Tag: caridad

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RITA® Nomination for THE LOST and Congrats to all the Finalists!

THE LOST Paranormal Romance from Forever RomanceWow was the first word that came to mind when the representative from the Romance Writers of America® called to say that THE LOST was a finalist for the RITA in the Paranormal Romance category.

Wow! The RITA is the equivalent of an OSCAR in the romance world and my book is a finalist. Wow.

(Can you tell I am still in disbelief and shock and sooooo excited!)

Thank you to RWA and all the judges who took the time to read THE LOST. Thank you to all the final judges who will take their time to read the book.

Many thanks to all of you who have read it and let me know how much you liked it and also, a big thanks to my editors. I hope you will like the second book in the SIN HUNTER series, THE CLAIMED (May 2012), as well.

Wow. A big congrats to all the other RITA finalists as well as all the Golden Heart finalists. I see the names of many friends on both and am totally excited for you! If you want to check out who else is nominated, you can click here to see the list.

Anaheim, here I come!

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Thursday 13 Paragraphs

Don’t forget the Birthday Bash Pre-Release Party for THE VAMPIRE’S CONSORT!

This Thursday 13 I’m sharing with you 13 paragraphs from THE VAMPIRE’S CONSORT erotic paranormal novella which will be released on April 1.

WARNING: This is for mature audiences only. If you’re not at least 17, please read no further

The first time Eliza had realized the moan was one of pleasure and not pain, she should have walked away from the peephole.

But she hadn’t.

The peephole had been placed in the wall after a so-called Slayer had tried to stake her master. Adrian had subdued the overly eager and decidedly naïve young woman. In time, the Slayer had come to realize that Adrian was not only one of the white hats, but an excellent lay.

Despite the truce struck with the Slayer, Adrian had decided that the peephole was necessary for safety’s sake along with the loaded tranquilizer gun in Eliza’s nightstand.

Luckily she’d not had a reason to use the gun, but the peephole had been another thing. Peering in it had almost become an obsession.

She used it way too often, drawn by the sight of Adrian and his lovers. Unable to yank herself away from her gorgeous master as he pleasured yet another willing woman before taking his sip of their blood as compensation for the wicked satisfaction they found in his arms.

Eliza imagined herself in those arms more than she should.

It was wrong, she knew. She was here to serve Adrian and keep his home, not to love him. But after nearly two hundred years of being his consort, it was hard to deny that was exactly what had happened.

Eliza had fallen in love with Adrian.

She loved him and lusted for him, she thought as she peered through the peephole once again and watched him move over the body of his latest companion.

The young woman was a lithe strawberry blonde with surgically amplified breasts that barely moved as she lay on the bed with Adrian’s big body snuggled between her long thin legs. Tanned skin which would one day be leathery contrasted sharply with Adrian’s pale alabaster perfection.

As Adrian lowered his head to suckle her breasts, Eliza’s nipples tightened in response and her sex grew heavy and damp with need.

Bracing one hand on the wall, she tugged at the belt for her robe. The silk fabric fell open and even that subtle movement of smoothness against her body dragged a breathy sigh from her as she imagined it was Adrian’s skin along hers.

THE VAMPIRE'S CONSORT erotic paranormal romance

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Birthday Bash & Pre-release party for THE VAMPIRE’S CONSORT!

THE VAMPIRE'S CONSORT erotic paranormal romanceTo celebrate my birthday and the release of  NOCTURNAL WHISPERS  and THE VAMPIRE’S CONSORT, I’m having a contest from March 7 to March 31.  Stop by every day until March 31 for a chance to win a handmade memory box, copies of THE LOST, SINS OF THE FLESH and STRONGER THAN SIN, a LOST polo shirt, tote bag and other swag.

I’ve heard from those of you who don’t do Twitter or Facebook and I’ve created a number of other options that you can use to earn points toward the contest entries! You can answer some questions or leave reviews to earn points.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here’s some pictures of the memory box for you! I made this with an old cigar box, beads and an assortment of shells, many of which I found along the Jersey Shore. The two pictures on the memory box are ones I took of locations that appear in THE LOST and THE CLAIMED paranormal romances.

