Vivian Arend's Blog, page 56
March 2, 2013
Cool new books- Beth Kery’s serials
(Scroll down to see where the HIGH RISK blog tour links are)
In a neat twist, Beth Kery’s latest will be out the same day as HIGH RISK, and so we’re going to peek at what she’s got happening. Actually, she’s got TWO books out on March 5. The print bound version of all eight parts of BECAUSE YOU ARE MINE and the start of a new story!
From Beth:
What’s the scoop with When I’m With You?
So what is the deal with When I’m With You, and how does it relate to Because You Are Mine? I’ve had my fair share of people ask this, so here’s the short answer.
When I’m With You is a serial erotic romance, an extremely steamy love story being released initially as Because You Are Mine was released, as an 8 part serial, each installment coming out every Tuesday. The hero and heroine of When I’m With You are feisty-with-a-heart-of-gold-bad-girl heiress Elise Martin and the only man who has the hope of taming her, handsome-as-the-devil-with-a-secret, Lucien Savauge. Now many people are asking, what about Ian and Francesca from Because You Are Mine? Ian and Francesca are in When I’m With You, and a major part of their romance unfolds in this book, preparing the reader for the third book, Because We Belong, which is out in November. When I’m With You is a very steamy, extremely emotional romance between two people who may seem like they’ve had it all–money, status, looks–but really have lived in a gilded cage. Lucien has escaped that gilded cage, and Elise longs to. But she has to learn a little control for once in her life…and Lucien is the only one she’ll allow to teach her…or who could possibly could accomplish the task. The three books create an overall story arc, with themes of family, sacrifice and the power of letting go of control in order to truly find it. I found Lucien and Elise’s story to be funny at times, heartwarming and emotional at others and always, always sexy.
WHEN I’M WITH YOU: PART I
WHEN WE TOUCH
Beginning 3/5/13 with each new installment coming out on Tuesdays: New York Times bestselling author Beth Kery’s blistering new novel of a man and woman bound by the scandalous secrets of the past—and by the sexual hunger that still fuels their uncontrollable desires…
Restaurateur and self-exiled heir Lucien Lenault’s first look at the breathtaking young chef trainee for his trendy Chicago restaurant is a shock. She’s Elise Martin, daughter of a wealthy French fashion designer. She’s also the holder of a secret that could explode his carefully laid plans.
Notorious for her flagrant exhibitionism, and for flouting the respectable façade of her aristocratic background, the coquine’s wild streak shocked most people. Not Lucien. He was tempted by it. It was a deliriously punishable offense as far as Lucien was concerned. But taking on Elise is more than a game. She’s a catastrophe waiting to happen, an inferno that’s burned many a lover. Lucien isn’t most men, however, and he won’t allow her to manipulate him. In order to control the defiant beauty—in order to see her submit—he’s going to have to willingly walk in the flames…
Praise for Because You Are Mine
Best Romance 2012 Award: Joyfully Reviewed
I can’t wait! Grade A Review, Fiction Vixen
Addictive and Delicious..?USA Today Happy Ever After Blog
Be warned… once you start reading this you won’t be able to stop!? 5 stars from Under the Covers Book Blog
~~**~~
Neat, right? So to celebrate I’m going to give away 5 copies of PART ONE of WHEN I’M WITH YOU. Beth is also giving away a PRINT copy of the complete novel of BECAUSE YOU ARE MINE on my Facebook page. The best of both worlds–something for those who like to have pages to anticipate each week, and a full novel for those who like to sit down and consume the whole feast.
To enter, leave a comment. Please note you have to enter either ON MY WEBSITE or FACEBOOK pages, not the connected posts that show up at Goodreads or Amazon. I’m having trouble with those connections and they are techno-failing far too often, so the only way I can know for sure who is interested is by checking the blog on my website/ FB page. I’ll pick the winners for part 1 on Sunday eve.
February 25, 2013
Ready to take an Adventure?
In honour of HIGH RISK officially arriving in 8 more days, we’re going traveling.
Since this is something new–new series, new publisher, new genre–I wanted to do something else new. So we’re taking a tour to some of my favourite blogs over the next week. And I’m showing you pictures. LOL– you know, like that annoying person at the office party? Except I hope you enjoy these pictures. I’m sharing some highlights from trips I’ve taken over the years. Amazing scenery and fun activities to get us in the mood to read HIGH RISK, which is set in the incredibly beautiful Canadian Rockies, and stars some active and adventurous people.
