Elisabeth Barrett's Blog, page 5

And we have winners! Laura Kaye’s As Hard as it Gets goes to cristina arpin and Kristan Higgins’s The Best Man goes to Kirbi Smith! I’ll be emailing you soon! Thank you all who commented. I can’t wait to see you on Monday for release day and a giant giveaway!!

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We are one week out from the release date for Slow Summer Burn and I am chomping at the bit to release it into the wild. People have been waiting a long time for Val, and I think (I hope) he is worth the wait. To whet your appetite, here’s a little snippet from the book. In this scene, Val has come to pick up Cam to have some takeout. When he shows up at her place, she’s ready for more than takeout:

“I’m ready to go,” Cameron said, enjoying the way he drank her in with his gaze. That this rangy, beautiful man with the proud stance did a double-take when he saw her made her feel desired. Wanted.

After a few long moments, Val shut his mouth. “You’re not dressed for dinner,” was his only statement, his eyes locked on hers. A muscle ticked in his jaw.

“No,” she said slowly. “I’m not.” After coming home, she’d put on a pair of slim-cut jeans and a soft T-shirt. She’d even managed to find a pair of boat shoes from the back of her closet. Of course, everything was designer, but Val didn’t need to know that.

“May I ask why?” His voice was unfailingly polite, even as the words seemed like they’d been unwillingly dragged from him.

“It sounds like Seb can use all the help he can get.”

“I see.” His jaw clenched, and he gave her one more look, from head to toe. “Where’d you get these clothes?”

She crossed her arms under her breasts. “I own them. Any other questions?”

“Yeah,” he said, after a while. “Do you like pizza? Because that’s what we’re having for dinner tonight.”

“Of course,” she responded, raising an eyebrow. “Doesn’t everybody?”

He pursed his lips together, as if he were trying hard not to laugh. Except he didn’t look like he was going to laugh. He looked stern, and intense, and, Lord help her, completely hot. He was wearing worn jeans that were snug in all the right places and a short-sleeved tee that skimmed his body just so, stretched slightly over his chest, looser down by his waist. He was wearing those work boots again, which must have given him an extra inch of height—not that he needed it. “Not everybody,” he murmured. What she supposed he meant was that he didn’t expect her to like it.

The man was in for a few more surprises.

“Hold on a minute.” She pulled a double-layer cotton jacket out of the hall closet and threw it on. Then she picked up her toolbox and walked back to the front. He was still there, having moved not an inch.

“What’s that?” he asked, nodding his head at her toolbox.

“What does it look like?”

“It looks like I might have been wrong about you.”

(c) Slow Summer Burn by Elisabeth Barrett

You like? Pre-order here!

And of course I’m doing another giveaway (newsletter subscribers only, so if you’re not one yet, please sign up at the bottom of the page here)! This time, I’m giving away a copy of Kristan Higgins‘s The Best Man (awesome), and a SIGNED copy of Laura Kaye‘s Hard As It Gets (not releasing until November, so ZOMG!). In the comments section, tell me about a time you might have been wrong about someone, and I’ll choose two random commenters to get these gems. Contest ends at midnight on 8/8, and I’ll announce winners on Friday.

We are one week out from the release date for Slow Summer Burn and I am chomping at the bit to release it into the wild. People have been waiting a long time for Val, and I think (I hope) he is worth the wait. To whet your appetite, here’s a little snippet from the book. In this scene, Val has come to pick up Cam to have some takeout. When he shows up at her place, she’s ready for more than takeout:

“I’m ready to go,” Cameron said, enjoying the way he drank her in with his gaze. That this rangy, beautiful man with the proud stance did a double-take when he saw her made her feel desired. Wanted.

After a few long moments, Val shut his mouth. “You’re not dressed for dinner,” was his only statement, his eyes locked on hers. A muscle ticked in his jaw.

