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Chosen By Sin Book Tour Stop #8!

Welcome to stop #8 in my blog tour For Chosen By Sin (Para-Ops #3). (Note: Although this stop was originally scheduled on another blog, we've experienced some technical difficulties, so I'm posting it here until we can get that taken care of! Your comment on either blog will qualify you for the book give away! :))

This tour focuses on my writing and my paranormal series, but also my Twelve Resolutions for 2012, as well as the resolutions of my hero in Chosen By Sin, werebeast Dex Hunt. Those of you who know Dex know he's a bit...difficult, so I'm curious to see what he comes up with. (Psst: Dex doesn't actually know it, but his “resolutions” are more like a Twelve-Step Program designed by me to get him to his HEA).

I'll be giving away a prize to one commenter from this blog stop, but I'm also giving away one grand prize to one blog tour follower. See the giveaway details below! :)

The Para-Ops Series: Five years after the Second Civil War ends, humans and Otherborn—humanlike creatures with superhuman DNA—still struggle for peace. To ensure the continued rights of both, the FBI forms a Para-Ops team with a unique set of skills. (Chosen By Blood (Book 1), Chosen By Fate (Book 2))

So what's Resolution #8 for me? Send Thank You and Birthday Messages Regularly

In the same way that I love my e-reader but will never give up print books, I just don't think sending messages-of-the-heart via email cuts it, at least not all the time. I still do it, however, because the alternative is the messages wouldn't get sent at all. But I really want to be able to let people know, with something they can hold in their hands, that I think of them and appreciate them.

And what's Resolution #8 for Dex Hunt?

Here's a hint from Chosen By Sin.

Dex covered Jes’s body with his and stared into her dark midnight eyes. Electricity crackled between them, causing warmth to infuse his skin. That warmth grew sizzling hot wherever their bodies touched. She whimpered and the sweet feminine sounds soon became a steady chorus, ratcheting up his desire until he felt dangerously poised on the edge of sanity.

Closing his eyes, Dex took a deep breath. It was amazing, this connection he had with her. Proximity was enough to make his head spin with desire but actual contact?

As it had in the States, touching Jes resulted in a feeling of intense relief that immediately skyrocketed into a desperate, mind-blowing need. He’d never needed anything like he seemed to need her. Not sex or food or companionship. Hell, not even revenge.

His eyes popped open and he furiously tossed his head as if he could shake that errant thought out of his mind. Her cool smooth palms stroked his back and thoughts of revenge were swept away. Lust surged through him, concentrating in his groin until he couldn’t help but thrust his hips, notching his thick aching flesh into the cradle of her hot center. The way she strained to get even closer to him took his breath away.

Yes, he thought. Need me. Need. Me.

So Dex is making progress. Thoughts of revenge are starting to take a back seat to his feelings for Jesmina. But Dex is still fighting his feelings for her. Still doubting that those feelings are more important than revenge. Dex's 8^th Resolution? Learn to gracefully accept defeat before fate is forced to smack you over the head to make its point.

NEW TRAILER:

Want to see the series trailer that Book Candy Studio made for the series trailer? It's got a great vibe! Watch it here

Bio: Virna DePaul is a former prosecutor and now national bestselling author of the Para-Ops Novels. She also writes contemporary romantic suspense for Harlequin Romantic Suspense (It Started That Night, May 2012) and HQN (Shades Of Desire, June 2012).

Blurb for Chosen By Sin:

The longest life isn’t always the happiest one…

For now, werebeast Dex Hunt serves on the Para-Ops team, but his true purpose is to kill the werewolf leader he blames for his mother’s death. Biding his time, Dex keeps his emotional distance from his team members and anyone else he might care for, including a mysterious vampire he met in L.A.

As a doctor, vampire Jesmina Martin has dedicated her immortal life to healing others. As a scientific researcher, she’s trying to prolong life spans, in particular those of her adoptive dragon-shifter family and the werewolf who saved her as a child. Her greatest hope lies with Dex, a werebeast she believes can gift immortality to others.

