Vivian Arend's Blog, page 71
November 24, 2011
The next adventure
As many of you know, last year my hubby, teenage daughter and I loaded up the camper and traveled the perimeter of North America for 10 months. It was an incredible trip. We learned lots, had a ton of fun, and I worked my way through writing, edits, covers and book releases, never quite knowing where we'd next find internet.
It was work, but it worked. So we're doing something new this year.
We'll be putting ourselves on a plane in early December and heading south, this time a little farther. Like to Ecuador farther. I'm so excited to be able to do this trip and all the exploring and adventuring it will entail. We'll be doing some big city visits, some small. Mountains and coastal, and what I hope will be the highlight? An excursion to the Galapagos Islands.
What does this trip mean to you as a reader? Shouldn't change anything in terms of new releases. The next two cowboy books are all lined up and ready to go. I've written the June and September wolfie books, and started work on Six Pack #4.
It does mean I'll be blogging less for the three months I'm out of the country, since if I do get online time I'll need to use it for work contacts. I have scheduled Snippet Saturdays until the end of the year, and I WILL be hosting my 2nd annual 12 Days of Giving for the Christmas holidays, (I'm preplanning it now) and I hope you'll stop in for that. But it might get a little quiet around here, with random posts and pics of what I'm seeing. I'm trying to learn how to post to the site from an email, and if that works I will at least do a 'where in the world is Viv' snippet regularly.
It's a very big adventure, and I'm so excited to be heading out on it. I hope you don't forget me!
November 22, 2011
Cool books- Paranormal and contemporary
For vampire fans-Beth Kery has part two in her Princes of the Underground series. Beth writes spine tingling, other part tingling, romance stories.
And for those who like their romance more on the light-hearted side, Lexxie Couper breaks out the party games in an adult way with the first book in a new Australian set…well, Party Games series that she and Rhian Cahill are alternating writing books for.
He is her captor. She is his soul…
Princes of the Underground, Book 2
When Blaise Sevliss, Lord Delraven, rescues a young woman from the clutches of his vampiritic clone the sheer amount of soul energy blazing from her unconscious body stuns him…and awakens a primal, parasitic hunger he has fought for centuries to quell.
Determined to keep her safe from the ravenous Scourge horde, Blaise must hide her in his underground stronghold. Where the powerful urge to consume her gnaws at the last shreds of his control.
With a touch, Isabel Lanscourt can divine the darkest of secrets. Her ability is little help, though, when she awakens in a lush world where sensuality rules. Her shining spirit is a beacon to all the powerful immortals in Sanctuary, but only one can touch her. The enigmatic Lord Delraven, whose brusque coldness is belied by the heated need in his eyes.
In a dangerous zone between temptation and memory, desire ignites an explosion of luminescent beauty. And Isabel's healing touch begins to fill his emptiness with an impossible gift: a soul. But Blaise holds a dangerous secret, one that could extinguish Isabel's inner light. And cast his lonely world into eternal darkness.
Product Warnings
Step into a sensual world of vampires who love to feed and love to…er…feast, where sexual variety is the spice of their lives. No sweetness and light here, this is one vampire who can put the "B" into "bad guy" without batting an eye.
~~**~~
Let the games begin…
Party Games, Book 1
Talent agent Frankie Winchester is a hellion. Her motto is all a girl needs is a fun time, a fast car and an awesome masseur on speed dial. There's only one person who could beat her at anything. Alec. Bane of her high-school existence, a kid whose parents were as working class and loving as hers were rich and distant.
When celebrity landscape architect Alec Harris spots Frankie at an exclusive Sydney house party, everything comes rushing back. The memory of being the "cheap-money" kid, trying and failing to prove himself—and impress his dream girl, Frankie Winchester.
Unexpectedly partnered in a wildly sexy game, the delicious friction ignites a scorching sexual tension. But there's more than a playing card trapped between them. Frankie refuses to admit that kiss shook her to the core. Alec wants nothing less than her full surrender.
Game on!
Product WarningsC'mon, the book's called Suck and Blow. What more warning do you need?
November 20, 2011
Winner- newsletter giveaway & X-mas tree trimming!
When I send out my newsletter I often do a giveaway. This time around it was for a 2012 Horses calendar from Mead and the winner is:
Crystal Broyles
If you want updates on releases, make sure you're signed up. Bottom of the page you'll find the place to join.
