New Orleans, Sam & Dean and Eve & Roarke ... ahhhh

Today's featured authors: Sierra Cartwright, author of Claim; Pamela Todd, author of Now You See Me; and Talia Carmichael, author of Best Laid Intentions. They're sharing their favorite vacation destinations, TV couples and keeper books.

Sierra Cartwright, author of Claim

Three of my favorite vacation destinations:

Who doesn't love a vacation?

• When I head out, I love New Orleans. Fortunately, now, it's only about a six-hour drive away. While I'm there, I head for jambalaya and pralines. Then a late-night stop at Café Du Monde for café au lait and beignets. Like most visitors, I adore the French Quarter and spend hours walking around, visiting the shops and art galleries. (I still have my eye on a painting I fell in love with last spring.) Even though I wear out a pair of tennis shoes, I pack on five pounds per visit! Laissez les bon temps roulez!

• Next up is a cruise. I'm a type-A personality, and unplugging can be difficult. So being on a cruise with endless views of the water is really soothing and helps me recharge. Did you know there are even cruises to "nowhere"? Seriously. They go out, come back, no stops. I'm tempted … On Sunday mornings, when I go to the farmers market, I can see the port. Sometimes, both the Navigator of the Seas and the Magic are docked, and I wish my passport were in my purse!

• And my favorite vacation destination is Denver. Most of my family still lives in the Mile High City (and so are the Broncos!). There's nothing better than visiting, chatting, hiking, staying up late and shopping. Just thinking about it makes me smile. Make room on your couch, y'all. I'm packing my bags!

Here's the blurb about Claim:

He won't be satisfied until he claims her.

Kennedy Aldrich has perfected the art of dodging any romantic entanglement that will lead to marriage. That is until he sees Mackenzie Farrell at a BDSM gathering.

When they meet, he's entranced by her intelligence and submission, not to mention her stunning good looks. For the first time, he has met a woman who captivates his interest on every level, someone he wants to share his life with.

Mackenzie is overwhelmed by Kennedy's attentions. A failed marriage taught her to distrust men, and she's vowed never to walk down the aisle again.

It takes all her resolve to resist the devilishly handsome dominant. After all, the whole world knows of his legendary reputation with women. Every feminine instinct warns that this man will demand more than she can offer.

But she hasn't counted on Kennedy's determination to claim her and prove that love is worth any risk.

Find out more at www.sierracartwright.com.

Pamela L. Todd, author of Now You See Me

Three of my favorite TV couples:

• Monica & Chandler (Friends). As viewers, it's rare to be able to watch the complete history of someone's relationship. We got to see 10 years plus of this couple (who could forget those infamous flashbacks — This isn't a toe, it's a small, very cold, piece of carrot). We saw their friendship, their dive-bomb into a physical relationship and the beautiful ignition of love. And, come on, there isn't a single person who didn't melt at Monica's proposal.

• Lexie & Mark (Grey's Anatomy). Derek and Meredith are the obvious choice. But I just absolutely loved these two together. Their spark and chemistry leapt off the screen. Really, any pairing that sees a man-whore being reformed into a committed man is one most women are seriously into. They were brilliant together. Sweet, sexy, funny, inspiring. But the crash … oh, my heart is still broken.

• Sam & Dean (Supernatural). Yes, this is cheating a little. But, a TV duo nonetheless, with a pretty strong relationship to boot. Brothers who travel the country, kicking butt and exorcising demons — I've loved this show since the very first episode. As relationships go, Sam and Dean's has been more than tumultuous. Sam went evil. Dean died. Sam is the devil. Dean went to purgatory. Sam almost ended the world. They've fought. They've even split up. But they're brothers. And they'll always come if they're needed. They always love. They always step up. They always save the world. What's not to love? Oh, and did I mention they're the most beautiful men on the planet?

Here's the blurb for Now You See Me:

For the last seven years, Jo Carpenter has been a ghost in her own life. No friends. No permanent address. No long-term job. And that is exactly the way she wants it…until a typing error lands her on Nate Harding's doorstep in the city of Edinburgh, answering his ad for a roommate.

Nate and his luxury house are a different world for Jo. Tall, rugged and with a voice that seems hardwired to Jo's sex drive, Nate is a distraction Jo can't afford, but neither seems able to fight the growing tension between them. Nate's touch brings Jo back to life and every encounter leaves her craving more. As they grow closer and intimacy creeps its way around them, Nate knows there are things Jo isn't telling him. What he doesn't realize is the less he knows about Jo and her past, the safer he is.

Find out more at www.totallybound.com.

Talia Carmichael, author of Best Laid Intentions

Three books on my keeper shelves:

• J.D. Robb series (all of the books). This is one of my go-to series. All the books, no matter how many times I read them, capture me from the first page to the last. The world that's built for the series is vivid and adds to the story. The cast of characters adds dimensions to the story. The main characters Eve and Roarke keep getting better and better with each book.

• Sherrilyn Kenyon series (all of the books). Her books are rich with such layers that make you savor each word. I love all the books and want more and more.

• Catherine Coulter series (FBI thriller series). The intrigue, romance and twists make this series such fun to read. Love reading to see how each story unfolds.

Here's the blurb for Best Laid Intentions:

Taking a risk and going after what he wants leads a man to the most pleasurable of results…

Taylor Noble decides to take a chance on pursuing Savage. Savage makes him crave but Taylor knows that anything beyond the physical would be foolish. He has too much on his plate for a relationship. But he can have a good time… After all, there's no way Savage would want more. And Taylor certainly doesn't either… Yet, as he gets to know Savage, Taylor finds himself questioning his plans for fun with no strings.

From their very first meeting, Savage Griffin is drawn to Taylor. There's something Savage cannot define that's so different when he sees, thinks or talks to Taylor. Knowing Taylor is interested gives him the opportunity to explore more about this man who has captured his attention. Savage plans to take advantage of it. Each and every moment—sexual and platonic—brings him closer to Taylor, who captures all his senses. Now it's just a matter of convincing Taylor that what they share goes way past the physical to the emotional. Yes, emotions are messy but Savage is ready, willing and able to get Taylor to change his best laid intentions and make some new plans.

Find out more at taliacarmichael.com.