Thursday, October 13, 2011

I'm So Excited!!

By Kate

Since we Romance Bandits are on the verge of making our BIG ANNOUNCEMENT (it happens TOMORROW! Be sure to be here!), I’m leading off with that news:

We're kicking off Trick or Treat in the Lair with a BIG announcement tomorrow, October 14! We’ll be giving away Tricks and Treats every day, leading up to a special fun (BIG!) TREAT on Halloween. Everyone's getting excited! The Cabana Boys are concocting fabulous drinks for everyone, Sven is exercising his magic massage fingers, Ermingarde the Dragon is blowing smoke (he does that when he’s confused), and that wily Golden Rooster is up in arms—er, wings—because nobody tells him nothing!

But all will be revealed TOMORROW! Don’t miss out on all the BIG FUN in the LAIR!

Okay, I got that out of the way. Now back to your regularly scheduled news of the day. Believe me, I had something extremely serious and pithy to talk about today, but since I’m over-the-top excited about tomorrow’s announcement, I'm struggling to remember what that serious topic was. Darn. I'm sorry, but I don't think I can get pithy with you.

That being the case, I’ll simply have to amuse and entertain you with some blatant self-promotion. Wheee!!

I have a new cover to show you! It’s my December Desire, AN INNOCENT IN PARADISE. Isn’t it beautiful? And the story is so much fun. Here’s a little preview:

She knows everything … but desire

Grace Farrell is a genius scientist first, a woman a distant second—until she meets Logan Sutherland. The self-made millionaire is wickedly sexy, and with him, Grace learns a new lesson—how it feels to
want a man.

Logan has his roving eye on Grace from the moment she steps on his tropical island. But when he discovers she’s there under false pretenses, he orders her to leave. Faced with her refusal, the cynical bachelor works it all to his advantage. He’ll let her stay—in his bed! But will one night be enough?


I hope you’re intrigued! And there’s even more intrigue to come. My Harlequin Desire pal, Maureen Child, also has a tropical island Desire coming out in December, so the two of us are getting together to give away a fabulous Christmas in the Tropics goodie bag stuffed with tons of cool prizes. We'll get the contest started next month and you won’t want to miss it!

Whew, blatant self-promotion is exhausting! :-)

So … let's talk! Even though it’s warm and sunny in my neck of the woods today, I can still detect a hint of Autumn in the air. I love this time of year, with the changes in the light at the end of the day and all the spicy new scents wafting in the breeze. That's my favorite part about the changing of the seasons.

Oh, who am I kidding? I want fall fashions! That’s what I really love about Autumn. Clothes! I want to go shopping for cozy new sweaters and wooly plaid scarves to wear.

What about you? What’s your favorite aspect of Autumn? What makes you happy this time of year? Tell me all about it! I'm giving away two Harlequin Desires to a random commenter today - one from my Duke Brothers trilogy and one from Maureen Child's popular Kings of California series!

P.S. Did I mention that TOMORROW in the Lair we make our BIG announcement? See you here!

54 comments:

Pissenlit said...

Ooh, I love the colours of that cover!

My favourite part of Autumn is that I can break out the knitted scarves and hats which I have in abundance because that's mostly all I knit(sweaters and things smack of effort :D).

Jane said...

Congrats on the lovely cover, Kate. I need a massage from Sven. I do love the cool comfy weather and the lovely scenery of the leaves changing color. Shopping for Halloween candy and decorations is another favorite.

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Pissenlit, you got da chook!

Kate, that's a beautiful cover, one of your best I think. I love geek heroines! Actually I like geek heroes too. Susan Elizabeth Phillips has some lovely secondary romances featuring geek heroes that are absolutely sigh-worthy.

Heading for summer down here, hon. Having the storm right now to prove it. Hope it clears up. I need to head up to the post office this afternoon.

Hey, make sure you all check in tomorrow. The announcement is BIG!!!!!

Fedora said...

Sweet! And looking good, Kate!! ;)

Kaelee said...

Hi Kate ~ I love your cover. This will have to go on my to be bought list.

Autumn is in full glorious color here in Alberta. I love taking walks in the woods with the leaves crunching under my feet.

