My sexy RITA nominated hunk, Brent O'Neill!

So the Romance Writers of America® announced the nominations for this year’s RITA® Awards on Thursday… And me, being a complete plonker, was not aware of this (because I’d got my dates confused) until I picked up the phone and the fabulous Helen Kay Dimon introduced herself and told me she had some very good news for me.

Her news: My second Red Hot Read for Cosmopolitan magazine, 10 Rules to Sex Up a Blind Date, had been nominated for an award in the Best Romance Novella category. Cue much babbling, lots of teary thank yous and then a mad rush to get a plane ticket to NYC in July and register for the conference.

The proof, as listed on the RWA website!

Just wanted to share my AMAZING news. I’m so excited about this. Obviously it would be terrific if I won, but frankly just getting nominated is such an honour I’m already over the moon and far away. I loved this story about sex, lies and Twitter etiquette, so it’s absolutely amazing to have it honoured in this way.

In other news, I have signed off on my first longer book, a woman’s fiction novel with a strong reunion romance at its heart, which will be out next February in the UK and currently has a working title of So Now You’re Back. I’m super proud of this book, which is quite a departure from my series work, it’s certainly been quite a steep learning curve writing a book with this much complexity. But I love it now, and I hope you will too…

Meanwhile, back to my current writing project – a novella for Tule in our Fairytales of New York quartet - which I am working on while doing a little snoopy dancing (which is not that easy, let me tell you)!

Author stalking, Romance talking and Single Title News.

Good lord, it's been nearly two months since I've blogged here... Sorry, I've been busy.

So first off I'm going to direct you to a couple of other blogs I've done recently.

One on my Fangirl adventures meeting Nora Roberts and Diana Gabaldon one heady week in August with Abby Green... It's a great story for fans of those authors and their milieux (ie West Coast of Ireland and the Scottish Highlands!) which I did for the Pink Heart Society.

And another which I did for Read a Romance blog celebrating great dialogue in romance novels. I'm giving away two ebook copies of my latest Cosmo Red Hot Read 10 Rules to Sex Up a Blind Date on that one so get over there now. And if you want to read a sneak peek, I finally have a page for the book up on my website.

I'll also be popping up on Kate Hardy's 60th Book FB blog party on 6th October, so if you want an invite let me know in the comments - tons of authors and prize giveaways on that.


But, in my writing news, basically I've been AWOL recently because I've been deep in the writing cave writing my first Single Title book. Here's a clue to the content on my Pinterest board, but I'm under contract with M&B's ST imprint in the UK and I'm very excited about this project. I'm not gonna lie to you, it's been quite a challenge making the switch from series to ST (sub-plot? what's that?) but I'm really enjoying it and I hope the result is going to reflect that. It'll be out next Summer,  the title is as yet unconfirmed. So stay tuned, as all shall be revealed in due course.

Smexy Cover Reveal for Cosmo #2

My cover and blurb have arrived for my 2nd Cosmo Red Hot Read which is out on digital October 1st... I LOVE that guy, the perfect combo of hot and cute for my hero Brent O'Neill.

The Buff Cover

 

The Blurb

#WorstDatesEver

After a nasty breakup, Tally Gladstone has no interest in anything serious. But she's dipped her wary toe back into dating with a few blind dates — all bad... Or Worse. The only good thing to come out if it is a sizable following on social media. Her latest date is doomed from the get-go — he isn't even straight! But at least he knows someone who meets her every very exacting wish.

#EpicHotLover?

American-in-London  Brent O'Neill is everything she wants — on paper. He's hot, sexy and emotionally off-limits. Tally can play all she likes without getting burned. He's so good in bed he's addictive. But her millions of social media followers want disaster, not boring-ever-after. They might get their way yet — how is she going to walk away before her heart is in tatters?

Watch this space for a sneak peek.... Coming soon.

Sad News, Fun News and What Heidi Did Next...

So, I have some sad news and some fun news and some hints about what I'm doing next…

Sad News

Harlequin KISS/M&B Modern Tempted is going to be ending, I think the last book in KISS is out in November and the last MT in January (but don’t quote me on that). My last book in the line Beach Bar Baby, came out in June, and I had no more plans to write for KISS but I am still pretty gutted to see this line go. There were a host of really talented authors in it and we wrote some AWESOME books, sadly in this super-competitive marketplace we could not manage to get them into the hands of enough readers. Publishing is a business and you have to roll with the punches, so have no fear I’m sure we’ll all find new homes but if you want more news about ‘what the KISS authors did next’ just check out the KISS & Tempt Facebook page where we will be chatting about book launches, new ventures, etc.

