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Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Grab the Book Closest to you...

I'm stealing this meme from Sela Carsen as per the usual.
She said I could. :)

1. Grab the book closest to you.
2. Open to page 123, look down to the 5th sentence.
3. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your blog.
4. Include the title and the author’s name.
5. Tag 3 people

Here goes:

"I liked that ad you did for Ralph Lauren last year. Very sexy."
"Thanks." He nudged Shelby again. "The story's a go."
She shoved the image of him in chaps and designer duds out of her head. Forget the ads. He did a great job in interviews and deserved his props for it.



Thunderstruck
By Roxanne St. Claire




I don't like to tag people either.
So if you'd like to do this...have fun.
L

Labels:

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

I learned what I already knew




I don't know why...but I am compelled to take these quizzes. (See box below) Even if I already know the answer...I like to assure myself that I'm on track.
Shockingly, (not really) this quiz informmed me I should write Science Fiction. (!)





I decided almost a year ago to try and write a romantic science fiction story.
Just a Kiss was born from wanting to write a shorter work in a different genre to fulfill a requirement on my annual goal list.
It turned out to be a great idea and a big turning point for me.

Just a Kiss, my take on hot and sexy chocolate kissing aliens, was the first book I sold. :)

So if you're a writer in a rut...branch out and try a new genre. You never know what might happen.
L




You Should Be a Science Fiction Writer

Your ideas are very strange, and people often wonder what planet you're from.
And while you may have some problems being "normal," you'll have no problems writing sci-fi.
Whether it's epic films, important novels, or vivid comics...
Your own little universe could leave an important mark on the world!

Friday, January 26, 2007

Naughty Bits Afire

I just got another fabulous review for The Blonde Bomb Tech!
Yea!
Kerin at Two Lips Reviews gave The Blonde Bomb Tech 5 Kisses!
I pasted it below.
Or click here to check it out at their website: Two Lips Reviews
L






Title: The Blonde Bomb Tech
Author: Lara Santiago
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense
Publication date: January 2007
ISBN: 1-933563-29-X
Pages: 300
Series:


Heat Level:
Rating:

Sabrina Morgan is a bomb technician with a very big secret. Ever since her parents died, leaving her orphaned, she’s been plagued by bomb nightmares and is terrified of explosions. Sabrina has worked hard to be the best in her field and the first time she admits failure in defusing a bomb, she’s thrust into the arms of Jake Donovan. So maybe it wasn’t a total loss. Until she decides she likes the feeling of being in his arms. Too much. Jake’s the forever-after type and she knows that she can’t give him a family, which is what he wants more than anything, so she has to let him go.

Jake has reached the point in his life where he wants to settle down, get married and start on the large family he’s always dreamed of having. When he meets Sabrina, he knows immediately that she’s the woman for him.

With a madman on the loose, Sabrina tries to stay one step ahead of him but when she discovers that it’s personal, her only comfort is found in Jake’s arms. Will she be strong enough to let him go before it’s too late for both of them?

The connection between Sabrina and Jake is so intense that it jumps off of the pages and practically grabs a hold of your naughty bits and sets them afire. Sabrina’s brazenness is exciting as is Jake’s immediate reaction. The fact that Jake’s such a gentleman only made the scenes hotter as Sabrina took what she needed that he willingly gave her. I challenge any woman (and many men) to not fall completely in love with Jake by the end of this book. He is the epitome of honor, trust, faith, and super-hot calendar pin-up, all rolled into one.

The Blonde Bomb Tech is packed full of intrigue and suspense that had me poised on the edge of my seat during the entire reading. I was so engrossed in this latest release from Lara Santiago that I found myself reading it from cover to cover in one sitting, not even noticing the passing of time. The Blonde Bomb Tech is a definite must-read that you'll want to find room for on your keeper shelf!

Or click here to check it out at their website:

Two Lips Reviews

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Tuesday, January 23, 2007

The Blonde Bomb Tech gets Reviewed

I got two really great reviews yesterday for The Blonde Bomb Tech and I'd like to share them. Settle down, I know you're all as excited as I am, but stay peaceful. :)

The first one is from Romance Reviews Today

THE BLONDE BOMB TECH - Lara Santiago
Siren Publishing
ISBN: 1-933563-29-X
January 2007
Erotic Romantic Suspense
Sensuality Rating: Scorching

United States of America -- Present Day

Sabrina Morgan is one of the best bomb technicians on the bomb squad; she is also extremely commitment phobic. When she runs out of a building that is about to blow, she literally flies into the arms of one sexy firefighter. Sabrina's feeling for Jake escalates quickly, but will she be able to be the person that Jake needs her to be? Or will her insecurities and fears destroy the only really good thing that has happened in her life? Will Jake still want her when she has to reveal her big secret?

