Jennifer Probst's Blog, page 21
April 7, 2013
Let’s Talk…Cover Models!
Did you enjoy the Hot Cover Model on my latest book, All The Way? His name is Pepe and I was recently given the chance to interview him!!
1. Where do you live now and where are you from?
I used to live all around the world currently I live in my home town called Pécs. It’s a middle big city on the south side of Hungary with 180.000 people. It was the Capital of Culture in Europe in 2010 it’s really beautiful.
2. What do you do in your regular job?
I’m a professional soccer player since I was 18. I have practice every day and a game on the weekend.
3. What is your favorite thing about America?
Mmmmm let’s see…. burgers? J Definitely U.S has the best burgers but seriously the favourite thing is how people love their country and most of them are happy and satisfied with life.
4. How did you get started as a model? How long have you been modeling?
When I was 19 I got an offer from a big model agency in Hungary but I also got a serious offer from a good soccer club. I decided to accept the soccer challenge. Nobody can do both at the same time unfortunately , except the top players like David Beckham.
It was my hobby beside professional soccer but it’s just turned more serious.
5. Tell us a little bit about what a live cover shoot is like.
It’s so much fun for me I really like it but I have to take care what to eat, drink ,how many hours and when can I sleep before the photo shoot. I have to keep my strict rules because I try to do my best every time.
4. Where’s the strangest/most embarrassing place your picture has ever shown up?
One day I got a photo from a friend of mine and our face was on a huge building size like a basketball court. That was awesome.
7. Tell us a bit about your background.
I have a lovely family my mom Szilvia , my dad Attila and my brother Bence. I grew up in my hometown where I started playing soccer when I was 6. I moved to the capital when I was 15, I played many teams in Europe afterwards. I studied in regular elementary school and in sport high school. Soccer always condescended my life.
8. Is there any specific place, product, or person you’d like to model for in the future?
I try to go on my way step by step and want to take all the opportunities what takes me forward.
Thanks for joining us today and answering my questions! Here’s hoping to many successful photo shoots for my books in the future!
Stay tuned for some great goodies coming soon…including my new cover and blurb for my newest July release, The Marriage Merger!
And don’t miss my next appearance at the fab RT Booklovers Convention May 1 – 5th. Here’s the link to check out the incredible contemporary authors who will be signing!
Happy April everyone!
March 13, 2013
Can You Love Me All The Way?
New releases in a writer’s life is like having a newborn baby. We are so proud to see the finished product. So nervous about the care and treatment it will receive out in the cold world. We hope and pray and cross our fingers our book will be well received, generally liked, hopefully loved, and give a reader a few wonderful hours of bliss and escape and perhaps a yummy sigh of satisfaction at the end.
All the Way is out and looking for love! I’m so proud of the reviews it’s received so far, and the support of my fabulous readers and bloggers and reviewers is simply priceless. But like the hysterical phone commercial: more is better.
Please consider picking it up at only $2.99 and leaving a review or telling a friend. To celebrate, I’m everywhere in cyberspace, talking about some fun topics and giving away free books! Here’s a short list of my stops and there’s three today so stop by and hang!
I’ve been having so much fun with my street team lately and looking for new members. We brainstorm, chat, talk books, get goodies, and generally have a wonderful time. Please email my assistant, Lisa, if you’re interested in joining the Probst Posse and you will be welcomed with open arms!
lhamelsoldano@gmail.com
Here’s my itinerary!
Today, Wednesday March 13th:
USA Today with the fabulous Elisabeth Barrett talking writing romance and mommyhood. And nipples. Don’t miss this one!
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyeverafter/2013/03/13/elisabeth-barrett-jennifer-probst-long-simmer-spring-all-the-way/1983119/
Harlequin Junkies – I’m talking voice and giving away a FREE book!
http://t.co/DHYdCGIFDm
Talk Supe – I’m talking about how to write Italian!
http://t.co/hpaBjNfpn8
Thursday, March 14th:
The fabulous Carly Phillips invited me to her blog Plot Monkeys – I’m talking about contempoary romance and giving away a FREE book!
http://www.plotmonkeys.com/
I’m over at Guilty Pleasures talking about heroines!
http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews.com
Over the weekend, I’ll be at Liberty States in New Jersey doing two workshops with the fab Jen Talty and signing books, so please stop by if you can!
And stay tuned for a post on the hunky cover model from All the Way – you do not want to miss this one!
Happy March!
