Dawn Atkins | Author . . . sizzle . . . smile . . . sigh

WILDE FOR YOU \| THE PERFECT LIFE \| ROOM...BUT NOT BORED! \| FRIENDLY PERSUASION \| WEDDING FOR ONE TATTOO FOR TWO \| LIPSTICK ON HIS COLLAR \| ANCHOR THAT MAN! \| THE COWBOY FLING \| BABY MAKES THREE \| GETTING ZACK BACK Click here for more of Dawn's books!

WILDE FOR YOU Harlequin Temptation ISBN 0373691904 September 2004 Buy It Here Read An Excerpt	The sexiest man Cricket Wilde never forgot, Tucker Manning, is now an assistant principal…and her boss! One look at him and this science teacher is dying to test if that long-ago chemistry is still there. But he's gone from Mr. Sizzling to Mr. Strictly-by-the-Book. There's nothing that Cricket likes more than bending the rules, and Tucker's cool facade makes her determined to melt the ice. And after a few stolen kisses, it looks as if his inner hottie is making a comeback. If his little secret gets out, everything Tucker has worked so hard for will come crashing down…including his career plans. Too bad there's no way that he can resist Cricket's wild sexiness. Once they hit the sheets, he's tossing caution to the wind just to be with her. So when word of their private affair leaks out, will Tucker reveal the one thing that will keep them together in bedded bliss?
"....Dawn Atkins puts a unique twist on the classic pretend-marriage plot in WILDE FOR YOU...." Romantic Times “This is such a fun book, full of interesting characters and settings, lots of romance, and a couple trying to resist each other and failing at every turn. There are many different story lines, the career of teaching is exalted, and there is just an overall good feeling you get while reading every carefully crafted, wonderful word….For a great book with plenty of exuberant romance, laugh-out-loud fun, interesting situations and educational enthusiasm, WILDE FOR YOU will certainly hold your attention and be well worth your while.” Romance Reviews Today back to top

“This is killing me, Cricket,” he whispered. He put his other hand to her cheek, cupping her face in both hands now. “You mean the you-know?” she asked “Yes,” Tucker said, tilting his head. “We can’t do this.” He moved in. “No, we can’t,” she said standing on her toes, tipping up her mouth. It was as if some terrific force field pulled them together. “This would be bad.” “I know,” she said, moving closer. “Very bad.” As desperate as she was for his mouth, for that hot, dissolving feeling, she would not be the one who kissed first. She couldn’t be. He was married. Unhappily, according to his wife, but still. He had to be the one to make the first move. He wouldn’t do it, she saw. But she definitely would. With that thought, she grabbed his face and pulled his lips to hers. back to top

THE PERFECT LIFE Harlequin Flipside ISBN 0-373-44185-1 March 2004 Buy It Here Read An Excerpt	Claire Quinn had a perfect life —in her dreams In reality, she had an advertising job headed for permanent entry-level, a pricey apartment and a rat of a boyfriend. So now she had to make her wish come true. But she can get this figured out, right? She just has to hit on the plan and her life will get better. Good thing she has the Chickateers—her loyal girlfriends who regularly dish on their love lives, but never snivel! With their smart-ass outlooks and cheeky advice guiding her, how can she go wrong? Except that it turns out her ad exec mentor is a closet lecher, her new roommate is a little, uh, wild and the cute guy who just captured her attention? He’s got a no attachments, no regrets mantra that doesn’t fit the plan. Looks like she’s going to have to stop following her own advice.
“Dawn Atkins really delivers in the witty, fast-paced and observant A Perfect Life?” Romantic Times - 4 Stars! “Humor keeps the pain at bay in this delightful comedic romance by Dawn Atkins. With her characteristic flair, A PERFECT LIFE kept me in stitches. Atkins has a gift for creating believable characters that have a knack for encountering life's little problems with spirit and sass. A Perfect Life? Kept me in stitches. Highly Recommended” Word Weaving back to top

