RWA San Antonio

I'm leaving Tuesday for San Antonio and RWA and as usual, there's a million errands to run and stuff to do. Yesterday I went to the hairdresser and said those three little words many women sometimes regret: "Cut it off."

Oh yeah, I got a hair cut.  It hasn't been this short in years. Then I looked at my lost locks on the floor and told her, "Glue it back on."

DH likes it. It's not a short short short cut, but short enough to make a difference. I needed a change.

Today is a rush rush day, but I'm making time to have lunch at a Greek restaurant with a good friend, cuddle with the dogs on the sofa, scribbling notes about the WIP and organizing my clothing so I can pack 50 outfits into a suitcase that will allow only 50 pounds. I was looking forward to bringing my pink Coach purse with me to RWA, but the strap broke. I saw the guy who fixes my computers and suddenly, WHAP! The strap on my purse breaks. I told him, "Is this a sign that I will be owing you more money?"

Bummer about the purse because I bought it for myself to celebrate making the NY Times earlier this year, a major dream come true! I've always wanted a Coach bag, but could not justify spending that kind of money. And then we were in Key West for my birthday and there was a SALE! Fifty percent off at the Coach shop! So I bought my purse.

DH took it to the local Coach shop and they are repairing it for free. Then DH felt bad for me because I wouldn't have the purse at RWA, so what did he do? My amazing hubby bought me ANOTHER Coach purse as a surprise gift! He told me he wanted me to have that symbol of my success at RWA.

What a sweetheart!

Oh yeah, the Coach purse is a symbol of success for me, a personal triumph. But what matters more is that I have been a published author for more than 10 years and I'm finally, finally able to see my writing as a real career and a business where I can succeed. I've published many books, and I've worked hard, but never as hard as I've worked this past year. And it's paying off, finally! I have a fun series called the Werewolves of Montana and I have my Harlequin Nocturne books. I am a hybrid author, publishing both indie books and books with a traditional NY publisher. 

Oh, and I have a day job. A full-time demanding day job where I travel to poor countries. A week after I return from San Antonio, I will be in Guatemala, visiting poor families. None of them have Coach purses. To them, success is a roof over their head that doesn't leak, food on the table and a education for their children.

That's why the day job is important to me... I want to help make the world a better place and help others. And through visiting families in desperate need of help, and writing fundraising appeals to help the poor,  I'm succeeding in that goal as well. 

I will be at the RWA  "Readers for Life" Literacy Autographing will be on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter Hotel in the 3rd floor ballroom. Stop by to see me! 

New release! The Mating Intent.

A Shadow Elf tainted with dark magick must purge it in a sacred spring in the Florida Everglades, but the price for admission is participating in an orgy with the sexy panther shifter who took her virginity years ago. 

Twenty-five years ago, Gabriel Sanders took Sienna Bennett’s virginity in a night filled with fiery passion. For breaking her vow of celibacy, Sienna was severely punished by the Fae king. If she surrenders to Gabriel’s sensual allure this time, Sienna faces banishment from her people forever. 

Gabriel burns for Sienna and has never forgotten the taste of her mouth, nor the exquisite pleasure they shared in his bed. Only Sienna can satisfy his intense need to mate. He desperately needs her dark Elven magick to fight a deadly curse that is killing shifters and destroying his territory. Gabriel must convince the pretty Elf to sexually bond with him to defeat the dark enchantment before it destroys the Everglades for good. 
(Warning: This book contains strong sexual content and is not intended for readers under 18.) 

EXCERPT FROM THE MATING INTENT
(copyright 2014 by Bonnie Vanak)

“Hello Sienna.”

That deep, smoky voice stroked over her like the touch of his calloused hands upon her bare flesh. Sienna’s toes curled in her hiking boots as she remembered him whispering into her ear, his warm breath upon her neck as he surged deep inside her, creating such exquisite pleasure she’d screamed…

Not. Going. There.

