Dear Friends and Readers,
I haven’t sent out a newsletter since December, and I have so much to tell you that I hardly know where to begin. So sit back, relax, and settle in for a long catch-up!
But first things first: As you may know, I have a new book out! TEMPT ME TONIGHT goes on sale TODAY, so I’m super excited about that. To learn more about this super steamy story of reunited lovers, read on.
~Tempt Me Tonight Teasers
Seduction is the Best Revenge …
Trish Henderson has returned home to Eden to take care of some family business…and some personal business, as well. Though she’s achieved remarkable success as a high-powered Chicago attorney, Trish has never forgotten her small-town high school sweetheart, Joe Ramsey, or the devastation of heartbreak.
Now she’s come face-to-face with the gorgeous sex god Joe has grown into, and she’s determined to get him out of her system once and for all – and maybe take a little revenge, too. And this time, she has all the power. After all, where is it written that only men can explore and enjoy a physical relationship without commitment? Her plan: seduce him for just one night, then walk away…
But there’s just one problem. Trish is about to find out that one night with Joe may never be enough…
And if you’re not yet convinced to grab up a copy of TEMPT ME TONIGHT, you can read an excerpt at my Web site.
~Tempting Reviews
- “Believable characters and scorching love scenes enhance this emotionally complex novel. The strong emotional bond between the protagonists will enthrall readers!” ~Romantic Times Book Reviews
- “Toni Blake cleverly blends those heartfelt pangs of first love’s sweetness and the sweltering breathlessness of some seriously high-voltage love scenes, wrapping it all up in a charming happily-ever-after. Talk about a recipe for perfection. Every scene seethes with anticipation (and) excitement …. blushingly true to life. This is a “can’t miss” read!” ~Chris, Romance Junkies, 4 ½ BLUE RIBBONS
~Toni in the News 
- Are you all sitting down? TEMPT ME TONIGHT was excerpted in the June issue of Cosmo! Color me ecstatic. The issue hit stands in early May and it was the thrill of a lifetime to be a real “Cosmo girl”!
- I’m pleased to say I was also featured in the April 2007 issue of Writer’s Digest Magazine in an article about erotic novels. Not only was I generously quoted, but they used my picture and the cover of Swept Away. Way fun!
- I’ve also learned that TEMPT ME TONIGHT will be offered as alternative selections by Rhapsody and Doubleday bookclubs!
- SWEPT AWAY (which is being re-issued in a new mass market version on June 26!) is a finalist for The Beacon Award! This is the same award I won for IN YOUR WILDEST DREAMS last year, so this is super fun!
~Fun Stuff
If you’ve read my past newsletters, you know I’m a big Criss Angel fan, and on a recent trip to New York City, I was fortunate enough to meet him! He was an amazingly nice guy and here we are: me, him, and a copy of TEMPT ME TONIGHT for good measure : ) To see more highlights of this super fun trip complete with singing waiters, famous New York landmarks, and more of Mr. Angel, check out my new Toni Takes Manhattan Travel Diary.
And of course, it wouldn’t be a Fun Stuff column without a new pair of shoes, would it? I picked up this season’s selection just a few weeks ago. Meow!
Thanks to my lovely web designer, I now have a shiny new Café Press store!
And if you haven’t yet entered my current contest, I’m giving away a TEMPT ME TONIGHT prize pack, featuring an autographed copy of the book, a soundtrack of songs mentioned in the book, and some items from my new Café Press store!
~Toni Gets Around
I have a busy summer ahead, much of which will be occupied with the Blondes Have More Fun Book Tour, in which fellow author LuAnn McLane and I will take to the road in my little blue convertible to do hit-and-run booksignings in four Midwest states. The tour was even featured in the June issue of Romantic Times Bookclub! Check out the list of stores and when we’ll be stopping there, and catch us if you can!
On June 1 & 2, I’ll be at the 3rd annual Lori Foster Reader and Writer Get-Together in Westchester, Ohio, and if you’re a romance fan anywhere in the area, you won’t want to miss this fun, friendly gathering of authors and readers!
I also have a few more traditional booksignings planned and in July, I’ll be in Dallas for the Romance Writers of America’s annual conference, including the 400-author literacy signing on July 11. Visit my Out and About page for all the specific dates, locations and info.
And if you can’t make any of the above events – or even if you can, I now have a MySpace page, so please visit and add me to your friends!
~For a Good Cause
Authors Lori Foster and Dianne Castell have organized a cookbook with recipes from over 90 of your favorite authors (including me!) and some from familiar readers and family. The book, titled "THE WRITE INGREDIENTS: Recipes from Your Favorite Authors," and will be available at Lori’s Reader and Writer Get-Together on June 1-2, as well as at her Web site. Proceeds from the cookbook will be used to fund ongoing efforts to send care packages to troops in Iraq, so grab your copy today!
~What's Next
Right on the heels of TEMPT ME TONIGHT, you’ll also be able to pick up the mass market re-issue of SWEPT AWAY, on sale June 26. It’s got a funky black and silver cover, so if you missed the book when it launched the Avon Red line last fall, you’ve got another chance to check it out. (And don’t worry – you’ll get another newsletter to remind you next month.)
And more fun news! Both SWEPT AWAY and THE RED DIARY are being re-issued by Spanish publisher Talisman!
Lastly, something to look forward to: In June 2008, Berkley will publish "THE POWER OF LOVE," a special anthology from twelve authors - Lori Foster, Dianne Castell, Toni Blake, Karen Kelley, Rosemary Laurey, Janice Maynard, Erin McCarthy, LuAnn McLane, Lucy Monroe, Patricia Sargeant, Kay Stockham, and J.C. Wilder. The romance collection focuses on the empowerment of women, and in light of that, the authors are donating all royalties to the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women's Shelter.
My next full length super-sexy romance from Avon will also be out in June 2008. The title is up in the air right now, but add one part Carrie Bradshaw and two parts Men in Trees, and that gives you a hint about the mood and tone of the book.
~That's All, Folks!
I think that’s everything I wanted to tell you, and the good news is, if I’m wrong, I’ll have another chance next month! In the meantime, I hope you’ll pick up a copy of TEMPT ME TONIGHT and let it whisk you away to the emotion and passions of your very first love. And, as always, I thank you all for your tremendous support and interest in my books! I appreciate it more than words can say!