Silence beat between Claire and Trip as they stood on the late-night sidewalk. Again Trip managed to pull that intimate blanket around them so that Claire felt like they were alone in a private space where Trip could read her mind, sense her hurt, and understand it all. “He turned out to be married,” she said, relieved to say it out loud. “He was supposed to tell his wife about us and fly out tonight, but his wife is pregnant--or so she says--so he couldn’t leave her. Wouldn’t leave her.” “That’s hard news.” “Yeah.” “And this was for him?” he said, looking her up and down, a warm light in his eyes. She nodded, feeling stupid in the sexy outfit. “I’m an idiot, right?” “No. You’re a romantic. And you look great, by the way.” “Thanks. You’re sure making me feel better about it.” She raised the foil-covered Santa. “I couldn’t let an emotion-exploitive holiday ruin things, could I?” He kept looking at her face, making her uncomfortable and overheated. When had he moved so close. Close enough that he could…see every fleck of smeared mascara under her eye. Ulp. She stepped back and turned slightly away. “I’m a mess.” “Uh-uh.” Trip took her by the upper arms and made her look at him. “You’re beautiful.” Then he focused on the right side of her face. “Except for a little something here…” She thought he meant the mascara, but he touched her cheekbone, then licked his finger. “Mmm. Chocolate mint.” “Yeah?” She could still feel the pressure of his fingertip on her skin. “Yeah.” It was so quiet and Trip’s expression was so intimate and he was so close…and moving closer, leaning in. Lord, he was going to kiss her. And she was going to like it. A lot. “Is that all of it?” she whispered, encouraging him. “There might be a little more…” he leaned in, “right…,” moved closer, tilted his mouth, “here.” And then he kissed her--his lips warm and giving, a flesh pillow on which her mouth could rest. Oh, yes. Yes, yes. The kiss tasted cool and hot and of mint and chocolate and it was full of promise and held-back need. Maybe it was because of her heartbreak, or the champagne, or Valentine’s Day, or the chocolate Santa or Trip’s skill, or all of them combined, but this was the most romantic kiss she’d ever experienced. After a long, glorious moment, Trip broke away. “You sure you got it all?” she mumbled, leaning in, dazed. He chuckled. “Unfortunately, yeah. I’m sure.” She blew out a breath. “Wow.” “Yeah, wow. You’d better go up,” he said, handing her the nearly empty ice cream carton. “Before I go after your Santa.” And you. That was what he meant and a chill raced through her. He backed away smiling. She turned and scurried upward, the chocolate Santa clutched in her hand, her heart full and pounding. Inside her apartment, she shut the door and rested her back against it. What had just happened? She’d kissed a stranger and loved it. Not quite a stranger. She knew his name and what kind of ice cream he liked, right? She touched her lips, which still tingled. She looked down at her feet, bare inside her pantyhose. Trip still had her shoes! Now she knew how Cinderella must have felt after her night at the ball--excited and dreamy and full of hope about miracles and magic. Claire checked the clock. Midnight. Cinderella’s deadline. She had it better than Cinderella, though. Her Prince Charming knew exactly where to bring back her glass slippers. She couldn’t wait to see him again. back to top

ROOM...BUT NOT BORED! Harlequin Temptation ISBN 0-373-69145-9 October 2003 Buy It Here Read An Excerpt	Roommates are off-limits…aren't they? Ariel Adams hates everything about the beach. So when circumstances force her to move into a small beach house, she's convinced life can't get worse. Until she learns she must live with Jake Renner, the sexy handyman fixing up the cottage. How is she supposed to share the cramped space with too-tempting Jake…and only a sheet dividing their bedrooms? Jake knows Ariel thinks he's just another beach bum, but the more time he spends with her, the more irresistible she seems. Soon, Jake is hooked…and ready to prove to Ariel that they make better roommates when they're sharing the same bed.
"...a sweet and sexy story with interesting characters and a believable conflict." ** -Romantic Times "If you are looking for a wonderfully romantic story full of sensual tension, sparkling characters, and a truly engaging storyline that will keep you entertained from the first page to the last, I most definitely recommend ROOM…BUT NOT BORED! You can’t go wrong when you pick up any romance written by Dawn Atkins!" -Romance and Friends** back to top