We get mainly yellow colors in the fall with the poplars, larch and tamarack trees. Then the few red leaves that we get on some of our shrubs just pop out at you. You can smell the crops being harvested and watch amazing sunsets and sunrises which send the leaves into a even greater blaze of rich color.

Helen said...

Well done Pissenlit have fun with him

Kate
I am soo looking forward to finding out what this announcment is going to be ???

I love autumn the colours and rugging up in warm jumpers and pants and curling up with a good book it always seems fresh to me.

I am also looking forward to your new book by the time I get it here in Oz I will be cooling of with the air con while I read it LOL

Have Fun
Helen
BTW Love the cover and Maureen's books sounds great as well

Mary Preston said...

I like the snuggling under a rug for reading. The Autumn colours are glorious of course.

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

I can't wait and I don't even know what I am waiting on.

The cover is beautiful and will go very nicely with the covers I already have of yours.

What I like most about fall is the lack of heat, I really don't deal well with heat at all and fall is just right for me. The leaves are beautiful in the mountains, it looks like a huge patchwork quilt.

Janga said...

Fall is my favorite season every year, but it's especially welcome this year after a l-o-n-g, hot summer. In addition to the blessing of cooler temps, there's football, family birthdays (One grand turns nine and another turns three this month), and Halloween costumes. Since winter doesn’t really begin until December 22, the holiday celebrations begin in fall with the Thanksgiving gathering and Christmas decorating and Santa list making. Looking at my book calendar and seeing all the wonderful books being released between now and the end of 2011 gives me dozens of additional reasons to celebrate. Did I say I love fall?

Heather said...

I absolutely LOVE this time of the year. Here in Northeast Ohio, the leaves are changing and it's perfect weather to throw on a nice comfy hoodie and some jeans! Halloween is right around the corner, so I was always find myself watching tv shows about haunted places. It seems each place has some very interesting history that I love learning about. This year I'm really happy about the fall because it means vacation! I leave Saturday for the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, and can't wait to see what autumn is like out there :) maybe check out Oktoberfest in Leavenworth. We shall see.

New book cover is beautiful! Can't wait to see it in person!

Gannon Carr said...

Woohoo! Early trick or treat time. :-)

Fall is my absolute favorite season. I love the brilliant colors of the foliage, the crisp cool air, fall festivals, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and a roaring fire in the fireplace (one of my favorite smells).

Laurie G said...

I'm eagerly awaiting your October 14th announcement!!

Fall: I love the cooler nights, the pretty Fall leaves, the smell and beauty of fires in the fireplace, so peaceful and romantic!

I like football games and wearing sweaters, jeans, hats and mittens when I take walks.

Finally, It gets me in the mood for the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas!

There was a gorgeous, huge, orange, full, harvest moon last night!

Deb said...

Kate, congrats on your release!

Autumn is beautiful here in Iowa. There are so many varied hues of reds, golds, yellows, oranges from trees to bushes to wild sumac to the corn and beans. Who could ever imagine so many reds? is what I often to think to myself. Farmers are in the fields (my dad wants to start harvesting in the next day or so).

I like the crispness of the air, yet some of the warm, sunny days of autumn. I do like all of the season in Iowa; each has something beautiful to put forth. (Yes, even with all the snow we get, I like winter.)

Mozette said...

Being an Aussie, our Autumns are so different from yours. We still get warm days with a chilly wind and the nights get a bite of a chill to them; so a bit of Summer during the day and as soon as the sun goes down, so does the temperature. Our skin dries out terribly and our crock pots/slow-cookers come out of the cupboards.

I don't mind Autumn a bit, as usually it's still warm enough to dry my laundry and there's plenty of wind to snap the clothes dry... but when we get out Wintery storms at that time of the year - wow! Can Mother Nature really turn on a show! :-O

Anna Sugden said...

Autumn is usually one of the nicest times of the year in the UK. Our summers can be unpredictable, but the fall weather is usually lovely. This year has been no exception.

You won't be surprised to know that the return of my favourite sports is my favourite thing about autumn! LOL Hockey and both types of football. (at least it would be if the bloody NHL would get another deal so we could watch hockey over here!!)

