Home | Meet Anna | Bookshelf | Coming Soon | Reviews | Articles | Contests | Appearences | Photos

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Holiday Cheer, a Kicking Prize, and a Brand New Excerpt!!!

DISCLAIMER...BLOG PARTY FRIENDS, PLEASE READ--It's Friday, even though the date above says it's still Thursday, so, leave your comments for the first day of the blog party here...sorry, the date refused to behave itself this morning... moving on, to...

Welcome to our pre-Holiday blog party, everyone!!!

We'll be hanging and chatting things up from now through Monday, special prizes and give aways coming every day when you least expect them.

Oh, and excerpts, because I'm working on a new book--Legally Yours, part of what I hope will become my new Superromance series, Atlanta's Heroes. Yes, The Perfect Daughter is out in February (and you can already pre-order it and All-American Fahter--out in April), but you'll be sick to death of hearing about those books soon enough. Promise. Today, scroll down and tell me what you think of Kate Rhodes and Stephen Creighton, 'cause they're my latest obsession ;o)

Kate is the sister of a character you met briefly in The Runaway Daughter (Martin Rhodes), and Stephen is Neal Cain's litigator from The Prodigal's Return. Martin and the love of his life get some pretty hot page time in The Perfect Daughter, and their love story will also be a secondary plot in Legally Yours. I'm pulling lots of lose ends together and weaving a great start to an exciting new string of books...be sure to let me know what you think of the sparks already flying between Kate and Stephen.

Today's second topic--reality TV. I used to thumb my nose at it, then I fell in love with Bravo and Project Runway. Then Blow Out. Then Mario Lopez hooked up with Dancing with the Stars. Crow started tasting pretty good right about then.

Mario's like a perfect red wine. Anything tastes good with something that goes down that smooth!! He even got a girl like me who rarely watches network TV to stop and drool two nights a week. Should have won, in my honest opinion. The boy has a rockin' bod, and he can dance. Sigh.

What's your reality tv drug of choice? What can't you stop fixating on, long after you've had your last hit ;o) Tell all.

And oh, yeah, if you leave a comment today, you'll be in the running for a prize
. Can't promise two prizes every day, but today, I'm offering a "printed" ARC of The Perfect Daughter (an unedited galley proof) and the stylish Liz Claiborne sachel I showed off Wednesday. I'd give you a picture of the purse, but Blogspot says nothing doin' at the moment. Check out the previous post for a look--you won't be sorry.

So, here's the excerpt. Chat about it amongst yourself, dish about Mario or Project Runway or whatever, and basically have a fun first day of December. I'll pick two lucky winners from today's comments and announce the names in the morning, along with a new day's fun.

TTFN!!

***************

Legally Yours--Chapter One



"What do you think you're doing?" Pediatric nurse Kate Rhodes asked the well-dressed man standing beside six-year-old Dillon Digarro's hospital bed.

His hand stalled in the process of handing the little boy a miniature sports car. Deep blue eyes rose from smiling down at the child, their corners squinting subtly as they locked onto Kate's challenging glare. A disarming grin quickly followed, one she had no trouble resisting.

Not falling for her little brother's southern charm had been her mission as a child. It was either that, or constantly be in trouble for all the mischief he could so easily talk her into, and himself out of once there was hell to pay with their parents.

Now, sophisticated, stuffed shirts brandishing easy smiles didn't rate a raised eyebrow.

"Visitation for minors is limited to immediate family only," she said as the tall, dark-haired stranger finished handing over the car.

"But he knows Papa." Dillon flashed a megawatt smile that lit up the room--even through the bruises mottling his right cheek and eye--the same way it had the first time she'd met him at the homeless shelter where she volunteered. "Look what I got!"

The arm holding up the plastic Corvette was protected from the elbow down by an electric green cast. Plaster covered the tiny leg elevated in a splint swing, too. Injuries supposedly resulting from his latest accidental fall, down the shelter's basement stairs. Accidents Papa Digarro had no better explanation for than that his only child was more clumsy than other kids his age.

"That car rocks, tough guy." Kate walked to the bed, her smile for Dillon alone.

"It's the one Papa said was too expensive when we saw it in the store last weekend."

The same weekend the little heartbreaker had been emitted to Emergency--for the third time that month, Kate had discovered after reading his chart.

"Mr. Digarro asked me to bring it by." The stranger's soulful frown didn't jive with his too-observant gaze. "Seems the nurses at the admissions desk are refusing to let him see his son."

If the hint of judgement in his voice weren't enough, the confusion suddenly clouding Dillon's smile was all the motivation Kate needed.

"I need to see you outside, Mr... Mr.?"

