Updates (In case you were wondering…)

I’ll be the first to admit: I’ve been neglecting this blog lately. Why? Because too much has been happening in real life lately, and there’s only 24 hours in a day…

Here are some of the highlights:

• NEW BOOK! Sweet Indulgence, book 2 in my Silicon Beach Trilogy, is coming out in late March! Wait…what trilogy? Yep, you heard it here first: I’ve renamed the Kogan/Lazarev series. Somehow, Kogan/Lazarev just doesn’t roll off the tongue easily, as some of you pointed out.  The series still follows the interconnected lives of the Kogan and Lazarev families, but hopefully with less head scratching over some of those foreign-sounding words. Which leads me to my next news item…

• GLOSSARY!  Break out the fireworks! Yes, there is now a glossary included at the end of each book in the Silicon Beach Trilogy. When you grow up in a dual language household like I did (in my case, it was Russian and English), it’s easy to forget that not everyone understands what you’re talking about when you pepper your speech with foreign words. Now that I live in California, I hear it done all the time with Spanish and English—there’s even a term for it: Spanglish. With Russian and English, though, it sounds a little more awkward…what would you call it? Russlish? Englian? Anyway…for those of you who haven’t picked up the first book in the series, Beyond the Ivory Tower, have no fear: all those pesky terms are now explained in the handy-dandy glossary at the end of the book. For those who’ve read the book already and are still curious, I’ve attached a copy of said glossary at the end of this post. And book 2, Sweet Indulgence, will for sure include a glossary! (Though as you many notice from the length of the glossary, there aren’t that many words in Russian in either book….Much as I loved A Clockwork Orange, I’m no Anthony Burgess, and my books are romances, after all, not dystopian social-political satire.) 

• GOING WIDE! Thanks to everyone who’s been asking when my books will be available in stores other than Amazon…I’m pleased to say: Now! Without a Net, Coming Home, and Balancing Act are now available on iTunes, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo....

Without a Net now available on...

Barnes & Noble

iTunes

Kobo

Amazon

Coming Home now available on...

Barnes & Noble

iTunes

Kobo

Amazon

Balancing Act now available on...

Barnes & Noble

iTunes

Kobo

Amazon

•  TRANSLATIONS! If you’d like to read my books in Portuguese or Italian, now you can! Thanks to the amazing Andreia Barboza, the Santa Monica Trilogy is now fully available in Portuguese. Without a Net is out in Italian, courtesy of the lovely Sarah Ferarri, and Coming Home will be available in Italian this summer. If you have friends in Brazil, Portugal, or Italy who love romance, please spread the word. Obrigada! Mille grazie!

Without a Net (Paixão inesperada)

available from:

Barnes & Noble (Nook)

iTunes

Kobo

Amazon

Coming Home (De volta para casa)

available from:

Barnes & Noble (Nook)
iTunes
Kobo
Amazon

Balancing Act (Ponto de equilíbrio)

available from:

Barnes & Noble (Nook)

iTunes
Kobo
Amazon

Without a Net (Senza Freni - trilogia di Santa Monica, libro #1)

available from:

Barnes & Noble (Nook)

iTunes
Kobo
Amazon

And now, without further ado, from Beyond the Ivory Tower....

GLOSSARY (RUSSIAN-ENGLISH)

Chort poberi - Damn (Literally, “Devil take it”)
egoist - egotist, arrogant man
Kakaya yerunda - What nonsense
Nichevo sebe - Wow
On takoi babnik – He’s such a playboy
Yesli’b ya skazal chto ya luchshiy hirurg v mire, togda ya bil bi egoistom – If I’d said I’m the best surgeon in the world, then I’d be an egotist.

#New Release ~ Winning it All

#NewRelease ~ Fall in Love in Paradise!

Title: Love's Ride (McCallister's Paradise - 4)

Author: Chantel Rhondeau

Release date: November 24, 2015

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Family Saga Romance

Brad McCallister has always felt estranged from his family. He thought taking over as manager of their paradise resort would make him feel more connected but that hasn’t happened. To top it off, his siblings are finding life partners and settling down while Brad’s still single. If only he could stop obsessing over the island's psychologist, Chelsea Taylor.