Fun News

With the RWA conference looming I am currently in the process of packing to go to San Antonio Texas next week. Yeehaw! I’ll be Tweeting and Facebooking and blogging and generally flitting about on social media being a romance diva and romance reader (ie: stalking some of my favourite authors!) but if you want to meet me I’ll be at the Literacy Autographing signing copies of Beach Bar Baby and The Wedding Party (my 2-in-1 with Charlotte Phillips) on Wednesday 23rd 5.30pm-7.30pm at the Marriott Rivercenter Hotel… So come on down if you’re in the area.

What Heidi's Doing Next (she hopes!)

Ok, so you may be wondering what the heck I’ve been doing since I finished writing Beach Bar Baby. Well, first off, I wrote another Cosmo Red Hot Read which is out in October. It's called 10 Rules to Sex Up a Blind Date and I'll be sticking up a sneak peek on my website as soon as I have cover art, but until then…I have a Pinterest board and...

Take one London journalist with a secret Twitter habit desperate to get laid, one US wolf in geek’s clothing, put them together and what have you got..? A super-steamy tale of hot sex, not entirely white lies and a few important lessons in Twitter etiquette.

Next up I’ve got three other projects on the go:

Firstly a quartet of linked novellas with three other fabulous former KISS authors – Amy Andrews, Kelly Hunter and Lucy King – with the working title Fairytales of New York… And that’s all I’m saying on the subject. But we expect it to be fabulous and we’re hoping to get it out next year.

Next up is the book I’m currently working on, I have a sneak peek on the subject matter up on Pinterest, but basically it’s a longer book, I’m hoping to sign the contract very soon. And you’ll be the first to know all the intimate details when I do…

And last but not least, I am still hoping to write more series books for Harlequin. I don’t know where, or how or with which line, but rest assured I’m working on it… Honest.

Happy Launch Day, Brenda Novak & Sekrit Projects!

Beach Bar Baby est Arrivé!

Whoopee! Beach Bar Baby launches today in North America and the UK and Ireland in Harlequin KISS and Mills & Boon Modern Tempted...

In case you don't know what I'm banging on about this is the final installment in my Brothers and Sisters series... With strong links to Cupcakes and Killer Heels (Ruby and Cal from that book have supporting roles in this one). Beach Bar Baby tells the story of cupcake baker Ella Radley who goes to Bermuda on a holiday of a lifetime - which is turning out to be anything but - until she has a wild fling with studly local boat captain Cooper Delaney on her last night on the island...

Here's a little snippet to whet your appetite, which takes place just as Coop and Ella are getting really well acquainted...

He turned up the lamp, giving the modest hut a golden glow.

Walking to the open deck, he closed two large shutters and then slid the screen door across, cocooning them in together against the Caribbean night. Only the sparkle of moonlight and the sound of surf and chirping insects seeped through the slats.

'Don't want to risk getting our butts bitten off my mosquitos,' he said, crossing the short distance back to her.

She laughed, the rough stubble on his jaw ticklish against her neck as he gripped her hips and nuzzled the sensitive skin beneath her ear.

'Especially such a cute butt,' he added, giving the butt in question an appreciative squeeze.

She wrapped her arms around his lean waist and slipped her fingers beneath the waistband of his jeans, to caress the tight muscles of the backside she had admired that morning in wet denim. ‘I can totally get behind that sentiment.’

He chuckled, warm, callused palms sneaking under her camisole to glide up to her ribcage and send a series of tremors through her body.

‘Flattery will get you everywhere,’ he said. Before placing his mouth on hers at last.

Releasing his bum, she lifted arms lethargic with lust and draped them over his broad shoulders, driving her fingers into the soft curls at his nape, she let him devour her. He angled his hips and the thick ridge in his pants rubbed against her belly.

Oh yes, I want this so much.

To be taken, to take. She wanted to let her body do the asking and have his answer, in the primordial mating ritual of two animals in need of an endorphin fix. The fact that she liked him, that he seemed a genuinely nice guy, didn’t hurt. But right here, right now, as the building firestorm made the pulsing ache in her sex unbearable, and her nipples tighten into hard, swollen nubs, all she really cared about was satisfying the driving hunger.

If you want more details on where to buy it check out the book's page on my website. Also watch this space as I will be giving away some copies on various blogs in the next few weeks. Then again....

Beach Bar Baby on the Block 

at Brenda Novak Online Auction

If you want to buy a copy and do something amazing for Diabetes Research... I've also got some signed Larger Print copies of BBB up for grabs at Brenda Novak's Online Auction. So get your bids on NOW! Here and Here. OR if you want Beach Bar Baby in a 2-in-1 with Charlotte Phillips fabulous The Plus-One Agreement you can bid Here or Here.

Cosmo #2 Hits Ed's Desk & New Projects!

In other news my 2nd Cosmo (working title: 10 Rules to Sex-Up a Blind Date) a tale of sex, lies and Twitter etiquette has winged its way to my editor... So I'm getting cracking on a super sekrit project which I hope will be quite a surprise for readers when I can announce it!

