Elisabeth Barrett's Blog, page 7

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

I wish I could tell you that I was a total slacker and had a completely relaxing holiday, but alas, it was just not to be. I worked my little kazookies off. Writing, editing, work…it all came to a head the last two weeks in December and the first week in January. Throw in some inclement weather and some kids home from school, and well, you know how it went….

I’m beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, though. Work is tapering off, and will continue to taper more through the end of the month. I’ve completed my line edits on Long Simmering Spring, and after one last look tonight, I’ll be sending it back to my editor. And I’ve kickstarted my work on my fourth Star Harbor Book, Slow Summer Burn. I also got super inspired for another book – this one a stand-alone, I think – which is Silicon Valley-Tahoe based. I’m going to try something totally new for me which is to try to write two books simultaneously, as I’m excited to get back to my Connecticut Contemporary series I started in mid-2012.

This all makes for a very inspiring start to the year!

I don’t have any goals this year except to push myself hard. There are so many things I want to write, that I’m inspired to write, and I’m just raring to go!

I thought I’d whet your appetite, though, with a little excerpt from Long Simmering Spring. Let me just give you a little background.

The characters:

Cole Grayson - ex-military, smoking hot, and kind of tortured, now Sheriff of Star Harbor

Julie Kensington - straight-arrow family doctor trying to keep her practice afloat and doing her best not to get drawn in by said smoking hot sherriff

The plot:

Cole and Julie work together to ferret out bad dudes doing bad things in Star Harbor while falling in love. Plus, the hottest sex scene I’ve written (to date).

This 5-sentence snippet is from Cole’s point of view after he’s had a run-in with Julie and she’s still dodging him:

What he wouldn’t give to run his fingers through her hair, crush her to his body, and see how high he could make her fly. See how far he could push her until she unraveled in his arms. But, clever woman that she was, she hadn’t given him an opening. She’d shied away from him since he’d returned, dodging him for months, and always with the same excuse: work. He took a deep drink of his lager, pushing back against the nostalgia, coupled with a smidge of bitterness.

From Long Simmering Spring, (c) Elisabeth Barrett 2013

Like it? Preorder links are here!

I’m looking forward to a great 2013! Hope your year is everything you hope it’ll be!

Happy Holidays!

I’ve got my jigsaw puzzle, my hot cocoa, and my Jane Austen, so I’m good through New Year’s! I’ll be taking a break from blogging until January to spend time with my family, but before I go, I figured I’d reflect a bit on the events of this year (which isn’t quite over).

For me, 2012 was a big year. My oldest child started kindergarten, I gained significant experience as a writing coach, and generally kept a household of five up and running. Oh, yes, and I debuted as a romance author!

I was thrilled to have Random House publish my first two books as part of its Loveswept line. Deep Autumn Heat kicked off the Star Harbor series, featuring the sexy-as-sin Grayson brothers, and Blaze of Winter followed a few months later. Folks had a lot of wonderful things to say about these books, and I was grateful for all the positive reviews and comments.

I also attended my first conference—Romance Writers of America’s annual meeting in Anaheim, California—where I had a chance to spend quality time with my fabulous editor and equally fabulous fellow Loveswept authors! Through RWA, I also participated in my first book signing (sensing a pattern of firsts here?) and throughout the year, I was honored to speak on several panels covering topics such as writing, editing, and my path to becoming a published author.

There’s a lot more in the pipeline for 2013, as two more Star Harbor books will give the other Grayson brothers ample opportunities for romance. Long Simmering Spring (Cole’s story) is due out in May, and is now available for pre-order on Amazon and B&N. Slow Summer Burn (Val’s story) will be released in August. I love both of these books, and I adore both of these heroes.

I’m also hard at work on a new series. Intimate relationships, secondary characters that pop off the pages, a fabulous Connecticut setting—I’m really psyched about how it’s developing and hope to have more to report next year.

Finally, thanks to the friendships I made at RWA and throughout the romance community, I plan to do more collaborative blogging next year. Stay tuned for more information on this front, as things will start heating up in January.