Chelsea loves working at McCallister's Paradise. She enjoys the large family of employees and feels at home in the sand and sunshine. The only thing missing is the spice of adventure. She longs to explore the island and conquer her longstanding fears.

After Brad’s sister schemes to bring Brad and Chelsea together things go horribly wrong, but Brad refuses to give up without a fight. A two-week island adventure will not only help fulfill Chelsea’s lifelong dream of being a survivalist, it will give them a chance to get to know each other—away from his meddling family.

This couple gets more than they bargained for when survival takes on a new meaning in paradise.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1N0mO7Q

Nook: http://bit.ly/1RpPbR8 

Apple iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1035524163 

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1RpPfk2 

~~Excerpt~~

She pouted slightly as she thought, her full red lips begging him to suck on them. “I felt like dinner went well the other day, but…” She paused and scarlet flared against her cheekbones.

“Dinner did go well,” he agreed. “I wasn’t sure you thought so, but I had a great time.”

“I was surprised when you left so fast.” Looking down at their hands, she avoided his eyes, seeming unsure and flustered. “I thought you’d want a goodnight kiss.”

She felt insecure because he hadn’t kissed her? Well, hot damn!

Brad chuckled and tugged her hands, pulling her close to his chest. She was enough shorter than him that when her hair swished around her face the silky strands rubbed against his chin, catching slightly in the evening stubble he hadn’t had time to shave.

Pressing his lips against her forehead, Brad released one of her hands to caress her cheek and slide his hand down her neck.

The passion he felt in being so close to her was echoed in the soft trembling of Chelsea’s body against his and the sweet, contented sigh she released.

Wrapping both arms around her, Brad held her close to his heart, enjoying having her so near after spending several days apart. If only work would slow down and he could see her more often. He knew it was too sudden to be sure that he wanted things to work out with Chelsea, but holding her felt right. Since the moment she arrived on the island, Brad hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her, wishing he could call her his lady. Now he might have a chance.

Chelsea’s arms circled him, and she rested her head on his shoulder. The soft puffs of breath coming from her mouth bathed his neck with their warmth, making him wish he were less of a gentleman.

“You smell delicious,” she whispered, sniffing deeply. Her lips brushed his collarbone, setting his heart rate racing. 

If he didn’t stop this soon, the problem twitching to life in his pants could make a family dinner awkward. Kissing her forehead once more, Brad gently gripped her shoulders and pushed her away.

About McCallister's Paradise: 

Fall in love with the strong men and smart women of McCallister's Paradise!

At their tropical island resort, the McCallister family works hard. Life in Paradise should be perfect. After all, the place is great for a romantic getaway. Unfortunately, the five McCallister siblings are still searching for their happily ever afters... and romance always seems just out of reach. 

But determined hearts won't be denied. And when love is on the line, a McCallister doesn't fall halfway!

Series:

Happy Endings (Quinn)

Diving Into Love (Parker)

For Love or Charity (Sydney)
Love's Ride (Brad)
Cooking Up Love (Shane - coming soon)

Available at these vendors:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1QVSBwP

Nook: http://bit.ly/1Mr4VF9

Apple: http://apple.co/1WgwPZ8

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1O5Z5td

~~About the Author~~

Bestselling Author Chantel Rhondeau once thought a mystery or fantasy book with strong romantic themes was the highest level of reading bliss. After reading her first romantic suspense, she never looked back. Chantel is author of six romantic suspense novels, three Christmas novellas, a sports-themed novella, and the McCallister’s Paradise contemporary romance/family saga series. She lives in the western United States and when she's not writing, she loves playing cards with her family, bowling on leagues, and snuggling with her lazy kitties.

Want to contact Chantel?

Website: http://www.chantelrhondeau.com 

Mailing list: http://bit.ly/1qKSN0q (FREE copy of Season For Love for new sign ups!)

