Sex and the Season Series by Helen Hardt

Friday, December 21, 2012

TREASURING AMBER AVAILABLE NOW


The world hasn't ended yet...why not spend your last hours relaxing with a romance novel ♥? Treasuring Amber released today at Musa Publishing!  Get your copy here.

What's a rodeo queen to do when her past comes back to haunt her?

Kissing handsome rancher Harper Bay to avoid a confrontation with her past isn’t on Amber Cross’s “to do” list, but sometimes a situation calls for desperate measures. She doesn’t expect the kiss to leave her breathless.

Amber is the hottest thing walking but clearly not Harper’s type.  Nope, he’s not looking for a platinum blonde manicurist from the city, even if she is Bakersville’s reigning rodeo queen.  After her surprising kiss leaves him panting, he changes his mind and decides to get to know her.  Chemistry sizzles between them, but this gorgeous woman has a past that could get them both killed.

Excerpt:

“I’m thinking you’re hiding something, Amber, and I aim to find out—”

Her drink fell out of her hand and hit the grass with a soft clump. She threw her arms around Harper’s neck and smashed her lips to his.

Anything to shut him up. To end this conversation.

She hadn’t expected the kiss to be so powerful.

Harper’s lips were full, and oh, so soft. He parted them gently, and his tongue swept into her mouth, bitter and malty from his beer. Amber wasn’t fond of beer, but on Harper’s tongue it tasted like nectar. She let her tongue entwine with his. His response overwhelmed her. He wanted to kiss her. Heck, he was enjoying it.

So was she.

The kiss became more hurried, frantic. Their lips slid against each others, searching and learning. Amber’s fingers glided through Harper’s tousled hair, soft as suede.

“Mmm.”

His soft groan was more of a vibration against her lips than a sound. His arms tightened around her. One hand caressed the side of her neck, the other glided down her side, over the curve of her hips, and squeezed.

A delicate sigh left her throat, muffled by the kiss. His lips became her world. A soft, lush, romantic world, a world full of arousal and promise, a world where her nipples tightened, threatened to poke holes in her bra. A world where her sex heated. Lord, it’s been a long time.

Had it ever been better?

She’d kissed a few men in her day.

It had never been like this.

She jerked when a harsh sound cut into her dream.

Harper’s lips ripped away from hers. Chad McCray stood next to them.

He cleared his throat again. That had been the harsh sound. A silly smile curved over his lips. “Hey there Harp, Amber. Anything you all want to share with the rest of us?”

Friday, November 23, 2012

TAMING ANGELINA AVAILABLE TODAY!


If you liked the McCray Brothers, you'll love the Girls of Bakersville!  Taming Angelina releases today at Musa Publishing.  Get your copy here.

Ranch heiress Angelina loves her leisurely life…until her father, a gorgeous ranch hand, and a long-buried secret turn it upside down.

Learn to run a ranch? Angelina Bay would rather wear last season’s clothes. But if she doesn’t, her father demands, she can kiss her inheritance goodbye.

Teach a spoiled heiress how to ride a horse? Not in this lifetime. Rafe Grayhawk is busy enough as a ranch hand, saving every extra penny to fund his chronically ill father’s move to Arizona—until beautiful Angelina makes him an offer he can’t refuse.

Rafe’s rules are simple—show up on time for lessons and do everything he tells her. Angie balks at authority, but soon riding lessons with the handsome hand are the least of her problems.  She may lose her ranch anyway, and Rafe is the only person who can help her.

Excerpt:

Without thinking, only feeling, she pulled him toward her until his lips crushed against hers.

The kiss of a century…how wonderful, his soft sweet lips, so delectable against her own. Was it a hint of lime? Couldn’t be. Such a man as Rafe Grayhawk wouldn’t wear flavored lip balm. Millimeter by millimeter she feasted on those luscious lips, kissing first the top, then the bottom, running her tongue over their plumpness, then plunging it inside to taste his own. He kissed her back, swirling his tongue around hers in a playful manner that didn’t seem quite “him.” Yet it was. He nipped at her, tugged on her lower lip. Her sex pulsed between her legs. She was vaguely aware of her hips moving upward, then down again, upward, downward.

God, how she wanted him.

Her nipples strained against…nothing. Nothing covered them. What had she been thinking? But oh, she couldn’t think. She could only feel. Feel his chest lowering onto hers, the brush of his cotton muscle shirt against her hard nubs. Surely he could feel them poking into his chest. If only he’d lose the shirt…

He groaned into her mouth, then moved his lips to her cheek, raining tiny kisses along the way.

“You taste just like a Tequila sunrise. Sweet and tangy.” He nibbled on her shoulder.