Cosmo News and Movie News

YAY! Have just heard from my editor that the Cosmo team loved my partial and I am now under contract to write my 2nd Cosmo Red Hot Read. After all the hot fun I had writing 10 Ways to Handle the Best Man, I should have a blast writing 10 Rules to Sex-Up a Blind Date...

Here's my Pinterest board for the book, to give you some heft hints about what's in store.... But basically it involves a sex-starved London journalist with a secret Twitter habit, a super-studly American alpha wolf in geek's clothing and one super-hot blind date night in a luxury London hotel, and the mayhem that follows the morning after.

Apparently it's penciled in for release in October, so I need to get writing - and do much research on Channing Tatum and Chris Hemsworth who are vying to become my hero inspiration! (Damn this is a tough job.)

And if you want to catch a really fabulous (and totally off the wall) film experience, check out what I had to say about The Grand Budapest Hotel which is my Must Watch Friday pick for this month over at the Pink Heart Society today.

Cosmo-Coolio and a Live Twitter Q&A

Just in case you don't already know, my first (and hopefully not last) Cosmo Red Hot Read, 10 Ways to Handle the Best Man, is OUT NOW on ebook. So go grab yourself a copy if you're in the mood for a short, funny, super-sexy read with added naughty bits.

Here are a few of the things readers are saying about it on Goodreads/Amazon:

"Really cheeky and Connor was such an alpha."
4-star Goodreads, Cassandra

"If the other Cosmo Red Hot Reads are as good as this one,
I'm definitely going to have to check them out."
4-star Goodreads, Danielle

"I just adored this one. A total must read."
5-star Goodreads, Erica  

"This novella is sexy, fun, and worth reading if you enjoy romance stories. Consider yourselves forewarned: These Cosmo Red-Hot Reads are addictive!"
4-star Amazon, Nicole 

In other news  I'm taking part in the #TemptedtoWrite Twitter comp being run from 20-24 January by Mills and Boon for aspiring authors wanting to write for Modern Tempted (aka Harlequin KISS in the US). I'm one of the judges - along with the fabulous Charlotte Phillips and Joss Wood — and I'll also be doing a live Q&A on Twitter on Friday 24th January at 3pm. So be there, or be a donut! For more details check out M&B's Facebook page.

TWO New eBooks out in January! Get your sneak peeks here.

Wow!! I've been working hard recently. Because I have two new ebook releases out in January 2014.

First up is my very first Cosmo Red-Hot Read (think KISS but with added sexy bits!). 10 Ways to Handle the Best Man is the story of uber-efficient maid of honour Sabrina Millard and Connor McCoy, the bad man she's going to have a very hot time trying to turn into a best man.... The good news is, Sabrina has a ten-point plan... The bad news is, Connor isn't the type of guy who follows instructions - at all.

Check out a sneak peek here from the first chapter.

And next up, I have my first POP book for Harlequin E - Movie Bliss: A Hopeless Romantic Seeks Movies to Love. Like it says on the tin, this is an ebook of romance-landia friendly film picks from my cache of favourites. So if you want to know how to obtain movie bliss without the use of control substances, this ebook's for you!

Check out my take on Bridget Jones's Diary here.

Heidi's Blogtastic Friday!

Oh all right, already, that title may be overselling myself a bit... But I'm on two blogs today.

First the lovely Tawny Weber has invited me on to her blog to do her Quick Six questions... And I'm offering a copy of Maid of Dishonor (my Wedding Season book) to one lucky commentator on the blog who answers a very simple question in return (hint, it may have something to do with weddings).

Meanwhile I'm going back in time on The Pink Heart Society to talk about a classic 1980s chick flick (which might involve faking orgasms! hint hint) on my monthly Must Watch Friday slot. So come and join me.

In other news, I'm currently waiting to hear about my Cosmo Red Hot Reads submission (finger nail biting notwithstanding!!) and my Harlequin POP Movie Pleasures book...

To save my nails, I have dived into my next KISS which is set in Bermuda and Camden, London,  and going to feature sweet, kooky and far too soft-hearted cupcake baker Ella Radley and lean, mean and way too sexy dive-shop entrepeneur Cooper Delaney. You can check out my inspiration board on Pinterest. But if you haven't guessed already, Ella is the business partner of my heroine Ruby Delisantro in Cupcakes and Killer Heels and I've been wanting to write her story for awhile... So this is gonna be cool.

Not so cool is the fact that I have to finish this book in a scant six weeks (because of being a bit of a plonker with my deadlines for my last few projects). As I've never managed to complete a book in under four months this is quite a tall order for me (tall, as in Everest-tall). So watch this space. But to help me I'm trying out Scrivener and I have to say, so far, I'm LOVING it. Anyone else using it? Wanna tell me what you think?

The Great Gatsby... And other great things!

