Sizzlin’ Stacia in South Beach

After so long, I’m very happy to chat with you about the next book in THE CALLING/REBORN vampire series. KISSED BY A VAMPIRE will be available on October 16 from Harlequin Nocturne.

The heroine in the novel is Stacia, a nearly two thousand year old vampiress who has seen her share of pain and death. She herself experienced it in the days before her wedding when she is turned by her husband-to-be and after, when he enslaves her as she struggles to deal with her new undead life.

Stacia always presented a wealth of contradictions for me. When she first appeared in DEATH CALLS (a 2006 CATAROMANCE Reviewers Choice Winner), you knew she was brash and almost promiscuous as she chased after both Ryder and Diana with equal fervor.

I knew that her sexual pursuit hid a much greater need: To be loved.

That became very apparent in DESIRE CALLS where Stacia and Blake explore their attraction. You can read that story for free by clicking here.

Ever since then, I’ve been trying to find a way to give Stacia her happily-ever-after. There was something about her deep loneliness and the outrageous behavior that she uses to hide it that really called to me. I hope you’ll enjoy her story, KISSED BY A VAMPIRE, when it’s released on October 16.

I also hope you’ll enjoy a slightly different location for KISSED BY A VAMPIRE since I’m moving Stacia’s story to South Beach. It was time for a bit of change from the other Manhattan locales for THE CALLING/REBORN novels.

South Beach was the perfect location for Stacia to meet the man who would challenge her: Sexy DEA Agent Alex Garcia. You might also remember Alex from DEATH CALLS. Alex is Diana’s ex-lover and the events from their brief reunion in New York have had a lasting effect on Alex. KISSED BY A VAMPIRE is as much Alex’s story as it is Stacia’s and I hope you will love this honorable and caring man as much as I do.

I also had another reason for setting the story in South Beach — I’ve been there a few times and wanted to share with you the feel of the sizzling South Beach strip. To get you in the mood, here are some photos of the area where Stacia and Alex will meet and face danger as they fall in love.

I’ll be sharing more Behind the Scenes photos and history with you as we approach the release of KISSED BY A VAMPIRE!

Wife by Wednesday Free Read & #giveaway

Please welcome today my friend and fellow author, Catherine Bybee! I am so excited to have her here today to chat about her latest release. If you’re like me and your guilty pleasure is plunking down with a stack of Silhouette Desire novels, then Catherine’s book is one you are sure to love and since it’s an Amazon bestseller, I think others also agree.

Without further ado, here’s Catherine!

jersey shore shell

Thanks so much Caridad for having me here today.
It’s stupid, crazy time of year… the holidays are here. It’s time to start baking, cooking turkeys and drinking wine. Not necessarily in that order. LOL

In the giving spirit, I’m going to offer a copy of Wife by Wednesday to a random person who leaves a comment on your blog today. All they half to do is answer one question. What do you think about authors self publishing their work?

My very first Indie published book, Wife by Wednesday has been out less than two months and already I’ve reached so many new readers. I think people need a light contemporary read this time of year. Something to help them escape for a few hours. Wife is #2 in Contemporary Romance one Amazon Kindle this week. I couldn’t be happier with my reviews.

Here is an exclusive excerpt of Wife by Wednesday:

Blurb:

A Contemporary Romance with a dash of humor and a whole lotta sexy…

Blake Harrison:

Rich, titled, and charming… And in need of a wife by Wednesday so he turns to Sam Elliot who isn’t the business man he expected. Instead, Blake is faced with Samantha Elliot, engaging and spunky with a voice men call 900 numbers to hear.

Samantha Elliot:

Owner of Alliance, her matchmaking firm, and not on the marital menu… That is until Blake offers her ten million dollars for a one-year contract. All she needs to do is keep her attraction to her husband to herself and avoid his bed. But Blake’s toe-curling kisses and charm prove too difficult to combat. Now she needs to protect her heart so she can walk away when their mercenary life together is over.

Excerpt:

Contemporary RomanceAfter several minutes of packing, Samantha forgot all about the cameras and found her head deep inside her dresser. She grabbed a simple band and tied her hair back out of the way.

