Happy Friday! Just wanted to advise you about a few quick things.

First, yesterday I posted an excerpt of SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW. Love to hear what you think. Leave a comment on THAT post (not this one) and I’ll randomly draw a winner’s name for a very cool Romantic Times Shayla Black/SJ Day bag, a signed copy of TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS and a 3 chapter sneak peek of SMIS!

I’ve also donated an ARC (advance reading copy) of SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW to Brenda Novak’s auction to benefit diabetes. If you’re interested in bidding, click here. The auction ends in roughly 2 days. You’ll be able to read the book about 3 months early AND benefit a great cause!

Additionally, if you’re interested in attending Lora Leigh’s Saints and Sinners Reader Appreciation Weekend on September 25 – 27 in Huntington, WV, the deadline to register is May 31. This list of attending authors (so far) is:

• Jennifer Ashley
• Elizabeth Amber
• Maya Banks
• Anya Bast
• Jules Bennett
• Shayla Black
• Monica Burns
• Jaci Burton
• Lisa Cooke
• Shirley Damsgaard
• Delilah Devlin
• Sylvia Day
• Angie Fox
• Jacquelyn Frank
• Rosemary Laurey/Madeline Oh
• Lora Leigh
• Donna MacMeans
• Erin McCarthy
• Lucy Monroe
• Lorie O’Clare
• Claudia Pemberton
• Jory Strong
• Shiloh Walker
• Beth Williamson
• C.L. Wilson
• Mary Wine/DawnRyder
• Tracy Wolff

Lastly, the winner of a signed copy of Lara Adrian’s ASHES OF MIDNIGHT is Terri W. Contact me with your full name and street address. I will pass your info to Lara, so she can mail the signed book!

Happy Friday, all!

Doomsday Brethren Series, Book 2 — Caden’s Story
Publisher: Pocket Books
ISBN-10: 1416578447
ISBN-13: 9781416578444
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Romance
Release Date: September 29, 2009
Pre-Order: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Borders
Simon & Schuster | Books-A-Million | Overstock

I’ve been promising to put up an excerpt for my next Doomsday Brethren book, SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW, now that copyedits are complete. I’m really excited about books 2 and 3 in this series, as I’ve had the opportunity to expand parts of the world, explore some really great conflicts and really dig into the characters of the Doomsday Brethren warriors. Caden and Sydney with both challenging and wonderful to write about. Without further ado… Hope you enjoy!

Excerpt – SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW
© Shelley Bradley LLC 2009

Cursing, Caden pulled his mobile phone from his belt and dialed an increasingly familiar number.

Bram answered immediately. “You have news?”

Did he ever, but first things first. “How is my brother?”

Bram hesitated. “Weak. We’re doing our best, but we’re running out of options.”

The wizards words were a stab in the chest. “Don’t you dare let him die while I’m in London doing your dirty work.”

“Believe me, if I had anyone else suited to this task, you would still be gnashing your teeth here at Lucan’s bedside. Matters are too critical for me to be there. Duke can pass as a human, but who would believe that the Duke of Hurstgrove wants a job at a tabloid? That leaves a fifteen-hundred year-old warrior, an attitude-challenged wizard, and you. You alone have both experience in photography and the human world.”

“Your problem is mine only as long as my brother is alive. If he dies, I cease to care. Are you clear?”

“As if you’d drawn me a picture.” Bram shot back. “Believe me, as desperately as we need wizards for this fight, I’ll happily release you when I can. I want only those committed to the cause.”

Bram’s intimation that he wasn’t good enough annoyed Caden. He shrugged it off. What did he care if Bram didn’t see him as a member of the team he hadn’t wished to join?

“What news have you to report?” the wizard barked.

“I’ve learned little about Sydney’s source of information. She’s guarding the name like a national secret.”

“Seduce her. Charm her.”

Bram’s suggestion made Caden grit his teeth. He didn’t have Bram’s easy way—and he was completely enthralled with the woman he was supposed to bamboozle. He wanted her more than his next breath—and was desperate to bury the feeling.

