Hot Southern Lovin'

Cowboy Lovin' Month!

2010-01-06T11:19:00.000-08:00

CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC TO ENLARGE IT...and CLICK HERE for some cowboy lovin'!

Stop by January 7-11th to enter to win my giveaway!

My new photos

2009-09-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

I finally had some real photos taken to use on my website and for promo stuff. I was dreading the whole process, but the photographer was a sweetheart and I ended up having a lot of fun. Here are a couple of them:

Gettin' my kicks

2009-08-03T15:52:00.001-07:00

I'm back from Vegas and my tour along Route 66 into Arizona. I had a fabulous time - already wishing I could go back. But trust me, the two hour speedboat ride up the Colorado River sounds better on paper than it does an hour plus into the bumpiest ride of your life.

One nice bonus they don't mention in the tour brochure: people in Arizona have very nice derrieres (at least the ones who stand around on party boats mooning the tourists.) Sorry I didn't get pictures of those for you. :)

Hope you're having a great summer. I'm leaving at the end of this week to spend some time on the beach in Destin and then things will fall back to the normal routine in the Darlin house. The first photo is me with my tour guide, Rick, just outside Oatman, Arizona. The bottom photo was taken in front of London Bridge at Lake Havasu.

Extending Summer Hiatus

2009-07-18T16:18:00.001-07:00

I hope everyone's having a great summer! I was planning to get back to updating my blog at the beginning of August, but that's not going to happen. :)

I'm spending next week in my old college town of Wilmington, North Carolina to visit my sister and her family. The following weekend I'll be in Las Vegas doing some research for my newest novel. Seriously! It is a work trip, but I'll try to squeeze in some fun too.

The week after that, I will be on the beach in gorgeous Destin, Florida - a place that is really close to my heart. Then I'll have one quiet week at home shopping for school clothes and supplies.

And then all hell will break loose -- I hate getting up in the mornings to get my little darlin off to school, and I hate the homework session in the afternoon even more. I really don't know who hates the school routine more, me or him. But, the school year does allow me to slip back into my routine. I can write and keep up with blogs and such.

I hope all of you are having a fabulous summer and that the Lovin' Our Bodies ladies haven't fallen off the wagon too hard. (Don't worry if you have, that's why we banded together - to help each other.) I'm ready to start checking in again the first week of September if all of you are.

Lots of love!

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Motivations

2009-06-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday, ladies. I hope you're all off to another good week. I'm back in town from my visit with family and heading out for my walk as soon as I post this. Already the outdoor thermometer is reading 93 degrees. It's going to be a hot one.

How is everyone doing? Is the summer taking a bigger toll than you expected or are you managing to stay on track? If you're having trouble staying motivated, let us know how we can help.

Today's quote is a mental kick for us all:

"It is hard to fight an enemy who has outposts in your head." Sally Kempton

If you're defeating your own ambitions and the reasons you joined this group to begin with, let us know, and take a few minutes today to force yourself back on track. Baby steps are better than no steps at all, at least you'll be heading in the right direction.

Also, I want to check in with the more serious health issues. Ann and Cindy, are you two doing ok? Raina, did you kick that bug you had?

Romancing South Tampa

2009-06-15T20:17:00.001-07:00

Here's an article about some of my favorite authors and much to my surprise, I'm even mentioned in it. Check it out, you can see how I spent my Saturday. http://tinyurl.com/m4fy53

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Motivations

2009-06-15T06:40:00.000-07:00

I think summer is officially taking its toll on everyone. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. We need to step out of the groove and enjoy this time of year when we can. I will be leaving in just a little while to go spend a week with family. I'll find a way to fit in my workouts, but my normal schedule won't exist.

I hope you all have a wonderful week, and if you're off schedule too, I hope you find a way to fit your personal goals into your day. I'll check in when I can while I'm out of town, but it won't be as frequently as usual.

Here is a quote I thought you might like this week:

"It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things." - Elinor Smith

I love this because we know how this applies to our lives and careers, but it also applies to our health. To be healthy and fit is to be proactive about taking care of yourself, making time when you don't want to or it's easier not to - which is more often than not for most of us.

So how are you doing this week? Are you making progress? Have you fallen into a rut? That happens!! Have you fallen off the wagon altogether? That happens too! Tell us how you're doing and know that we're in your corner, even if you're not meeting your goals. And if you are meeting your goals, inspire us! We love to cheer you on.

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Motivations

2009-06-08T06:24:00.000-07:00

It's another Monday, ladies, and you're stuck with me again! I think I've got another guest motivator lined up for next week. I'll keep you posted. Today's the day my routine gets shifted and becomes a little more challenging. School's out for summer!

Here are a couple of quotes I found for today. I like these because they are super short but pack a big punch, both in our quest for a physically healthy lifestyle and for our emotional well-being.

"All serious daring starts from within." - Eudora Welty

"Action is the antidote to despair." - Joan Baez

Let us know how you're doing. And remember, if you haven't been doing as well as you like, that's ok. If this was easy, we wouldn't need this group.

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Fun Friday

2009-06-05T05:29:00.001-07:00

Wow, another week has flown by. Congratulations on all your hard work this week. Give yourselves a hand and do something rewarding this weekend. Ann, let us know how that appointment goes.

Yesterday was the last day of school here so I'll be changing my routine up. The first fun movement I've got planned is Wii sports. I kick butt at bowling...the others, not so much. LOL I probably should use the Wii Fit more than I do. I just never think about it. I'll also have company now on my walks and I'm sure I'll be throwing in more bike rides.

So what are you planning for the weekend? Anything fun?

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Hump Day

2009-06-03T05:57:00.000-07:00

I hope all the Lovin' Our Bodies ladies are feeling a little better, especially Ann and Raina. It's the middle of the week again. A day to remind ourselves to stay on track or to get going.

Since summer is upon us...at least it is here in Tampa...I thought this quote would be fun for today.

"If you want a place in the sun, you've got to put up with a few blisters." - Abigail Van Buren

Ain't that the truth! LOL I can't think of any part of life that doesn't apply to.

Feel free to check in if you want. Let us know if you need some encouragement. There will be times when we all need it.

Mark Your Calendar!

2009-06-02T04:20:00.000-07:00

Join Leah Brooke, Sofia Hunt and yours truly Monday, June 8th in the Midnight Seductions Chat Room for fun and prizes to celebrate the release of our new Tasty Treats Vol. 2 anthology from Siren Publishing.

Lovin' Our Bodies Motivations

2009-06-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday, ladies! We have another guest motivator today to get our week started off on the right foot.

Today's quotes come from actor/host/model, Billy Freda. You may have seen Billy on some of your favorite romance novels. You can check out his website here: www.billfreda.com I'll venture a guess and say he's been to the gym once or twice. Hmm, what do you think? Maybe three times?

So here's the motivational quote Billy sent:

"What the mind can perceive, the body can achieve."

I like that. Short. To the point. And very, very true.

But wait folks, that's not all.

Here are a few more words of wisdom from our guest motivator. "Exercise & sex are proven to be the two best stress relievers. Hence, ride your trainer for an hour a day!"

If you've ever met Billy, you're not surprised by this at all. LOL I thought you might enjoy the laugh.

I hope everyone gets off to a great start this week. How was your weekend? Any new plans heading into this week? Anybody need us to get out the pom poms?

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Fun Friday

2009-05-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

Woo Hooo! Another week is coming to an end. Does anyone have anything fun planned for the weekend? I'll drag the family out for another bike ride, and if it ever stops raining I'm sure we'll play in the pool.

I still haven't found anywhere to take line dance lessons. I think my husband's secretly relieved. He just loves the idea of me running off to dance with a bunch of boot scootin' cowboys every week. He's not buying the whole "research" excuse either. LOL

I've started doing David Kirsch's leg and butt routine three days a week. It totally kicks my bootay, but I love it. After the first workout, I had to go buy a new medicine ball because the naughty little wiener dog chewed a hole in the one I had. Now if I don't lock him out of the room, he stands on me trying to get the new ball while I'm working out. Anybody want a wiener dog? :)

So how are you playing this weekend?

Lovin' Our Bodies Hump Day

2009-05-27T05:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, today's the day I remind you that you're in a magic place. If you've been strong all week, keep going! If the week didn't start off the way you wanted it to, you can still turn it around.

Here's to success all around for a fabulous group of ladies!

Does anyone need a boost? If you do, just let us know. That's what we're here for.

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Motivations

2009-05-25T05:34:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has a nice Memorial Day. It's the beginning of another week around here. Isn't it amazing how time flies?

I'm going to keep it simple today with just a couple of quotes that I like, and that will hopefully give you a little motivation this week.

"I think it's the end of progress if you stand still and think of what you've done in the past. I keep on." - Leslie Caron

"Yesterday I dared to struggle. Today I dare to win." - Bernadette Devlin

Keep checking in. You're doing great, and remember the occasional setbacks are part of the journey. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Look at what Cindy made me!

2009-05-24T18:18:00.001-07:00

How cool is this? Thank you, Cindy. You're a sweetheart!

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Fun Friday

2009-05-22T03:15:00.000-07:00

It's Friday! Maybe we can all check in today and just catch up a little. I know it's been a hectic week for me, and I'm sure it has been for some of you too.

My fun exercise for the weekend is walking. I know, I know, that's what I always do, but I haven't been able to walk at all this week because of the non-stop rain we've been getting. I've been stuck doing the elliptical every day.

So what about you? How has your week been? Any accomplishments or setbacks you want to share? Any big plans for this holiday weekend?

Ann, can you please email me at wendi@wendidarlin.com? I don't have your email address.

We're on Twitter: #lovin'ourbodies

1st Review for Devil's Advocate!

2009-05-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

I got my first review for Devil's Advocate!

5 Blue Ribbons "...Wendi Darlin delivers a steamy romance and heart-pounding suspense that will only leave you wanting more. She paints a grand story about tightly knit friendships, true love, and healing old wounds. She describes the setting beautifully and in accurate detail, and her selfless hunky hero had me wishing for a devil of my own. DEVIL’S ADVOCATE is a must read and I can’t wait to get my hands on her other HELLS BELLES releases." - Pamela Denise, Romance Junkies

To read the whole review, click here.

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Motivations

2009-05-18T05:11:00.000-07:00

Hi, ladies! It's Monday again. There's no special guest this week, so you're stuck with me. :)

I have THE ULTIMATE NEW YORK BODY PLAN by David Kirsch. I've never strictly followed the "plan." But I like to use some of the exercises illustrated in the book, and I do see results from them. I also like the way Kirsch takes a three-pronged approach to making-over your body: Diet, Exercise, and Empowerment.

