Just when you thought it was safe to venture back into the Lair for a quiet afternoon of meditation …
IT’S PARTY TIME!!!
That’s right! Welcome to the official launch party for my latest release from Harlequin Desire, HOW TO SEDUCE A BILLIONAIRE! This is the third book in my Duke Brothers trilogy and I’m so excited to celebrate its publication this month.
The story takes place in the beautiful Napa Valley wine country, so that's where the party is! Please step right out onto the wide terrace and check out the sweeping view of the Valley and its rolling hills covered in grapevines. As a special party treat, along with our fabulous selection of fine wines and champagne, we’re serving Millionaire Mojitos! We’ve also got a delicious array of Trillionaire Tapas served with exuberance and charm by our Billionaire Bandita Cabana Boys.
So help yourself to a drinkie and some luscious hors d’oeuvres while you peruse the back cover blurb:
The first step…mix business with pleasure
New hairdo? Make-up? A dress? Where did his efficient secretary go? Because the woman in front of Brandon Duke is not the Kelly Meredith who left on vacation two weeks ago. He is shocked—and curiously enchanted—by her transformation.
She says this makeover is all part of her plan…to become more seductive. And this billionaire is just the man to give his suddenly sultry assistant a few lessons in love. He’ll go slow, savor every moment and then say good-bye—as long as he can remember just who is seducing who!
And here’s a short, PG-13 rated excerpt that takes place after a confrontation in the hotel lobby:
“Who’s the ice queen?” Brandon asked as they strolled back to the office together.
Kelly fr
owned. “I just assumed she was his assistant, but she was awfully pushy, wasn’t she?”
He glanced at her sideways. “Yeah, kind of like you.”
“I’m not pushy,” she said in mock outrage.
“Yeah you are,” he said as he led her into their office suite and closed and locked the door.
“Well, I guess I can be pushy once in a while, but I’m nothing like—”
Without warning, he spun her around. She let out a tiny shriek as he urged her back against the wall.
“Just look at the way you push me around,” Brandon said. “The way you force me to do this ...” He lowered his head and began to nibble her neck. Kelly felt the electric sensation all the way down to her toes. “And this ...” Brandon used both hands to flip her short jacket off her shoulders, trapping her arms behind her and causing her breasts to be thrust forward.
“But ... oh, yes.”
“So damn pushy.” He held her jacket with one hand while he slid his other hand under her thin sweater until he reached her breasts.
“Brandon,” she whispered, then moaned when he swiftly maneuvered her bra out of the way and used his fingers to tease and excite her nipples. But through the thick haze of pleasure, she remembered something important and grabbed his hand. “Brandon, wait. We weren’t going to do this anymore. We should stop. We should ...”
“We’ll stop after this, I swear,” he muttered, pulling her sweater up and off. “But I can’t wait any longer. I’ve got to have you now.”
“Yes, please,” she said, straining to remove her jacket as he bent to lick her breasts. “Hurry.”
“Pushy,” he murmured again as he kissed and nibbled his way back and forth between her breasts.
“Oh, shut up and kiss me,” she grumbled as she reached up and whipped his jacket off.
His laugh was deep and full. “I do love a pushy woman.”
I’m thrilled that RT Book Reviews gave HOW TO SEDUCE A BILLIONAIRE 4-1/2 stars, saying “Laugh-out-loud funny in spots and a consistently entertaining read, the unexpected romance of Bra
ndon Duke and Kelly Meredith will give readers a wholly warm and joyful feeling.”
Now, I don’t mean to be pushy, but to celebrate my book launch, I’m giving away a signed copy of the first two books in the Duke Brothers trilogy, THE MILLIONAIRE MEETS HIS MATCH and SWEET SURRENDER, BABY SURPRISE, to one random commenter today.
So ... which do you prefer? The dark, tormented hero or the one who can laugh out loud? Sweet heroines or pushy ones? Vanilla or chocolate? Champagne or mojitos? Let’s talk!
74 comments:
YAY..i think the Chook is coming to Fiji...
Kate...HAPPY LAUNCH DAY!!!!...and congrats on receiving 4.5 stars from RT...woohooo...