I also want to thank you all for your support! It is through word-of-mouth (i.e. you telling your friends) that my writing continues to be discovered, and I truly appreciate all the encouragement you’ve given me. Please keep up with all my goings-on through my website, Facebook, Twitter, and of course, right here.

I hope your holiday season is happy, healthy and safe.

All my best,

Elisabeth

Contest Over – Cover Reveal for Long Simmering Spring

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to check out the cover for Long Simmering Spring! You know I am in love with it, and I’m glad you like it, too. Winners are angieia and Kelly Lovato! Thanks! 

************************************************************************************************************************

 

I have been sitting on this for just about a week, trying not to go crazy because I love it so much. Without further ado, here’s the official cover for Long Simmering Spring, the third book in my Star Harbor series featuring the sexy-as-sin Grayson brothers:

If you click on the cover, it won’t make the picture bigger (boo!) but it will take you to the official book page at Random House (yay!). Long Simmering Spring is Cole’s story, and has the distinction of being the first book I ever wrote (and rewrote and rewrote again) so it has a special place in my heart. Here’s the official blurb:

Spring comes to Star Harbor, bringing unexpected passion for a sexy sheriff, as the next Grayson brother finds love with the town’s beautiful doctor.

 

Julie Kensington grew up in the same small town as the Grayson brothers and remembers when the boys were nothing but trouble. As teenagers, Cole’s rugged sex appeal set Julie’s heart ablaze, but she did her best to ignore it. Now a grown woman with a medical degree, Julie still can’t resist her searing attraction to the roughest, toughest Grayson. He’s ex-military, tormented, and sexier than ever, but are his wounds too deep to be healed by her loving, gentle touch?

 

Even back in high school, straight-arrow Julie had a way of making Cole think twice about his bad-boy lifestyle. When Julie decides she’s finally ready to embrace her wild side, Cole knows he is just the man to show her the way, unleashing years of pent-up desire. Neither of them counted on falling in love, but when Cole’s demons threaten to derail their relationship, it’s up to Julie to show him that together, they can overcome the past . . . and build a future.

Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: Deep Autumn Heat, Blaze of Winter, and Along Came Trouble.

Heroes and Heartbreakers has the exclusive cover reveal – major thanks to all the H&H staff who made this happen so quickly!!!

And because it’s the holiday season and I’m over the moon with excitement, I’m doing a giveaway! I’ve got a copy each of Deep Autumn Heat and Blaze of Winter, so leave your comments letting me know if you like the new cover, and I’ll select two random commenters. Please sign up for my newsletter at the bottom of the home page of my website so I know how to contact you. They’re paperbacks, so U.S. only, please! Contest ends 12/15 at 9 p.m., PDT.

Cover Reveal for Long Simmering Spring

I have been sitting on this for just about a week, trying not to go crazy because I love it so much. Without further ado, here’s the official cover for Long Simmering Spring, the third book in my Star Harbor series featuring the sexy-as-sin Grayson brothers:

If you click on the cover, it won’t make the picture bigger (boo!) but it will take you to the official book page at Random House (yay!). Long Simmering Spring is Cole’s story, and has the distinction of being the first book I ever wrote (and rewrote and rewrote again) so it has a special place in my heart. Here’s the official blurb:

Spring comes to Star Harbor, bringing unexpected passion for a sexy sheriff, as the next Grayson brother finds love with the town’s beautiful doctor.

 

Julie Kensington grew up in the same small town as the Grayson brothers and remembers when the boys were nothing but trouble. As teenagers, Cole’s rugged sex appeal set Julie’s heart ablaze, but she did her best to ignore it. Now a grown woman with a medical degree, Julie still can’t resist her searing attraction to the roughest, toughest Grayson. He’s ex-military, tormented, and sexier than ever, but are his wounds too deep to be healed by her loving, gentle touch?