Ariel dropped her bag and ran after Jake along the sunset beach. The wet sand was cold, but she hardly noticed. Her internal heater was keeping her warm, burning with the desire to be near Jake. She ran after him, heedless of everything but the man in her sights, so that she didn't see the wave. When it hit she went down--fwap--onto the sand, laughing. When the wave receded, she found Jake lying beside her. "You okay?" he asked, leaning over her, braced on an elbow, sand streaking his face. "Fine," she said, aware that she'd just been assaulted by all she hated about the beach, but she didn't mind one bit. The delight of lying near Jake masked anything unpleasant. "More than fine." She brushed the sand from Jake's cheek, enjoying the firm muscle and solid bone beneath her fingers. The retreating wave tugged the sand from under her, making her feel unsteady, a little unsafe--a feeling that intensified as she looked up into Jake's warm eyes, blue as the sky and the sea. "Here." Jake handed her the fish chart, now wet and sandy. "I haven't been such a bad a roommate, have I?" He pushed a strand of hair from her cheek. "No. Except for the noise and the mess and the confusion--and not remembering to give me messages." "Yeah, but what about the food?" "The food's been great." "You'll miss me when I'm gone." She looked into his blue eyes. The sunset made them glint with gold. Water rushed under their bodies, further eroding the ground, tickling her, warning her, but she couldn't look away from Jake's face. "So don't do it," she said softly, looking at Jake, her visiting sea god, his eyes full of affection and promise in the dull-gold dusk light. "Don't do what?" "Don't move out." "I was hoping you'd say that." And then his lips met hers and his arms convulsed around her from under the sand and the kiss was perfect--warmer and stronger and deeper than the first. back to top

FRIENDLY PERSUASION Harlequin Blaze ISBN 037379097X July 2003 Buy It Here Read An Excerpt	Sex and happily ever after Kara Collier just can't separate sex and serious relationships. What she needs is a lesson in sex without promises of forever. And who better to teach her than her commitment-shy--and hot--best friend, Ross Gabriel. Problem is they know too much about each other to actually hit the sheets. Until the night he shows up dressed like a stranger, that is. Soon Kara's enjoying the hottest sex she's ever had ... without a single thought of "I do!" What started out as a favor for his best friend has suddenly become something much more. Ross doesn't want to admit his feelings for Kara, though--it might mean chaning his freedom-loving way. But when other guys start showing an interest in Kara, Ross can't hide his thoughts anymore. Not he has to persuade Kara that this seductive friendship can go the distance and that his feelings are very real ...
"In Friendly Persuasion, Dawn Atkins brings readers a special treat with a sexy and funny romance between opposites." -Romantic Times "Author Dawn Atkins steps into the ring with a true winner with Friendly Persuasion. Her multilayered characterization and her outstanding storyline makes this a difficult book to put down. I found myself immersed in the story very quickly and to the end before I was ready." -The Word on Romance “If you’re looking for a sweltering-hot must-read romance to help take your mind off those long summer nights you’re sure to be experiencing, then Friendly Persuasion is a must. With her first foray into the world of blazing hot romances, Ms. Atkins dazzles her readers in such a way that she is sure to have them begging for more.” -Writers Unlimited "FRIENDLY PERSUASION has something to offer all romance readers. Dawn Atkins has shown that she can master other Harlequin categories (Duets, Temptation) and it’s only a matter of time before she becomes a star among those in the Blaze line. So pick up FRIENDLY PERSUASION and get ready to feel the HEAT!" -Romance and Friends "Ms. Atkins has penned a fun, sexy, romp-filled book. With its secondary romance between Tina and Tom, who is a bartender at Tina’s favorite bar, this book has something for everyone. FRIENDLY PERSUASION is a humorous look at singles life from all sides. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a light, humorous, and fast read." -Romance Reviews Today back to top

"May I join you, Señorita?" an accented voice whispered close to Kara's ear. She glanced at the man, then did a double take. "Ross? What are you doing-?" "I do not know this Ross person. My name is Miguel. I am a stranger here in your city and I am, sadly, alone." "You're what?" She couldn't believe what she was seeing. Ross had smoothed back his hair, bought a stylish suit and now was pretending not to know her. He looked so hot, so sexy, and he wasn't teasing. "How is it that a woman so beautiful is alone on such a night as this?" "I was waiting," she said, then paused for effect. "For you." She almost laughed at the B-movie line, but then Ross-Miguel-looked into her eyes and said, "I'm so happy." At that, she did the most amazing thing. She took him by the lapels, pulled him close and planted her lips on him. He made a sound low in his throat and kissed her back, a hot, steamy kiss. She broke off the kiss and gasped, "Is there somewhere we could go?" back to top