Here's the tree we spotted at the side of the road.
And…for fun. We got our Christmas tree this weekend and put it up. Yes, this is early. We'll be traveling again in a few weeks and wanted to have Christmas at home before the trip begins.
My hubby the ax man chopping the tree down. Timber!!!
This is about 15 minutes drive from our place. Snow arrived a week ago. Puppy wants to know WHY we cut down the lovely tree. 
We take turns. My son is organizing the lights, daughter had made a ton of snackie foods for nibbling while we decorate the tree.
Hubby enjoying eggnog, DangerGirl putting up her ornaments. Puppy looking for a handout.
Winners
Tessa Dare's lovely novella in the Spindle Cove setting is now being enjoyed by the following ten readers:
Chavie
Aurian
Willaful
Brenda Hyde
Maria Esquivel
June M
Tory Michal
Susan Saxx
June
Jen B
I've already send off their prizes. If you haven't picked it up yet for yourself, it's only .79 right now at Amazon! Just so you know. (Yes, I'm tempting you…)
And thank you to everyone who came out to my blog. It's exciting to see new names here. You are welcome anytime.
November 18, 2011
Snippet Saturday- Action, baby!
Action–a little different kind. I've decided to feature Rising, Freestyle this week and Falling, Freestyle next week. These are the first two books in the Xtreme Adventures series, and they will be coming out in a print anthology FREESTYLE June 5, 2012.
Rising Freestyle
Xtreme Adventures, Book 2Stuck between a rock-solid man and a hard place…
Melanie Dixon's body may have recovered from a horrific climbing accident, but her nerve is long gone. So is the natural enthusiasm for life she took for granted. Tired of being scared, beyond ready to conquer her fears, she pulls up stakes and moves to her brother's new hometown to start over. Her first step is the most terrifying—to tackle the wall at the local climbing center.
Derrick James is mesmerized by Melanie's dark beauty, and equally impressed with her climbing abilities and determination. Watching her retune rusty skills spurs a desire to partner with her—on and off the ropes. Melanie's a compelling mix of wit, sensuality and vulnerability, and it's his delicious task to convince her the scars on her body are no match for the heat rising between them.
Then a man from Melanie's past shows up, pushing their relationship to the edge. Nathan King wants photographs for a "where are they now" series, but his side agenda is more personal in nature. A proposal that brings her out of her sensual shell and onto a precarious sexual ledge. Where trust is crucial…and too easily shattered.
Warning: This book may cause heart-pounding, body-shaking adrenaline attacks—and that's before they leave the climbing gym. Contains blindfolds, ropes and a healthy dose of voyeurism. Go on—you know you like to watch.
~~**~~
Beta: Climbing slang that means to gather information about a route.
"Go on, you can do it."
Melanie remained immobile, gaze glued to where her fingers wrapped around the holds on the climbing wall. The dark Adonis holding her safety rope had been nothing but positive and upbeat with her since she'd signed up for the private climbing lessons. Even without looking she could picture him, his wide smile bright against his tanned skin. Dark hair slightly messed, chocolate-brown eyes that made her think all kinds of naughty things.
"The next hold in the route is that blue one, off to the right. Match your feet, transfer your weight and you'll be there in no time."
As she moved to follow his instructions, she wondered for the millionth time if he was staring at her butt simply to help her find the best route, or if he was staring at her butt for more nefarious reasons.
She could only dream it was the second.
Derrick James was everything she'd dreamed of in a guy. Tall, dark and good with ropes. Now if she could get up the nerve to make a move on him other than when they were checking each other's harnesses for secure straps.
Concentrate. She needed to focus on the wall, not the dry spell in her sex life. Even if dry was the wrong word to depict something comparable to the Sahara during a drought.
A few adjustments later she'd made it to the hold he'd described.
"Awesome job. You want to go higher?" he asked.
Oh man. There were many things she wanted. She wanted to drag her fingers through his long hair and pull his head to hers for a kiss that would make her toes curl. If he happened to use his strong fingers on her back for a massage that somehow turned into a more erotic playtime, that would be fine as well. Maybe letting her crawl over him as they writhed together in wild, passionate lovemaking that would leave her gasping for breath and sexually sated. All of those were on the instant "hell, yeah" list.