I’m not nearly as adventurous as they are. Just saying.
But many of you have asked about my travels before. Here’s a chance for you to drop in and join me! There are a couple places to visit most days, so bookmark this blog and remember to come back to see what’s new. Each place I visit you’ll have a chance to win an Adrenaline Swag pack, and choice of ebook from my backlist.
Ready to take a trip?
Monday
GUILTY PLEASURES
Tuesday
SMEXY BOOKS
NOVEL THOUGHTS
Wednesday
DELIGHTED READER
BOOK LOVERS INC
Thursday
HANGING WITH BELLS
THE BOOK PUSHERS
Friday
WICKED ‘LIL PIXIE
THE BOOK READING GALS
BOOK BINGE
Monday
FICTION VIXEN
UNDER THE COVERS
THE BOOK VIXEN
Tuesday
HEA USA TODAY
SEAWITCH REVIEWS
~~**~~
High Risk
Adrenaline, Book 1
LIFELINE: an elite search-and-rescue squad based out of Banff, Alberta. Specializing in high-risk rescue missions, this team goes wherever the job takes them…
Rebecca James was once revered for her devil-may-care attitude and backcountry survival skills. But ever since she lost her partner in a fatal accident, patches of her memory have been missing. And until she can recall those final, tragic moments before the accident, she can’t move on.
Since Marcus Landers was permanently injured during a mission, all his energies have been focused on his Lifeline team. When Becki—whom he had an intense affair with seven years ago—arrives in Banff, he’s inspired to reignite the spark they once had. Their mutual ardor slowly awakens Becki’s dormant, haunting memories.
New truths surface until Becki must at last confront her greatest fear. Remembering the past might mean a future without the man she loves…
Available March 5
Digital
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Mass Market Paperback
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Booksamillion | Powells
February 20, 2013
Winners selected!
I’m in the process now of sending out the books to the giveaway. Thanks for showing your support of Anya!
Back with more later. 
February 19, 2013
Book Giveaway!
Anya Bast has a book out today, and I’m giving away copies! Isn’t that a gorgeous cover?
She owns nothing of herself but her heart.
Sienne is beautiful, intelligent, talented…and a slave. Given to the lord of Nordan for a season, she has one mission: seduce Marken with a body made for sin and bring back to her Sudhran masters secrets they can use to conquer their northern neighbors. If she fails, the family who took her in as a child will pay the price.
Marken has no desire for a slave. Women come to his bed willingly or not at all. Yet when he frees the beautiful temptress, she refuses to leave his side, sating her curiosity with questions about his court and her desire with a depthless ability to submit to their growing pleasure. But despite every plan to teach her to be free, Marken finds himself becoming increasingly entangled…and increasingly possessive.
Time is running short. Sienne has until the last winter’s snow has melted before she must make a choice that will change the shape of two nations forever.
This book was previously published.
~~**~~
Copyright © 2012 Anya Bast
All rights reserved — a Samhain Publishing, Ltd. publication
The cool gray of the castle walls reached heavenward to meet heavy clouds pregnant with the promise of snow. Sienne shivered in her saddle, seeing the place which would imprison her for the cold season. It was a credit that she could still feel emotion when confronted with a new set of chains. Most slaves lost everything, including all feeling in their souls.
Of course, she considered as Ramdan, a burly Sudhraian soldier, yanked her mount past the yawning, sharp teeth of the portcullis, it might be easier to have no emotion. Her owner, Cyrus, was even now inside the keep, making arrangements for her temporary transference into the hands of the lord who ruled this gray world.
Once in the courtyard, at the base of the tall stone keep, Ramdan grabbed her around the waist and lifted her from the back of her horse. Around them, the castle’s inhabitants gave them sidelong looks as they went about their business. People of the north weren’t used to seeing travelers from the south. The sound of a blacksmith’s hammer hitting iron clanged through the air and the dry scent of hay from the nearby stable teased her nose.
She watched a young girl of around twelve as she passed with a basket of late autumn apples. The girl cast a shy, blue-eyed glance her way, then bowed her head and scurried away. Jealousy flared through Sienne. That little blue-eyed apple girl would grow up free, free to make her own decisions, free to have final say over what was done to her body.