“Gabriel.” Sienna jammed her hands into her pockets to keep from touching him. “I need a place to stay for a few days and use of the spring of Danu.”

He remained silent.

Gabriel was a big guy, solid and muscled, with a quiet demeanor. You could make the mistake of underestimating him because he seldom talked much upon first meeting someone. Then you realized he was studying you, as a cat studies a mouse he may or may not devour. His silence masked a predatory assessment, determining if you were a threat, or a tasty treat.

After spending three days of carnal delights in his bed, Sienna knew she’d already been labeled the latter.

Finally, he smiled. “Same old Sienna. Always very direct in your needs.”

A flush heated her face as she remembered the last time she’d stated a particular need to him, begging for him to touch her in one place…

“No point in wasting words. You never do.”

“Right.” He tilted his head, watching her. “I do have a place where you can stay. And I will allow you to see the spring.”

It was too easy. She tensed, watching the glint in his eyes. Sienna thought fast. “Maybe before I unpack, we should go over your admission price.”

His gaze darkened and his muscled body took on a sudden intensity. She’d seen this focused concentration before, right before he’d slid deep inside her…

“No. Oh no. Hell no.”

“I didn’t tell you yet.”

“No need. I can see it here.” Sienna pointed two fingers at her eyes. “I am not spending the night with you.”

“Pixie, do you take me for someone that clichéd?” He spread out his hands, a wounded look on his face. “I thought you knew me better.”

“I do, which is why I said it.”

Gabriel sighed. “My beautiful, stubborn Elf. I would never ask you to spend the night as the price of cleansing yourself in the sacred spring.”

Sienna relaxed a little “What then? Jewels? Money? I can take out a loan.”

He ignored that. “One night in my bed would never suffice.”

Uh oh. “Gabriel…”

Her pulse skittered a crazy beat as he began to circle her, the panther sizing up his intended prey. “I want you naked in my arms when we celebrate the Blood Moon Festival with my clan. You and I making love beneath the open sky, our cries of pleasure honoring the goddess.”

He stepped close enough for her to see the gold flecking his jade eyes. “Making love until we’re both panting and sweaty and trembling, and then doing it again. And again. And again...”

Sienna’s heart skidded to a halt. She pressed back against the cooler, wanting to tamp down the heat his smoldering gaze created, a heat that curled through her body like smoke.

“I can’t.”

“Can’t or won’t?” Gabriel leaned close, caging her between his muscled arms. “You did the last time.”

“Don’t do this to me, Gabriel. I’ll give you anything…”

“Anything?” His gaze glittered with male intent.

“Anything that requires a charge card and purchases. Anything that doesn’t require me to get naked.”

“We could be inventive and leave your clothes on.”

AMZ: http://amzn.to/1lTdIjK

NOOK: http://bit.ly/1nJeLkL

All Romance ebooks: http://bit.ly/1o873CD

Works in progress, Aiden's book, The Mating Challenge

Summer's here and I'm slammed at the day job, but wanted to give an update on releases. By the end of June I will release The Mating Intent, Book 4.5 in the Werewolves of Montana series. I'm also working on Aiden's book, The Mating Challenge. Below is an excerpt. I'll post links to Mating Intent when the book is published.

copyright 2014 by Bonnie Vanak

Aiden folded his arms. “No female in your pack is going alone anywhere. It’s too dangerous. Now, level with me and explain exactly why gnomes are on your land.”

“Maybe they escaped someone’s garden, decided to become cowboys. This is a ranch.”

“Don’t toy with me,” he said softly. “These gnomes have pointed teeth, red eyes and they’ll gnaw your kneecaps until you fall, begging and screaming for death as they eat you alive. What is drawing them here?”

            She looked away.

            Two fingers on her chin forced her gaze back to meet his. “Nikita, what are you hiding?”

