Vivian Arend's Blog, page 90

New cover!

She wants it. He's got it…and a whole lot more.

Coming February 8, 2011

Turner Twins, Book Two

Maxwell Turner considers his stubborn and resourceful attitude a plus. After all, it usually gets him what he wants—except for Natasha Bellingham. The long-time family friend may be ten years older than he, but so what? He's plenty old enough to know they belong together. Now all he has to do is convince her.

Over the past few years Natasha's love life has degenerated into a series of bad clichés. Her biological clock is ticking—loudly. As a proven architect with her own house-design company, she's financially ready for a baby. Who says she needs a permanent man in her life for that? She just needs a "donation".

When Max discovers Natasha's future plans include artificial insemination, he's outraged. She wants to get pregnant? No problem. He's more than willing to volunteer—no turkey basters involved .

But there's one non-negotiable clause: He wants forever. And he intends to do everything in his power—fair and unfair—to make it happen.

Warning: This title contains one younger man ready, aimed and hell bent on giving one woman everything she wants. Includes interludes against the wall, in a Jacuzzi, on a car hood and even—shockingly enough—on a bed or two. Oh, and about that porch swing? Yup…

SIx Pack Ranch Update

It's time for the update on what's happening with those hot and naughty Coleman boys. Rocky Mountain Heat was my first attempt at writing a contemporary, and again I placed the story in familiar setting for me–small town, rural Alberta. A big family with a love for the land and lots of potential for mischief.

Like all grand adventures, I set off in one direction, and after careful consideration I'm taking a turn in the road to make sure I get where I need to go.

I'm pleased to announce that the Six Pack Ranch will be moving lock, stock and barrel, over to Samhain Publishing. The first book is currently off the market, and book two will be off shortly after the New Year. I'll be expanding both these books to full novel length and re-releasing them beginning with Rocky Mountain Heat November 15, 2011. Book 2, Rocky Mountain Haven, is tentatively scheduled for Jan/Feb 2012, and a brand new book 3, Rocky Mountain Hope,  March/April.

There are a lot of positives that will come from this change. Longer stories, books that will go to print approximately 10 months after ebook release. A chance to work with my editor at Samhain, who is a rock star.

I'm very happy with my relationship with Samhain Publishing and feel that their level of professionalism in the current book market puts them in a truly unique situation. Five years ago when they opened their doors they were a quality digital first provider. Now they have gained the reputation for not only developing and supporting their authors, and producing excellent ebooks and print books, they do it in a way that rivals traditional publishers struggling in the face of change.

Getting to bring the Colemans and the Six Pack Ranch stories to you starting in late 2011 under the Samhain Publishing label is a good direction change in the road. I hope you'll share the information with others who enjoy my contemporary works, and look forward to the new beginnings.

Happy New Cover!

Coming December 6

A Twist on Tradition

A woman has the Christmas Eve from Hell. Two cat shifters play naughty games. And a witch brings out the beast inside the man. The magic of the season takes on a whole new meaning in these three fantastic—and festive—novellas from some of the best voices in paranormal romance.

The three stories will be available as an ebook anthology, or for purchase separately

Freeze Line by Moira Rogers

A twenty-first century ice age dulls the magic that emanates from the earth. Shane Sullivan is a lone wolf above the freeze line; He has no desire to join the packs that range closer to the border, where feral instincts can turn a man into a monster. Not until the winter solstice, when he stumbles across a dying witch who needs his help to get back to her people–and her magic–in the south.

Nadia is a powerful woman in her own world, but drained by her escape from captivity in a northern lab. She knows it's foolhardy to trust a werewolf, but he's her only chance to survive the vast white wilderness. The farther south they travel, the harder it is for Shane to keep the beast within under control, and as their mutual attraction intensifies, Nadia's no longer sure she wants him to.

No Angel by Vivi Andrews

When Sasha's boyfriend Jay is sucked through a fiery vortex to Hell, an angel reveals that she's been chosen as the Champion of Virtue in the battle for his immortal soul. As a perennial offender on Santa's naughty list, Sasha can't believe she's anyone's idea of a girl fighting on the side of the angels. But if she doesn't save Jay, he'll be stuck in Hell forever!