March 11, 2013
Guest Author Diane Alberts!
I’m thrilled to host my friend and fabulous writer, Diane Alberts, to take hostage of my site today!
She’s got a scorching new release and because she loves me…she’s giving away a FREE copy!
Here’s the blurb:
Derek Rory never meant to propose to his best friend’s little sister. But when her boss tells a family-oriented investor he’s Stephanie’s fiancé, Derek can either play along or let her get fired. He’s hardly one to turn away from a damsel in distress. If only that damsel wasn’t adorable and sexy with a laugh that could melt any cold business mogul’s heart.
When a business proposal becomes a marriage proposal, Stephanie Miller tries to keep it strictly boardroom. But when things get hot under the table, it’s all they can do to stay apart. As the tangle of lies drags them deeper into the underhanded world of business politics, Stephanie finds herself in over her head—not just with her job, but with her “fiancé.” His eyes are cold, but his kisses light her on fire. If she’s not careful, she’ll end up faking her way into a real romance.
A Note from Diane:
Thanks so much to my wonderful friend, Jennifer Probst, for having me here! I wish everyone the best of luck in winning a copy of Faking It–and if you don’t win, make sure to check out my website for another contest! This one…the prize is a diamond necklace just like the one the hero, Derek, gives Stephanie. Thanks again, and happy reading!
Diane’s Impressive bio:
Diane Alberts has always been a dreamer with a vivid imagination, but it wasn’t until 2011 that she put her pen where her brain was, and became a published author. Since receiving her first contract offer, she has yet to stop writing. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a cat, and a Senegal parrot. In the rare moments when she’s not writing, she can usually be found hunched over one knitting project or another.
She is a multi-published, bestselling author with Entangled Publishing, Swoon Romance, and Decadent Publishing. She has, as of this date, four books with Entangled Publishing, one book with Swoon Romance, and five older books with Decadent Publishing. Her February release with Entangled Publishing, ON ONE CONDITION, hit #18 on the Barnes and Noble Bestseller List, and TRY ME hit #76 on Amazon. Her Swoon Romance novella, CAPTIVATED BY YOU, hit #31 on the Barnes and Noble bestseller list. Her goal is to write so many fantastic books that even a non-romance book fan will know her name. Diane is represented by Louise Fury from the L. Perkins Agency.
Good luck everyone and happy reading!
February 22, 2013
Disney, A New Release, and Exciting Happenings…
So…I am a writer, but I am first and always a mom.
My boys were born 10 days apart and we decided to surprise them with a Disney trip for their birthday. All moms on the planet know this is a WORKING vacation but usually well worth it. Dragging your kids from fireworks to parades to long lines to fancy restaurants to huge swimming pools exhausts both parent and child. Still, I always found it to be magical. I love Walt Disney and his vision of family time, and the way he states he will never forget the entire journey began with a mouse.
Reminds me of writing. We begin with a blank page, dreams galore, and no way to know where the journey will take us. Just our determination, guts and vision will get us there. Wherever there is. I always bring myself to the beginning when my brain gets too noisy: it begins with a good story. All of it.
Back to Disney. So, we saved the Magic Kingdom for last – a full 12-15 hour day chock full of fun. Until we got up that morning and found my little one very sick. Holding his stomach and throat. Crying.
Ah, crap.
My mother also woke up sick, so my husband and I ended up going to Magic Kingdom with my older son alone. He had fun, but said he didn’t want to do half the things because it wouldn’t be fun without his best friend – his brother. We cut the day early, brought home a toy to my other son, and headed back to the hotel.
The flight home the next day was a nightmare. He cried half the trip, and when we landed we raced to the doctor. On the way, he threw up in the brand new minivan.
Welcome Home.
Poor thing ended up with strep, ear infection and virus. But if you ask him how the trip was, he still lights up and said it was the most fun EVER.
That’s Mickey magic for you. Looking on the bright side!
I used to spend most of this blog writing about my journey and my kids and my crazy life. Now it’s full of news and information and new releases, but I always enjoy telling a personal story now and then because that’s where the good stuff lies. Reminding us we’re all in this together.
On to the news!
My new digital release, All the Way, is hitting cyber space on MARCH 4th! Mark your calendars, because March will be chock full of giveaways, blog tours, and endless fun. I loved writing this book. It’s chock full of fab food, sex, romance, humor, sarcasm, food, sex and food. Wanna see the cover?
