Lara Santiago.com - Home Page

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

It's such a little thing...

...but if you'll pick up your September 2007 RWR and turn to page 35.
You'll see the Passionate Ink contest announcements. Woo Hoo!!!

Then look under the 2006 Passionate Plume Final Results on the right hand side...
And under Futuristic/Fantasy/ Sci-Fi...look for it and you'll see...







...my name, Lara Santiago, is in little print as an honorable mention for The Lawman's Wife. Tee Hee.
I've always wanted to see my name in the RWR. :)
L

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Just when I thought it was safe...

...to go back to Kristen's blog, I got tagged. :)

And I wouldn't do this meme for just anyone. ;-)
I'm not tagging anyone else. You can't make me.
(at least without leaving your house) :):)
L

Four jobs I've had or currently have in my life:
1. Babysitter
2. Supply Clerk for the Air Force
3. Master Scheduler
4. Circulation Analyst


Four countries I've been to:
1. Portugal
2. Canada
3. Scotland
4. England

Four places I'd rather be right now:
1. Watching movies.
2. Getting a massage.
3. Getting a pedicure while being massaged.
4. Soaking in a pool of cool water.

Four foods I like to eat:
1. Pasta
2. Bread
3. Potatoes
4. Anything chocolate flavored

Four personal heroes, past or present:
1. My parents
2. My hubby
3. My kids
4. My brother

Four books you've read or are currently reading:
1. She's No Angel by Leslie Kelly
2. No Regrets by Shannon K. Butcher
3. Take Me Tonight by Roxanne St. Claire
4. Holiday in Death by J.D. Robb (I'm working my way through the Death series in order)


Four words or phrases you would like to see used more often:
1. "We'd like to make your book into a movie..."
2. "Haven't you heard, chocolate is now calorie free."
3. "You look hot in sweat pants, a t-shirt, and no makeup."
4. "Why don't I take care of cleaning up the kitchen from now on?"

Four reasons for ending a friendship:
1. Betrayal
2. Lies
3. I honestly can't think of any others that don't fall under those two categories.

(Your answers were so good for this section I left them...and because #4 didn't say copying meme answers) :):)

Four smells that make you feel good about the world:
1. New car smell
2. Bread baking or anything with cinnamon baking
3. The smell of a bookstore
4. Expensive perfume - Vera Wang :)


My question: Four cosmetics you wouldn't want to be without:
1. Concealer
2. Mascara
3. Bronzer
4. Tinted lipgloss

Yeah, I repeated your answers on the final one too because most days I never put any make up on at all. :)

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Saturday, August 25, 2007

Being married to a geek has advantages...

...like never having to program the time on the VCR or DVD player. Yes, there are five remotes that run all the components of our entertainment system, but I don't have to program those either.



I simply memorize the buttons I need to push and hope he doesn't reprogram before I memorize the next sequence. :)

Plus, when my computer has a tantrum, my personal geek is a handy on-site service to get me up and running again in no time.

Now having said that, there are a few things that would be different with no geek in my house.
For instance, I wouldn't currently have half ownership in 8 computers throughout our house.
Apparently we must have at least one for every bedroom and a few spares, just in case.

We recently got a new very HUGE television and he's rewired it several times to get it just the way he wants it.

Last night he drilled a hole in the wall, threaded a Cat-5 cable to it and re-wired it so we could bring up the internet on our new HUGE screen in the den.
Why you may ask?
Because he could. That's why. :):)
He had the tools and he had the technology. :)

Then he brought up my website in the HUGE screen and I stopped rolling my eyes. :)
After all, he's the one who designed my website so like I said at first...being married to a geek has advantages. ;-)
L



Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Siren Publishing Day at EcataRomance!




You're invited!



Save the Date! The authors from Siren Publishing will be joining us at Sensual.Ecataromance.com on Wed August 22 & 23. Drop by throughout the day and say hello, ask questions, etc. It's super easy for you to participate.