Going past the fifteen-foot mark on the vertical climbing wall? That one wasn't nearly as easy a decision.
Melanie stared upward. The holds were simple on this section of the wall, the route easy to follow. Old training patterns kicked in and she automatically shifted her weight as she saw the correct sequence to reach for next. She could do this.
Until she turned and looked down. The floor wavered beneath her, fading farther and nearer like some freaky optical illusion. She clung to her handholds as her tongue stuck to the dry roof of her mouth. Fear laced through her, a shot of adrenaline making her limbs shake and all the blood rush from her head.
"I got you." The harness around her hips snugged upward as Derrick took in the slack of the rope and secured her in place. "That's as high as you're going right now, Melanie. Just take a deep breath. You're okay."
The bulging muscles of his arms as he held the belay ropes blurred into the background as she stared into his eyes. Her heart pounded, there was a ringing in her ears and she needed to pee. It took too much effort to squeeze out the words, and she sounded like a two-year-old. "Don't drop me."
"I've got you," he repeated. His expression was no longer the sexy one that got her blood pumping. There was deep concern, and suddenly the corner of his mouth was the most important thing for her to concentrate on. Because if she looked at his mouth, and thought about kissing that spot, then she didn't need to think about the fact she hung in the air above a hard floor. Didn't have to think about how much it would hurt if she fell again. "I need you to look at the wall, Melanie. Just turn and look at the wall so I can lower you. You understand? I'm not going to drop you. You're safe, but I need you in position to get you down."
"Scared." Throat tight. Breathing tough.
"I know, but I promise you're safe. I'm not going to drop you, and you know it. Want me to lift you a tiny bit? Prove that you're secure?"
She nodded rapidly. He leaned back and pulled easily, no more than a couple of inches. It was enough to make her body rise and take the weight off her shaking legs. Mel snapped her head back to face the wall. It took conscious effort to loosen her death grip and press her hips away from the wall. Letting go of the handholds made her heart leap to her throat, but she didn't change elevation. Derrick held her in one spot, rock solid and firm. Quickly, she wrapped one hand around the rope at her chest level, the other thrust toward the wall for protection. She moistened her lips so she could speak.
"Lower." The climbing command stuck in her throat, but she got it out.
"Lowering. Good girl." His deep voice enveloped her and she let the warmth act as a protective barrier.
Her descent was so smooth and slow she had time to walk her way down the wall like a little child inching down a sidewalk following a snail. She hung in a modified sitting position as she relied on him to control her motion. He did an amazing job—even the stop at the bottom came smoothly, no sudden jerk to startle her already overwrought nerves.
Why in the world had she thought facing her fears and learning to climb again was a good idea?
Samhain | Amazon |Barnes & Noble | All Romance ebooks
~~**~~
Snippets providers today include: Lauren Dane , Anne Rainey, Mari Carr, McKenna Jeffries, Myla Jackson, Selena Blake, Taige Crenshaw, Vivian Arend , Delilah Devlin, HelenKay Dimon, Shelli Stevens, Lacey Savage
Rocky Mountain Desire
Well, the 3rd book in the series is up at Amazon, so I may as well post the cover copy and links for people. ***WARNING*** If you haven't read book 1 yet, this blurb contains spoilers. Decide if you want to read this or not! 
Nothing comes easy. You've gotta work for it.
Six Pack Ranch, Book 3
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.
~~**~~
Rocky Mountain Haven: January 10. Rocky Mountain Desire: March 13
First Chapter excerpt is here.
November 17, 2011
Cool book giveaway- Once Upon a Winter's Eve
Tessa Dare has a fabulous new Christmas novella to add to her Spindle Cove series. Tessa is one of those amazing women who is not only lovely to spend time with, she writes amazing books. So I'm going to give away 10 copies. These will be Amazon only (sorry) because I can gift them.
Leave a comment to be entered, and spread the word if anyone you know is looking for a lovely bit of early Christmas cheer. Winners announced on Sunday.
Some wallflowers bloom at night…
A Spindle Cove Novella
Violet Winterbottom is a quiet girl. She speaks six languages, but seldom raises her voice. She endured bitter heartbreak in perfect silence. The gentlemen aren't beating down her door.