Hmmm so what do i prefer...the dark tormented hero because its so much fun reading about the heroine getting under his skin and torturing him some more until he can't handle it, and gives in to his desires. Pushy heroine because she knows what she whats and doesn't hesitate to go after it. Chocolate definitely chocolate. Chocolate just has a language of its own. And i'd go for both Champagne and mojitos.
Kate, wishing 'How to Seduce a Billionaire' every success.
Best Wishes.
WOO HOO!!! Launch Party in the Lair!
Congrats on nabbing the GR, Sonali. Is this your first time being stuck... er, um, WINNING him for the day? Lock up your chocolate and liquor. Oh and hide your car keys... Can't be too careful. ;-)
LOL, Kate! Quiet meditation in the Lair?!?!? AS IF!!!
I have How To Seduce A Billionaire as my next book when I get a break from my WIP. Hmmm, I have a summons for jury duty on Aug. 31st so that might be sooner than I expected. :-P
Pass me the chocolate and champagne! I'll take any kind of hero or heroine as long as they are fun to read about... LIKE YOURS!
And the Napa Valley is a wonderful location for the party. It's only a short drive from me and they are having a wonderfully mild summer this year. Bring a light wrap, coz the cool breezes can make the summer nights a bit chilly.
AC
Hey, Sonali, that chook is going to be grooving it in Fiji! Congrats.
Kate, congratulations! This book sounds so delicious. And congratulations on that fabulous RT review. I love a good launch in the lair. Actually I have very fond memories of the Napa Valley. I visited there when I was over for the San Francisco conference which I still think might be my fave US conference ever.
Hmm, do I have to choose in the hero stakes? I think I should have ALL of them!!!!
Congrats on the new release, Kate. Can I have a tortured hero who also knows how to laugh? I don't like pushy people, so while the heroine doesn't have to be sweet she should be likable. Bubbly all the way, although I do love those fruity margaritas.
AC don't worry i'm planning on taking him to the beach so that he can soak up some sun, surf and sand...ulterior motive...keep him away from the liquor and chocolates...LOL
What I prefer:
The dark, tormented hero who can laugh out loud every so often, and the sweet heroine who can be tough when she has to be (pushy people frighten me!)!
I could almost live on champagne. In fact we were celebrating Ukrainian independence yesterday, and champagne served as not one, but two of my meals – I’m a healthy person!
I’m looking forward to the new book.
I do love a dark tormented hero, throw in the chocolate & champagne & I am in Heaven.
I wish you every success!!
Woot, gotta love a launch party.
So ... which do you prefer? The dark, tormented hero or the one who can laugh out loud? Sweet heroines or pushy ones? Vanilla or chocolate? Champagne or mojitos? Let’s talk!
I pretty much like both types of heroes but I do love a man that can laugh.
On heroines, I like the pushy ones.
Chocolate of course, and mojitos, not necessarily together
Congrats on the release Kate, it is a going to be a great book.
Well done Sonali have fun with him
Kate
Yay I do love a launch party and in the Napa Valley with all these wonderful drinks to have I am in my element.
I have loved this series about The Duke Brothers and I have the newest one the e reader it will be next up ( I have just finished Beth's loved it and am reading Donna's now and loving it)
So ... which do you prefer? The dark, tormented hero or the one who can laugh out loud? Sweet heroines or pushy ones? Vanilla or chocolate? Champagne or mojitos?
I love them all I think it depends on the book I am reading at the time as for the heroines yep either way I love to see them react with the hero. It has to be chocolate although I love vanilla as well Love me some champagne LOL
Congrats on the release Kate can't wait to read this one
Have Fun
Helen
Congratulations on your newest release!
I can't really decide between the dark and tormented hero and the funny hero. Can I just pick both? :P
And as for the rest: chocolate (it doesn't need an explanation right?), mojitos (perfect for summer). As for pushy characters, I think it depends on how pushy they are.
Aloha! I prefer dark heroes, pushy heroines, chocolate anything, and Mai Tais.
This is the perfect book to read on Waikiki Beach!
Congrats, Sonali! Is this the GR's first visit to Fiji?
