How is everybody doing?  I feel like I’ve been buried under deadlines for the last couple of months and can now finally breathe a little.  It’s fall where I live, the leaves are turning, and it’s not unusual to have rain, sun, and hail in the same day.  I’m hoping for an early snow, but I don’t think it’s going to happen this year.  I need to organize my thoughts, so I thought I’d do a quick update here to figure out where I am and what I should do now.  🙂

MARKED, Janie’s story, is in the pipeline and is ready to go.  (Release date: 12-22-14). I’ve finished page proofs, which means I won’t see the book again until it releases.  As you might know, Marked is the tenth and final book in the main Dark Protector series.  It was both the most difficult and the easiest book to write so far.  It was the most difficult because so many questions had to be answered and so many threads completed.  It was the easiest for the same reason–I had tons to write and didn’t stop for a second to wonder what to add.  I have to admit, I’m very happy with how Janie’s story turned out, and I hope you like it, too.  I was also really nervous to write it initially because readers have known Janie since she was a child, and now she’s all grown up, so it was a little like watching your niece fall in love with a badass Alpha male.  But I think it worked out nicely.  🙂

I hit send on TOTAL SURRENDER edits this morning, and it’s the longest book I’ve written at 102,000 words (approx. 400 pages).  (Releases 3/14).  This is Jory Dean’s story, and he was so much fun to write about.  My editor says it’s the best book yet, and of course, this makes me both nervous as hell and happy.  I hope you all like it.  This one choked me up a couple of times because those lost, dangerous, wounded soldiers can do that to you.

I’m finishing up Hawk and Dawn’s story (Maverick MT book 4) now, and I’m hoping it has a release date of early next year – but I probably won’t know the date until early next year.  The first scene is really fun with Dawn teaching Hawk a little lesson.  I hope you like it.  The last Maverick MT book hit the NY Times, so of course, I have high hopes for this one, too.

Did you know we contracted for a spin-off series for the Dark Protectors?  We did, and it’s called the Realm Enforcers.  The first book, WICKED RIDE, is already turned in and should have a release date soon.  I’m thinking it’ll be June of next year.  Wicked Ride is about Kellach Dunne (cousin to Moira and Brenna), badass witch enforcer and motorcycle club member.  The book takes place in Seattle, and a few of the Dark Protectors show up, including Dage and Garrett.

Also, I have a brand new series coming out.  We don’t have a name for the series yet, but it’s going to be something different for me.  Yes, it’s still a romance with some pretty hot Alpha males, and I’d tell you more, but I don’t really know more.  A novella will kick off the series, and it’ll be in an anthology with Alexandra Ivy to be released around next September.  Then the three books will be released January, February, and March of 2016.  These will be in mass market print and available at bookstores, online, etc.

Finally, if any of frequent BAM stores, keep an eye out for CONSUMED and SHADOWED from the Dark Protectors, would you?  (They should be available for preorder end of October).  Those books are part of a brand new program between Lyrical Press and Books-A-Million to be in print, with gifts for people who buy them.  I’d love to see those do well so the other DP books could be in bookstores. 

Also, there’s going to be a big party for the program in York, PA at the BAM store on November 8th starting at 2:00pm.  If you are anywhere near York on that day, I will be there, and I’d love to see you! 

Other than that, there’s a boxed set of the first four stories (Fated, Claimed, Tempted, Hunted) in the Dark Protector series releasing on October 13th, Blind Faith (Sin Bros 3) releases in print in January, and then Total Surrender releases in print and digital in March.

Whew.  Okay.  Now I feel organized. 

If you subscribe to my newsletter, you received a new contest to caption a funny picture for the chance to win $50 at Amazon.  If you don’t subscribe, the button is over to the right.  🙂

UPDATE:  Congrats to LACEY JONES for winning the giveaway!  Enjoy!

Hi all!  I’m back from New York, and it was an absolute ball!  I’ll have pictures and an update soon, but for now, I have a book due a week from Friday.  (TOTAL SURRENDER).   Here is one shot of Grand Central Station I took right before I met my agent for coffee.

Also, there’s a sale going on at Barnes and Noble – buy two books and get one free.  FORGOTTEN SINS is included in the promotion…HERE’s the LINK.

 So, for now, I realized I haven’t done a giveaway on the blog for a while.

Here’s a print ARC (Advanced Reader’s Copy) of BLIND FAITH, along with cool dog tags that I gave out at the BEA conference last weekend.  All you have to do to enter is comment below – on anything.  I’ll randomly draw a name by Friday at noon.  I am curious…what is your favorite television show right now…and why?

