Happy New Year!

I don't make New Years resolutions. Too much pressure and I usually crack within a month. Oh, there are a lot of things I could list--stop smoking, lose weight, exercise, get more sleep...even keep a cleaner house! LOL (I hate housework and it shows.) I could add write more, be more displined with my writing, submit more proposals to NY print pubs...lots of things about my writing career I'd like to do.

I understand the desire to make resolutions...new beginnings, fresh resolve...but why set myself up for a fall. So the only resolution I make is to live life to the fullest, love my family and friends with all my heart and try to be a better person tomorrow than I was today.

I hope you all have a wonderful, safe New Year and may all your dreams come true!

Hugs,
Shayla

Chat Day, Sunday, December 30th!

Tomorrow, I'll be playing on the Ellora's Cave's reader loop with Delilah Devlin. Stop by and read some hot excerpts, play a few games and maybe win some prizes! You can join the insanity at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ellorascavechat. Hope to see you there!

A *headdesk* Moment

The past week has been very busy. Lots of stuff going on at the dratted day job, craziness with the family and the upcoming holiday... Just busy in general plus I've not been feeling up to par. I think I'm fighting off the "crud going around". I haven't had more than a few minutes to work on my new story. The ideas are there but the time to sit in front of the computer and actually write hasn't been. So tonight, I was thrilled to be able to spend some time actually writing!

Until Rusty, my orange striped cat, decided the power cord to the laptop was something fun to play with. At first, I thought he'd just pulled it free of the connector. Nah, wasn't that easy. The little pain in the posterior actually bit into the cord! A tiny pin hole but enough for the laptop to go to battery power. There was much cursing and yelling in the Kersten household.

I have a Dell computer so I know I can order a new one. Of course, with it being nearly 11 PM on a Sunday night, I couldn't expect a new cord to ship tonight. Even if it shipped tomorrow, with next day air, it wouldn't arrive until Wednesday because of the Christmas holiday on Tuesday. So I searched Walmart.com and BestBuy.com to see if either showed a compatible power cord. Nope, couldn't be that easy. So I order the cord from Dell with next day air, almost $90, and after I place the order it shows an expected ship date of 12/26. More screaming in the Kersten household.

My next thought is to use duct tape on the cord. Maybe if I seal the puncture, the cord will work, at least until I get the new one. No duct tape, only Scotch tape. So I try it. No such luck. Not a good seal.

Okay... I pull out the old laptop and check the power cord. Not the same. Okay. I start up the old laptop. I figure I can email my WIP to myself and work on the old lappy. While it's booting up, my gaze fell on the clear fingernail polish sitting on my night stand. Hmmmm.....

So the new lappy is charging with a jury rigged patch on the cord. The old lappy is charging in case the new one stops. And I'm going to run my backup on the new lappy just in case fingernail polish isn't compatible with electrical cords.This is a true *headdesk* moment.

If I don't make it back online tomorrow, Merry Christmas to all! I hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday!

Hugs,
Shayla

With tomorrow comes Forever!

My latest book, Forever, releases tomorrow, December 17th, at Liquid Silver Books! This story continues the relationship of Cavan and Biton from Thirty Days.

Forever took long enough to write. I went through several false starts but it finally jelled and everything fell into place. The date is the anniversary of Thirty Days' release. I can't wait! I hope others are as excited to see the rest of the story.

Hugs!

Past Lies is done...

Well, I think it's finished. The NaNoWriMo novel, Past Lies, has been through two passes of edits plus a little tweaking in places and I think it's done. It's off to one of my crit partners anyway. I'll see if she thinks it's done.

My other crit partner is AWOL. She went home to the Mothership for regeneration. *cackle* Megan Kerans is a Disney World freak. The girl has to get her Mickey fix on a regular basis.

Next, I'm going to work on the blurb and the synopsis for Past Lies. I hope I can get it submitted to my Ellora's Cave editor by the end of the month.

Blogging at Silver Expressions December 5th!

Stop by tomorrow, December 5th, and check out the story behind the story Forever!

http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/blog/

Flash Fiction Sunday at Liquid Silver!

I'm posting flash fiction--100 word drabbles--at Liquid Silver's Sex Blog! Stop by and post your own flash or a comment for a chance to win an ebook download of any of my backlist!

http://liquidsilver books.com/ blog/

Hope to see you there!

Hugs,
Shayla

A Happy Thanksgiving Indeed!

I had wonderful food, the company of my siblings and their children and my mother. What more can I ask for this Thanksgiving? But there's more! I bought a new car last night, nothing special but it's bright and shiny and new. Could there be more? Yes, there is!

I popped over to Amazon as I do every few days, partially to check for reviews, partially to convince myself it's true! *cackle* Tonight, I find The Cost of Eternity is #17on the Erotica Bestseller list! Woo hoo! First time I've seen it on the first page!

Could there be more? Yes! The Cost of Eternity is #2 on the Erotica Gay bestseller list!

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was a happy as mine!

Hugs!
Shayla

Double Deutsch Releases Today!

Double Deutsch, book 6 in the Destination Pleasure series, is up at the
Wilder Rose section of the garden! http://thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php. This is my first published foray into straight sex! If you can call a menage straight sex!

Sensual Reads & REviews said "Double Deutsch is a sexy read from start to finish. Shayla Kersten does a wonderful job of setting the scene and putting the reader in the room with the action. Anyone who enjoys reading ménage trios is sure to love this book."

Double Deutsch

Blurb:

Needing a fresh start after her husband divorces her for a younger woman, advertising exec, Catherine Lakeland, takes a position in Germany. Curious about sex with a man other than her husband but wary of the complications of a relationship, Cat trades places with her new friend, a sex worker at a brothel, for one night of pleasure but double the fun.

Excerpt:

Catherine Lakeland stared at her reflection in the full-length mirror. The sheer red flowing robe didn't leave much to the imagination. Neither did the matching silk push-up bra or the tiny thong. "I can't do this."

"Yes, you can, Cat." Geli's amusement flowed with her musical German accent. Her sure hands stroked a hairbrush through Cat's long auburn hair.

"This isn't me." Cat shook her head at the two women in the mirror.

"It can be." Geli rested her chin on Cat's shoulder.

Their eyes met in the reflection. "Look at you. If I had your face and figure, I could make a fortune."

Cat tried to see herself without her natural humility. She did have nice hair. Long, thick, dark with hints of red, she'd always considered it her best feature. Her face was round with regular features, although her hazel eyes often garnered compliments. Her body, on the other hand, she couldn't get past the excess of curves around her stomach and hips. Her ex-husband made it perfectly clear she was overweight. Of course, the skinny bitch he'd left her for showed exactly what he thought of her body.

"I'm fat." Cat shook her head. "And too short."

"You are sexy with pleasing curves. Trust me-men will be flocking to your window tonight."

Her window. Geli's window in the Hamburg Laufhaus. What the hell was a nice American divorcee doing in a brothel in Germany?

"Just think of it as acting a role, my friend. One you've wanted to play for years." The mirror reflected Geli's Teutonic fair-haired blue-eyed good looks.

Cat snorted laughter. "I don't remember dreaming about being a sex worker."

"Ah, but you dreamed about a man other than your husband. Tonight, you will have one." Her smile widened to a grin. "Or more."

A shiver shook Cat's body. An ache started deep in her pussy. She missed sex. Her ex-husband had made her feel wonderful in bed. Unfortunately, outside the bedroom, he was a total shit.

After eight years of marriage to her high school sweetheart and only lover, she wanted to know sex with someone other than him. Except she wasn't ready for a relationship. The ink was barely dry on her divorce decree.

Geli gave her a quick hug then moved away. "Now, everything you need is here." She walked over to the nightstand next to the bed and opened a drawer. "Condoms, lube, toys..." Holding up a long, thick dildo, she wagged it at Cat. "All sterilized after each use." She dropped it back in the drawer but left the condoms and lube on the nightstand. "There are restraints in the bathroom closet if you are so inclined, or your customer is."

Shaking her head, Cat laughed. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach while tingles of a different nature swept through her body. "I think not."

"Then I'll leave you to get on with it. Have fun." With a wave of her hand and a grin, Geli left the tiny room.

Turning in a circle, Cat surveyed her surroundings. The wide bed was the centerpiece of the room. Covered by a black satin comforter, Cat tried to imagine herself splayed out, legs open, a strange man between her thighs. Her pussy walls clenched, and warm cream dampened her panties.