I totally respect your privacy and any and all information gathered for entry into the contest will not be shared or divulged to any third party. You will not be automatically added to my newsletter signup by entering this contest. If you do wish to receive my newsletter, you can sign up here:


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#Winning and a new #giveaway

I’m so happy to announce that the winner of the NOCTURNAL WHISPERS release part is Yadira A who won a $25 Gift card, copies of AZTEC GOLD and THE FIFTH KINGDOM plus a LOST T-shirt and an awesome tote bag, along with some other SWAG!

Congratulations, Yadira!

But don’t be depressed if you didn’t win because to celebrate my birthday and the release of  NOCTURNAL WHISPERS  and THE VAMPIRE’S CONSORT, I’m having another contest from March 7 to March 31.  Stop by tomorrow and every day until March 31 for a chance to win a handmade memory box, copies of THE LOST, SINS OF THE FLESH and STRONGER THAN SIN, a LOST polo shirt, tote bag and other swag.

Here’s a picture of the memory box for you! I made this with an old cigar box, beads and an assortment of shells, many of which I found along the Jersey Shore. The two pictures on the memory box are ones I took of locations that appear in THE LOST and THE CLAIMED paranormal romances.

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Laura Kaye Visits, #Giveaways & Other Great Happenings!

Boy, do we have a lot going on today on the blog! First up I have my friend and fellow author Laura Kaye here to talk about her February Nocturne Cravings release, IN THE SERVICE OF THE KING.

Then it’s the start of the NAUGHTY AFTER DARK BLOG HOP! Look to the bottom of this post for info on my giveaway and where to visit.

Next, visit with me at the Harlequin Paranormal Romance blog as I chat about my February Nocturne Cravings release. NOCTURNAL WHISPERS and have a little giveaway. Also, don’t forget about the NOCTURNAL WHISPERS Release Party – Feb 1 to Feb 29! Many thanks to those of you who have already downloaded NOCTURNAL WHISPERS and those who have agreed to review it! To celebrate the release, we’re going to be having a month long release contest. To be eligible to win a $25 Gift card, copies of AZTEC GOLD and THE FIFTH KINGDOM plus a LOST T-shirt and an awesome tote bag, just click here!

Whew, that was a mouthful! But now, without further ado, here is my friend and fellow author, Laura Kaye!

LAURA KAYE

About In the Service of the King
Book 1 in the Vampire Warrior Kings Series
Harlequin Nocturne Cravings


Kael, Warrior King of the Vampires, loathes the Night of the Proffering. He needs the blood of either his mate or a human virgin to maintain his strength, but hasn’t enjoyed the ritual since he lost his mate centuries ago. Kael doesn’t want a new companion, yet his resolve is tested when he lays eyes on his new offering, Shayla McKinnon. He is drawn to Shayla’s beauty and poise…and the submission she offers. She is eager to give him anything he wishes, including her innocence, to please him. Will Kael give in to their overwhelming desire–even if it means risking Shayla’s life?

Excerpt:
Standing before Kael again, Shayla’s neck and shoulders tightened as her apprehension increased.

“Shayla, look at me.”

As much as she’d been waiting for his voice, it still startled her. His use of her name. His tender, regretful tone.

She knew she must obey, but was afraid if she did, she’d lose control of her emotions—and she wasn’t sure whether hurt or anger would win out. Neither was appropriate to show, and both were likely to result in tears.

The king stepped toward her until he was easily within arm’s reach. “Young Shayla,” he whispered, coaxing her. A long moment passed. And then he fell to his knees before her, his face tilted upward so their eyes could finally meet.

She gasped and her mouth dropped open. He was more fascinating, more gorgeous, than she had even fully recalled. Fire danced behind his eyes, and flashes of gold shined out through the emerald. He was smiling, and it highlighted the strong masculine angles of his jaw and cheeks so vividly it stole her breath. A reaction amplified by the appearance of the sharp tips of his fangs. Shayla licked her lips.

Despite being on his knees, he radiated such palpable power she could feel it jangling in the air between them.

Oh, God. He’s on his knees. A throaty sigh escaped her as she dropped to her own. She was always to be below him.

“Now I can’t see you again.” The warm, amused tone was back. “Please look at me.”