WEDDING FOR ONE TATTOO FOR TWO Harlequin Duets ISBN 0373441576 January 2003 Buy It Here Read An Excerpt	Running out on her own wedding years ago is coming back to haunt Mariah Monroe. Now she needs to go home to persuade ex-groom Nathan Goodman to keep running her family's company. But he's determined to free his inner wild man. And even worse, it seems their attraction didn't fade when she drove off into the sunset… To her family, Nikki Winfield is a successful store owner who's married to a doctor. Truth is, she's a tattoo artist with a commitment issue. A family emergency calls her home and she has to produce a husband. Enter Hollister Marx. He's a dentist--sort of a doctor, right?--who owes her a favor. Too bad her fake husband's kisses are a little too real.
"In book one of this Double Duets, WEDDING FOR ONE, Dawn Atkins adds a new and amusing twist to the "runaway bride" premise. Book two, TATTOO FOR TWO, teams up two opposites with really fun results. The offbeat heroine is great, as is her loony family." -Romantic Times "There are plenty of moments in both stories that will have you laughing out loud. For a sure-fire hit, be sure to pick up WEDDING FOR ONE / TATTOO FOR TWO." -Romance Reviews Today "Dawn Atkins once again displays her knack for creating unique, witty characters and terrific laugh out loud moments. Dawn Atkins just keeps getting better and better. If you like your stories humorous and realistic, you'll love both stories in this entertaining Harlequin Duets!" -Romance and Friends "Author Dawn Atkins demonstrates the deft skill of a master as she intricately weaves these two fabulous tales. Told with the liveliness and verve fans have come to expect from this marvelous author, WEDDING FOR ONE and TATOO FOR TWO belongs on the keeper shelf, coming very highly recommended." -Wordweaving back to top

WEDDING FOR ONE "Mariah, what are you doing?" Nathan's voice startled her, making her almost lose her grip on the ladder. "I'm …fixing…this valve." "Don't do that!" He grabbed the ladder, making it wobble. Then she did lose her grip, and suddenly she plopped into a pool of red jelly. "Are you okay?" He looked down at her. "I'm fine. Sticky, but fine." "Give me your hand and I'll get you out." She reached up to grasp his hand, but the jelly made her hand slip out of his and pulled him partially over the edge of the drum. Hmmm. Not a bad idea. This could be fun. She reached up, looking innocent. "Let's try again. Lean over and give me both hands." Mariah gripped his hands, and levered as hard as she could …. Nathan teetered for a second, then slid down and thumped into the gelatinous pool . "Come on in, the jelly's fine." She laughed and met his gaze. But instead of seeing anger there, she saw attraction, heat…desire. A sexy smile spread across his face. "So, Mariah, you up for some jelly wrestling?" TATTOO FOR TWO "Hollis, I have to tell you a couple of things." Nikki had to say this fast, because they were almost there and he needed to know the secret. "Like what, Nikki?" You're my husband and your name's Warren. No, too abrupt. "I ran away from home." "Okay." He sounded puzzled. "My parents and I were a mismatch. They're serious people. Conservative…I caused them some grief." "But you've grown up." "Not the way they think I have. See, that's why you're here….I told them I'd be bringing someone…special." "Someone special? I'm just your date, right?" "Well, the truth is, I'm hoping you could pretend to be, um, more." Oops, out of time! She'd just pulled up in front of her parents' house and could see the family coming out to greet them. He blew out a sigh. "Okay. I'll do it. But--" "Great!" Then, because everyone was watching, she leaned over and kissed him. Instant sparks ignited between them, and suddenly she knew she'd never be able to keep her hands to herself. back to top