Jake Donovan is a firefighter and, over time, has taken a good look at his life and what he wants out of it and the type of person he wants to share it with. So when Sabrina tackles him literally, he is also tackled emotionally. Jake thinks Sabrina is perfect for him. Who else would be able to understand the risks he takes on the job but someone who takes the same type of risk. Jake quickly falls in love with Sabrina; in his eyes she is his perfect match. All he wants to do is settle down with her and start a family. But will her phobia about commitment separate them, or will the secret that she is keeping hidden?

Not only are both Sabrina and Jake trying to sort out there romance, but they are also on the hunt for a serial bomber who is bent on killing Sabrina.

THE BLONDE BOMB TECH is a character driven story. It is fast paced, which adds to the excitement. The romance is hot, and the way that Jake treats Sabrina is fantastic. Jake is the typical Alpha male, with a heart of gold, and Sabrina is a strong character. The way she is confident in her work, she knows what she wants and she goes after it. It is also lovely to see the flip side to Sabrina, her emotional side, her legitimate fears and insecurities. I applauded Lara Santiago for making Sabrina and Jake so realistic and so believable. Because I think every person can see a little of themselves in either Sabrina or Jake. I loved THE BLONDE BOMB TECH; I wish it had been longer so I didn't have to finish it so soon. I would be the first in line if Lara decided she wanted to write this book as part of a series. The secondary characters are all solid and could easily be further developed, plus we would get to see a glimpse of Sabrina and Jake. I adored THE BLOND BOMB TECH. The story and the sex are both hot. When can I get more?

Vanessa Costa

Romance Reviews Today
http://www.romrevtoday.com/
http://rrterotic.com


The next one is from Coffee Time Romance & More
It earned 4 cups which is listed on their site as Outstanding Great Read. :):)

THE BLONDE BOMB TECH
LARA SANTIAGO
ISBN# 1-933563-29-X
January 2007
Siren Publishing
www.sirenpublishing.com
E-Book
$7.50
249 Pages
Romantic Suspense
Rating: 4 Cups

Sabrina Morgan is lead bomb technician in Heathton's police department. Since her fiancé dumped her several years earlier, the beautiful blonde has avoided relationships, which has not been difficult. She has never seen a bomb she could not disarm, or a man she could not live without.

Jake Donovan is a fire fighter. His girlfriend was willing to marry him if he gave up his job, but since he loves his job more than her, the choice was easy. He is intrigued by the Blonde Bomber, as Sabrina is known, and fate literally lands her on top of him when a bomb explodes at the Old Town Hall site.

The only female in Heathton's Bomb Squad is targeted by an insane bomber. While trying to keep her job, despite the efforts of a lecherous Councilman, she finds that the present day bombings are related to a tragedy in her past. Amidst all the turmoil, she falls in love with a handsome fire fighter despite herself.

This is a totally engrossing novel from the first exciting scene. Sabrina is far from the ice princess that she presents to the world, but few see her softer side. Being raised in an orphanage, then dumped by her fiancé when he learned she might not have children, she learned to hide her feelings. Jake is warm and strong, and it is a good thing he is stubborn because he needs to be with Sabrina. Sabrina's sister Suzanne, adopted as an infant, was luckier than Sabrina; in her you can see who Sabrina could have been, given better circumstances. But this reader would not change her; her difficulties give her her strengths. This story is full of suspense and unexpected twists and turns, and the bomber is truly evil. This is a great story!

Maura
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/Theblondebombtech.html


I thought both reviewers did an excellent job.
I'm incredibly grateful to them.
Thanks again,
L

Monday, January 22, 2007

Every New Writer's Greatest Fear

A new writer friend of mine asked me something every single new writer I've ever met has asked me.
If I let others read my manuscript...how do I keep them from stealing my ideas?
I believe it's a valid fear as a new writer. But perhaps this is because I harbored the exact same alarm.

You've slaved over this story. You think it might be good but you don't know enough to know for certain. After awhile you decide you really don't know what you're doing. Worst of all, you're afraid to let anyone read your work because A. they might confirm your fear and think it sucks or B. it might be so good they'll run off with it.
Well...these were two of my fears when I started. :)

I told my new writer friend a little story to explain why I thought it was unlikely her work would be stolen. She liked it.
Therefore, I'm going to share my limited wisdom here today. :)

What I said:
The thing about stealing ideas is at the forefront of every new writer's thoughts. Including me.
The truth is that is a very rare occurrence.
Here's my theory of why:

Authors have their own voice when they write. Meaning if three different people set out to write a story about an apple falling off a tree, all three writers would come up with a different way to tell the story.