The cover of the book touts "Just 2 weeks to a total transformation." I know there's no such thing as a true quick fix, but I also know that seeing results quickly will motivate me to keep working. If you're like me, you might like this book.

From Chapter 1: "I believe that total transformation is possible by adhering to certain tenets. Self-acceptance and self-love are paramount and help contribute to a sense of wellness and, if you will, soundness of mind and soundness of body...We can embrace our life and the circumstances surrounding it. Change isn't necessarily a bad thing, although it can be scary. Choose to change the things that truly matter. Learn to focus on the positive, and be grateful for all your blessings."

One of the things I take from this: Remember why you're working so hard to improve your body. Health, first and foremost. But also, quality of life. The better you feel, the happier you and everyone around you will be. And the people who love you just might have you around a little longer. Also, I can admit, when I look better, I feel better. I'm too vain to not let my appearance affect every other part of my life.

Here's a motivational quote that I love:

"If you think you can, you can. And if you think you can't, you're right." - Mary Kay Ash.

Truer words have never been spoken.

How was your weekend? Do you have anything new planned for this week? Are your goals changing? (Not that they need to.) Are you happy with the strides you made? Do you need us to help you in any way? Remember that's what we're here for.

Twitter trending topic: #lovin'ourbodies

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Fun Friday

2009-05-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

So Friday is fun day! We've earned it, right? Exercise doesn't always have to be tedious. And the more we exercise, the higher our energy level becomes. So as we get in the groove with these great habits we're developing we'll probably catch ourselves doing things we haven't done in a while or just haven't been in the habit of doing.

Does anybody have any fun movement planned for today or this weekend? I think I'll take the wiener dog to the park. He loves to run. I don't necessarily like chasing him, but then I don't really have a choice do I? :) I'm also planning to play in the pool with my son. Who knows that might inspire me to swim laps. I haven't done that in a while.

Ok, now 'fess up. Who's going to be dancing in front of their computer? Or doing the tango while folding laundry? Or signing up for line dance lessons? Oh wait, line dance lessons...that's me! As soon as I can find a place that offers them that is.

Come on, inspire us! It'll put a smile on your face and ours. :)

Nice n' Naughty Thursday

2009-05-14T07:56:00.000-07:00

I blogged over at Nice n' Naughty Authors today about the little Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eater in my house. www.nicennaughtyauthors.blogspot.com

Follow me on Twitter! twitter.com/wendidarlin

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Hump Day

2009-05-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hello, ladies! Wednesday is kind of a magic day if you're struggling to stay on the wagon. If you got off to a rough start at the beginning of the week, you can begin today and still end with a successful week. If you've managed to meet your goals so far this week, you can pat yourself on the back and keep cruising toward the finish line. See, it's magic!

Monday, Ann said it's been easier for her to stick to the plan she laid out for a successful career than it has been for her to dedicate the discipline required to exercise the way she wants to. She said it much more eloquently than that, but I believe that was the gist of what she said. I think that's true for a lot of us. We're pulled in so many different directions, the easiest things to let slide are the things we're doing for ourselves. But think about it, when we're happy with ourselves we're easier to be around and we have more to give to the ones we care about. Being healthy and happy isn't selfish, but sometimes we have to be a little selfish to protect the time we set aside to do that for ourselves.

Here are a couple of quotes I found, that I thought you might like:

"Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world." - Lucille Ball

"You don't get to choose how you're going to die. Or when. You can only decide how you're going to live. Now." - Joan Baez

Are you feeling good about your progress this week? Do you need us to give you a little boost?

Release Date Announcement

2009-05-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

I just found out BACK AT THE RANCH, Cowboy Games 2, will be released next Wednesday, May 20th. I'm a little excited and a lot nervous about this one. This is my first m/m romance, and even more nerve-shattering it's my most requested sequel. I'm hoping it's the story all the readers of Cowboy Games want it to be.

BACK AT THE RANCH is for everyone who fell in love with Garrett and Clayton. Thank you all for asking me to write this story.

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Motivations

2009-05-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hello, Ladies! Happy Monday! This week's motivational quote comes from Mr. Romance 2009 1st Runner Up, Stefan Pinto.

Stefan passes this along to you all:

"Successful people turn dreams into goals. They stop dreaming about what they would like to do, and start on how to get it done. And this takes determination, discipline, patience and perseverance."

I'm posting that on my bulletin board.

Stefan writes fitness articles for the Miami Fitness Examiner, and he sent this link to one he thought you might enjoy. http://bit.ly/4ytiRT

I recommend signing up for his newsletter too. It's packed full of great, informative stuff. And whip over to his website, www.pintofactory.com when you get a minute, the man obviously knows what he's talking about when it comes to fitness. But believe it or not, he wasn't always built better than Adonis. You can read about his personal fitness journey here: http://www.stefanpinto.com/hello/?p=1271

So how is everyone doing? Any successes or not-so-successful moments anyone wants to talk about?

For anyone just joining us, we can also keep in touch on Twitter via trending topic #lovin'ourbodies

Group Motivation Starts Now!

2009-05-07T10:42:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Lovin' Our Bodies! Most of you already know this group was inspired by some of my author friends who have recently decided to increase their fitness level and/or lose weight. Lovin' Our Bodies is a motivational group to offer encouragement and support as we all work individually to keep ourselves healthy. Anyone with similar goals is welcome to participate.

To keep us organized, I'll post an update here every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You can feel free to check-in any time on any day. Share what's working for you. What isn't. Anything at all about your journey. This is your group. We're in this together - GROUP is the keyword.

Here's our new post schedule:

Monday - Lovin' Our Bodies Motivations. I will share some motivations I've found, and from time to time I will invite some fitness experts to offer advice and encouragement for all of us. All of you are always invited and encouraged to leave comments for one another.

Wednesday - Lovin' Our Bodies Hump Day. This is the day we help one another keep up the momentum. The better half of the week is behind us and we're on the downward slide for a really successful week.

Friday - Lovin' Our Bodies Fun Friday. This is a day we make an effort to do something fun that will also get our hearts pumping. Dancing, playing, taking the dogs to the park, whatever you want to do for however long you want to do it. This will remind us to enjoy ourselves and our bodies and put a smile on our faces. And it will be great to share our antics with each other, don't you think?

This group is a work in progress. I'm sure we'll find things that don't work and new things that do, and we'll go with the flow. We'll discover our way together. Suggestions are always welcome and encouraged.

I am not a fitness expert and I don't pretend to be. So the focus of this group will be on encouragement and support. Any advice that I post here will be from expert sources. I may share personal experiences with you, but always listen to your own body and of course, follow your doctor's advice.

Are you ready??? Introduce yourself if you want and feel free to say what you're hoping to gain from this or where you need the most encouragement. Anonymity is ok, but I think you'll get more out of the group if you comment, even anonymously.

On Twitter, we're #Lovin'OurBodies and I'm twitter.com/wendidarlin

RT Gift Basket Winners!

2009-05-03T08:20:00.001-07:00

I had the honor of meeting some fabulous people at the Romantic Times convention in Orlando. Two of the absolute sweetest were the winners of the gift baskets I gave away. Congratulations again Marriette and Yolanda! It was such a pleasure to meet you both.

Yolanda Smith

Mariette Gonzalez

Follow me on Twitter! twitter.com/wendidarlin

My First Romantic Times book signing

2009-04-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

The lovely and talented, Tonya Ramagos just posted this photo of me to her myspace album. I had forgotten she'd taken it, and I came home bummed because I hadn't asked anyone to photograph my very first Romantic Times book signing. Hello!! Milestone here!

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Tonya!

Like every Thursday, I'm blogging today over at Nice n' Naughty.

RT - 09 Photos!

2009-04-28T14:59:00.000-07:00

(Konstantinos Lelis, Mr. Romance contestant. Aren't you glad I told him he had a little something on his mouth?)

The Romantic Times convention in Orlando was fabulous! I had the best time meeting readers, booksellers, authors and oh yeah, hot cover models. LOL You know how it works around here. We like eye candy! So here are a few pictures for you to enjoy. Yes, I sacrificed myself for all of you! I know you're shocked.

(Playing Musical Man Chairs with Spartans. This round I landed on Terry Terranova)

(Mr. Romance 2009 and Readers Choice winner, Charles Paz)

(Stefan Pinto, Mr. Romance 2009, 1st Runner Up)

(James Gaskin, Mr. Romance contestant)

(Eric Truglia, Mr. Romance contestant)

(Stefan Pinto at the Harlequin party)

Follow me on Twitter! twitter.com/wendidarlin

RELEASE DAY!!!

2009-04-16T05:36:00.001-07:00

Buy Link

Haylie Monroe is a member of Hell's Belles, a sisterhood of sassy Southern women who have a penchant for devilish men. Blake Sheridan is the hottest devil south of Birmingham. Haylie and Blake's fiery past puts him at the top of her "not even if hell freezes over" list.

But Blake wants her, and what Blake wants he gets.

Fighting off a devil's advances would be enough to keep any girl on her toes, but Haylie has a bigger problem. Her father, recently released from prison, is now free to seek revenge on her for putting him behind bars.

Around every corner evil lurks, and it's not Blake, with his irresistible hedonistic allure. The real danger is a man capable of murder...and worse.

Click Here to Buy it Now!

Cowboy Games giveaway!

2009-03-23T07:40:00.001-07:00

In anticipation of the upcoming sequel to my award-winning Cowboy Games, I'm offering autographed postcards featuring the Cowboy Games cover and promo packs to everyone who buys a copy of Cowboy Games between March 23rd - April 1st.

All you have to do is send proof of purchase to wendi@wendidarlin.com and make sure I have your mailing address so I can get the postcard and promo goodies in the mail to you.

If you want to read the first chapter of Cowboy Games, it's posted below.

Thanks and let the cowboy games begin!

Click here to buy!

Cowboy Games for Spring!

2009-03-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

I've got a first day of spring gift for all of you. My erotic romance, Cowboy Games, begins on the first day of spring when the heroine, Rebecca takes a trip out to Wyoming to spend a week at a Fantasy Ranch. Since today's the first day of spring and I just got home from Wyoming, I thought I'd share the first chapter with you. Hope you like it!

Cowboy Games by Wendi Darlin
Siren Publishing

CLICK HERE TO BUY!