Drop by any time throughout the day as this isn't a "real time" chat, but a discussion similar to that of a message board or an email list.

Visit this link: http://sensual.ecataromance.com/index.php?p=109

Scroll down, read the message, see which authors are participating (and visit their websites by clicking on their names) and then you'll find the comments & discussion at the bottom.

When you're ready to post, the form is at the very bottom of the page. Enter your name and a valid email address, write your comment in the main text box and press Submit Comment. Comments by first time visitors are moderated to reduce spam. Once your comment has been approved it will appear on the site for everyone to read. And from then on, any comments you make under the same name/email will be automatically approved.

The Siren authors are a great bunch and there's lots to talk about and tons of great book recommendations. So keep a pen and your To Be Read list handy. I'm sure you'll be adding new books to it!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I shamelessly copied this from Gracie C. McKeever's newsletter message. :):)
She's my friend. Surely she won't mind, right? :)
L



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Sunday, August 19, 2007

Just A Kiss and a trip down memory lane

Even more than a year and a half after its release, Just A Kiss is doing very well.

It's # 5 at ebooks.com Just A kiss at ebooks.com
(If you click on the ebooks page above also note that #6 on the list is The Miner's Wife and the first book of mine published by Siren Publishing. )

It's # 22 in the erotic section at Fictionwise. Woo Hoo. :)
Just A Kiss at Fictionwise




Two years ago from right now my fate was being decided regarding this book.
I had submitted it, completed a small revision and awaited the final response. :)

The response turned out to be my "call" from Siren Publishing resulting in my first publishing contract.

Two years later, I'm waiting again for an indirect response for this book. :)
I recently sent in my PAN application to RWA and Just A Kiss is the book I listed on the form to qualify. :)

It amazes me that two years has already gone by and I hope that two years from now Just A Kiss will be just as popular. :)

I've posted a blurb and the reviews below because it's my trip down memory lane and I can post whatever I want to. :)

Do you remember
two years ago?
I hope the memories were fond ones. :)
L


The blurb:

Just A Kiss

Siren: #1 All-Time Bestseller
Fictionwise: #2 Bestselling Romance (6 months)
Ebooks.com: #3 Bestselling Erotic Romance
NOMINEE: Ecataromance 2006 Reviewers' Choice Award

What is the definition of a kiss? Is it universal? What if it wasn't?

Gabrielle runs for her life from a madman and stumbles straight onto the departure platform of an alien ship on its way back to Tiburon, a distant planet two galaxies away.

Keller, the future king of Tiburon, rests on a marble structure, obviously ailing from unseen wounds. He wakes enough from his delirium to plead with Gabrielle for a kiss. So she places her lips on his, kissing him in the only way she knows how. The kiss ultimately rocks her heart and soul and delivers a powerful orgasm directly after as she tastes a rich chocolate flavor.

However, a kiss has an entirely different meaning on Tiburon, and Gabrielle may have just mouth-touched her way into a permanent relationship with the powerful future leader of a planet of aliens.

Sensuality Rating: SIZZLING
Genre:
Sci-Fi
Length: Novel (~39,000 words)


REVIEWS for Just A Kiss [The Tiburon Duet 1]

"This is not just any kiss...this one is hot chocolate, cool aliens and stone cold sexy reading!" Roxanne St. Claire, National Bestselling Author


"Lara Santiago delivers in this fast-paced romance. Just a Kiss is a must read for those that love a good love story with a lot of steam." Romance Readers Weekly: Book Club Selection

