglio Picks BUTTERFLY TATTOO as a Top Ten Beach Read!

If you're aching to dive into the perfect summer read, Michelle Buonfiglio of Romance B(u)y the Book's Unabashedly Pleasurable Beach Reads will steer you in the right direction. The article is featured on BarnesandNoble.com, and guess what's at the top of her list? BUTTERFLY TATTOO!

Here's what Michelle said about the book:

After his lover's tragic death, Michael finds unexpected solace in the arms of a woman whose ability to overcome her own pain might calm his - and reunite him with his daughter. A brilliant exploration of the fluidity of sexuality - and the tenacity of the human spirit. Sure to grace many Best of '09 lists.

Click here to read the rest of the Top Ten list.

Favorite Romantic Scenes of All Time: Love in a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Today, I have a special treat! Agent Nephele Tempest is sharing her most beloved romantic scene of all time for our summer film festival! So grab your popcorn, and get ready for the show!

I have a thing for bad boys. I also prefer my romantic couples with a little bit of snark, some witty banter back and forth, a healthy dose of teasing, and preferably a few sparks flying before they get to anything too mushy. No simpering heroines waiting to be rescued, thank you very much. They need to be feisty enough to keep those bad-boy heroes on their toes. So it probably comes as no surprise that one of my favorite onscreen couples ever is Han Solo and Princess Leia.

When THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK first hit theaters, I was eleven years old and perfectly primed for the Han and Leia romance. When they started snapping back and forth in the frozen hallways of the Rebel base on Hoth, I sighed happily. I smirked when Han got jealous over Leia kissing the injured Luke. And when the base was under attack and Han insisted on getting Leia out safely, I grinned from ear to ear. But nothing made my little pre-teen heart go pitter pat quite like their first kiss scene on the Millennium Falcon. A quiet corner, a little bit of welding, some hand rubbing and whispered banter. And that kiss. Han didn't even let her finish her sentence. I was hooked. Several decades later, that scene still makes me melt. After all, every girl needs a scoundrel or two in her life.

Guest Blogging @ Romance Reader at Heart's Novel Thoughts Today!

Come check me out at Novel Thoughts and Book Talk today! I'm talking about the phases of a writer's life and, of course, there's a great book giveaway!

Radio Star!

Deidre's interview with BlogTalkRadio's Cat Johnson live from the Romantic Times Convention in Orlando is now available. Click here to listen! (First interview, lasts 20 minutes)

Favorite Romantic Scenes of All Time: The Greatest Love of All

If we didn’t love it, we wouldn’t do it; we might even run from it. And I’m not talking about my addiction to Scrabble or scratch off lottery tickets or even TIVO.

I mean writing. My calling, my unshakeable gift. Yep, if we didn’t love it, would any one of us do it? The long hours, the angst, the self-doubt…but ah, the occasional soaring highs when breakthrough comes.

As it happens I spent this weekend following the #RWAChange chatter on Twitter—and working toward two separate deadlines. What a perfect backdrop for having watched one of the best writer movies of all time, and one that really captures our love affair with the writing life, WONDER BOYS. My favorite moment is when Katie Holmes character has just read most of Professor Tripp (Michael Douglas)’s 2700 page manuscript. He asks what she thinks; she hesitates then says, “You know how in writing class, you say that writers have to make choices?” He nods. “Well, and I could be wrong, but it sort of seems like you didn’t make any choices.”

Isn’t that our life story as writers? Struggling to make the choices—what to put on the page, what to leave off, what to leave in our twisted brains, what to share. I couldn’t find that clip, which pains me (if anyone else can, please post a link!), so I opted for the trailer which certainly captures the film’s pathos and writing humor. What are your favorite movies, books or television shows that look at the writing life??

Favorite Romantic Scenes of All Time: Bull Durham

One of my fave author friends, Maria Geraci, is carrying the torch today in the next installment of our mini summer film fest. Take it away Maria!

Oh My!

Anyone who’s read my recent debut novel, BUNCO BABES TELL ALL, knows that my main character, Kitty, has a slight problem. Eighteen years ago, she fell in love with Crash Davis, the character played by Kevin Costner in the film Bull Durham, and unfortunately for Kitty, her movie crush has interfered with her finding a real live, flesh and blood man who can compete.