The man merely smiled, clearly waiting for her to swoon.

Screw Manners.

She grabbed his arm. Insisted that he follow her by half-dragging him into the hallway.

"Play with your car for a minute, Dillon," she said over her shoulder.

She kicked at the magnetic device that secured the bottom of the door against the wall. The door wooshed shut. She released the man's arm, stopping short of wiping her hand on her cartoon-covered scrubs.

Just barley.

"You're so out of here." She headed for the nurses' station to page security, picking up her pace
when she heard his footsteps behind her. "I don't know who you are, but--"

He grabbed her arm and edged around her, putting his body between her and the nearest phone.

"I'm Stephen Creighton," he announced. "And I represent the innocent man you're so determined to keep away from that child in there."
***

Labels: ,

32 Comments:

  • At 8:40 AM, Blogger Pat L. said…

    Hi, thought I posted her yesterday, but guess not.

    Happy holidays; let the fun begin.

     
  • At 10:02 AM, Blogger Meljprincess said…

    Hi Anna,
    LTNS!
    I watch BIG BROTHER and THE APPRENTICE but I don't watch any of the others you mentioned.
    I would love to win an ARC of "The Perfect Daughter". I want to read it very badly and I collect ARCs.
    I'm very ill and it would make me feel so much better. *g*
    Enjoyed the excerpt. I always do.
    Happy December 1st, everybody!

     
  • At 10:06 AM, Blogger Carol M said…

    Thanks for the excerpt! I love it and I'm really looking forward to reading Legally Yours!

    Maybe I'm missing something but I have never watched the reality shows. I only watch a little tv. I like Boston Legal, House and Monk.

    I don't blame you for wanting to keep the Liz Claiborne sachel to yourself! lol I love it too!

     
  • At 10:47 AM, Blogger Minna said…

    I don't usually watch reality shows, but I might make an exception with Amazing Race this time. It'll be interesting to see what they have to do here in Finland.

     
  • At 11:11 AM, Blogger robynl said…

    I love the purse up for grabs and a great excerpt Anna. Let the party begin.
    I love Amazing Race, Survivor, etc. Boy, if our dish is down look out-I get snarly because either one of the shows can not be missed if I have anything to do about it.

     
  • At 11:17 AM, Blogger CrystalGB said…

    Great excerpt Anna. American Idol is the only reality tv show I can get my husband to watch. I used to watch Survivor, The Amazing
    Race and Big Brother when I was single.

     
  • At 12:01 PM, Blogger Unknown said…

    Hey Anna,

    Thought the excerpt was great - really captivating. I'm interested to read more about the little boy and see what's really happening.
    I like some reality shows - many on A& E. I honestly like The World's Deadliest Catch about Alaskan fisherman, Dog the bounty hunter, The First 48, and of course I still enjoy American Idol when it comes on. I also liked Project Runway and I did catch a few episodes of Hell's kitchen.
    Not a big Survivor or Amazing Race fan.

     
  • At 12:49 PM, Blogger Shannon said…

    The only reality show I really watch is American Idol and of course it isn't on yet. Ah well! Such is life.

    Happy Holidays Everyone!

     
  • At 1:03 PM, Blogger ThatBrunette said…

    I, too, thought Project Runway sounded doofy when I first heard about it. I caught an episode from season 2 and got hooked. I don't know why...I can't explain it but, I am addicted to that show. I am not fashionable. I am not trendy. Maybe, it's Tim Gunn. Ah, to be that suave!

    Thanks for the excerpt. I'm glad you're back and blogging again!

     
  • At 1:08 PM, Blogger Sandy M said…

    Ok, so now all will know. I am a reality show addict. I like Survivor, Big Brother, Project Runway, Hell's Kitchen, almost all except the dating shows. I like American Idol best.

     
  • At 1:10 PM, Blogger Unknown said…

    Anna,

    Like some of the others, I am an American Idol addict. I did try to catch Dancing with the Stars some this season. Yes, it was for Mario lol! He is beautiful, and he can move!

    Speaking of beautiful, I love the Liz Claiborne purse! Gorgeous! The ARC is an amazing prize too! You spoil us!

    Big hugs, Zara :)

     
  • At 1:24 PM, Blogger Unknown said…

    By the way, I love the excerpt! You write those intense moments so well. :)

    I'm just waiting for February when The Perfect Daughter is released. Then I will probably stay up all night reading it, and be waiting for April for All-American Father lol.

    Hugs, Zara

     
  • At 1:54 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Your excerpt is the best ever. Love it. I watched the Amazing race and liked it only bacause I love travel and different destinations interest me.