 

Even back in high school, straight-arrow Julie had a way of making Cole think twice about his bad-boy lifestyle. When Julie decides she’s finally ready to embrace her wild side, Cole knows he is just the man to show her the way, unleashing years of pent-up desire. Neither of them counted on falling in love, but when Cole’s demons threaten to derail their relationship, it’s up to Julie to show him that together, they can overcome the past . . . and build a future.

Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: Deep Autumn Heat, Blaze of Winter, and Along Came Trouble.

Heroes and Heartbreakers has the exclusive cover reveal – major thanks to all the H&H staff who made this happen so quickly!!!

And because it’s the holiday season and I’m over the moon with excitement, I’m doing a giveaway! I’ve got a copy each of Deep Autumn Heat and Blaze of Winter, so leave your comments letting me know if you like the new cover, and I’ll select two random commenters. Please sign up for my newsletter at the bottom of the home page of my website so I know how to contact you. They’re paperbacks, so U.S. only, please! Contest ends 12/15 at 9 p.m., PDT.

Contest Over – Sexy Song Saturday #3 (Holiday Edition) and Hot Holiday Hop

Thanks to everyone who left a comment. Loved hearing from all of you, and now I have some more songs for future installments of Sexy Song Saturday! The winners of the books are: Marlena Fein and RaonaidLuckwell. I’ll contact you both to get you your prizes! Also, please head over to R@R to see if you’re a winner there!

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The Hot Holiday Hop starts today in honor of J. Kenner’s Release Me and Random House is giving away some great prizes! Julie’s book is getting some really super reviews which I am very psyched about (18+ only, if you’re considering it!).

But before we get to that, I also must mention that it is Sexy Song Saturday (“SSS”)! I started my SSS feature earlier this year, and this is only its third installment (you can read the first and second ones, if you’re interested). Because it’s the holiday season, I’m going to deconstruct a holiday song—the famous Santa Baby.

Have a listen (sung by the inestimable Eartha Kitt), and check out the lyrics:

Santa Baby

Written by J. Javits and P. Springer

Santa Baby, slip a sable under the tree, For me.

been an awful good girl, Santa baby,

so hurry down the chimney tonight.

Santa baby, a 54 convertible too,

Light blue.

I’ll wait up for you dear,

Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight.

Think of all the fun I’ve missed,

Think of all the fellas that I haven’t kissed,

Next year I could be just as good,

If you’ll check off my Christmas list,

Santa baby, I wanna yacht,

And really that’s not a lot,

Been an angel all year,

Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight.

Santa honey, there’s one thing I really do need,

The deed

To a platinum mine,

Santa honey, so hurry down the chimney tonight.

Santa cutie, and fill my stocking with a duplex,

And checks.

Sign your ‘X’ on the line,

Santa cutie, and hurry down the chimney tonight.

Come and trim my Christmas tree,

With some decorations bought at Tiffany’s,

I really do believe in you,

Let’s see if you believe in me,

Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing,

A ring.

I don’t mean on the phone,

Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight,

Hurry down the chimney tonight,

Hurry, tonight.

The song was written in 1953, is noteable for being one of the few hit Christmas songs written by someone with two x-chromosomes (go, Joan Javits!), and has been described as a tongue-in-cheek look at the Christmas list of a woman who wants extravagant gifts.

On first blush, and without hearing the song, you could certainly read it that way, but when you listen to the song, with all its “boo doo be doos,” in the background and its pregnant pauses between lines, a different picture emerges.

First of all, the song is written as if she’s talking to Santa…but is she really? I’m not so sure. Now, this might be sacrilegious, but what if Santa = sugar daddy? Sure, it can be in a holiday style, but I’m envisioning a man dressed up as Santa Claus (like in the old movies) sneaking around the house trying not to get caught by the kids. Santa’s a “baby,” a “honey,” and a “cutie,” and there are all those “other fellas that [she hasn’t] kissed,” which leads me to think that Santa really isn’t Santa. This is especially true because of the lyrics of last two stanzas in general, and these two lines in particular:

Come and trim my Christmas tree,

With some decorations bought at Tiffany’s

and

Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing,

A ring.