So, I have to admit, as Kitty’s creator, her crush is my crush. And it all began with the famous “I believe” speech. Maybe it’s not terribly romantic, but honestly, is there anything sexier than Kevin’s (er, I mean, Crash’s) speech?

It Just Isn’t Summer Unless…

What movie says “summer” to you?? For me, and this may seem just a tad perverse, but that movie is Jaws. Every summer I have to break out the DVD, much like I must watch Christmas Vacation and It’s a Wonderful Life in December. So last night, I watched the movie and tweeted about my annual tradition.

Guess what I found out? Thanks to some of my Twitter friends, I learned that I am not alone! That there are other oddballs like me who equate watching JAWS with summer or Fourth of July weekend! So that got me thinking about my series featuring favorite romantic moments in flicks, and I KNEW I had to post the below. I’ve featured it before, a few years ago, but I think it’s perfect for our Most Romantic Moments series!

Favorite Romantic Scenes of All Time: Bennie and the Jets Anyone?

It’s probably no great secret to anyone by now that I’m a huge movie hound. Love all kinds of flicks, from the artier/indie ones to the grossly commercial summer blockbusters. But I’m especially a sucker for romantic movies, and like most romance authors probably have a list of movies with favorite romantic scenes.

I thought it would be fun to do a little blog series about some of my faves. To launch, let’s start with 27 Dresses and the Bennie and the Jets scene. As if it’s not already adorable enough—as if James Marsters isn’t made of yum—that moment when he hops off the bar and finally admits that he “cried like a baby at the Keller wedding.” This, after telling her he didn’t even remember writing that particular wedding column in an effort to seem jaded and cynical. Watching the clip, it hit me that he’d be a good bet for playing Jamie Angel in my Gods of Midnight. There’s not as much of him in RED KISS, more in RED FIRE, but he’ll definitely be getting a story of his own in the future!

Take a peek at this funny, charming and romantic scene:

King Leonidas's Private Dossier Revealed!!!

Deidre has posted King Leonidas's private dossier on Romance Novel TV! Find out the exclusive details of what the commander really thinks about his Spartan warriors. Pay attention, because there's a giveaway and quiz later! :) Click here!

Deidre Guest Blogging on ESPAN (Electronic and Small Press Authors' Network)

On ESPAN's blog, Deidre is challenging RWA's stance on recognizing digital publishers in the wake of a swiftly changing publishing landscape that is embracing the electronic format. Click here to check out this lively debate and weigh in!

Deidre Guest Blogging on Novelists, Inc. (NINC)

Deidre wrote an insightful guest blog post, "Writers and the Power of Imagination," on NINC about her recent Georgia book signing and how that event reaffirmed her belief that writers must trust their abilities and not let the fiction that they produce on paper sweep them away in real life. Here's a snippet:

"As authors, this is our greatest legacy, the power of our imaginations. But for some of us—myself, my clients (I’m an agent by profession)—I’ve noticed that this very gift can also be our undoing. So capableof spinning tales in our minds, it’s only one more step to concoct any terrible scenario that might befall our careers. Haven’t heard from your editor about the new manuscript yet? Of course not! She obviously hates it and can’t even put her thoughts into words. (Actuality: the editor’s boss just handed her a rush edit, so she got sidetracked.)"

Click here to check out the full post!

The Knight Agency Blog: Guestblogger Maria Geraci: How To Get Published - TKA Style

The Knight Agency Blog: Guestblogger Maria Geraci: How To Get Published - TKA Style

This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to have a blast with four other fabulous authors. We toured around Georgia, signing and doing Question and Answer. Maria Geraci has done a wonderful job of recapping the event! Go check it out! Hugs, Deidre

Deidre & Gena's Chat Transcript Now Available & RED KISS Mentioned on "True Romance"

Deidre and Gena Showalter had a blast answering questions in their Knight Agency chat last night! "Live" from Greece, of course. Everyone had fabulous questions about their respective series and publishing/writing in general. Lots of great info and plenty of "LOLs!" If you missed it, click here for the chat transcript! Don't forget to visit Gena's blog for the LAST day of Deidre and Gena's KISS & SEDUCE party. They are going out with a bang :)!