            Blink. Blink. He’ll know you’re lying. So evade and dodge. “If something’s hidden here, how would I know? It’s a large spread. Do you expect me to count every single blade of grass? I’m not as anal retentive as you are, Mitchell.”

            A deep chuckle. “Minx. You’re good at clever responses. Makes me wonder what other talents your tongue possesses.”

            She stuck it out at him.

            “Don’t stick your tongue out unless you’re going to use it,” he said softly, and then he lowered his head, and covered her mouth with his.

            She clung to his broad shoulders as he tasted her, his scent of pine and male wrapping around her. A lick of scent pushed straight between her legs in a long, slow caress. She moaned beneath the tender assault on her mouth. Aiden kissed exactly like her dream, claiming and stroking, with little, gentle nips along her lower lip, his tongue plunging and withdrawing. She forgot how to breathe, how to think, and lost herself in mindless oblivion.

            When he drew back, desire darkened his gaze. She put hands to her burning cheeks. “Of all the damn males in the whole west, why did you have to cross my path, Mitchell?”

            He thumbed her kiss-swollen mouth. “I warned you five years ago, sweetheart, I would hunt you down and have you, no matter what it took. I vowed I would win you as my mate. And what I win, I keep and no one ever takes it from me.”

The Mating Rite now in print!

The Mating Rite is now available on iTunes, Kobo, Nook, Amazon, and in print.

Ten years ago, Darius Bryant fell in love and lost his mate before they consummated their union. He mourned her death and moved on, but innocent, carefree Samantha always possessed his heart, no matter how many women he had in his bed. When the sexy werewolf shifter discovers Samantha is alive, he becomes determined to claim her as his forever mate. He must convince the now-cynical Samantha that her heart, body and soul belong to him.

Samantha Evers spent years waiting for Darius to return, and thought he’d forgotten his promise to make her his own. She’s vowed to live as a human, for she fears the sexual savagery of the wolf life. Now Darius is back and the only act that will seal them together is the intense sexual bonding of the mating rite. She will fight hard to resist Darius’ sensual allure and his tender words of passion. But a far greater problem awaits them both when they discover someone wants Samantha out of Darius’ life for good, and will stop at nothing until she is dead…

Click here to purchase on Amazon US.

Click here to purchase the print version.

Click here to purchase on iTunes.

Click here to purchase on KOBO.

Click here to purchase on NOOK.

Click here to purchase on Amazon UK.

Click here to purchase on Amazon AU.

Now available! THE MATING RITE

Hi everyone! FINALLY! The Mating Rite is now LIVE on Amazon and NOOK! Here's the blurb:

Ten years ago, Darius Bryant fell in love and lost his mate before they consummated their union. He mourned her death and moved on, but innocent, carefree Samantha always possessed his heart, no matter how many women he had in his bed. When the sexy werewolf shifter discovers Samantha is alive, he becomes determined to claim her as his forever mate. He must convince the now-cynical Samantha that her heart, body and soul belong to him.

Samantha Evers spent years waiting for Darius to return, and thought he’d forgotten his promise to make her his own. She’s vowed to live as a human, for she fears the sexual savagery of the wolf life. Now Darius is back and the only act that will seal them together is the intense sexual bonding of the mating rite. She will fight hard to resist Darius’ sensual allure and his tender words of passion. But a far greater problem awaits them both when they discover someone wants Samantha out of Darius’ life for good, and will stop at nothing until she is dead…

Click here to purchase on Amazon US.

Click here to purchase on NOOK.

Click here to purchase on Amazon UK.

Click here to purchase on Amazon AU.

The Mating Rite will also be available for print through Amazon, but not until I return from Nicaragua. Also, it will soon be available through Kodo and iTunes. I will post those links soon as I have them. Happy reading!!!