Cyrus barreled through the double doors of the keep and took her by the upper arm. “It’s done. Come with me.” He pulled her into the keep and up a steep set of stairs toward a heavy wooden door.
Sienne stumbled as Cyrus pushed the door open and roughly pulled her into the room. A huge see-through fireplace dominated the center of the chamber, driving out the chill so prevalent in large castles like this one. An enormous bed stood across from the fireplace, heaped with soft blankets and pillows. Tapestries depicting spring-tide hunts covered the walls and a table stood to the left of the bed, scattered with papers and books.
“Lord Marken has accepted you as a gift for the winter months.” Cyrus’s voice never failed to grate against her mind. “Use all those fancy skills your family taught you to seduce him. The man has brains as well as brawn.”
Of course, seducing Lord Marken wasn’t her only purpose.
Cyrus yanked her hard toward the four-poster bed and tied her to one of the posts. He slipped his hands to the neckline of her gown and pulled it down, so that the very tops of her breasts showed and the fabric lay right above the nipples. He brushed his thumb over one, causing her to flinch, and then brought his hand to her chin, tipping it up. His brown eyes narrowed and his dirty-blond hair fell into his eyes. Quickly she wiped the look of disgust from her face. If he saw it, it would earn her nothing but pain.
“Get what I need from him, Sienne. If you don’t, the price will be your life. And in case you don’t care about that, know I’ll hold your foster family accountable for your ineptitude. Believe me, I’ll make them hurt before they die.”
She winced and looked away. Her foster family had been as kind to her as possible under Cyrus’s constant threat. He continually held their well-being over her head. If she didn’t care about anyone, life would be easier.
Cyrus had placed her here to get as much information as she could from Lord Marken about Nordan politics, military positions…and weaknesses. It was amazing what a man would reveal to a woman when comfortable, warm and sated with sex.
When she looked back, Cyrus was striding to the door, his black cloak swirling around him and his boots clicking on the polished stone floor.
Now this Lord Marken would come. She twisted her wrists in the rope that bound her, chafing her skin. The knots were excellent, as usual. It never stopped her from testing them, though.
She glanced around at the books that lined the shelves. Her mind worked, trying to think of all manner of ways to get close to Lord Marken, to get him to confide in her, to believe she was safe. Every man in power needed someone safe. She’d learned that long ago.
Footsteps of a different cadence sounded at the door. Lord Marken closed the heavy, gold-inlaid door behind him. Sienne twisted in her bonds, her stomach tightening in sudden fear. Although, something deep and dark within her always thrilled at the prospect of a new man to please with her skills. Even though she was a slave, she had power in some things, and she’d learned to exploit that small amount.
And this one was far from displeasing to the eye. A long fall of onyx-in-shadow hair framed a face that was close to handsome, but not quite. His chin was strong and his features well-crafted, his body muscular in the way of warriors. This was no weak-limbed nobleman. Eyes the color of the river in winter, a cool blue-green, peered from a well-sculpted face. His best feature by far was his lips. Full and sensual, they looked perfect for tracing with the tip of her tongue. Maybe she could get what she needed from this man if she proceeded carefully.
Marken crossed the floor slowly, taking in her appearance. She knew how she looked, her hair free over her shoulders, her gown clinging to her curves, her nipples, tight from the cold, showing through the sheer, flesh-colored fabric. Cyrus had done his job well.
He stopped in the center of the room, his gaze intent. His leather jerkin was open halfway down his chest, showing an expanse of smooth, sculpted muscle. His leggings fit tight over powerful-looking thighs. She shivered in fear spiced with the slightest pinch of desire and looked away.
“What’s your name?”
Her eyes widened. “My lord wishes to know my name?” she asked in Nordanese. That was not something most men were concerned with, especially not at first.
“You do have one, do you not?”
She averted her eyes. “Yes, my lord, my parents gifted me with the name Sienne.”
“Sienne.” He rolled her name around in his mouth like it was a choice sugared raisin. “Look at me, Sienne.”
Her gaze snapped to his. “Yes, my lord.”
“You are not here of your own free will, are you?”