Taking a deep breath, Shayla finally obeyed. Her gaze raked over his intricate tartan robes before finally settling on his handsome face. When their eyes met, the smile he let loose dazzled her, and she smiled back. His playfulness, the incredible sense of ease now possessing him, made it harder to hold on to her anger.

“Thank you,” he said. She nodded. “I have some things I’d like to say to you. Are you willing to hear them?”

“Of course, Your Highness.”

Kael frowned for a moment, and Shayla didn’t have time to figure out why before he spoke again. “I hurt you, and I owe you an apology.”

She inhaled to speak, but he cocked his eyebrow and she fell silent. She nodded again instead.

“I don’t just mean for hurting you with the knife, although I am…beyond sorry you had to endure that.” He grasped one of her hands in both of his and her lips fell open. His touch was so warm, so encompassing. “I lost control and it compromised your safety, your well-being, and that is my first responsibility to the Proffered.”

Shayla’s shoulders and gaze dropped as he referred to her title again. She internally reprimanded herself for expecting anything else.

The fingers on his free hand nudged her chin up and beckoned her to look at him.

“Shayla, I lost control because I…I felt something, with you. Something I don’t feel…ever. I…”

She should’ve been focusing, listening, but… Did he just say he felt something for me? With me? Lost control because he felt something…as in, he has feelings? For me?

He chuckled. “Where did you go, young one?”

Shayla shook her head. “I’m sorry, Your Highness.”

He squeezed her hand and dipped his head to look up into her once again diverted eyes. “Shayla, could you please call me Kael?”

Her gaze flew to his and she gaped. “Yes?”

His grin brightened his whole face. “Was that a question?”

“No, Sir—er, Kael.” A blush bloomed hot on her face.

“Mmm, that is lovely. And so fragrant.” He fingered her cheek. “I would like to taste you, Shayla.”

She gulped and shuddered as her heart took off at a mad gallop. “O-okay.”

“Okay,” he whispered as he leaned in.

This wasn’t the wild kiss he’d claimed her with earlier. His lips found hers gently, reverently, as if he was savoring small tastes of a rare gourmet meal. One large hand grasped her shoulder and the other cupped her cheek—both brought her closer to him. He pulled and sucked at her lips, his hair falling around their faces as he rose up over her. She opened herself before he even demanded it of her—her body remembered his exquisite taste and begged for its return.

Their tongues stroked and explored, but she needed more. She pushed forward just enough to suck his whole tongue deep into her mouth.

Sweet fulfillment exploded against her taste buds, dragging whimpers and moans from her. He groaned and her hands flew to his hair. Her left hand found masses of thick silky bronze she gripped and tugged as she held him to her, but her right hand fell on his jeweled braid.

Knowing the significance of it, she yanked her hand back, afraid she’d offended him.

But then his big hand grasped hers where it rested against his chest and pulled it back up to his head. “Hold me,” he whispered against her lips. “Touch me.”

Buy Laura’s Books

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GIVEAWAY!

To celebrate her new release, Laura is giving away one e-copy of In the Service of the King at each stop on her New Release Tour, 1/30 – 2/15! In addition, all commenters from across the tour will be entered to win a prize bag filled with swag and various vampire items, perfect for the vampire lover! RULES: Must leave a comment on this blog with your e-mail address & if you are from the U.S. in the comment. Ebook prizes open to international; prize bag to U.S. only.

About Laura: Voted Breakout Author of the Year in the 2011 GraveTells Readers’ Choice Awards, Laura is the bestselling and award-winning author of a half-dozen books. Hearts in Darkness is a finalist for the EPIC eBook Award for Best Novella, Forever Freed won the NJRW Golden Leaf Award for Best Paranormal of 2011, and North of Need, the first book in the Hearts of the Anemoi series, was named GraveTells’ Best Book of 2011 and won their 5-STAR Gold Heart Award, and won Sizzling Hot Read of the Year at Sizzling Hot Books. Laura lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

NAUGHTY AFTER DARK BLOG HOP

I’ll be giving away an ARC of THE CLAIMED and a LOST T-shirt to one lucky winner! Just tweet or share this comment on Twitter or Facebook.