The only other furniture was the infamous nightstand, complete with supplies. Two pale wood doors led from the room, one to the hallway and one to the bathroom. Paintings of flowers graced two walls, one a vase of wildflowers and one of roses. Nothing about the room indicated its true
purpose, sex for sale.

This was Geli's "office." Her strange friendship with the German sex worker was little more than a month old. Cat moved to Germany after her divorce was final three months ago. The advertising company she worked for had a position open, and Cat needed a fresh start. A match made in heaven.

At lunch one day in a crowded restaurant, Geli had asked to share her table. They struck up a conversation and now, Cat was in Geli's room at a brothel about to sell herself for the experience of being with a man other than her ex-husband.

She could hear voices through the open window. All she had to do was draw back the curtains and her adventure would begin.

"I can do this. I want to do this." From the first time Geli talked about her work, Cat had been fascinated. Fantasies of strange men plowing her aching center with long hard cocks filled her dreams, no strings, no risk of emotional ties. Her constant stream of questions ended with Geli issuing a challenge.

Cat threw back her shoulders and took a deep breath. "I will do this."

Great New Cover!

Check out my latest cover from April Martinez at Liquid Silver Books! She's an awesome cover artist! FOREVER, the sequel to THIRTY DAYS, will be released December 17th.



Blurb:

In Biton Savakis’ opinion, following the advice of Cavan’s therapist isn’t working. Refraining from dominant play with an abused submissive trying to heal is one thing. Biton is willing to forgo that part of his life. However, not talking to Cavan about making their arrangement permanent doesn’t make sense.

Three months after his new master promises him forever, Cavan is afraid it won’t happen. Although the thirty day contract is long over, Biton hasn’t offered a new one. Nightmares about testifying against his former master doesn’t make life easier.

Just as Cavan begins to understand what he means to Biton, Cavan’s past reaches out to steal his happiness and maybe his life.

Hidden Force is out today!

My fourth Ellora's Cave book releases today! Woo hoo! What a great way to celebrate a Friday!

HIDDEN FORCE By Shayla Kersten

Available at Ellora's Cave on November 16th!

Blurb:

Cold-blooded murder and hot-blooded passion…

Memphis homicide detective Tony Costa’s life is twisted with both. A killer is stalking prey in the bitter winter nights leaving a trail of victims with hauntingly familiar features. The blond-haired, blue-eyed young men resemble the vice cop whose bed he secretly shares. Afraid of revealing his secret to the world, he may be too late to tell the one person who matters.

Luke Nilsson wants more than a friend with benefits. Out about his sexuality since high school, Luke doesn’t like hiding his relationship with Tony, but he’s not willing to end it. Asked to work with Tony on a series of murders, things heat up and not always in a good way. When an old lover resurfaces during the investigation, Luke makes a decision that may be his last.

Sexual Content: Rated E-rotic

Genre : Gay / Contemporary Book

Length: Novella

Excerpt:

The young man groaned as his brutalized flesh hit the icy pavement. His mind cried out for help but his raw throat wouldn’t let sound form.

Screeching tires and the smell of burning rubber haunted his senses. His swollen eyes couldn't open enough to see the fleeing car.

Relief spread through him for a brief moment. His tormentor was gone. But relief passed into despair. Alone, naked against the freezing concrete, his pain faded into the long shadows of the night.

* * * * *

Memphis homicide detective Tony Costa stood in the chill early morning air. His breath hung over the dead, naked form of a young blond man. Vacant blue eyes accused and challenged him.

“Tony!” Jeff Payton’s voice cut through the murmur of the crowd gathering at the end of the alley.

Tony turned and watched as his partner ducked under the yellow tape across the narrow entrance. The tall black man strode down the middle of the alley with the crime scene team following in his wake.

“Another one.” Tony turned back to the pale, still form. The cloudy January morning sky filtered a dull gray light that matched his mood. A light flurry of snow swirled around the young man’s body adding insult to injury.

Jeff’s footsteps stopped next to him.

“Just like the last two.” The last two similar deaths left an ache in Tony’s stomach he couldn’t shake.

One of the crime scene investigators motioned Jeff and Tony out of the way.

The snap and whirl of the camera startled Tony out of his reverie. “We need to follow up at the Paradiso where the other two were seen.”

The gay bar where someone was picking up young blond men then killing them.

* * * * *

Ryan Nilsson flipped the water tap to off then yanked the shower curtain open. As he stepped out, steam swirled and curled around his dripping body. Using a corner of his towel, he wiped the fog from the mirror. The squeaking sound of the terrycloth on the wet glass nearly drowned the sound of his apartment door clicking shut.

He grabbed his robe from the hook. Wrapping the thick, warm cloth around his damp body, he eased the bathroom door open. His instincts warned him to be cautious but his mind reminded him that only one person had access to his apartment.

“Ryan,” Tony’s deep voice boomed down the hall.

“In the bathroom.” Ryan pushed the door shut before the cold draft entered his warm domain.
Urgent footsteps clattered down wooden floor of the hallway. With only the short warning click of the latch, the door pushed in.

“Wha—” Ryan didn’t have time to finish his words before Tony’s hard body knocked him against the wall. The door slammed shut. Rough lips covered his. Shaking fingers tore at the belt of his robe then pulled away the warm material.

Tony’s long coat carried the chill of the early Memphis morning. Scratchy wool pressed against his skin. Cold hands slid up Ryan’s back and pulled him into a tight embrace.

Desperate need in Tony’s eyes kept Ryan from pushing him away or asking any questions.
The thrill of Tony’s rough desire sent heat scorching through him. His cock responded with record speed. An ache of longing clutched at his throat as his balls tightened in surprised anticipation.

Although they’d been lovers for over a year, Tony rarely instigated sex. And those few times his courage had come from several bottles of beer. In what Ryan thought was denial over his attraction to a man Tony just let things happen. But right now…

A calloused hand slid around his waist then down his stomach. Fingers combed through his damp pubic hair then clutched his cock. Lips kissed a moist line down his jaw to the curve where his neck met his shoulder.

A shudder of excitement raced through Ryan. His hands slid around Tony’s neck and held him tight. His lover’s clean, cold scent added to the rush of pleasure.

“Want you…”

Ryan almost missed the words whispered against his skin. “You have me.” He kissed the side of Tony’s throat. “What are you going to do with me?”

I Hate Mondays!

First, Mondays in general are a pain in the posterior. Hauling myself out of bed at the butt crack of dawn, rushing to get out of the house, barely time for a cup of java after two days of leisurely rising, sipping coffee and enjoying the morning. So I'm a little prejudiced against Mondays to begin with.

Today was no different. I had a lousy day at work. The day seemed as if it would never end. Of course, with the change to daylight savings time, when I finally got out of there, it was nearly dark. So I'm driving home, on a 54 mile commute, and out of nowhere, yep, you guessed it, a deer rushed me from the passenger side. The animal looked like it was a giant as it hit my windshield. I managed to pull off the road, in the dark and call 911. A couple of men stopped and pulled the deer out of the road and checked to see if I was okay.

It took the state trooper about half an hour to get to the scene; another half hour to get the report done. I drove the last 30 miles home doing 50 mph because the windshield is in some serious kind of mess. The only apparent damage to the body of the car was a dent above the passenger side wheel well. Once home, I took a blanket and spread it over the windshield so my cats wouldn't end up cutting their paws--they like to get on the car. I tucked the blanket into the doors to keep it up there. When I opened the passenger side door, it rubbed against the front quarter panel. So evidently, there's more damage than I thought.

So tomorrow, I'm off to my insurance agent and I hope I have rental car on my policy.

I have to admit, I was expecting an accident. I've been driving over 100 miles a day to and from work for over 12 years. I figured the odds were stacking against me! At least, my car wasn't totaled, I wasn't hurt and the airbag didn't deploy. The airbag scares the crap out of me! LOL

Hot New Cover!

I received the cover for Hidden Force!

The ebook will be out on November 16th! Woo hoo!

Adventures in Critterland

Okay... Some of you may know that I'm a sucker for a stray. Do you think I'd deliberately go out and get three dogs and seven cats?

This morning, I stumbled into the kitchen to get coffee only to realize I hadn't set the pot up last night. (Whoever invented coffee pots with timers is a saint in my book.) The reason I didn't set up the coffee was simple. I was out of water. No, I didn't forget to pay my bill. I refuse to consume the tap water where I live. I prefer my water clear; not brown. I drink, cook and make coffee only with bottled water.

So anyway, the water was in the car. I'd forgotten to bring it in yesterday. It's dark out--5:30 AM--and my neighbors are not early risers. Instead of actually putting on something decent, I wander out to the car in my nightgown. Not that I wear sexy bedclothes but if I bend over in that particular gown, we'd have a full moon early!