Kate, congrats on the release of HOW TO SEDUCE A BILLIONAIRE! I adored this story! Brandon and Kelly were so much fun. I especially enjoyed watching Brandon take the fall. :)
Am I right in guessing that we'll be getting at least two more stories in this series? (she asked, hopefully!)
Kate ~ Thank you so much for the last book in the Duke Brothers trilogy. I can't wait to read it. It's on it's way to me as I write this.
Congratulations on the 4.5 rating. I like a mix of heroes but one that can laugh out loud holds my attention more. I love books with a touch of humor in them.
Your book sounds great. I love the cover. My favorite heroes are the dark,tortured ones.
Congratulations Sonali - I don't think the GR has ever been to Fiji before.
Kate - I definitely prefer laugh out loud heroes and laugh out loud romances. This one sounds like a real winner. I'm preordering a copy now.
Aa for the rest - I like relutantly pushy heroines, chocolate, and...send me a couple of those mojitos.
Happy Launch Day! I perfer both types of heros depends on the mood I am in. Same with the heroines. Chocolate all the way!!! I also go for both Champagne and Mojitos.
What a lucky rooster!! Congrats on snagging that Bad Bird, Sonali, but do heed Aunty's advice to lock up the liquor!
Thanks so much for the good wishes. I loved writing these characters and I'm so glad Brandon got his happy ending. :-)
Mm yes, and I do love a tortured hero!
Forgot to say ... Good morning Banditas!! Sorry I'm a little late to the Lair but I got up early to take a walk and buy a latte, then ran into neighbors and talked for a while. It's a beautiful day in Southern California. :-)
Congrats, Kate! Party all day and night in the Lair! *g*
I am partial to the dark, tormented hero, but you gotta love a man who loves to laugh. Heroines...I'd rather see one who is strong, but not too pushy.
Chocolate or vanilla? I luurve me some chocolate, but I actually like vanilla milkshakes.
Mojito or champagne? Love them both! :-)
Hi Anuty Cindy! I thought that "quiet meditation" line would get a few snorts from the Banditas!
Ooh, I think HOW TO SEDUCE A BILLIONAIRE is the perfect choice of reading material for jury duty! I'm sure you'll be chosen for the jury immediately based on your high intellect and excellent good taste. Snork!!
Er ... you don't mind if I call you *Anuty* Cindy, do you?
Yeesh! My morning fingers are a little slippery on the keyboard. Sorry!
Helloo, Miss Anna!! Greetings and thanks so much for your tweetieness! ;-)
I should've added another choice for hero type, namely ALL OF THE ABOVE. After all, who doesn't love a dark hero who also knows how to laugh? A certain Marquess of Ranelaw comes to mind ... mmm, delicious man!!!
Hi Jane! I hope my heroine Kelly comes across as likeable! Brandon was just teasing her in that little scene. She's really not pushy at all. She just knows what she wants. ;-)
Hi Sonya, thanks for coming by the Lair today! And how lovely to be celebrating Ukrainian independence. Congratulations!
And I love the idea of living on champagne--at least for one day. ;-)
Good morning, Marybelle! I think you've listed everything that goes into making a perfect life: dark tormented hero, champagne, chocolate. Did we miss anything? I don't think so. ;-)
Hi Dianna! So happy you could make it to my launch party--and thank you for your congrats and good thoughts!
I'm laughing at your choice of chocolate and mojitos, "not necessarily together." LOL! I'm right there with ya! ;-)
Hi Helen, lovely to see you today! Thanks for coming to the party!
Ahh, dark chocolate is the perfect accompaniment when reading about a dark tortured hero. And I'm so honored to be up next on your e-reader -- and I'm in such good company! Donna's book is up next for me. ;-)
Sense of humor and chocolate! Count me in for a chance for free books...and mojitos.
Hi Antonia! Thanks for stopping by the Lair today!
You can definitely choose both types of heroes! I've instituted a new choice--ALL OF THE ABOVE. Because who doesn't love a dark hero with a sense of humor? :-)
Aloha, Kim!! I love all your choices! And I really love the image of you on Waikiki Beach, sipping a Mai Tai -- and reading HOW TO SEDUCE A BILLIONAIRE, of course. hehehe! ;-)
Hi PJ! Thank you so much for your congrats and for loving Brandon's book! I enjoyed writing his story so much.