Only Dex knows nothing about his gift or the fact Jesmina wants to harness it. After a passionate night together neither expects to see the other again. Weeks later, they are reunited in France and forced to acknowledge a fragile miracle—a new life struggling to survive. At the same time, they must stop a group of rebel shape-shifters hoping to unleash every demon in hell. But before Dex and Jesmina can save their child or the world, they must relinquish their secrets, face their fears, and open themselves to love.

Purchase:

E-version ($4.99)

Amazon: http://t.co/SE2EAgR

Barnes and Noble: http://t.co/UW5P73o

Paperback ($7.99)

Amazon: http://fb.me/19XPRKYX3

Giveaway Details:

Daily Blog Tour Giveaway: Today, Virna is gifting one book from her backlist (prize winner's choice, see backlist here) to one randomly selected commenter who either leaves a comment on this blog, or a question for Virna to answer. Please also include your email addy.

GRAND PRIZE TOUR GIVEAWAY: What was Dex's "resolution" that Virna talked about today? Do you know the answer? Fantastic!! Because...

Virna is also gifting a $100 Amazon gift card to one randomly selected reader who leaves the answer to this question during the blog tour. Go to: http://chosenbysin.com/virtual-tour-grand-prize You can be entered to win the grand prize once each day by simply following the tour from January 9 - 20, and leaving your answer with each day's different resolution!!

Virna is also offering autographed copies of CHOSEN BY SIN for purchase during this blog tour. To purchase an autographed copy, please visit http://chosenbysin.com.

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Crazy (But?) Fun! The Chosen By Sin Blog Tour Starts Today WIth Its Own Site!

All good business people do it and do it well, but promoting ourselves, no matter who we are or what we do, is often such a difficult thing! I mean, how weird would it be if I walked around telling people, "I'm a {insert one:] good mom, loyal friend, honorable person, passionate artist, etc). Of course, I want people to think of me this way, but they never truly will until they see who I am for themselves, flaws and all, and come to the conclusion on their own.

Yet they won't be able to see anything if they have no idea who I am or where I hang out.

But if I call attention to myself, won't I look...a) presumptious; b) arrogant; c) shameless; d) desperate, etc, etc.

Or will I seem friendly? Enthusiastic? Willing to take a chance?

Sigh. Who knows. I can't predict what people will think but I have to take a chance.

Why?

Because although I'm a shy person who finds it hard to talk about myself, let alone my writing and stories, which reflects so much about who I am on the inside...

I have stories to share and readers I want to reach and becoming a writer has opened me to new experiences and new friends, all because I've been wiling to put myself out there.

So I hope you'll celebrate this new milestone with me!

I'm excited about this new site at www.chosenbysin.com, which is all about my blog tour that starts today. Here are my stops but you can also find the links to all these places on the website. I'm giving away books plus a grand prize of a $100 Amazon GC to a blog tour follower! :-)

To all those who support me in this crazy but fun journey, thank you!

(A very special thank you to the person who's put so much time into making this tour a success. Thank you, Tanya! You rock!!!)

Chosen By Sin Blog Tour (1/9/2012 – 1/20/2012)

Monday, 9 JanuaryGuest Post: The Qwillery

http://qwillery.blogspot.com

Tuesday, 10 JanuaryGuest Post: Paranormal Haven

www.paranormalhaven.com

Wednesday, 11 JanuaryInterview: The Book Reading Gals

www.thebookreadinggals.com

Thursday, 12 JanuaryGuest Post OR Interview: The Jeep Diva

www.thejeepdiva.com

Friday, 13 JanuaryGuest Post: Book Lovers Inc.