As I'm getting water out of the car, I hear a weird sound coming from down the driveway. I see Tom Tom, my yellow cat, and he's either chewing something or he's injured his mouth. It's dark, remember? I snuck up on him, grabbed him and took him near the carport light. Since I didn't have my reading glasses on, I couldn't make out what was wrong! I wasn't taking him in the house and I definitely wasn't touching the bloody mass around his mouth without a napkin or paper towel.

I put him down and ran in the house. Mistake. You know the old saying, "fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me"? Tom Tom is a firm believer in it... He wasn't letting me near him.

So picture this, if you will... An overweight middle aged woman in flip flops and a too short night shirt running around in the pre-dawn darkness with a flashlight and a handful of napkins, yelling at a stubborn pain in the ass cat. After the chase led through the yard half a dozen times and around the car until I was dizzy, I went back in the house and got the big ammunition. That's right, ladies and gents, a can of cat food.

One pop of the top and the little shit in question bounded into the house, plopped the bloodied remains of what I can only assume was a mouse in the middle of the floor and pounced on the canned cat food.You see, Tom Tom is also known as Toothless Tom. It would have taken days for him to gnaw that mouse down to something he could swallow. The cat food is much easier to eat.

Now why I didn't think of that twenty minutes earlier... Well, I blame it on a lack of coffee.

Tonight, the coffee pot will be set up on the timer.

Time flies...

The days are getting away from me! Only a week left of October! I have no idea how that happened. Is it an age thing? Seems to me that the older I get, the faster the days pass me by. As if forty was some magical mark for time to speed up...

Or maybe I'm so busy I can't keep track of the time? That's probably more like it! *cackle*

I just finished helping the wonderful and talented Layla Chase facilitate a self-editing class so this week was covered up! I'd get home from the day job, barely manage to eat then jump on editing assignments. By the time I finished, it was bed time for me!

My doctor is trying out all kinds of new drugs on me. *cackle* That makes me sound like a guinea pig! I'm trying to quit smoking so he started me on Chantix. He also, for the sake of public safety, put me back on hormones. Can we say menopause is a bitch, boys and girls? The hormones kicked in to relieve the night sweats and hot flashes just about the time the Chantix threw in the nausea, sleeplessness and nightmares. Nightmares! Really bad ones. Blood, guts, gore, dying people--some close to me--waking up in the kind of terror that makes you cower under the covers afraid to even reach for the light!

So the Chantix went in the garbage after two weeks. Kept the hormones though. *hugs Premphase* Then Doc called and wanted to see me for a blood pressure check and to "talk" about my cholesterol. Never good when you are called in by the doctor like an unruly child to the principal!

When I went the first time, my blood pressure was a little high but my hip, which I have chronic trouble with, was hurting something fierce. Nurse said my BP was probably high because of the pain. Doc disagreed when I went back and the BP was still a little high. The cholesterol, on the other hand, was slightly...astronomical?

So now, I'm on Caduet--which covers cholesterol and BP--plus the hormones, plus Wellbutrin for the smoking issue, plus Naproxen for my joint pains. I guess I need to breakdown and get one of those pill boxes with the days of the week etched on the lids of each little compartment. My mother has one of those. So does my grandmother.

Hmmm... Maybe it is an age thing.

Long Time No Blog!

Long time no blog! Things have been hectic with the day job as well as the writing. Lots of good things with the writing!

First, the sequel to Thirty Days, Forever, sold to Liquid Silver and is in editing. My wonderful editor on Thirty Days will be working her magic on this novella as well. We’re shooting for a December release date. Sentimental date because it’s the anniversary of the release of my first published work--Thirty Days.

I have two novellas to finish before the end of October. For those of you who read The Rememdiu, I’m working on a short novella recounting the story of Serena and Zaki. I’ll briefly revisit Roger and his team as well as Lorcan and Kevin.

The other novella is for Ellora’s Cave’s Older Woman/Younger Man series. It’ll be my second strictly m/f story. Hopefully, EC will like the story! The first was for Kensington Aphrodisia’s Damned, Dangerous & Delicious anthology but I still don’t have a release date for it.

November is going to be an interesting month. I’m doing NaNo again! National Novel Writing Month starts November 1st. I haven’t decided what I want to write yet. I’ll be brainstorming in October.

I also have two releases in November! Hidden Force, a m/m novella at Ellora’s Cave comes out the 16th. Then on the 21st, Double Deutsch, a short story with The Wild Rose Press, releases. Double Deutsch is a slight departure for me. It is a ménage story but there’s no male/male contact.

Amazon.com restocked my print book, The Cost of Eternity, as of Thursday! Woo hoo! It’s been flirting with the Erotica bestseller list since then. It reached #76 yesterday but it also made the Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost bestseller list, topping out at #87.

Eye Candy Contest Winner!

The Eye Candy contest winner is Mindy! Please email me at shaylakersten @ yahoo.com (no spaces) with your choice of one of my ebook downloads!

Thanks to everyone who commented!

Hugs,
Shayla

Eye Candy!

A little eye candy for Ellora's Cave chat traffic...

Silver Expressions Blog, Friday, September 28th!

I'll be blogging at the Silver Expressions blog tomorrow! I'll be talking about my new sale to Liquid Silver. Yes, a new sale! Woo hoo!

Stop by and comment at Silver Expressions for a chance to win an ebook download!

Hugs,
Shayla

A Squealing Snoopy Dancin' Kind of Day!

Woo hoo! The Cost of Eternity made it #70 on Amazon.com's bestseller Erotica list! And then promptly ran out of stock! *headdesk*

It would have been interesting to see if it would have gone higher. Just last week I posted here that Amazon had finally gotten stock and now it's gone! Thank you to everyone who made it happen!

Hugs, hugs and more hugs!

Shayla

Now that's just cool...

I have Google alerts set up on my name and the titles of my books. Mainly, I'm looking for reviews and comments about the book. Today, I get an alert for Amazon.com...in the UK! LOL The Cost of Eternity actually available in England! Check it out here. Barnes & Noble finally got straightened out. Now The Cost of Eternity is showing up on their website as well as Amazon.com in the US.

I know it's never going to hit a best seller list, I mean it's a gay erotic romance. Not going to make the NY Times list any time soon! But seeing it available to buy in more than one country is a thrill I wasn't expecting!

Flash Fiction Sunday at Silver Expressions Blog!

Stop by Liquid Silver's Silver Expression Blog and join me for Flash Fiction Sunday! Posting 100 word drabbles of whatever comes to mind, you never know who will show up or what they'll write!

So clicky the linky and join the fun on Sunday! http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/blog/

Also on Sunday, I'll be popping in along with some of your favorite manlove authors at Love Romances Cafe Yahoo group. Join the fun for lots of hot excerpts at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoveRomancesCafe.Busy day! Come and play!

Chat at Literary Nymphs today!

Manlove authors are chatting at Literary Nymphs today! Lots of excerpts, games and prizes, all day! Check out the great poster made up for today! Join us at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LiteraryNymphsChat!

New Reviews for Gaps In Your Soul!

I'm a little behind on posting new reviews! Check out all the great ones for Gaps In Your Soul! And visit my website for more at www.shaylakersten.com!

Ecataromance
Rating: 5 Stars
Sensuality Rating: Sizzling
Reviewer: Heather M Nestorick

Excerpt of Review: Gaps In Your Soul by Shayla Kersten is marvelous! Miss Kersten has taken issues we face today and crafted a wonderful love story out of it. I fell in love with Jared and Dalton and could feel their emotions as they struggled with everything they were feeling. Gaps In You Soul is a page turner that ended to quickly!!!


Two Lips Reviews
Rating: 5 Kisses
Heat Level: 1 Pepper
Reviewer: Kerin

Excerpt of Review: I simply need to say, rush immediately and get your copy of Gaps In Your Soul. Why? It’s amazing. Dalton’s sexual aggression is hot, sexy and exactly what Jared needs to break free of his inhibitions. Jared is a good man, strong and caring yet scared of his feelings. Their connection is deep, sweet and completely heart melting. The love scenes are some of the hottest and emotion-charged ones that I’ve ever read. Shayla Kersten has penned a poignant and absolutely fantastic story that you’ll regret if you miss.