“No,” she said slowly. “I’m not.” After coming home, she’d put on a pair of slim-cut jeans and a soft T-shirt. She’d even managed to find a pair of boat shoes from the back of her closet. Of course, everything was designer, but Val didn’t need to know that.

“May I ask why?” His voice was unfailingly polite, even as the words seemed like they’d been unwillingly dragged from him.

“It sounds like Seb can use all the help he can get.”

“I see.” His jaw clenched, and he gave her one more look, from head to toe. “Where’d you get these clothes?”

She crossed her arms under her breasts. “I own them. Any other questions?”

“Yeah,” he said, after a while. “Do you like pizza? Because that’s what we’re having for dinner tonight.”

“Of course,” she responded, raising an eyebrow. “Doesn’t everybody?”

He pursed his lips together, as if he were trying hard not to laugh. Except he didn’t look like he was going to laugh. He looked stern, and intense, and, Lord help her, completely hot. He was wearing worn jeans that were snug in all the right places and a short-sleeved tee that skimmed his body just so, stretched slightly over his chest, looser down by his waist. He was wearing those work boots again, which must have given him an extra inch of height—not that he needed it. “Not everybody,” he murmured. What she supposed he meant was that he didn’t expect her to like it.

The man was in for a few more surprises.

“Hold on a minute.” She pulled a double-layer cotton jacket out of the hall closet and threw it on. Then she picked up her toolbox and walked back to the front. He was still there, having moved not an inch.

“What’s that?” he asked, nodding his head at her toolbox.

“What does it look like?”

“It looks like I might have been wrong about you.”

(c) Slow Summer Burn by Elisabeth Barrett

You like? Pre-order here!

And of course I’m doing another giveaway (newsletter subscribers only, so if you’re not one yet, please sign up at the bottom of the page here)! This time, I’m giving away a copy of Kristan Higgins‘s The Best Man (awesome), and a SIGNED copy of Laura Kaye‘s Hard As It Gets (not releasing until November, so ZOMG!). In the comments section, tell me about a time you might have been wrong about someone, and I’ll choose two random commenters to get these gems. Contest ends at midnight on 8/8, and I’ll announce winners on Friday.

Thanks so much to everyone who commented! So happy to get your kind notes, and hear your own opposites attract stories! The winner of Jennifer Probst’s signed copy of the The Marriage Merger is cajbrand and the winner of Elise Sax’s An Affair to Dismember is Bette Hansen. I’ll be emailing you both later today! Thanks again for joining me, and come back on Monday for yet another giveaway!!

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So, wow. I have a lot to tell you all.

A couple of months ago, I was in a rut. My writing had kind of slipped sideways and I was spinning my wheels on a project. Round and round and round. And then I went to the RWA National Conference in Atlanta and it was like someone defibrillated my writing mojo. Within three days of getting back, I finished up that Tahoe novella, editing it down to a glossy sheen, and got my rear in gear for my next project. Pow! 10K words done in three days.

RWA is magic.

The power, the generosity, and the inspiration I got from those amazing writers–those amazing women–is impossible to quantify or even to explain. I deepened friendships with people I already knew, and made new friendships with people I’m so glad to now know. The literacy signing was a blast, I got love from my agent and my editor (always nice!), and fangirled some of my own favorite authors (*cough* Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Jayne Ann Krentz *cough*). I also moderated a workshop for the amazing trio of Jennifer Probst, Laura Kaye, and Katee Robert. I was in heaven! If you’d like to check out all my conference photos, head to Facebook (and please like my page while you’re at it!).

And I got books. Holy mackerel, did I get books! In fact, I need to get rid of these books and I have the perfect reason to do so because …. (drum roll, please) the fourth Star Harbor book, Slow Summer Burn, goes on sale in a mere two weeks!

I had so much fun writing this book because I adore both Val and Cam, and I think they work really well together, despite their obvious differences. I love opposites attract stories, and well, you can’t really get more opposite than these two: Val’s a DEA agent and Cam’s a socialite. He lives on a houseboat. She lives in a brownstone. He wears jeans. She wears diamonds. Needless to say, Cam’s parents don’t exactly approve of Val, but she could care less (nor can Val) and that’s what I love about them both!

