Desiree Holt's Cyber Launch Party Winners

What a fun party! Thanks to everyone who stopped by to party with Desiree yesterday! You guys rock and really made her day!

Desiree was kind enough to offer up three prizes yesterday - Congrats to all three winners!!!

Sherry, you won a free ebook of SWITCHED
Marybelle, you won a free ebook of JUST SAY YES
Tina in Maine, you won an autographed copy of AGE AND EXPERIENCE, the anthology that contains her story TEACHING MOLLY.

Celebrating Two Desiree Holt Ellora's Cave Releases

Today we're celebrating two brand new Ellora's Cave releases for one very busy Desiree Holt - SWITCHED, released under EC's Taboo line and JUST SAY YES, an EC Moderne release.

All her life Desiree dreamed of faraway places and unbelievably sexy men. From baseball players to rock musicians to television personalities she met them all and each one enriched her life. Now tucked away in the Texas Hill Country, she shares her fantasies with her readers. In her satin robe, with her scented candle burning and a chilled glass of wine at hand, she lets her mind run wild — and hopes you’ll take the journey with her. When she’s not writing, she reads and indulges in her other passion — watching football.

VISIT WEBSITE

A new Ellora's Cave Taboo release for Desiree Holt.

Emma is prepared for another boring lawyers' conference until her suitcase gets switched with Luke Borelli's - a man who has as much interest in BDSM as he does in torts and contracts. Wet and horny from the moment she lays eyes on him, she accepts his invitation to introduce her to the pleasures of BDSM.

The feeling of helplessness the handcuffs create only enhances Emma's pleasure as his mouth devours every inch of her body, his hands teasing and tormenting. When he introduces her to the switch and the edge of pleasure-pain it brings, her orgasms reach a plane of undeniable intensity.

But what about afterward? Emma wonders if she'll ever see him again. How is she going to satisfy her now permanently aroused body?

BUY THE BOOK *** READ THE EXCERPT

An Ellora's Cave Moderne release from Desiree Holt.

Shea Prescott is astonished when millionaire Cruz Castillo chooses her to design his new home on his ranch. They hardly travel in the same circles. But Cruz had been hot for Shea since he first saw her and when they meet the chemistry between them ignites. Cruz coaxes her deeper and deeper into a whirlpool of erotic sex, awakening latent sexual desires and bringing her orgasms beyond her wildest imaginings. Her body screams yes at his every touch, but will she say yes to the most important question?

BUY THE BOOK *** READ THE EXCERPT

WIN - Today, Desiree is in such a party mood, she's giving away several prizes!!! So be sure to leave a comment or question for Desiree today, along with your email address, and your name goes in the hat - three winners will be drawn tomorrow!!

One winner will get a free download of her new release SWITCHED, one winner will get a free download of her new release JUST SAY YES and one winner will get an autographed copy of AGE AND EXPERIENCE (a reviewer's choice pick) that includes her story TEACHING MOLLY.

And when you're finished, be sure to head to the AuthorIsland.com Contest page to check out how you can win a free download of another brand new release - FREEZE FRAME, the fourth book in her Phoenix Agency Series written as Judith Rochelle and a very cool Phoenix Agency T-shirt.

LaVerne Thompson's Cyber Launch Party Winner

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to celebrate LaVerne Thompson's new release with her!

Congrats to Joder!!! You won a free download of LaVerne's PROMISES and there still time to get in on LaVerne's contest over on the contest page of www.Authorisland.com!

Celebrating the Release of LaVerne Thompson's CHANCES ARE

Today we're celebrating the release of CHANCES ARE by LaVerne Thompson.

LaVerne is the mother of two teenage girls, a wife, a former intellectual property attorney, a multi-published author, an avid reader and a writer of contemporary, fantasy, and sci/fi sensual interracial romances. As someone who has lived in an interracial relationship for more than 23years, her husband is an Anglo-American, she is from Trinidad she wanted to write stories that were more reflective of their experiences.

She is an award winning bestselling author, and is currently working on several projects. When not working on one of her stories, or shuttling her girls to and from school and their various activities, she can usually be found on online. Visit her website to read excerpts of her books or check out her blog at to see excerpts of some of the stories she's currently working on.

Join LaVerne's yahoo group to chat and hear what's new or visit her page over on Amazon.