RRTErotic
Rating: La Petite Mort!
Heat Level: E-rotic
Reviewer: Kate Garrabrant

Excerpt of Review: GAPS IN YOUR SOUL is a top notch read. Jared suffers horribly from the Iraq war and the constant mental and physical pain. Dalton’s crush for Jared has become all consuming and when these two finally give in to their emotions, it is very sensual and touching. Shayla Kersten has written and incredible story about forgiveness and present day issues that were handled in such a way that would bring a tear to anyone’s eye. The romance between Jared and Dalton is just plain beautiful to read. Kudos to Ms. Kersten for her imagination and inventive storytelling.


Joyfully Reviewed
Reviewer: Sabella

Excerpt of Review: Gaps in Your Soul is an awesome book about missed opportunities and finding the courage to reach out for what you want. Jared and Dalton are both very wonderful men, especially when they are acting like idiots and you want to smack them for it. Watching Jared find the courage to admit to others his love for Dalton is both heart-wrenching and exhilarating. I cheered for Jared and Dalton from the very beginning of the book and when they finally come together the explosion will singe you. Gaps in Your Soul will grip you in ways that make you live the emotional journey along with Jared and Dalton. Read Gaps in Your Soul when you are looking for a little bit of angst and passion along with love between two hot men; you won’t be disappointed!

Long Time, No Update!

Wow! I haven't updated my blog in ages! Been really busy. Finished the sequel to Thirty Days and submitted it! Finally off my desk...for now. I hope Liquid Silver likes the story. It was harder to write than I thought it would be.

I've been working on synopses for book three and four in The Cost of Eternity world. Started writing book three last night. I also sketched out another contemporary gay romance plus a fourth one for the Older Woman/Younger Man series for Ellora's Cave. My calendar is full!

I've also been musing over a mainstream series (contemporary, mystery, suspense). I've worked out most of the characters but haven't settled on a story line. Since this idea is more of a mystery/suspense than a romance, I'll probably use a different pen name. Haven't decided on what yet! Most people who read Shayla Kersten are looking for hot sex (most of it gay) and a romance. Don't need to confuse readers by publishing something totally different under the same name!

I aim to have the story for the first book in the series lined out by November and use National Novel Writing Month to get the first one started.Am I a little bit crazy? Okay, I'm a lot crazy! But I love to write. I just don't have enough time in the day to satisfy all the voices!

Tomorrow, I'll be playing at Ellora's Cave's reader loop with Delilah Devlin and Myla Jackson. Stop by and read some hot excerpts, play a few games and maybe win some prizes! You can join the insanity at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ellorascavechat. Hope to see you there!

Hugs,
Shayla

What a weekend!

I pulled a writing marathon this weekend. Saturday, with a lot of help from my friends, I clocked a word count of 8052 words. Today, another 2955. And I finished the sequel to Thirty Days. The story is called Forever. I hope Liquid Silver buys it cause it's been hell writing it! I actually started in January, got sidetracked on other projects and put it away. Went back to it in April, got sidetracked again, and put it away. Since the first of August, when I picked it up again, I've done nearly 22k words.

Now I just need to write the synopsis and blurb and do one more editing pass through it. Tomorrow. It can wait until tomorrow.

Hugs!
Shayla

Where's August going?

What do you mean it's August 9th? Where has this month gone? Of course, I shouldn't complain. The faster we get August over with the better! Here in Arkansas, we've had a mild summer up until now. Temperatures in June and July never topped the hundred degree mark. Unusual for this part of the country. Most of August so far has been 100F plus and the morning weather report just showed a seven day forcast with nothing but 100 to 102. Throw in the humidity and the weather feels like it's 5-10 degrees hotter.

But since I'm not an outdoor kind of girl, I hide in my air conditioned house and write through the hot months! And write I have been! I finished a three chapter proposal for Tor on the first. Two other authors and I are submitting a series proposal for three books in the same universe. As soon as they finish their chapters, we'll ship it off then we get to sit back and wait.

Once I had the Tor chapters out of the way, I started back on the sequel to Thirty Days, tentatively titled Forever. In April, I'd written about a chapter but had to put it aside for another story. I decided to change the focus of the plot so I edited accordingly. I finished the changes by last weekend then started writing fast and furious. Since Saturday, I've added another 10k words, or about three chapters. I'm up to 13.5k and I'm targeting the length at 25-30k. Since the weekend is going to be another scorcher, I hope to add another 7-8k. I want this one finished by the 19th.

After that, well, Ellora's Cave has a new themed series with stories about older women and younger men. The voices are screaming for me to work on an idea I have for that! But I have to finish Forever first! Yes, that would mean a m/f story.

Well, I need to get moving. The dratted day job is expecting me to show up!

Hugs,
Shayla

New sale to Ellora's Cave -- Hidden Force

Contracts are signed and edits are done! I sold a new m/m contemporary novella to Ellora's Cave! All I'm waiting on is the release date! Here's the blurb:

Hidden Force

Cold-blooded murder and hot-blooded passion...

Memphis homicide detective Tony Costa's life is twisted with both. A killer is stalking prey in the bitter winter nights leaving a trail of victims with hauntingly familiar features. The blond haired blue eyed young men resemble the vice cop whose bed he secretly shares. Afraid of revealing his secret to the world, he may be too late to tell the one person that matters.

Luke Nilsson wants more than a friend with benefits. Out about his sexuality since high school, Luke doesn’t like hiding his relationship with Tony but he’s not willing to end it. Asked to work with Tony on a series of murders, things heat up, and not always in a good way. When an old lover resurfaces during the investigation, Luke makes a decision that may be his last.

Mission Almost Accomplished!

I was on a mission this weekend. I started work on a proposal last week. Tweaked the synopsis on Thursday and Friday nights. Started writing Saturday morning. With a little help from my friends in the way of timed writing, I wrote almost 8000 words this weekend! Two complete chapters and about 2/3 of chapter three. I only need three chapters for the proposal.

I'm bleary eyed and exhausted this morning but I'm almost done with the writing. I plan to finish tonight. This will leave me the rest of the week to edit and tweak.

Of course, I didn't get much else done...things like housework, laundry, yardwork... Oh, well, I'll squeeze those in this week.

Now, I'm off to get ready for the dratted day job.

Hugs to all,
Shayla

Huge sigh of relief...

Well, I finished another project. A short story for Harlequin Brief. I emailed it tonight so now I get to wait. Probably a long time. The editor I spoke to at RWA National said they were backed up before the conference. I can only imagine how bad the queue is now! But it's off my computer and I can get back to my TOR proposal. Which is due the 5th of August. *headdesk* Why do I do these things to myself?

Back to the grindstone!
Hugs, Shayla

CONTEST: A chance to win a print copy of The Cost of Eternity!

Shayla's Eternity Contest!

In celebration of the release of The Rememdiu, I'm giving away a signed print copy of the story that started it all, The Cost of Eternity!

Go to my website at www.shaylakersten.com/shaylaevents.htm and answer the questions to enter. The winner will be picked at random at 10PM July 31st!

The Rememdiu
By Shayla Kersten
Available July 27th at Ellora's Cave!
http://www.ellorascave.com/

Blurb:

Roger Malloy has devoted his life to the Secret Service until one assignment gone wrong destroys his career. Little does he know how the chain of events started by his contact with Lorcan MacKenna would end. Now on the wildest ride of his life, Roger finds himself drawn to a strange trio of people claiming to be immortal vampire hunters.

Adria has spent the last four hundred years looking for the Rememdiu, the one person capable of destroying the night demons, only to find a very uncooperative Roger Malloy. Although she knows he has the genetic makeup to be the Cure to the scourge of vampires, convincing him is harder than she expected. Her two men are more than willing to help her persuade him in any way necessary. Unknown to her is Roger’s true nature and the real meaning of the Cure.

Romance Writers of America Conference!

Even almost a week later, I’m still worn out from all the activities but I wouldn’t have missed it. I was able to spend time with my friends, Delilah Devlin, Myla Jackson, Layla Chase, Eve Savage and Megan Kerans. Delilah, Myla, Layla and I shared a room. Completely by accident, Eve and Megan ended up in the adjoining room next door. We had a big slumber party! No pranks ensued although there was talk of painting Delilah’s face with all kinds of makeup when she fell asleep early on Saturday but unfortunately, she’s a light sleeper.

Wednesday was very interesting. One of Delilah’s publisher, Avon Red, had contacted her regarding a television interview with a local reporter. Wednesday morning our whole group accompanied her to a local coffee shop where we watched Mike Castellucci of WFAA-TV work his magic. To see the final result, check out the video at this link. (http://www.wfaa.com/video/index.html?nvid=158607) If you check the background, you’ll see part of Delilah’s Posse in the background.