“Should I be worried about all these shoes in here?” Blake asked from her closet.

She laughed. “You’re the one who told me to go shopping,” she teased.
“Looks like I’ll be hiring a handyman to build another walk-in just for you.” There was laughter in his voice.

“Women love clothes.”

“And shoes, apparently. God, I didn’t think anyone needed this many.”

Samantha tucked her panties into a box and reached for more. “I’m short, in case you haven’t noticed. I need heels to see how the rest of you live.”

Blake’s voice moved closer. “You’re not short,” he said.

She turned to see him holding a pair of four-inch pumps.

“Vertically challenged, then.” She stood to prove her point. “See?” Beside him, the top of her head met his chin. “Short!”

His eyes seemed to drag her into his frame. “I wouldn’t change anything about you,” he told her. Blake reached out and tugged the band from her hair. His fingers brushed over the ends and Samantha forgot to breathe. The closer he moved into her personal space, the less air was available for her lungs. She tilted her head as he moved in and allowed his mouth to move over hers.

jersey shore shell

To order WIFE BY WEDNESDAY, just follow any of these links:

Amazon Download:
http://amzn.to/pus1jM

Smashwords:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94015

Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wife-by-wednesday-catherine-bybee/1106329395?ean=2940013652019&itm=6&usri=catherine%2bbybee

For more information on Catherine and her novels (did I mention she also does time travel stories?), check out Catherine at www.catherinebybee.com.

Amazon Awakening Erotic Paranormal Romance

Counting down the days until the release of my first ever erotic paranormal romance, AMAZON AWAKENING, from Nocturne Cravings. It was so different for me to write a story where I pushed beyond the sexual boundaries I’d explored in so many other stories, but primary for me in writing these novellas (another 5 on their way in 2012 and 2013) was to have an intense and believable romance. For me, it’s all about the romance during whatever physical intimacy is happening. Even if I’m being daring and walking the edge during a love scene, there has to be a growing bond between the hero and heroine.

With that, here is a little blurb for you about AMAZON AWAKENING as well as a sexy excerpt!

Rey Peralta has been sent to persuade Paola Lopes to return to Brazil and take up her place as Priestess of the Guardians, protectors of the sacred realm hidden deep in the Amazon rainforest. He knows Paola is the one they need to ensure their survival—but he doesn’ t expect the instant blast of desire that sparks between them. Her beauty and power call to him, enticing him to merge with her physically and spiritually; a desire that only increases when they give in to their passion and make love. Can he convince Paola to accept her destiny and stay with her people—and by his side?

WARNING

This excerpt contains mature subject matter so do not open unless you are at least 18.

If you can’t see the widget below, you can cut and paste this link:
http://www.scribd.com/fullscreen/72902685?access_key=key-7hf866rrigwutty0jsg

Erotic Paranormal Romance Amazon Awakening Excerpt

Fun Friday!

For some fun, visit with me at Among the Muses as part of THE LOST blog tour.

For a more serious discussion, drop by My Book Addiction and More as I discuss the importance of taking care of yourself and how cancer touches your life as part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Also have something to share with you – NEW COVERS! Squeeeee.

I was asked to do some erotic paranormal romance for Harlequin Nocturne Cravings, something new for me. I mean, I write sexy, but this was REALLY sexy and yet still filled with romance and a Happily-Ever-After. Three of the novellas are done and will be out in December 2011, February and April 2012. I’ve just accepted an offer for another three beyond that which will be out in late 2012 and 2013.

The first erotic paranormal romance novella is titled AMAZON AWAKENING and here’s a little teaser for it as well as the cover!

Rey Peralta has been sent to persuade Paola Lopes to return to Brazil and take up her place as Priestess of the Guardians, protectors of the sacred realm hidden deep in the Amazon rainforest. He knows Paola is the one they need to ensure their survival—but he doesn’ t expect the instant blast of desire that sparks between them. Her beauty and power call to him, enticing him to merge with her physically and spiritually; a desire that only increases when they give in to their passion and make love. Can he convince Paola to accept her destiny and stay with her people—and by his side?

