Update: The winner of SEBASTIAN’S SALVATION is…Darlene! Congrats!

I love it when friends come to visit. Today, my friend Jillian Chantal wanted to come over (Hi, Jillian!) because she’s sharing the news of her release–her latest story, SEBASTIAN’S SALVATION, is out now (and she’s giving away a copy of this book to one commenter). Welcome, Jillian!

Thanks, Cynthia, for letting me do a quick drive by and chat a moment about my new release. It’s called Sebastian’s Salvation and is a romantic suspense. The hero in this story is a wounded war veteran. I’ve wanted to write a story with a hero like Sebastian for quite a while and I’m super happy with the way he turned out. He was an interesting character to write. My editor said I handled his issues with sensitivity and realistically and that meant a lot to me. I hope the folks who read his story feel the same way.

 

I made the trailer with some photos I took on a recent trip to London. I love that city and love to base stories there. It’s an awesome place.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-DIBWvGsoI&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

I’m giving away an e-copy of Sebastian’s Salvation to one commenter who tells me either their favorite city to visit or about a favorite military person they know.

 

Thanks again for letting me pop in, Cynthia. It’s always a pleasure to hang out with you and your friends/readers.

 

Visit me on the web here: http://jillianchantal.com/news/

twitter: http://twitter.com/JillianChantal

Book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvzMd4ttvmU

Buy link: http://www.bookstrand.com/sebastians-salvation

Blurb:

Three lives intertwine—a former Green Beret, now a painter of nude portraits tormented by the death of his comrade, an earl’s daughter, and a crazed stalker. Will the acts of the stalker force the soldier back into the life of violence which he sought to avoid?

Sebastian Hughes, wounded on a mission in Afghanistan, discovers a talent for painting nude portraits while in a rehabilitation center learning to walk again after losing part of his leg. He becomes the toast of London society and women clamor to be painted by him.

Lady Joanna Gresham, nursing a broken heart and used to getting what she wants, sets her sights on having her portrait painted by Sebastian. Once she meets him, she wants him for herself. She pursues him, intent on winning him. What she didn’t count on was a stalker who wants to harm everyone Sebastian holds dear.

 

Excerpt:

 

Joanna Gresham passed Margaret in the hallway of Bast’s building. Margaret carried a saddle under her arm.

Margaret stopped her and hitched the saddle to a more comfortable position. “You one of the many?”

“Many what?”

“Clients of Bast’s?”

Joanna shook her head. “No. But I’m thinking about it. I was at his show last night and am very impressed.”

“With the man or the artist?” The woman smiled coyly

“The artist of course.” Joanna stood tall and looked down her nose at the impertinent woman. The nerve to ask me such a thing. As if I’d be interested in a hoodlum.

“Don’t have to get huffy, Lady Joanna. All the women in town are swooning over the man. Some are even commissioning portraits just to tempt him with their bodies. No harm meant.”

Joanna ran her hands through her hair. “Sorry. Just moody, I guess.”

“No problem. Enjoy your session.”

“I don’t have a session. I’m just going to talk.”

“Good luck then. I think you’ll like Bast. I gotta go. Late for a practice run.”

“Good luck with practice. Ta, Margaret.” Joanna waved good-bye and approached the door to Bast’s atelier. Why am I so nervous? He’s just a man I want to hire. Why should I feel so skittish?

Joanna knocked lightly on the door.

The door burst open, and the man asked, “What did you for—”

He stopped short. “Uh. Sorry, I thought you were Margaret, come back for something she forgot. She always leaves something behind.”

“Is that why you were already at the door?”

He smiled. “Yeah. I give her about three minutes after she leaves to come dashing back. I thought I timed it right.” His smile got larger.

Why does his smile have to be so spectacular? He’s gorgeous even with that scar across his face. “Sorry, it’s just me. I’m not sure if you remember—”

“Of course, I do. You’re the lady in the alley, the one that needed no help with her aching feet. Come on in.” He opened the door wider to allow her access to the loft.

Once they were inside, he showed her over to a client chair. He took a seat behind the desk, leaned across the top, and asked, “What can I do for you?”

She put one hand on the desktop and scraped her nail across the surface. “I was at your show last night—”

“Yeah, I know. I saw you, remember?”

“I recall.” She frowned. Was the man determined to make her feel stupid?