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

5 Stars: 2006 Reviewers' Choice Award Nominee: "On the run from a madman, Gabrielle accidentally stumbles onto the platform of a departing alien ship. Instead of facing death, Gabrielle is faced with a fate much worse, with just one kiss. How much trouble can one chocolate orgasmic kiss be?
Keller, the future king of Tiburon awakes from a delirium demanding a kiss. Now life mated to an irresistible earth woman, Keller defends their relationship against the racism and tradition of his people, regardless of the consequences.
Amongst orgasmic chocolate kisses and fiery chemistry, you will be totally captivated in the hilariously sweet romance of two people bound together by 'Just A Kiss.' Be warned, you may either laugh uncontrollably or need water to cool you down while reading Just A Kiss." Suz Smith, Ecataromance

5 Kisses: "Lara Santiago has such a charming writing style. You can’t help but fall in love with her characters. Coupled with unique and creative storylines, she is an author that is quickly rising to the top of my must-read list. Just a Kiss brings to light the difference between talking and communicating and is a sexy, endearing tale about two very delightful people. Both Gabrielle and Keller are people that you take an immediate liking to and as their story develops, you don’t want it to end. Their chemistry is intense and their love scenes erotic. With the introduction of so many new and creative ideas, this story will leave you wanting to rediscover the beauty of just a kiss…" Kerin, Two Lips Reviews

5 Hot Tattoos: "Just A Kiss by Lara Santiago is a unique view into life on other planets. This witty and romantic tale created laughter and tears as I read it. I could not put the book down. Keller is a powerful man determined to claim Gabrielle as his bride. His sexy charm and rugged looks make him a perfect example of why we should look for life on other planets. Gabrielle is a lonely modern woman wanting something more out of life. The grace in which she handles the dramatic events in her life is amazing.
The orgasmic kisses Keller and Gabrielle share are breathtaking. Ms. Santiago captures the raw essence of erotic passion in these kisses. I would love to receive just one of Keller’s kisses. The mesmerizing love scenes made my heart skip a beat. The passion this couple shares makes all the hurdles they have to jump worthwhile. I will read Gabrielle and Keller’s love story over and over again." —Ophelia, Erotic-Escapades

4.5 Hearts: "Just A Kiss is a very unique book that readers will find highly interesting and even funny. Keller is not your ordinary alien and boy, when it comes to sensuality this man has it in droves! Gabrielle gets caught in the middle of a sticky situation. She doesn't mean to get abducted, but when she does, winds up having the adventure of a lifetime. The love scenes are intense and so hot they almost steam up the computer screen. Lara Santiago is certainly an author to watch and I will be on the lookout for more of her work in the future." —Angel, The Romance Studio

4 Blue Ribbons: "Wow! Just A Kiss is a text book example of cultural misunderstandings, or maybe I should say, species misunderstandings. This book has a little bit of everything: action, romance, and hot love scenes. Lara Santiago seems to have a talent for taking a look at a familiar situation and giving it a whole new twist. In this case, men and women read different meanings into what is said.
This is one tale that I recommend when you are in the mood for something lightweight, but romantic. Just A Kiss is a perfect read for romance lovers that enjoy humor with their stories. Keep your eye on Lara Santiago. She is showing great promise." —Belle Rouge, Romance Junkies

4 Kisses: "While on the run from a psychotic killer, Gabrielle darts right into the middle of an alien expedition departing Earth. When Keller, an ailing warrior on board, asks her for a kiss, she is happy to oblige. She gets a great deal more than she bargained for, however—an incredible chocolate flavored orgasm and an education on the differences in language. As it turns out, mouth touching on Tiburon is a life-altering event.
Gabrielle is feisty and genial, and Keller’s determination to have her drives the story. Just A Kiss is another great story from Lara Santiago—fast paced, hot and with just the right amount of twists to keep it interesting!" Loribelle Hunt, Romance Divas

4 Stars: "This futuristic novella has a quick pace and remarkable culture diversity. I could not put this book down until I reached the end. The smooth writing kept the plot moving effortlessly, allowing the focus to remain on what was happening and the subtle undertones occurring between the characters...Overall, if you enjoy books with a futuristic flair and unique society differences, Just A Kiss will satisfy you and leave you looking for more novels by Ms. Santiago. I’ll be keeping my eye on this author." Francesca Hayne, Just Erotic Romance Reviews