Also, congrats to Deidre for RED KISS's mention on True Romance, hosted by the "Queen of Romance," Sue Grimshaw! The Borders romance buyer spotlights the book as one of her "must reads" for June. Check it out here!

Who's Your Fave Spartan?

Who would you rather...? *clears throat* I mean who is your favorite character in Deidre's GODS OF MIDNIGHT series? She's created a special poll for members of her Yahoo! e-group to find out who is foremost in her readers' hearts. Click here to get the poll: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DeidreKnightGroup/surveys?id=2197718

If you are not a member of Deidre's e-group, it's easy to sign up once you click the link above. Besides fun polls, Deidre often drops by to chat with members and runs exclusive member contests on the e-loop!

Deidre & Gena Chatting Live Thursday, June 11th @ 9pm ET

Deidre and Gena Showalter are bringing their KISS & SEDUCE party to The Knight Agency's chat room tomorrow night, Thursday, June 11th @ 9pm ET!! Both ladies will be dishing about their latest releases and can't wait to answer your questions. Of course there will be trivia and fab prizes. Make sure to mark your calendars! Directions for accessing the chat are below:

What: Online Chat with Authors Deidre Knight and Gena Showalter

When: Thursday, June 11th @ 9pm ET

Where: TKA Chat Room

How Do You Chat: Visit the chat room here: http://client1.addonchat.com/sc.php?id=115545. Enter a username and password (this can be any combination). Your computer must be Java enabled to chat.

All-Expense Paid Trip to the French Riveria with Deidre & Gena Showalter!

Deidre and Gena are on Day Two of their week-long KISS & SEDUCE blog party! Today it's the white sandy beaches of The French Riviera. Take a break and join them for a sunbathing session while "Cabana Boy" refills your champagne glass. And, of course, they are giving away more books! So if you didn't win yesterday, try your luck again... See you there! Click here to enter the party: http://www.genashowalter.blogspot.com/

Deidre Knight & Gena Showalter Partying Around the World!

Deidre Knight & Gena Showalter are celebrating Deidre's new release, RED KISS, and Gena's upcoming release, SEDUCE THE DARKNESS, in sunny Jamaica today...well virtually speaking. LOL. Take a break from your hectic Monday and join them by the pool for a sip of rum punch and a few beefcake sightings :)! Leave a comment and possibly win FREE BOOKS from Deidre and Gena. They're partying all week long -- so check back often! Who knows where they'll end up next!

Click here to get to the party!

Spartans in the summertime...

Deidre is making a few guest apperances this week on Penguin's blog in celebration of the second book in her GODS OF MIDNIGHT series, RED KISS, releasing June 2nd. Come out and help her party!! She's giving us the deets on our fave Spartans' summertime plans. What exactly do Spartans do for fun in the summer? Slip-n-slide? BBQs? A quite Caribbean cruise. Click here to find out.

RED KISS Hits the Road!

Beginning June 5th, Deidre is taking RED KISS on a star-studded booksigning tour. If you are going to be in the Atlanta area (or perhaps this is a good reason to make a trip), you'll be able to meet up with Deidre and four other fabulous authors including, Shannon K. Butcher, Maria Geraci, Debby Giusti and USA Today bestselling author, Jennifer St. Giles. As an added bonus these fab authors will participate in a "How To Get Published Q&A" session before the book signing at most locatons. See details below

June 5th - Borders at Stonecrest Mall @ 5pm ET

-- 8000 Mall Parkway, Lithonia, GA 30038

June 6th - Books For Less* @1pm ET

-- 2815 Buford Drive, Buford, GA 30519

June 6th - Dog Ear Bookstore** @ 5pm ET

-- 142 Academy Street, Madison, GA 30650

June 7th - Borders @ 2pm ET

-- 196 Alps Road, Athens, GA 30606

*Debby Giusti will not apppear at the Books For Less signing.

*The Madison signing will not have a Q&A session.

For more information, email info @ knightagency.net (remove spaces).