http://www.bookloversinc.com

Saturday, 14 JanuaryGuest Post: Under The Covers Book Blog

http://undertheconversbookblog.blogspot.com

Sunday, 15 JanuaryInterview: Books and Kisses

www.booksandkisses.com

Monday, 16 JanuaryGuest Post: Nocturne Reads

www.nocturnereads.com

Tuesday, 17 JanuaryGuest Post: Happily Ever After Reads

http://happilyeverafter-reads.blogspot.com

Wednesday, 18 JanuaryGuest Post: Lush Book Reviews

http://lushbookreviewss.blogspot.com

Thursday, 19 JanuaryGuest Post: Hanging With Bells www.hangingwithbells.com

Friday, 20 JanuaryGuest Post: Ramblings From This Book Chick

http://ramblingsfromthisbookchick.blogspot.com

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Cover Love

Here's the cover for my June 2012 series launch with HQN! I love the colors!!

Coming June 2012: Shades Of Desire, Book 1 in the Special Investigations Groups Series (HQN - Now available for pre-order on Amazon.)

What She Can't See Could Kill Her...

Natalie Jones is the lucky survivor of an elusive killer who preys on young women and then disappears from view. And since her harrowing ordeal, the once gutsy photojournalist has remained isolated in her home, paralyzed by fear and her failing vision.

Special Agent Liam “Mac” McKenzie has scars of his own. But despite his efforts to ignore the attraction that simmers between him and Natalie, he needs her help to catch a predator. Soon, they will forge a tentative alliance—charged with desire. Through a soft-focus lens, Natalie dares to envision a future with Mac beyond the investigation...never guessing that the clues hidden within her photographs are drawing them into an explosive confrontation with a madman.

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RSVP for Holiday Video Chat with Harlequin Authors Virna DePaul & Tawny Weber 12/7 5 pm PST/8 pm EST

Or just click on "Live" on the actual widget above!

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Update on Chosen By Sin Plus Teaser & Giveaway

I'm currently working on Chosen by Sin, Dex Hunt's book, Para-Ops #3.

Dex is a werebeast, a werewolf half-breed that is rejected by his own kind for being "less than." Werebeasts are often referred to as "pets" or "whipped dogs" since they are generally weaker than full-blooded werewolves. Dex used to ride with a biker gang of werebeasts, called the Ferals, but broke from the gang after he killed one of its members. We know he was abandoned by his family and sent to live at a school for cast-off werebeasts, that he and the other boys were abused at the school, and that he joined the Para-Ops team for one purpose — to get revenge on his grandfather.

Dex is hard-edged and a loner, but as we see in Chosen by Fate (Para-Ops #2) he is giving and loyal to those he cares about, including Lucy Talbot, the team's mage. Although I'm putting him through the wringer, I can't wait to see this wounded hero get his happy ending.

Teaser from WIP with a question for readers at the end:

Dex grabbed at his chest.

He hadn’t heard anything, couldn’t see anything resembling a weapon having struck Trosseau, but blood sprayed out of the shape-shifter’s chest and all over him. As Trosseau went limp, Dex cursed, shoved his knife back into its sheath, grabbed Trosseau by his shirt, and whirled in an attempt to get them under cover. If he could get behind one of the stone columns at the church entrance…

Within seconds, something hit him in the shoulder, something with the familiar feel of steel sinking into skin, only when he lifted his hand, nothing protruded from his flesh. Blood coated his hand, a dark, translucent stain. Dex kept moving until he bypassed the columns. He shoved the shape-shifter through the front doors of the church then pulled them shut. Diving to his left, he wrenched off his jacket, sweeping it around him like a matador’s cape. He cursed as it jumped in several places.

He somersaulted, then took cover behind one of the building’s front columns. He removed his knife from its sheath again, but cursed. This wasn’t close, arm-to-arm combat, but a sneak attack by someone or something that could be hiding several yards away. But who was it? One of the three shape-shifters from inside?

Damn. He needed to get to Trosseau. Find out what the hell had happened to Trosseau to make him freak out on Dex. Find out where Trosseau’s informant was hiding and what Trosseau had meant about “bridging.” But he wasn’t just going to run inside and leave the bastards to think he was running from them. No chance in hell.