AMAZON AWAKENING

Next up is the cover for THE CLAIMED, the second book in the SIN HUNTERS series. Here’s a little blurb for it:

Victoria Johnson loves her life. She’s her own boss in a quaint beachside town, and has great friends who keep her grounded. If only they knew who she really is: an heiress to an ancient race who possesses astonishing superhuman powers. It’s Victoria’s duty to restore her clan of Light Hunters to their former glory by choosing the perfect mate. In Christopher Sombrosa, she just may have found him. Strong, smart, and successful, Christopher exudes a powerful energy. Their connection is sensual, irresistible-and forbidden.

A member of the Shadow Hunter clan, Christopher has defied his own father to lead his people away from affliction and violence. Yet he cannot ignore his duty to carry on his ancient bloodline. Stunningly beautiful and brimming with an erotic life force, Victoria is everything Christopher ever hoped for in a mate . . . but as a Light Hunter, she’s his mortal enemy. Together, they could unite their warring tribes. But murderous factions on both sides don’t want peace-and they’ll stop at nothing to keep light and darkness apart forever . . .

THE CLAIMED Paranormal Romance

Thank you for dropping by and have a great weekend!

What Turns You On?

Now that I’ve got your attention this Monday morning, I’d like to hear from you about your Guilty Pleasures. You see, the three Nocturne Bites I was writing are now becoming Nocturne Cravings. Great name, Cravings. It speaks to what we desire. What we need. What turns us on.

Contrary to what some life coach said about romances ruining women, women can separate reality from fantasy. Reading romances is about being entertained and it’s also about believing in the happily-ever-after. That everyone will eventually find the person who is right for them and not necessarily a “perfect” man. I think we all know that there are no “perfect” people out there, but we hope to find someone who sustains us emotionally. That’s what romance is about.

But back to this discussion. What do you notice first in a man? Is there something that really attracts you, either physically or emotionally?

I have to confess that nice hands are something that catch my eye. Strong. Masculine. Well-kept but not manicure perfect. Real hands.

As for the emotional part: humor. A man who can make me laugh even when I am in my deepest dumpiest mood is golden.

How about you? Please take a moment to share and inspire me as I work on these upcoming novellas.

Busy Monday Morning!

I’m taking a break today from our usual Guilty Pleasure Monday because it’s a very busy Monday morning.

Take a moment to visit the Danger Women Writing Blog where Cynthia Eden is chatting about sexy heroes and offering up an ARC of NEVER CRY WOLF, her June 28th release from Kensington Brava, to one lucky commenter.

Using Random.org, I’ve picked two winners for my Getting to Know You Blog: Cindy L. and Jane T. both win STRONGER THAN SIN T-shirts, copies of STRONGER THAN SIN, bath gels and other goodies!! Please e-mail me your postal addresses so I can send out your prizes.

THE LOST Paranormal RomanceBut the fun and prizes don’t stop there! This morning I am over at Attacking the Page discussing how to write a sexy love scene. Drop by and leave a comment for a chance to win an ARC for THE LOST, the first book in my new paranormal romance series from Forever Romance.

Subway Takes a Wrong Turn?

Imagine waking up to this outside your door!

LOL! April Fool! This is actually a staged shot done for April Fool’s Day in Copenhagen, a most beautiful city. Apparently Gevalia coffee does a series of ads where their name pops up on various vehicles. Kind of funny!

Thanks to Lars [email protected] for releasing this into the public domain.

On a more serious note: NO SNOW! At least not in NYC and my neck of the NJ Woods. It’s even a little warmer, maybe a sign that Spring will finally arrive. Maybe. Hopefully. Please, please, please come soon!

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend. As for me, I’m working on new holiday vampire novella for Harlequin. I’ve got it almost there, but am tweaking some parts to make certain elements clearer. It’s a radical departure for me in the vampire world, I think. Very different from THE CALLING vampire novels. More similar to MORE THAN A MISSION in terms of style, sexiness and emotion. Here’s hoping my editor likes it.