VISIT WEBSITE *** VISIT MYSPACE *** VISIT BLOG

A new IR romantic suspense by LaVerne Thompson.

If we work together can we still sleep together?

Kayla's world is turned upside down: first she's fired from the bank she's worked at for fifteen years. Then on the same day rehired by the new bank president, a man she's got the hots for, but he's her boss and he's got the hots for her, too. Until he find out his bank's been robbed and Kayla's somehow involved.

Talbert Reynolds III isn't at the top of the financial world because he shied away from risks, and pursuing Kayla could be one of the biggest risks of his life. But she's worth it... Or is she?

BUY THE BOOK *** READ THE EXCERPT *** WATCH THE TRAILER

WIN - Leave a question or comment for LaVerne today at her Cyber Launch Party along with your email address and your name goes in the hat for a free download of her novel PROMISES. Also check out her new contest over on the AuthorIsland.com Contest page for a chance to win a fantastic petie spa hot stone massage kit and an autographed copy of PROMISES.

Annie Nicholas' Cyber Launch Party Winner

Thanks to all who stopped by to celebrate with Annie!

Congrats to Judy! Annie will contact you soon to get your mailing address so she can ship you out that yummy box of chocolate!!!

Celebrating the Release of Annie Nicholas' THE OMEGAS

Today we're celebrating the release of THE OMEGAS, an erotic paranormal with a twist from Annie Nicholas.

Annie Nicholas hibernates in the rural, green mountains of Vermont, where she dreams of different worlds, heroes, and heroines. When spring arrives the stories pour from her, in hopes to share them with the masses one day.

Mother, daughter, wife are some of the hats she happily wears while trudging after her cubs through the hills and dales. The four seasons an inspiration and muse.

You can also find Annie at Paranormal Romantics every Monday.

WEBSITE *** BLOG *** FACEBOOK *** TWITTER


Annie Nicholas Gives Us A Paranormal With A Twist In Her New Release

In this new erotic paranormal by Annie Nicholas, Only a vampire is man enough to teach werewolves how to fight.

Pretty librarian Sugar wants her life to stay quiet. That's hard enough when friends and neighbors turn into furry wolves every full moon. But when a hot vampire gets involved, life's bound to get complicated.

The Omega have always been the pansies of the paranormal. Now Chicago's top werewolf pack has issued them a life or death challenge. Their only option: hire a vampire warrior to teach them the moves.

Daedalus has been a powerful vampire for ages. Intrigued by the chance to train the geeks of the underworld, he wasn't bargaining on losing his heart to a human. Can he make the Omegas a success, fit into Sugar's quiet life, and avoid being ripped to shreds in the process?

BUY THE BOOK *** READ THE EXCERPT




WIN - Leave Annie a question or comment today here at her Cyber Launch Party and include your email address and your name goes in the hat for a box of Lake Champlain chocolates! Annie will also be celebrating today over at www.LyricalPress.blogspot.com! Stop by and say hi, if you can!

A winner will be announce right here tomorrow, so be sure and check back - Good Luck!

Cris Anson's Cyber Launch Party Winner

Thanks to everyone for celebrating Cris Anson's new release with her!

Congrats to INA!!! You win a free download of one of Cris' backlist - Please email me at AuthorIsland at yahoo.com to confirm your email address and Cris will email you for your choice, so head to her website to check out her books!

Celebrating the Release of Cris Anson's PUNISHMENT AND MERCY

Today we're celebrating the Ellora's Cave release of Cris Anson's PUNISHMENT AND MERCY.


Cris firmly believes that love is the greatest gift...to give or to receive. In her writing, she lives for the moment when her characters realize they love each other, usually after much antagonism and conflict. And when they express that love physically, Cris keeps a fire extinguisher near the keyboard in case of spontaneous combustion.

After suffering the loss of her real-life hero/husband of twenty-two years, Cris has picked up the pieces of her life and tries to remember only the good times...slow-dancing with him to the Big-Band sound of Glenn Miller's music, vacations to scenic national parks in a snug recreational vehicle, his tender and fierce love, his unflagging belief in her ability to write stories that touch the heart as well as the libido. Bits and pieces of his tenacity, optimism, code of honor and lust for life will live on in her imaginary heroes.