I'm over at the Pink Heart Society waffling on about how great I thought Baz Luhrmann's manic new version of The Great Gatsby was and getting in the mood to write my movie review book for Harlequin POP... Don't know when this one will be out (as I haven't written it yet) but I'm having a lot of fun compiling some of my favourite romance-centric movies for public consumption...

And if you haven't visited my Facebook page recently, I've just updated my banner (because I'm a bit of a procrastinator like that!)... And I have to admit it's a little bit naughty... But very, very nice.

In other news, my Cosmo RED HOT Read - 10 Ways to Handle the Best Man - has been scheduled for a January 2014 release... OMG!! So excited about this - not least because that's the first time I've ever managed to keep my own title. I'm not sure if that date is confirmed, but will let you know.

And my new book page for Maid of Dishonor will be up soon on my website... Honest! I just need time to do it in between messing with pictures of nekkid men for my FB banner.

And last but not least... Today is the release day for Bedded for His Pleasure, my new anthology with Kate hardy and Trish Wylie, featuring a reprint of my first EVAH published book: Bedded by a Bad Boy (I take no responsibility for that title... see above for proof.)

Conference, Cosmo and Yet More Giveaways!!

So after FINALLY finishing off my Cosmo Red Hot Read "10 Ways to Handle the Best Man" and pinging it off to my ed last Tuesday I had a few manic days of film reviewing (in my other job) before a mad packing frenzy ensued on Friday morning and I jumped on a train to Sheffield for the RNA conference.

Sharing a flat with Fiona Harper, India Grey, Abby Green and Scarlet Wilson turned out to be as much fun as anticipated and involved champagne, prosecco, chocolate, some talk about writing and way too much talk about how India met Henry Cavill once (Sheesh, does that woman know how to make a person pea-green with envy!)

Conference highlights also included Julie Cohen's excellent talk on Themes in Your Writing, the sunshine, the lavish student accommodation (blimey that's changed since I was at college), a fun Gala dinner, drinks with the M&B eds and meeting new authors Michelle Smart, Victoria Parker and Sophie Pembroke, among others. Also got lots of ideas about possible new directions for my writing, which you'll be the first to hear about when I decide which way I'm going!

On my return, I found a whole box of my new KISS novel Maid of Dishonor waiting for me. So I've already got a Goodreads Giveaway going (click on the icon in the sidebar to enter), but I'll also be doing a worldwide giveaway on our Wedding Season FB page in the near future. So watch that space.

And even more joy, the RT Book Review magazine have given the book a 4-star review. Check out the evidence below if you don't believe me.

Am going to be doing a sneak peek on my website very soon, in time for the book's release on August 20 in the US. It will be appearing in the fab new Modern Tempted series in the UK in October, as well as the other Wedding Season books.

The Wedding Season gals are over at Harlequin Junkie at the moment BTW talking Heros and Heroines in 140 characters or less... Plus there's another fricking Giveaway over there.

EXCITING Red Hot news & Comp Winners Announced!!

I got some VERY EXCITING news from my editor on Thursday... And it comes in two stages.

 Firstly, I submitted a proposal earlier this year for the new Cosmo Red Hot Reads line which is a digital first collaboration between Cosmopolitan Magazine in the US and Harlequin... These are going to be digital only books, a little shorter than series books but with lots and lots of sass and steam! With New York Times Bestseller Sylvia Day and RITA winner Sarah Morgan already signed up to write for this extremely HOT new imprint I really really wanted to be a part of it... Anyway after much nailbiting and panic over my partial, which had to go through a rather more rigorous acquisitions process than I'm used to (eventually being okay'd by Cosmo's main man in NYC) - I got the word from my ed last week that they want to buy the book I was proposing... The working title at the moment is  10 Ways to Handle the Best Man... (We're talking Four Weddings Meets 50 Shades - by way of a pushy Maid of Honor forced to handle the Best Man from Hell).. If you want a few more tantalising hints as to what happens next, check out my Pinterest board.

http://pinterest.com/hlric/10-ways-to-handle-the-best-man-working-title/

Secondly, I also got the go-ahead to write a Hopeless Romantic's Guide to A Great Movie Night In for the new digital first Harlequin Pop line... Once again can't wait to write this, and wear both my film journalist and my romance-landia hats at the same time!! How cool is that?

Anyway, watch this blog for more news on both projects... Now all I've got to do is calm down enough to write them!!

I would also like to say a big thank you to all those who entered my blog comp last week to win a copy of my new Harlequin KISS novel Too Close for Comfort...

So, with no more ado, the lucky winners of a signed copy of the book are:

Desere Steenberg

Sharon Collins

For those who didn't win, don't forget to have a crack at my Goodreads Giveaway below:

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Too Close for Comfort

by Heidi Rice

Giveaway ends May 15, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win