A horror author, like say Stephen King, might have a humongous spider devour it once it hit the ground and no doubt the story would be scary.

A mystery writer might have the apple fall off the tree and go missing whereby a detective might be sent in to solve the mystery of the missing apple.

A romance author such as myself might tell the romantic tale of a hero plucking the apple out of the air before it hit the ground to give to his lady love before they lived happily ever after. (Given that I also write racy romances...something else might occur under the tree before they went off to live happily ever after, but I digress.) :)

In all three stories...the apple would still fall off the tree, but each author would put their own spin on it.

I believe this is also true of writers sharing the same genre. I have lots of romance writer friends...but I don't tell stories the same way they do. Word choice and sentence structure are only a couple of ways we differentiate from each other.

If you're a writer, do you agree?
Do you as least like my Apple/Tree story? :):)
L

PLUS:
As a bonus blog entry today...
I stole this from Sela Carsen.
She has the best stuff on her blog. :):)
L

Your Life is Like

Say Anything...

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Gracie's Newsletter

I wanted to share a fabulous newsletter sent out by Gracie C. McKeever also Siren Publishing sister!

Her news letter called: The G-Spot. (I love that name) :)
In addition to all the info on her great books, she graciously shares what she's reading and does informal reviews.

I'm grateful to be an author she reads and enjoys. :)
Here are the latest Lara Santiago reviews from Gracie's current newsletter:


THE BLONDE BOMBE TECH by Lara Santiago: I wipped through this one in a
couple of days and finished right before press time eager to share how
much I loved it . This is another winner from Lara with a suitably
detestable politician who butts heads and undermines the h/h at every
turn, and an irresistible couple in Jake Donovan and Sabrina Morgan.
Sabrina is the only female bomb tech in the Heathton Sheriff Department. A
mad bomber with an old and mean score to settle is stalking her and
terrorizing the city with his destructive devices. In the opening scene of
the book one such device throws Sabrina into the arms of sexy-as-sin
firefighter Jake when she fails to defuse it in time. From here, the two
take a whirlwind rollercoaster ride to love and romance while Sabrina
tries to unravel the mysteries of her past and find the mad bomber before
he strikes again. This was a tightly-woven whodunit, with fast-paced,
spine-tingling suspense, a hunky and sensitive fireman hero and a sweet
but emotionally-scarred, tough-broad heroine exorcising her demons through
her job. It's an excellent book that I'd recommend to any erotic romance
fan who also enjoys a solid and well-written story with universal and
larger-than-life characters. www.sirenpub.com




THE WIVES TALES by Lara Santiago: What can I say except WOW? I gobbled up
this series in one week and loved every breathtaking, erotic, well-crafted
minute. Political intrigue, genetic engineering, betrayal, loyalty,
sizzling hot and inventive sexual encounters, love and romance highlight
all three books-THE MINER'S WIFE, THE EXECUTIVE'S WIFE and THE LAWMAN'S
WIFE-that make up Lara Santiago's frighteningly realistic vision of the
future and women's rights (or lack thereof) in America. Santiago's
world-building is inspired, her narratives fast-paced and well-written.
Her heroes are noble and strong in the face of seemingly insurmountable
odds and her heroines are beautiful and intelligent survivors in a man's
world run amok. All of the tales are available from Siren Publishing and I
highly recommend that you run out and get your own copy of each one now!
www.sirenpub.com


To subscribe to Gracie's Newsletter click: Here

In my December 13, 2006 blog, I wrote about Gracie's book
Terms of Surrender. Check it out Here. It's marvelous!
L

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

The Stolen Blog~ The Alphabet Meme

I wasn't tagged to do this, but it looked fun.

The Letter A
Are you agnostic? I don't think so. What is it again?
What is your age? over 40
What annoys you? Too many things to name!!

The Letter B
Do you like bacon? Like? I LOVE bacon!
What is your birthday? May 30
Who is your best friend? My DH. He knows me heart and soul and loves me anyway.

The Letter C
What is your favorite candy? Bit-o-honey.
Who is your crush? Vin Diesel and Cole Hauser
When was the last time you cried? Last week when someone hurt my feelings

The Letter D
Do you daydream? All the time
What is your favorite kind of dog? Beagles and Collies
What day of the week is it? Wednesday a.k.a Hump Day

The Letter E
How do you like your eggs? Scrambled next to Bacon with ketchup or hot sauce
Have you ever been in the emergency room? Once with a kid, twice with the DH and twice for myself. Is this excessive?
What’s the easiest thing to ever do? Sleep in

The Letter F
Have you ever flown in a plane? Yes, I love to fly
Do you use fly swatters? Yes, but not for a long while
Have you ever used a foghorn? Uh. No, why would I need to again?