He scanned the perimeter and still seeing nothing, he lifted his jacket and felt carefully within its folds. Several small sharp objects clung to the fabric. He pulled out what looked like small throwing stars, smaller than any he’d ever seen. But they weren’t made of metal. Rather, they resembled some kind of natural material. Almost like the stone façade of the church. Smooth yet rough. Like the details on the crocodile wrapped around the Archangel’s legs. Fossils? Scales? What the—

“Dex Hunt!”

The shout came from down the steps, a deep but timorous voice that had Dex’s brows climbing. Was there anyone in Paris who didn’t know who the hell he was?

“I just saved your ass from that shape-shifter. The least you can do is come out. I won’t harm you.”

“What? You run out of your little throwing stars?” he yelled back.

“Look for yourself.”

Cautiously, Dex peeked around the column. A man stood at the bottom of the steps. The dude was wearing nothing but a kilt.

“Unless you think I’ll shoot them out from my d***, I assure you, you’re safe.”

Question: I can't decide if this new character, a sexy bad-boy dragon-shifter with the ability to cloak himself with invisibility, manipulate fire, and grow wings and fly, really should just be wearing a kilt. Of course, he's ripped and bare chested, but is this intriguing/sexy or cheesy. What do you think?

If you comment, you'll be entered into a drawing to win a $10 Amazon gift card. Winner will be drawn midnight on Sunday, November 13. Thank you and hope you enjoyed the tease! :)

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RELEASE DAY PARTY & GIVEAWAYS FOR DANGEROUS TO HER!

UPDATE: I'VE EMAILED EVERYONE THEIR E-BOOK OF CHOICE AND WILL BE SENDING OUT THE CHARMS AND PRIZES SOON! WINNERS OF PRIZES LISTED BELOW! :)

Today, my debut novel with Harlequin Romantic Suspense is out! This line, formerly Silhouette Intimate Moments, has so many wonderful authors, including Kylie Brant, Nina Bruhns, Kathleen Creighton, Carla Cassidy, Gail Barrett, Elle James and, Karen Anders, all ladies I got to hang out with in New York this summer!

When I began writing, it was always my goal to write both single titles and category books. I grew up reading both of them and I love the advantages/intricacies of both. With DTH, my dream has come true! In addition to writing for HRS, I write paranormal romantic suspense for Berkley and will be launching a single title romantic suspense series for HQN in June 2012. Now on to the next dream... LOL

Thanks for stopping by to celebrate the release of Dangerous To Her. It's gotten some great reviews so far!

CataRomance gave it 4.5 stars:

"The first Harlequin romantic suspense release from Virna DePaul proves this author has a very successful career ahead of her. With an intriguing plot and spirited characters, DANGEROUS TO HER not only entertains but keeps you riveted until every secret is uncovered."

And Among The Muses also gave it a 4.5 rating, saying:

"Virna DePaul is quickly proving that when it comes to creating dynamic characters, she holds nothing back...This is a story sure to delight romantic suspense fans who love dynamic characters, a life-like plot line driven by criminal law, that includes a heated passion and unforgettable love and the characters desperately try to fight for both their lives and the people they love. Enjoy!"

~*~Book Blurb~*~

"I'm not afraid anymore."

For years, court reporter Mattie Nolan kept her child a secret. The man she once loved chose his dangerous job—undercover cop—over her. But now, Sacramento detective Dom Jeffries is all that's standing between her and the drug kingpin set on revenge against everyone who put him away. Including Mattie.

Though teetering on the edge of burnout, Dom goes undercover as a bailiff in Mattie's courtroom. While he pretends not to remember her, thoughts of her touch, her smell and the smile that had been his alone keep resurfacing. Then he uncovers the secret she's protecting. To save the daughter he's never known and the woman he's never forgotten, Dom's ready to sacrifice not just his job, but his life…

LET'S PARTY!!!