Goosebumps erupted over her body. Her breasts ached, her nipples tingled. “Oh my God,” Angie said, her voice a whisper. “My nipples. Please.”

His lips trailed over her chin, along the contours of her neck and shoulders, until they lightly brushed one nipple.

She jolted. Tiny shivers skittered across her skin and landed between her legs.

How long has it been?

Years. Four? Five years? Back when she was engaged to Zach McCray.

How did I go this long without sex?

Sunday, September 30, 2012

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUSA!

To celebrate Musa Publishing's first birthday, we are having a blog hop! You can win books and other fun stuff at every stop along the way, but we're giving away some great stuff, too.

For one lucky hopper: a GRAND PRIZE Kindle Fire! (sorry, US and Canada mailing addresses only.) We are also giving away two swag bags (again US and Canada mailing addresses only.) But INTERNATIONAL Blog Hoppers, we are giving away a $50 Musa Gift card.

How to Enter:  For every hop spot you leave a comment on between October 1 and October 7, you will be entered to win the prizes above. That means if you comment on 10 blogs you will be entered 10 times, plus will be entered in the blogs' you commented on contests as well.

In addition, everyone who comments on this blog post and follows my blog (if you're not a follower already) will be entered in a drawing for an ecopy of my latest Musa release, Reunited.  (And is that the hottest cover ever??  Thanks, Kelly Shorten!)

Rules to the HOP

1.  HAVE FUN!!!

2.  INVITE ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!! SPREAD THE WORD!!!

3.  THIS TOUR STARTS: October 1 at Midnight (est). THIS TOUR ENDS:  October 7 at Midnight (pst). Winners will be drawn and posted October 9th! *** Come Join the Party on October 7th at The Romance Review Forum to enter to win more prizes.

4.  PARTICIPATION AT ALL BLOGS IS RECOMMENDED, BUT NOT REQUIRED. REMEMBER, THE MORE BLOGS YOU HOP and COMMENT ON, THE BETTER YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING PRIZES.

5.  Grand Prize of a Kindle Fire is for US and Canada mailing addresses only. International winners will receive a $50.00 Musa Gift Card. Winner will be announced on October 7, 2012 at 11:00 est at The Romance Review forum.

6. DID I MENTION TO HAVE FUN?

BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE BLOGS BELOW --

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

RELEASE DAY
REUNITED Feels So Good!



Pick up your copy at Musa Publishing here!


True love comes once in a lifetime...will she grab her second chance? 

When Kathryn Abbott moves back to her hometown following her divorce, she doesn't expect to run into Brett Falcone, the Italian Stallion. If possible, he's even more appealing than he was twenty years ago when she, the nerd queen, tutored the popular baseball star. Brett would like to begin the relationship they couldn't have then, but first Kathryn must face her past decisions...and risk losing Brett.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

REUNITED RELEASES SEPTEMBER 4

Thank you Kelly Shorten for this gorgeous cover!  Cover model Jimmy Thomas is perfect as my Italian stallion hero, Brett Falcone.

Reunited is a 20K novella and it releases Tuesday, September 4 at Musa Publishing.  It was formerly a part of the Musa anthology, Love Notes.

True love comes once in a lifetime...will she grab her second chance? 

When Kathryn Abbott moves back to her hometown following her divorce, she doesn't expect to run into Brett Falcone, the Italian Stallion. If possible, he's even more appealing than he was twenty years ago when she, the nerd queen, tutored the popular baseball star. Brett would like to begin the relationship they couldn't have then, but first Kathryn must face her past decisions...and risk losing Brett.

Reunited by Helen Hardt

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Francesco Cura






I have my friend and chaptermate Viola Estrella to thank for introducing me to this hottie. Francesco is an actor and artist. Enjoy!












































Tuesday, July 31, 2012

VISIT ME AT KENDRA'S...AND ENJOY TODAY'S HUNK

Please stop by the lovely Kendra Edens's blog and say hello!  She's helping me promote three of my books this week.  Leave a comment and I'll draw a name.  The winner will get her choice of the spotlighted books.

And for your viewing pleasure...unknown wet guy! Can anyone out there tell me who this lusciously wet god is? I got nothin'...


Wednesday, July 25, 2012

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Joe Manganiello

After you're done drooling over today's hunk, please come visit me at the lovely Holley Trent's blog, where I'm giving away an ecopy of Lessons of the Heart!


I really don't need to say much about this particular specimen of male perfection (except that he seems to be channeling a little Gerard Butler, which only makes him HOTTER). Let's let the photos do the talking...



Monday, July 23, 2012

MEET ME AT JESSICA'S!

Want some help on sensory detail in your love scenes? Visit me at the lovely Jessica Aspen's blog for some pointers. Leave a comment to win an ecopy of The Outlaw's Angel.