“Sorry, ma’am. I didn’t mean to interrupt you. Go on.” Bast nodded his encouragement.

“I was thinking I might want a portrait of myself. Your work is impressive. Very tasteful. I know it seems like I’m just jumping on a trend, but I really am in awe of your abilities.”

“Thank you, ma’am. I appreciate it. I’m a little full right now. The show last night garnered me a lot of commissions, and I’m afraid I don’t have time to add one more person to my schedule. I’ll be glad to put you on the waiting list.” He pulled a pad out of his top drawer.

She stood, and the chair teetered and fell back against the wall. “I know what you’re doing. You jerk.”

He leaned back in his chair and looked at her. His face showed no emotion. “What’s your problem, Lady?”

“Lady? You say it that way because you know who I am? You think you can be a sarcastic bastard to me?”

“Ma’am, you came in here, didn’t introduce yourself to me, and now you’re offended? I can’t figure that out. All I said was I have to put you on my waiting list. How you think that’s something offensive, I don’t know.” He sat forward in the chair.

She glared. “I’m Lady Joanna Gresham. I don’t do waiting lists.”

He stood up and walked around the desk to her. He got in her face and said, “I don’t do snobby Ladies. So, I suggest you get out of my studio.”

Joanna pushed his chest. “I just bet you don’t do ladies.” She looked around and took in the whole room and nodded toward the fainting couch under the window. “I bet you do the ladies right over there.”

Enraged, he grabbed her arms and shoved her against the wall. He pressed against her. “If I wanted to do a lady, I’d do her right here against this wall.” He lifted her off her feet as if she was no larger than a toy doll and pulled her over to the other client chair. He sat in it and pulled her on top of himself. “Or here in this chair.”

She jerked off his lap and stumbled backward. “How dare you touch me, you arrogant—”

“What? Black bastard? Is that what you want to call me, your white holiness? Lady Joanna Gresham that doesn’t do waiting lists? Huh? Huh? That what you want to say?” He stood up.

She continued to back up. “You’re crazy. You know that? You’re insane.”

He stalked toward her. “And you’re all alone here with me. A crazy, scar-faced, big black man who isn’t intimidated by a title. Now, what are you gonna do?”

“I’m leaving.” She flounced toward the door.

Just as she got to the door and opened it, he slammed his hand on it and shut it. His body leaned against hers. He pressed against her and whispered, “I bet you always leave. When the going gets tough and you don’t get your way, you leave. Right?”

He let go of the door and stepped back. “Thank you for coming by, ma’am. I’ll be sure to not add you to the waiting list.”

She jerked the door open and left.

 

It’s conference time! There are lots of fun writing conferences scheduled for the coming months, and I’m excited to be presenting some workshops at a few upcoming events.

First up…the Silken Sands’ Writing Conference (March 16-18th in beautiful Pensacola Beach).  At the Silken Sands Writer’s Conference, I’ll be presenting two workshops:

The Novella:  100 Pages Can Pack a Punch

Description: You can pack a lot of plot into 100 pages. Come learn tips and techniques for writing novellas. Shorter stories require different pacing, character crafting, and plot development. In addition to the novella writing process, find the best places to submit your novella and discuss novella marketing techniques. Writing “short” might just be great for you.

 

Crafting Killers: Making Villains to Thrill and Chill

Description: Learn to create multi-dimensional villains who can propel your story forward even as they stir fear in the hearts of your readers. Villains should be as powerful as your protagonists, and by learning crafting techniques, you can create bad guys (and girls) who are a perfect match for the heroes of your tale.

 

Then, in April of 2012, I will be presenting a workshop at the RT Booklovers Convention:

Holding Out For A Hero

Description: What’s a good love story without an unforgettable hero? Four bestselling authors discuss ways to craft a strong and memorable hero. It’s not just about the sex appeal — find out what characteristics make a hero great as you learn why readers truly fall in love with heroes. Discussion will also include the creation of antiheroes (Why do readers enjoy those bad boys?) and the comparison/contrast of heroes across subgenres.

Panelist: Cynthia Eden, Lisa Renee Jones, Elisabeth Naughton, and Caridad Piñeiro

***

Once I’ve presented my workshops, I’ll be sure to upload all of my notes and handouts to the For Writers section of my site.  I’m working on some other materials that I hope to have added to the For Writers section soon, too. In the mean time, if there is any writing-related topic that you have questions about, please ask! Maybe I can work the answer into a post topic. 🙂

Enjoy your weekend!