She let out a derisive laugh. “My lord sees me secured this way and asks such a question?” She bit her tongue on the last word. Perhaps she’d finally lost her mind. She waited for him to hit her, but only got a bemused smile.
“Ah, so there is some fire left in you after all. They haven’t beaten it all out of you yet.”
“Forgive me, my lord. I shall endeavor to be more submissive.”
“Oh, now what fun would that be?”
~~**~~
Available at all digital stores including SAMHAIN
~~**~~
To be entered to win one of 10 copies I’m giving away, leave a comment and the format that you’d need the book in. I’ll pick the winners Wednesday morning.
February 18, 2013
HIGH RISK- TNPOTWTRD
AKA: the next post on the way to release day
Heads up so you can get in on the action. I had an extra ARC left still of HIGH RISK, and it’s now up for grabs at NOVEL THOUGHTS. Leave a comment there before Friday!!
February 17, 2013
Time to start teasing!
HIGH RISK will be out in just over two weeks. You ready for Becki and Marcus?
LIFELINE: an elite search-and-rescue squad based out of Banff, Alberta. Specializing in high-risk rescue missions, this team goes wherever the job takes them…
Rebecca James was once revered for her devil-may-care attitude and backcountry survival skills. But ever since she lost her partner in a fatal accident, patches of her memory have been missing. And until she can recall those final, tragic moments before the accident, she can’t move on.
Since Marcus Landers was permanently injured during a mission, all his energies have been focused on his Lifeline team. When Becki—whom he had an intense affair with seven years ago—arrives in Banff, he’s inspired to reignite the spark they once had. Their mutual ardor slowly awakens Becki’s dormant, haunting memories.
New truths surface until Becki must at last confront her greatest fear. Remembering the past might mean a future without the man she loves…
~~**~~
She set one foot on the railing and stretched as she waited, wondering again if her instinctive urge to blurt the first thing she thought of would ever lessen.
Asking Marcus to join her? Fine—they had years to catch up on. They hadn’t had much of a relationship before he’d disappeared, and even casual acquaintances could enjoy a spur-of-the-moment workout. A get to know you better outing.
But join her on a run?
She’d have to stop the post-training images from distracting her. The ones where he stripped off his shirt as they stretched, the slick of sweat on his skin highlighting his muscles. He had aged well. She wanted to know if his abdomen was still rock solid, and if when he pressed his body over hers if he’d be able to hold her trapped with one hand—
And that was exactly where this wasn’t supposed to go.
~~**~~
Berkley is sponsoring a giveaway over at Goodreads. If you haven’t entered yet, you have until Feb 20. Check HERE. (US only, sorry)
I’ll keep you posted with other opportunities and the start of the blog tour at the end of the month!
Digital: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes
Mass Market Paperback: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Booksamillion | Powells
February 15, 2013
Winners of the Wolfie Read Along!
It’s time!
Thank you for joining me over the past month and doing the WOLFIE READ ALONG!! I hope you had fun, and enjoyed Tessa and Mark’s story!
Winners: please contact Fatin and let her know what you won, and we’ll get your prizes off to to you in a bit. Fatin can be reached at: novelsidekick@gmail.com
Winners of the Wolfie/Cougar:
Entry #341 Ashley A.
Entry #292 Kaetrin
Entry #18 Jeanette J.
Entry #33 Nancy G.
Winners of the Wolfies:
Entry #325 Kitty K.
Entry #405 Christy D.
Entry #19 Kathleen S. (yours is already in the mail
)Entry #281 Lisa J.
Entry #192 Kai W.
Entry #375 Mary J
Winners of the Dogtags:
Entry #50 Sullivan M. (yours has been mailed as well–no need to contact Fatin
)Entry #160 Ora E.
Entry #14 Kelly W.
Entry #461 Maria R.
Entry #494 Margie
Entry #310 Mikaela
Entry #480 Aislnn
Entry #77 Jennifer M.
Entry #317 June M.
Entry #169 Dorothy H
Winner of the two print books:
Entry #227 Michelle K
Make sure you’re signed up for my newsletter–that will be the easiest way to find out the next bit of news regarding what’s next in the wolfie world. (Yes, I have plans!!!) Other than Diamond Dust, which we know is coming August 20. Those of you who wanted longer Granite Lake books, make sure you check out BLACK GOLD and SILVER MINE. More wolfie, as requested.