LIPSTICK ON HIS COLLAR Harlequin Temptation ISBN 0373259956 September 2002 Buy It Here Read An Excerpt	Seduction the second time around A year ago Nick Ryder and Mirand Chase shared a steamy night that left more than just a few lipstick marks on his collar. When she didn't return his calls, Nick got the message loud and clear ... this high-class woman wanted nothing more from a lowly cop. Yet they've met again, and Miranda needs his investigative talents. He can't refuse the tempting Miranda, but he can stay out of her bed. Or at least try ... Miranda struggled to forget gorgeous Nick Ryder--he didn't call and she thought he wasn't interested. Now he's back--as sexy and irresistible as ever--and his hot glances are saying he wants another night. But he keeps insisting that this is strictly business. That means Miranda is going to have to sharpen her lipstick and entice him ... because she's not about to let him get away twice!
"Delightful comedic feast! Very highly recommended… Once again author Dawn Atkins proves her deft ability for combining an amusing romantic romp with sensual interludes in LIPSTICK ON HIS COLLAR. These dynamic characterizations address the modern questions of priorities and social status with verve as Miranda and Nick match wits. Outrageous antics, such as Miranda's tackling of a burglar and the over abundance of sprained ankles, make for a marvelous read, making LIPSTICK ON HIS COLLAR come very highly recommended." -Wordweaving "LIPSTICK ON HIS COLLAR by Dawn Atkins is a fun, sexy romp of a romance. This is the first book that I've read by Dawn Atkins and I'll be sure to seek out her previous releases as well as any future ones. LIPSTICK ON HIS COLLAR is a highly entertaining, enjoyable read and I recommend that you run out and pick up a copy immediately and see just what Ms. Atkins has to offer. You won't be disappointed!" -Romance and Friends "A sexy little romp about a chance meeting, LIPSTICK ON HIS COLLAR is just that. Nick and Miranda are perfect for each other, if they can just get past a couple of issues. …LIPSTICK ON HIS COLLAR is simply outstanding, and not one to be missed." -The Word on Romance "By turns sexy and funny, what's most remarkable is Ms. Atkins's handling of the hero, who in less skilled hands could have become just another burned-out cop." -Romantic Times, Four Stars back to top

Nick followed the trail of rose petals. They led straight to Miranda's bedroom, lit with clusters of flickering candles. Soft jazz played and the air smelled of roses mixed with vanilla and spices. The trail of rose petals led to the bed where Miranda lay. She was on her side in a suggestive pose, wearing white lingerie, transparent except for leafy vines that coyly covered her. She was breathtakingly beautiful--she looked like erotic innocence. And she was trying to seduce him. His capacity to think went south and his vow to resist her evaporated. Desire pounded through him and all he wanted was to put his hands all over her. Now. She tossed her hair over her shoulder. "I thought we might finish what we started…." Who was he to fight her? He crossed the room, yanking off his clothes as he moved. I poured you a bath," she murmured. "Honey, if you think I'd let a bath come between me and you looking like that, think again!" back to top

ANCHOR THAT MAN! Harlequin Duets ISBN 0373441436 June 2002 Buy It Here Read An Excerpt	Renata Rose is supposed to help couples find happily ever after … not make them crash their love boats on the rocks of love! But she's lost her belief in marriage, jeopardizing her job hosting a TV relationship show. Enter too-charming, too-sexy co-anchor Hawk Hunter. Hawk's ideas for the show are all wrong. And Renata plans on telling him so…just as soon as she finishes falling for him.
"Ms. Atkins pens a hilarious and witty romance with ANCHOR THAT MAN!" -The Word on Romance "Dawn Atkins's ANCHOR THAT MAN! is a lighthearted, pleasing story offering some truly touching moments and an appealing pair of lovers." -Romantic Times "Dawn Atkins creates a tale filled with mixed emotions and sharply contrasting characters. Highly recommended." -WordWeaving.com back to top