But back to those books. Those dozens and dozens of books I got that are now piled up in my room that I really need to give away post haste. To celebrate the amazing time I had at RWA (not to mention my new release), I’m going to start the giveaway off with a bang by giving away one SIGNED copy of Jennifer Probst’s The Marriage Merger (loved it so hard and releases on 7/30!) and one copy of Elise Sax’s An Affair to Dismember (hilarious, and the next book in the series, Matchpoint, also releases on 7/30) to two random commenters. There is no catch, other than that you must be a newsletter subscriber to win (and you can sign up at the bottom of the page here). If you’re stuck for what to write in the comments, just let me know if you have an opposites attract story!

Stay tuned for some more great giveaways as the release day for Slow Summer Burn approaches!!

So, wow. I have a lot to tell you all.

A couple of months ago, I was in a rut. My writing had kind of slipped sideways and I was spinning my wheels on a project. Round and round and round. And then I went to the RWA National Conference in Atlanta and it was like someone defibrillated my writing mojo. Within three days of getting back, I finished up that Tahoe novella, editing it down to a glossy sheen, and got my rear in gear for my next project. Pow! 10K words done in three days.

RWA is magic.

The power, the generosity, and the inspiration I got from those amazing writers–those amazing women–is impossible to quantify or even to explain. I deepened friendships with people I already knew, and made new friendships with people I’m so glad to now know. The literacy signing was a blast, I got love from my agent and my editor (always nice!), and fangirled some of my own favorite authors (*cough* Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Jayne Ann Krentz *cough*). I also moderated a workshop for the amazing trio of Jennifer Probst, Laura Kaye, and Katee Robert. I was in heaven! If you’d like to check out all my conference photos, head to Facebook (and please like my page while you’re at it!).

And I got books. Holy mackerel, did I get books! In fact, I need to get rid of these books and I have the perfect reason to do so because …. (drum roll, please) the fourth Star Harbor book, Slow Summer Burn, goes on sale in a mere two weeks!

I had so much fun writing this book because I adore both Val and Cam, and I think they work really well together, despite their obvious differences. I love opposites attract stories, and well, you can’t really get more opposite than these two: Val’s a DEA agent and Cam’s a socialite. He lives on a houseboat. She lives in a brownstone. He wears jeans. She wears diamonds. Needless to say, Cam’s parents don’t exactly approve of Val, but she could care less (nor can Val) and that’s what I love about them both!

But back to those books. Those dozens and dozens of books I got that are now piled up in my room that I really need to give away post haste. To celebrate the amazing time I had at RWA (not to mention my new release), I’m going to start the giveaway off with a bang by giving away one SIGNED copy of Jennifer Probst’s The Marriage Merger (loved it so hard and releases on 7/30!) and one copy of Elise Sax’s An Affair to Dismember (hilarious, and the next book in the series, Matchpoint, also releases on 7/30) to two random commenters. There is no catch, other than that you must be a newsletter subscriber to win (and you can sign up at the bottom of the page here). If you’re stuck for what to write in the comments, just let me know if you have an opposites attract story!

Stay tuned for some more great giveaways as the release day for Slow Summer Burn approaches!!

This summer has been busy, busy, busy, and it’s about to get busier!! As some of you may know, I am headed to the huge national Romance Writers of America Convention this week. If you are in the Atlanta area, I’d love to see you at the huge book signing on Wednesday! Books, swag, your favorite authors, and all for a great cause, fighting illiteracy! I’ll be Facebooking and Tweeting my adventures at RWA, so please like and follow along!