February 12, 2013
WOLF NIP is here
Lighthearted humour, feel good happily-ever-after. Enjoy!!
Cat got your tongue?
Tessa Williams is looking to make her mark outside the family business, and the unusual landlocked paddle wheeler she spots in Haines, Alaska, strikes her as the perfect location. Only the owner is being difficult, refusing to sell. Still, she’s sure that replacing her written queries with a little in-person charm is all she’ll need to shortly have her Eco-tour B&B on the road to success.
Local wolf-slash-owner of said vessel, Mark Weaver, isn’t hanging on to the landmark building out of spite. There are more reasons for holding back the sale than are easily explained on paper. A face-to-face meeting to resolve the matter only confounds it—when Mark recognizes Tessa as his mate.
But she’s a cat…and cats don’t do insta-mates.
The sexual attraction between them isn’t in question, just everything else. He wants her. She wants twue wuv. His wolf can’t figure out what the holdup is. Her cat thinks the entire situation, and the pack, are rather amusing.
Somewhere in here is the beginning of a beautiful relationship—if they don’t drive each other mad.
Warning: One hyper cat, one laid-back wolf. Inappropriate use of permanent markers, and a heaping side dish of cat/dog jokes. Shenanigans (read: nookie) in front of a roaring fire. Spiced liberally with sarcasm. Enjoy!
DIGITAL
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
February 6, 2013
New cover! HIGH PASSION
High Passion
Adrenaline, Book 2
LIFELINE: an elite search-and-rescue squad based out of Banff, Alberta.
Specializing in high-risk rescue missions, this team goes wherever the job takes them…
Alisha Bailey left a life of privilege for the dangerous but thrilling world of search and rescue. Denying the lure of attraction to her teammate is another sacrifice she’s made to prove to everyone—including her family— that she’s more than a pretty face or a business commodity.
Since their training days, Devon Leblanc has used the competitive fire between them to hide his fascination with the petite beauty. When a natural disaster forces their rivalry aside, heated passion finally flares between them. Sexual pleasure slowly gives way to a new appreciation for more than each other’s skills—on the field or in the bedroom.
But when unexplained accidents begin happening to the Lifeline team, their newfound unity may be their only hope for survival…
~~**~~
I know, September 3 seems so far away, and you haven’t even met Alisha and Devon yet. But you will, soon! HIGH RISK is out in…28 days. March 5 is coming up quickly! WHEEEEEEE!!!! I’ve put up the first chapters of HIGH RISK for you to enjoy. Click through the picture. (Had to put up the cover to show how how pretty the two look together!
February 5, 2013
ROCKY MOUNTAIN DESIRE in print
Every time it happens it’s as exciting as the first. This one is extra special, though, since it’s a part of the Six Pack Ranch series, and DESIRE hit the NYT list high as an ebook. I’m so glad that Samhain takes the books to print so those of you who prefer that format can have the chance to find out what’s happening in Matt’s life.
Don’t worry, we’re going to find him a HEA.
Rocky Mountain DesireSix Pack Ranch, Book 3
Nothing comes easy. You’ve gotta work for it.
Matt Coleman always figured at this point in his life, he’d be settled down with a family. Since his ex split for the big city, though, no way will he give anyone else the chance to drop-kick his heart. Physical pleasure? Hell, yeah, he’ll take—and give—with gusto, but nothing more.
Hope Meridan is working long hours to hold on to her new quilt shop, going it alone since her sister/business partner ran off. Sex? Right, like she’s got the time. Not that she doesn’t have the occasional dirty fantasy about Matt. Fat chance he’d dream of knocking boots with her—the younger sister of the woman who dumped him. Nope, she’ll just have to settle for the F-word.
Friends would be far easier if there wasn’t something combustible going on between them. And when casual interest starts to grow into something more, their tenuous bond strengthens in the heat of desire. But it may not survive the hurricane-force arrival of the last person either of them ever wanted to see again…
Warning: Small-town rivals, men in pursuit and family meddling—in good and bad ways. Look for a cowboy who knows how to rope, ride and rein in a hell of a lot more than eight seconds of sheer bliss.
~~**~~
Digital
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Samhain | Kobo | Sony | Apple
TRADE PAPERBACK
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Booksamillion | Powells | Samhain