VISIT WEBSITE

Widowed Mercy Walcott is too horny for the repressive Massachusetts Bay Colony of 1694, so when she gets flogged in the village square for sexual congress outside matrimony, her father forces her to marry the blacksmith, Seth Burroughs. Strong, virile, dominant and insatiable, Seth tames her. Up to a point.

The young acolyte, Adam Putnam, falls hard for the delectable beauty he's forced to subdue while the Reverend doles out her punishment. Watching her bare ass getting redder and her delectable thighs wetter, he experiences his first orgasm under his churchly robes -in full view of the citizenry.

Mercy remembers the feel of him as she squirmed away from the whip and against his sinewy body. She inveigles Seth to indenture him as an apprentice. Adam is torn between his carnal desire for the woman he's coming to love and his innate scruples. How can he withstand temptation when Seth encourages his wife to make love to Adam? And how can Adam look his friend in the eye after he does?

An new erotic historical from Cris Anson and Ellora's Cave.

BUY THE BOOK *** READ THE EXCERPT

WIN - Leave Cris a question or comment today here at her Cyber Launch Party and include your email address and your name goes in the hat for a free download of the winner's choice from Cris Anson's backlist! A winner will be announce right here tomorrow, so be sure and check back - Good Luck!

Nina Pierce's Cyber Launch Party Winner

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to celebrate Nina's special day with her and a HUGE thank you to Nina for being such a fun guest! It was a great party!

Congrats to Rebekah E - your name was drawn! I need you to email me your full name and address to AuthorIsland at yahoo.com so Nina can get you out your goodie bag!

Celebrating the Release of Nina Pierce's Sexy Sci Fi HEALER'S GARDEN

Today we are celebrating the new Ellora's Cave AEON release of HEALER'S GARDEN by Nina Pierce.

Nina grew up in a house of readers. So falling in love with books was only natural. In her teen years she found her mother's romance books and became forever hooked on the journey of finding one's true love. Now, if you throw in a dead body and some mayhem, Nina is in reader nirvana.

A few years ago, reading about love wasn't enough. She is now driven to write stories of alpha-males with a chink in their armor and the kick-ass women who fall in love with them. And true to what she loves, more often than not, you'll find some suspense thread running through her plots, hopefully with enough twists to keep her readers turning the pages, staying up late, and burning dinner.

A native of Maine, Nina lives in what she affectionately calls "the great white North". She is fortunate to have married her high school sweetheart and true love twenty-five years ago. They share their lives with three grown children and a menagerie of pets.

WEBSITE *** MYSPACE

In the female-dominated society of the twenty-second century, mating with a male, even if it is to save the human race, is a distasteful task and one Healer Jahara Hriznek has successfully avoided - until now.

Brenimyn is a gifted breeding instructor at the Garden of Serenity. Forced to copulate with all females requesting his services, he yearns to find the one woman who responds to his touch. When Jahara arrives with the new class of breeders, Brenimyn's body immediately aches for her, but convincing the stubborn healer that sex between a man and a woman is more than just an act for procreation proves to be a challenge he refuses to fail.

Jahara doesn't want to enjoy the sinful rapture only Brenimyn brings to her body. Brenimyn has no intention of dousing the flames of desire licking at them until Jahara is completely his - body, mind and heart. But when the government finds their loving relationship a threat to the natural order, there may be more than their stubborn wills at stake in this sexy Ellora's Cave release from Nina Pierce.

BUY THE BOOK *** READ THE EXCERPT *** WATCH THE TRAILER

WIN - Leave Nina a question or message today here at her Cyber Launch Party and your name goes in the hat for a small tote full of goodies from her prize closet. (Shipping for US and Canadian residents only. An international winner gets to choose an ebook from Nina's backlist.) A winner will be announced tomorrow, so be sure to check back. Good Luck!

Lori Armstrong's Cyber Launch Party Winner

Thank you to everyone for stopping by and wishing Lori the best with her new release!!

Congrats to Lisa F!!! Please email me at AuthorIsland at yahoo.com with your mailing address so we can get you out an autographed copy of BLOOD TIES.

Former Army sniper Mercy Gunderson debuts in today's new release NO MERCY, the first book in a gripping new mystery series by the Shamus award winning author, Lori Armstrong.