The Jersey Shore like you can’t imagine-THE CLAIMED #paranormal #romance May 2012 PLZ RT http://awe.sm/5fSef

Many thanks to Close Encounters with the Night Kind Blog and Natasha Blackthorne for organizing this blog hop.



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Thank you and a Visit from Amanda Arista!

Many thanks for all your kind words on taking a break! I’ll be getting to e-mails tonight and will write you all! The writing is going really well and I’m excited at how the story is shaping up. I just had a breakthrough this morning about how to reinforce the conflict and am pushing onward!

As promised, I’ve got a guest blog from a fellow author, Amanda Arista! You may remember Amanda from when she visited to tell us about the first book in her “Diaries of an Urban Panther” series. Well Amanda is back with more for us today. So here’s a little teaser and excerpt for you this Wicked Wednesday morning.

TEASER

Violet Jordan Rule #2 of being a superhero: Find reliable sidekicks

Dear Diary,

Once I took down Haverty, the Primo of the city, I thought life was going to get better. After four assassination attempts, I’m thinking not so much. Haverty’s pack needs a new leader and I’ve just about run out of reasons why I’m not right for the job. Besides, having loyal followers would definitely help me fight off whoever’s out for my blood. Especially since my boyfriend is always busy playing White Hat to every Wanderer except me.

So now I just need to figure out how to mentor new shifters, run a pack, keep my “real” job, and have some sort of personal life. I guess it’s all in a day’s work for this writer-by-day / panther-by-night.

Excerpt

Chaz put the glass into the sink and reached out to pull me to him. “Tonight, I get you. Sacred Destinies be damned.”

“Oh, please don’t say that.”

Now that the words were out in the air, I was looking into every shadow and jumping at every random noise, just sure that is was another attack. I winced through stop lights on the way to the restaurant and jumped at a slammed car door in the parking lot.

“We’ve been out before,” he said as he opened the car door. “Even if something does happen, then we will take care of it together.”

I sighed. “Guess I can’t argue with that.”

He wrapped my arm around his as we walked into the restaurant. It was just a family style place, nothing special. I had suggested something populated. Using a crowd as a shield had become part of the life recently, which meant that usually we had screaming children running around us at romantic dinners.

We were seating and as usual, I got the seat with the kid on the other side kicking my booth.

“Its not exactly Nine steakhouse, I know, but…”

It finally clicked: the date offer and his newly washed jeans. “Is this an anniversary dinner?”

The corner of his mouth turned upwards. “Maybe. Try again.”

I looked around at the red glittery décor and my face hit my palm. “Valentine’s day? Chaz, I would have suggested something a little more …”

He laughed. “It’s okay. Almost past me by as well. I’m just glad that we’re together.”

I sighed and looked through my fingers. “I suppose that we do have that to celebrate.”

The kid kicked the seat again.

As soon as the waitress took our drink orders, both our cell phones rang.

We both sighed and reach for our respective phones.

“Hello,” I answered to the unknown number. Might as well, right? Not like any one can kill me through a phone, but that was a pretty good movie idea.

“Miss Jordan, its Tucker Briggs.”

I turned away from Chaz when I recognized the voice. “Tucker? What can I do for you?”

The kid behind me kicked the seat again and I frowned.

“I wanted to see if we were meeting on Sunday like you said.”

“That was the plan. Did Shadow find you?”

“Yes, Ma’am.

“Are you guys okay?”

“Fine. He also told us of your kindness.”

I snorted. “I gave him leftovers.”

“You don’t understand Miss Jordan…”

I couldn’t let him finish. “Tucker Briggs. Take care of yourself for the next two days and you can explain it to me then.”

The kid kicked my booth for the fourth time, and then a tuff of yellow hair stuck out around the edge of the booth.

“Good bye, Tucker.”

I snapped the phone closed and stuck my head around the edge of the booth to be nose to nose with the little tyke with a foot like Landon Donovan. Just for an instant, I let the panther slip through into my eyes and let out a little growl.

The little boy slipped back into his booth and began to cry. Satisfied, I went back to looking at my boyfriend.

Chaz stared back at me with an arched eyebrow.

“What?” I asked innocently.