I don’t mean on the phone

I won’t get into the obvious double entendre of trimming one’s tree (especially with the pause between that and the next line, leaving just enough space for the listener to wonder), but I will certainly discuss the “ring.” I’m interpreting this as an engagement ring. It’s the good-girl (but not really) as gold-digger ploy, I think. Plus, the breathless, “hurry, tonight,” really nails it home.

So part of my reading of this song is Eartha Kitt’s sex-kitten voice and part of it is that I’m convinced these are seriously suggestive lyrics. What do you think? Have I just completely spoiled an innocent holiday classic, or am I right on the money?

And now, what you’ve all been waiting for: the prizes! The Hot Holiday Hop runs from 12/1-12/10, and Random House is generously giving away:

Grand Prize $25 Gift Certificate to a retailer of your choice!
10 print copy winners of RELEASE ME, must be 18 or older!
15 Net Galley Preview copies of RELEASE ME, must be 18 or older!

The Rafflecopter link to enter is here.

And hop on over to these other sites for more chances to win!

1.
Books Books and More Books
2.
Ruthie Knox


3.
SOS Aloha
4.
Bea’s Book Nook


5.
Elisabeth Barrett
6.
Review From Here


7.
Forget About TV Grab a Book
8.
Author Julieanne Reeves


9.
Tempting Reads
10.
Cocktails and books


11.
Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
12.
Read Your Writes Book Reviews


13.
Romantic Reading Escapes
14.
Mimmi’s Musings


15.
Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Review
16.
In Love with Romance


17.
Treasuring Theresa
18.
Ex Libris


19.
BookHounds
20.
Read-A-holicZ


21.
Fic Fare
22.
From the TBR Pile


23.
The Romanceaholic
24.
Talk Supe


25.
Books R Us
26.
Manic Readers Guest Author blog


27.
Book Lovin’ Mamas
28.
Blogging by Liza


29.
Saucy & Sinful Reviews Blog
30.
Tome Tender


31.
Bookshelf Confessions
32.
Delighted Reader


33.
RomCon – Romance Readers Convention
34.
Sascha’s Secrets


35.
The Book Reading Gals
36.
Readaholics Anonymous


37.
herding cats & burning soup
38.
Tyhada’s Bookshelf


39.
Reading Reality
40.
The Itzel Library


41.
The Book Tart
42.
Yvonne @ Socrates’ Book Review Blog


43.
Book Monster Reviews
44.
Book Obsessed Chicks Blogspot


45.
Book Lovers Inc.
46.
Boekie’s Book Reviews


47.
Autumn After Dark
48.
J. Kenner Hot Holiday Hop Featuring Release Me!


49.
Sinful Reads Blog
50.
Novels On The Run


51.
Sharon the Librarian
52.
Book Lovers Inc.


53.
Seduced By A Book

I’ve been on a giveaway spree myself, so while the giving’s hot (put intended), I’m going to give away an autographed copy each of Deep Autumn Heat and Blaze of Winter. All you have to do is to leave a comment either (a) letting me know whether you agree/disagree with my reading of Santa Baby; or (b) giving me a song suggestion for another Sexy Song Saturday. U.S. only, please, and the contest ends at 9pm PDT on 12/10.

Sexy Song Saturday #3 (Holiday Edition) and Hot Holiday Hop

The Hot Holiday Hop starts today in honor of J. Kenner’s Release Me and Random House is giving away some great prizes! Julie’s book is getting some really super reviews which I am very psyched about (18+ only, if you’re considering it!).

But before we get to that, I also must mention that it is Sexy Song Saturday (“SSS”)! I started my SSS feature earlier this year, and this is only its third installment (you can read the first and second ones, if you’re interested). Because it’s the holiday season, I’m going to deconstruct a holiday song—the famous Santa Baby.

Have a listen (sung by the inestimable Eartha Kitt), and check out the lyrics:

Santa Baby

Written by J. Javits and P. Springer

Santa Baby, slip a sable under the tree, For me.

been an awful good girl, Santa baby,

so hurry down the chimney tonight.