“Her secret is the least of our issues at the moment. I’m having a devil of a time stalling her next story. Before the bodies were removed from the tunnel, Sydney’s previous photographer took a few pictures. Grainy and fuzzy, which works in our favor, but we know of no one else who arrived in time to snap any, so she’s still scooped every other news source. People will pick up Out Of This Realm in droves, I fear, if she prints it with a proposed story that these men comprise Mathias’s unwilling Anarki army, out to dissolve the Social Order and eradicate the Doomsday Brethren.”

Bram sounded ready to hit the ceiling. “She knows about us? Where is she getting this information?”

“I’d like to know that myself and have no clue. Unfortunately, it gets worse.”

“Worse?”

“Indeed. I found the Doomsday Diary. Sydney Blair acquired it fifteen minutes ago.”

Bram cursed a stream of loud, ugly words.

“On that, we’re agreed,” Caden supplied.

“You’re absolutely certain?”

“There can’t be many old red books bearing Morganna le Fay’s symbol.”

“Bloody hell. We must recover that diary. Now.”

“I have good news and bad news about that. The bad news is that Sydney is a smart, tenacious reporter who’s determined to keep writing ‘fresh paranormal stories,’ in her words.”

“Which means she may choose to write about the diary.” He groaned. “How can there possibly be good news?”

“She doesn’t know its purpose. Yet. She’s been told that writing in the book will grant her sexual fantasies. And I’m not sure she’s convinced it’s real.”

“Pray it stays that way, at least long enough for you to do whatever you must—steal, sweet talk, or seduce her away from that book.”

“I’ll work on that while determining the name of her source. You’re coming to help, right? Use a bit of magic and…”

“Can’t. There was another Anarki attack two hours ago. I’ve just left what was the Pullmans’ estate. Burned to the ground. Their newly transitioned daughter is missing. Everyone else is dead. I have to report to the Council.”

That wasn’t good news. If the Anarki were attacking again, that meant Mathias was on the mend and his power rising once more. Caden didn’t want to care, but… he rubbed his tired eyes with his fingers. After seeing so much war and death in his life, attacks on families, on women, troubled him.

“You’ll come to assist with the diary once you’ve helped the victims of the latest attack?”

“As soon as I can,” Bram said. “Keep working on Sydney Blair.”

Caden could think of any number of ways in he’d like to work on Sydney. Completely naked with her on her back, came immediately to mind. But that couldn’t happen. Now he needed to focus on his brother. “I will.”

He rang off with Bram just before Sydney’s door burst open. In walked the source of his frustrations and fantasies, carrying the little red book.

A fresh wave of lust blazed across his senses. An electric pulse revved down his spine, shuddered across his skin. He burned with need. What the devil was wrong with him? Lately, he’d felt…off. Tired one minute, wired the next. His senses quickened, his fingertips tingled. The odd sweating out of nowhere…bloody awful, but it fit with his libido being ever ready.

What ailed him? A frustrating mission? The redheaded dynamo who drove him beyond sanity? Yes to both. The stress wasn’t helping. And he missed his job and his adopted home in Dallas, away from all this hocus-pocus. But he feared the problem’s true cause was magic. The urge to flee before it ripped away another loved one loomed large.

“What is it, MacTavish?” She thrust one hand on her hip. The other held the Doomsday Diary casually. God, if she had any idea what that book could do… he had to wrest it from her as quickly as possible.

She was in a snit. Caden hoped she wasn’t angry that he’d dismissed Jamie. The thought that she might have any interest in that knuckle-dragger made him grind his teeth.

“Right, then. I have some questions.”

“Shocking.” She crossed the room, slim hips swaying.

A caustic Sydney was a dazzling sight. He shouldn’t stare, but she’d snared him from the first, dug under his skin. Pink tinged her fair face, and her auburn hair tumbled across her shoulders. Those flashing brown eyes were a sucker punch to his gut.

Don’t think about her. Think smart. Think mission.

He’d rather think about having her naked underneath him.

“I’ll get to the point.”

“Lovely.”

Sydney stood her ground and stared back with admirable moxie for someone who didn’t reach his chin. She defended her stories with considerable passion and wit, fighting back when things got rough. The fact she was also smart and sexy made her damn near impossible to resist.