Today, I'm appearing on some of my favorite sites, including Among The Muses, Bookin' It, and Sugarbeats Books. The hosts, Tanya, Talina, and Barb have been so supportive of my burgeoning career! I hope you'll stop by and read the interviews and comment to enter the giveaways.

And here's the celebratory giveaways here:

I'm giving everyone who stops by today a free e-book (you get to pick your choice below) as well as some beaded wine charms (if you want them, I'll need your mailing address). All you have to do is sign up for my mailing list below.

Plus, if you do this, plus comment on one of the above sites, I'll enter you into a drawing for some books by some of my favorite authors who write both single title books and contemporary:

Prize #1:

She's Gone Country by Jane Porter

Easy On The Eyes by Jane Porter (who also writes category for Harlequin Presents)

Prize #2:

The First Love Cookie Club by Lori Wilde (who also writes category for Harlequin Blaze)

Prize #3:

Unbroken (an erotic novella anthology) by Maya Banks (who also writes category for Harlequin Desire)

I'll also give away these category books:

Prize #4

The Greek's Long Lost Son by Rebecca Winters

The Sheik's Lost Princess and Her Sheik Protector by Linda Conrad

Prize #5

A USB flash drive pen

Thanks so much for stopping by and helping me celebrate today!!!

THE WINNERS OF THE ABOVE PRIZES ARE:

L. BLANCHARD

Prize #1:

She's Gone Country by Jane Porter

Easy On The Eyes by Jane Porter (who also writes category for Harlequin Presents)

ELLIE F.

Prize #2:

The First Love Cookie Club by Lori Wilde (who also writes category for Harlequin Blaze)

LISA HUTSON

Prize #3:

Unbroken (an erotic novella anthology) by Maya Banks (who also writes category for Harlequin Desire)

I'll also give away these category books:

DIANA GOULD

Prize #4

The Greek's Long Lost Son by Rebecca Winters

The Sheik's Lost Princess and Her Sheik Protector by Linda Conrad

MINA GERHART

Prize #5

A USB flash drive pen

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Discussing Romance Novels In Book Clubs

Romance novels aren't just about sex and HEAs. Many romance novels explore important issues, which book groups can discuss. Here, I crafted questions that identify important or interesting themes/social issues in Chosen By Blood.

Download Book Group Discussion Questions CBB

On July 19, I'll be meeting with a book club to discuss CBB. I'll post an update afterwards! :)

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Story Structure Workshop Handout

Recently, I presented a workshop called: "Bargain Hunter: How To Get The Most Bang Out of Three Act Structure & Turning Points" at the RWA conference in NY. This is the handout I promised to post!

Download STORY STRUCTURE METHODS

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Pirate or Merman? A tough choice!

As part of the Authors Promoting Authors Back To Roots program, I wanted to let you know about a fabulous book called Tears on a Tranquil Lake by Marsha A. Moore

Blurb:

What a surprise for a young woman, to find herself suddenly transformed into a mermaid.

Ciel’s first thought – track down the merman who changed her and make him reverse his magic.

Unable to find him, survival in her new world becomes paramount. She eagerly accepts help from a dashing pirate captain who takes a fancy to her, lavishing her with finery. When her merman does show up, he competes for her affection. One look into his eyes makes her life more complex -- he is her soul mate.

Which man will she choose – pirate captain or merman? Which life – human or mermaid? Caribbean adventures and dangers chase Ciel as she searches for decisions and the key to her happiness.

Warning: This book contains Haitian vodou, sultry wenches, foul-mouthed scalliwag pirates, overindulgence of fine Caribbean rum, and amorous encounters on deserted beaches.

Links to Marsha and her books:

ISBN: 978-1-926931-29-6

Purchase from:

MuseItUp Publishing

Barnes & Noble

Amazon

Coffee Time Romance Bookstore