Hi, everyone!  I’ve been pretty quiet lately, but I promise I have a good excuse–I’ve been writing!  (Though I promise to post more this month–I’m hoping to start some writing craft posts soon.)

So I have some news to share. First up, I thought I’d talk about what I’m currently writing–it’s a book with the tentative title of BURN FOR ME.  This is the first book in a new contract that I’ve signed with Kensington Brava (I’m doing three more full-length novels for Kensington–yay! I love writing my paranormals with my most awesome editor!).   The world in BURN FOR ME is a bit different from that of my other Kensington books. The paranormals are very much “out” in this book.  The humans all know of their existence, and this is not necessarily a good thing for those supernaturals…

The hero of BURN FOR ME is a phenix. Every time that he dies, he burns, and then he rises once more. Only…with each death, the hero comes back a bit darker.  Far more dangerous.   Each death puts him closer to madness.

Yes, I’m having fun with his story. I’m actually *almost* to the end of the draft, and that means that I pretty much just want to sit and write and my family has to wave their hands in front of my face in order to get my attention. I’ll be turning in this story on March 1. I don’t have a release date for it yet, but I’m thinking it will be in 2013.

For my next bit of update-y news…

I wanted to talk about my Bound novellas. Actually I wanted to send out a giant THANK YOU to readers regarding my Bound novellas. I am pretty overwhelmed by the success that these novellas have seen. Thank you! Thank you for reading the stories. For tweeting about them. For reviewing them. For spreading the word about them to readers. You’re amazing. Can I say again…thank you?  I am so glad that readers are enjoying my werewolf/vampire novellas.

When I started the Bound series, I wanted to create stories that featured my two favorite paranormal characters–a werewolf and a vampire. So my heroines were the vampires who became “Bound” to the werewolf heroes. I have enjoyed writing these books so very much–and, yes, I do plan to release a 4th Bound novella.  The idea is all formed in my head and ready to go, and I’d like to release this book in March (maybe early April).  I’ll have more details on that soon.

And…third piece of news…I often get emails from readers asking me if I will be writing any more romantic suspenses. The answer is…yes! Heck, yes!  I’m actually working on a new romantic suspense novel right now.  Again, more details will be coming soon.  But I just wanted to let you know–it’s coming! I love romantic suspense, and I’m excited to write this story.

Now, it’s back to writing time for me.  I hope that you have a great day!

Update: Thank you all for the comments on this giveaway!! 🙂  The winner was randomly selected, and that person is…SMARTMOUTHTEXAN. Congrats!

Tomorrow, my friend Manda Collins will release her very first book–a wonderful tale of love and adventure that is being published by St. Martin’s Press. Just look at this awesome cover:

 

Here’s the blurb for HOW TO DANCE WITH A DUKE:

What’s a wallflower to do when she’s suddenly in need of a husband? Use all the pluck and moxie she can muster to get what she wants…

SHE’S IN NEED OF A PARTNER

Miss Cecily Hurston would much rather explore the antiquities of Egypt than the uncharted territory of marriage. But the rules of her father’s exclusive academic society forbid her entrance unless she weds one of its members. To clear her ailing father’s name of a scandalous rumor, Cecily needs to gain admission into the Egyptian Club—and is willing to marry any old dullard to do it.

AND HE HAS ALL THE RIGHT MOVES

Lucas Dalton, Duke of Winterson, is anything but dull. He’s a dashing and decorated war hero determined to help Cecily—even if that means looking the other way when she claims the dance card of Amelia Snow, this season’s most sought-after beauty. But Lucas has a reason for wanting Cecily to join the Egyptian Club: His brother went missing during one of Lord Hurston’s expeditions to Egypt. An alliance with the explorer’s bluestocking daughter could bring Lucas closer to the truth about what happened…or it could lead him to a more dangerous love than either he or Cecily could have imagined….

***

Want to win this book?  Then just tell me what you’d love to get for Valentine’s Day this year.  I’ll leave the comments open until Midnight tonight, and I will pick one random commenter to win.  Thanks! And have a great Monday!