And thanks for asking about future Duke books. As a matter of fact, as you know, thanks to Sally Duke's determination, the Duke brothers have finally found their long lost twin cousins, Logan and Aidan. So ... {{drum roll}} ... yes, Logan's book will be out in December! The title is AN INNOCENT IN PARADISE and I just recently saw the cover. It's so gorgeous! I want to enlarge it and hang it on my wall!
Um, I'm gushing, aren't I? LOL. I'm just very excited about Logan's story and I hope everyone enjoys it.
Oh, and Aidan's book will be out next year. :-)
Hi Kaelee! Thank you so much for the congrats on this book! I really hope you enjoy Brandon and Kelly's story!
I love a hero who can laugh out loud, too. It's a good thing, because even when I'm *trying* to write a tormented hero, he comes out sounding humorous. :-)
Hi Crystal, thanks for visiting the Lair today! I love dark heroes too, and I'm currently reading a book featuring that very sort of man, and I adore him with a wild passion that--well! It's MIDNIGHT'S WILD PASSION by our very own Ms. Anna Campbell. What a fabulous dark rogue she's created in Nicholas Challoner. He's positively yummy!
Good morning, Donna! Well, it's probably afternoon where you are. :-)
If you like hunky heroes with a sense of humor, I think you'll enjoy Brandon Duke's story. I had such great fun writing it.
(And I can't wait to sink my teeth ... so to speak *g* ... in your ROGUE! REDEEMING THE ROGUE is up next for me as a reward for finishing my novella.)
Hi Virginia! Thanks for coming to the party today! And I'm soo glad you like chocolate because we've got a fabulous chocolate fountain that you should--oh, I see you're already there. Well, I'll be right over to join you! It's my favorite, too. ;-)
Hi Gannon, so glad you could make it over to the Lair today! Grab a mojito and enjoy the beautiful view!
Whoa, that is a nice view. Love your new Speedo, Paulo. ;-)
I hear you on the vanilla milkshakes. I love chocolate everything--except ice cream. It's got to be vanilla. With hot fudge on top, of course. *g*
Hi Kuzlin, thanks for coming by to say hi! You're definitely in the running for free books! :-)
Congrats on the release, Kate!!
Who doesn't love a dark, tormented hero who also knows to laugh ;) I hope the one who makes him laugh is a pushy heroine - especially who can stand up to him and entices him out of his darkness ;) And OMG, loads of chocolate please :) In any way, except in ice-cream form :) I'm a through and through vanilla when it comes to icecreams LOL!
Thanks so much for the fab giveaway. Definitely count me in. judimello AT gmail DOT com
Congratulations, Kate, on the release
of HTSAB today! Do I really have to
make a choice in the area of hero and
heroine? As long as they capture my
attention and interest, I'm happy to
read them. Same goes for the other two
categories although I might lean toward
vanilla and champagne!
Happy Launch Day! I'm looking forward
to reading this book!
Hi Ju, thanks for swinging by for the party! And thank you for the congrats. I'm so happy to be celebrating the launch of this book today. :-)
And I'm so completely with you on the vanilla ice cream! Chocolate in all things except ice cream. It used to give me migraines, so I've learned to avoid it. But strangely enough, if I have vanilla with hot fudge, I'm fine. Go figure.
Hi Pat! Thanks so much for the congrats and for coming to the party! I hope you enjoy Brandon's story when you get a chance to read it.
And you don't have to make any choices on the hero question. You can have them all! ;-)
LOL Kate, you forgot one "t" Anutty Cindy!
And GOOD PLAN, Sonali, take the GR to the beach and if he gives you any trouble... SHARK BAIT!
For those who have not visited the Napa Valley, perhaps we should take a little excursion to some of the tasting rooms. One is on top of a hill and has a fun sky ride (like Disneyland) to transport you there! Also Christian Brothers stores their wine barrels in caves (they are naturally cool) and used to take you on really cool tours inside.
What is Paolo doing in that Speedo?!?! Not that Aunty is complaining, but WTH?!?!?!