My Posse has been having a blast with me and there’s still plenty of openings! If you love my work, love to have fun and connect with fantastic readers, come join us. Shoot my assistant an email direct at lhamelsoldano@gmail.com and she will hook you up and get you a special prize.
Love my Marriage series?
On July 23rd – the fourth installment hits stores everywhere! The Marriage Merger is Julietta and Sawyer’s story, and I’m so excited to share it with you. AND it’s already up for pre-order!
Check out the links on my book page for Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Itunes to pre-order today!
I hope everyone had a fabulous Valentine’s Day and is looking forward to a promising Spring!
Happy reading everyone!
Jen
January 28, 2013
Appearances, Signings, and a Sneak Preview
I’ve been toiling in my Bat cave this winter, and decided to peek out like our famous ground hogs to see if I spot my shadow. If I do, I’ll come back home and write more books. If I don’t, well, I’ll still write more books but may open a window.
Brave the cold and come out and see me this month! Here’s my two big appearances:
Lady Jane’s Salon
Madame X, 94 Houston Street, New York, NY 10012, 212.539.0808,
This is an amazing place to have some fun. I’ll be joined by other romance authors who read pieces of their work out loud, get to socialize with readers, and participate in a book signing afterwards. The event starts at 7:00pm, Monday, February 4th. I’ll be reading from the Marriage Bargain and signing books afterward for the series.
Booksigning, Monday, Feb 4th – 4:30pm
Grand Central Station, New York City
Come on down a bit early before the readings and pick up copies of the books you missed in my bestselling marriage series! I’ll be there signing and chatting with my readers.
Saturday, Feb 9th – Newburgh Library, Newburgh Mall, Rte 300, Newburgh NY
Hudson Valley RWA Romance Writing Reading and Signing
2:00pm
Love romance? You don’t want to miss this event. Join romance authors from the Hudson Valley RWA chapter as they discuss writing, read from their books, and participate in a signing at this wonderful library outlet!
Some quick updated news:
Prefer audio books? Make way for my popular holiday story, The Holiday Hoax, coming soon in audio!
Getting itchy to read the next installment in the marriage series – The Marriage Merger? I have just the present to tide you over – a brand new full length romance novel storming digital outlets everywhere!
All the Way – an Entangled Indulgence about revenge and redemption between a food critic and a restaurant owner. Cover, blurb, and pre-order links coming soon so check back!
My Posse is growing daily and our goal is social domination…and endless fun! If you love my work and would like to participate, please drop me an email. We have our own Facebook page, complete with giveaways and special sneak peeks and excerpts just for my team! There is always room for more!
I hope everyone had a good month to start the new year. Look for some posts coming up around Valentine’s Day – a romance author’s favorite month – with lots of fun and prizes!
December 31, 2012
A New Year’s Message
I wanted to take the time to thank everyone who helped make 2012 one of the most special years of my life. The little romance that could stormed the charts thanks to the wonderful readers and The Marriage Bargain ended up being listed as #6 for Amazon’s Best Books of 2012 and a Goodreads Choice finalist. Simply amazing.
We ended the year here with more good news. Seems the marriage to a billionaire series is not done yet! A new three book deal with Pocket was reached and The Marriage Merger will be released July 2013 everywhere to tell Julietta and Sawyer’s story! This series will morph into a brand new Lovespell series which introduces new characters, but still keeps our favorite ones in the spotlight. Thank goodness, because I don’t think I’ll ever be ready to say goodbye to Alexa and Nick, Maggie and Michael, Carina and Max, Julietta and Sawyer and of course, Mama Conte!
I’m still looking for Probst Posse members! If you love my books, come join my street team for goodies and exclusive info. We have our own Facebook member page and have tons of fun. Email me if you are interested at romancewriter121@yahoo.com
Because of everyone’s generosity, A Life Worth Living was able to generate a hefty amount to our local pet shelter. Thank you for reading this story and helping me donate to the animals. I have received so many touching letters about giving this short story to rescue volunteers to help gain insight to the thoughts of an abused animal. I hope to put it into print this year for easier distribution.
Finally, a special thank you to the reviewers and bloggers and book clubs who have become not just great supporters of my work but true friends. I appreciate everything you do to help promote reading and spread the word of authors and their works. Without you, we would not reach half of our audience.
I wish everyone peace, health, wealth, and blessings in the year to come.
Jen
December 12, 2012
The Next Big Thing Blog Hop
I was tagged recently to write a post and share some things from my current work in progress. So here’s a sneak peek everyone – enjoy!