     
  • At 2:08 PM, Blogger Maureen said…

    Great excerpt. I loved Project Runway and Dancing With the Stars.

     
  • At 2:10 PM, Blogger Fannie said…

    I am not a Reality Show person usually. I got started watching Dancing with the Stars and fell for Mario and had to watch til the end. He should have won. I watch Extreme Makeover-Home Edition but it has gotten too sad. Oh well, I have to watch something on Sunday night. I love the excerpt and am really looking forward to the book. You do emotions so well. Thanks for having the party and giving us a shot at winning those fab bags and the ARC. Havr a great day and hugs to all.

     
  • At 2:11 PM, Blogger Fannie said…

    That should be "have" a great day. Oops!

     
  • At 2:41 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I'm a Dancing With the Stars fan and love to watch the competitions on FoodNetwork (even tho I hate to cook!)

    Karen B
    P.S. I'm signing here because the only way I can enter is by using anonymous - what happened?

     
  • At 4:20 PM, Blogger Anna Destefano said…

    Hey buds!! Glad everyone found their way out here ;o) I'll get the date right tomorrow, promise.

    Karen, don't know what's going on with the login, but leaving your name below anon is Dandy. I've got you covered, girl.

    Love all the reality show talk. I've heard the Amazing Race is great--hasn't it won a lot of Emmy's? And Extreme Makeover, Home Edition. Heard it was a tearjerker (which I could get into ;o), but haven't ever gotten in front of the tube when an episode was on.

    What about Wife Swap or Nanny 911. Interesting stuff in those shows, but the few times I've watched, it's like the producers are contriving things a bit too much. The same with The Real World (one of the originals). They're picking people and situations that are too rife with conflict--over the top--to be entertaining, in my honest opinion.

    Glad everyone's liking Legally Yours. It's rough, and there's lots more work to do, but I think a few more scenes can be arranged ;O)

    Thanks for helping rock the Blog!!

     
  • At 4:51 PM, Blogger catslady said…

    Great excert! Great prizes too as always.

    I've always watched Survivor. I've tried to limit it to just one reality show because I do get crazy when I miss a show but I must confess Dancing with the Stars had me hooked halfway through. Tuesday and Thursday are my TV nights and I hate to do anything on that day - Boston Legal, Grey's, and NICS expecially. I've had to give up CSI and ER but hope to catch them on reruns lol.

     
  • At 5:41 PM, Blogger Jennifer Y. said…

    Great excerpt!!!

    My reality shows of choice is American Idol and Project Runway and Amazing Race. I love them.

    We also recently started getting the Fox Reality Channel which shows old reality shows from the US and other countries. It is fun seeing some of the Australian reality shows.

     
  • At 5:42 PM, Blogger Jennifer Y. said…

    LOL...I meant my reality shows of choice ARE...

     
  • At 6:21 PM, Blogger Pat L. said…

    My favorite reality show is Dancing With the Stars. Cant wait for it to come back on.

    And I heard from t.v. that Mario and his partner were vacationing together - so much for not having a "thing". LOL.

     
  • At 6:48 PM, Blogger Anna Destefano said…

    Oh, they had a thing, Pat. It was pretty obvious, even though they downplayed it. Those two were smoking on the dance floor. HHHHHHOT!!!

     
  • At 7:50 PM, Blogger Pat L. said…

    Why cant they just admit it. Give me a break. Supposedly Max his partner - Willa? are dating.

     
  • At 7:51 PM, Blogger Pat L. said…

    Cats, me too Survivor - thought the last 2 shows were v.g.

     
  • At 7:53 PM, Blogger Pat L. said…

    Anna, do we need to post EACH day to have a chance to win each time. Or will once just do it?

     
  • At 8:12 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Would love to win one of those manly Borders cards!

     
  • At 9:50 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I love stories with kids. This one looks great.

     
  • At 10:27 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Thanks for the excerpt. You really know how to tease and entice.

     
  • At 2:22 AM, Blogger Jennifer Y. said…

    In regards to Mario and his partner...I saw them in an interview recently and she seemed more interested in him than he was in her...he was always quick to define their relationship as a friendship before she could say anything. They have attended several events together recently, but are supposedly "just friends."

    Oh, and I just watched an old reality show on the the reality channel...it was an Australian show where they were looking for male strippers/dancers...it was called Strip Search...I think there was an American version last year. LOL

     
  • At 2:29 AM, Blogger Jennifer Y. said…

    Oh, and I just heard that Willa Ford got engaged to a hockey player...interesting.

     
  • At 5:07 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I love the excerpt. Cannot wait to read it.

    Re Stripsearch, sounds very interesting.

     

Post a Comment

<< Home