Santa baby, a 54 convertible too,

Light blue.

I’ll wait up for you dear,

Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight.

Think of all the fun I’ve missed,

Think of all the fellas that I haven’t kissed,

Next year I could be just as good,

If you’ll check off my Christmas list,

Santa baby, I wanna yacht,

And really that’s not a lot,

Been an angel all year,

Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight.

Santa honey, there’s one thing I really do need,

The deed

To a platinum mine,

Santa honey, so hurry down the chimney tonight.

Santa cutie, and fill my stocking with a duplex,

And checks.

Sign your ‘X’ on the line,

Santa cutie, and hurry down the chimney tonight.

Come and trim my Christmas tree,

With some decorations bought at Tiffany’s,

I really do believe in you,

Let’s see if you believe in me,

Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing,

A ring.

I don’t mean on the phone,

Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight,

Hurry down the chimney tonight,

Hurry, tonight.

The song was written in 1953, is noteable for being one of the few hit Christmas songs written by someone with two x-chromosomes (go, Joan Javits!), and has been described as a tongue-in-cheek look at the Christmas list of a woman who wants extravagant gifts.

On first blush, and without hearing the song, you could certainly read it that way, but when you listen to the song, with all its “boo doo be doos,” in the background and its pregnant pauses between lines, a different picture emerges.

First of all, the song is written as if she’s talking to Santa…but is she really? I’m not so sure. Now, this might be sacrilegious, but what if Santa = sugar daddy? Sure, it can be in a holiday style, but I’m envisioning a man dressed up as Santa Claus (like in the old movies) sneaking around the house trying not to get caught by the kids. Santa’s a “baby,” a “honey,” and a “cutie,” and there are all those “other fellas that [she hasn’t] kissed,” which leads me to think that Santa really isn’t Santa. This is especially true because of the lyrics of last two stanzas in general, and these two lines in particular:

Come and trim my Christmas tree,

With some decorations bought at Tiffany’s

and

Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing,

A ring.

I don’t mean on the phone

I won’t get into the obvious double entendre of trimming one’s tree (especially with the pause between that and the next line, leaving just enough space for the listener to wonder), but I will certainly discuss the “ring.” I’m interpreting this as an engagement ring. It’s the good-girl (but not really) as gold-digger ploy, I think. Plus, the breathless, “hurry, tonight,” really nails it home.

So part of my reading of this song is Eartha Kitt’s sex-kitten voice and part of it is that I’m convinced these are seriously suggestive lyrics. What do you think? Have I just completely spoiled an innocent holiday classic, or am I right on the money?

And now, what you’ve all been waiting for: the prizes! The Hot Holiday Hop runs from 12/1-12/10, and Random House is generously giving away:

Grand Prize $25 Gift Certificate to a retailer of your choice!
10 print copy winners of RELEASE ME, must be 18 or older!
15 Net Galley Preview copies of RELEASE ME, must be 18 or older!

The Rafflecopter link to enter is here.

And hop on over to these other sites for more chances to win!

1.
Books Books and More Books
2.
Ruthie Knox


3.
SOS Aloha
4.
Bea’s Book Nook


5.
Elisabeth Barrett
6.
Review From Here


7.
Forget About TV Grab a Book
8.
Author Julieanne Reeves


9.
Tempting Reads
10.
Cocktails and books


11.
Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
12.
Read Your Writes Book Reviews


13.
Romantic Reading Escapes
14.
Mimmi’s Musings


15.
Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Review
16.
In Love with Romance