Chapter 1

A year later

The line for baggage check-in at Charleston International Airport
moved, and Rebecca wheeled her suitcase forward another foot. At six a.m.
the line should be shorter, but apparently everybody and her sister got up at
the crack of dawn on the first day of spring to jump on an airplane. She
adjusted the shoulder strap of her carry-on and took a breath to quiet the
butterflies in her stomach. It was a pretty safe bet not a person in line was
going to the same place she was.

“Todd would think this is funny. Don’t you think?” Rebecca asked.

“Who wouldn’t? This is hysterical,” Melinda said, her eyes glued to the
full-color glossy brochure for Fantasy Ranch. “Listen to this: Are you ready
for the ultimate ladies’ vacation? Come on darlin’, kick off your boots and
stay awhile at Fantasy Ranch where the cowboy of your dreams is yours.
That’s right, for one romance-filled week on an authentic ranch with one of
the most spectacular views in Wyoming, a real-life cowboy will be yours
and yours alone. Not only can these boys wrestle steer to the ground, they
will wine, dine and treat you like the lady you are.”

“Can you imagine who comes up with this stuff?” Rebecca asked.

“If I didn’t know you, I couldn’t imagine who would actually go to this
place.” Melinda pushed the brochure over to offer her sister another look at
the dozen cowboys seated on a fence. Hats, boots, rugged good looks and
lazy smiles on every one of them. Snowcapped mountains stood in the
distance behind them. “They’re hot as hell, but you’re still out of your
mind,” she said.

“Life’s a game, might as well play it.”

“Roulette’s a game too, but you won’t catch me playing that,” Melinda
said. “And this is the worst false advertising I’ve ever seen.”

“What makes you so sure?”

“First of all, these guys have to be models,” Melinda said. “There’s no
way they all work in one place, and second of all, Fantasy Ranch is probably
a front for some perverted serial killer’s garage.”

“What kind of serial killer targets women who have a thing for
cowboys?”

“One who always had to be the Indian when he was a little boy.”
Melinda’s lips curved into a smile. “I have two psychology classes under my
belt. I know what I’m talking about, and there is no way this place really
exists. Not like this anyway.”

“Have a little faith,” Rebecca said. “You don’t trust anyone or
anything.”

“With plenty of reason.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring that up.” Rebecca placed her hand on
her sister’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “But seriously. It’s not too late to
get a ticket, and there’s plenty to go around. Look at this one.” She pointed
to an olive-skinned hottie, with movie star eyes. “Says he likes riding
bareback, sleeping under the stars and taming mustangs, but when it comes
to the ladies he’s got velvet hands.”

They both laughed.

“It’s probably another identity theft scam,” Melinda said. “A creative
one. I’ll give them that.”

“It’s not.”

“You have to give them all kinds of personal information for the
required background check, don’t you?” Melinda asked.

“Yeah, but I did my homework.” Rebecca pulled her suitcase forward
another couple of feet and closed the gap in the line. “I called the Canyon
Creek, Wyoming Chamber of Commerce.”

“And…”

“And,” Rebecca continued. “The lady that answered the phone laughed,
but she said Fantasy Ranch is owned by two local cowboys named Garrett
and Gavin Carter, and they’re very easy on the eyes.”

“She say anything else?” Melinda asked with renewed interest.

“She said the staff changes regularly, but she’s never received any
complaints about them. They’re running a legitimate operation with a steady
stream of customers flying in from all over the place.”

“Do they have their own little cowboy out there pointing out ‘da planes’
when they land?”

“Everybody left that island with what they came after,” Rebecca
reminded her.

“It says you can ride horses and picnic alongside ‘a pristine mountain
stream.’” Melinda twisted her lips, looking anything but convinced, and
turned to the next page of the brochure. “At least you won’t need to pay
extra for the riding lessons.”

Rebecca had been riding horses since she was five. Somewhere in her
attic at least fifty ribbons from jumping competitions were collecting dust.
She still spent weekends at the stables exercising the horses whose owners
didn’t make enough time for them.

“I already did.” Rebecca’s smile was purely wicked. “It ought to be fun
having a cowboy show me how to do it his way.”

“I’d pick that one.” Melinda shoved the brochure toward her and
pointed to a man with smoldering green eyes, an easy grin and jeans that lay
nicely over the muscles beneath them. It was hard to tell with his hat on, but
Rebecca guessed he was blond. “Which one did you pick?”

“I’ll have to take whatever’s left. I booked on short notice.”

“It’s like getting to the meat counter during the last hour of the sale,”
Melinda said.

A woman behind them in line chuckled.

“They all look beefy enough to give me what I’m after. Remember the
real stuff will be up to me anyway.” Rebecca laughed and lowered her
voice. “Fantasy Ranch, rule number one: NO SEX.”

After skimming past the legal gibberish, the contract was simple. A
background check was required of all guests, and there were two stipulating
clauses: 1) No sex; and 2) No contact or attempted contact after the week is
up. Clause number two was accompanied by a clear warning: Any attempt at
contact will be considered ‘criminal stalking’ and treated as such. A sure
sign the cowboys were very good at making women think they had fallen in
love.

“Whew, the price is hefty.” Melinda scanned another page. “You didn’t
tell me it cost this much. You sure you don’t want to go out with Ray first?
Kind of ease back into the dating pool and keep some of your money in the
bank?”

“He’s not my type. None of Scott’s friends are my type.”

“Ray’s not bad looking and at least he’s not made out of plastic with a
battery compartment.”

Rebecca groaned. “I’d probably have better sex with my vibrator.” The
man in front of her took a quick glance over his shoulder, and Rebecca
covered her mouth with her hand. “Sorry,” she whispered.

“You’re not going to find Todd in Wyoming or anywhere else.”
Melinda softened, and dropped the brochure to her side. “You need to at
least open your eyes to other possibilities.”

“I did.” Rebecca gave her a weak smile. She pulled the brochure from
Melinda’s hand and flipped it open to the image of the green-eyed sex pot
Melinda had already pointed out. “That one.”

Melinda took the brochure back and studied the picture. “If you’re going
to go crazy, he’s the one to go with,” she said. “And for the record, you’re
definitely going crazy.”

“You really should come. Go crazy with me for once.”

“Scott and I need some time together.” Melinda sighed and flipped over
to the next page. “I don’t think a cowboy would help matters.”

“Might not hurt to give him a taste of his own medicine.”

The man in front of Rebecca stepped up to the baggage clerk and
another slot opened up. Rebecca handed over her bag, her tickets and her
ID.

“One bag. Charleston to Dallas. Dallas to Yellowstone Regional
Airport, Wyoming.” The clerk attached the baggage labels and hefted
Rebecca’s suitcase onto the conveyor belt behind her.

Just before the security line, Rebecca pulled Melinda in for a hug.

“Thanks for bringing me to the airport. Call me if you need to talk.”

“I’ll be fine,” Melinda said. “But Becca, are you sure you’re ready for
this?”

The year since Todd passed away had eased the pain but the emptiness
inside her had only grown. She still missed him everyday, his laugh, the
light that flashed in his dark eyes, his undying love for her. She ached for his
touch, the feel of his body, and the way they made love.

“It’s time, Mel. I need to see what it’s like to have other men around,
and I know I’m not ready for a real one. I figure this will be easier, you
know? It’s just a game and I don’t have to play any harder than I want to.”

“I hope you have a good time.” Melinda exhaled sharply. “But you call
me if anything at all seems fishy and I will have you escorted away from
that place by a S.W.A.T. team if I have to.”

Rebecca adjusted the grip on her carry-on. “Todd would think this is
funny, right?”

“You two would be playing cowboy ‘til you had saddle sores,” Melinda
said softly.

Rebecca wiped the tears from her eyes and smiled.

“Well, if you’re really going to do this, you better get in line.”

“Don’t worry about me.” Rebecca hugged her again. “I’m going to go
out there, do a little horseback riding, let some sexy cowboy wine and dine
me, and when I come home, maybe I’ll be ready for a real date.”

* * * *
“What am I up against?” Gavin Carter kicked his Nike runners up on the
broad pine desk across from his brother. He tilted his head back and ran his
fingers through his dark blond hair, a little longer than was respectable on a
cowboy, but the ladies liked it.

“Rebecca Ryder,” Garrett read from the file in his hand. “Thirty-two,
biotech consultant from South Carolina. Widowed.”

“When did her husband die?”

“It’s been a year,” Garrett said, flipping over to the following page.

“Good.” Gavin reached into his desk for a tennis ball. “An easy week.”

The worst of the grief was behind her. What they did was a lot like
therapy for many of the women who booked a vacation at the ranch. Most of
them just needed a boost of confidence and a little attention from the
opposite sex. A few needed to know men could act like gentlemen, even
men who were strong enough to wrestle a steer to the ground.

For the most part the job was easy, the guest entertainment part of it,
anyway. He was more than happy to be what a lady needed, as long as she
only needed him for a week. In another year, he and Garrett would have too
much on their plates to spend time entertaining guests, but for now it made
business sense.

Fantasy Ranch was a business, a growing business, and there was plenty
to be done to make sure it kept turning out a profit and continued to adjust to
the changes necessary for it to grow. To lower overhead and maintain an
authentic feel, the resort office was in the big house, and it was the only
room other than the dining hall and downstairs bathroom that was open to
guests and employees. Gavin and Garrett’s bedrooms were upstairs, the
same ones they’d grown up in. Aside from basic updates, the rest of the
house hadn’t changed since they were teenagers and they liked it that way.

“I’m glad it’s your week,” Garrett tossed across the desk at him. “Last
widow I had cried every time I touched her, then cried when I didn’t.”

“That’s because, big brother, you don’t touch a woman like I do.” A
slow smile crept across Gavin’s face. He bounced the ball off the pine
timber walls and caught it when it ricocheted back.

“I’d rather not touch them at all,” Garrett said with a grin.

“Lucky you.” Gavin threw the ball again, not looking forward to another
week without a soft, warm body beneath his. “I’m horny as a bull and I’ve
been so busy around here lately I haven’t had a chance to go out and even
look for any relief.”

“You can always join the boys in the bunkhouse.” Garrett’s grin erupted
in a laugh.

“No thanks. You fellas are pretty, but not my type.”

“Just don’t so much as breathe on your guest this week,” Garrett warned
him. “I’m just waiting for the Sheriff’s office to send out an undercover.”

“Heard anything from the lawyers yet?” Gavin grabbed the ball out of
the air as it shot toward him.

“Ms. Cardin recanted her story once she learned we have camera
surveillance in the cabins. Travis will be cleared to come back to work as
soon as the case is officially closed. If he still wants the job, and I don’t
blame him if he doesn’t.”