Jay aka Jevroth isn't surprised to find himself back in Hell. His visa to visit the mortal plane expired three months ago, but to steal more time with Sasha he's been ignoring his mother's demands to come home to meet his new stepfather: Lucifer.

Sasha has until dawn on the 25th of December to fight the Legions of Hell and rescue Jay, or be trapped there for eternity herself. But now she must decide if the lying, son-of-a-demon is even worth saving…

Tangled Tinsel by Vivian Arend

Five miles of leather-clad leg is all it takes to lure Kyle Branegan out from his carefully hidden lifestyle as part of the Cougar Corp, a secret branch of the Shifter Enforcer League. He's hoping for a night of fun and frolic, cat-style, no strings attached. With a sultry swing of her hips, Eloise Scott tangles him up in her ball of tricks, and just when he thinks he's about to get lucky, she cuffs him–naked–to her bed.

An undercover cop in the human police force, El's been given a top-secret mission to keep the big cat under her paw until he's needed to testify in court in the New Year. Her decision to take him home for a quiet Christmas in her sleepy hometown turns out to be far more interesting than she expected. Her parents are suddenly rich, her old boyfriend is sniffing around and all six-feet-plus of sexy cougar male is sleeping in her bed.

And that's before they announce their fake engagement…

The squealing post

No, there's no actual noise coming to hit you. This is for all things that have happened over the past week while I've been holding the Fans and Favorites event.

First, I have to say THANK YOU!!! Holy Moly, the number of people who have purchased Wolf Tracks, and then written to tell me what they thought–I'm overwhelmed. It means so much to know that you are enjoying the Granite Lake series, and my writing. And yes, it definitely motivates me to write more!!

Wolf Tracks made it to the top of the MB&M list. It also hit a high of 82 in the Kindle books at Amazon. That's the #82 book available in kindle, all genres, all lengths. All kinds of authors. That's little ol' TJ sitting between Ken Folette's World without End, and Diane Galbaldon's Dragonfly in Amber. (I just shivered…)

And when you split off to only the romance genre, TJ and Pam's love story was ranked with books by people like Janet Evanowich, JR Ward and Gena Showalter. #8 at the best showing.

Kinda makes a girl's week…

Then I got an email letting me know that three of my books made it to the finals in the EPIC book awards. The grin just got bigger. Being selected is a great honour for me as it's a judged event from my writing peers.

Up for the honours are:

Turn It On- Erotic Contemporary

Wolf Games- Erotic Paranormal

Rocky Mountain Haven- Erotic Western

Ready for more?

And then Authors After Dark contacted me to let me know two of my books were also nominated in the Bookie Awards! These are voted on my bloggers and readers, completely blind nominations, so I'm very pleased. The voting for the actual winners starts sometime in November.

Thanks AAD and those that nominated my books.

Look at these lists! I'm in some cool company. FREAK ME OUT…I'm on a list with Larissa, Kresley, LORA, and Patricia?

**faints**

Paranormal Menage:

Vampire Mistress, Joey W. Hill

Vampire Trinity by Joey W. Hill

Fearless Desire by Stacey Espino

Embraced By Passion Diana DeRicci

Perfection by Kris Cook

Moonlight Menage, Stephanie Julian

Whirlpool by Vivian Arend

Werewolf Novel:

Sin Undone by Larissa Ione

A Certain Wolfish Charm by Lydia Dare

Pleasure of a Dark Prince, Kresley Cole

Styx's Storm – Lora Leigh

Alpha Awakening by Diana DeRicci

Wolf Signs – Vivian Arend

Dark Succession, by Teresa D'Amario

Blameless by Gail Carriger

Moon Sworn, Particia Briggs

If you're still reading, awesome job One more thing!!

Long and Short Reviews sent me their post for Wolf Tracks. After getting a 5 book rating, the story is up for book of the week, if you feel inclined to go do some clicking. Poll is open Saturday and Sunday at the site.

