Larissa Ione's Blog, page 5

Where Were You?

Ten years ago today, I was working in the Lindbergh Field air traffic control tower at San Diego International airport. My job was to provide weather for incoming and outgoing aircraft, but after the second tower was hit, all flights were incoming as controllers scrambled to bring planes out of the air.

There wasn't one single incident — controllers all over the world deserve kudos for handling an unprecedented emergency operation like that so professionally and without an accident.

I'd been working at airport weather stations for eight years, and I'd never seen anything like what went on at Lindbergh Field. As I watched the TV in horror and the weather with anxiety, the airport, including the tower, was locked down. I'd gone in for an 8 hour shift, but ended up staying for 48.

During that time, the planes that, before the order to bring planes back, had been queued for takeoff were kept lined up as planes were brought down into Lindbergh Field. One after another, just minutes apart, planes came in. Planes were nose to tail on the taxiways.

Then, the airport turned into a big police and military operation. The planes were emptied, and luggage was laid out all over the tarmacs as police dogs were brought in to search. It was incredible to look out onto the runways, taxiways and grassy areas and see nothing but luggage spread like a big quilt from one end of the airfield to the other.

They were looking for other terrorists, part of a West coast plot. From what I've heard, the action the FAA took in grounding all planes averted more tragedy.

The next 48 hours were weird and scary. All planes were grounded, and yet, in the middle of the night on the second day, a plane landed at Lindbergh Field. I was in the Air Force, where I worked in the weather station at a base that was home to KC-135 Stratotankers. I'd know that plane anywhere.

So when one landed in the middle of the night…I recognized it, even though it had been painted to resemble a commercial aircraft — the windows had even been painted on.

To this day, I don't know what was going on…I suspect a military decoy operation, but boy…it was weird.

I began to hear from other weather and air traffic control friends who were putting events prior to 9/11 together. Freaky things, stories about foreigners who had been training with aircraft and doing things that, at the time, were odd (sneaking under radar, sneaking in landings at airports without permission, etc.) but that now made sense.

So much was happening behind the scenes during those days following 9/11, and I can only think that while that day was horrific beyond belief, a lot of lives were saved. (I'm not even going to address the conspiracy theories, which are ridiculous.)

I was on the opposite coast, and yet, 9/11 affected me profoundly. I can only imagine how people who were in NYC and DC are feeling today. To everyone affected, you're in my thoughts.

And wow, the memorial that's been constructed in NYC is amazing. I hope to be able to see it someday.

Now you know where I was on 9/11. Where were you?

It's Release Day!!!!!

Have you been dying for more Demonica? Well, you're in luck, because today the Supernatural anthology releases, and in it is Vampire Fight Club, the story of Nathan Sabine, who runs an underground, underworld fight club, and Vladlena, a nurse at Underworld General who must go undercover in Nathan's seedy world.

This story ties together both the Demonica and Lords of Deliverance series, and even now, I'm finishing up Lethal Rider (the third book in the Lords of Deliverance series, and in the book, you actually learn more about Nathan.

So anyway, I hope you enjoy not just my novella, but the others too, because I gotta say, I'm SO excited about this anthology. It's my first mass-market anthology, and it's with an amazing collection of authors.

~ * ~

In this tantalizing collection, four New York Times bestselling authors invite you into the alluring worlds they created in the Demonica, Guardians of Eternity, Nightwalkers, and Dragon Kin series. Each mesmerizing page will leave you craving more…

VAMPIRE FIGHT CLUB, by Larissa Ione:

When a wave of violence forces shapeshifter Vladlena to go undercover, her first stop is a haven of vice – with a dangerously sexy vamp in charge. Both Vladlena and Nathan are hiding something, but they can't conceal the lust that simmers between them…

DARKNESS ETERNAL, by Alexandra Ivy:

After being held captive by one vampire for four centuries, Kata had no intention of taking another one to the underworld with her. Yet even in the pits of hell, there's no ignoring the intoxicating desire awakened by his touch. . .

KANE, by Jacquelyn Frank:

Kane knows Corrine was meant to be his. . . just as he knows that truly possessing the lovely human is forbidden. But on the night of the Samhain moon, the beast in every demon is stronger than reason, and Kane's hunger is more powerful than any punishment. . .

DRAGON ON TOP, by G.A. Aiken

Escorting the highborn Bram through deadly Sand Dragon territory will try Ghleanna's patience. . . and her resolve. For Bram is determined to enhance the journey with a seduction no female could resist. . .

Available in print, ebook, and audio format. Click here for links to buy!

For Those of You Near a Meijer Store…

Hi everyone!

Last spring my hubby and I drove down to Chicago and I signed over a thousand copies of my Demonica books, and they are now available in Midwest Meijer stores! So if you live near one of these grocery/dept. stores, they should have my signed books on display. If I remember right, there should be Desire Unchained, Passion Unleashed, Ecstasy Unveiled, and Sin Undone.