The Letter G
Do you chew gum? Frequently
Are you a giver or taker? I believe I’m a giver. And I always try to be grateful for all the good things in my life.

The Letter H
How are you? Fabulous, thanks for asking.
What’s your height? 5′ 4 1/2″
What color is your hair? Light Blonde courtesy of Miss Clairol otherwise dirty blonde.

The Letter I
What is your favorite ice-cream? Mint Chocolate Cookie, Ben & Jerry
Have you ever ice-skated? Yes and I’m really bad at it. I have weak ankles or something
Do you play an instrument? Not really. I played the clarinet in grade school for two years. I wish I could play the drums.

The Letter J
What is your favorite jelly bean? Toasted marshmallow and Cotton Candy
Do you wear jewelry? Yes. Wedding ring, watch and the ten year anniversary ring.
Have you heard a really hilarious joke? Not recently.

The Letter K
Who do you want to kill? No one, today. Don't push my buttons though.
Do you want kids? I have kids, thanks. I like them. I'll keep them.
Where did you have kindergarten? On an Indian reservation in White River, Arizona. I was only one of 4 white kids. Talk about minority.

The Letter L
Are you laid-back? Extremely.
Do you lie? Only to spare feelings for minor things
Do you love anyone? YES!

The Letter M
What is your favorite movie? Too many to name here. Most recently Serenity.
Do you still watch Disney movies? Of course.
Do you like mangos? I’ll eat them.

The Letter N
Do you have a nickname? None that I’m willing to share.
What is your favorite number? 7, 13 and 36. Don’t make me choose.
Do you prefer night or day? I’m a night owl.

The Letter O
What is your one wish? Could everyone just try to get along?
Are you an only child? No. I have a brother.
Do you wish this year was over? Nope! I'm having a great year thus far!

The Letter P
What is one fear that you are most paranoid about? I am afraid of the dark…or having someone scare me in the dark…or of someone jumping out at me in the dark…
What personality trait would you look for in someone you wanted to date? A sense of humor and an easy smile.

The Letter Q
Are you quick to judge people? Yes, but I’m also quick to forgive unless you’ve hurt my family or my friends. Then you’re on the shit list til you die. (I’m stealing this answer from Sela. It’s perfect!)

The Letter R
Do you think you are always right? No
Do you watch reality T.V.? I guess. I like The Amazing Race and Survivor.
What is a good reason to cry? Do I really need a good reason? Can’t I just cry if I want to?

The Letter S
Do you prefer sun or rain? Sun. I don’t mind rain now and again, but I refuse to carry an umbrella. I’d rather get wet and air dry than carry a dripping umbrella or fight with one in wind.
Do you like snow? Yes. I love the cold, I love to ski, but I hate to drive in it.
What is your favorite season? Fall

The Letter T
What time is it? 10:00am
What time did you wake up? 6:30am
When was the last time you slept in a tent? On purpose? It’s been over five years.

The Letter U
Are you wearing underwear? Yes…as if it’s any of your business

The Letter V
What is the worst veggie? Brussel Sprouts. Bitter little icky things.
Where do you want to go on vacation? Germany. Hawaii. Scotland again.
What was your last family vacation together? Two years ago at Christmas. We went home to visit family in Missouri and Arkansas

The Letter W
What is your worst habit? Late night snacking. My hips pay the price.
Where do you live? Florida

The Letter X
Have you ever had an X-ray? Yes
Have you ever seen the X-Games? No
Do you own a xylophone? No

The Letter Y
Do you like the color yellow? Not really. I won’t wear it, but I guess it looks good on houses.
What year where you born in? The sixties
What do you yearn for most? Right now? Another cup of coffee.

The Letter Z
What is your Zodiac Sign? Gemini
Do you believe in the Zodiac? Not really. Occasionally they horoscope in the paper will get it right, but overall…not so much.
What is your favorite zoo animal? Otters and Bats


Actually, I stole this from Sela Carsens blog.
I even used a couple of her answers. She's so good to let me. :)
I'm not tagging anyone, but if you'd like to use it please feel free.
L

Monday, January 15, 2007

A Little Self Promotion

I had a great day.
It was busy with chores-around-the-house stuff, but I got quite a few things done.
I even went and bought food. We were running low.
I have teenagers...enough said. :)

The Blonde Bomb Tech is still # 2 at Siren Publishing. At least it was when I looked earlier. :)

And to complete my wonderful Woo Hoo Monday...
The Lawman's Wife climbed to # 5 at the Fictionwise.com BestSeller List.
It's also # 5 in the Romance section there. Yea!
L

Friday, January 12, 2007

My Cousin Julie


I took a small road trip (only an hour) to meet up with my cousin today.