Deidre Guest Blogging @ Writers Gone Wild

Deidre is giving Writer's Gone Wild an uprecedented inside look at the world-building for her acclaimed e-book, BUTTERFLY TATTOO (Samhain, April 2009), which will be released in print early next year. This is the most intensive, thought-provoking interview she has ever given in regards to the formation of her characters. Be sure to check it out here: Writers Gone Wild!

Deidre's Blogging @ Fresh Fiction!

Deidre's blogging at Fresh Fiction! Check out her post on the winding road her latest release BUTTERFLY TATTOO took to publication: "It's a Crazy, Small, Connected World!"

A Special Message from RWA's Newest Chapter: Rainbow Romance Writers

I'm Jade Buchanan and I'm the very lucky (or insane, depending on who you're talking to) President of the Rainbow Romance Writers, RWA's newest special interest chapter. A lot of very hard work, by a group of dedicated individuals, went into the formation of this chapter so I've brought along my support system today! Kimberly Gardner is our wonderful Secretary and Sara Bell is my right hand and the best Vice President you could ask for. Finally, JL Langley is the Treasurer who keeps us all honest.

We certainly appreciate the opportunity to blog about our chapter and discuss some of the issues surrounding our formation as well as where we would like to go in the future. One of the reasons we decided to form this chapter was to give a voice to our genre and hopefully show that we represent a number of very talented individuals that are no different than any other group of romance writers out there. At the end of the day, we all write about love!

Kimberly Gardner: The tag-line on our site says, "Rainbow romance, where all lovers are welcome." In my mind, and in the minds of our members, that can be expanded to "where all romance writers are welcome." As Jade said, it's all about the falling in love. Everyone falls in love. And all those stories deserve to be told. That's what we're doing.

Sara Bell: Speaking of members, the diversity of our membership astounds me. We run the gambit from the multi-published to the pre-published; those who are with major New York houses and those who are with start-up e-publishers. We have agents, editors, and publishers on the associate member side, PRO and PAN members on the general side. Some of us have one book out, and some have ten or twenty.

JL Langley: Thanks for the lovely intro, Madam President. I just wanted to add that we are not only for writers of GLBT romance but anyone with an interest in GLBT romance. We have a nice array of writers of Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Romance and we have one or two authors who write transgendered romances, although I hope to see more in our future. We even have a few GLBT writers who write in non-GLBT genres. It's wonderful to see how much support we have garnered so far and I really look forward to the months and years to come.

Jade Buchanan: I can't tell you how excited I am to see where we can go in the coming months and years. I'm a firm believer that a slow and steady approach is best to sustain an organization in the long run, but we do have a number of items that we would like to work on in the short term. We have a few courses that are planned for the future, and we will have our first newsletter coming out in June. It will contain articles about the craft of writing, as well as interviews with our members and some of the leading publishers who are promoting GLBT romances in the industry.

Kimberly Gardner: One of our goals as a chapter, and we feel very strongly about this, is advocating for our members. For many years writers of LGBT romance have been attending conferences, hoping for the chance to network and promote the genre they love, only to be pushed aside and sometimes even met with outright discrimination, having their promo materials called offensive and their books rejected for review by some of the leading review magazines while their ad dollars were just as good as any other writer's to those same publications. It's injustices like these, and others I won't get into here, that we hope to address as an advocacy group.
But it's so much more than that. I've been hearing from so many of our members (and we are over fifty members strong as of this writing) how hungry they are for the chance to network with like minded writers, others who love the genre as much as they do and want to see it gain acceptance in the larger romance-writing community.

Sara Bell: It's our hope as RRW establishes itself to integrate our author's titles into the mainstream. We want to bridge the divide that exists between GLBT romance and the rest of the romance genre. A great story is a great story. We want to be eligible for the same contests, reviews, markets, and accolades as every other romance writer in America. We're also working on a database of publishers friendly to GLBT romance so our authors won't have far to search when it comes time to sell their work.

JL Langley: It's my hope we can do all those things and more. I must admit I long to see bigger GLBT sections in the chain bookstores. More than that I'd love to see a GLBT Romance section, not just a GLBT fiction section encompassing everything from Mystery, Erotica and Romance to Drama in a single small bottom shelf in the very back corner of the bookstores, hidden away like something taboo or perverted. I know it's not going to change overnight but with the growing acceptance and popularity of GLBT romance I think we have a promising start. It's my sincerest hope that the formation of the chapter is just the beginning.