AC
LOL Aunty!! I mean ... Anutty! Yeah, that works!
Oh, I love that sky ride up to that beautiful white-walled winery. Is that Sterling Vineyards? Not sure, but it's so pretty! Napa is so much fun and, hey, there's all that wine. What's not to love? :-)
GR = Shark bait. Snork!!
The dark, tormented hero or the one who can laugh out loud? Depends on my mood.
Sweet heroines or pushy ones? I prefer something in between.
Vanilla or chocolate? Chocolate.
Champagne or mojitos? Neither. I prefer tea.
Hi Kate! Congrats on the release and the 4.5 star review from RT.
I guess I prefer heroes that are dark and tormented because it's so much fun to watch the heroine get under his skin and make him a happy man. However, I love them one and all. Heroines need to be pushy -- they know what they want and they go after it. Chocolate instead of vanilla unless the vanilla is covered in chocolate. Both champagne and mojitos, please.
Sonali, congrats on the chook! Keep him busy. :-)
Kate, yay, another Kate Carlisle Desire for me to read! That's a fabulous excerpt.
I prefer a dark, tormented hero, but he needs to have a sense of humor.
Congratulations on your release day!
I prefer the hero who can laugh out loud, sweet heroines and definitely chocolate of any kind. I think I would prefer a mojito...it just seems more summery to me right now and I'm still trying to hold on to summer..lol..Thanks for the giveaway!
WOOOHOOOO!!! Another Duke meets his match. Grins.
Kate, I think you have another winner on your hands. :>
And Sonali, I don't think that rascally rooster's ever BEEN to Fiji...and drat him, he beat me there. I wanna go to Fiji!!!
Katey-Kate, forgot to say HUGE congrats on the 4.5 Starred review! Yahooo!
And oooohhh, look at that view from the terrace. Love looking at vineyards.
Nice chardonnay, balmy day, yep. Perfect for a Launch Party.
Heehee.
AC said: LOL, Kate! Quiet meditation in the Lair?!?!? AS IF!!!
Hahaha! I was thinking the same thing, AC. Hahahah!
Whoooo hoooo, launch party in the Lair.
And I just want to say, "You were actually expecting a quiet moment here, Kate??" Uh, no way!!
Ooooh, has the chook ever been to Fiji, Sonali? What a great experience for him.
Kate, I have to say I love a man who can make me laugh. All my daughters say the same thing, so it must be a bottom-line criterion for falling in love.
But in fiction I do love the dark and dangerous alpha guy!
Great excerpt!
Jo said: But in fiction I do love the dark and dangerous alpha guy!
Dark and dangerous, dark and dangerous....where have I heard that before?
Hahahah!
I love 'em too, Jo, and Kate, you write them SOOOOOO well!
Hey Minna, I like your choices--and the fact that anything's possible, depending on your mood. I think we all can go along with that. :-)
I like tea, too. Iced tea for me today. Just poured myself a glass. :-)
Hi Cathy! Thanks for coming by today and thanks so much for the congrats!
I love what you said about the heroine getting under the skin of the tormented hero. It's so much fun to read that moment when he realizes he's ... happy? In love? Ah, but he fights it still. He wouldn't be our tormented hero if he didn't fight that happiness for a little while. :-)
Hi Nancy!! So glad you could make a quick stop by the Lair today!
And thanks so much for the good wishes. I hope you love the book!
Maria, thanks so much for the congrats!
For some reason, I'm craving a *real* mojito after reading your comment -- something about making the summer last longer. That sounds like such a great idea! I might have to consult my bartender later this afternoon. *g*
I like heroes that are dark and tormented. They are complex but uncovering the layers can be very meaningful and satsifying. Even though they are complex men, it's important they have a sense of humour. Sarcasm counts too! They need to be able to make me laugh and to laugh at themselves. After all laughter is one of the best way to heal inner wounds.
Hey Jeanne! *Snork!* I'm still laughing about that quiet meditation line -- and I knew y'all would get a good laugh, too. Hehehe!
Thanks for the good wishes and so glad you're enjoying the Napa photos. Now THAT would be a fun destination for a Bandita retreat. Who's with me? ;-)
Howdy Jo!! Thanks for coming to the party!