Hope to see you there!

Friday, July 20, 2012

Mini Blog Tour for Daughters of the Prairie!

I'm excited to be visiting some of my great writer friends next week to help promote the Daughters of the Prairie series.  Please stop by and visit!  I'll be giving away a copy of a different book in the series each day.

Monday -- Jessica Aspen's blog

Wednesday -- Holley Trent's blog

Friday -- Lori Corsentino's blog

See you there!

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Thierre di Castro


I love a man who knows how to smile! On a dare from his trainers, , born in 1979 in Rio de Janeiro, prepared for and won the 2010 Model Universe Championships in Miami. The 6'2" former beach volleyball player moved to Hollywood in 2010 where, a month later, he was featured in a national campaign for the Zoosk dating website and an Old Navy TV commercial.

Do you think all the guys on Zoosk look like him?




Monday, July 16, 2012

DAUGHTERS OF THE PRAIRIE ARE HERE!

If you enjoyed the McCray brothers, check out my historical western romances!

I'm excited to announce that my Daughters of the Prairie series of novellas are now available at Smashwords and Amazon.  They'll be available soon at BN and All Romance Ebooks.

The covers are by the amazing Viola Estrella.  Thank you, Vi!  Thanks also to Judi Fennell for your invaluable help with formatting and uploading.  You ladies are the best!




The last thing bounty hunter Bobby Morgan expects after a stay in a small Dakota town is to wake up in a dirty jail cell accused of a crime he didn't commit. When a preacher's beautiful daughter provides a means for escape, he takes it. On the run with his feisty hostage, Bobby swears to her he means her no harm. 


Naomi Blackburn wants nothing more than to go home to her ma and pa. But her handsome outlaw captor ignites a passion in her that's both frightening and exciting. Can two decidedly different souls come together? Or will misfortunes and Bobby's own doubts keep them apart?


Spinster schoolteacher Ruth Blackburn has accepted her fate. She's not meant for love, especially not with ill-mannered—though excruciatingly handsome—Garth Mackenzie, the widowed father of one of her students. She'll just have to ignore the fact that he makes her skin heat.


Garth Mackenzie is used to loss. The Civil War cost him his best friend and his ability to sleep through the night, and illness stole his wife and son. To avoid the pain of losing his daughter, he keeps her at arm's length, much to her teacher's dismay. Ruth Blackburn is independent and opinionated—just what Garth doesn't need. But her vibrant beauty and energy awaken feelings in him he thought long dead.






Ella Morgan loves her mother and father, but she's grown weary of their overbearing protectiveness. She longs for excitement, adventure, and most of all, love. When she finds an injured Lakota warrior hiding in her barn, she's intrigued by the brave and handsome man.


Silver Raven has found his soul mate in the woman with eyes the color of violets at first bloom. Can he convince her to leave her home and family and take her rightful place as his woman? Or will Ella's father and the prejudices of society keep them apart?

Friday, July 13, 2012

Oh this was a great book!! --Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

And thank you once againt to KC Lu over at Guilty Pleasures for the wonderful 5 star review of Rodeo Queen!

I am absolutely in love with these two! I don’t want to tell you much more then this, because I don’t want to ruin it for y’all! These two are smoking hot!!! Chad is one sexy man, and once he gets his hands on Catie he has a hard time keeping the off her. LAWD!! I hope y’all love this book and series as much as I have!


Read the entire review here.


Purchase the McCray Brothers books here.

Monday, July 9, 2012

I am absolutely in love with these McCray men! --Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

Thanks again to KC Lu over at Guilty Pleasures for the wonderful 5 star review of A Cowboy and a Gentleman!

This is a wonderful book!! It has it all!! It is so hot at times you feel like your e-reader just might melt and it also gets all your emotions involved! I will tell you I could not stop reading it till I was finished. I have no doubt y’all will really love the heck out of this one!!


Read the entire review here.


Purchase the McCray Brothers books here.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

I absolutely loved this book!! -Guilty Pleasures Reviews

So many thanks to KC Lu at Guilty Pleasures for the wonderful review of Ivy League Cowboy.  She says:

These two are downright loveable!! You are rooting for them to get together from the get go. The chemistry between them is smoking HOT, and lawd once they get in bed you will need a fan. I have to say there are a couple characters I wanted to beat down. Don’t want to give away too much of that part of the story, because I wouldn’t want to ruin the story for ya. I have a feeling y’all will feel the same way.

Read the entire review here.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

NEW COVERS FOR DAUGHTERS OF THE PRAIRIE SERIES

I'm happy to announce that I'll be re-releasing my Daughters of the Prairie series independently, complete with new covers designed by the talented Viola Estrella.  What do you think?  To see more of Vi's work, click here.