Author Tour!

BRIDE OF THE WOLF, Shadowmen Series Book 4

by Jennifer St. Giles

Release Date 4/28/09

When the heroic werewolf Navarre is trapped in the twilight realm, his Shadowmen comrades are unable to rescue him. Only a passionate woman with a spirit as wild as his own can set him free….

Oil heiress Marissa Vasquez fled the jungles of Belize to avoid becoming a pawn in her vicious uncle’s wicked schemes. Though she has found temporary sanctuary in little Twilight, Tennessee, only in her dreams does she taste freedom. At night, her spirit intertwines with a magnificent black wolf, and they run together under the glow of a forest moon. When a wounded stranger is brought to the camp where she is hiding, she glimpses in his eyes the mysterious being who has been the partner of her visions. But before she can explore her strange reaction to this man, they are kidnapped and imprisoned once again.

Navarre is a shapeshifting Shadowman, captured by the evil Vladarian vampire who hopes to control Marissa. Injured and blind, he struggles to regain his warrior’s strength as they fight for their freedom — and their lives. Together, their spirits form a powerful link matched only by the passion they discover in each other’s arms. But can a mortal woman attain true love with a man who is half wolf? And will their enemies give them time to find an answer?

REVIEWS
“With a spin that will shake fans with delight, Jennifer St. Giles continues to make The Shadowmen saga one of the best urban romantic fantasy series on the market today.”—Klausner

“Magically believable and overflowing with affecting emotions, BRIDE OF THE WOLF holds your attention during every gripping scene.” Singletitles.com

“Jennifer St. Giles packs an emotional punch that will take your breath away.” Bitten by Books, Brianna.

“BRIDE OF THE WOLF is yet another intense and powerful story from the very talented Jennifer St. Giles.” CK’s Kwips and Kritiques, Debbie

Excerpt: http://jenniferstgiles.com/brideofthewolf.shtml
Website: jenniferstgiles.com
Blog: jenniferstgiles.blogspot.com

ABOUT JENNIFER

USA Today Bestselling Author, Jennifer is a former nurse and homeschooling mother of three. She has won a number of awards for writing excellence including, two National Reader’s Choice Awards, two time Maggie Award Winner, Daphne du Maurier Award winner, Romance Writers’ of America’s Golden Heart Award, along with RT Book Club’s Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Historical Gothic/Mystery.
Books: The Mistress of Trevelyan 8/04, His Dark Desires 11/05, Midnight Secrets 5/06, Touch A Dark Wolf 9/06, Darkest Dreams 12/06, The Lure of the Wolf 7/07, Silken Shadows 12/07, Kiss of Darkness 4/09, Bride of the Wolf 5/09. Point of No Return: Mammoth Book of Vampire Romances Book 2 9/09. Romance’s first graphic e-book through betweenyoursheets.com. Jennifer St. Giles writing as Jennifer Saints in Wild Irish 5/09 and Smooth Irish 5/09.

Deidre Blogging About First Sale @ Dear Author

Deidre's dishing about the journey of her first sale on DearAuthor.com! Find out how the first 30 attempts to publish her manuscript, BUTTERFLY TATTOO, was meant with polite rejection. After shelving the book and moving on to sucessfully publish her PARALLEL and GODS OF MIDNIGHT series -- finally BUTTERFLY TATTOO was released April 21st by Samhain and has been the subject of MAJOR buzz. Click here to check Deidre's first sale story on Dear Author!

Highlights from the Romantic Times Convention: Spartan Musical Chairs

One of the most talked about events at the Romantic Times Convention was Deidre's GODS OF MIDNIGHT party. The event's smashing success was owed in part to a good-natured game of Spartan musical chairs. What is that, pray tell? Click here to see the video of hunky romance cover models dressed in itty bitty costumes ;). Always a good combo!

Author Tour!