Also, only 4 more days until Supernatural releases! From the Fiction Vixen review for the book:

Set in the Demonica world, Vampire Fight Club is the standout story for me in this anthology. I am a huge fan of Ione's Demonica series and this story does not disappoint. But what I really loved is at the end of it while I found myself craving more of the Demonica world, I felt completely satisfied with this story. Ione is able to provide well-rounded characters, vivid action, steamy sex, and even shows us some of those sexy Demonica demons we all love! I don't think you have to have read any of the Demonica books to enjoy this story either. Overall this is superb writing by Larissa Ione and should not be missed! (A+!)

Woot!

Also, I want to tell everyone on the east coast to stay safe. Having been through hurricanes, including Katrina, I know how horrible and disruptive they can be. I'm praying that Irene doesn't do the damage predicted. And please, take care of the animals! They are some of the worst victims when it comes to hurricanes.

Be safe!

Swag Bag Winner

Wow…we had a LOT of entries for the swag bag! I have a winner, but I do want to say that if you didn't win, don't worry…I have a TON of contests coming up. I have some awesome Immortal Rider promos to give away soon — tropical body spray/lip balm sets and Immortal Rider-themed totes/lip balms (clearly, I love lip balms!)

After I get Lethal Rider turned in, I'll be giving a bunch of stuff away, so keep an eye out for lots of contests in September, October, and November!

Today's winner of the Authors After Dark swag bag is:

Joy Morrison, comment #155

Joy, please email me at larissaione AT gmail DOT com or use the contact form at the top of my website to send me your mailing address.

Thanks for all the comments, everyone! I've got some new ideas for upcoming reads!

Authors After Dark Swag Bag

Well, I'm back from the Authors After Dark conference, and man, did I have a GREAT time. Spending time with readers was amazing…I can't even begin to describe how incredible it is to hang out with the people who read the books I write. I knew a lot of people online, but meeting them in person gave me a whole new appreciation for them. Plus, I was there for my birthday, and not only did I have a room full of 300 people singing happy birthday to me, but I got to spend some quality time in one of the hotel rooms with some wonderful ladies for another celebration that was truly one of the highlights of the conference.

The Mythos ball was so fun, and getting to dress up for both that and the Steampunk dinner was a blast. I was also on some great panels with hilarious and talented authors.

Although there were a lot of issues with the hotel (I will never stay at the Hilton Doubletree in Philadelphia again,) the conference attendees were fantastic. So was the swag!

And speaking of swag, I have some to give away to someone who wasn't lucky enough to be able to attend.

Here's the stuff: a tote bag, books, and various swaggy-ness. There are books, playing cards, pens, keychains, bath salts, note pads, and more. I'll toss in some of my promo items as well. Total grab bag!

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment to tell me what you're reading right now. Also, I'm hoping to build up my newsletter list before I send out my next one for the release of Supernatural, so I'd love it if you could sign up (but it's not necessary to be entered in this contest!)

Winner will be announced Saturday, so be sure to check back!

More Contests…and Demonica Merchandise!

Happy Birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard!!!!

Yep, my hubster is in the U.S. Coast Guard, and has been for over 20 years. Isn't he cute? I even have some pics of him on the job, in BDUs and his weapon drawn on drug smugglers…and lemme just tell you, it's hot. I actually posted it on the blog a million years ago, but I can't seem to find it, so him all dressed up in his dress whites will have to do.

Okay, so it's the Coast Guard's birthday, and the SOS Aloha blog is celebrating by giving away a signed copy of Eternal Rider! Here's the link, so be sure to pop over.

In the same vein, you can win a copy of Passion Unleashed in the Coast Guard celebration at The Reading Reviewer! As with the other blog, you can comment even if you don't have an account at the choices listed…just comment as "Anonymous," but BE SURE to put your contact information in the comment.

Don't forget to check yesterday's posts for two other contests, one for a copy of Supernatural, and one for a set of Demonica trading cards!

And finally, check out Stupid Shiny Designs' Demonica store for custom-made book thongs. Each one is designed for each book's color scheme, and Wraith's book's thong even has an hourglass. VERY cool! She also stocks a book thong for Eternal Rider.

Okay, that's it for today. I'm going to be super busy for the next few days, so have a great weekend!

4 1/2 Stars for Supernatural & Chance to Win!

It's not long now until Supernatural releases! I'm super excited about Nathan and Vladlena's story, which starts off at Underworld General, then ventures into the dark underbelly of gladiatorial-style fighting, and then ends back at UGH while tying in with the Lords of Deliverance. It felt like a nice, full circle.