Although we saw each other at Thanksgiving this year, it was different to get together, just the two of us, and do some serious girl chatting.

And boy howdy did we ever chat! I swear my voice is a little hoarse.
She is so much fun! We met for lunch and literally laughed and talked for hours.

(Thank you Macaroni Grill for not kicking us out after four and a half hours in that booth!)

Even though we hadn't seen each other in years...we picked up talking like we hadn't been apart for more than a week.

I have never lived around my family much in my adult life. I lived the move-around-a-lot military life. I was always envious of families who lived close and could get together often to have chat days.

Today, I got to reminisce with someone who has the same memories of our childhood, but from a different point of view.
Every memory we covered was great fun because we each remembered different things about the event.

One night during a slumber party, we made a cassette tape of us singing and making jokes. We even did our own commercial break:

Here is what I remember…

“Aunt Idee’s itty bitty pig snouts. Deep fried for lip licking flavor. ~~ In your grocers freezers.”

Okay, so Madison Avenue has nothing to worry about…we still had lots of fun. :)

We chatted about the memories of our Grandma and our Moms being sisters. We discussed our siblings (we’re both the oldest in our families) and we also chatted about our husbands, my kids and her dogs.

I had such a wonderful time and I wanted to tell her thanks for such a fabulous day.
If I hadn’t had to get home to my kids I swear I would have followed her home so we could keep talking.

After all, we do have a history. When we were teenagers we used to talk endlessly on the phone. Just ask our little brothers. (insert eye roll here)
It was great fun back then too. We never wanted to stop.
Today was just like old times.
Thanks for the chat, Jules. You’re the best.
I know! Next time why don’t we start at breakfast…so we can talk longer?
L

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Don't Forget to Vote


The Preditors and Editors Poll is taking votes until January 14th.
Get in there and vote. :)
L


http://www.critters. org/predpoll/

Monday, January 08, 2007

I love a Woo Hoo Monday!

Can it be Monday already?

Okay, so the Woo Hoo Good news is that The Lawman's Wife hit the bestseller list at Fictionwise.com.
After only a week, it hit # 10 and it's # 6 in the Romance section! Woo Hoo!

Here is the link...you know...in case you don't believe me. :)

http://www.fictionwise.com/topstories.htm















The Blonde Bomb Tech is available at Siren Publishing.
It's at # 2 on the bestseller list there.
So over all it's a fabulous Woo Hoo Monday.







I hope everyone is having a Woo Hoo Happy Monday!
L

Saturday, January 06, 2007

The Truth About Goals

Yes...it's true. I'm going to blog about goals today.
I know, I know, everyone is talking about them.
However, I believe it is very important to have goals.

My goals are concrete, achievable and once complete are mine forever. Goals are also not the same things as dreams. I believe you have to have dreams to survive, but try to stay on track with me...today we're discussing goals. :)

Sure I'd like to be on the New York Times Bestselling list, but this is a dream.
While goals are not the same as dreams, they also don't have to be difficult or nearly impossible to be valid.








Simply make a list of things you'd like to accomplish for the next year, the next month, the next week or even the next day.
Put your list in a prominent place and revisit it periodically to stay on track.

I write books.








Therefore, my goals are writing related. I put mine in a frame, which I got for Christmas from the very goal-oriented and amazingly wonderful Roxanne St. Claire.

I keep them close at hand.
(They are sitting comfortably on my desktop computer.)

I have thirteen specific writing goals this year.
Six of my goals are for books I plan to write.
The other seven are for writing related goals like judging contests, being the treasurer of my local writing group and conferences I plan to attend.

If you write, put your goals on paper. As you achieve each one, check it off and move on to the next. It is very satisfying for me to check off completed items from my goal list each year.

The first year I achieved 9 out of 12.
Last year I managed 10 out of 13.

I believe it was because I had them printed out and in front of my face the entire year.

You can do it too.
Try it and see.
L

Monday, January 01, 2007

The Blonde Bomb Tech for Sale at Siren Publishing



The Blonde Bomb Tech is now available for sale at Siren Publishing.
Woo Hoo!
L




Click here for Excerpts.


Click here to Buy.

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