Sharing My 15 Seconds of Fame on Cafe CNN

Okay, so maybe it was more than 15 seconds. I was on air for about 5 minutes discussing romance novels and they showed the covers for the SINS and SIN HUNTER series a number of times. Very exciting. I tried my best to talk about why romances and paranormals were popular, although the discussion kept on trying to turn to the sensuality of the novels. I hope I managed to get it back on point to why we love getting involved with the characters, especially heroes and heroines who save the world, and of course, the happily ever after.

The morning started with us clearing security and then heading up to the green room to wait and go to the make-up area. This is me waiting in the green room.

After that, I was rushed into the make-up room for a touch-up. As I walked in to the room, who was there? Alexis Bledl, best known for being Rory on GILMORE GIRLS, and America Ferrara from UGLY BETTY.

OMG! Alexis had stunning blue eyes and was a beautiful girl. America was adorable and so petite. Unfortunately, they were escorted out to go to their event just a couple of minutes later. Apparently several shows were taping/being aired at one time in the studios.

Next I was ushered down to the studio where I got miked up and spoke to the producer in Atlanta who prepped me for when the anchor from Cafe CNN, Lucia Navarro, would come on board. Barely seconds later, the anchor came on and we started chatting.

Here’s a picture of me on the air with the studio in Atlanta. I was on for about 4 to 5 minutes discussing romance novels and I managed to get a plug in for my books. Hopefully I’ll have a link for the interview to share with you shortly.

And then it was a big sigh. It was done. Wow. It was so exciting and I was so nervous, but I thought it went well. Here’s a photo of me on the set after the big gig!

Hope you enjoyed this!

A visit to Cafe CNN and Planet Haven 6

Haven 6I’m a bundle of nerves as I make my way to the Time Warner Building in Columbus Circle for my interview on Cafe CNN. If you’ve got CNN EN ESPANOL and can tape it, I’ll be on around 8:45 am! So nervous.

To help me get over my nerves, I’ve got the wonderful Aubrie Dionne with me today who is sharing the inspiration for her latest release, HAVEN 6, a space opera from Entangled Publishing.

What I Pictured for the Planet Haven 6

I wanted my space opera trilogy to mirror the Star Wars trilogy in that the first setting was a desert planet, the second setting an ice world, and the third setting, a forest/jungle. So, Haven 6’s setting was largely inspired by that ideal. I wanted a jungle planet, with mountains, forests, meadows, and swamps- something primordial and dangerous, but also lush with resources and gorgeous with undiscovered territory at the same time. You see a glimpse of this planet at the end of Paradise 21, but this is the primary setting for Haven 6.

To create this world, I searched on Dreamstime.com for different jungle pictures, and the one below is the closest I found that reflects the sci fi element as well as the primitive feel. It was too dark for the cover of the book, so I used it for inspiration for my writing.

Although there aren’t any dinosaurs on Haven 6, there is a big beast lurking in the swamps that gets in the way of the protagonists’ journey. Without giving too much away, I tried to go for a realistic animal that would evolve in such an environment.

The inhabitants on Haven 6 have chosen to forgo technology because it was the ultimate downfall of Old Earth. Therefore, they live in tree huts and use the natural world to make their clothes and tools. I worked very hard to describe the type of things they’d make using Haven 6’s resources. They have buckets made of reeds and crude leather and cotton clothes. They hunt with bows and arrows, living a lifestyle alike to the Native Americans on Earth.

The external conflict of the story comes from the technology of the colonists from the Heritage clashing with the natural existence of the inhabitants of Haven 6. This issue was fun to explore while writing Haven 6, and I hope you’ll enjoy the arguments of both sides while reading!

*****

Thank you so much Aubrie for sharing your inspiration. As I mentioned before, HAVEN 6 is available from Entangled Publishing. Look for it on Amazon or at B&N by clicking here.

If you’re a Goodreads member, take a moment to check it out by clicking here.

4.5 Stars for KISSED BY A VAMPIRE! Time to celebrate!

Kissed by a Vampire in South Beach Nocturne CravingWOW! I got home to find my copy of the November RT BOOK REVIEWS sitting on the kitchen table and opened it up to read their review for KISSED BY A VAMPIRE. I’m sharing a little snippet of it with you today.