My first print title, The Cost of Eternity, was released in time for the National Literacy book signing. Wednesday night was amazing. Over 450 authors autographing books for charity! The event raised over $56,000. The authors are seated alphabetically so my friend and critique partner, Megan Kerans, was right next to me. On the other side of her would have been Sherrilyn Kenyon except she was signing as Kinley MacGregor so she was in the “m” section. We had fun directing traffic for her! She was all dressed up in a long gown and a hat with a huge black swan on it. She was gorgeous!

When confused looking people wandered up, we would ask them, “Are you looking for Sherrilyn?” Imagine my surprise when one woman said “No, I’m looking for you!” I squealed like a silly schoolgirl! LOL I sold a total of seven books, which is excellent for a new author in a venue with so many famous names. I also met my LJ and Gateworld friend, Sela, who I’ve known online for over three years but never seen in person. She went to dinner with us after the signing and we had a blast.

I met several editors and one agent I’m interested in submitting work. I met tons of authors I know from online but haven’t had the chance to meet. My roomies and I got in some excellent brainstorming so I have a few new projects to work on now.

On the Monday before I left for Dallas, I recieved word from my Ellora's Cave editor. Hidden Force, a new m/m contemporary romance, was accepted! Woo hoo! Another sale! That's four books with Ellora's Cave now.

While I was at National, I recieved the cover to my Wild Rose Press short story, Double Deutsch! Quite yummy! Although there are two men in this one, they don't play with each other! *cackle* I know, people are in shock. Me writing somethine without male/male sex! But it's true! It is, however, a menage a trois... *arches eyebrows* Here's the cover. It's part of the Destination Pleasure series. The series lauched in June with Desiree Holt's Made in Mexico. The second one is by Eve Savage, Wicked in Wales, and was released this week. There will be a new story each third Thursday of the month for at least nine months. I think there were nine original stories. They may add more later. Double Deutsch comes out November 21st.

So all in all, it was a wonderful week. I'm still recovering but I have to get my posterior moving and out of the house. Diamond State Romance Authors meets today. As President, it's best I show up. LOL Especially when we've scheduled our "National roundup" to go over the conference!

Later all! Have a wonderful weekend!
Shayla

Cover for The Rememdiu!

Check out the gorgeous cover for my July 27th release, The Rememdiu! This book is the sequel to The Cost of Eternity!

Blurb:

Roger Malloy devoted his life to the Secret Service until one assignment gone wrong destroyed his career. Little did he know how the chain of events started by his contact with Lorcan MacKenna would end. Now on the wildest ride of his life, Roger finds himself drawn to a strange trio of people claiming to be immortal vampire hunters.

Adria spent the last four hundred years looking for the Rememdiu, the one person capable of destroying the night demons, only to find a very uncooperative Roger Malloy. Although she knows he has the genetic makeup to be the cure to the scourge of vampires, convincing him is harder than she expected. Her men are more than willing to help her persuade him in any way necessary. Unknown to her is Roger’s true nature and the real meaning of the cure.

Blogging at Liquid Silver's Silver Expression Blog!

Stop by Liquid Silver's blog on Friday, July 20th, and tell me something fun you've done this summer! Or something not so fun! Leave a comment for a chance to win a download of any of my available books!

http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/blog/

Hope to see you there!
Hugs,
Shayla

Too busy!

*takes deep breath* I've been running non-stop for the last month. Sometimes it feels like I don't have time to breathe. I finished a couple of projects--another EC novella and a proposal with three chapters for Kensinton Aphrodisia. Managed to start, and almost finish, a short story targeted at Harlequin Spice. I need another couple thousand words and I'm finished with it.

The day job has been hectic. Everything is in flux there. All kinds of changes coming and I'm in the middle because of systems changes. Plus, because I'm on vacation starting Tuesday, we had to close the books in record time.

Vacation! Woo hoo! Going to Dallas for the Romance Writers of America national conference. I'll get to see my Kensinton editor, the one I sent the proposal to. I'll be asking about it for sure! LOL I have a luncheon with Ellora's Cave authors and editors on Wednesday at noon, a cocktail party for Kensington authors and editors on Friday night, and the highlight of the conference for me, is the book signing on Wednesday night where I get to sign copies of my book, The Cost of Eternity. That is, if anyone wants to buy it! *cackle*

I've got tons of stuff to do today to finish getting ready, not the least of which is cleaning my house! I've been so busy, housework has been cursory at best. Momma will be coming over to check on my critters so I need to at least make the house presentable! As well as the yard! And I need to go get my haircut and pick up a few things for the trip. So what am I doing? Updating my blogs and groups plus playing Flash Fiction Sunday on Liquid Silver's blog!

Okay, I need to hit the shower and head out for the haircut and quick shopping!I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday!

Hugs,
Shayla

4th of July Manlove Chat!

Join us on July 4 ( you know you want to!! ) for a ManLove "Day at the Beach". We've set this up to be very informal - the following authors will be dropping in throughout the day , chatting and posting HOT, HOT excerpts: Michael Barnette, Sharon Bidwell, James Buchanan, Anne Cain, Matthew Haldeman-Time, Jules Jones, Shayla Kersten, Rowan McBride, Jet Mykles, Barbara Sheridan and Stephanie Vaughan.

When? July 4, 2007 starting @ 10:00 Eastern

Where? http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LiteraryNymphsChat/

Why? Cuz it's gonna be hotter than a firecracker! *groan*

A wonderful review for Gaps In Your Soul!

Just Erotic Romance Reviews
Rating: 5 Stars
Heat Level: S
Reviewer: Aggie Tsirikas

Excerpt of Review:

Gaps in Your Soul is part of Ellora's Cave Naughty Nuptials series. This is a very well written story about the love that's endured between Jared and Dalton for ten years from their one night together, despite an earlier misunderstanding. Dalton and Jared clearly show they need each other, and Ms. Kersten does a wonderful job in taking the reader on their emotional journey in this short story. I was surprised to see Dalton being the more aggressive of the two as Jared had been in a leadership role in the Army. This only brought out the men's personalities and highlighted what wonderful and well crafted characters they are, people with an interesting story to tell. The sex between them was sizzling, sensual and at times sensitive to their needs and their burgeoning relationship. It was also hot and emotional, and the aggressiveness in Dalton is very much a turn on. Some heartfelt emotion may wring a few tears from some readers, but I felt this story definitely showed the emotional ties between these two men and made reading their story all that more enjoyable. Gaps in Your Soul was a truly wonderful story that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to readers.

This review is archived on the JERR Yahoo Group Newsletter #103.

Chat - July 1st!

Chat - July 1st!

Join me at Beth Kery and Lacey Savage's Double Exposure Yahoo Group!

Sunday, July 1st - 10am to 3pm US CDT

For Naughty Nuptial Day!

These two hot authors plan sexy excerpts, guest authors, contests and giveaways!

Join their group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DoubleExposure/

The Cost of Eternity is now available in print!

I received notice that The Cost of Eternity is now available in print at the Ellora's Cave's Online Ebay Store! Doin' a little Snoopy dance here! It should be available at Amazon.com in a couple of weeks!

I'll be signing copies of the book in Dallas at the Hyatt Regency on July 11th. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by and buy a book for Literacy!

Done! Woo hoo!

I finished the Ellora's Cave novella last night! I've been working on it off and on for months. I kept getting distracted by other projects. I'll do a final read through tonight. I sent it to my two crit partners last night. One has already finished reading it! I might tweak the ending a little bit. But I should get it to my editor Tuesday or Wednesday! Then I start on the Tor proposal! Thank goodness! This story has been driving me nuts but I had to finish the other stuff first!Now I have to get ready for work.

I didn't sleep well last night so it's going to be a long day. Either adrenlaline from finishing the story or too much coffee too late! Don't know which!

Hugs, Shayla

One down, more to go...

Well, the Kensington proposal I've been working on for the last month is in the mail! I mailed it with the usual sick feeling in my stomach. Every time I send off a proposal or a manuscript, I get almost physically ill! There's a similar feeling when I have a book release. Nervous tension, I guess. But it's done.

This morning, I'm supposed to be working on a new story for Ellora's Cave. It's almost finished. Maybe another 3000 words. Except instead, I'm surfing the web and watching DVD's of Queer As Folk Season 1. Bad Shayla! I need more coffee. I need it done this weekend so I can start on the Tor proposal.

RWA National Conference is in two weeks! I can't wait. I'll get to see my wonderful writer friends and I'll have my first book signing at the "Readers for Life" Literacy event! July 11th, Dallas Hyatt Regency, 5:30 - 7:30! If you're near there, come visit! I got an email from Ellora's Cave Thursday notifying me that The Cost of Eternity was in the warehouse! It'll be on the Ellora's Cave online bookstore and at Amazon.com in a couple of weeks! I ordered my author copies yesterday. I can't wait to hold a copy of my book in my hands.