Ten Interview Questions for The Next Big Thing:
What is your working title of your book? The Marriage Merger
Where did the idea come from for the book? Characters popped up from The Marriage Mistake and demanded their own story!
What genre does your book fall under? Contemporary romance
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? Bradley Cooper and Anne Hathaway would be interesting to see!
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? A workaholic, power housed woman resists the man who vows to set her body free, while a high stakes business deal plays out in the boardroom…and the bedroom.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? Represented
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? I’m still writing it!
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? The Marriage Bargain, The Marriage Trap, The Marriage Mistake – this is the fourth in the series
Who or what inspired you to write this book? The need to have all of Michael’s sisters have their happy ever after, and hooking up the delicious Sawyer Wells with his match.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? It’s set in Milan and seems to be a bit hotter than the other three!
Don’t forget to hop on over to the following amazing authors for updates on their own works in progress. You don’t want to miss it!
Boone Brux: http://www.boonebrux.com/blog.html (Posting Wed 12/19)
Rachel Lyndhurst http://www.rachellyndhurst.com/2012/11/the-next-big-thing-blog-stop.html
Victoria James http://www.victoriajames.ca/the-next-big-thing-blog-stop
Samanthe Beck http://samanthebeckwriter.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-next-big-thing.html
Have a great week everyone!
November 30, 2012
The Blog Takeover…
Hello! Before you get too comfortable, I need to disclose that I’m not Jennifer. We have taken over each other’s blogs today, so while I’m here entertaining you, she’s over at my blog doing some entertaining of her own. We’ve decided to share some mommy writer stories with each other’s readers. Because Jennifer is hilarious and also a “bad mommy” blogger, I have a feeling her stories will be funnier than mine, but I will do my best to keep you amused!
Writing and parenting are very much alike. You toil for what seems like an eternity and you never quite know if you’re getting it right—until you receive feedback from critics. Or as I like to call them: my children. They let me know when I’m getting it right, and when I’m getting it wrong.
I’m fortunate that my kids are all hyper-articulate (with a writer as a mom, who would have figured?), which makes it easy to communicate with them, despite their ages (2, 4, and 5). I am already amazed by the subtlety of their language (From my 5-year old: I had a tough day at school today. Everyone has tough days sometimes, and today it was my turn.). I am fortunate to have plenty of time to speak with them every day—like many moms out there, I am also an amateur chauffeur, driving kids to and from pre-school and other activities every day. As a result, we have a ton of time together in the car—lots of time to talk, listen to music, and of course, fight.
A typical conversation in the Barrett car:
DD: Mommy, I want to listen to music.
Me: Okay, honey. What do you want?
DD (age 2): Yellow Bird.
DS2 (age 4): Nooooo —that’s a baby song!
DD: Yes! Yellow Bird, Mommy!
DS2: I hate Yellow Bird!
Me: Well, what do you want?
DS2: Born in the USA.
DS1 (age 5): We listened to that two times yesterday. I’m sick of that. I want Shout!
DS2: Born in the USA!
DS1: Shout!
DD: Yellow Bird!
Me: Okay, first we’ll listen to Yellow Bird, then Born in the USA, then Shout.
DD: [Screaming]
DS2: [Screaming]
Me, trying to pay attention to the road: Guys, we’re not going to listen to anything if you keep screaming.
DS1: You’re both babies.
DS2: You’re the baby.
DS1: [Screaming]
Me: Quiet or I’m going to pull the car over!
[Silence]
DD: Yellow Bird now, Mommy.
DS1 and DS2: Noooo!
Me: [Puts head on the wheel]
The constant fighting is surreal. Sometimes I want to scream, and sometimes I just want to laugh at the absurdity. Of course I do my best not to laugh in these situations because (as every parent knows) if you laugh, you have broken form and ruined the lesson. And then the kids know they’ve won.
Or something like that.
So for all you mothers out there, what’s your favorite story about kids fighting in the car? I’m giving away one autographed, paper copy of my latest book, Blaze of Winter to one lucky commenter.
Just a quick note…I was lucky enough to blurb Elisabeth’s first book in the series, Deep Autumn Heat, and it’s amazing so go check it out! As one writing mama to another, things can get crazy here, and we thought it would be fun to share some of our mommy experiences! Make sure you check out my blog post at Elisabeth’s site. And stay tuned tomorrow for the beginning of the huge 12 Days of Christmas giveaway contest!