The Outlaw's Angel was originally published by The Wild Rose Press in the anthology Lawmen and Outlaws.  The other two were published by TWRP as novellas.  Song of the Raven was originally titled Rhythm of the Drum.

These are western historical novellas.






Friday, June 29, 2012

GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR UNPUBLISHED AUTHORS
ENTER THE HEART OF THE ROCKIES CONTEST

I know I've been talking about Ivy League Cowboy's win in the RomCon Readers' Choice award, but long ago in 2008, the book finaled in a different contest -- Colorado Romance Writers' Heart of the Rockies!  Ivy League Cowboy took second in short contemporary that year, and A Cowboy and a Gentleman took third. I also took first in the erotic category that year which led to my association with Ellora's Cave, still one of the premier publishers of erotic romance.

Yes, the HOTR has been very good to me.

Now is your chance to shine!  Enter the HOTR this year.

Heart of the Rockies Unpublished Author Contest 

Colorado Romance Writers is pleased to announce the 2012 Heart of the Rockies Contest for unpublished writers. Numerous past Heart of the Rockies entrants have gone on to publish their works in book-length fiction. This year, there will be nine categories with achievement awards given in each. Entries are limited to the first 215 received. Any entries received after the limit is reached will be rejected and returned to the owner. Each entry will be judged by two experienced judges. Entrants will receive one written critique and two comprehensive evaluations of their work based on twenty different potential problem areas. Each category uses an individualized score sheet for its particular genre. Manuscripts that qualify for the final round will be judged by select editors or agents. All finalists will be notified via phone or email no later than September 10, 2012. The First Place winner in each category will receive a cash prize of $25.00. In addition, winners will be announced in the Romance Writers Report. All finalists will receive an achievement certificate.

Please contact the Coordinator Grace Larralde at: HOTRCoordinator@yahoo.com.

The entry deadline is midnight, Friday, July 13, 2012. Any entries received after that time will be disqualified and returned to their owners. Permission to forward granted and appreciated.

Tweet: Colorado Romance Writers Heart of the Rockies Unpublished Author Contest, Now Open! http://crw-rwa.ning.com/

Thursday, June 28, 2012

MUSA - A NEW KIND OF PUBLISHER

You all know how thrilled I was to win the RomCon Readers' Crown contest for Ivy League Cowboy.  The contest is judged solely by readers and the standards are tough to final.  Only three short contemporaries made the cut, and I'm pleased to say A Cowboy and a Gentleman was also among them.  The other was a Harlequin release, which had me feeling a bit intimidated.

You see, Harlequin rejected Ivy League Cowboy three years ago.  I had written the book with Harlequin in mind.  It was my 2007 NaNoWriMo project and it spawned two sequels.  I kept the word count to around 50K to work within the Harlequin lines I was considering.

These books about the sexy McCray brothers were special to me, and after the rejection from Harlequin, I held onto them.  I couldn't let them go just anywhere.  Meanwhile, I made a name for myself as an erotic romance author.

Fast forward to autumn 2011 -- My editor from another publisher (who shall not be named), Celina Summers (one of the best editors I've ever worked with), along with three other women, announced the opening of Musa Publishing. Finally, I thought, here is a publisher I trust with my cowboys.  I queried Celina and offered her the books.  She contracted them sight unseen.  I've never had someone have such complete faith in my work, and I'll be forever grateful.

The rest is history.  Ivy League Cowboy, A Cowboy and a Gentleman, and Rodeo Queen released in November 2011, December 2011, and January 2012, respectively, to excellent reviews and respectable sales.

As for Harlequin's rejection of Ivy League Cowboy?  Well, the readers have spoken. And to those of you who love the characters of Bakersville, Colorado, three new books are coming beginning in November!

To learn more about Musa and how they differ from other publishers, click here.

To purchase the McCray Brothers books, click here.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

HUMP-DAY HUNK
Nick Ayler

I thought about taking the time to surf the web for more pictures of model Nick Ayler, but really, what would be the point? Does it get any better than this?



Monday, June 25, 2012

IVY LEAGUE COWBOY WINS 2012 READERS' CROWN

I had a great time at RomCon this past weekend, and the cherry on top was winning the 2012 Readers' Crown award for Best Short Contemporary!  Both Ivy League Cowboy and A Cowboy and a Gentleman were finalists, and Ivy League Cowboy won. The lovely Michelle Callahan, who runs RomCon, told me that I beat myself, as A Cowboy and a Gentleman got the second highest score.  Both are available from Musa Publishing.  Find them here.

Thanks to Michelle and RomCon, and especially to the wonderful readers who judged my books!