It's Flash Fiction Sunday at LSB's SEx Blog!

Come over to LSB's Silver Expressions Blog and check out the Queen of Craziness, Lila Dubois! She's created a very interesting challenge, The Stripper Name Flash Fiction. Leave it to Lila! *cackle*

The Naughty Bits Reviewed Thirty Days!

Another fantastic review for Thirty Days! Teddy Pig at The Naughty Bits gave it a Grade A!

He wrote: "WOW! I am impressed you took this story on and kept such a tight focus in making it all understandable when I would have run far and fast in the exact opposite direction without a single clue of how to sell this particular brand of hurt and comfort in a BDSM context. This is the kind of stuff that could so easily get someone (like me) into trouble for making the slightest brain dead plot decision but you pulled it off very very well. You had my undivided attention from the first sentence while I watched you walk this tight rope and you never once lost my interest.

Grade A and I will keep watching for more genius from you."

Check out his entire review at The Naughty Bits. And read all my reviews on my website!

My first review for Gaps In Your Soul!

From the lovely Elisa Rolle from Isn't It Romantic!

She wrote: Jared is an army officer at home to recover from a serious injury he got in Afghanistan. He is asked to be the groomsman of an old childhood friend, Steve. And the past relive, cause Steve's brother, Dalton, was a one night stand lover not at all forgotten. And Dalton was his only man lover. Now Jared wants to better understand his feelings for Dalton.

Dalton is waiting for Jared. After ten years he has not forgotten his crush on him. He has not forgiven that Jared has walked away without a word after their night of love. He wants revenge. He wants to bed Jared and then, this time, be him who walks away. But Jared is a tormented soul. War and regrets are left him empty. He admits to love Dalton, but he can't admit in front of his family and his friend that he is gay. His life and his work will be destroy.

Fear, hope, love all mixed up in a brief romance that will leave you asking for more. Shayla Kersten has managed to concentrare in few words a whirlwind of emotions. Till now the better romance in the Naughty Nuptials series I have read.

Thank you, Elisa, for the wonderful review!

Gaps In Your Soul Release Day!

My Ellora's Cave Naughty Nuptial Quickie, Gaps In Your Soul, releases today! Woo hoo! The release day babes, as Ashlyn Chase has dubbed us, are chatting on the Ellora's Cave chat loop this afternoon (12-5 EDT). Join us for prizes and sexy excerpts! I'll be giving away a copy of The Cost of Eternity!

Join the loop at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ellorascavechat!

Shayla, doin' the Snoopy dance!

Have a chance at winning one copy of

the 'infamous RT/HYATT banned in Houston Poster'!

manloveromance

anniversary bash

Join the ManLoveRomance group and celebrate their 1st anniversary!

Rhianne Aile
Kayelle Allen
Laura Baumbach
Sarah Black
Ally Blue
James Buchanan
Vincent Diamond
Erastes
Kiernan Kelly
Shayla Kersten
Lyndi Lamont
J.L. Langley
Jay Lygon
Carol Lynne
William Maltese
Jet Mykles
Luisa Prieto
Lee Rowan
Kira Stone
Claire Thompson
D.L. Warner
Barbara Sheridan & Anne Cain
...and more??

Tons of Excerpts, Chatting and maybe a few Prizes!!
Wednesday, June 13

1 PM ~ 10 PM EDT

@ ; Joyfully Reviewed's Yahoo! Group

http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/Chatting_ with_Joyfully_ Reviewed

Busy Week Ahead!

I finished the chapters for the Kensington proposal. I'm going to see my friends, Delilah Devlin and Myla Jackson, on Thursday night. They're going to help me put together the final proposal! Woo hoo!

I'm working on a new m/m mystery novella for Ellora's Cave right now. It's about 2/3 done so I'm giving it the weekend. If I can finish it by tomorrow night, I'll send it to my editor. If not, it goes back in the box until I finish the Tor proposal.

Tomorrow, June 10th, I'm hosting Liquid Silver's SEx Blog for the first Flash Fiction Sunday. Stop by and post your own 100 story about a kiss! My post will go up at 5AM. Come check it out!

I'll also be part of a tons of authors from ManloveRomance hosting a chat party at Joyfully Reviewed's chat loop on Wednesday, June 13th. You can join that loop at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chatting_with_Joyfully_Reviewed. Loads of excerpts and prizes!

My new Ellora's Cave Quickie comes out next Friday, June 15th! Woo hoo! I'm one of three authors playing list mom (moderator) on the Ellora's Cave Chat loop Friday afternoon. If you want to stop by, read some sexy excerpts, chat and maybe win prizes, you can join the loop at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ellorascavechat.

Busy, busy week!

Hugs to all,
Shayla

Progress!

Last night, I passed 8500 words on the Kensington proposal. Another 1000 words and I'll be done with the draft. Hopefully, that will be tonight. Tomorrow, I do self edit, shorten the synopsis, write a blurb and come up with a better title than "Out of Body". Then I go on to finish a novella for EC, then I start the Tor proposal. *headdesk* But at least it's progress!

Hugs,
Shayla

Flash Fiction Sunday, June 10th!

Starting June 10th, the SEx Blog is hosting Flash Fiction Sundays!

What is Flash Fiction, you ask? Well, I'll tell you as long as you don't make me say "Flash Fiction" three times in a row. The rules are simple. You write a story of 100 words! Some purists think the story has to be exactly 100 words, no more, no less. But trust me, I'm not going to count them! LOL

As the first author to host FFS, I'm issuing a challenge to all writers and readers to post their own flash fiction!

The challenge for Flash Fiction Sunday, June 10th!

A first kiss! Can be sweet, sexy, passionate, or even chaste! Can be a true story, fiction, or something that makes us wonder how naughty you've been! You have one week to think about it and get it written! Then join me for a Sunday of short, short story kisses!

Bad Blogger!

It seems I'm not getting notified when someone posts comments on my blog! Not nice of Blogger! If I didn't comment to something you posted, it's because I didn't know it was there!

I'll try to figure out what's up with that and, in the meantime, I'll keep an eye on ye ole blog!

Hugs,
Shayla

It's June? When did that happen?

Okay, May just went by in a zap! I can't believe it's June 1st! And the San Antonio Romance Author's Book In A Week group has decided to extended the normal challenge to a Book In A Month! Unlike the infamous NaNoWriMo in November, we don't have to do 50k words of one manuscript. A lot of us have novellas or sample chapters or just need a kick in the posterior to finish something. Me? I have several projects I plan to work on.

Jun 1 - 7: Finish the sample chapters for my Kensington single title proposal. Sorry slash fans, it's a het story! LOL (9k)
Jun 8 -14: Finish the Ellora's Cave story I started on ages ago but can't seem to find time to finish. (9-10k)
Jun 15-30: Work on the sequel to Thirty Days or the proposal for Tor or the LSB antho. The last two are with Kayelle Allen and Sienna Black.

I have an online meeting tomorrow with Kayelle and Sienna to talk about our series and antho.

Oh, and the Wild Rose Press story, Double Deutsch, will be released as a short story by itself on November 21st! I'm waiting on the cover but I have no fear on that front. The Wild Rose Press has some awesome artists!

So with all that stuff planned for June, I'm sure this month will fly by as well!

Hugs to all,
Shayla

The Romance Studio Reviewed Thirty Days!

Another great review for Thirty Days! Julia at The Romance Studio gave it 4.5 Hearts!

She wrote: "I thought this was a wonderful story that really made me think about what a relationship was between submissives and dominants. Cavan was so desperately and systematically abused with his previous master that it was sometimes hard to read. Through all that, the author was able to convey the feelings that Biton had for him even though Biton was also a dominant, and how much he cared about what happened to Cavan. I thought that the struggle that Biton had controlling his needs and giving Cavan as much space as he could was touching. I liked how the author showed that Cavan was so abused, he didn’t understand what his master was doing, and it caused some problems. This is a touching story that isn’t for the faint at heart because of some of the material it covers and the BDSM involved."

Check out her entire review at The Romance Studio! And read all the reviews on my website!

TGIF! And a three day weekend!

I have been going non-stop for the past month. This weekend, my only obligation is lunch at Momma's tomorrow with the siblings and nieces. After that, Sunday and Monday are mine! All mine!! *evil cackle* Hopefully, we'll get out of work early today. Unless we're under deadline for something, the boss lady is usually amenable to an early exit on the day before a holiday.