“Thank God she didn’t read the fine print of the contract. If she’d
known about the cameras, it would have been just as easy to say he attacked
her in the barn or on the trails.” Gavin ripped the ball against the wall again.

“It’s unbelievable what people will do to shove a buck in their pocket.”

“A lawsuit like that would have shut us down.” Garrett stacked
Rebecca’s file with the ones for the rest of the guests arriving the next day
and lined up everything on his desk at right angles.

Gavin had to give his brother credit. He never would have believed that
Fantasy Ranch would be as successful as it had turned out to be. Sure, he
knew what women needed to hear, but he never thought so many of them
would be willing to pay so much money to hear it. He was on his way to a
very early retirement.

“Are the guest rooms ready?” Garrett asked as he turned off his
computer and stood to leave.

“Fresh flowers, chocolates on the pillow, and wine in the chiller.
Everything a lady might want when she doesn’t have a cowboy wrapped
around her pretty little finger,” Gavin said.

“Good. I’ve got a theatre meeting. I’m going to need you to meet the
last flight at the airport.”

“How many are on it?”

“Two. Yours and Clayton’s.”

“If you don’t have anything else for me this morning,” Gavin said,
dropping his feet to the floor and depositing the tennis ball back in his desk
drawer. “I’m going for a run.”

“Don’t stay out too long,” Garrett said. “The first group’s coming in on
an early flight. And they don’t ever picture the cowboys in running shoes.”
He picked up his empty mug and carried it around the desk.

They left through the living room and crossed in front of the walk-in
fireplace with the antique bison mounted above it. The glassy-eyed bull
looked like it had charged the wall and gotten stuck at the base of its neck,
with just the slightest bulge of shoulders breaking through. Gavin had plenty
in common with the old beast, his head in one place, his body in another and
his heart cut out completely. Work was the only thing that really mattered
anyway, and maybe this would be a good week on the job.
At thirty-two, Rebecca Ryder was a lot younger than most of the guests.
Maybe that meant she’d be up for some of the more physical stuff the ranch
had to offer, and he wouldn’t have to stand around taking square dance
lessons for the umpteenth time.

* * * *
A green paisley duffel with the pink yarn pompom made another round
on the baggage carousel at Yellowstone Regional Airport, but Rebecca’s
suitcase was nowhere in sight. Nearby, a young couple sat down on the floor
and canoodled, seemingly content to make the most of their wait. Within
seconds they were lost in a kiss. Rebecca shivered and goose bumps
scampered across her bare shoulders. Probably just her body sending
another sign that she had stone-cold lost her mind. The evidence was
stacking up.

The thin cotton dress with spaghetti straps had seemed like a fine choice
when she left South Carolina, but the Wyoming air was cooler than she had
expected it to be. She cursed again for losing her jacket while running for
her connection in the Dallas airport. This little getaway was off to a great
start.

The same few pieces of luggage led by the pompom-adorned duffel
made their way along the belt again, and not many people were left milling
around the baggage claim area. A cowboy approached, probably back to
check for his bags. The place was crawling with men in boots and belt
buckles. Coming here was such a big mistake.

She rested her elbow on the carry-on slung over her shoulder and
glanced at her watch. She’d better go out front to let the limo driver know
she was waiting, or else she might miss her ride to the ranch.

Just what she needed. A week without all the clothes she’d packed, and
worse, no vibrator. Rebecca swore under her breath. How hard is it to put a
piece of luggage on the corresponding flight? Isn’t that what all those
obnoxious paper tags are for? She waited for the carousel to make one more
round and tried to convince herself she wasn’t stalling. She glanced again at
the full-color glossy brochure for Fantasy Ranch gripped in her hand. She
was out of her mind alright. And she was definitely stalling.

Maybe Melinda was right about the cowboys, and the ones on the
website were just models used for advertising the place. The real ones
probably had scraggly beards, three front teeth and hands so callused they’d
tear a girl’s skin to pieces.

“Where are you going?”

She didn’t have to look up. The pointed toes of his boots and faded
denim that traveled up from there gave the speaker away. A cowboy.

“Crazy apparently,” Rebecca said without making eye contact, focusing
again on the brochure. What in the hell had she been thinking spending a
small fortune for such a load of crap? She was on her way to the nuthouse
alright, and getting there fast.

“I’m headed there myself,” Cowboy said in an obvious attempt at a
joke. “I’ll give you a ride.”

He sounded friendly enough, but she didn’t feel like being hit on. She
glanced up to tell him so, but was too blindsided to remember what smartalecky
comeback she’d planned to use. Melinda had been right about one
thing. If she had to go crazy, he’d definitely be the one to go with.

“Are you Rebecca?” His dark blond hair hung to his chin in silky
strands that begged to have fingers dragged through them, and his eyes
could melt a girl.

A flush crept over her. No false advertising there. He was even more
gorgeous in person. Her stomach did a somersault. What had she been
thinking? She couldn’t go through with this. He was hot enough to sway a
nun, and he was just the driver. How in the hell was she going to keep her
horny hands to herself for a week? Or more to the point, how would she
keep them off herself.

The cowboy held her stare and a slow easy smile spread across his face.
Her head defogged enough to remember he’d asked her if she was Rebecca,
and she hadn’t had the whereabouts to answer him. He spoke before she
could twist her tongue around an answer.

“I’ll take that as a yes. I’m Gavin. Let me get this,” he said, reaching for
her carry-on and easily hoisting the bag over his shoulder. “You don’t travel
this light do you?”

“Gavin?” she managed. “Gavin Carter?”

“You did your homework,” he said with a smile. “I did too. Rebecca
Ryder, thirty-two, biotech consultant from South Carolina.”

He summed her up like a bio off a dating site and his appearance was
enough to shake her to the core, broad athletic shoulders v-ing down to
narrow hips, long muscular legs and a rugged beauty that took her breath
away. She forced air into her lungs. No man was going to take her breath
away. That’s not what she had flown across the country for.

“You forgot to mention I like riding bareback at sunset and hot ass
cowboys,” she said.

“I didn’t know that about you. Like your temper, it wasn’t in your
reservation application.”

His smirk nudged her irritation up another notch, but the light that
danced in his eyes sent her animosity slithering away.

“Having second thoughts, or just hungry enough to bite my head off?”
he asked.

“Both.” She tilted her face to the ceiling and blew a heavy breath. The
man was just doing his job - the job she had paid for him to do - nothing she
needed to get so miffed about.

“Sorry,” she said, “I’m not usually nasty. Or crazy. I don’t know what
I’m doing here. And it looks like they lost my suitcase.”

“We’ll get you settled in the truck and I’ll go check on your luggage.
You’ll feel better when we get you to the ranch. I promise.” He reached for
her, his hand barely resting on her lower back.

A sizzling shiver shot down her spine and tripped over itself heading
back up again. Holy hell, the devil couldn’t have lit her hotter than Gavin
Carter and they’d barely gotten past a rocky introduction. She had to get it
together if she was going to survive an entire week out here.

He guided her toward the line of double doors that led out of the airport
in a gait as sure and unhurried as the rest of his demeanor.
Maybe the cowboy she was assigned to would look good enough to
keep things interesting, but not half as good as Gavin. That would make
things a whole lot easier.

Parked at the curb was a stretched out Dodge truck with dual tires, a
silver ram on the grill and windows tinted as dark as midnight. He held the
door while she climbed in and slid across the cool leather seat. Ahhh, relief.
The door shut between them, and her breathing resumed on its own. She
wasn’t chilled anymore, nope she was hotter than Hades, and considerably
worried she might break into a sweat.

And she wasn’t alone either.

“Hi, I’m Marge,” said a middle-aged woman seated with her back to the
front of the truck. Marge’s jeans were new, and she had paired them with
stylish but orthopedic shoes. Her body was soft and had settled into its
current stage of life. She had to be someone’s mother, maybe even
someone’s grandmother. Good for her. A woman’s never too old to want a
little love or to go after the attention she needs.

Rebecca smoothed the skirt of her cotton sundress and introduced
herself. “You think they’re all as hot as the driver?” she added.

“I don’t know if my ticker can take it if they are.” Marge choked on a
nervous laugh and patted her chest. “I guess I really didn’t know what I was
in for out here.”

“He does get your blood flowing, doesn’t he?” Rebecca let go of her
nerves. She wasn’t the only one Gavin affected that way.

Marge sized up Rebecca’s outfit. “Those are cute boots. I couldn’t find
any comfortable enough.” She pulled a bottle of champagne from the door.

“It’s all just pretend anyway, probably won’t even need them. You want a
glass?”

“Sure,” Rebecca said, “I’m parched.” But she wasn’t paying attention to
Marge.

Gavin had stowed her carry-on in the truck and was headed back into
the airport. He looked as good going as he did coming. A surge of pleasure
overtook her, a sensation she hadn’t felt since Todd was alive. At least when
the man was that far away she could still breathe.

She was sipping champagne when he opened the door again. A steady
fire fanned out from the pit of her stomach, and it had nothing to do with the
alcohol. Damned traitorous body.

“Some bags were diverted to another flight, but they’ll be coming in
later tonight. Yours will be delivered to the ranch when it arrives,” he said.

“In the meantime, I’ll be happy to provide anything you might need.”

She was pretty sure he could provide exactly what she needed, if there
wasn’t that No Sex clause in her contract.

“Thanks.” She was careful to keep her voice as natural as possible. “I
have a change of clothes in my carry-on. I’ll be fine until tomorrow.”

“Alright then. I’ll take you ladies home.” Gavin’s eyes lingered on her
long enough to singe the hair on the back of her neck, then he shut the door
and walked around the front of the truck.

“I hope there’s plenty of water in here.” She relaxed into the seat and
took a deep breath. “You might have to hose me down before we get there.”

Marge laughed. “If a man looked at me the way he just looked at you, I
would have torn his clothes off and thrown him down on the curb.” She
looked down at the hand curling nervously in her lap. “I would’ve wanted to
anyway.”

“I think I’m going to like you,” Rebecca said.

“No offense, but I hope I’m too busy with some little cowboy half my
age to get to know you.” Marge took a long pull and winked at Rebecca
over the rim of her glass.

The women laughed again and Rebecca settled back to watch the
landscape roll by. She dug her phone from her purse and dialed her sister’s
number.

“Hey, ridden one already?” Melinda answered.

“No.” Rebecca rested her head back on the thick leather seat, sinking
into it like a pillow. “But from what I’ve seen so far there wasn’t any false
advertising.”

