That’s right! I’m back, I partied, and I’m ready to talk about it. Even though I’m really tired, I can enthusiastically say that RT is one of the most fun events you’ll ever attend and well worth the time and money. I’m going to pimp next year’s event before I get to this year’s details: Pittsburgh, April 16-20, 2008. Keep checking the RT convention site for details. Start saving now.

Okay, so back to this year’s gathering in Houston. I left Tuesday during crappy weather. I mean bad! My 5:30 flight didn’t leave until 8:30. The Houston airport was a complete disaster by then, as so many flights in the state had been rerouted or cancelled, and people were standing in these enormous lines to talk to a gate agent. I’m so glad I managed to get out and to the hotel that night. Others weren’t so lucky…

As you can imagine, I got to the hotel late. Very late. So late that Rhyannon Byrd, a very dear friend, had given up on me arriving that day and gone to bed. However, I got to spend a lot of time in the airport and the shuttle bus with Karen Erikson. Some very kind soul (a friend of hers) had a margarita waiting for me when I arrived. My roomie and pal, Sylvia Day, said “hi”, then frantically went back to her overdue book. I tried to leave her alone so she could finish and we could party.

Dana Pollard was this year’s erotic romance coordinator for the National Readers’ Choice Awards. She rushed to greet me to tell me that BOUND AND DETERMINED finaled! Yipee!!! Except I have some tough competition, including Sylvia. The winners will be announced in July, but for now I’m just happy to have a book considered among the best erotic romances of 2006!

Back to RT… After I left Sylvia in our room, I went down to the lobby bar to find the party. I hung out with Tawny Taylor (who is very clever when it comes to making her own costumes for these events!), Scott Carpenter, Crissy Brashear (publisher of Samhain) and Sahara Kelly, a lovely author and Brit who has agreed to help me with the British dialogue for Doomsday Brethren. We had a ball…but by 2am, I was beat, so it was off to bed for me.

More (mis)adventures tomorrow, including the Ellora’s Cave party and wine and nachos with a very special someone!

Oh, one last thing! I’ve got a copy of Sexy Beast II and some other goodies to give a lucky winner. All you have to do is post a comment, and I’ll draw for the prize this weekend. Come back here to see if I drew your name! Ready, set…comment!

Sorry, no fun pictures for you today, but I’ll make up for it I promise.

Though it may not be the name Shelley/Shayla had in mind for him, it’s how I think of him. You see, I’ve read Decadent, and WOW was it amazing. From word one, line one, and page one, the story grabs you by the throat, pulls you in, and keeps you going until the last page, last line, and last line. Then, as satisfied as you are, you’re starving for more.

I literally sat on the edge of my seat, glued to my monitor (it’ll be more comfortable in a chair with a book). I think I had an emotional break for one, maybe two chapters, but not really because during those chapters I kept waiting for…well, I can’t say. But when that happened, WOW. When the major meat of the story hit I was beyond knowing or caring what was happening around me. I was living in the pages.

Generally, when reading a book I identify with the heroine and see the story from her eyes. With Decadent I lived the story through Deke’s eyes. As he was acting like a jerk, my heart ached for him. When he had to face his biggest fears and demons (and he had plenty) I cried and hurt and ached wanting nothing more than for him to get through it and be the awesome man for Kimber I knew he could be.

As if that wasn’t enough to rip me up, I kept hearing the song Shelley/Shayla found for the theme song. Depeche Mode’s Precious. If you haven’t heard it, go to their website or blog and listen to it. The lyrics send chills skittering down your spine and when you read the story you’ll ache even more because you’ll hear the echo of the song in certain places.

Alas, I didn’t just ache for Deke, or even Kimber, who I adore for her bravery and willingness to stick it out. My heart bled for Luc. The man is too fantastic to not have his dream (sorry, can’t tell) realized. And though I’ve read Decadent, I will own an autographed copy in October when it hits the shelves.

Do NOT miss this book. If you skip this book because of the sexual content, then you’re missing out on one of the best romance stories I’ve ever read, and I’ve read LOTS. As usual, Shelley/Shayla writes characters that lives on in your mind and heart even after you close the book and walk away. I hope to write characters like that when I grow up.

Thank you, Shelley, for letting me read it for you. It’s my favorite of everything of yours I have read. I can see that you bled right along with them while you were telling their stories.