For those who don't know, Nate is a new character, but Vladlena has popped in and out of scenes as a nurse at UGH. She's Dr. Yuri's daughter, and there's a deleted scene here if you want to read about her. Scroll down to scene #2!

Supernatural just got a great 4 1/2 star review from Romantic Times: "Zebra is serving up just what the doctor ordered for your supernatural fix, as four of today's hottest paranormal romance stars deliver the goods! This talented quartet shares new short stories based in their popular worlds and featuring very engaging protagonists. For fans of these authors this is a must-read edition!"

Woot!

Excited? So am I! And guess what? You have a chance to win one of two copies! Sorry…because the publisher is donating the books, this one isn't open internationally, but I'll be doing some international contests soon, and I have some really fun swag to give away!

Click here to enter the contest at Dark Faerie Tales!

Also, you can enter another contest, this time for a set of Demonica trading cards! Hop on over to KLB Events for this one! Open internationally.

Have a great week, everyone!

Stephanie Tyler Winners!

Thanks to everyone who commented to win Stephanie Tyler's newest! In the Air Tonight releases tomorrow, so if you didn't win, be sure to check it out!

Winners, chosen by Random.org, are:

Kassandra, comment #23, and Victorial Waddell, comment #60.

Ladies, please email at larissaione AT gmail DOT com with your choice of format (print or Kindle,) and your mailing address (for print) or email address (for Kindle.)

I'll be holding more contests very soon (I have the coolest Immortal Rider themed tote bags and lip balms to give away) so keep an eye on this blog.

Also, quick PSA: If you have a moment, please stop by Limecello's blog, where she's raising money for the crisis in Africa. She's trying to reach 400 comments (authors are donating by the comment,) so if you comment, you can help donate by doing nothing but commenting! Also, there are links to make your own donation.

Okay, that's it for the day. Happy Monday, everyone!

Win Stephanie Tyler's Newest!

My Sydney Croft writing partner, Stephanie Tyler, has a new release coming out on Tuesday! It's her latest romantic suspense, In The Air Tonight, and folks, you want it!

Like hot military guys? Right…that's an obvious yes! So you'll love Mace. Just the blurb on the back of the book does it for me: "Stone cold warrior." YUM. As with any of Stephanie's books, expect steam, an action-packed roller-coaster ride of emotion, and a sexy alpha male who will make you weak in the knees.

Because here's the thing: Steph writes the best heroes, and Cael (short for Caleb,) is no exception. He's one of the subplot heroes, and like Mace, he's protective, dangerous, and sporting the usual Tyler yum factor. If you haven't read Stephanie Tyler outside of Sydney Croft, now's your chance.

So check out the blurb, and enter the contest to win one of two copies below:

With danger closing in, all they have is each other.

Haunted by a mission he barely survived, Delta Force operative Mace Stevens still carries a soldier's burden. Running a small bar in upstate New York, he remains a stone cold warrior who guards dangerous secrets and stays ready for anything. Anything except beautiful, vulnerable Paige Grayson, who shows up at his door, demanding answers about her heroic stepbrother's death under his command.

Paige bears burdens, too. She's plagued by demons unleashed by an older brother who committed mass murder before her eyes. But here in this snowy haven with Mace, she almost feels safe from the menacing promises of her insane sibling. As a nurse whose hands can read the deepest thoughts of anyone she touches, Paige knows Mace needs her as desperately as she needs him. And when a faceless killer begins unleashing fresh terror, Mace proves just how far he will go to save the woman who means everything to him.

Want it? Just hop over to Steph's website and tell me which of her covers is your favorite. Two winners will have their choice of a print copy (open internationally,) or Kindle copy (US only.)

This is a 24-hour contest. Winners will be announced Monday at noon CST, so be sure to check back!

New Translations Page

*waving to all my non-U.S. readers!*

I finally have a Translations page put together! I'll keep it up to date as I learn release dates, get covers, etc. The Thailand entry isn't currently right — the book is out, but I can't find a picture of the cover, so once I get that, I'll get it up.

One note on the UK/Commonwealth versions: Right now, some of them link to the US mass market versions, but once there are UK links, I'll put those up. For those asking if the Demonica books will be available for Kindle outside the US, yes! The Kindle versions are available now at Amazon UK. Here is the schedule for the print releases:

Sin Undone: July (out now)

Pleasure Unbound: August

Desire Unchained: Sept.

Passion Unleashed: Nov.

Ecstasy Unveiled: Dec.

And I really want to thank all my overseas readers for all the support! I'm amazed by the response I've gotten from readers all over the world.

Also, today my Sydney Croft parter, Stephanie Tyler, will be chatting at Literal Addiction today from 4PM – 6PM in a live video chat. I'm going to be popping in, and would love to see you there if you get a chance! Here's the link…scroll down to the chat window. Literal Addiction Paranormal Book Club.