“Seriously?” Melinda’s voice was missing its usual spunk. She was
having a rough time dealing with Scott’s latest affair, although by now she
should be used to the heartache.

“Seriously,” Rebecca said. Her sister needed distraction more than a
lecture. “And the airlines didn’t put my bag on the right flight. So I’m out
here without my little friend.”

Marge chuckled across from her and lifted her glass in the air. Usually
Melinda would have laughed too, but instead she sighed, and the sound of a
door slamming echoed from her end of the line.

“I’m sure you’ll manage,” Melinda said, her voice suddenly deflated.

“Mel, you okay?”

“I’ve got to go. Scott’s home.” Melinda dropped her voice to a whisper.

“Call me when you get a chance.”

Rebecca dropped her phone back into her purse and sipped her
champagne while she watched the back of Gavin’s head through the clear
glass that separated him from them. He had taken his hat off and for the
second time she imagined running her hands through his silky hair. He
caught her eye in the rearview mirror and smiled. She should have had the
decency to turn away, but she couldn’t bring herself to stop staring at him.

His thumb tapped out a rhythm on the steering wheel, and the tendons in
his forearm danced along. She hadn’t even seen as far as his elbow, but the
slight strain of the fabric against his bicep promised it only got better up
there. He was golden, like he spent time in the sun, but not enough to turn
himself to leather, and there was just the right amount of pale blond hair
coating his masculine arms. The lady at the Chamber of Commerce had
nailed it. Gavin Carter was easy on the eyes. Very easy on the eyes.

The truck eased to a stop, and beyond the windshield two massive gates
swung forward in the standard Wyoming pace. Slow and steady. Scrollwork
across the top of the gates spelled out the moniker: Fantasy Ranch. Beyond
stood a massive ranch house and several outbuildings flanked by endless
acres of natural countryside and the bluest sky in the world. Heaven couldn’t
be more beautiful. A woman could definitely lose herself here.
Rebecca raised her glass to Marge. “Let the cowboy games begin.”

CLICK HERE TO BUY!

Come Write with Me!

2009-03-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

I'm the March hostess for Coffee Time Writes at Coffee Time Romance! Come join me. I've posted the beginning of a new cowboy story and you're invited to post a paragraph (up to one paragraph a day). Let's see what we can write together!
http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/forumdisplay.php?f=255

Release Day!

2009-02-27T03:59:00.001-08:00

Titus is better than chocolate. Dark, dangerous, impossibly gorgeous and capable of giving Randi an orgasm from clear across the room. His skill with telepathy fills her head with his naughty thoughts. A telekinetic ability to make love with his mind leaves her quivering long before he ever lays a hand on her. But this is the same man who has dragged her into the center of a psychic war and exposed the truth of her birth. With her abilities revealed, Randi's connection to Titus is forged. Can he protect her against their enemies or will their irrepressible attraction bring defeat?
BUY IT TODAY at www.thewilderroses.com!

Mardi Gras Bash!

2009-02-22T09:43:00.000-08:00

The party starts at noon! Come join us! www.groups.yahoo.com/group/midnightseductions

Rough & Ready Won!

2009-02-16T08:55:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much to all of you who voted for Rough & Ready and for the reviewers at Whipped Cream Reviews who nominated it for best short book of the year. I couldn't be more thrilled.

I've got a new release in a couple of weeks. February 27th Better Than Chocolate will be available, and I'd like to do something fun to celebrate. So stay tuned and check back often for details.

xoxoxo

2009-02-13T06:16:00.000-08:00

Devil's Advocate Cover!

2009-02-10T11:39:00.001-08:00

Another HUGE THANK YOU to cover artist, Tamra Westberry who totally rocks!

A new contract!

2009-02-10T06:10:00.000-08:00

Great news! I got a contract for my erotic romantic suspense, Devil's Advocate. Devil's Advocate is the first in the Hell's Belles series. I'll post the cover soon. I got a sneak peek and it's HOTTTT!

Here's a little blurb:
Haylie Monroe is a member of Hell's Belles, a sisterhood of sassy Southern women who have a penchant for devilish men. Blake Sheridan is the hottest devil south of Birmingham. Haylie and Blake's fiery past puts him at the top of her "not even if hell freezes over" list.

But Blake wants her, and what Blake wants he gets.

Fighting off a devil's advances would be enough to keep any girl on her toes, but Haylie has a bigger problem. Her father, recently released from prison, is now free to seek revenge on her for putting him behind bars.

Around every corner evil lurks, and it's not Blake, with his irresistible hedonistic allure. The real danger is a man capable of murder...and worse.

Cowboy Research

2009-02-07T06:47:00.001-08:00

In the name of research *SNORT* I went to the PBR Invitational in Tampa last night. I have to thank my dear friend Neville Goedhals who treated me to the tickets for Christmas and my friend Beth who is always willing to sacrifice herself for the sake of my cowboy "research." Beth deserves kudos for last night especially. She braved out a raging headache, about half a dozen wrong turns which eventually got us to where we wanted to go, and then a three block walk from the only parking garage we could find that wasn't full of pirates. Yes, PIRATES! Tampa's Gasparilla celebration is this weekend. Downtown has been taken over by drunk people in pirate costumes. And they hog up all the parking. ARGGHHH!!!

I thought you might like to see some pictures of real cowboys. And trust me, it was hard to get a picture that wasn't blurry. Those bulls MOVE! The ones ridden in the finals round should be given olympic medals. It's amazing how far off the ground a beast that large can throw itself.

Nice n' Naughty Belly Buttons

2009-02-05T07:49:00.001-08:00

I blogged today over at Nice n' Naughty about belly buttons. Innies, outies, and even talkies. Come on over and join the conversation...and cut me some slack, my brain's still mush from a marathon writing day on Tuesday. But I did finish and turn in another manuscript. Yay!

And yesterday, I found out Siren will publish my erotic contemporary, Devil's Advocate. Double Yay!!!

Devil's Advocate is the first of a five book series. I'll tell you all about it later, and post the hot new cover as soon as I get it.

Oh and did I mention, I'M WRITING THE SEQUEL TO COWBOY GAMES!! Finally! I'm scheduled to turn it in at the end of this month. I'll give you the release details as soon as I have them.

Best Book of 2008, really???

2009-02-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

I was just notified by Whipped Cream Reviews that my book Rough & Ready has been nominated by their reviewers as one of the best books of 2008! Readers will vote on their favorites to determine the winner. The polls open Monday, February 2nd, and here's the link: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/WC/BB2008.htm If you'd like to vote for Rough & Ready, I'd appreciate it.

Here's what Chamomile, the Whipped Cream Reviewer, had to say about Rough and Ready:

Rough and Ready by Wendi Darlin
Rating: 5 Cherries
Review by Chamomile

Undercover D.E.A. agent, Hollis McAllister, has learned to guard his secrets well. People close to him are always in danger, and he's never in one place for long. Those are two good reasons not to fall in love. Too bad he slipped up and fell for Taima Everhart when he infiltrated the biggest drug operation in the Southwest.

Drug lord, Marques Santiago sniffs out Hollis. With his cover compromised and local police on the wrong side of the law, Hollis leaves before he has a chance to give Taima an explanation. She hunts him down, but she's not the only one who wants him dead.

Cornered, Taima and Hollis must fight for their lives. She can play rough, but when it comes to Hollis McAllister is she ready to play for keeps?
Rough and Ready is a short story that has it all – intrigue, adventure and passion.

Hollis is a man of mystery and his true purpose isn't revealed until the end, making me wonder about this attractive man. He has regrets concerning Taima, but his responsibilities conflict with his need for her. I was caught up in Hollis' anguish even though I didn't have the whole picture because I could feel his remorse for hurting Taima and I sensed the strength of his character as he works toward his goal.

Taima is a strong, in-your-face woman but when it comes to Hollis, her tough, outer shell is threatened. Forced to believe the worst of him, she sets out to make him pay but the intense feelings she has for him cause her resolve to waiver. Her internal battle between duty and love is a marvel to watch and I admired the way her mind works as she tries to do the right thing.

The pacing of this short story is amazing. I was given just enough information at just the right time to keep me captivated and begging for more about these two complex characters. The fiery passion between Hollis and Taima is explosive and adds so much to the intrigue of their adventure. I highly recommend this tale and I will be reading more by Wendi Darlin.

Superbowl Halftime Opportunity

2009-01-29T05:09:00.000-08:00

Am I going to be in the Superbowl halftime show? Come find out. I blogged about it today at Nice n' Naughty. www.nicennaughtyauthors.blogspot.com

Office Spouses

2009-01-28T04:35:00.000-08:00

I'm so confused by the concept of "office spouses" it's not funny. I blogged about it today over at Midnight Seductions. Please stop by and help me figure out what in the world is going on! www.midnightseductionsauthors.blogspot.com

Nice n' Naughty Thursday

2009-01-22T06:19:00.000-08:00

Thursday's my blog day over at Nice n' Naughty. Come see what I did with my candy nipple tassels last night. :)

Happy Birthday to me!

2009-01-20T04:46:00.001-08:00

I'm pretending I don't hate turning 25 again. Are you convinced?

I was interviewed

2009-01-16T07:26:00.000-08:00

I was interviewed today at For The Love of Writing. Please stop by and say hi. http://www.amberleighwilliams.blogspot.com/

Walking my butt off

2009-01-09T07:08:00.000-08:00

Just back from a walk-a-thon at my son's school this morning. I walked with him for three and a half miles plus a mile and a half to and from the school, so I've got my exercise in for the day. It's nice and brisk down here in the sunshine state this morning. I'm feeling invigorated and ready to go. Question is, do I go shopping or out on the lanai with my alpha smart to get some work done?

Tomorrow I'm looking forward to hearing one of my favorite authors speak. Betina Krahn. What a brilliant, talented and sweetheart of a lady! If you ever have a chance to hear her talk or pick up one of her books, don't miss it.

Cowboy Diet update: The Cowboy Diet is officially over, but the scales said I was a pound lighter this morning. So the residual weight loss is good. Hopefully, those pounds will keep falling off and I'll be back in my favorite jeans.

Off the Cowboy

2009-01-08T05:13:00.000-08:00

Diet, that is. :)

Yay! It's over! All in all, the past three days were a breeze. Yesterday afternoon, I did have a little yen for a snack, but a cup of tea cured it. And this morning the scale said I was another half pound lighter. So that's two and a half pounds in three days. Not bad.