17.
Treasuring Theresa
18.
Ex Libris


19.
BookHounds
20.
Read-A-holicZ


21.
Fic Fare
22.
From the TBR Pile


23.
The Romanceaholic
24.
Talk Supe


25.
Books R Us
26.
Manic Readers Guest Author blog


27.
Book Lovin’ Mamas
28.
Blogging by Liza


29.
Saucy & Sinful Reviews Blog
30.
Tome Tender


31.
Bookshelf Confessions
32.
Delighted Reader


33.
RomCon – Romance Readers Convention
34.
Sascha’s Secrets


35.
The Book Reading Gals
36.
Readaholics Anonymous


37.
herding cats & burning soup
38.
Tyhada’s Bookshelf


39.
Reading Reality
40.
The Itzel Library


41.
The Book Tart
42.
Yvonne @ Socrates’ Book Review Blog


43.
Book Monster Reviews
44.
Book Obsessed Chicks Blogspot


45.
Book Lovers Inc.
46.
Boekie’s Book Reviews


47.
Autumn After Dark
48.
J. Kenner Hot Holiday Hop Featuring Release Me!


49.
Sinful Reads Blog
50.
Novels On The Run


51.
Sharon the Librarian
52.
Book Lovers Inc.


53.
Seduced By A Book

I’ve been on a giveaway spree myself, so while the giving’s hot (put intended), I’m going to give away an autographed copy each of Deep Autumn Heat and Blaze of Winter. All you have to do is to leave a comment either (a) letting me know whether you agree/disagree with my reading of Santa Baby; or (b) giving me a song suggestion for another Sexy Song Saturday. U.S. only, please, and the contest ends at 9pm PDT on 12/10.

Blog Takeover with Jennifer Probst – Winner Chosen

The winner has been chosen, and it is Kris! Thanks everyone for leaving a comment!!

********************************************************************************************************************

Prepare yourselves for something a little different. Today, I am taking over Jennifer Probst’s blog and she is taking over mine. Who is Jennifer Probst, you might ask? Well, I’ll tell you: Jennifer Probst is the New York Times, USA Today  and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Marriage to a Billionaire series, which includes The Marriage Bargain, The Marriage Trap, and The Marraige Mistake. She is also a Mets fan (something that Mr. B is super happy about), a mom of two, and all-around funny lady. For our swap, we decided to tell tales of motherhood and do a giveaway! Without further ado, please let me present: the Blog Swap!

***********************************************************************************************************************

Holiday Breakdown by Jennifer Probst

Ah, motherhood.

Aint’ it grand? Most of the time. There are special times around the holidays that I savor and make me feel incredibly lucky to be a mom. My two young boys adore the festive season of Thanksgiving through Christmas. They love feasting on turkey and spending time with their cousins. Look forward to putting up the tree, scrambling through boxes and re-discovering their handmade ornaments and favorite decorations. Adore marking up the huge Toys R Us catalogue with their lists for Santa. Long lists. Really, really long lists.

But let’s be honest. The holidays are also a time for major breakdowns. Can’t even blame the poor kids – there’s too much going on and their poor little brains misfire. Sparkling lights, endless commercials toting the latest gadgets, desserts cramming space in their bellies. The result?

Meltdown.

The other day, I had to drag my kids into the store – which I try not to do around this time of year – and sure enough my older son caught sight of a large box with a glittery sign screaming Slushie Magic.

Oh. My. God.

“Slushie Magic!” he screamed at the top of his lungs. He hugged the box and lifted his beautiful face to mine. I looked into the melty brown eyes. “Mommy, please! I NEED to have this.”

“OK, I’ll get it for you.” He shook like in a convulsion. “For Christmas,” I said firmly.

NOT the right answer.

He dragged in a tearful breath. “No! I can’t wait for Christmas – that’s years away!”

I wheeled the cart  past the box and tried to jolly him along. “Let’s go, sweetie. Christmas is only a few weeks away and I promise you will have it under the tree.”

He didn’t budge. Pulled himself to full height. And said: “I want it NOW.”

My head scissored like the Exorcist. My kids know one thing about me. I am a huge pushover and get them way too much stuff. But the moment they act like a spoiled brat, I lose it. “Enough,” I snapped. “I told you before – no gifts till Christmas. Now stop acting badly or Santa won’t come at all.”

Thank goodness for threats of the big guy. But this time it didn’t work. My poor son just lost it.

He burst into tears and started screaming: “I want Slushie Magic! I want Slushie Magic.”