Mercy Gunderson is a straight shooter with a hard edge. On medical leave from the Army, she returns home to South Dakota, which isn’t much safer for her than Iraq. Arriving just after the death of her father, it is up to Mercy to decide what to do with the family ranch. Trying to deal with her irresponsible sister and nephew and feeling guilty that she didn’t make it home soon enough to see her father one last time; Mercy is suddenly pulled into the local community when the body of a Native American boy is found on her land. But nobody seems to be doing anything about it, especially not the local law enforcement.

When tragedy strikes again, Mercy is ready to throw all her energy into her own investigation, and she’s out for revenge. As she digs up the truth behind the shocking crimes, Mercy uncovers dark and dangerous secrets and must race to stop a killer before everything she’s fought for is destroyed forever.

BUY THE BOOK *** READ THE EXCERPT

Celebrating the Release of Lori Armstrong's NO MERCY

Former Army sniper Mercy Gunderson debuts in today's new release NO MERCY, the first book in a gripping new mystery series by the Shamus award winning author, Lori Armstrong.

Lori G. Armstrong left the firearms industry in 2000. Her first mystery novel, BLOOD TIES, published in 2005, was nominated in 2006 for a Shamus Award for Best First Novel by the Private Eye Writers of America. The second book in the Julie Collins mystery series, HALLOWED GROUND, released Nov. 2006, was nominated for a 2007 Shamus Award for Best Paperback Original, a Daphne du Maurier Award and won the 2007 WILLA Cather Literary Award for Best Original Softcover Fiction. SHALLOW GRAVE, released in Nov. 2007, was nominated for a 2008 High Plains Book Award, a Daphne du Maurier Award and was a finalist for the 2008 WILLA Cather Literary Award. The fourth book, SNOW BLIND, released in Oct. 2008, won the 2009 Shamus Award, from the Private Eye Writers of America, for Best Paperback Original. Lori is a proud fourth generation South Dakotan and lives in Rapid City with her family.

VISIT LORI'S WEBSITE

Mercy Gunderson is a straight shooter with a hard edge. On medical leave from the Army, she returns home to South Dakota, which isn’t much safer for her than Iraq. Arriving just after the death of her father, it is up to Mercy to decide what to do with the family ranch. Trying to deal with her irresponsible sister and nephew and feeling guilty that she didn’t make it home soon enough to see her father one last time; Mercy is suddenly pulled into the local community when the body of a Native American boy is found on her land. But nobody seems to be doing anything about it, especially not the local law enforcement.

When tragedy strikes again, Mercy is ready to throw all her energy into her own investigation, and she’s out for revenge. As she digs up the truth behind the shocking crimes, Mercy uncovers dark and dangerous secrets and must race to stop a killer before everything she’s fought for is destroyed forever.

BUY THE BOOK *** READ THE EXCERPT

WIN - Leave Lori a comment or question today at her Cyber Launch Party and your name goes in the hat for an autographed copy of BLOOD TIES the first book in her Judy Collins Mysteries. A winner will be announced right here tomorrow, so be sure to check back. Good luck and have fun!

Annie Nicholas' Cyber Launch Party Winner

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to celebrate Annie's most important day with her!

Congrats to Linda Henderson your name was drawn from the hat. Thanks for leaving your email address, Annie will get ahold of you with prize details.

Annie Nicholas' Debut Novel Just Release By Liquid Silver Books

Sent on a mission to lure Budapest's vampire Overlord into a trap, Connie Bence is instead caught red-handed by the dark Casanova. Her employer has concrete proof of the dubious leader’s misdeeds but she is surprised when this ruthless killer, Rurik, offers her protection and rescues her from his own kind. It plants seeds of doubt in her mind and she begins to question his guilt.

Now she is thrown into his world where blackmail determines her every move and where she must betray those she cares about or let them die. The stakes are high. She either puts her trust in Rurik or leads him to his execution. Love or life.

BUY THE BOOK *** READ THE EXCERPT

A Cyber Launch Party To Celebrate Annie Nicholas' New Release

Today we're celebrating the release of BAIT, an erotic paranormal with a twist from Annie Nicholas.

Annie Nicholas hibernates in the rural, green mountains of Vermont, where she dreams of different worlds, heroes, and heroines. When spring arrives the stories pour from her, in hopes to share them with the masses one day.