“But let me first say,” she went on. “If you’re going to warn me about the evils of Jamie, I’m a big girl.”

He hadn’t planned on it, but since she’d brought it up… “Are you actually interested in him?”

She shrugged defensively. “Why do you care?”

The possibility drove him mad. He’d never been jealous of such a wanker. He’d never been jealous, period. Splendid, a new low for him. And if the truth slipped out, she would know he wanted her in his bed, her nails in his back, screaming his name. She’d given off clues that she felt similarly, so revealing his desire would be a match on kindling. Still, he must have latent masochistic tendencies because the urge to tell Sydney in excruciating detail exactly how he wanted her bombarded him. But if he let himself be distracted, he might never find Anka. And his brother could pass to his nextlife.

“It’s none of my business, I grant you. We’ve been working together just a few days, and I don’t know you well. But I think you can do better.”

Sydney cocked her head. “Are you offering?”

For those of you following the saga of the Midnight Breed, Lara Adrian releases a new installment today. I’ve had the thrill of reading an advance copy. Wow!

ASHES OF MIDNIGHT
Dell Books ~ 360 pages
ISBN: 978-0-440-24450-9
On sale May 26, 2009!
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Borders

Read excerpt

A woman driven by blood. A man thirsting for vengeance. A place where darkness and desire meet . . .

As night falls, Claire Roth flees, driven from her home by a fiery threat that seems to come from hell itself. Then, from out of the flames and ash, a vampire warrior emerges. He is Andreas Reichen, her onetime lover, now a stranger consumed by vengeance. Caught in the cross fire, Claire cannot escape his savage fury–or the hunger that plunges her into his world of eternal darkness and unending pleasure.

Nothing will stop Andreas from destroying the vampire responsible for slaughtering his Breed brethren . . . even if he must use his former lover as a pawn in his deadly mission. Blood-bonded to his treacherous adversary, Claire can lead Andreas to the enemy he seeks, but it is a journey fraught with danger–and deep, unbidden desires. For Claire is the one woman Andreas should not crave, and the only one he’s ever loved. A dangerous seduction begins–one that blurs the line between predator and prey, and stokes the flames of a white-hot passion that may consume all in its path. . . . 

Reviews

“Besides pushing major plotlines forward (ASHES OF MIDNIGHT) is also a story about second chances at lost love. Adrian deftly keeps the pace brisk and plot revelations intriguing. Another exceptional series entry!” –Romantic Times Book Reviews Magazine (4.5 Stars — HOT)

“ASHES OF MIDNIGHT will scorch its way to your heart. Andreas and Claire’s powerful and intense love will make you yearn for their happily ever after. I couldn’t have asked for a better story.” –Romance Junkies (5 Blue Ribbons)

“Lara Adrian continues to kick butt with her latest release . . . ASHES OF MIDNIGHT is an entertaining ride and as usual kept me riveted from page one. I have covered this fantastic series since book one and they just keep getting better!” –The Romance Readers Connection (4.5 Stars)

“ASHES OF MIDNIGHT is an outstanding addition to this unique series . . . will leave you anxious for more.” –Fresh Fiction

“Lara Adrian continues her intriguing and fascinating Midnight Breed series with ASHES OF MIDNIGHT, which is an explosive and tantalizing addition to the world she has created. . . . Ms. Adrian has written another beautifully woven, well thought out plot, with smart complex characters and bonds that seem to leap from the pages. I have been addicted since I read the first book in this series and I can’t wait to see what she has coming in future books.” –Night Owl Romance (5 Stars – Reviewer’s Top Pick!)

I agree. What a wonderful, wild ride. I so look forward to each and every one of these books, and they always deliver. This entry is no exception. I haven’t reached “The End” yet, but I’m very close and fighting the urge to read on, despite this killer deadline. I’m hoping this week to finish. I can’t wait!

If you haven’t been following the Midnight Breed series, you can download the first book for FREE here. TODAY IS THE LAST DAY!!! Enjoy!

Lara has graciously agreed to give away a signed copy of ASHES OF MIDNIGHT to one random blog poster. Leave your comments here about the book, series or excerpt, and I’ll draw a winner on Friday!