4 Stars: "Lara Santiago's Just A Kiss is an enticing story that will grab the reader from the first page. The chemistry between Gabrielle and Keller burns from their first meeting and just gets hotter. This story is the perfect mix of adventure and romance. I enjoyed that both Keller and Gabrielle were willing to leave their comfort zone in order to be together." Tewanda, Fallen Angel Reviews

4 Cups: "Ms Santiago has a winner in this story. Gabrielle and Keller are very realistic characters in a difficult situation. The settings on Earth and Tiburon are well described, as are the supporting characters. I laughed at the description of Gabrielle as a "puny Earthling." The plot line was very involving, and I found myself unable to put this one down until the end." Maura, Coffee Time Romance

4 Stars: "Santiago blends sci-fi and steamy erotica in this two-book collection [The Tiburon Duet]. The stories will captivate readers looking for something imaginative and different. Cleverly written dialogue brings the characters to life in this entertaining read, and the alpha aliens are out of this world." —Romantic Times Book Reviews





Friday, August 17, 2007

My talented child



A blog to check out...Kristen's Cats go into Politics.

One of my kids made this picture up for Kristen.
He's very creative. :)





Here is the first picture he created for the campaign.
Isn't he funny?...he gets it from me. :)
L

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Wednesday, August 15, 2007

And so it begins...

...it's only mid-August now, but it won't be long until I feel the quick and very slippery slide through to the end of the year.

Remember years ago when they had those BIG slides? You climbed to the top of the slide on what seemed like a thousand stairs trying not to look down. I was afraid of heights so my heart pounded and tried to escape through my chest. Once at the top you grabbed a burlap sack, balanced yourself on it and then...Woo Hoo...Away you went, hair streaming behind you all the way down until the burlap sack caught on the Astroturf at the very bottom. (You know, simple entertainment while we fended off the dinosaurs. ha ha )
That is what is about to happen. I have my burlap sack in hand and I'm about to ride the Big Slide down to the end of the year. :)

School enrollment for my kids was yesterday. It was fairly painless and my favorite part was that soon, I'll have the house to myself again. Best of all is that the school bus driver will become their new chauffer.

I know that next week I'll buy school supplies, the week after will be meet the teacher open house at school. Then I'll turn around only once and suddenly it will be the 2007 holiday season.
The Big Slide is very fast, you know.

So does anyone besides me remember the Big Slide?
Or am I the sole survivor of this era. :)
L

Oh Yeah...and before I forget Happy Holidays. :):)


Monday, August 13, 2007

Happy Birthday to my brother...


Yes...he's 40 years old today.
Muwahahahaha!

No...I'm not going to mention whether he's older or younger.
That is inconsequential information, if you ask me. :)



I hope you have a wonderful day but don't strain yourself...you are getting up there in years, you know.
How about some nice shuffleboard. :)
L

Friday, August 10, 2007

The End is Near...




...the end of summer, that is. :):)


Or maybe this is just wishful thinking on my part since it has been blazing hot with a heat index of over 105 every day for the past week. (Big heated sigh)

"Has Hell come to take over Florida?" I ask daily as I kick my aging air conditioner trying valiantly to keep the internal house temperature under 85.

Soon the kids will be back at school, the temperature will dip to a reasonable level, and I won't be quite so cranky.
Well...we can only hope.

Anyone else sick of feeling the heat?
L

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

SALE! SALE! SALE! at Siren Publishing

Siren Publishing is having an end of summer sale.
Woo Hoo!!
All e-books at the Siren Bookstore are under $4.99 until August 31st.