Have a Wicked Weekend Everyone!
Naughty Nikki

What’s more decadent than a sexy pirate? What’s more dangerous than stowing away on a dragon’s ship? Step back in time and travel back to the days when pirates sailed the seas and ladies wore corsets while trolling for husbands during “the season.” Okay, so it wasn’t considered trolling back then, but what else would you call it?

I’ll admit, I don’t really know much about The Lady and The Dragon, but I love the title. And if I were a woman living back then, I’d probably run away from my family (at least some days I’d be tempted) and take my chances with a sexy pirate as well.

Lucky for us, we can have our very own Dragon Pirate next week. No, he doesn’t shift shapes. Read the excerpt Shelley posted before RT and you’ll understand better. Not only can you have the book, but if you leave a comment or join Shelley’s newsletter, if you haven’t already, then you will be entered in a drawing for an autographed copy of the bookcover for The Lady and The Dragon. But wait…this is no ordinary bookcover. This is a larger sized cover, autographed and mounted on a free standing poster. How exciting will it be to own a copy of the sexy cover that Shelley worked so hard to make sure was perfect for you?

Dang, that gets to me.

So, get your comments going and be entered to win this awesome cover.

Don’t listen to him. This is no secret. Tell everyone you know about this contest and about this book.

Er y’ell be walkin’ the plank.

OH! I’ll bet a few of you thought this was going to be about Deke and Decadent didn’t you? As if I could tell you anything about that even if I knew. I can tell you that Deke redefines sexy, but you figured that out when you read Wicked Ties.

TaTa. Hope you’re having a wickedly fantastic week.

Naughty Nikki

Shelley left me in charge! I wonder how afraid she is? I’ll try to behave myself, but it’s harder some days than others.

Anyway, for those who didn’t make it to RT, here’s a friendly greeting from Texas.

Now, I have to get back to work, but remember to check back here on Friday. I have a special “treat” in mind for you, but I’ve been sworn to secrecy until then. Friday, though, all bets are off.

In the meantime, if you haven’t already checked out the excerpt from The Lady and The Dragon, make sure you do. There are only 14 DAYS to go until the book can be yours. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to own the updated and steamier version of the first book Shelley ever published. Shelley and I will have the books trailer posted for you when she returns from RT.

TTFN. Have a Wicked Week.
Naughty Nikki

Yes, I know it’s been a long week since I put a few words out here and made a fool of myself. Maybe some of you even missed me being out here and being a goof. This week has been hellacious. I presume life will significantly calm down after the Romantic Times convention. I can’t believe that I leave on Tuesday. Help!! I’m so not ready.

In my absence next week, Naughty Nikki will entertain you with a blog. Maybe 2 if she’s feeling very naughty. With her, you just never know…

But I’ve promised you an excerpt, so I’ll get on with it…as soon as I give you a little info.

THE LADY AND THE DRAGON
REISSUE
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Release Date: electronic – May 8, 2007/print – August 2007
Genre: Historical Romance – Regency England/Caribbean

THE LADY AND THE DRAGON is very dear to my heart. It’s the first book I ever released, way back in January 1999. It was a very limited release. Basically, if you didn’t find it at Wal-Mart during a 30 day period, you didn’t see it. For many people, this will be a brand new Shelley Bradley book. Even if you did read it the first time around, it’s been slightly expanded and revised, not to mention made a little sexier. It’s not erotic, but it is spicy. I’m thrilled Samhain Publishing is giving me the opportunity to share this book with you on May 8!

What happens when a headstrong and not-so-proper lady sneaks aboard the ship of an infamous privateer, who is determined to put his duty before his heart? Set on the high seas, the Caribbean’s white sand beaches and London’s drawing rooms, find out who wins this passionate battle of wills.

Nikki has been working on a little trailer, so I hope to have that for you soon. In the meantime, here’s a little excerpt. Enjoy!

Excerpt
Copyright by Shelley Bradley

Christina drew in a quick breath and whirled to face the captain’s door, white-gloved fingers clutching her valise. She clasped the cold latch and lifted. The door opened with a quiet click. She dashed inside.

The captain’s naked back, golden and muscle-hardened, filled her vision. She stifled a gasp at the snarling black and green dragon tattoo dominating one shoulder blade. Its open mouth breathed fire across the width of his back, to his other shoulder. The curling tail wound around a powerful biceps.
She couldn’t move, could not tear her eyes away. A tattoo? Dear God, what kind of a barbarian would have that arrogant monster permanently embedded into his flesh?

One without the worries or scruples of a gentleman.