Vivian Arend's Granite Lake Wolves series is that rare combination of romance, adventure, humor and screaming hot sex, all in one story.

Thanks, Holly!

So, has it been a good week? You bet. And tomorrow I have cover art to share, and Monday, an announcement about the Six Pack Ranch. The adventure continues and I'm still enjoying the thrill!

Fans and Favorites-#4

Last day to share from fans, and also to direct your attention to a good friend/blogger.

Peg said:

I love Robyn the most. She keeps not only Keil hopping (and guessing) but also TJ. I can't wait to read about TJ's heroine  The dynamics between Robyn and Keil are great, he knows from the start that she's his mate but while she doesn't make it unreasonably hard for him, it's not easy. I love the background for their story, the whole 'get away from everything' concept is very relaxing…

Molli said:

(okay, I have to qualify this. I pulled winners using random.org, and when Molli's name came up I LOLed. She has been there every step of the way. She's the Molli mentioned in the dedication for Wolf  Tracks!

Oh jeez…you really want me to answer that question? TJ TJ TJ!!! I've only been bugging you for him since he first fell off the dock! I"m just sorry knitting needles were deemed to dangerous to make an appearance! Lol.

Thanks to everyone who wrote in to share their favorites. I'm re-reading them all with a huge grin on my face.

~~~

And now…it's time to meet a special blogger: Brande from Book Junkie. Actually 'met' her at a book chat, my first, and it's been great to see her grow!

1. If you were packing for an extended trip, what three comfort reads would you take along?

Hum, that is a heard on but since I can choose only 3 I would say, JR Ward's Lover Revealed which I have read about 6 times, Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen then Say No to Joe? by Lori Foster. It was my first mainstream author I followed when I picked up Romance again a couple years ago and it holds a special place in my heart.

2. What's your favorite snack to enjoy while reading?

Hands down popcorn!

3. Ebooks or paper, or both? What percent of each?

I am going to lean more towards the e-book mainly because my honey got me an e-reader a couple of years ago! It has really opened my eyes to a whole new world of e-book authors that I have to say I never knew even existed. Now… I am simply addicted.

For a percentage……hum, I would say 90% e-book, 10% paper.

4. If you could go anywhere for a holiday, where would you go?

I would either go back to Alaska or Ireland. Those were the two best places I have ever been in my life. Stunning, peaceful and in both places the people were amazing and ironically sparse. I felt at peace in both places like I had never before.

~~~

Haven't made it to Ireland…yet. Might have to do something about that. You can hop over to Book Junkie to look around.

I just want to say thank you to everyone who's come out this week to visit, and support me with the release of Wolf Tracks. It's been an awesome ride, and I'm looking forward to the future!

Arwhooooooo!!!!

Fans and Favorites- #3

Welcome back! You know the routine- here's a couple of comments from fans, and today's blogger I'm featuring.

Nancy said:

I have to admit I am a GLW groupie. I fell in love with them in Wolf Signs, and they just keep getting better with each book. TJ is a special favorite of mine. He reminds me of that big overgrown puppy your neighbor has: cute and clumsy but with the promise of grace and beauty just under it all. I love the romance, the humor and, yes, the hot factor in each of these books. Hats off to Viv for creating such a marvelous series. Thank you Viv for many pleasant hours with the wolfies!

Heather said:
I am a big fan of Granite Lake Wolves. I have always loved wolves. So what's better than hot guys who turn into wolves. Nothing can get better than that. Especially having a romance with a werewolf. When I read books I like to be able to picture myself into the books. Not all books allow you to do that. Granite Lake Wolves gives you that chance with the romance of a life time. My favorite heroine would have to be Maggie. I love how she conquered her fear of wolves to help out her pack.

Blogger time!
Book Faery stumbled into my life 4 months ago, and I've had such fun watching her site grow. She held a HUGE extravagant 'Battle of the Sexies' this summer, and I was so impressed with her organization and upbeat approach to all the work. And she's an aspiring writer as well! Come and meet Tori (she's @Book_Faery on twitter) and then hop over to her site!