Mother, daughter, wife are some of the hats she happily wears while trudging after her cubs through the hills and dales. The four seasons an inspiration and muse.

You can also find Annie at Paranormal Romantics every Monday.

WEBSITE *** BLOG *** FACEBOOK *** TWITTER

Annie Nicholas' Debut Novel Just Release By Liquid Silver Books

Sent on a mission to lure Budapest's vampire Overlord into a trap, Connie Bence is instead caught red-handed by the dark Casanova. Her employer has concrete proof of the dubious leader’s misdeeds but she is surprised when this ruthless killer, Rurik, offers her protection and rescues her from his own kind. It plants seeds of doubt in her mind and she begins to question his guilt.

Now she is thrown into his world where blackmail determines her every move and where she must betray those she cares about or let them die. The stakes are high. She either puts her trust in Rurik or leads him to his execution. Love or life.

BUY THE BOOK *** READ THE EXCERPT





WIN - leave Annie a question or comment today here at the AuthorIsland Cyber Launch Party and your name goes in the hat for a prize! A winner will be announced right here tomorrow - Good luck!

Karen Chance's Cyber Launch Party Winner

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to celebrate with Karen! And congrats to Sharon - you're name was drawn - please email AuthorIsland at yahoo.com with your mailing address so we can get you out your book!


Dorina Basarab is a dhampir—half-human, half-vampire. Subject to uncontrollable rages, most dhampirs live very short, very violent lives. So far, Dory has managed to maintain her sanity by unleashing her anger on those demons and vampires who deserve killing.

Back home in Brooklyn after the demise of her insane uncle Dracula, Dory’s hoping her life is about to calm down. But then she gets some visitors. A friend wants Dory’s help in finding a magical Fey relic, and the gorgeous vampire, Louis-Cesare, is desperate to find his former mistress Christine.

Dory and Louis-Cesare quickly discover that the same master vampire Christine is bound to is also rumored to be in possession of the relic. But when the master vampire turns up dead, they realize that there’s more at stake than a missing mistress. Someone is killing vampire Senate members, and if Dory and Louis-Cesare can’t stop the murderer, they may be next…


BUY THE BOOK *** READ THE EXCERPT

Celebrating the Release of Karen Chance's DEATH'S MISTRESS

Today we're celebrating the release of DEATH'S MISTRESS the second book in NYT bestselling author Karen Chance's Dorina Basarab Series.


Karen grew up in Orlando, Florida, the home of make-believe, which probably explains a lot. She has since resided in France, Great Britain, Hong Kong and New Orleans, mostly goofing off but occasionally teaching history. She is currently back in Florida courtesy of Katrina, where she continues to write while dodging hurricanes (and occasionally drinking a few).

VISIT KAREN'S WEBSITE



Dorina Basarab is a dhampir—half-human, half-vampire. Subject to uncontrollable rages, most dhampirs live very short, very violent lives. So far, Dory has managed to maintain her sanity by unleashing her anger on those demons and vampires who deserve killing.

Back home in Brooklyn after the demise of her insane uncle Dracula, Dory’s hoping her life is about to calm down. But then she gets some visitors. A friend wants Dory’s help in finding a magical Fey relic, and the gorgeous vampire, Louis-Cesare, is desperate to find his former mistress Christine.

Dory and Louis-Cesare quickly discover that the same master vampire Christine is bound to is also rumored to be in possession of the relic. But when the master vampire turns up dead, they realize that there’s more at stake than a missing mistress. Someone is killing vampire Senate members, and if Dory and Louis-Cesare can’t stop the murderer, they may be next…


BUY THE BOOK *** READ THE EXCERPT

WIN - leave Karen a question or comment today here at the AuthorIsland Cyber Launch Party and your name goes in the hat for an autographed copy of MIDNIGHT'S DAUGHTER, the first book in Karen's Dorina Basarab series! A winner will be announced right here tomorrow - Good luck!

Erin McCarthy's Cyber Launch Party Winner

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to celebrate Erin's special day with her! And congrats to Virginia C - you win an autographed copy of Erin's FALLEN - thanks for leaving your email, I'll contact you today for your mailing address.