The other thing I like is the change in weather that means there is now no good reason to eat lettuce! *g*

Oooh love the cover!

And yay on the excitement in the Lair! Things are really going to rock!

Becke Davis said...

Kate - You've really intrigued me! I'm definitely going to stop by tomorrow to find out the big news - and hang out with you all and the cabana boys, of course!

The cover gods have smiled on you, Kate! Are you focusing more on romance than mystery now, or are you planning to alternate between the two? It's exciting that you've found success in both genres!

Joan said...

Tomorrow? Tomorrow? Oh, YES...TOMORROW!

Demetrius and the rest of the gladiators will be SO relieved when tomorrow comes...they've been working their shields off getting ready. They will need some serious attention at the end of the day.

Just sayin' ladies :D

As to the change in Fall light? Not a fan. NOW in the morning light streaming into my living room, I SEE the cat hair floating in the air....

VACCUM!!

Louisa Cornell said...

Blogger obviously ate my comment! Grrr!!

Or perhaps the GR ate it after his hard day at Nancy's yesterday! Good luck with him Pissenlit!

Fantastic cover, Kate! And I LOVE a geeky heroine seduced by a modern day rake. Can't wait to read the book!

Here in the Deep South, the thing I love most about Fall when it FINALLY arrives is the cooler weather. Summer tries to steal its sultry way back in on regular basis. Today is cool, windy and overcast but not too cold. A perfect Autumn day in Alabama.

girlygirlhoosier52 said...

Say, I believe that something reallly HUGE is going to happen here on the 14th... I have this premonition that will be wonderful things happening.... Autumn... cooler weather and pretty trees!

Addictive Passions said...

I can't wait to read this new story of yours! I do I like best about Autumn? Well, for one it's my birthday, and then Thanksgiving, and then....XMAS!!! OMG,so excited. something about autumn and the holidays that just bring out the good in everybody I think.

catslady said...

I'm afraid I'm a spring girl lol. I love seeing all the green after snow and sludge. I do love the colorful leaves but not the raking lol. But Halloween is a fun time!

Kate Carlisle said...

Good morning from the West Coast everyone!

Pissenlit, thanks for the cover love! I think it's one of the prettiest ever! You're so lucky you know how to knit. Your scarf drawer must be filled with a rainbow of warm and pretty colors. :-)

I knitted something ONCE. A wool scarf for my boyfriend in college. It took me so long to finish it, I went through THREE boyfriends. I finally ended up keeping it for myself. LOL

Kate Carlisle said...

Pissenlit, forgot to say CONGRATULATIONS!! You won da bird! He's another warm and cozy Autumn treat. Ha!

Kate Carlisle said...

Jane, Sven will be waiting for you tomorrow morning! I think you've got the first reservation, so his miraculous hands will be ready to do your bidding. ;-)

Thanks for more cover love! And ooh, I forgot all about Halloween candy! I was at the store yesterday, eyeing a big bag of candy corn. I almost grabbed it...but no. Not yet. But soon.

Kate Carlisle said...

Anna, I forgot it's moving toward summer in your world! Hope the storms pass and the weather turns beautiful for y'all.

Oh, I love my geeky scientist heroine! She's so brilliant and yet so clueless when it comes to love. But no worries, she's a fast learner. ;-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Hey Fedora! Thanks so much! ;-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Kaelee, thank you! I hope you love this book. It's a fun one.

Your description of the sights and smells of autumn in Alberta is so beautiful, I can almost see those sunsets and smell the crops being harvested. How wonderful to be able to enjoy all of it!

CrystalGB said...

What a great cover. What I like about fall is the beautiful colors of the leaves, the decorations, bonfires with smores and making soups and chilis.

TrishJ said...

I'll never get to sleep tonight -- can't wait for the BIG announcement tomorrow!! Fall is my favorite season. Love the cool crisp fall weather. Nothing like walking on crunch leaves bundled in a cozy sweater.

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Helen! I realized belatedly that our autumn is your spring! So that means that winter is calming down for you (hopefully!) and spring is in the air. That's another time of year I love. I guess the only time I don't go crazy over is the hottest days of summer. I'm so not a fan of the heat!