He leaned across the table and dropped his voice. “I don’t think that the Powers gave you this gift to scare children.”

The family behind me got up and took their screaming child with them, leaving Chaz and I alone in this small section of the restaurant.

“I’d like to think that I have earned having a quiet dinner with my boyfriend.”

About Amanda

Amanda was born in Illinois, raised in Corpus Christi, lives in Dallas but her heart lies in London. Good thing she loves to travel.
During the summer after second grade, she read every book in the young adult section of the library, much to the surprise of the local librarian. So she started making up her own stories and hasn’t stopped.

She has a husband who fights crime, one dog who thinks he’s a real boy, and another who might be a fruit bat in disguise. She spends her weekends writing at coffee shops, practicing for the day that caffeine intake becomes an Olympic sport, and plotting character demises with fellow writers Wolvarez, Killer Cupcake and Keith (names have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent).

Random Facts:

Amanda is adopted and loves to share that story with others to promote adoption.

Amanda has a collection of turtle figurines that collects on her travels.

Amanda has a strange love of cheesy horror movies. She prefers demons and witchcraft to slasher films.

Amanda is a really good bowler and completely rocks at croquet.

To find out more about Amanda, you can visit her at:

www.amandaarista.com
Twitter: @pantherista

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Sharing My Weekend Writing Retreat

I wish that Google+ photos actually allowed you to do a slideshow. For the life of me, the little create slideshow link just isn’t showing up! So, you can go to visit the album here, but in the meantime…

I headed out on Saturday with my friends Melinda Leigh and Rayna Vause for a writing retreat weekend! Our destination: The Inn at Boonesboro and the Turn the Page Bookstore where we got to meet Nora Roberts as well as a number of authors.

I got up at 5, was on the road by six and picked up my friends shortly after 7. We hit the road and got to Boonesboro just before 11. It was the open house day at the Inn so we got to visit all the rooms, but first we met my friend Lora and then headed to the book store to pick up our books and get ready for the signing. Here’s a picture of my buds in front of the Inn.

Rayna Vause and Melinda Leigh

At the bookstore, we got our purchases and since Vesta’s pizza was packed, headed to Crawford’s Guns, Ammo and Restaurant for a bite before the signing. Where else can you pick up ammo, check out the rifles and get some delicious sweet potato fries?

Crawford's Guns, Ammo & Restaurant

Then it was time for the signing!! I had my books for research (nothing better than Eve and Roarke to get me inspired!). I also had a J.D. Robb “book lamp” that I had made and Nora was so nice and signed it as well. Here’s me and Nora!

Nora Roberts & Caridad Pineiro

Then we were back to the Inn for the open house. Such gorgeous rooms and bathrooms. I loved the Galahad pillow on the chair in the Eve and Roarke room! The rooms were totally romantic and did any of you guess which room I would choose for Rey and Paola from AMAZON AWAKENING?

If you guess that it was the Westley and Buttercup room you were right. I could so imagine a big bed like this made of a sustainable rainforest wood like Ipe.

Westley & Buttercup Room

After that we headed for a walk through Boonesboro and then to dinner. We returned to the site of the Inn with all its lovely Christmas trimmings.

Inn at Boonesboro

Ducking inside the inn to take off the chill, we had some wine and cheese and also celebrated my friend Melinda’s debut book (more on that on Thursday!).

In the morning, we headed to the Antietam battlefield for a bit of history and research. Since Ryder from THE CALLING/REBORN Vampire Series was a physician during the Civil War, I’m toying with the idea of bringing back someone else from that era. You may remember that Samantha Turner from TEMPTATION CALLS knew Ryder back then (and was the one who turned him). Not sure whether this someone is a hero or villain, but walking/driving the fields of Antietam certainly gave some ideas for a new character.

I even managed to climb the Observation Tower! The trip up was quite a hike, but the trip down was interesting as my fear of heights kicked in. Luckily Rayna lent me her shoulder to hold so I could keep my face to the wall and not see the big open scary hole in the middle of the stairs!

Antietam Observation Tower

I hope you enjoyed this little travel journal!

Also, if you need some tips on writing short fiction, come and play with me today at my friend Catherine Bybee’s blog where I am talking about how to move from writing long fiction to short!

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