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ChantelRhondeau 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/chantelrhondeau 

Google +: https://plus.google.com/107690373644293021555/posts 

Pintrest: http://www.pinterest.com/chantelrhondeau/ 

Join my Facebook Group: http://on.fb.me/1JlKFNC

New Release ~ Beyond the Ivory Tower

In real life, next is one of my favorite words. Think about it, you're in line at the bank, waiting to cash your check. You've already endorsed it, and it's burning a hole in your pocket. There are three windows that have a "closed" sign, and the line moves forward about as fast as traffic on the 405 in the middle of rush hour. Suddenly the teller calls: "Next!" And it's you! Your turn! 

Or maybe you're at the pharmacy, waiting for your prescription to be filled. Or at the post office. 

"Next!" 

Hot diggity-dog! Yes! That's me, next!

The only expression that may be even more exciting to a writer is: "The End." After toiling for weeks, months, maybe years, on a manuscript, you finally get to the point where you can type those words. The End.  Wow! You're done!

Well, okay, not quite. There are still multiple rounds of editing, and proofreading, and approving the cover, and thinking about marketing....But, seriously, nothing is as satisfying as reaching the milestone marked by those two little words.

So today I’m celebrating. I've written "The End" on my latest novella, Beyond the Ivory Tower. The release date is November 11, but you can pre-order the book now on Amazon.

You know the best part about one-clicking? No lines. You’re always next!

Beyond the Ivory Tower

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Mature content, 18+. Heat level: 4 (out of 5)

Length: 40K words

If there’s one thing math professor Anna Lazarev believes in, it’s the value of higher education. So when her younger sister announces she’s dropping out of college, Anna places the blame squarely on the man who inspired her sister’s rebellion.

Venture capitalist Ethan Talbot claims the US academic system is broken. His solution? Pay top students to “opt out” and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams without wasting time and money on a university degree.

In a passionate battle for the hearts and minds of a new generation, Anna will do whatever it takes to prove Ethan wrong. But when his demands take a more personal turn, will she sacrifice her principles to come out on top?

Release date: November 11, 2015

Pre-order your copy now!

The Santa Monica Trilogy Boxed Set is here!

The Santa Monica Trilogy Boxed Set (3 books in 1)

http://amzn.to/1JajJEB

Book 1: Without a Net ~ Eva & Max
Book 2: Coming Home ~ Grace & Logan

Book 3: Balancing Act ~ Angie & Zach

*Please note: this collection contains adult themes and explicit language, and is meant for adults 18 and over.*

__________________________________________________

Without a Net (Book 1)

Betrayed by her husband, single mom to her young son, struggling to keep head above water, the last thing Eva needs is another philandering male. But when her best friend's older brother offers her a job, can Eva resist what may be the biggest adventure of her life?

__________________________________________________

Coming Home (Book 2)

Eight years after she leaves for New York, scandal sends Grace fleeing home and into the arms of her old college boyfriend. But can their second chance at love triumph over the damage of past betrayals?

__________________________________________________

Balancing Act (Book 3)

When Angie goes head to head against her old nemesis Zach, "backroom negotiation" takes on a whole new meaning. As lawyers on opposite sides of a case, they've got plenty to argue about. But legal wrangling takes a backseat when their mutual attraction threatens to spin out of control.

__________________________________________________

Special bonus: sneak peek at my newest release 

Beyond the Ivory Tower

(coming to Amazon November 2015)!

If there's one thing math professor Anna Lazarev believes in, it's the value of higher education. So when her younger sister announces she's dropping out of college, Anna places the blame squarely on the man who inspired her sister's rebellion.

Venture capitalist Ethan Talbot claims the US academic system is broken. His solution? Pay top students to "opt out" and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams without wasting time and money on a university degree.

Locked in a passionate battle for the hearts and minds of a new generation, Anna will do whatever it takes to prove Ethan wrong. But when his demands take a more personal turn, will she sacrifice her principles to come out on top?

__________________________________________________

What readers and reviewers are saying about the books in this collection:

“erotica for the thinking woman” 

–Alia, on Goodreads

“Witty and well-written, this is a tale of taking risks, jumping at opportunities, and following your heart.” 

–Sandra Lopez, YA author

“a lighthearted romance with a side of humor” 

–Amy, DRC’s Review Team

“a welcome addition to the contemporary romance genre” 

–LJT, on Goodreads

“Very well written with interesting characters and a story that keeps you turning the page.” 

–Bette Hansen, on Goodreads