I think you'll enjoy Maureen's story too. It's an island story that features one of her fabulous KING men. Her Kings of California are one of my favorite families, right up there with my Duke brothers. :-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Marybelle, thanks for coming by the Lair today! Is there anything better on a cold day than snuggling on the couch with a good book? That might be the best idea of all. :-)

Kate Carlisle said...

LOL, Dianna! All will be revealed tomorrow!

I sooo agree with you on the heat. This last summer was a real killer, too. I'm so glad it's cooled off. And the mountain patchwork you described sounds so beautiful! Hope you can take time to enjoy it, because you deserve it. :-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Janga! Yes, I believe you might've mentioned that you love fall! LOL

Halloween costumes.That really brings back memories. And did somebody mention Halloween CANDY? Oh, maybe it was me. Heh heh. ;-)

Enjoy the season!

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Heather! I hope you love your vacation in Washington! It's so beautiful there and Oktoberfest sounds like a blast! Please let us know how you liked it.

Thanks so much for your sweet comment on my cover. I think it's beautiful too. :-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Gannon! You named all my favorite things about fall. Love that smell of fires in the fireplace. That's the best time to curl up with a good book. :-)

And don't miss our Tricks and Treats starting tomorrow! The treats are fun, but the tricks are even more fun!

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Laurie! I hope you'll come by tomorrow for our fun announcement!

Darn, I missed the Harvest Moon last night. I'm not sure I would've seen it anyway, since the marine layer often covers this area, but it sounds gorgeous!!

Cathy P said...

Hi Kate! Love your book cover and the blurb about your book. It sounds like a must read.

Looking forward to tomorrow.

I love everything about fall, but most of all, I love the cooler weather, and not having to run the air conditioning.

Minna said...

What’s your favorite aspect of Autumn? No nasty, blood sucking bugs! Wonderful colors in the trees and bushes. We have a word for it in Finnish: ruska. And then there's knitting and crocheting. It was too hot to do that at summer. Lately I've crocheted some Halloween pumpkings. Not to mention a witch, an Angry Bird and a Green Pig. Hopefully someone will want to have them, since I don't need them myself!

Na said...

Kate, beautiful cover. It definitely brings to mind paradise. I like the cooler weather in Autumn. Everything has a nice golden, red tinge to it and it's great snuggling up in cozy sweaters. I like that I get in more reading time.

Beth Andrews said...

Great cover, Kate! Looks like another fabulous story *g*

I love everything about Autumn! The cooler weather, the heartier meals, the kids being in school, football games and the fall foliage :-) And yes, I love fall fashions, too. Boots and sweaters and cute jeans!

Can't wait until the big announcement tomorrow!!

Anonymous said...

I love the weather and the bite of cold--it's so nice after the long, hot summer. And I have a soft spot for the smell of my DH's leather jacket, which has been put away since spring rolled around.

I love the colors of the leaves, but I could do without the yard work associated with them.

Love the cover, by the way!

Meggan

mommaras said...

I love the different colors of the leaves and they were exceptional this year here in Minnesota. Also, loathe. Smell of frets on cool autumn night. Since it has cooled off here, I am curled up in my chair with my blanket and my knitting although my kindle is looking sad that I haven't picked it up yet today. Reading home town girl the chesapeake series by Maria Stewart

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi everyone! I had to run off and take care of some family business but now I'm back for a while!


Deb, hi! And thanks for the congrats! What is your dad harvesting? Your Autumn in Iowa sounds so beautiful. I love hearing about all those colors. Yes, we have leaves changing colrs here in SoCal, but never in such vibrant hues as you have in other parts of the country.

And of course, today the weather decided to heat up. It's hot!! Almost 90 degrees. No fair! I want to wear my wool scarves. *whining*


Hi Mozette! Your Aussie autumn sounds wonderful, especially the part about the crisp wind drying clothes outdoors. Lovely image!