1. If you were packing for an extended trip, what three comfort reads would you take along?

This is an impossible question because I have so many favorites!  I would definitely take Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night by Kresley Cole because that is my all-time favorite book.  Ever.  As for the other two?  Probably Dreams Made Flesh by Anne Bishop and Siren by Tricia Rayburn

2. What's your favorite snack to enjoy while reading?

I actually don't eat when I read.  When I'm holding a book, it's with two hands, and then with my Kindle… well, I haven't used it enough to eat with it yet.  I do enjoy Twizzlers when I write, though!

3. Ebooks or paper, or both? What percent of each?

Both!  Paperbacks for my favorite authors, ebooks for newer authors (unless the ebook/PB are the same price, then I buy print)

4. If you could go anywhere for a holiday, where would you go ?

Italy.  I've been dying to go for a visit, it looks so beautiful!  Plus, I'm an Italian.  Scotland/Australia work too… for the accents

~~~

Man, I love the accents too! Deal, it's a trip sometime.

Where would YOU like to visit someday? Leave me a note, and then head over to Bookfaery's for a peek, and thanks for helping me celebrate Wolf Tracks release!

Fans and Favorites- #2

Time to keep the party going! I loved getting emails from readers, BTW–and while there were a lot of people who loved Robyn and TJ, I found it neat that just about every character got some loving from readers.

Diane said:

My favourite story/character so far?  The first one, Wolf Signs – I thought is was an interesting idea of having a heroine that was deaf, yet still a wolf! I also really liked the characters and how the story played out. However, I have loved TJ all through the series so his story may take over as my fave once it comes out!

Louise said:

Yes, I'm definitely a fan of GLW!!  I love the depth of the characters.  Robyn's strength in Wolf Signs was very inspiring.  I loved how the mate bond allows Robyn to hear Keil in her head.  Awesome! Tad and Missy's story in Wolf Flight was an awesome story of sacrifice and destiny. I loved the idea of the different packs competing in Wolf Games.

I love how the characters all have to overcome something and come out stronger.  And who doesn't love strong female leads and gorgeous wolf shifter men! Yum.

~~~

And now…it's time to meet a special blogger: Larrisa. She contacted me back when Wolf Games was getting close to release, and together we held a 'Wolfie Weekend'. Since then she's moved from Israel back to Brazil, and her blog has exploded with followers, topping over 1200 followers.

1. If you were packing for an extended trip, what three comfort reads would you take along?

I would take Jeri Smith-Ready's Aspect of Crow series.

2. What's your favorite snack to enjoy while reading?

hmmmm I can eat anything while reading, but my favorite is just a huge glass of Coke Zero on Ice.

3. Ebooks or paper, or both? What percent of each?

Both, I tend to read a lot on my laptop, specially since getting access to print books in English is hard in a country where Portuguese is the language spoken. However, I go order books from Amazon and Book Depo and now I have a Kindle, so I will be getting many more ebooks as well.