Uncertainty assailed her. This man was the antithesis of all she’d known, spawned from an opposite end of the Earth. She knew nothing about his less-than-civilized world. Would she survive long enough to see Aunt Mary in Grand Bahama? Trembling, she shoved the dismal thought aside and glanced about his cabin.

An exotic, Oriental aura dominated the space, which looked half the size of her dressing room. A burning taper filled the room with a pungent musk. Her shocked gaze fixed on the dramatic austerity of the black decor, relieved only by the pale wooden walls. An ebony and emerald silk coverlet on his bunk boasted the same scaled symbol of fire and power as his shoulder.

He reached for his shirt and pulled it on, concealing the intimidating dragon from her view. She swallowed in relief.

Feet planted apart, broad shoulders filling his black shirt, he tucked the cotton garment into skin-tight, biscuit-colored breeches. “I told you I didn’t want to see you.”

Startled by his acknowledgment, she stammered, “But I must speak with you. Please. Five minutes.”

He whirled to face her. The sight rooted her in place.

A scrap of black silk stretched along the upper part of his square face, from brows to the bridge of his nose. She shivered. Only one type of man wore a mask: the dangerous kind.

The sight of his hard, bearded jaw arrested her next. A wall of power surged toward her as he stepped closer. Christina could not decide if she should attribute the feeling to the foreboding impression he made with black shirt, black mask, black beard, black eyes…or the displeasure thundering across the hard angles of his face. Then again, perhaps the sleek ebony length of his hair grazing his mammoth shoulders and the golden ring dangling from his left ear roused her unease. Either way, he was no one to trifle with; he’d made that abundantly clear without a word.

“W—why do you wear the…mask?” she stammered. “Oh, my… You hide your identity.”

“Hmm. Perceptive.” His low quip cut and didn’t invite further conversation. But she could not give up and return home. Life in Switzerland was much more abhorrent. And cold.

Hancock burst through the door. “Cap’n, I’m sorry. The vixen tricked me.” He turned to her, his look less than friendly. “Come on. The cap’n wants ye gone.”

A crooked smile curved the captain’s mouth as he waved the man away. Christina did not find his expression comforting.

“No need,” he assured, his gaze shifting to regard her. “I’ll handle her. Dismissed.”

The little man glanced from her to the captain, then back again, smiling now. “Aye.”

Hancock closed the door behind them, leaving them completely alone. In the ensuing silence of the small cabin, the captain scanned her with a thorough gaze.

She crossed protective arms across her chest and buried her apprehension. “I came to make you a proposition, Captain.”

“A proposition?” His already suggestive tone dropped to a purr that set her instincts on full alarm. He leaned his hip indolently against the small cherry-wood desk bolted into the cabin’s wooden floor. “Well, now you do have my attention.”

Christina gasped. The cur actually had the nerve to smile! She trembled, and he grinned like a well-fed cat.

They stood on opposite ends of the minuscule cabin—three steps from each other. The captain pushed away from the desk; his stride ate up one of the precious steps separating them. With her back at the door, Christina had nowhere to retreat.

She struggled for her next breath. The scents of salt, incense and man filled her nose. She forced herself to hold his stare, even as a tingling awareness of the captain rose inside her.

“I am talking about a business proposal,” she corrected. “And I will thank you to stop leering at me.”

An infuriatingly insolent grin lifted the corners of his mouth. “Don’t thank me; it won’t happen.”

JUST 16 DAYS FROM RELEASE!! Squee!

Well, a nuclear war, thank goodness, but beyond that…life is CRAZY!!! Friday was a slammed-to-the-wall day. I arrive home to the copyedits for DECADENT. Great. I still had Watch Me and THE LADY AND THE DRAGON to finish. The work is stacking up. And of course, it should all really be done before I go to the Romantic Times Convention in 9 days!! *sigh*

That night, we were supposed to have “major” storms in our area. They did sweep close to us, but didn’t really hit us hard. I did have to turn off the computer for a while, which didn’t help me work through my copyedits for my ebooks. So I read. I went to bed early. Insomnia has not been bad lately, so I actually slept!!