That means a big 33% savings off of The Blonde Bomb Tech. :):)

So if you don't have a copy yet...here is your big chance. :)
L


The Blonde Bomb Tech

"This is an exceptional, action-filled story that takes off with a bang right from the start. A first-rate mystery; a tortured, yet strong heroine; and a hero who is not too perfect will leave readers unable to put this book down. Included are some nicely developed secondary characters and the ending is very well done and satisfying. 4.5 Stars" Romantic Times BOOKreviews

Siren: All-Time Bestseller List
Mobipocket: #5 Bestseller in Erotic Romance
Fictionwise: Highest Rated Bestseller


A blurb:

Commitment-phobic bomb technician, Sabrina Morgan, flies unexpectedly into the arms of firefighter, Jake Donovan, seconds before a bomb explodes. This was her first failure, and in Jake's sizzling embrace, Sabrina is grateful for his comfort in helping her hide her secret fear of explosions.

Jake falls in love with the passionate but emotionally wounded Sabrina. He thinks she is perfect for him. Also, who better than a bomb technician will understand and support his dangerous career as a firefighter? Looking to settle down and start a big family like the one he grew up in, Jake pursues Sabrina, who can't tell him her other big secret: she can't have children.

Sabrina negotiates a tenuous affair with Jake as she tries to stop a serial bomber from detonating any more bombs in their small city outside of Boston. Her enemy's ultimate goal is to kill her for surviving a tragedy in her past.


More REVIEWS for The Blonde Bomb Tech

5 Kisses: "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!" Kerin, Two Lips Reviews

5 Angels: "The Blonde Bomb Tech by Lara Santiago is an erotic suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat, page after page. You can’t put the book down, the danger and love in this story keeps you involved until the end. Sabrina Donavan doesn’t like men; her past has jaded her against them. I love how she meets Jake in this story. Ms. Santiago not only writes a great dangerous story, but her erotic scenes sizzle right off the pages. I enjoyed the power struggle between these two, I couldn’t get enough. The ending is something any reader will enjoy. Thanks you Ms. Santiago for this great story, I’m certainly a big fan. I can’t wait to see more." Becky, Fallen Angel Reviews

5 Kisses: "From page one the countdown began. The Blond Bomb Tech kept the pages turning for me. The intense heat from these characters burned right through the page. Although they fell in love rather quickly, it was a deep and sincere love. Sometimes love will do that for you. This story is fully charged and had me ignoring people so that I could finish it. Don’t deny yourself this reading pleasure; pick up this book. You won’t be sorry." D. D. Blackman, Romance Divas

4.5 Stars: "The Blonde Bomb Tech has a cast of characters that kept me turning the pages in order to dive more deeply into their lives. Sabrina's character is absolutely fabulous. It is not often that she relaxes enough in someone's presence to reveal her soft mushy side. However, for some reason Jake brought that side out of her. Reading of how Jake comforts Sabrina in her time of need gets me all sentimental. Even the sub-characters and villains are interesting. The plot turned many times causing my eyes to stay glued to the screen. Jake and Sabrina spend a lot of time expressing their feelings for each other through intercourse. Personally, I think this a great idea on the part of Lara Santiago. The combination of sex and climatic drama brought adrenaline into my system at a rapid pace. I found The Blonde Bomb Tech highly entertaining and a definite fast read. Ms. Santiago weaves a fantastic tale. Bravo." —Suni Farrar, Just Erotic Romance Reviews

4 Cups: "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, Coffee Time Romance

"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 Blonde Bomb Tech. The story and the sex are both hot. When can I get more?" Vanessa Costa, Romance Reviews Today

Saturday, August 04, 2007

The Bourne Ultimatum















The Bourne Ultimatum

So has anyone gone to see this movie yet?
I saw it today.
Personally, I loved it. Talk about action packed!
There was a scene (I won't spoil it though) where I was doing the whole resting on the edge of my seat thing.
I had to reach out and hold my husband's hand. :):)
It was very exciting. :)

Whew!! I love spy films anyway and this is a great one.
Matt Damon is awesome in this series.

Anyone else a Bourne fan?
L



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