I’m starting something new here, posting about books I’ve enjoyed. These aren’t reviews – if a book doesn’t hold me I’m not going to share it. In this day of thousands of books being released each week, it’s easy for good writing to go under-noticed. I plan to write about the ones I think are worth your while.

LAST MAN ON EARTH by Michelle M. Pillow is a futuristic novella available through Ellora’s Cave. http://www.jasminejade.com/p-7527-last-man-on-earth.aspx

Blurb:
Dr. Micco Hagan has been charged with pairing up the last of Earth’s survivors based on genetics for optimal survival of the species. He can’t resist the opportunity to be with his dream girl, Rena Gates. Though she rejected him before the Earth ended, he hopes now she’ll find a soft spot for him.

In the time before, Rena thought Micco had only come on to her to win a bet. She never expected them to be rescued together, or to be eventually partnered. Unable to resist following orders, she discovers they have a lot more going for them than DNA matching. The sex is explosive, but can it eventually grow into love?

Don’t let the term “futuristic” scare you away if you’re not a sci-fi fan. Michelle has crafted a story that could be transferred to any time period and doesn’t bombard you with apocalyptic settings and scientific terminology. Both are included, but subtly, letting the romance hold center stage.

Rena is a strong heroine, a great match for Micco. When she’s ordered to marry Dr. Micco Hagan, the words she said to him several years ago ring through her head:

I wouldn’t sleep with you if you were the last man on Earth, Dr. Hagan!

Micco has his work cut out for him, trying to turn his marriage into a happily-ever-after. Passion sizzles between them, but still Rena holds back. I won’t spoil the ending, but Rena fights her feelings to the last!

Michelle’s love scenes are scorching hot but are well-balanced with plot action. I connected with both characters and the resolution was believable and enjoyable, even if it did leave me wanting a nice hot shower with a friend! (Buy the story and you’ll understand!)

Have you read this story, or others by Michelle? Leave a comment about your favorites, I’d love to know which to read next!

I’m running a contest for the readers in the Whipped Cream Chat group where I’m chatting on 8/29 at noon ET. It’s very simple – name my hero!

The hero is a panther shifter and former Marine; the heroine is a witch who is not looking for a man, black cat or not. Her name is Anastacia.

Give me a good, strong name for the hero and I’ll use it in my book! I’ll use Random.org to choose a winner. Assuming my editor approves of the name, you’ll get a free copy of that book upon release.

And in the meantime, you’ll win a copy of Maui Rekindled!

The contest closes at 6 pm PT Monday, 8/30/ Leave a comment with the hero’s name and check back Tuesday morning to see if you won!

I’ve always been a summer person. SoCal sunshine, birthday in July, school’s out – what’s not to love about summer?

So it seemed a perfect idea to write about vacation romance. There’s something especially exciting about it. You’re in a new, exciting location and there’s a certain glow about you. And the men, oh, the men! Accents, tans, and if you’re lucky, bare skin and lots of it.

My first taste of vacation romance came in Hawaii. He was blond-haired, blue-eyed and built like a wedge. My girlfriend and I called him Hawaiian Mike. I never saw him again after, except in my dreams, but he fueled a lot of young fantasies!

How about you? Do you have a favorite hero from your vacations? If you had the chance, would you follow through on a vacation romance?

In Maui Rekindled, Maggie returns to the resort where she spent a summer working and playing alongside hot hero Gabe. Looking for confidence after her divorce, when she sees Gabe again she decides to have a vacation fling, a little harmless sex between old friends.

Gabe has other ideas. He’s always regretted losing contact with Maggie and isn’t about to let her get away this time. He’ll take advantage of the hot, sensual moments to remind her that they shared something much deeper than sex. You can read an excerpt here.

I’m giving away a free copy of the ebook, Maui Rekindled! Comment here for your chance to win. Winner will be chosen from comments on Sunday April 25.

Maui Rekindled is available now at Ellora’s Cave!

In celebration of my return to my paranormal roots, I’m offering a free short-short story. Skyclad Whispers introduces the village of Whispering Valley, a quaint, timeless place where the inhabitants aren’t always what they appear to be. If you enjoy the read, post a comment and let me know!