"Denny said he thinks he could squeeze some money out of the budget," Renata said hopefully. "If we're good enough, they'll pay for us. That's television," Hawk said. "We just have to blow 'em out of the water and they won't dump either of us." "Right. Great. That's exactly what I was thinking." It seemed impossible that Hawk could mean what he'd just said, but there was no duplicity in his eyes. "We just have to prove that we belong together," Hawk said. Renata's breath hitched. We belong together. The words hovered in the air between them like beautiful butterflies. "On the show," Hawk finished, shooing them away. "Sure. Of course. The show." "Good" Hawk reached to shake on it, his eyes holding hers. She took his hand. Warmth zoomed through her, fast, on nerve pathways prepared by past experience. His eyes held hers, his gaze a heat lamp warming her all over. Her heart thumped in a strange rhythm, her skin tingled and her toes went numb. Hawk tilted his chin toward her and she noticed his teeth were very white, his jaw straight and strong, he had a hint of a dimple on one cheek and he wanted to kiss her. He wanted to kiss her. Omigod! Panic seized her and she pushed herself back in her chair as if she were on a carnival ride. back to top

THE COWBOY FLING Harlequin Temptation ISBN 0373259719 March 2002 Buy It Here Read An Excerpt	There's something about this cowboy… Lacey Wellington is out to change her life. And sexy cowboy Max McLane is the perfect man for the hot fling she has in mind. Problem is, he seems to be the noble kind and is resisting her advances. She'll just have to prove that she likes footloose and fancy-free cowboys. Funny thing, though, the more she knows about Max, the less cowboy-like he seems. Max would rather wrangle a spreadsheet than a steer. And he'd give almost anything to never see another saddle again. But he gave his word to her overprotective brother that he would keep an eye on Lacey and keep her out of trouble. So somehow this former accountant has to pretend he's the cowboy he's not…while keeping his hands off Lacey!
"Newcomer Dawn Atkins has hit a home run with this book. She has added some really funny situations to this story that had this reader laughing out loud. I love the way Ms. Atkins combined humor with the sensual and emotional qualities I have come to expect from a Temptation story. Judging from this first effort with this publisher I would say Ms. Atkins has a bright future at Harlequin. I look forward to her next release." -A Romance Review back to top

"Well. That was certainly refreshing." Max climbed out from under the sink and shook the water from his hair. His cheeks gleamed with water and his shirt clung to his muscles. Water dripped from the ceiling and appliances where the broken faucet had sprayed. "You're all wet," Lacey said, his eyes taking in the clinging shirt, his impressive chest. "You, too." Max drew his finger lightly across the front of her blouse. "Black lace. Nice," he murmured. A little thrill went through her at the touch of his finger. They stared at each other in longing, the heat between them mounting, creating steam in the damp room. "You tempt me too much." His hand cupped her face, his thumb gently brushing her lip. He kissed her, long and sweet and hard. Just when her knees were about to buckle, he broke it off. "We can't do this, Lacey. It's not that simple." "Don't think about it, Max," she whispered, teasing his mouth with her own. "Just give in." back to top

BABY MAKES THREE Kensington Precious Gems ISBN 0-8217-6945-6 July 2000	Assistant Principal Zoe Balboa has no intention of getting involved with her new roommate, Alex Masters--although the thought of running her hands through the handsome inventor's unruly hair is very tempting. Zoe's determined to keep things strictly business…until one of her students leaves a present on her new doorstep--a baby girl! Alex may be an absent-minded inventor, but, as the oldest in a big family, he's a total pro at soothing crying babies--a talent Zoe obviously missed out on. He can't help but smile at how inept his pretty, straight-laced roomie is at the basics of motherhood. But he's got a feeling that with a little tutoring, the secretly soft-hearted cutie will make a fabulous mom--and wife….
" ...a wonderfully entertaining romance that is over all too soon." -Romance Reviews Today
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GETTING ZACK BACK Kensington Precious Gems ISBN: 0-82176-2508 December 1998 Buy It Here	Attorney Zack Stone thinks the new cyclist is a knockout ...until she knocks him off his bike and lands him in the hospital. When she shows up as his private nurse, sparks fly. Allison's afraid to fall for her handsome patient because of her jinx of being attracted to "taken" men and Zack has an ex-girlfriend who's a little too friendly for everyone's good.
"A charming tale of romance gone awry, zany characters, snappy dialogue, sizzling love scenes and a plot that will keep you guessing to the very end." -Under the Covers Books Reviews
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