Update on The Mating Rite release

It's getting close! I'm anticipating a release date for The Mating Rite in about 3 weeks. This book is about 93,000 words! Here is the blurb:

Ten years ago, Darius Bryant fell in love and lost his mate before they consummated their union. He mourned her death and moved on, but innocent, carefree Samantha always possessed his heart, no matter how many women he had in his bed. When the sexy werewolf shifter discovers Samantha is alive, Darius becomes determined to claim her as his forever mate. He must convince the now-cynical Samantha that her heart, body and soul belong to him. 

Samantha Evers spent years waiting for Darius to return, and thought he’d forgotten his promise to make her his own. She’s vowed to live as a human, for she fears the sexual savagery of the wolf life. Now Darius is back and the only act that will seal them together is the intense sexual bonding of the mating rite. She will fight hard to resist Darius’ sensual allure and his tender words of passion. But a far greater problem awaits them both when they discover someone wants Samantha out of Darius’ life for good, and will stop at nothing until she is dead…

This is my first Werewolves of Montana book that will be in print through Amazon's CreateSpace. It's a new, exciting venture for me, publishing my own print copies. You can read an excerpt here. 

Other upcoming releases include:

Demon Wolf:  (Harlequin Nocturne, 3rd book in my Phoenix Force miniseries)  June 1. 

Links for purchasing Demon Wolf:

Purchase in either print and ebook:  eHarlequin 

Amazon (ebook)

Amazon (print combined with Karen Whiddon's Wolf Siren)

Barnes and Noble Nook

Barnes and Noble (print combined with Karen Whiddon's Wolf Siren, available ONLY online and not in stores) 

The Mating Intent (Book 4.5 of my Werewolves of Montana series).  June 2014.  This is the story of Gabriel, a Florida panther shifter, and a dark elf. 

And you can still get The Mating Heat, the prequel to my Werewolves of Montana series, in Dark and Deadly, only 99 cents for 8 stories for a limited time!

Happy reading!

Birthday reflections 2014

Another year older and as I reflect back on the past year, there’s tremendous joy and aching loss.

Last year I wrote a short story for my own amusement and self-published it. I never thought The Mating Chase would carve a new pathway in publishing for me. I only wanted to write a sexy story about two werewolves, something a little more daring than I’d previously written. I wanted to write it with the freedom to write as I pleased, and publish it myself. And once I wrote it, the other characters in the pack compelled me to continue.

Now, as I get ready to publish The Mating Rite, Book 4 of my Werewolves of Montana series, it’s thrilling to know that my self-publishing efforts led to a lifelong dream when I became a USA Today bestselling author. Dark and Dangerous, the book bundle I participated in with Jennifer Ashley, Caris Roane, Erin Kellison, Laurie London and Felicity Heaton, was on the USA Today list for 3 weeks. I will always remember how Felicity, who lives in the UK, emailed us the exciting news as she’d seen it first. I think I screamed at the top of my lungs, which startled a lot of people as I was in the office for the day job. I will always be grateful to those authors and cherish the experience of working together in that project that brought us success. Thank you ladies!

And we have a NEW book bundle out, that includes authors Alyssa Day and Erin Quinn. Dark and Deadly is 8 hot tales of paranormal romance. 

And last year brought heartache and sorrow as well. Too many losses, from my uncle to cancer, a dear friend to pancreatic cancer and then the loss of my beloved sister-in-law at the year’s end. My birthday this year is bittersweet, for Sissy isn’t there to pick up the phone, call me and shout HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

But overall, one thing I have learned since my last birthday is that life is short, but it can be sweet as well as painful, and you need to cherish the good moments and keep them in your heart to get you through the bitter ones. Never take for granted those whom you love, and try to make life joyful whenever you can, for the joy will balance the sorrow.

I don’t know what this year will hold, just as I never imagined last year at this time becoming a USA Today bestselling author or watching my sister-in-law waste away from liver failure and then die. I only know we are given this moment in time, and for every moment we are given, we should hold it close, just as we hold close our loved ones and our joyous moments, and forge ahead as best as we can with faith, hope and love.

And along the way, having a rum runner or two to celebrate can’t hurt!