4. If you could go anywhere for a holiday, where would you go?

I want to go to London next.

~~~

You can check out Larissa's Bookish Life here and follow her at twitter. She's always got something happening!

Fans and Favorites- #1

With the official release of Wolf Tracks today, the party swings into full gear. First- messages from a couple of fans (who have received a copy of Wolf Tracks and a set of signed cover flats) and then onto  some fabulous Bloggers. Sit back and enjoy the party!

Emma said:

I enjoy the GW books as the heroes/heroines seem very real and all have believable issues to work through.  They don't have to face insurmountable odds that miraculously disappear but real problems that can be solved with determination and strong will. Really looking forward to TJ finding a mate

Kandace said:

I have to say that Wolf Signs is my favorite book mostly because it was the first one I read and was blown away by it. It was the one that got me hooked. The others after it have been awesome! as well. I love how Mrs. Arend makes the connection between mates so strong you can picture it. These books were like a movie playing in my head and I just couldn't put them down. I just can't wait to read the next one. I have been wondering what would happen to the clumsy T.J.

Thank you  :D

And now…it's time to meet a special blogger: Pearl's World of Romance

Pearl is one of those neat people you meet a little shyly at first, and then find yourself hugging and laughing with like best buds. I approached her back before Turn It On released- looking for some new bloggers to try my contemporary writing. Since that time, Pearl's World of Romance has blossomed into a wonderful review site, and she's sharing her thoughts about contemporary and paranormal stories with all of us. Get to know her a little better:

1. If you were packing for an extended trip, what three comfort reads would you take along?

Three?  Only three, Viv? Seriously? I have an e-reader you know? And an ebook library with hundreds of ebooks and an iPhone loaded with over 200 ebooks…so only three is not necessary as long as I bring my chargers  and there's electricity wherever the destination of said extended trip is. Why are you making me choose between my favorites? Why? (Is the drama queen in me coming out of hiding here?) I don't like to choose, I want it all But I'll be a good sport and play along and narrow it down to three:

1. If You Deceive by Kresley Cole

2. Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon

3. Skin Tight by Ava Gray

2. What's your favorite snack to enjoy while reading?

Snack? What snack? I'm on a diet woman, since February so no snacks for me but I've always loved to have something to drink close by while reading. Either a cup of hot, mint tea (when it's cold) or a glass of ice-cold diet cola (when it's hot).And don't you know that if you snack while reading you might get your book dirty? *gasp* Oh wait, no such problem with ebooks as I can wipe the e-reader clean…hmmm the possibilities…oh wait, I'm on a diet!

3. Ebooks or paper, or both? What percent of each?

Though paper will always be my first love (and anyone should doubt this they only need to take a look at my bookcases), since a few years I've fallen madly in love with ebooks because they have given me the opportunity to discover and enjoy some awesome authors (yes Viv, you are definitely one of them) I otherwise wouldn't have been able to read and enjoy. It's so bad that at the moment, on a self-imposed book-budget, my ebook-buying behavior hasn't changed much while I've diminished my paper book-buying drastically. What percent of each? You want me to go do math? Please don't make me do that…I hate math…But if I were to take a guess I think the ratio paper vs ebook would be about 60/40

4. If you could go anywhere for a holiday, where would you go?

First of the USA. I went to L.A. this year and set foot on US soil for the first time of my life but there are so many more places in the US I'd love to visit. Let's hope the self-imposed book-budget will save me enough to go to NYC next year! But I'd also love to visit Australia and it's surroundings one day too and some countries in Asia (China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and so on…)

~~~

I hope you enjoyed an intro to a very neat lady. Pearl's World of Romance is here to check out. I hope you add her to your list of people to visit for the latest about new releases.

New Release- Wolf Tracks

The third party sales places like Amazon and Books on Board won't be live until tomorrow, but since My Bookstore & More releases the books early…

IT'S HERE!

But before I post the buy link, I want to let you know what's up this week.

A few weeks ago I had asked for fans to write in and tell me some of their favorite things about the Granite Lake Wolves, and over the next 4 days I'm going to share with you not only some of their responses, but a few of the bloggers who have been supporting me and the wolfies over the past year and a half. I hope you'll come back and join me.

I'd like to share the dedication for the book:

This one's for you—the readers. From Molli, who's been begging for TJ's story since day one, to the woman who emailed to tell me she read the whole series back to back over a weekend. You are why this story was even written. Thank you for taking the wolfies and giving them so much loving.

Arwhooooo .

You really are the best–knowing people are enjoying my books makes me keep at it. Thank you.

And now here we go…

Score one for the underdog…er…wolf.

Granite Lake Wolves, Book 4

TJ Lynus is a legend in Granite Lake, both for his easygoing demeanor—and his clumsiness. His carefree acceptance of his lot vanishes, though, when his position as best man brings him face to face with someone he didn't expect. His mate. His very human mate. Suddenly, one thing is crystal clear: if he intends to claim her, his usual laid-back attitude isn't going to cut it.