Update: Thanks for all of the great comments!! The winner of ALPHA INSTINCT is…Audra Holtwick. Congrats, Audra!

Time for some guest author fun!! My writing buddy Katie Reus is joining me today (welcome to the blog, Katie!). Katie writes some great romantic suspense and paranormal romance novels–she’s also a great ghost hunter, too (but that’s another story). Katie’s all set to launch a new series with the upcoming release of ALPHA INSTINCT, and, today, one lucky commenter will win that great book!

Thank you so much to Cynthia for having me here today! Alpha Instinct, the first book in my new paranormal series from Signet Eclipse is releasing in about a week and a half! I haven’t posted an excerpt anywhere yet (including my own website) so today Cynthia is letting me use her blog to do just that. Here is the first sneak peek into Alpha Instinct. It’s in the beginning of the book and right before Ana sees the hero for the first time in almost fifty years.

One commenter will win a print copy of it (US only). I’ll announce the winner in the comments section on Monday, January 30, 2012 after noon Central time so there are a couple days to enter! Please leave your email address so I have a way to contact you. (Please note that this excerpt might have changed slightly in the final version).

***

Analena Cordona shoved her hands into the pockets of her thick, quilted down jacket. Not because she was cold, but because for the second time in the past ten minutes she was questioning her decision to meet Sean Taggart without an escort. It was likely stupid—scratch that; definitely stupid—but she couldn’t drag one of her sisters or cousins along to meet with him. Taggart was one of the most devious shifters she’d ever met, and she couldn’t risk her pack getting hurt. Despite her effort to appear casual, an unwanted shiver skittered down her spine. If need be, she was ready to run at a moment’s notice.

The wind howled mercilessly through the trees of Fontana Mountain and when it shifted south she caught Taggart’s distinctive, foul scent. He was close. Watching her, no doubt. Pervy bastard.

“I know you’re there, Sean. Come out now so we can get this over with.” She was thankful her voice didn’t shake.

To her surprise, a hulking brown-and-white wolf emerged from a cluster of trees. What the hell? They’d agreed to come in human form. Glancing around, she saw he hadn’t brought anyone else. That tamed her nerves a little but not much. He was still older and stronger and a lot more ruthless. Even though she tried to mask it, he had to smell her fear. “What are you doing?” she snapped, hoping her anger would cover her alarm.

When the animal stood a few feet in front of her, he changed to his human form. Ana looked away but could hear his bones break, shift and realign. Many shifters didn’t mind others watching them change, but to her it was such a private, painful thing, she didn’t do it in front of just anyone.

She turned back to face him and immediately wanted to wipe the smirk off his face. Of course he’d be arrogant enough to stand naked in front of her when they were supposed to be having a serious meeting. She attempted to keep the loathing out of her voice. “I thought we agreed to come in human form.”

He shrugged and had the nerve to grab himself. “I wanted the exercise. Besides, you should get to see what’s going to be yours soon.”

Mine? Gross. Bile rose in her throat, but she pushed it down. Sure, the man had a nice body, but what lay underneath that exterior scared her. She’d seen the way he treated the women of his pack. He was mean just for the sake of being mean. As Alpha, he should set a better example, but no one had stood up to him yet. “Excuse me?”

“That’s why you wanted to meet, isn’t it? To proposition me?”

“Not exactly.” She cleared her throat and looked around. A light layer of snow had fallen over the normally grassy incline. Other than the wind and rustling trees, she was suddenly aware of how alone she really was. She was at least two miles from her family’s ranch. “We’ve had a few attacks over the past couple weeks. Some of our cattle have gone missing and I’ve found a few mutilated cows. And just this morning I found one of my sister’s horses dead.”

The increasing vandalism against her pack’s ranch was a message. Taggart wanted to unite his pack with hers and would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. She was surprised he hadn’t done worse.

“And you think my pack had something to do with it?” His voice was monotone.

She noticed he didn’t deny it. “I didn’t say that. I don’t know many humans who venture into our territory, so I just wanted to let you know about it.”

He crossed his arms over his bare chest and she forced herself to keep her eyes on his face. It pissed her off that he just stood there naked. He must have known it would make her uncomfortable.

“Fine. I’ll keep an eye out, but we haven’t had any problems. If you had better security, I doubt you would either.” His voice was taunting.