WOW!  Blind Faith releases on Tuesday – I can’t believe it’s finally time.  🙂  It’ll probably download tomorrow for pre-orders, if I remember right.  Here’s a quick excerpt to get us going…

Nate’s mouth covered hers with no hesitancy, no question—as if he had every right to go deep. His tongue was savage and demanding, holding nothing back and accepting no evasion. He tasted of loneliness, anger, and lust. Hard, needy, demanding lust.

The men at the door were watching.

But her body didn’t care—instantly igniting instead of pushing away. Her heart thundered in her ears, and she fell into his heat, uncaring of whether he caught her. He wrapped around her, his unyielding body holding her upright. He caressed her with his tongue, and she met him thrust for thrust, fierce pleasure lighting her on fire.

Audrey forgot where they were, who they were, everything but the desperate need he created.

He broke the kiss, blatant male hunger crossing his face. His breath panted out even as he moved them in tune with the music.

She softened against him, allowing him to lead so she didn’t collapse. Her mind whirled, and she shook her head to regain reality. “Nathan, what do you want?” The question emerged as a breathless plea she couldn’t mask.

That quickly, all hints of desire slid from his face. His chin hardened. “Want? I want to know what happened to the child you were carrying five years ago when you ripped out my heart. Where’s my baby, Audrey?”

Hi all!

It occurred to me that I’d better remind everyone that SWEET REVENGE (sexy Matt’s story) will only be available at the $2.99 price for a little while longer.  I also thought I should post an excerpt for you all.

THE ONE MAN SHE CAN’T HAVE

Matt Dean was born to fight…and kill. A member of a secret black ops military unit, he and his brothers were genetically engineered by the government to be the perfect soldiers with an expiration date. Now, with time running out, he’s gone rogue in a relentless quest for the one person who can save them. His mission leads him to Charmed, Idaho…and to a beautiful woman with eyes like emeralds and a body made for pleasure.

THE ONE WOMAN HE CAN’T RESIST

Laney Jacobs knows the mysterious, handsome stranger is trouble from the moment he walks into her bar, looking for a job. She’s spent years running from her own past–the last thing she needs is an romantic entanglement. But Matt’s strong arms offer her protection, and his gentle touch promises passion unlike anything she’s ever known. As lethal forces surround them, revealing explosive secrets about Matt’s past and putting everything–and everyone–he holds dear in danger, can he save them all before time runs out?

EXCERPT:

Raised voices toward the dartboard brought Laney up short at the far end of the bar. Turning, she sighed. Two burly men stood nose to nose and shouted profanities—something about a borrowed tractor. She was so not in the mood. Steeling her shoulders, she marched out of the office and up to them.

Just in time to duck as a beefy arm swept toward her head, the fist aimed at the other guy’s face.

Then things happened too fast to track.

A hard arm banded around her waist and set her out of the way. A heartbeat later, Matt had both men on their knees, one with an arm behind his back, one with an odd hold on his neck.

Both men whimpered, and one drooled.

Wow. Laney blinked and shook her head. That was unreal. She held both hands out to diffuse the situation. “Whoa, there. Let’s calm down.” Her gaze rose to Matt’s face, and she froze.

The man was beyond calm. No anger, no fear, no expression. He’d put down two hulking men with minimal effort and no emotion. “I believe these gentlemen were heading home,” he said.

One guy gurgled his agreement. The other guy whimpered again.

“It’s good we agree.” Matt released them, and the two scrambled to their feet, almost running each other over to get out of the bar. A step forward, and Matt manacled her arm in an unbreakable grip. “Boss? I’d like a word.” Without waiting for an answer, he maneuvered her through the bar to the back door.

She tried to concentrate. Before she could protest, they stood outside on the steps.

He released her and whirled around. While he’d been calm inside, now fire lanced through his odd gray eyes. “What the hell did you think you were doing?”

She swallowed and stepped back. “Excuse me?”

He towered over her, hands on hips, all furious male. “Getting in the middle of a bar fight with men twice your size. You hired me for a reason, right?”

“Well, yes.” Why was he so angry? She tilted her head to the side as irritation filled her. He had no right to question her. “If there’s an altercation in my bar, I need to step in.”

“No.” His voice lowered to a growl. “If there’s a fight, you call me over. You do not step in.”

She frowned. Fury stretched awake inside her, but she kept it in check, keeping control. The idea of losing control of her environment worried her more than the rock-hard male in front of her. “You know you work for me, right?”