Next, more RWA fun! Random House and Loveswept have partnered to create “Hunt for Romance,” a smart phone-based scavenger hunt app, and if you’re going to be in Atlanta, I encourage you to participate. The concept is similar to a traditional scavenger hunt; this is just the app based version! To join in the fun, just snap pictures with authors (including me!) take augmented reality photos with virtual hunks, join the conversation online, and you will be entered into the sweepstakes to win one of the following prizes:

Grand Prize: iPad Mini

First Runner-Up Prize:  Your name included in an upcoming book by RITA nominated author Ruthie Knox!  Plus, a bundle of signed books.

10 Additional Winners will receive a bundle of signed books.

The app is available for download now in both the Apple App store and in Google Play. Search “Hunt for Romance” or follow these links.

Apple App store www.socialscavenger.com/iphone/romance

Google Play www.socialscavenger.com/android/romance

(For a full list of prizes and official rules visit: www.readloveswept.com or www.romanceatrandom.com)

Finally, if you’re still reading (yay!) watch this blog for some MAJOR giveaways after RWA. I always come home with an insane amount of swag, books, gifts, etc., and want to give it all away!

The release date for Slow Summer Burn is less than a month away, but I’m giving away free preview copies to the first 40 newsletter subscribers to fill out and submit this form. If you’re not signed up for my newsletter, you can do so at http://www.elisabethbarrett.com (just fill out the form at the bottom of the home page).

You *really* don’t want to miss this one, folks.

I’ll close the form when I get 40 entries, so if you can see the form, the giveaway is still open and you will get your book! Once I get all the entries, I’ll send out an e-mail with details (so watch for it and check your junk mail folder if you don’t get anything).

Val. Yes.

Deep Autumn Heat is on sale for ninety-nine cents! Yes, for less than a dollar, you can have hours of entertainment delivered directly to your reading device! It’s a no-brainer, right?

Here’s where to buy:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple | Google | Other Places

And please, pass the word along!

You know you want him.

Today, I’m thrilled to host my good friend, fellow Roguer and national best-selling author Marina Adair! Marina’s book, Summer in Napa, released the day after Long Simmering Spring, and we thought it would be fun to interview each other. We made a deal: we’d ask each other the exact same questions, we’d swap blogs, and we’d give away a copy of each other’s book. (You can find my interview with Marina here.) The giveaway information is at the end of the post! And with all that said, let the fun begin!

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Welcome, Marina! Please tell me about your latest release. What’s coming down the pipeline next?

Marina & Elisabeth

First off, thanks for having me here, Elisabeth!

As for my latest release, SUMMER IN NAPA is the second book in the St. Helena Vineyard series. It follows the next to youngest DeLuca brother, Marco, and is out now. This book was so much fun to write because my hero and heroine are not only fighting the need to get naked every time they see each other, they are also fighting against their past—Lexi’s cheat of an ex-husband just so happens to be Marco’s childhood best friend. Finding a good reason for Marc to break man-law and fall for—and into bed with—his best-bro’s ex was entertaining.

Then the third book in the series, AUTUMN AT THE VINEYARD, releases October 2013 and centers around Nate, the brother who always has a well-laid plan for every occasion. Until he lands the most sought after vineyard in the Napa Valley and finds himself locked in a land dispute, and forced to cohabitate, with a hot-headed, irrational, and incredibly sexy woman, who doesn’t have a logical bone in her luscious body. Nate is surprised to discover that chaos could be so much fun—especially when she sleeps in nothing but lace.

Tell me something most people don’t know about you and would be surprised to learn.

When I was a kid I had a pet chicken named princess. She was an indoor/outdoor chicken and would follow me everywhere. We had tea parties, roller-skated, played Barbies, we even used to watch Highway to Heaven and Magnum PI together on the couch.  Which is funny because my daughter had a pet chicken too, Autumn, and to date it was her favorite pet.

So far, what has been the most rewarding moment in your writing career?