So where do we go from here? I'm hoping this is the jumpstart I needed to make better choices, give up a little of my sugar and butter and eat more fruits and veggies instead. I liked the moonlight stroll at night, so maybe I'll try to keep that up. Some of my favorite jeans are not fitting on my bootay right now and I really want to wear them, so I'm going to try and keep the momentum going.

We're all different. What about you? Do you have any tried and true tricks that work for you? Did you set a specific goal for yourself this year? Or do you have a carrot hanging in the closet (like my skinny jeans) that you're determined to grab?

Best of luck reaching all your goals this year, weight loss and otherwise! And if you ever need a little encouragement, drop a little note here and we'll cheer you on.

Day 3 of the Cowboy Diet

2009-01-07T06:27:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a lot like the first day of the 3 Day Cowboy Diet. No hunger. Easy to prepare meals and the portions were too big for me to finish it all. Lunch was kind of bland, but I could've jazzed it up a little if I'd chosen baked beans. So I'm not really complaining.

This morning I climbed my naked butt onto the scale again, and it said I was another pound lighter. So that's a grand total of two pounds in two days. Not exactly the miracle melting Hollywood diet, but I'm guessing these pounds might actually be a little more than water weight.

Just skimming the menu for today I already feel stuffed. There's no way I can eat that much food. If anything I guess this diet will be a good reminder of how to make choices that are filling but not necessarily loaded with fat and calories.

Alright, onto the last day of this little adventure. Tomorrow, I'll let you know how I fared.

Cowboy Diet Day 2

2009-01-06T05:29:00.001-08:00

Alright, day one of the 3 Day Cowboy diet wasn't so bad. The meals were big enough I never felt hungry. Actually I couldn't even finish them. I had to tweak a couple of things to account for my own tastes, and I made some sacrifices too. I don't particularly like oatmeal (gimme the grits!) but I got half of it down. Also, I'm a real sugar and butter kind of gal, but I guess Splenda and I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray won't kill me in three days, so I used them.

I drink hot tea all day everyday, and I'm so addicted to the caffeine, I get a major headache if I don't. So I didn't even try to change that. I just used Splenda instead of sugar and I didn't drink milk with my meals (like the diet calls for) or as snacks so that I wouldn't feel guilty for putting a splash in my tea.

At dinner I didn't cook my cabbage. I love raw cabbage, but can't stand it cooked. Otherwise I kept to the diet. In addition to the evening walk in the moonlight, I did twenty minutes on my elliptical because that's already part of my routine.

All in all, I've suffered worse. :) Honestly, I didn't suffer at all. I was well-fed and productive. I had to stop myself from reaching for the Tootsie Roll bowl and the box of Mike & Ike's, just because I'm so used to snacking not because I was hungry or even craving sweets.

I climbed on the scales first thing this morning and yesterday morning butt naked just like the diet told me to. The results?

I'm one pound lighter. Woo Hooo! Come here skinny jeans! You're almost mine again! LOL!

So did any of you give it a try? Or are you just waiting for those real live cowboys to show up and help you work those calories off?

The Cowboy Diet

2009-01-05T05:51:00.000-08:00

Two cowboys a day for three days... I'M KIDDING! LOL!

As a rule, I'm not a diet person. I try to eat right and exercise. If I want to lose a few pounds I eat less and exercise more. BUT I was googling some cowboy stuff a couple of days ago and I came across The 3 Day Cowboy Diet. I'm not kidding! :)

I'd like to drop a few pounds, and I know lots of you have made New Year's resolutions to do the same, so I thought I'd try this cowboy diet and track it here on my blog. Join me if you want to.

I figure it's only three days, but I'll have bragging rights for life. Yep, I did the cowboy diet. Them boys sure taste good. Snort!

Here's the link: 3 Day Cowboy Diet.

If you try it out, let us know how it's going. And just a reminder, I'm not a doctor or a dietician. I'm an erotic romance writer with a "thang" for cowboys. This is all in fun and isn't a recommendation by any means. Please don't do anything that isn't healthy for you.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T09:14:00.000-08:00

Love and warmth to you and yours!

Christmas at the beach

2008-12-21T05:45:00.000-08:00

We're spending Christmas in Destin this year. Destin is one of my favorite places on earth. I grew up nearby and the beach here really sings to my soul. We got in late last night after a six hour roadtrip and quick stop at my parents' house.

I gave up control of the Christmas tree (trust me this was harder than it sounds) and now I couldn't be happier. My son chose the tree that we brought with us and he decorated it last night after we arrived. Yes, it's white, a far cry from the huge traditional tree with collected ornaments that I put up every year at home. But we all love it, and my son is beyond proud to have picked it out. It was so nice this morning to open the blinds to the waves and light the tree. The pictures really don't do it justice, but I'm going to post them here anyway.

We've got some rain rolling in this morning, so it might be a shopping day. Oh, darn. LOL!

Nice n' Naughty

2008-12-18T06:05:00.000-08:00

I blogged over at Nice n' Naughty today and shared one of my favorite Christmas recipes. Drop by and check it out!

Don't Miss the Party!

2008-12-11T13:16:00.001-08:00

Click Here for Midnight Seductions!

Covers

2008-12-10T15:41:00.000-08:00

Cindy made this for me and I love it!! I'd been meaning to make one myself, but she beat me to it.

Blackest Heart

2008-12-06T07:19:00.001-08:00

I read one of the most unique cowboy stories I've ever read, BLACKEST HEART by Amber Leigh Williams. It's part of the Wayback, Texas series from The Wild Rose Press. The hero is the quiet type. The REALLY quiet type. Talk about a damaged hero that you want to curl your arms around. You'll have to read the story to see what I mean, but I think you'll be glad you did.

CLICK HERE TO BUY

And the winner is....

2008-11-27T05:39:00.000-08:00

LASTNERVE!! Congratulations and thanks to everyone who stopped by and helped me give Jane Leopold Quinn a warm welcome. Lastnerve, please email me at wendi@wendidarlin.com with your mailing address and I will get your prizes in the mail. If anyone else would like some bookmarks, please email me with "bookmarks" in the subject line and I'll send those out too.

I wish you all a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving! Below is one of my favorite turkey recipes ever. I think the instructions are evident. :)

Book Giveaway and Excerpt!

2008-11-24T05:49:00.000-08:00

Today, my friend, Jane Leopold Quinn is sharing an excerpt from her latest release, WINDY CITY LOVE AFFAIR. There's a cowboy in it! You know how much I love that! To celebrate I'm giving away two paperbacks to someone who leaves a comment. The prizes are What A Lady Wants and A Little Bit Wicked by Victoria Alexander. They'd make great Christmas gifts or nice winter reading for you. Check out Jane's excerpt below and leave a comment! The winner will be drawn on Wednesday. Good luck!

WINDY CITY LOVE AFFAIR
by Jane Leopold Quinn

July 18, 2005

“Ma’am?”

The rumble of the deep, rich, masculine voice with its western twang speared her heart. And lower.

“Ma’am?”

Being a Chicago girl, Lorren Samples at first tried to ignore the stranger’s tall, broad-chested body crowding too closely. You had to watch out for yourself in the big city. A man touching you on the street could spell danger. Then she made the mistake of glancing up at him.

Holy frickin’ cow! The man was the closest thing to beautiful male perfection that she’d ever seen. Not in the movies, not on TV, nor on stage. Certainly, she’d never seen anything like him in person. A passerby bumped her, throwing her against him. Her hands automatically reached for his forearms, his gripped her shoulders. She stood stiffly, silent and unexpectedly breathless.

Wow. Brown eyes. Rich chocolate. Warm cocoa. All those good, lickable, delicious, sensuous flavors. Burnished dark eyes surrounded by lush long lashes gazed back at her.

A horn blared. She gasped, brushing her breast against his forearm as she turned to see what the hell the problem was. The sound, the brush woke her to the city around her.

“Sorry,” she muttered and stepped back to try to establish some distance between them. It was a cab that had pulled in at the curb at Union Station for a pick up. That’s when she noticed the luggage at his heels. A soft, black leather satchel.
Heels? Heels on cowboy boots. Tan, stitched-toe cowboy boots. Well worn and slightly scuffed as if he lived in them. Speechless again, her gaze tracked the blue, faded jeans hugging long, long legs up to lean hips and a flat belly. Holy Christ! Her head jerked up. He had a hard on. It was pretty difficult to hide that in snug jeans. Her face flamed hot in embarrassment.

He stared back, a smug, aware expression on his handsome face.

I guess he’s not embarrassed about his humongous hard on. That’s when she noticed that she still held on to his solid-muscled forearms. Bare forearms. Bare, hairy forearms. Okay, stop it. You’re acting like...well she didn’t know what she was acting like. She’d never been in this situation before. It was like a scene from a movie. The “meet cute.”

Jess Croften covered the woman’s hand with his. It wasn’t like he’d planned on picking up a pretty woman, but he had watched this one all the way from the intersection, willing her to cross over and continue straight toward him. He’d squinted a bit to sharpen his focus, and the closer she got, the more he could see that she was all prime.

He didn’t normally think of women in beef-related terms, but he wouldn’t mind having this fine lady on a plate and eating her up. Literally and figuratively.

CLICK HERE TO BUY!

Nice n' Naughty

2008-11-20T10:22:00.000-08:00

I blogged today over at Nice n' Naughty about when I cheated and why it was worth it. Drop by and check it out. It's probably not what you think. :)

For everybody at Talking Two Lips!

2008-11-18T17:33:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the tease! Here it is! Big thanks to cover artist, Tamra Westberry who totally ROCKS! She also designed my Hired Hands cover.

MSA Endless Romance Contest

2008-11-17T06:04:00.000-08:00

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

True Confessions!

2008-11-13T09:35:00.000-08:00

I'm blogging today over at Nice n' Naughty. Come see what kind of dirt I've dredged up. :)

Home sick/homesick

2008-11-12T08:11:00.000-08:00

My little guy is feeling under the weather today, so he's home from school. Right now, he's watching The Clone Wars movie on dvd so I've got a little quiet time.

I spent most of the morning cleaning the house and now I'm going to settle in and write a little if I can. But I admit I'm a little distracted. My little guy is home sick, but I'm a little homesick. It happens this time of year if I know we're not going to spend Thanksgiving with my extended family. And now it's official. Thanksgiving will just be the three of us this year. We were invited to a friend's house for the big meal, but my husband doesn't really want to go. I'm itching to plan my menu, even though I know most of the food will go to waste.