And so it began. I ended up dragging him down the aisle, while he cried with snot dripping from his nose. My little one stuck up for him and began crying too. I pushed the frikkin cart back down the aisle to the checkout, ignoring him completely while other moms shook their head in judgment AND sympathy. Let’s be honest, there’s nothing like a bratty kid that’s not ours to make us feel like a hell of a better mother. The cashier eyeballed us in horror, and I did the walk of shame to the parking lot while my usually sweet boy demanded his damn slushy.

So, let me pose the question to you my dear fellow mothers. What is YOUR breakdown story this holiday season? Hell, if you don’t have one for this year, I’ll let you comment on a previous one to be fair.

I’m giving away a free ebook of my holiday short romance, The Holiday Hoax.

Enjoy your season of presents, family, and tantrums!

*****************************

Jennifer, it has been awesome having you here! Thanks for joining me!

Blog Takeover with Jennifer Probst

Prepare yourselves for something a little different. Today, I am taking over Jennifer Probst’s blog and she is taking over mine. Who is Jennifer Probst, you might ask? Well, I’ll tell you: Jennifer Probst is the New York Times, USA Today  and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Marriage to a Billionaire series, which includes The Marriage Bargain, The Marriage Trap, and The Marraige Mistake. She is also a Mets fan (something that Mr. B is super happy about), a mom of two, and all-around funny lady. For our swap, we decided to tell tales of motherhood and do a giveaway! Without further ado, please let me present: the Blog Swap!

***********************************************************************************************************************

Holiday Breakdown by Jennifer Probst

Ah, motherhood.

Aint’ it grand? Most of the time. There are special times around the holidays that I savor and make me feel incredibly lucky to be a mom. My two young boys adore the festive season of Thanksgiving through Christmas. They love feasting on turkey and spending time with their cousins. Look forward to putting up the tree, scrambling through boxes and re-discovering their handmade ornaments and favorite decorations. Adore marking up the huge Toys R Us catalogue with their lists for Santa. Long lists. Really, really long lists.

But let’s be honest. The holidays are also a time for major breakdowns. Can’t even blame the poor kids – there’s too much going on and their poor little brains misfire. Sparkling lights, endless commercials toting the latest gadgets, desserts cramming space in their bellies. The result?

Meltdown.

The other day, I had to drag my kids into the store – which I try not to do around this time of year – and sure enough my older son caught sight of a large box with a glittery sign screaming Slushie Magic.

Oh. My. God.

“Slushie Magic!” he screamed at the top of his lungs. He hugged the box and lifted his beautiful face to mine. I looked into the melty brown eyes. “Mommy, please! I NEED to have this.”

“OK, I’ll get it for you.” He shook like in a convulsion. “For Christmas,” I said firmly.

NOT the right answer.

He dragged in a tearful breath. “No! I can’t wait for Christmas – that’s years away!”

I wheeled the cart  past the box and tried to jolly him along. “Let’s go, sweetie. Christmas is only a few weeks away and I promise you will have it under the tree.”

He didn’t budge. Pulled himself to full height. And said: “I want it NOW.”

My head scissored like the Exorcist. My kids know one thing about me. I am a huge pushover and get them way too much stuff. But the moment they act like a spoiled brat, I lose it. “Enough,” I snapped. “I told you before – no gifts till Christmas. Now stop acting badly or Santa won’t come at all.”

Thank goodness for threats of the big guy. But this time it didn’t work. My poor son just lost it.

He burst into tears and started screaming: “I want Slushie Magic! I want Slushie Magic.”

And so it began. I ended up dragging him down the aisle, while he cried with snot dripping from his nose. My little one stuck up for him and began crying too. I pushed the frikkin cart back down the aisle to the checkout, ignoring him completely while other moms shook their head in judgment AND sympathy. Let’s be honest, there’s nothing like a bratty kid that’s not ours to make us feel like a hell of a better mother. The cashier eyeballed us in horror, and I did the walk of shame to the parking lot while my usually sweet boy demanded his damn slushy.