I always thought it would be the moment I saw my book in paper or had my fist book signing or five-star review, but it wasn’t. It was overhearing my daughter tell her friend that her mom was an author and when she grew up she wanted to write stories too. Later that week, on the way home from school, she told me her idea for a book she wanted to write and asked if maybe this summer we could write a story together.  That moment will stick with me forever.

SPEED ROUND:

Go-to snack when writing?  Eggo Waffles.

Favorite all-time favorite movie? This is a hard one … Sabrina

Chocolate, cake, or chips? White cake with white frosting. YUM!

Childhood fictional-crush? Remington Steel and Magnum PI. Oh, and Face off A-Team

How long have you been writing? I started my first novel in summer of 2008

How long did it take you to get published? Sold my first book in January of 2012

Just because she is awesome sauce, Marina is doing a GIVEAWAY!

One e-copy of her Summer in Napa can be yours!! I loved the childhood fictional crush question (which Marina totally thought up), so in the comments section, tell me YOUR childhood fictional crush, and one random commenter will be chosen. To win, please like Marina on Facebook and follow her on Twitter. Contest ends on May 26, 2013, at 9pm Pacific.

Whew! It seems like it’s been an eternity from last Monday to this Monday when in reality, it’s only been a week. Yet in that week, a lot has gone on.

First, Long Simmering Spring released on May 13! If you’ve read it, thank you! I’ve been thrilled by the response it has gotten. Folks have been saying some very nice things, indeed! Guilty Pleasures gave it five stars and had this to say:

Long Simmering Spring will keep you off balance while completely drawing you in to an irresistible romance you can’t help but love.

And Kindles & Wine gave it an A- and said:

Long Simmering Spring is another great installment in the Star Harbor series from Elisabeth Barrett! The romance is perfectly paired with action and subplots. If you enjoy some contemporary romance with a few twists and turns along the way, you’ll enjoy this one. If you haven’t started reading this series yet, what are you waiting for?! Do it!

To celebrate my release, I’ve been doing some blog appearances. Today, I’m visiting Harlequin Junkie with a post called “Missing your Home Town,” and I also did an Interview at with Ruthie Knox at Ruthie’s Reality. I’d love it if you stopped by and showed me some love. Plus, I’m giving away a copy of Long Simmering Spring at HJ, and Ruthie is giving away one of each of the Star Harbor books on her blog, so it’s definitely worth the (virtual) trip.

If you missed my earlier blog posts, here are the others:

Romance Junkies, “What His Car Says About Him”

Romance @ Random, “Believing the Truth” and USA Today’s HEA, “Small Town Spring and Summer”

Kindles & Wine, “World Building in the Real World”

Guilty Pleasures, “Small Town Living”

So yes, there have been some serious goings-on at the Barrett house!

I’m also feeling flush today because things are cooking over here in writing land. You know about the release, but what you might not know is that I finished up additional edits on Slow Summer Burn (release date August 12) and finally completed my Tahoe manuscript, about which I’m just pleased as punch. It went off to my fabulous agent this morning, and now I just have to wait to see if she likes it!

To celebrate all this good stuff, I’m doing another giveaway: Emily March’s Reflection Point, a book I recommended in my USA Today post. In the comments section, let me know something interesting that happened last week in your life, and I’ll choose one random commenter to win! Please don’t forget to leave your email address – I’ve had a bit of trouble contacting people lately, and I don’t want you to miss out!

I’m thrilled to announce that Long Simmering Spring, the third Star Harbor book, is available today!

Cole Grayson, featuring his abs.

Here’s the official copy:

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.

Also, if you haven’t read the super sexy excerpt posted on Scribd, you can read it here.

For those of you who’ve pre-ordered the book, thank you! If you haven’t yet picked up your copy, you can buy the book everywhere e-books are sold!

Here are some links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple | Google | Other Places

And if you’d like to follow along on my blog tour for the book, I’d love to see you. Today I’m at Romance @ Random and USA Today, but you can check out the other stops on my tour here.

Oh, happy day! Thanks for celebrating with me!