Oh, you're so right. I love a man with a good sense of humor in real life, but there's nothing like a dark brooding alpha hero in a book!
Hi Na! So glad you could make it to the party! Have a mojito and enjoy the view!
Ooh, I really like what you said about uncovering the complex layers of our dark tormented heroes and eventually finding the sense of humor underneath all the layers of pain and angst. You're so right about laughter and healing. That's so important! And you said it so much better than I did. Thanks so much!
Yay! Happy Launch Party, Kate!
Oooh, the dark, tormented hero is very tempting but I think I'm going to go with the one who can laugh out loud. More fun that way. :D Also, pushy heroines, chocolate and yes to both champagne and mojitos. Heh!
LOL Pissenlit! I love your choice of the laugh out loud hero! That makes me think of some of Susan Elizabeth Phillips' fabulous heroes who are definitely alpha but so darned funny. Yup, I'm looking at you, Dan Calebow. You too, Cal Bonner. *g*
Happy Launch Party!
I like the dark, tormented hero and the one who can laugh out loud. Sweet heroines and strong ones (as long as they're not TSTL). Vanilla and chocolate. I don't drink wine and I don't know what mojitos are.
Hi everyone...no, GR has never been to Fiji because i had a lot of trouble sneaking him through immigrations...LOL.
Jeanne : And Sonali, I don't think that rascally rooster's ever BEEN to Fiji...and drat him, he beat me there. I wanna go to Fiji!!!
Jeanne your always welcome in Fiji but 'id advise you not to come at the same time as the rooster. His not to keen on sharing the beach and keeps scaring everyone away. Cheeky Rooster!
Ah man, that's like asking which is your favourite child!
I enjoy dark, tormented heroes, AND I enjoy heroes (and heroines) who can laugh out loud. I prefer witty banter between the H/h, but that is rare to find.
I enjoy sweet heroines but not sickeningly sweet ones, AND I enjoy pushy ones, but not ones who don't know boundaries.
Vanilla AND chocolate, although bubble gum or grape are my favourite flavours.
You lost me on the champagne or mojitos, though. I'm not much of a drinker (I'm wild enough without that too!) and I've never heard of mojitos before. Googled it and found that "Traditional mojitos are made with mint, rum, powdered sugar, lime, and club soda." I obviously have missed your Cabana parties at the Lair!
Hi Chey! Glad you could make it to the Party!
Oh, no TSTL heroines need apply! I don't mind if they're innocent or even a little naive in the beginning, but they can't be stupid. And even if they start out naive, they get smart and savvy really fast!
Well, you might not like mojitos either, but just so you know, they contain sugar and mint leaves and limes. Lots of muddling involved. Add lots of crushed ice and rum. And a tiny bit of club soda.
Very refreshing. :-)
LOL Sonali!!! Snork! That Rooster is so much trouble. I just hope you made it through Customs without ending up on someone's watch list!
Poor Jeanne. Now that the GR's had a taste of Fiji, he'll probably never leave. ;-)
LOL Laney! It's so good to see you here and I'm so glad you made it to the party! Yes, the parties in the Lair can get pretty wild, but that's just because we've got the chocolate fountain operating at full power 24 hours a day! It keeps us all in high gear. *g*
I love reading witty banter between hero and heroine! But you're right, it's very rare to find writers who do it well. Once again, SEP comes to mind. She's a master of the art. :-)
I like the dark tormented hero when the heroine is the sweet type. But when the heroine is the darker one I like the hero to be the fun type.
Chocolate over vanilla and champagne.
Dropping by late, but I HAD to stop in and join the party! Humpf! I spent all afternoon and night at work and the GR goes to Fiji???? What is WRONG with this picture!
CONGRATULATIONS KATE !!! Fabulous reviews and I can't wait to read this one! LOVE this series and especially the heroes!!
As to which I prefer, so long as they are well-written heartbreakers I'll take 'em all!
And the same goes for heroines!
CHOCOLATE !!!!!
And while I've never tried either I am going to pick champagne because I am reserving my first sip of champagne for the day I sell my first booK!
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