After fulfilling her maid-of-honor duties, Pam Quinn has just enough time for a Yukon wilderness trip before returning south. The instant attraction between her and TJ tempts her to indulge in some Northern Delight, but when he drops the F-bomb—"forever"—she has second thoughts. In her world, true love is a fairytale that seldom, if ever, comes true.

Okay, so maybe staging a kidnapping wasn't TJ's best idea, but at least Pam has the good humour to agree to his deal. He'll give her all the northern exposure she can stand—and she won't break his kneecaps.

Now to convince her that fairytales can remake her world—and that forever is worth fighting for.

By popular demand: Clumsy sidekick wolf grows up, sarcasm reigns, and the wilderness gets wilder. Includes hot nookie in places you expect—like a remote cabin—and places you don't.

Buy link for MB&M

Snippets Saturday- Side Kicks

Well, the official theme was 'Secondary Charaters', but I had to go with side kick, because the ultimate secondary character is getting his HEA this week, and he's definitely a side kick…

TJ

Since the moment the guy showed up, people have wanted to know more about him. And yes, he's grown up enough now not to kill his sweetie, but he's still…TJ.

So a sneak snippet from Wolf Tracks, available (sneaky early at MB&M this Monday) officially on Tuesday, Oct 26.

~~~

Pam unconsciously rubbed her fingers up and down his arm. The slight movement taunted him. Drove him insane. He reached over and placed his other hand on top of hers.

"Don't."

She stiffened in response and tried to pull away. Pain raced through him at having his mate unsure and a little frightened, and suddenly he didn't give a damn what his Beta had told him. His tongue loosened, the restriction binding him falling away. He was going to care for her, let her know everything was going to be okay. If he happened to mention he wanted her sometime during the conversation…so be it.

He leaned his head closer, breathing in as much of her scent as possible. "It's okay. You were tickling me. I like you holding me, but the rubbing was distracting."

She stayed silent for a moment then adjusted her grip. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."

TJ chuckled. "You're distracting no matter what you're doing." He smiled at her and winked. "I kinda like it."

She frowned. "Like what?"

"Being distracted by you."

She shook her head as they took the corner at the far end of the yard and headed back to the starting position for the second lap. "How old are you?"

He paused. "Why?"

In spite of licking her lips and sending a shot of lust through his core, the expression in her eyes was friendly, not flirtatious. "I don't rob cradles."

Damn it. "I'm legal in all states and provinces."

"You're a baby. Cute, but a baby."

"Is that why you wanted to crawl into bed with me when we met at the top of the stairs?" She stumbled and he caught her quickly. "Shit. Sorry, that wasn't very polite. True, but not very polite."

"I did not want to—"

"Careful. Maggie told me you were the most trustworthy person she'd ever met. Hate to ruin your reputation."

She growled and he grinned. Feisty wench. He liked that in a woman.

"Fine. You're a good-looking guy and yeah, I did picture tangling the sheets with you." Hallelujah! "But you're too young and I'm here for the wedding and that's it."

TJ tried to keep the image of them naked in bed from distracting him as they walked in silence for another few paces. Unfortunately he had a good imagination. The too-young thing he could work around. The fact she was being stubborn? Oh, he loved a challenge.

"Stop it," she whispered. Her voice was deep and husky, slipping like a caress over his already super-sensitive nerves.

"Stop what?"

She wiggled her hand on his arm. "That. You're…rubbing me."

Oops. He stilled his thumb from the circles he was tracing on the back of her hand. Seemed neither of them could resist touching each other, which only made sense as mates. A faint flush covered her soft skin from the low neckline of her dress up to her hairline, and he had to look away before he did something too wolfish like drop her to the ground and lick her until she screamed in pleasure.

~~~

Pre-order available  at Amazon

Other snippets to enjoy…go for it!

Mari Carr, McKenna Jeffries, Taige Crenshaw, HelenKay Dimon , Lauren Dane , Lissa Matthews, Shelley Munro, Shelli Stevens, Jody Wallace, TJ Michaels, Ashley Ladd