For now, I'm ignoring the call of my cookbooks and trying to concentrate on work. Anybody else having a small Thanksgiving this year? Are there any traditions that your family has?

Today

2008-11-11T07:08:00.001-08:00

No school today for my son and only a little home office work for my husband, so you know what that means....my routine is shot to hell and back...I mean, FAMILY TIME! LOL! I am looking forward to having some fun with the boys today, but I'm also determined to squeeze in some writing. I'm finally on a roll with my WIP, and I'm not about to let it get away from me again.

I hope everyone has a great day. Stay warm.

To all the veterans I know and love, and those I don't, thank you.

Monday again!

2008-11-10T07:19:00.000-08:00

Monday...the day I always swear I'm going to write thousands of words, clean my house, run errands...you know do IT ALL! Hah! You can imagine how often that happens. This morning I spent some quality time with my husband. That was nice. Just the two of us. We don't do that enough. So I'm getting off to a late start, but it was worth it.

I've been struggling to find that work/life balance that I know has to exist. So for the past couple of months I've devoted weekends to family time. And it really has been great to keep the computer turned off (most of the time.) This weekend I planted lemon, lime and avocado trees behind my lanai. Eventually, I'll have a tropical orchard of sorts. I've already got pineapples out the wazoo - thanks to that hot bartender in Key West who taught me how to grow them. :)

I also went to a book signing and picked up autographed romances from Virginia Henley, C. L. Wilson, Ann Jacobs, Linnea Sinclair and fabulous debut author, Elissa Wilds. If you like paranormal check out Elissa's new book, Between Light and Dark.

Hope you all had a great weekend and found a way to relax and have a little fun. Now I'm off to tackle that ambitious to do list I mentioned. Wish me luck!

A message from Cori

2008-11-06T05:06:00.000-08:00

My son got a message from Cori yesterday. I blogged about it at Nice n' Naughty this morning. Come see what she to say.

Cori

2008-11-05T07:46:00.000-08:00

I had to put our 14 year old Sheltie, Cori, down this morning. She was her fiesty self right up until the very end. Bless her heart. It's a sad day in the Darlin house.

Witty and Wicked Readers!

2008-11-01T17:13:00.001-07:00

Hey ladies! This is the photo I used as an inspiration for Gavin...(fanning myself)...

New cover!

2008-11-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

Check out my hot new cover! Big thanks to cover artist, Tamra Westberry who totally ROCKS! She also designed my Hired Hands cover.

Howl For Me!

2008-10-28T06:36:00.000-07:00

My HOT fall flasher HOWL FOR ME is posted on the Midnight Seductions blog. Check it out! www.midnightseductionsauthors.blogspot.com

New gadget

2008-10-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

I'm not a gadget person. I hate shopping for anything electronic. I just want my stuff to WORK and I want it to be easy to use. I don't want to hear about all the bells and whistles. I don't want to compare different models. Don't utter the words service plan or extended warranty, please! Going to the dentist doesn't bother me. Going to Circuit City will throw me in a tizzy. Don't ask me why. It's just the way I'm wired. Ok. That was bad. LOL!

This weekend my husband gave me a new toy, and I have to admit I was skeptical at first. Not of the gadget, just of how much I'd actually use it.

Now I'm hooked!

It's the ipod touch. It's got the really cool new touch screen and amazing clarity. You can watch movies, listen to music, check email, go to Youtube, play games. It's even got a gps, weather, clock and calculator.

I'm working on a playlist right now to go along with the book I'm working on. Ok, so I'm having fun with a gadget. I even read the instruction manual, which was written for people like me. Short and to the point. :)

Yummy Sunday!

2008-10-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

Take Two!

2008-10-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh...today is much better than yesterday. (Knocking on wood!) My little angel woke up with his halo securely in place. He got to school on time. First thing this morning, I ran a few errands which included buying some pretty new flowers to go in the planters on either side of my front doors. Ummmm. A well-behaved child and pretty flowers. Doesn't get much better than that.

I hope you're all having a great day!

Busy Monday

2008-10-13T09:02:00.000-07:00

What is it with Mondays? I got off to a great start. I finished my last load of laundry, baked cinnamon rolls, made my bed, walked the dogs and packed my son's lunch all before he woke up. And then it all went to hell. The little devil woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. He was such a little pistol, I needed a drink by the time I got him to school.

Instead, I made a cup of tea and sat down at my desk. No sooner had I begun tapping away at my latest novel when the wiener dog started pawing my leg and whining. He wouldn't stop until I picked him up. As soon as he settled into my lap, he fell asleep on my arm. I kept typing...one-handed. I AM NOT KIDDING! What is wrong with me? You'd think I'd put the dog down and work, right? Wrong.

I pecked away with one hand until my landscaper showed up with the new palm trees we're putting in front of our house. I spent the next two hours deciding exactly where everything was going to go and what the shape of the new beds would be. Now, the trees are planted, the dirt is mounded and the beds are marked off. The yard is still a mess, but I'm sure my neighbors are relieved to see progress being made. Wednesday, the smaller plants will come in, along with sod to fill in the old beds and mulch. Maybe the landscape lighting too. I'm not sure. There's always something I forget to ask about.

So now it's noon. I'm off to take a shower and if I'm lucky I'll have an hour and a half to write before I go pick my son up from school. Keep your fingers crossed he comes home in a better mood than when he left. If not, I WILL mix a drink.

Is it Tuesday yet?

Yummy Sunday!

2008-10-12T06:44:00.000-07:00

Morning Rescue

2008-10-11T06:28:00.000-07:00

The excitement of the morning in the Darlin household was this little blue-tailed skink in distress. We're a house full of animal lovers. I tend to shy away from the slithery ones, but my husband and son rescue every snake and lizard they can. And believe me, we have more than a few down here. To date, two snakes have made it into our house, and I've stopped counting the frogs and lizards. Ain't Florida grand?

My son discovered this little skink just before breakfast. Apparently he'd fallen into our pool or chased some insect into it. He's safe now, but he was in such shock, he didn't even try to run when my husband caught him and carried him off the lanai. He's pretty from a distance, but I'm glad he's outside again where he belongs.

El cheapos worth their weight in gold

2008-10-10T06:21:00.000-07:00

Economic times have definitely been better, so I've been inspired to give a SHOUT OUT this morning to great things that don't cost much money. While I've been here at my desk Sparky, the little wiener dog, has been having the time of his life playing with a plastic water bottle that he begged from me yesterday afternoon. Nevermind all the little dog toys he's got scattered around my office. He wants the plastic bottle. It's like with kids and the cardboard box their giant toys come in. Proving once again, happiness doesn't necessarily have a price tag.

What's your favorite thing in the world that doesn't cost anything - or much of anything. And don't say family or love...those are givens. I mean what cheap-o object adds joy or makes your life easier?

Tough question, isn't it? I'm having a hard time coming up with an answer myself. The first thing that comes to mind is my tea maker. I love my cup-at-a-time tea maker (Black & Decker). I think it was $20 when I bought it 15 years ago. I use it every day and take it with me when I travel. My biggest travel fear is that I'll forget it when I pack to come home. If you've ever seen me before I've had my morning caffeine you would realize the true value of this little appliance.

Yummy Sunday!

2008-10-05T06:23:00.000-07:00

Rough & Ready was Joyfully Reviewed!

2008-10-04T10:41:00.000-07:00

"...In a novella that provides a huge bang for the buck, Rough & Ready is a simple tale of a love affair that comes with more questions than answers. Taima and Hollis are victims of a career that is surrounded by mystery and change. Not known to stay in one place longer than his assignment deems Hollister finds in Taima a reason to rethink his path. A woman who loves it rough and brings it just as deep; she has ensnared his heart and made him long for something concrete. Wendi Darlin does a great job of enticing and rousing the reader and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next." - Indy, Joyfully Reviewed

To read the full review, click here.

Buy link

BARB YOU WON! You are the winner in my hidden contest this week! Contact me and I'll get your prizes to you. :)

Nice n' Naughty Day!

2008-10-02T05:37:00.000-07:00

Thursdays are my day to blog at Nice n' Naughty. Today, I'm talking about bad apples and why I need lovin'. Come over and join me. And since it's Nice n' Naughty day around here, feel free to tell us if you're in a nice or naughty mood today...and why! We're nosy! LOL!

Another Great Review!

2008-09-30T18:09:00.000-07:00

4.5 Pixies! "...THE WATER BEARER is a touching romantic novel with characters as rich as the soil they farm. Although in a contemporary setting, they echo the small-town overtones of the past in an area where life doesn't change much despite a new millennium. Jealousy, small minds, and long-held grief are just as volatile as love, compassion, and empathy in this little farming community. Rich in emotional impact, THE WATER BEARER is a story to curl up with in a cozy armchair, relaxing into the plot and resonating with the characters. The intriguing addition of paranormal elements gives a deeper background to the story line and an opportunity for further unfolding of the characters. The underscoring theme of love and redemption makes THE WATER BEARER a story well worth reading." - Frost, Dark Angels Reviews

You can read the full review here

buy link (ebook)
Available in print on Amazon and Barnesandnoble.com

Monday, Monday!

2008-09-29T07:43:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone's week is off to a great start. I just finished my mandatory 2 cups of tea, checked my email, created a profile on Author's Den, checked into the laws regarding sales tax collection at the reading festival I'll be signing at...whew! It's a typical Monday, but now I'm ready to write. My latest story is calling to me, and I'm ready to slip away to that tropical island I've got my naughty characters on.

What are you doing today? Have you started to get the cooler fall weather where you are? Or are you like me, just getting teased by a 70 degree breeze every now and then. :)

GREAT NEWS: The Water Bearer by Wendi Christner is now available in print on Amazon and Barnesandnoble.com

Rough & Ready got a review that made me grin. This reviewer summarized the story in her own words, and boy is she a sassy thing! I love it!

ROUGH AND READY - Wendi Darlin
RRTE Rating: Multiple O’s

Present Day

Sitting by his campfire, Hollis McAllister wonders when Taima is going to make her move. He knows it’s her without even turning around because a certain part of his anatomy is harder than a spike. Taima wants nothing more than to cut his lying, thieving heart out. Too bad she’s in love with the stupid fool. When she makes her move, Taima finds herself in his arms, his lips on hers, and her body yearning to be taken by this desperado. Will she get the answers she craves or be left in the dust with her heart on the ground again?

Fresh air, hot sex, and danger are the key elements in Wendi Darlin’s ROUGH AND READY. Mmm…delicious. - Sinclair Reid, RRTE Reviews - 9/7/08

If you want to check out some of their other reviews here's the link.