Until the night of the Spindle Cove Christmas ball, when a mysterious stranger crashes into the ballroom and collapses at Violet's feet. His coarse attire and near-criminal good looks would put any sensible young lady on her guard. He's wet, chilled, bleeding, and speaking in an unfamiliar tongue.
Only Violet understands him. And she knows he's not what he seems.
She has one night to draw forth the secrets of this dangerously handsome rogue. Is he a smuggler? A fugitive? An enemy spy? She needs answers by sunrise, but her captive would rather seduce than confess. To learn his secrets, Violet must reveal hers—and open herself to adventure, passion, and the unthinkable… Love.
Product WarningsThe heroine packs a pistol, the hero curses in multiple languages, and together they steam up a cold winter's night.
November 16, 2011
Winners!
Three today.
From the release of KITHRA, $10 gift certificate goes to:
Jewel (comment 13)
I also have 2 x $10 gift cards for the bookstore of their choice, picked from the commenters on days 1 2 of Cowboy Fever.
Day One: Fedora
Day Two: jeanette8042
Congrats, ladies. Use the contact button to get a hold of me with your choice of where you'd like the card from. Hope you have fun buying books! (I'm assuming, but seriously, what else is there to buy
Today I'm going to enjoy some more writing and Saturday I'll be back with an action snippet to share. See you then!
November 14, 2011
New Release! Rocky Mountain Heat
It feels like forever that I've been waiting to announce this. I'm pleased that today you can once again enter into the world of the Six Pack Ranch. I hope you enjoy meeting the Colemans as much as I've enjoyed getting to know them.
Rocky Mountain Heat
Six Pack Ranch, Book 1
He's the one who taught her to ride. Now all he wants is to ride her.
Blake Coleman is old enough to know that acting on impulse causes nothing but a heap of trouble. But when trouble's a western-hat-wearing blonde with slim legs that go on forever, what's a man to do? Wanting the sweet girl next door is just wrong. The responsible thing to do is keep his hands off.
Jaxi has other plans for Blake's hands, and his heart. She may have once considered him a big brother, but that was a long time ago. She's all grown up now and ready to convince him that she's perfect for him. Except he can't seem to see past the big "don't touch" sign that's apparently still hanging around her neck.
When Jaxi ends up living right under Blake's nose, the undeniable heat between them slides off simmer and leaps up to barn-burning levels. However, a few of the younger six-pack Colemans have decided Jaxi's brand of trouble is worth risking a few busted bones.
That is, if Blake's finally ready to let go the reins and fight for what he wants…
Warning: Sexy cowboys seducing and being seduced in trucks, pool halls and barns. Droolworthy country charm, a little double-teaming, a few secrets and a whole lot of brothers to look forward to. Anyone wanna go for a ride?
~~** Samhain | Amazon|Barnes & Noble | Kobo **~~
November 13, 2011
Cowboy Fever Day 2
Cowboy round up, day two. Now, if you notice, not all these cowboys will be for everyone. Some are hotter than others, so please read blurbs carefully if you're checking them out for the first time. The MJ Frederick and the Emma Lang are both historical works and more traditional m/f romances.
Again, take a break, smile a little and then Comment away and I'll draw a name on Wednesday to get a $10 gift certificate. Click on covers to get information. Tomorrow is release day!
Quick Links:
A Four-Gone Conclusion
Boots and Chaps
Eastern Ambitions
Sunrise Over Texas
Tangled Past
The Boys Back Home
Special feature today. My roomie from last year's RT convention and a wonderful writer who makes me smile. Beth Williamson/Emma Lang.
Circle Eight Book 1
Kensington Brava
February 2012
ISBN-13: 9780758269041
ISBN-10: 0758269048
A man learns to hold what is his…
It is a vast spread in the eastern wilds of the newly independent Republic of Texas, the ranch their parents fought for … and died for. To the eight Graham siblings, no matter how much hard work or hard love it takes, life is unthinkable without family…
In the wake of his parents' murder, Matthew Graham must take the reins at the Circle Eight. He also needs to find a wife in just thirty days, or risk losing it all. Plain but practical, Hannah Foley seems the perfect bride for him . . . until after the wedding night.
Their marriage may make all the sense in the world, but neither one anticipates the jealousies that will result, the treacherous danger they're walking into, or the wildfire of attraction that will sweep over them, changing their lives forever.
Amazon