EVE OF DARKNESS A Marked Novel

by Sylvia Day
Tor Books

April 28, 2009

ISBN: 9780765360410

Cursed by God, hunted by demons, desired by Cain and Abel... All in a day's work.For Evangeline Hollis, a long-ago fling with a bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks just became a disaster of biblical proportions. One night with a leather-clad man of mystery has led to a divine punishment: the Mark of Cain.Thrust into a world where sinners are drafted to kill demons, Eve knows her learning curve must be short. A longtime agnostic, she begrudgingly maneuvers through a celestial bureaucracy where she is a valuable but ill-treated pawn. She's also become the latest point of contention in the oldest case of sibling rivalry in history...But she'll worry about all that later. Right now she's more concerned with learning to kill while staying alive. And saving the soul she'd never quite believed she had.Look for EVE OF DESTRUCTION and EVE OF CHAOS, both coming in June!
EXCERPT: http://www.sjday.net/excerpt/

ABOUT S. J. DAY
S.J. Day’s resume includes a variety of odd jobs ranging from amusement park employee to Russian linguist/interrogator for the U.S. Army Military Intelligence. She’s presently a full-time writer. A native Southern Californian, S.J. thinks there’s no place like home, but she loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her to Japan, Holland, Germany, France, Mexico, Jamaica, and all over the United States. She’s now hard at work on her next book.

REVIEWS

“Exhilarating adventure in an edgy world of angels and demons highlights the opener of Day’s Marked trilogy. Dynamic and vibrant, Eve is an impressive protagonist, and her fierce spirit and determination to make the best of her circumstances will keep readers enthralled.” — Publishers Weekly

“Great characters and terrific storytelling in a hot-blooded adrenaline ride. A keep-you-up-all-night read.” — Patricia Briggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“EVE OF DARKNESS is a sizzling, heart-pounding urban fantasy that thrilled and fascinated me from beginning to end. Eve is a smart, spirited heroine I won’t soon forget!” — Jeri Smith-Ready, award-winning author of Wicked Game and Bad to the Bone

“Day, aka multitalented author Sylvia Day, explodes onto the urban fantasy scene with a new twist on the Cain and Abel story. It’s dark, gritty and sexy to the max, so readers can be thankful the next chapter in this pulse-pounding series is only a month away!”— Jill M. Smith, RT BOOKreviews

VIDEO: http://www.sjday.net/trailer/ WEBSITE: http://www.sjday.net

Author Tour

Kiss of Darkness by Jennifer St. Giles

In Kiss of Darkness, a vampire bite has Sheriff Sam Sheridan on the fast track to hell and demons are taking over Twilight Tennessee. He's battling not only to save both his soul and his town, but also his love for one woman, Emerald Linton. Emerald has a secret that could destroy both her and Sam. She is an angel, and if she can't save Sam from turning evil, then she'll have to kill him, no matter how much of her heart belongs to him. Sam is determined to take as many demons and vampires down with him as he can and to protect Emerald, but as the seductive dark power in him grows will he condemn Emerald to share his doomed fate, or will they both find a way out of hell?

Excerpt

Website: jenniferstgiles.com
Blog: jenniferstgiles.blogspot.com

Reviews

"A fantastic paranormal thriller, fraught with danger, thrills and sensual passion." Paula Myers Fresh Fiction

“In the first of back-to-back Shadow- men releases, St. Giles unleashes hell. With each successive chapter in this pulse-pounding series, the stakes increase. The lead protagonists have been snapping at each other since they met, and the author skillfully builds on that tension to up the sexual ante. St. Giles is on a roll!” 4 stars Hot RT Bookclub.

“In my opinion this series is one of the best. It is definite a keeper. The struggle between good and evil is told in a way that holds your attention. I, for one, cannot wait for the next installment of this entertaining series. You must read this series. It is great.” Top Pick Night Owl Romance

