Party Time: Finding Her Rhythm Release Week

Half of the Children are gone to the Romantic Times Book Lovers' Convention this week. Since they're partying without us, I thought we'd have a little party while they're gone!

This week I'm celebrating the release of my new ebook, Finding Her Rhythm! My rock star hero is perfect for a good time (in more ways than one)!

As much as he loves the stage, Michael Korvello's favorite kind of party is one-on-one with his new flame, Taylor Jemison. Not your average groupie, Taylor is curvy, quiet -- and the new nanny for Michael's teenage children. Boy, is her life about to change! But first, Michael must find out the truth about Taylor's past, and protect her from an ex bent on taking her back, even if he has to tear Michael's family apart to have her.

Strong, protective, and sexy as hell! I'd party with Michael anytime! If you could party (or even just hang out) with any romance hero today, which one would you choose and why?

Dani

*One lucky commenter will win an Amazon or B&N gift card!

Launch Party

The day has arrived! Today my second book, More Than He Expected, hits shelves and ships from online retailers. At least, in theory. I found last time it took a couple days for it to show up on store shelves. With the holiday, maybe even a day or two longer. But I'm celebrating nonetheless!

I love this book. The hero, Alex, was just so much fun to torture. He's sole heir to a steel fortune, a real estate tycoon, and a real dog when it comes to the ladies. He's got everything he wants, but that's where the joy of writing comes in - making him want something he can't have and has never wanted before. Mwahaha. <-- Evil laugh

The heroine, Gwen, was a lot of fun, too. She's short and spunky. In a way, she reminds me a little of my great grandmother. She was four foot, eleven, but that never stopped her from giving her grandsons (all 6 foot plus) a piece of her mind. She even broke a chair spanking my uncle over her knee once. Gwen has the same fire in a tiny package, and I love that about her.

She's also got a little bit of my mom in her. Gwen is a caretaker, a giver. She'd do anything for anybody and ask for nothing in return. She's a nurse, and a surrogate for a desperate couple. If her apartment were larger than a postage stamp, she'd probably take in stray animals and unloved children. She deserves so much more than her life has given her and Alex is just the guy to give her everything she needs.

If he'd just get his head out of his rear end. Men.

Anyway, so let's celebrate! Let's pour some mimosas and pretend we're in the Hamptons for the 4th of July like Gwen and Alex are in the story. We're surrounded by sun and sand, country charm and subdued elegance. Tell me how you're spending your 4th of July holiday and you could win a copy of More Than He Expected!

SP

Launch Party

I feel like I've spent a good part of the last year celebrating. Every few weeks is another cool milestone on the road. There has been flowers and fondue and charm bracelets and sparkly shoes. Celebrating my sale with friends and family, getting a title, a cover, my first review, my first fan letter... But now we've finally gotten to the time I've been waiting 11 months for - hell, that I've been waiting my whole life for!

It's real. Really real. They can't change their mind or take it back. I AM a published author. My book is on shelves (after a minor setback where the local stores weren't in a hurry to stock), online, and downloading to e-readers everywhere. People other than my editor and critique partners are reading my books. People I don't even know!

Can I get a "squeee" up in here??

It is time to party, people. Bust out the champagne. We've got gourmet cupcakes and a chocolate fountain, as all good parties do. Dip a marshmallow in some milk chocolate goodness and celebrate.

SP

PS. I'm blogging with the Love Cats Down Under on Sunday - The Sunday Smooch. :) Pop in for another entry in my contest and read a steamy excerpt from What Lies Beneath.

Afterburn Launch Party

You know, I've been wondering over the last few days when this is going to get old. Seeing my book on the shelf. So far, it hasn't and I really hope that it never does. Next to having my girls and marrying my husband it's the best feeling in the world. Amazing!

Each book is different. They all offer their own highs and lows. I loved Afterburn because it made me stretch and grow out of my comfort zone. I learned about the Air Force, learned about myself and my writing. All of these things are going to help me make my next books even better.

And I want to thank everyone here on the Playground for helping me get to this point. I wouldn't have been able to do this without the Playfriends, our Mavens and our SoapBox Queen Rhonda. But I also want to thank all of our readers for their support, encouragement and enthusiasm. There's nothing in this world like finding a group of people who believe in you.

But enough of the teary-eyed speeches. What would a Playground party be without teeter totters, buttery nipples and chocolate martinis? Who cares if it is eight AM? Be sure and pick up a drink from one of the cabana boys, help yourself to the amazing spread of food and enjoy a lounge by the pool. Oh, and don't forget to post because I'll be giving away a copy of Afterburn to one visitor today.

Instigator

P.S. I'm also guest blogging at the romance bandits today so stop by and say hi. http://romancebandits.blogspot.com/

P.P.S. And if you haven't bought your copy of Afterburn... :-) BooksAMillion, Barnes and Noble, Amazon.

Launch Party - Whispers in the Dark

The past week and a half have been an absolute blur. Oh who am I kidding? The past fourteen months have been a blur. But it's finally here - Whispers in the Dark is on the shelves! Cue the happy hamster dance music and the Squee machine.

I'll be honest and say that the experience has exceeded even my wildest expectations. There's nothing like walking into my local Walmart to see my own book on the shelf (which is the picture to the left).

And I have to say that I couldn't have asked for a better release date - right smack dab in the middle of national conference. In fact, my book's official release date was the same day we presented our workshop.

As if that wasn't enough, I got to attend the literacy signing for the very first time. It was a bit of a surreal experience but what better way to lose my signing virginity than with 520 of the most talented writers? (I have to say a huge Thank You to Nalini Singh! She sat next to me and was so friendly and wonderful.) Whispers was also featured at the book fair and about Saturday morning Smarty Pants reminded me that it would probably be an excellent idea if I went and signed them all. Doh! I seriously should have thought of that sooner. All week I had trouble remembering that I was supposed to be promoting my book. I seriously need to practice that a bit. However, my kick ass first sale shoes got me some major attention which usually reminded me (how could I forget the reason for them in the first place?!?).

I'm so glad that everyone here on the playground has been on this amazing journey with me over the last year. It wouldn't have been the same experience without the excitement and support of the Playfriends and the wonderful friends I've met through this blog. So, in honor of y'all we're throwing a huge party. Indulge in the chocolate fountain, free-flowing drinks of every variety, calorie free cheese cake and cheese pizza (what can I say? I like pizza). Schedule an appointment with the masseuse and pull up a mani/pedi chair. Indulge and enjoy - I know I will!

Thanks everyone!! I couldn't have gotten here without you all.

Love,
Kira

P.S. I'm going to give away a free copy of Whispers to one commenter today so be sure to say hi!