Nearly a century ago, Felix Leblanc made a deal with the demon of greed. Now he's the most celebrated and powerful voodoo priest in New Orleans, able to enchant anything he wishes from wealthy, beautiful women. Until one client -beautiful and dangerous - brings his reign to a disastrous end, condemning Felix to servitude and a loveless eternity of never being wanted for himself...

New Orleans, now. Heiress Regan Henry knows that passion can be an illusion, and she keeps her emotions in check - until she falls under the spell of the beguiling Felix LeBlanc. He's knows that the rumors that her mansion is haunted are true, and that he's the only one who can save her from the spirits residing there. But the only way he can do it is to sacrifice his last chance at redemption...or risk a love that could consign them both to an eternity of evil.

BUY THE BOOK *** READ THE EXCERPT

Celebrating the Release of Erin McCarthy's THE TAKING

Today we are celebrating the long-awaited release of the third book in Erin McCarthy's ongoing Seven Deadly Sins series - THE TAKING! We are also celebrating the kick off of Erin's new Member's Only section of her website and her official Fan Club - check out her website for all the details!

Bestselling author Erin McCarthy sold her first book to Kensington Brava through author Lori Foster's website contest in 2002, much to her continued amazement. Thirty-something books later, Erin is entertaining both Brava and Berkley readers with her sassy, sexy tales of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her Las Vegas Vampires series debuted in August 2006, with HIGH STAKES hitting #1 on the B&N trade romance list. Erin also writes dark paranormal in her Seven Deadly Sins series and paranormal young adult novels under the name Erin Lynn.

Join Erin's Fan Club *** Visit Erin's Website *** Visit Erin's Blog *** Visit Erin's Myspace

Nearly a century ago, Felix Leblanc made a deal with the demon of greed. Now he's the most celebrated and powerful voodoo priest in New Orleans, able to enchant anything he wishes from wealthy, beautiful women. Until one client -beautiful and dangerous - brings his reign to a disastrous end, condemning Felix to servitude and a loveless eternity of never being wanted for himself...

New Orleans, now. Heiress Regan Henry knows that passion can be an illusion, and she keeps her emotions in check - until she falls under the spell of the beguiling Felix LeBlanc. He's knows that the rumors that her mansion is haunted are true, and that he's the only one who can save her from the spirits residing there. But the only way he can do it is to sacrifice his last chance at redemption...or risk a love that could consign them both to an eternity of evil.

BUY THE BOOK *** READ THE EXCERPT

WIN - leave Erin a question or comment today here at the AuthorIsland Cyber Launch Party and your name goes in the hat for an autographed copy of FALLEN, the second book in Erin's Seven Deadly Sins series! A winner will be announced right here tomorrow - Good luck!

Madeleine Oh's Cyber Launch Party Winner

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to wish Madeleine Oh a happy release day!

Congrats to Armenia!! You are the winner of the goodies from Madeleine. Thanks for leaving your email address, we'll be contacting you for your mailing address so Madeleine can ship you out your prize!

A borrowed cottage, an ancient magic spring, wild erotic dreams and the mysterious Dai Hughes all lure Alex to the wildest side of wild Wales.

Originally published in e-book format in Summon The Masters anthology Decmeber 2006 and then as Trade Paperback April 2008.



BUY THE BOOK *** READ THE EXCERPT

Celebrating the Release of INTERLUDE by Madeleine Oh

Today we're celebrating the Ellora's Cave release of INTERLUDE by Madeleine Oh.



Madeleine is a woman of mystery. Some say she is the granddaughter of an odalisque from the Bey's hareem in Algiers, others that her father was a direct descendant of the line of Welsh princes, Some say that her parents met whilst working for the French Resitance during WW2. There have even been claims that she was born on a farm in Ohio. Perhaps all of this is true. But truth or fiction, readers love her wildly imaginative erotic tales.

Visit Madeleine's Website


A borrowed cottage, an ancient magic spring, wild erotic dreams and the mysterious Dai Hughes all lure Alex to the wildest side of wild Wales.

Originally published in e-book format in Summon The Masters anthology Decmeber 2006 and then as Trade Paperback April 2008.



BUY THE BOOK *** READ THE EXCERPT




WIN - leave Madeleine a question or comment today here at the AuthorIsland Cyber Launch Party and your name goes in the hat for some Madeleine Oh goodies! A winner will be announced right here tomorrow - Good luck!