About Elisabeth:
Raised in a sleepy little Connecticut town, Elisabeth draws on her upbringing to write small-town romances. Her summers spent living and working on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard were the inspiration for the Star Harbor series, which kicked off with Deep Autumn Heat and continues with Blaze of Winter. Currently, Elisabeth lives in Northern California with her husband and three children. Find her online: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
November 26, 2012
Gifts, Giveaways, and Mistletoe!
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
I had too much fun. Overeating, overdrinking, and overpartying but how sweet it was! Now I’m ready to head toward Christmas and Chanukah. Since I love to celebrate, I’m sharing what I can with my awesome readers who mean the world to me. Some housekeeping first!
Congratulations to Tammy, Donna, Kathy and Laura for winning my Thanksgiving contest! They received signed books and a $25 Amazon gift card.
The Holiday Hoax is receiving some rave reviews so please check it out! Only $1.99, and short enough to read in between the chaos. 4 stars from RT Book Reviews, RomFan Reviews, and Sizzling Book Reviews!
The Marriage Mistake hit the New York Times and USA Today bestseller list for the third week in a row! If you read the book, please consider leaving a review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads. It makes a big difference!
My street team is growing stronger so there is still room for any readers or fans looking to join! Drop me an email and I’ll add you to the list!
Now, on to the next way to win tons of awesome prizes from amazing authors. Time to spread some holiday cheer and discover new reads. This promotion is running on Facebook only. There are 12 chances to win and I will also let you know of other giveaways by some awesome authors! The contest will begin December 1 and run through December 12. Each morning I will post a question on my Facebook page right here:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/jenniferprobst.authorpage
In order to be entered to win you must post a comment. If you share the contest on Facebook, then you will be given an additional entry for that day. Everyone is encouraged to enter both ways on each of the twelve days of contests.
Each day I will list the prize, and pick a winner each night by random. That’s it!
In addition to my prizes of books and gift cards, several other authors have donated paperback and ebooks to the contest. They include: Sydney Landon, Kathleen Brooks, Wendy S. Marcus, Calli MacKay, Christina Tetreault, Carolyn Sullivan, Annette Blair and Elaine Raco Chase!
There are many wonderful authors contributing to this event with TONS of prizes!
Visit the following link and be hooked up with all of the contests:
https://www.facebook.com/12DaysOfAuthorsGivingBack
THANK YOU to each of you. You have made this an incredible year for me and I am very grateful. Please have fun and good luck!
November 13, 2012
A Little Thanks…
I had an early holiday gift this week, and with Thanksgiving coming up, I thought it would be nice to give back a little to my readers.
I’m thrilled to report The Marriage Mistake reached #5 on the Barnes and Noble bestseller list. This was closely followed by my new holiday short story, The Holiday Hoax. The Marriage Trap and The Marriage Bargain trailed shortly behind – making a total of four books in the top 100.
Wow.
The numbers are amazing –but knowing readers are identifying with the type of stories I’m writing feeds my soul. That is the real gift.
So, I wanted to thank all the readers who took a chance on me. I took a poll on my Facebook page and many suggested gift cards and signed books as the giveaways they wanted the most.
Done.
Enter the Rafflecopter entry below and I’ll pick a winner for a $25.00 gift card for your choice: Amazon or Barnes and Noble. I’ll also give away three signed books – again, your choice of either The Marriage Bargain, The Marriage Trap, or The Marriage Mistake. I’ll stick some extra goodies in the mail with the books, too!
Some other short announcements.
The Marriage Bargain is in the semifinals for the Goodreads Choice of Best Romance for 2012. It’s a whole new round of voting, so I need everyone who loved the book to click on the link below and VOTE!
http://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-romance-books-2012#74611-Best-Romance
I’m also doing a LIVE twitter chat on Tuesday, November 13th at 8:00pm Eastern Time. The chat is sponsored by the amazing SubClub with fantastic members who talk about a variety of books.
The hashtag to follow the chat is #jplovespell
Fun, huh? I’ll answer questions and we’ll hang out and party.
On Thursday evening, November 15th, I’ll be visiting Talk At The Bistro radio show at 7:00pm. Click on the link and listen while I talk about a variety of topics and dish on hot billionaire men and my feisty heroines.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/broadcast-from-the-bistro
Thanks everyone.
To all the military service men and women – thank you for sacrificing your own family and lives for us. Happy Veterans Day.
And for my fellow Nanowrimo members – happy writing!