So, let me pose the question to you my dear fellow mothers. What is YOUR breakdown story this holiday season? Hell, if you don’t have one for this year, I’ll let you comment on a previous one to be fair.

I’m giving away a free ebook of my holiday short romance, The Holiday Hoax.

Enjoy your season of presents, family, and tantrums!

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Jennifer, it has been awesome having you here! Thanks for joining me!

Natalie Bahm joins me to discuss The Secret Underground

Today, I am very happy to welcome Natalie Bahm to my blog. Natalie is the author of The Secret Underground, a children’s novel she chose to publish as a fundraiser (with the blessing of her amazing agent, Sara Megibow) to support one very special, very sick little boy. She is also a debut author! I encourage you to read Natalie’s take on young romance, explore her site which has more information about the fundraiser, and purchase a copy of The Secret Underground. Without further ado, here’s Natalie:

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Everyone Loves a Little Romance

I’m a children’s writer.  I write stories about adventure and growing up, and explore how family and friends play a role in those things.  My characters try to figure out where they fit in the world and learn to speak for themselves.

And I also like to include a little romance.

There are plenty of people who believe middle grade fiction is not the place for romance.  Those people clearly do not remember what it’s like to be an eleven-year-old! When I was eleven I had crushes on boys.  I daydreamed about my own happily ever after and wondered what kissing would be like.  I enjoyed books with a little fun and adventure, but my biggest requirement for a great read was that it included a love story.

Middle grade romance is obviously different from grown up romance and even young adult.  My stories tend to focus on feelings that are based on admiration rather than lust (there’ll be plenty of time for that later!)

I also don’t include a whole lot of physical stuff.  I think in the five books I’ve written there are may be two handholding scenes and one kiss. But there’s plenty of teasing and compliments and goose bumps and butterflies—all the things that make first love fun.

For me, no story is complete without a little love—and that’s true whether a reader is nine or ninety.

My first book, The Secret Underground has a sweet little romance.  It’s an adventure about a girl who discovers her little brother is digging tunnels along with all the neighborhood boys (including the cutest boy in her class).

It’s a very special project that my agent, Sara Megibow, and I put together as a fundraiser for a little boy who’s been in the hospital off and on since birth.  You can learn more about the book and the project HERE.  I hope you’ll consider buying a copy for a child in your life.

The paperback version is available on Amazon.  The eBook can be purchased just about anywhere eBooks are sold.  You can buy the audiobook through iTunes, Audible, and Amazon.  The paperback will be available through more booksellers soon.

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Thank you, Natalie! I hope the fundraising goes well. Please come back to chat any time!

Boo!

Happy Halloween, everyone. From my safe, warm, dry home in NorCal, I feel a bit guilty to be writing about a fun holiday when so many of my friends and family are dealing with the utter destruction of Hurricane Sandy. My sister’s house has 2.5 feet of water in it, and my parents-in-law are dealing with a downed power line on their property, so all is not a bed of roses. To make matters worse, I can’t do anything from across the country except call (all of the airports are closed, and even if I were there, I don’t know what I could do to help, since the flooding is still pretty extensive).

Sigh.

I guess the only thing I can do is to get happy-ish about Halloween. We carved a jack-o-lantern, we have plenty of chocolate candy to give away, my kids are in adorable costumes, and it looks like it’s going to be a fine night for trick or treating.

And here’s something really scary: I am guest blogging at Guilty Pleasures today with a spooky excerpt from Deep Autumn Heat, which just happens to take place on Halloween night! Couldn’t have planned that one better if I’d tried. You can win a rare paper copy of the book just by leaving a comment. I’m also still running my Goodreads giveaway for Blaze of Winter, so please stop on by and register to win one of 5 paper copies I’m giving out. On the writing front, I’ve begun my edits for Long Simmering Spring – hooray! And to round out the Star Harbor fun, I found out that my official release date for Slow Summer Burn is August 12, 2013.

Happy Halloween, indeed.

And to all those folks cleaning up from Sandy: Be safe and hang in there! You are in my thoughts and prayers!