HINT: Read all my posts this week, so you don't miss out on the secret contest.

Yummy Sunday!

2008-09-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

A new cowboy around here!

2008-09-27T08:41:00.000-07:00

I know I've been MIA lately. Bad me! Thanks to all of you who keep coming back and haven't given up on me completely. Muahh!

I just finished writing a mystery that seriously tried to kick my @$$. I didn't know if I'd ever pull it off. But I did! Yay!!! It's done, and as a reward I immediately jumped into an ultra-sexy, fun, fun, fun, book. I'm so excited to be writing this one. And yep, there's a cowboy in it! Ummmm....maybe I'll have to post some new pictures around here for inspiration. What do ya think?

This week, I'm going to offer up a surprise contest. I'm not going to announce it anywhere. It's just my way of saying thank you to all of you who keep dropping by to see if I've added anything. If you respond to this post, you're entered. I'll draw a name on Friday, and the winner will get two paperbacks: Anybody Out There by Marian Keyes and No One Heard Her Scream by Jordan Dane. Good luck and thanks for sticking with me!

Attention Authors!

2008-09-22T05:44:00.001-07:00

Hang out with us at Two Lips!

2008-09-14T12:19:00.001-07:00

Another Day I Remember

2008-09-11T05:47:00.000-07:00

Eight years before today was a day of remembrance for lives lost in a gruesome attack on our country and way of life, I married my husband. We wed in a corny little wedding chapel in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with only a few friends there to witness our vows. We were young, naive and scared half to death.

When I think back on it now, I realize we married when we did and the way we did out of fear of losing one another. But we must have known what we were doing -- either that or we just got damn lucky.

We've been married fifteen years today. I still bonk myself on the head for not planning a nicer wedding and hiring a better photographer - and don't even get me started on that veil. But we're just as married as anyone else, and we've made a wonderful family together. I believe all of us sometimes know more than we think we do at the time. I definitely know I got this one right, just like I knew on our first date that I would marry him. Maybe that's why I write romance.

On this Remembrance Day I hope you all remember not only the lives lost on September 11, 2001, but also a moment that makes your heart happy - a time the stars lined up and your life changed for the better.

Wendi Darlin
www.wendidarlin.blogspot.com

Also check out The Water Bearer by Wendi Christner at BookStrand!

Another Great Read!

2008-09-09T19:14:00.001-07:00

Flavia’s Secret is a well-crafted love story that will have you on the edge of your seat one minute and breathless the next. Lindsay Townsend’s writing style is simply beautiful. A true pleasure to read.

Flavia is a slave with a secret that may very well cost her life. Marcus her new owner is a gorgeous half-Roman with a warrior’s body and a lover’s heart. I’m not ashamed to admit I fell head over heels for this hero, and I just might be willing to trade my freedom for a chance to fill Flavia’s shoes.

The Roman baths and the ancient marketplaces were so well-drawn they came alive for me. The setting was sensual and palpable. It’s impossible not to become absorbed in Flavia and Marcus’s world and to care deeply for them. The secondary characters were woven neatly into the plot, and the villain’s power and control was absolutely terrifying.

I literally could not put this book down and when I was finished, I didn’t want it to end. I’ll be reading everything Lindsay Townsend writes, and I think everyone else who picks up this book will do the same.

Buy Link

Ready to rev your engines?

2008-09-05T06:51:00.000-07:00

My talented friend, Regina Carlysle, has a new release today that racing fans will especially love! And I have it on very good authority that something really neat is tucked just behind the cover. You may not think that little surprise inside is as neat as I do, but I love it!

Buy it here.

Kenny Pix!!!

2008-09-04T06:33:00.001-07:00

It's been almost a week since the Kenny Chesney concert. I've almost got my voice back and my dancin' feet have finally stopped throbbing. That man ROCKS!!!!

Wanna see some pix???

Come on over to the Nice n' Naughty blog today where I'm talking about something more thought provoking. I'd love to see what your thoughts are.

Come join the fun!

2008-08-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

Public Service Warning - just trying to help :)

2008-08-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

Great Read of the week!

2008-08-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

Hey, everybody! Yes, I'm still alive, though you wouldn't know from how much I've been blogging lately. I keep thinking my schedule is about to fall into place and I'll be able to keep up with everything. Sigh... Maybe next week.

I did get a chance to read a book I wanted to share with you. THE DANCE by Jami Davenport.

Jami Davenport has a talent for creating plots that pull you back even when you need to put the book down and get something else done. She has a very engaging style of storytelling. Her characters are full and real, and her settings in the San Juan Islands will whisk you away every time.

THE DANCE is the story of Rico, a "has been" rock star, and Mariah, a woman who "dances with horses." Mariah is on the verge of losing everything, and Rico is struggling to recover from his skydive from wealth and fame.

Mariah is sexually inexperienced and carries some serious baggage from a bad past relationship. Rico has been taken advantage of and betrayed by his family and the only woman he ever loved. Yet, he still carries the torch from that old flame. Their combustable sexual attraction and her deepening feelings for him give Mariah the courage to overcome her fears. Rico's more than willing to school her in the bedroom, but he has no intention of giving her his heart.

This is a very sensual read and if you read Jami Davenport's, WHO'S BEEN SLEEPING IN MY BED, you'll recognize some of the characters and settings. Pick this one up. You won't be disappointed.

A chance to WIN!

2008-08-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

31 Sultry Scarlet Nights!

It’s still Hot in the Wilder side of the Garden, so don’t miss your chance to Win a

$75.00 online gift certificate from Frederick’s of Hollywood

If you love Erotic Romance, join the Scarlet Rose authors for the remaining days of August as we continue give away more scorching hot downloads from Scarlet Rose - the erotic romance line of The Wild Rose Press.

Each day two downloads from the Wilder Roses catalog will be given away. Check the calendar in the Wilder Roses yahoo loop to see which title will be given away on a select day.

For your first chance to win, stop by the Wilder Roses blog and post a comment on the day's topic.

For a second chance to win, stop by The Wilder Roses Yahoo loop.

Each night two winners will be drawn, one from those who commented on the blog and another from those who posted on the loop during that day.

Everyone who participated throughout the month will be entered automatically in a drawing for the Grand Prize, a $75.00 online gift certificate from Frederick’s of Hollywood courtesy of: The Wild Rose Press, Wendi Darlin, Lara Dien, Samantha Gentry, Devon Gray, Helen Hardt, Janna Lee Hayes, Liza James, Jane E. Jones, Darah Lace, Mary Martinez, Anita Philmar, Allie Standifer, & KyAnn Waters

It's easy to enter for the daily giveaways and the grand prize. Your participation will automatically enter you.

~*~Staff of The Wild Rose Press is not eligible to win~*~

Yummy Sunday!

2008-08-17T08:09:00.001-07:00

Another Review for The Water Bearer

2008-08-15T15:50:00.000-07:00

Another review for The Water Bearer!

5 STARS! "The Water Bearer is a beautiful love story. Cassidy and Jared share a great love. Readers will come to love both of them and to know that they belong together. The plot flows smoothly. The secondary characters were not intrusive, but instead added much to this story. Lilith was the perfect antagonist. She will certainly bring a smile to your face. The Water Bearer will bring smiles, laughter, a few tears, and a lot of pleasure to each reader. Don’t miss this one, The Water Bearer is sure to be a favorite." - Debra Gaynor, Review Your Book

To read the full review, click here.

Countdown to Yummy Sunday - 2 days!

Review for The Water Bearer

2008-08-14T20:46:00.000-07:00

I got my first review for my sweet coming-of-age story, The Water Bearer (written as Wendi Christner), and I wanted to share it with you all!

"...Ms. Christner has a fantastic story. The idea that love lasts forever is so beautifully represented in this story. I also liked a lot of the minor characters because they were as central to this story as Cassidy and Jared. The difficulties both Cassidy and Jared have to overcome make the ending so poignant. Love stories can be so varied in how they deal with death. I have to say that this one is the most emotional I have read so far."- Krista, Coffee Time Romance

To read the whole review, click here.

Countdown to Yummy Sunday - 3 days!

San Francisco and Stuff

2008-08-08T18:32:00.000-07:00

Here I am in San Francisco (Pretend you don't see the bra strap). The conference was great. I rode a trolley, shopped Chinatown, bought bags of Ghiradelli chocolate and ate some fabulous food. I even caught a glimpse of myself on the Today Show's coverage of the event. You can imagine the energy projected by a hotel full of romance writers, and when I got home I was drained. My family is taking one last vacation next week, and then it's back to school and back to the routine...which means back to regular blogging, eye candy and contests around here. :)

I'm hoping my camera cooperates next week, and I can post better pictures than I was able to take in SF. I think my camera's possessed. Seriously. But that's a whole other blog topic. We're headed up to the Carolinas this weekend. On the agenda is a carriage ride through Charleston, a mountain cabin in western north carolina, a tour of the Biltmore and some gem mining. I can't wait to see what kind of stories are inspired from this trip.

Here are my San Francisco roommates, Jami Davenport and Allie K. Adams who kept me out of trouble all week. They were a ton of fun...although I will be planning my revenge on Allie for that two block hike straight uphill while I was wearing high-heeled boots, and that wonderfully fragrant trolley ride. I'm pretty sure Jami will be thrilled to help me plot this revenge. :)

Whipped Cream Reviews gave Hired Hands a review so amazing it literally brought tears to my eyes. "Oh. My. This amazingly well-written, unbelievably hot story is one for the keeper shelf. Wendi Darlin has once again proven she's an erotic romance author who belongs on an auto-buy... Wendi Darlin writes the hottest, most emotional, well choreographed ménage scene I've read. And, I'll admit, I read this more than once before reviewing it. I imagine it's a story I'll return to again... If you like romance along with your sex, and really enjoy a good threesome, I can't recommend this story highly enough..." If you want to read the entire review, click here.

I hope you're all having a great summer, and I can't wait to get this blog hopping again! Thanks for stopping by.

RWA Nationals Week!

2008-07-28T17:02:00.000-07:00

I'll be in San Francisco this week for the annual RWA National conference. I'm hoping to steal a few minutes to post pictures here at least a few times. Check back, you may see some of your favorite romance authors in action!

Hope everyone has a fantastic week! If there's someone special you want me to try to snap a picture of, let me know and I'll do my best. :)

Countdown to Yummy Sunday - 6 days! (This week I'll be on an airplane at an ungodly hour on Sunday. I will try my best to post eye candy Saturday night.)