Hello, Miss Anna! I would love to visit England this time of year. For some reason, I've always visited in the spring. It's pretty, but you make the fall sound so inviting. And I knew you'd mention your hockey hunks! My relatives are from Buffalo so I hear a good deal of hockey talk when I'm with them. :-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Becke! So great to see you here! You must come back tomorrow for our fun announcement. We plan to have a great time and the cabana boys are working overtime to make it all happen. :-)

I'm focusing on both romance AND mystery these days. I have a Bibliophile e-novella coming in January followed by a full-length bibliophile book in February. But my romance is up next--in December, so I wanted to show off that gorgeous cover. It's all very exciting! Thanks for asking. :-)


LOL Joanie!! I never would've mentioned the change of light if I'd known it would cause you to drag out the vacuum cleaner! Ack!! Sorry!

I know everyone will do what they can for poor, dear Demetrius and the rest of the men to ease their aching muscles. ;-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Louisa my dear! I'm so sorry Blogger was mean to you! Bad Blogger. Bad.

Thank you so much for the cover love! I'm partial to a geeky heroine myself and love the idea of her being seduced by a modern day rake...who is seduced right back by her. :-) Hope the weather stays cool for you!


Girlygirl, you must be psychic! *g* Big things are definitely happening here tomorrow!


Hi ME! Thanks so much for coming by the Lair today! I really hope you enjoy this new story of mine. And happy birthday in advance! I hope it's truly wonderful and a great start into the holiday season. :-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Catslady, I don't blame you for being a spring girl. Who wouldn't love that season after all the snow and sludge of the previous months!


Crystal, thank you for mentioning food! LOL! I love making soups and chili when it gets cold outside. Yummmm!


TrishJ, LOL! We really don't want to keep you from getting to sleep tonight! But be sure to set your alarm so you don't forget to come by the Lair to see what's going on in the morning. ;-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Cathy! Thank you so much for your nice words about my cover! Can you tell I love it, too? :-) Hope to see you back here tomorrow for all the fun happenings!


Artemis, I would love to hear about your garden! I plan a garden every year and then ... well, we did manage tomatoes this year. Pretty lame, but maybe next year. :-)


Yikes, Minna! Those bugs sound awful! I hope they're all gone now. On a much nicer topic, what you're crocheting sounds so clever. I can't imagine someone won't want to take one of them home. Especially a green pig! :-)

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Na! I think I agree with you that my cover looks like paradise. Thanks. :-) And reading really is more fun when your snuggled up and cozy. I can't wait for the weather to turn cold so I can get some quality reading time in front of the fireplace.


Hey Beth, thanks! Gosh, yo umentioned football games and my mind went right back to high school! I loved going to football games back then. So much fun. And the clothes were fun, too. *g*

Kate Carlisle said...

Hi Meggan, thanks for coming by the Lair! Oh my, I love what you said about your DH's leather jacket. It's so sweet that the change of seasons can have that kind of significance to us. Thanks!


Mammaras, I'm so jealous of you curled up with your blanket and your knitting! It's too hot to do any of that where I am. But I'm hoping the weather will cool down some and I'll be right there with you. :-) Mariah Stewart's Chesapeake books look like a fun series. I bought the first one but haven't read it yet. Hope you're enjoying them!

Joan said...

Kate said: I know everyone will do what they can for poor, dear Demetrius and the rest of the men to ease their aching muscles. ;-)

Well, they can take a LOT...they ARE trained professionals...

Laney4 said...

Vibrant. That cover is vibrant. Very nice. Easy on the eyes.

Thanks for the offerings. I have read Maureen's Claiming King's Baby and Conquering King's Heart. Would love to read another King book (hint, hint, LOL).

Christina Brooke said...

Can't WAIT for the big announcement!!

Gorgeous cover, Kate. Love the beautiful sunset.

Well, we're just moving into Spring now, which is my favourite time of year, so I'm glad we're both happy:) I'm counting down the days until summer when I can sit on a beach and watch the sunset like your Grace and Logan are doing!

Kim said...

Congrats on the nice cover. When I think of autumn, I think of changing leaves and apple cider.

Sonali said...

Kate, I love the Cover of your upcoming release!

I love the vibrant colors of Autumn. The yellows and Orange.