I now have less than a week until my first Kensington Brava release, HOTTER AFTER MIDNIGHT, hits stores shelves. And, um, yeah, I can’t wait. 
Today, I thought I’d do a bit of early celebrating by giving away an autographed copy of HOTTER AFTER MIDNIGHT to one commenter. Wanna win? Just leave me a comment about your all time favorite character. I’ll be back on Saturday to announce the winner.
Dr. Emily Drake, the heroine of HOTTER AFTER MIDNIGHT, was one of my absolute favorite characters to write. The woman has a hell of a painful past, but she’s overcome her childhood and is now one of the most respected psychologists in Atlanta. Of course, Emily isn’t your typical therapist. She only treats paranormal patients (and that’s where my story, or her story begins).
And, as part of my celebration, I thought I’d post an excerpt from HOTTER AFTER MIDNIGHT:
* * *
“How much do you know?”
Emily swallowed and tried to figure out just how much she should reveal.
His hold tightened around her.
He was the one sitting down, the one forced to look up at her, but Emily had the feeling she was the one in the vulnerable position. “I-I know you aren’t human.” Her voice came out softer, huskier than she’d intended.
She hoped Colin would leave it at that. Hoped he wouldn’t probe any deeper.
“Ah, baby, I already knew that.”
She tried to tug her hand free, but his grip was unbreakable.
“You’re the Monster Doctor, the one all the local ghouls go to see.” A faint trace of amusement underscored his words. But his eyes were watchful, intense, showing no echo of humor.
Her jaw clenched. “Let go of my hand.”
He smiled at her, and his fingers fell away from her wrist.
Emily immediately sprang across the room, putting several feet between them. Nice, protective space. “Look, if you aren’t here to discuss the case, then I want you to leave.” She turned her back on him, heading toward the front door.
“How do you do it?”
His words stopped her.
“How do you tell who is human and who isn’t?”
She heard the soft rustle of the sofa cushions as he rose.
“That’s a pretty interesting talent you’ve got there. And I’m just dying to know exactly how you do it.”
Emily cast a longing glance toward the front door. “I’m afraid you’re just going to have to live with your curiosity, Detective.” Because she sure as hell wasn’t going to reveal her innermost secrets to a stranger. Yep, letting the guy inside had been a definite mistake.
“Hmmm.” His breath blew against the nape of her neck. Emily jumped, startled to find him so close to her. The guy hadn’t made a sound when he’d crossed the room.
“I’d like to see your hair down,” he muttered, and his fingers brushed against the bun she’d yet to unwind.
She jerked away from him. “And I’d like to see you leave. Guess which one of us is about to get her wish?”
His hard lips curved into a smile, a smile with a hint of real warmth. “Tough lady, aren’t you?”
She’d had to be.
His smile slowly faded. “But trust me, I’m a hell of a lot tougher than you could ever dream of being.” And in a flash, he had her pinned against the wall. His strong, hard body pressed against her, his muscular thighs pushed between hers, shoving up her skirt, and his right hand locked around her wrists as he forced them against the wall over her head.
Her breath left her body in a startled gasp.
“Now let’s try this again,” he growled. “Just how much do you know about me?”