Oh, and for those intereted in my progress on DELICIOUS, I’ll hit the halfway mark by Wednesday or Thursday. I’m writing at a pretty fast pace and feeling good about the story. I’m looking forward to putting it in my editor’s hands next month. Then it’s one step closer to you!

Happy Tuesday, all!

Happy Thursday!

Still making progress on my deadline. DELICIOUS is coming along nicely, and I’m over page 100. I’m pleased, considering that 10 days ago, I was on page 19. I’m hoping I don’t get derailed this weekend. Itching to see Night at the Museum II and have fun, but I’ll do my best to keep focused.

In case y’all didn’t know, my pal Karin Tabke has a FREE read available from Simon & Schuster. A KNIGHT TO REMEMBER is available for download now! It’s part of her The Bloodsword Legacy series, though this story can be read as a standalone. Her next title, MASTER OF CRAVING, releases May 26. If you like rich historicals with sexy warriors and snappy writing, definitely try the free read. I’ve got mine downloaded and ready to read when I get a few minutes between deadlines.

If you haven’t heard of the Bloodsword Legacy series and love the free read, MASTER OF SURRENDER and MASTER OF TORMENT are available now. Sounds like good weekend reading to me!

Be back with more updates soon!

Hi all! I haven’t dropped off the face of the earth. Just wanted to drop in with a few quick updates.

STRIP SEARCH will be available as a Rhapsody title in August (I believe), so if you’re a member, be sure to look for it! TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS has been purchased for Thai translation. If you’re in Thailand or know someone over there who would like to read the book in Thai, I believe it will be available next year. More details as they come.

As far as the deadline from hell, I’m making progress. By this afternoon, I’ll be done with the first five chapters! So a quarter of the book will be behind me. Yippee! I need to write about 4 chatpers a week to finish the rest of the book by June 15thish. I’ve also finished the content edits for POSSESS ME AT MIDNIGHT and the copyedits for SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW. Those of you sending me emails and leaving Facebook or Myspace messages telling me to work faster/harder, trust me, I’m at full speed these days. Seriously trying!

Since it’s Monday, and I’ve been remiss, how about a little company to brighten your week?

More as soon as I can squeeze a few moments together!

Hey, gang. Sorry for the absence. This week was a bit of shuffling with my deadline schedule, and to make a long story short, I’ll be in severe deadline mode for the next 5 weeks. Wish me luck! I’ll post news, man candy and other goodies when I can.

Before I forget, the winner of an RT convention bag and signed Shayla backlist book is Yvonne. Drop me a line with your name, address, title of the book you want, and I’ll send it your way as soon as possible.

Thanks for your understanding. Have a great weekend!

I had the pleasure of reading this book before it’s release, so believe me when I tell you this is a great book. If you grab one, you won’t be disappointed, especially if you’re interested in a very different sort of time travel.

Daring Time
by Beth Kery
Genre: Paranormal, Erotic, Time-Travel
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: May 5, 2009
Read an Excerpt

Purchase: Amazon | Borders

A hauntingly beautiful and enduring love story. ~ 5 Bookmarks from Wild on Books

He sees her, wants her, needs her…

Chicago Detective Ryan Daire has many secrets: a love for Shakespeare, an appreciation for the all the finer things in life, and an absolute lack of restraint in the bedroom. Now he has an even bigger secret. In every shifting shadow of the sprawling mansion he’s recently inherited he can see her—tempting, ethereal, and untouchable. Hope Stillwater inhabited that mansion in 1906. Raw desire has formed a conduit between these two passionate souls who are separated by the barrier of time.

Now he has to have her.

Intoxicated by each other’s presence, Ryan and Hope are closer than ever to crossing that inviting boundary between two worlds. But there is one grave danger: Ryan’s job has put him on the trail of a depraved criminal in an investigation that’s risking Hope’s eternal fate and happiness. Now he must do whatever it takes to change history, protect Hope from harm, and set his own desires free.

Beth is giving away an e-copy of Flirting in Traffic from Cerridwen Press. Click here to enter.

I’ll be back tomorrow with some winners and some updates. Have a great day!