I plan to use this weekend to get some serious writing and resting done!

Now I need to get my face out of my coffee cup and get moving. I'm already running late... Just couldn't face the world without sufficient coffee intake.

Hugs!
Shayla

Tired but Dancin'!

I went to the San Antonio Romance Authors conference over the weekend. I got to talk to my Kensington editor about a new story idea. I planned to propose it as a novella but my friends, Delilah Devlin and Kimberly Kaye Terry, both said it sounded like single title material. And my editor agreed! She likes the premise and wants to see a proposal! Woo hoo!

So I'm going into deep dark lurk while I knock out a synopsis and three chapters. Of course, for Kensington, it's not m/m romance but it is my first shot at a single title! I've never written anything as long as 80k words! *headdesk*

I want to get the proposal out within the next few weeks. Don't want her to forget that she liked it! *cackle*

Hugs to all!
Shayla

TA Chase Pimped My Book!

I was away for the weekend, more about that later, and didn't know until today that TA Chase pimped Thirty Days on his blog Friday. I'm tickled pink! I adore his novella, No Going Home! It's one of my fav re-reads. I don't have time to read much so if when I re-read stuff, you know I love it!

Check out his blog entry at http://tachase.blogspot.com/2007/05/pimping-books_18.html. While you're there, read some of his wonderful free stories and then go buy No Going Home or any of his great books!

Hugs,
Shayla

Gaps In Your Soul cover!

I received my cover for my Ellora's Cave Naughty Nuptials Quickie! Check out the hotness! Very yummy!

Read the excerpt on the Books page by clicking here!

A little change...

Destination Pleasure has been delayed... Almost all the authors of Destination Pleasure plus the editor and publisher, were at the conference I attended this weekend. We decided to put the release on hold. Stay tuned for updates!

Destination Pleasure has a cover!

Check out the great cover for Destination Pleasure. My short story, Double Deutsch, is part of this anthology. And it's actually not gay! LOL The release date is June 1st!

Finished something... Kind of...

I finished a proposal for a novella. I'm going to pitch it to Kensington at the San Antonio conference on May 19th. It's part of a futuristic anthology including Kayelle Allen, Sienna Black and me. If Kensington isn't interested then we'll probably go to LSB or EC.

Here's a basic blurb for Trail of Deception:

As a bounty hunter for TRAIL, Duach Cardiff found himself tangled in a web of corruption that seemed to reach as high as the World government and deep into TRAIL headquarters. Now being tracked by the top assassin from his own agency, Duach needed to find the truth. Just his luck the assassin was also the woman he’d bedded the night before. After some of the hottest sex he’d had in a long time, seeing her as a threat to his life was overshadowed by wanting another chance at her luscious body.

Nephele Talo didn’t believe in love. Sex was just a means of stress relief. And Duach’s hard muscled body had her seriously relaxed. Until she found out he was her next target. The choice of bring him back dead or alive was hers. But wanting him alive to warm her bed again made her slip up. Now she has to find the truth before they both end up dead.

TRAIL stands for Trace, Rescue and Investigation League. It's an official government agency that finds people and when necessary, kills them. It's set a few thousand years in the future when mankind has spread out into the galaxy. The creative mind behind the universe is Kayelle but we're all using it in our stories so it's a related anthology.

Now I need to go work on the other Kensington proposal. It's about a woman who is capable of astral projection (out of body experiences).

My first book signing!

I'm on the list for RWA National's charity book signing!! Woo hoo!! It seems more real now!

Check it out here: https://www.rwanational.org/eweb/dynamicpage.aspx?webcode=LitAutographing

I've been tagged by Lisa Andel

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Wonderful news! Maybe...

July is fast approaching along with the annual Romance Writers of America Conference. This will be my second RWA national conference. Last year, I wandered around as a bright eyed newbie without a contract to my name. This year, I'll be going as a multi-published author with six sales under my belt. Woo hoo!

One of the hightlights of the conference is the Literacy Signing. Publishers donate books, authors are there with pens ready to autograph and the general public shows up to buy. All the proceeds go to ProLiteracy Worldwide. Last year, I was a cashier for the function. Since my only books so far are ebooks and not print, I figured I'd volunteer in the same capacity this year.

Well, then again...maybe not.

The Publisher at Ellora's Cave asked for a list of her authors who were attending RWA National this year. I sent my little email saying I was one of them. The next thing I know, my name and my book, The Cost of Eternity, are on a list of books Ellora's Cave is sending to print in time for National! My book is going to print! When I saw my name on the list, I screamed! And I was at work. *cackle* Of course, there were a number of books on that list and Raelene said the production department looked a little wild eyed at her request. She said, fingers crossed, they'd manage to get them all done.

So, cross your fingers for Ellora's Cave's print production department. If they come through, I'll spend my second Literacy Signing actually signing! Anyone out there in the Dallas area on Wednesday, July 11th, between 5:30 and 7:30, stop by the Hyatt Regency and say hi!

Another Great Review for The Cost of Eternity!

I've been thrilled at all the wonderful reviews and now there's another one!

5 Angels from Fallen Angels! Teresa at Fallen Angels said:

"Ms. Kersten has once again created a story that is compelling for the reader. The Cost of Eternity is a mixture of erotic scenes with suspense and drama that ensnares the reader until the final word. Watching the birth and growth of the relationship between Lorcan and Kevin is very poignant. Lorcan and Kevin are the missing pieces in each others lives that before now were never completely filled. Lorcan has had relationships in the past, but Kevin’s openness and giving attitude gives him a love he has never found in all the centuries of his life. Kevin never knew what he needed until he met the man of his dreams. Thanks goes to Ms. Kersten for such a wonderful book."

Check out all of the wonderful reviews for The Cost of Eternity on my website at www.shaylakersten.com/tcoereviews.htm.

Join Myla Jackson & Shayla Kersten April 29th 8-4pm CST

Myla Jackson & Shayla Kersten
List Mom Day at Ellora's Cave Chat!
Sunday April 29th 8-4pm CST

Join Myla Jackson and Shayla Kersten on the Ellora's Cave Chat group for an exciting List Mom day. We'll have excerpts, scavenger hunts and prizes!!! Come spend your Sunday with us and get great sneak peeks into current and upcoming books by Myla, Shayla and other great Ellora's Cave authors. See you there!

To join: ellorascavechat-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Not Again!

Well, now I know why I was feeling yucky on Thursday... By Thursday night, I had a sore throat and couldn't stop coughing. Went to work Friday and lasted two hours. Came home and played unconcious for the weekend. Went to the doctor yesterday. I have pneumonia... ARGH! I've now missed nearly three days of work, countless time for writing and I still feel like crap.

At least I have drugs now... This year has sucked in the health department.

I hope everyone is having a better week than I am!

Germy hugs,
Shayla

Something finished!

Not much but the edits on the short story for The Wild Rose Press are done and accepted! Woo hoo! And I actually got 600 words written last night. I'm feeling really groggy this morning. Having trouble waking up. I hate that feeling. It's like I took a sleeping pill too late but I didn't.

I stopped by Walmart last night and finally broke down and bought a new DVD player. My last one tried to keep a DVD. It ended up in about a dozen pieces but I got my DVD back!! The new one has a record option, not that I do much recording. And Brian and Justin from QAF look wonderful on a screen larger than my computer!

Later,
Shayla

A chance to win an ebook!

I'm blogging at Silver Expressions on Wednesday, April 18th! Stop by and comment for a chance to win your choice of a Liquid Silver ebook!Hope to see you there!

Hugs,
Shayla

Fantastic Review for The Cost of Eternity!

Danny at Love Romances and More said: "Ms. Kersten is really a Master of emotional stories that are completely spellbinding and which keep her readers glued to the pages. The readers can’t help but to fall in love with her heroes. Ms. Kersten books are really addictive and this reviewer can hardly wait to read more of her books.

If you love hot M/M Vampire tales you don’t want to miss this keeper! It’s one of the best that this reviewer has read in awhile. Ms. Kersten is an author you definitely want to keep an eye on!"

Check out all of the wonderful reviews for The Cost of Eternity on my website at www.shaylakersten.com/tcoereviews.htm.

The Rememdiu has a release date!

My editor emailed me today! The Rememdiu will release on July 27th! Woo hoo! The good news just keeps on coming! The Rememdiu is the sequel to The Cost of Eternity.

I finished my edits for Double Deutsch, the Wild Rose Press antho story. I'll wait to read through them again tomorrow before I send them back. Too tired to read through again tonight!