On Saturday morning, I woke up to burr-cold temps. It’s the freakin’ middle of April. Are you kidding me? It’s 50-something degrees with a stiff north wind, and I’m freezing my back end off!! Still, Naughty Nikki and I travel about 30 minutes away to another RWA chapter’s monthly meeting, where I talk about creating love scenes with emotion. We had a great time, and the speech was to an small group, so I was able to just sit at the table and chat with them. I think it went well. Funny thing, I think more were interested in my upcoming storyboard class (see my Appearances page for details) than what I was discussing at the moment. Anyway, after that, we crashed back at my office. She was working over–I mean working on –one of her Dangerous Detectives. I kept woking on my DRAGON edits. Until the final line edits for Watch Me showed up with a note that they were due back the following day. Duly noted…but food and party called, so Nikki gathered her family and we met for Mexican food and margaritas. Then it was off to shop for groceries for me, RAH and the munchkin. What a swinging Saturday night!

This morning, I finished off the FLEs for Watch Me and the copyedits for DRAGON. Somehow, despite the fact it’s a reprint, I suspect my editor will send it back and tell me to read it again after she makes more comments. *sigh* And rightfully so. My writing has changed in 10 years. I worked on some other various things, like laundry. Whopee!! I tried to catch up on a few emails, which are overwhelming me. I shopped for a new dress for the RT convention and took the munchkin with me for fashion advice. Tonight, I wanted to watch Desperate Housewives, but no. It comes on at the same time as The Sopranos, so RAH is hogging the TV (and not blogging). Thanks goodness for our DVR!

But the cherry on my weekend was an email I received about an hour ago. STRIP SEARCH is a finalist in Passionate Ink’s Passionate Plume contest as one of the top contemporary erotic romances of 2006!

The competition was fierce, I’m told. I’m just glad that people looked past my “Barbie and Ken Go To The Prom” cover #2 and read the book. This sort of thing, along with the great reader response I receive, makes all the late and/or sleepless nights and the crazy weekends worthwhile!

I hope everyone has a great day with friends, family, the bunny and lots of chocolate!

HAPPY EASTER

I’m now officially cranky. It’s been a few weeks since I’ve had the opportunity to write. There is way too much going on in my life right now to actually do any of that fun, crazy, time-consuming writing stuff. The To Do List isn’t just growing; it’s been taking lessons from rabbits on how to multiply. I culled 10 items off the list of reasons I haven’t had time to write. Here’s a part. I have to:

Ugh!

The bad news is, I’m so busy that I’ve had to delay the release of DANGEROUS LITTLE SECRET to some time in 2008. I’m so sorry for those of you looking forward to it. I wanted to write it this spring…but I’ve run out of time. I WILL get to it as soon as possible.

The good news is, I have a new cover for the print version of SNEAK PEEK, the anthology in which my new novella Watch Me will appear. Samhain will release the novella electronically on July 10, but the print version will be combined with Jaci Burton’s Show Me for print in January 2008. What do you all think? Me likey! Ain’t he hot? Whew!

What else? Well…if I can get through some of my list, I will get back to writing. And my mood will improve…hopefully. If not, well, isn’t RAH in for some fun times?

Well, I figured I’d better `fess up about a few things.

First, RAH has been transferred to Oslo. It’s sudden, and I’m not terribly happy. I hate snow. On the bright side, it’s pretty. I mean, who wouldn’t want to wake up in a place like this:

Of course, I don’t see a freaking mall anywhere in sight. The move is supposed to be complete by September 1.

To make matters more interesting, my very normal, stable, white-glove obsessed mother has decided to take a trip around the world. I so can’t picture my mother in Africa…or anywhere there isn’t fast food. Adventurous, she is not. Adventurous about cuisine, even less so. Go figure… Maybe she thinks she should before she gets too old to enjoy the trip? I wonder if she could plan her stay in Europe at the time we’re moving?

I should also mention that…oops! I’m going to be a mom again–of twins apparently! RAH and I thought we were done having kids, but apparently not. This isn’t what I had planned–at all–but I guess we’ll be doing diapers at 3am feedings again come October. I’m happy. Shocked, for sure. But happy. It will be a big adjustment, but we’ll make it. We always do. Here are sonogram pics:

What else? (As if that isn’t enough?) I’ve been approached about writing a 13 book series about ancient magic in medieval Ireland. I’m thinking about it. It’s a great opportunity for a lot of reasons, but (obviously) the books would require a lot of research. And 13 books is a HUGE commitment. With the move coming, the twins not far behind… I’m worried. But is turning it down stupid? Am I hormonal already and rambling? Then there’s the other problem… The publisher wants me to go on tour. A big tour. How can I leave the twins? How will I hide the fact I’m actually a man…

Happy April Fools Day!

Yes, every single word I’ve written today is utter crap. I’m not moving. I’m definitely not having twins. I’m totally not a member of the male gender.

So, did I have you going?