“We’re doing fine.” But they weren’t. Not really. Financially they were on solid ground, but with all the males of their pack dead, it was only a matter of time before another pack would think they could move in to their territory and force them to assimilate. They might live peacefully among the humans now, but they still had their own laws to worry about. Their black-and-white laws were a lot more primal. As unguarded, unprotected females, they were more or less fair game. It might be bullshit, but there wasn’t much she could do about it unless she wanted to take on the Northern American Council. They wouldn’t allow a she-wolf to remain Alpha without proving herself. As with males, a true Alpha—regardless of gender—had to prove she was strong enough to protect her pack from anything. If it came down to an actual fight, she couldn’t take on Taggart and she knew it. No doubt he did too. And she hated that. Pack law was so different from human rules, and while her animal side acknowledged and understood it, her human side fought against the archaic rules of the Council. Sometimes she worried the eight council members headquartered in Chicago were too out of touch with the changing needs of their kind.

He took a step forward and traced a finger down her cheekbone. Alarm fluttered through her. On instinct, she slapped his hand away. “Don’t touch me.”

His dark eyes flashed in anger, and instead of moving away he grabbed her by the back of her neck and tugged her against him. She started to fight but contained her rage. Her inner wolf told her he wanted her to struggle. She needed to play this right. Among shifters violence against any females was rare, but Taggart was a bastard and nothing he did would surprise Ana. She didn’t know much about his parents, but she’d heard his father had been absolutely archaic in his rules with his pack, and it was obvious the apple hadn’t fallen far from the tree.

“Soon enough you’ll come crawling on your knees, begging to be my mate,” he growled in her ear.

I’d rather die first. “Let. Me. Go.”

“I think I’m going to have a little fun first.” The menacing note in his voice sent up warning bells.

The Cordona women might be small but they were lightning fast. In her shifted form she knew she could outrun him, but she’d have to get away from him first. He grabbed the zipper on her jacket and snapped it down. Adrenaline pumped through her when she realized what he intended.

She kicked at him. He deflected the blow with his thigh. His grip on her tightened for a split second, and then suddenly she was free. Taking her off guard, he shoved at her chest. She hit the ground with a thud.

Shift.

Run.

Escape.

Thoughts of survival overtook her. She rolled over and prepared to go through the change when he dove on top of her, pinning her to the ground. Her throat tightened as she struggled against him.

“Get off of her!” A loud, dominating male voice roared through the woods, reverberating off the trees.

Taggart shifted his weight, and she didn’t waste the opportunity. Scrambling away, she put a few yards between them. If he made one wrong move, she was going to shift and take off. Her canines were already extending. They pressed painfully against her gums. Her inner wolf begged to be unleashed.

The need to survive was taking over most of her reasoning, and the only thing keeping her from shifting was sheer willpower.

She wasn’t sure where the voice had come from, but she recognized it as sure as she knew her own name. Unless the wind was playing cruel tricks on her. She hadn’t heard that soothing voice in about fifty years.

***

 

Official Alpha Instinct blurb:

Fear has a scent. So does desire…

Ana Cordona has been a strong leader for the lupine shifters who survived after all the males and most of the females in her pack were mysteriously poisoned. As tough as she is, with no Alpha male, the pack is vulnerable to the devious shifter Taggart, who wants to claim both their ranch and Ana as his own. When Connor Armstrong comes back into her life, promising protection, it’s almost enough to make Ana forget how he walked out on her before—and reluctantly accept his offer to mate.

The minute Connor sees Ana again, it reawakens a raw hunger. He must have her for his bondmate—his wolf cries out for it. But his human side knows he must proceed with caution because of their complicated past. If he is to truly have her body and soul, he must go beyond his burning desire and win back her heart. Whatever it takes, he is determined not to leave her side again.

But Taggart and his rival pack are not their only enemies. A human element in town is targeting shifters. Their plan not only threatens Ana and Connor’s future, but the lives of the entire pack…

***

Thanks again for letting me share this excerpt, Cynthia!

 

A little about me: I’ve been reading romance since a young age—ever since I discovered my mom’s hidden stash. Luckily the addiction stayed with me into adulthood. I write paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense for Carina Press, Harlequin Nocturne, and NAL/Signet Eclipse. To learn more about me please visit my website, my blog, facebook or find me on twitter @katiereus.