Hugs to all and to all a good night!
Shayla

New Sale!!

I received my contract on the short story for the Wild Rose Press anthology, Destination Pleasure! Woo hoo! I always like receiving contracts. It makes the sale feel real! *cackle*

This one is a departure from my usual stories! The men only play with the woman and not each other! LOL

Other authors included in the anthology are Delilah Devlin, Myla Jackson, Kimberly Kaye Terry, Eve Savage, Betty Hanawa, Brenna Zinn, Desiree Holt, Layla Chase, Megan Kerans and Allie Standifer. With names like this, you know the stories are going to be hot!

I hope to have a cover to post soon!

I also received my edits. *pouts* Fortunately, there aren't many!

Now I guess I should get to the work part. My editor wants them back in 10 days. Don't see that as a problem since she seems to have taken it easy on me.

Later!

Hugs,
Shayla

Manlove Chat at Joyfully Reviewed!

Click on the poster to join Chatting_With_Joyfully_Reviewed!

Just a little light reading...

One of the fun parts of writing *not* is reading contracts. It's amazing how convoluted the wording can get when lawyers get involved... But then there's the happy dance that a contract is in my grubby little paws awaiting my signature.

Finally, after many months of waiting, my contract for my Kensington novella has arrived! Keket's Curse was my first "official" sale as part of the Damned, Dangerous & Delicious anthology. Kensington Aphrodisia offered for the manuscript back in July of last year based on a two page proposal. The contract was just a little slow getting here! LOL

With the Kensington contract arrived my agent's contract. When the deal was first offered, I understood the agent was offering to represent me on a book to book basis. The contract is for two years! So I now officially have a literary agent!!

Today is a good day. However, I've spent most of the night on the phone with my friends, Megan Kerans and Myla Jackson talking about our contracts! Then my lil sis called so more time on the phone. Then I had to call my mother to tell her the contracts arrived... Now it's 10PM and the most writing I've done today has been this blog!

Oh, and lil sis is nuts. She told me she wanted to get a matched pair of puppies, littermates. She's going to name them Dolce and Gabbana. She said that way, she could claim she owned a pair. *cackle* With vet bills and critter food, a pair of the shoes might be cheaper!

Later,
Shayla

Lasik Surgery!

I'm having Lasik surgery today. I'm terrified but I'm excited at the same time. I've worn glasses since third grade. For a long time I did wear contacts but when I started needing bifocals, contacts didn't work anymore. Although the doctor warned me I might still need reading glasses, it's going to be wonderful being able to see without glasses all the time.

Well, I'm off to get ready! Later!

Hugs,
Shayla

Live Chat, Monday, March 19th, 8:00PM US EST

I'll be chatting at the Wild Rose Press' Scarlet Rose chat on Monday night at 8:00PM EST. Along with me will be many of the authors from our new sexy anthology for the Scarlet Rose Line. The anthology is a series of short romantic sexy stories of women around the world! The other authors in the anthology are Delilah Devlin, Myla Jackson, Kimberly Kaye Terry, Eve Savage, Betty Hanawa, Brenna Zinn, Desiree Holt, Layla Chase, Megan Kerans and Allie Standifer.

To join us, go to The Wild Rose Press Chatroom at http://www.wildrose publishing. com/chat_ room.htm and log in! Make sure to click the drop down box for the Scarlet Rose chatroom!

Hope to see you all there!

New Sale! Woo hoo!

I'm doing the Snoopy dance again! I signed a contract with Ellora's Cave for The Rememdiu! This story is the sequel to The Cost of Eternity! I have to work on the blurb and an excerpt but as soon as I have them, I'll post them on my website.

February turned out to be a fantastic month! Gaps In Your Soul, my EC Naughty Nuptials quickie, sold on 2/1; The Cost of Eternity released at EC on 2/7; and now, The Rememdiu sold on 2/28! In spite of having turned a year older in the same month, I think I lurves February!

Now, if March will behave. With t-storms, tornado watches/warnings and possible hail, March is blowing in like a lion!

Hugs,
Shayla

5 Angels from FAR for Thirty Days!

Teresa at Fallen Angel Reviews awarded Thirty Days 5 Angels and a fantastic review!

I'm doing some major Snoopy dancing here!

Check out the reviews for Thirty Days on my website.

The Literary Nymphs Winner is....

Kim W!!

*sound of the crowd roaring*

Congratulations!

You win a download of either Thirty Days or The Cost of Eternity!

Contact me using the contact page of my website with your choice of book and format!

Manlove Chat

Literary Nymphs Yahoo Group is hosting a Manlove Chat today from 9AM Eastern until whenever! I'll be there tonight after the day job as well as tons of other m/m authors!

Some of the authors included will be Michael Barnette, Laura Baumbach, Mychael Black & Shane Carmichael, Ally Blue, Jules Jones, Barbara Sheridan & Anne Cain, Joely Skye, Stephanie Vaughan , Emily Veinglory and Matthew Haldeman-Time.

Stop by and say hi or just lurk and read all the yummy excerpts! Join at http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/literaryny mphschat/.

Hope to see you there!

Hugs, Shayla

New Sale!

Edits are done on Gaps In Your Soul! The quickie story will be part of Ellora's Cave's Naughty Nuptials in June! I finished the edits over the weekend. I hope! My editor hasn't gotten back to me on the final version but she hadn't made many comments.

Here's the blurb!

Army Captain Jared North can handle any challenge life throws him whether recovering from his wounds received in combat or his best friend's wedding. Facing the groom's brother and the memories of their hot one-night stand isn't so easy. Even tougher is the excitement he still feels. after ten years for the man he left behind.

For ten years Dalton Rainey hasn't forgotten the pain of Jared walking out on him or the passion of their one night stand. His brother's wedding gives him the ideal opportunity for revenge on his one-time lover. He has the perfect plan. Bring Jared to his knees with pleasure, and leave him there.

The best laid plan quickly goes awry as both men discover time hasn't changed their feelings. But old hurts and fears still divide them. Only by setting aside their past can they have a future that fills the gaps in their souls.

Stay tuned for a release date!

Happy Release Day to me!!

The Cost of Eternity is now available at Ellora's Cave! My second published novel!

For over two hundred years, the cost of eternity for Lorcan MacKenna has been unending loneliness. Territorial creatures of darkness, vampires can’t peacefully exist near each other. Human companions age and die, leaving him to face the long nights alone. After the death of his last lover, Lorcan vows to avoid the pain of loss. Until a down-and-out actor finds himself in danger and Lorcan can’t resist saving the blond young man.

Kevin St. James never expected to find himself offering sex for money especially not to men. A desperate need for quick cash, a dark alley, and things go terribly wrong. His dark rescuer brings out feelings hidden so deep, Kevin never realized they were there. Reveling in newfound sensations, Kevin welcomes his new lover.

But just as Lorcan has a secret so too does Kevin.

Buy it now!

Cost of Eternity cover!

Woo hoo! What a hot bod! Too bad they won't let me have the model who posed for it! *cackle*

Roses Self-Editing Workshop Feb 4-10

Self-Editing Workshop

February 4-10, 2007

Don’t know what to look for?

Contest judges getting you down?

Never learned the difference between POV and Show vs Tell?

Join the Roses of Roses Colored Glasses for the

Self-Editing Workshop

Your Instructors: Layla Chase and Shayla Kersten


This workshop will help make your writing shine! Through the use of checklists and exercises we give you tangible examples of what to look for and how to fix it. You'll get interactive assistance from former editor and published author, Layla Chase and published author Shayla Kersten.

Passive Vs Active voice, Power words & pumping up your sentences

Eliminating implied or unnecessary words

Gerunds, misplaced modifiers, dangling participles

POV and Show Vs Tell

Grammar & Punctuation

Style

To join, send your $20 payment through Paypal to writers@rosescoloredglasses.com
Include the email address you want to use for class!

Or send a check payable to Elle James to the following address:

Elle James
P.O. Box 1031
Rogers, AR 72757-1031
Include your email address!

Testimonials

"... even more than the wonderful tips and checklist and exercises, this workshop taught us how to discipline ourselves, which I love. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

"I did learn some of the little tidy ends which as a novice I didn't realize the importance of "don't does" in writing novels."

"Great workshop! I will be recommending it to my writer friends."

Thirty Days a Liquid Silver best seller!

Thank you to everyone who made Thirty Days the top seller at Liquid Silver for the month of December! I was shocked, amazed and touched! Even more so because it was only out for two weeks in December.

Thank you again!

Hugs to all,
Shayla