KISSED BY A VAMPIRE (4 1/2 stars) by Caridad Pineiro:

“It’s quite interesting how Pineiro manages to separate Stacia’s vampire nature from her kinder human instincts in this compelling read with sexy characters and an exciting storyline.”

Woo hoo! I am so glad that they loved Alex and Stacia’s story because Stacia is one of my all time favorite characters.

So I guess it’s time for a little celebration and a lot of Friday Fun! I’m going to get you in the mood for some of that South Beach sizzle from KISSED BY A VAMPIRE with an oldie, but goodie.

Crank up the volume and get on your feet (another great song by the way!) for Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine!

If you can’t see the video below, you can click here.

2012 RITA Finalist THE LOST is now 1.99!

It was very exciting to find out that in honor of my RITA nomination and an upcoming appearance on Cafe CNN (September 24, 6 to 9 am) my publisher is celebrating by offering a special price on THE LOST e-book. Snap up the e-book for only $1.99.

Yeah! You can click on these links to order the $1.99 e-book:

Amazon: http://awe.sm/f5azi
B&N: http://awe.sm/e5Quf

Many of you have been asking if there will be more in the series and the answer is a big YES! The next book in the series is titled THE SHATTERED and will be out in Summer 2013. I can’t wait to write this next story and bring back characters with whom you’ve fallen in love. Many of you have asked for more of Bobbie and Adam as well as the Carrera family and I’m happy to say you will get your wish in THE SHATTERED.

Thank you all for your support and kind words about the SIN HUNTERS series. It is truly appreciated.

I’m sharing with you today an excerpt and also the cool trailer by Book Candy Studios for THE LOST. Enjoy!

If you can’t see the excerpt below, you can click here to read.

THE LOST Paranormal Romance Free Read

What you would like to see in the future?

It’s been a really hectic time for me. Hubby and I have been busy helping our daughter get her new shop up and running. Still lots to do as we prepare for a grand reopening, although the shop is open right now. But work is planned to give the shop a new look and get it very spiffy.

I’ve been busy painting and cleaning. There will be more painting and cleaning at the start of October when we do our big renovation push. We’re all very excited about this new venture and I know my daughter will work hard to make this a successful operation.

In the meantime, I’ve been working on BORN TO LOVE, the second book in the revamp (big pun intended) of THE CALLING vampires into THE REBORN vampire novels.

In the midst of all that, I’ve been wondering what it is you would like to see more of in the future on this blog. Do you want more free reads? Contests? Videos?

Please let me know what you would like!

THE REBORN Vampire Novels

Sharing Good News!

Thank you to Viviana for her review of THE CLAIMED at Reading Between the Vines Blogspot! I so appreciate you taking the time to read and review the book.

Here’s a little blurb from the review and you click here to read more.

“The Claimed” is a story of finding your independence and standing up to those you love or may have loyalty to, to do what’s right! Both Victoria and Christopher feel the connection between them, but are wary of each other and at the same time they know this is the right thing to do. They put duty before themselves and before their attraction!
Filled with tension, love, and action, “The Claimed” is a fantastic continuation of the Hunter Series. The great news is that there is more to come.”

Many thanks to Viviana and also to Wilma, SMH, Fannie W., Hearts on Fire Reviews and Arch_angel for being kind enough to review my books so far this month! I truly appreciate it. If there is one thing that helps an author, it’s taking the time to do a review so we are truly thankful for it.

Also want to share with you a fabulous new magazine – BTS Emag – which also was kind enough to feature me this month. Many thanks to Nikki from Close Encounters of the Night Kind for being kind enough to interview me.

If you can’t see the magazine below, you can click here and you can also subscribe to it!

Christopher Sombrosa from THE CLAIMED

Her #Vampire Lover # Paranormal Free Read

HER VAMPIRE LOVEROctober is a busy month for me with both the release of a Cravings erotic novella, HER VAMPIRE LOVER, and the next book in THE CALLING/REBORN series, KISSED BY A VAMPIRE.

Today I’m sharing a little more of the scene in HER VAMPIRE LOVER where Sonja (aka Sunny) meets the very sexy Count Gregori.

Warning: FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY. If you are under 17, please do not proceed to read this excerpt.

If you cannot see the excerpt below, you can click here to read it.

Her Vampire Lover Erotic Paranormal Excerpt Part 2