“Believable realism makes the paranormal stories by Jennifer St. Giles come across as grippingly spellbinding. The situations arising all through KISS OF DARKNESS frequently take place because of extraordinary facts, yet Ms. Giles constructs these incidents to make them seem c0ompletely plausible. Supernatural beings, psychic abilities and wondrous events are portrayed in such a credible manner, the reader will not be questioning the validity of any scene. Starting with a creative premise for The Shadowmen series, this talented author has continuously added imaginative details to make each story inventively noteworthy. There are countless conflicts in this story, some concerning the physical takeover by merciless beings and other clashes which are only emotional. However, regardless of what is taking place during a certain moment, there is never a time when the reader does not feel connected to the featured characters as their sincere feelings are always clearly described through clever dialogue and genuine thoughts. The inner emotions of Sam and Emerald are especially detectable through the skilled writing of Ms. Giles, as their anguish or joy is always exceedingly palpable and definitely heartfelt. Any time these two are together, the scene is blazingly heated from the overwhelming steamy sensuality flowing between them, and their expression of these passions is intensely potent. The cast of characters is exceptionally outstanding, whether good or evil, and each one plays their part in the story to the fullest.. The ending perfectly sets up the next book, one I am eager to read. KISS OF DARKNESS is masterful paranormal storytelling which never disappoints with its striking images and stirring emotions.”

Monday April 13 Chat with Deidre Knight

We're heading into a long weekend that is promising to be filled with beautiful spring weather, fabulous time spent with family, and perhaps even a spotting or two of that elusive white bunny.

Next Monday heading back to the grind is sure to be daunting but we have just the fix for the post-holiday Monday blues - An hourlong chat with our very own Deidre Knight.

WHO: Deidre Knight, author of RED FIRE and the upcoming BUTTERFLY TATTOO

WHERE: http://realmsoflove.com/

WHEN: Monday, April 13th 2009, 9pm EST

WHAT: Your chance to come out and chat live with Deidre!

Deidre has had a VERY exciting spring and has lots of news to share so be sure to come out and join us on Monday night!

Have a great weekend everyone!

**Instructions from Realmsoflove.com website: You must register or log in to chat. Click on "Chat" under "Explore the Realm." Thunder is happy to help. Email him at thunder [at] realmsoflove.com**

Author Tour!

ETERNAL MOON by Rebecca York

In ETERNAL MOON Rebecca York creates a classic clash between good and evil–with a werewolf twist.

Renata Cordona is the reincarnation of an ancient goddess. She and her lover have met again and again down through the ages–only to be destroyed by a demon bent on conquering the world. In her twenty-first century incarnation, Renata is a private detective.

As the book opens, Renata is on an undercover assignment to catch a serial killer who has been murdering female real estate agents, when she’s almost attacked by a pack of vicious dogs. They are chased off by a lone wolf who swiftly disappears. Then, out of nowhere, werewolf Jacob Marshall materializes, and his electrifying touch brings out all the sexual longings she’s repressed because everyone she has ever loved has died a horrible death. Is Jacob the key to breaking the ancient curse that hangs over them? Or will the evil stalking them down through the ages destroy them both–this time for all eternity?

Click here to read an excerpt!
Watch the book trailer:

ABOUT REBECCA YORK USA Today best-selling novelist, Rebecca York (aka Ruth Glick) is the author of over one hundred books. She has authored or co-authored more than 50 romantic suspense novels and 20 romances. But she never thought she could become a writer because her horrible spelling earned her poor marks in English classes in high school. She married well–to a man who can spot a misspelled word from fifty paces. He proofreads all her manuscripts to make sure there are no typos or spellos.

Rebecca’s KILLING MOON was a launch book for Berkley’s new Sensation romance imprint in June 2003. EDGE OF THE MOON and WITCHING MOON followed. Her first Berkley novella was in CRAVINGS, with Laurell K. Hamilton. CRIMSON MOON, published in January 2005, was her 100th book. The eighth book in her Moon series, ETERNAL MOON, is out from Berkley in April 2009. For many years, she has also written Harlequin Intrigue’s very popular 43 Light Street series. Her next is MORE THAN A MAN, August 2009.

Her many awards include two RITA finalist books, two Lifetime Achievement Awards from Romantic Times, five NJRW Golden Leaf Awards and a Prism Award. Her Intrigue, NOWHERE MAN, was named by Affaire de Coeur as the best Contemporary Novel of 1998. THE SECRET NIGHT was ROMANTIC TIMES’ best Intrigue of 2006.

REVIEW In a new twist on her long-running paranormal Moon series, York adds in an ancient battle between the powers of good and evil. As always, York delivers engaging plots with dynamic characters. Definitely one of the genre's best! ---Jill Smith, Romantic Times

WEBSITE http://www.rebeccayork.com