“Listen, lady”—red spiraled across his high cheekbones—“you hired me to bounce problems, which I can’t do if your sweet ass is in the way.”

Was that a fact? She took a deep breath and settled on the only solution other than kicking him in the shin. “You’re fired.”

Both of his eyebrows shot up. “Excuse me?”

Satisfaction tilted her chin. Not much probably surprised Matt Dean. “You’re fired.” As an exit line, it nailed the situation. Unfortunately, the toned soldier stood between her and the door. Just who the hell did he think he was? “Now move your sweet ass.”

He slipped his hands into his pockets and leaned back against the door. As a move, it was intimidating. “Why am I fired?”

“You leave much to be desired as an employee.” She eyed him, assessing the situation. Nope. The guy might be commanding, but she wasn’t scared. He wouldn’t hurt her. “All you’ve done since being hired is flirt with customers, order me around, and kiss me.”

His chin lowered. “Which of those items is pissing you off the most?”

She narrowed her eyes as heat spiraled through her abdomen. “You can flirt with any dumb bimbo you want, and frankly, the kisses were all right. But ordering me around? Not a chance.”

“All right? The kisses were all right?”

Figured the man would focus on that. She forced herself to lift a shoulder. “Eh.”

His cheek creased, and his eyes warmed. “Maybe we should try again, then. See if I can do better.”

“No.” The spit in her mouth dried up. She hadn’t meant to challenge him…had she? “I don’t, ah, kiss fired employees.”

“So that leaves Smitty.” Matt grinned.

“Very funny.” The tension slowly drained from her muscles in response to his instant humor.

He exhaled slowly. “Listen, I’m sorry if I scared you.”

“You didn’t.”

“I’m also sorry if I was too bossy.” He rubbed a hand through his hair. “It’s just, after being in combat, orders come naturally. Seeing you, somebody so small near danger…well, it hits triggers. All sorts of triggers.”

She could handle him bossy or charming. But sweet and honest? She shook her head and gestured toward his hard body. “You’re just…too much.”

He chuckled. “If you give me another chance, I promise I’ll tone it down. All of it.”

Want to read more?  CLICK HERE for the Prologue and First Chapter

Hi all!  I’m so excited to share that Forgotten Sins is now available in your local bookstore, grocery store, library, etc. in print!  If they’re not stocking it where you are, feel free to request it!  Libraries will stock a book after it’s been requested a couple of times, so feel free.  🙂

This first book in a new romantic suspense series already has more than 100 five-star reviews on Amazon.  Publisher’s Weekly noted that ‘fans of romantic suspense will enjoy the twists and turns Zanetti puts her protagonists through,’ and RT noted that “Zanetti pulls together a heady mix of sexy sizzle, emotional punch and high stakes danger in this truly outstanding tale. Brava!”  The second book, Sweet Revenge, is available in eBook now, with a print date of May.  Smart Bitches, Sexy Books claims Sweet Revenge is a ‘mix of paranormal suspense and extreme sexxytimes.”

Shane and Josie’s book has been available in ebook for a while, so some of you may have already read it.  Let me know anyway if you see the print book around, will you?  And for those overseas fans still waiting to get book 2, Sweet Revenge, in ebook, my publisher has assured me they’re working on the distribution problem.  I’m hounding them as much as possible!

Here’s one of my favorite excerpts from Forgotten Sins from when Shane and Josie are on the run and are taking a quick sleep break in a ramshackle hotel (in different beds):

Shane twitched.  Then gave a low moan.  Pain suffused the sound.

Josie’s heart lurched.  Her mind spun.

No matter who he was, she could only be herself.  If he was in pain, she couldn’t sit by and watch.  She didn’t want to be a person who’d sit by and watch.

An agonized growl rumbled from his chest.

Oh, this was a bad idea.  She crept forward, gingerly resting one knee on his bed and crawling forward.  Reaching his side, she snuggled down, her head on his outstretched arm. Warm cedar filled her senses.  She placed her hand over his heart.  “It’s okay, Shane.  Only good dreams tonight,” she whispered.  With a soft sigh, she closed her eyes.

***

Shane kept his breathing even, his body relaxed.  His heart thumped against her palm.  Awakening, he’d heard her move from the bed and had wondered.  Would she head for the door?  No.  She hadn’t.  The woman had cuddled up with danger to provide comfort for him.  Security.  Love.

His heart warmed until it hurt.  Vulnerability and need filtered through him followed by determination.  He didn’t know how the hell he’d lost her before.  No matter what it took, whoever he had to walk through, he wouldn’t lose her again.