The Ranger is Here!

Just in time for the New Year, THE RANGER hits the stores today! This is Arthur Campbell's story. Arthur was forced to leave the Highland Guard in book #1 (The Chief) and has been embedded in the English camp for a couple of years but is anxious to return to the fold. On his final mission for Bruce, however, he comes face to face with the one woman who can unmask him. As always I can't wait for you guys to tell me what you think.

Happy New Year to everyone!

And the winners are . . .

The TWO winners of this week's contest are Lynn Murphy Earl and Helga Marie! Congratulations you guys! Email me your choice of Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Borders, along with the email address you would like me to send the gift certificate to, and I'll get it off to you ASAP.

Happy Holidays to you all. Thanks so much for stopping by to comment the past few weeks. I know it's a busy time. Only a few more days . . .

The Scent of a Man

Welcome to the last week of my giveaways leading up to the release of THE RANGER on December 28th. This week you have two times the chance to win. On Friday, I'll be using random.org to pick TWO winners from this week's comments. Each person will receive one $25 gift certificate from their choice of either Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Borders. Normal rules apply.

If you haven't seen the hilarious Old Spice commercial above, take a quick peek. It's a good starter for something that has been on my mind this past week. My husband bought some new aftershave lotion that had a pretty strong scent. It wasn't "bad" or anything, but it make me realize how much I don't like scents on men.

It's funny because I (like most romance authors) always write about how amazing my heroes smell (i.e. dark, spicy, wind, sea, forest, pine, sandalwood, myrtle, and the ubiquitous heather to name a few). It's kind of expected. Use the five senses we all hear in craft talks. But in reality I don't think I want to notice anything other than maybe the slight hint of soap. L'eau to Irish Spring, LOL.

I decided to go shopping for a new aftershave for my husband since he seems inclined to throw something on and couldn't find anything that I liked. To me they were all too strong and overpowering. You'll have to wait until after Christmas to hear what I decided to do. (He sometimes reads the blog).

What about you? Do you like scent on men? Do you have a favorite aftershave? Maybe I can be convinced . . .

And the winner is . . .

The winner of the $25 gift certificate for this week is [drumroll] Madhura! Congratulations!! Email me your choice of Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Borders, along with the email address you would like me to send it to, and I'll get it off to you ASAP.

Thanks to everyone for commenting this week. Looking ahead to the FINAL week before THE RANGER, here's the hint: two times the fun. :)

Two Week Countdown!

Two weeks from today THE RANGER hits the stores. To celebrate the release of the third book in my new Highland Guard series, one lucky commenter of this week's blog will receive a $25 gift certificate from your choice of Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Borders.

I will use random.org to pick the winner on Friday. The same rules as normal apply (only one comment per person will count, must reply with a valid email by Sunday Dec. 19th, etc.).

I thought I was in such good shape this week. I did a lot of my shopping early and had some great ideas for the rest. So how did I end up running around all day yesterday to try to get some packages in the mail? Sigh. I also have a birthday coming up on Friday (43, yikes!), so it's a busy week.

Have you done all of your holiday shopping? Anything special you want this year? I'm hoping Santa brings me a new ski jacket (hint, hint, Dave). Or maybe you're taking a fun trip?

And the winner is . . .

Marla at Stolen Bon Bons!!!! Just send me your snail mail address at the email on my website (here) by Sunday night, and I'll pop the early copy of THE RANGER in the mail to you. Have a great weekend everyone, and thanks for the fabulous comments. You'll want to check back next week for another prize (hint: it might help with some of your holiday shopping :)).

Early Copy Alert!

One of the most exciting days in the publication process for me came last week when I opened a manilla envelope to find an early copy of THE RANGER. There's just something about pulling out that first copy and seeing it all bundled up in one beautiful package. I know I say this every time, but I really love this cover. Something about the soft greens and the horseman in the background (abs aren't too bad either, LOL).

Since THE RANGER is coming out right smack in the middle of the holiday break (Tuesday December 28th), I thought it might be fun to do a few special blog contests leading up to the release. So for the next few weeks I'll be posting a new contest at the beginning of the week and then choosing a winner on Friday. The first prize? You guessed it, an early copy of THE RANGER--signed if you want it.

Last night we brought home our Christmas tree, which the kids have pretty much taken over decorating. For my husband's and my first Christmas together, I bought the Reed and Barton annual Christmas bell ornament to mark the occasion. I liked it so much, I bought one the next year and a tradition was born. Some years I delayed a little too long and ended up having to hunt for the darn thing for days, but I've always managed to find one. Last night my daughter pointed out "we have too many bells," and I realized we have TWENTY of them! Wow. Hard to think we've been together that long.

So finding the annual Christmas bell has become one of our family traditions (along with baking Gingerbread Cookies :)). Have you started any new traditions in your family? What was your favorite holiday tradition growing up?

I'll pick a winner on Friday (using random.org) from the comments. Winners will have until Sunday to contact me with their email/snail mail addy. Only one comment will be counted from each person. All other typical rules apply. Can't wait for Arthur to find a good home!