#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

Wealthy hero, paradise resort, and sizzling romance! Love's Ride coming soon!

Order now on Amazon:

Happy Endings: http://amzn.to/1GHbwJ0

Diving Into Love: http://amzn.to/1O5Y0RX

For Love or Charity: http://amzn.to/1GHbzo

Love’s Ride: http://amzn.to/1jvWmfw

McCallister's Paradise on Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1Mr4VF9

Apple iBooks: http://apple.co/1WgwPZ8

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1O5Z5td

About the series:

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!

#NewRelease - Sexy paradise resort romances

Series: McCallister’s Paradise

Genre: Contemporary romance on a tropical island

Author: Chantel Rhondeau

Now available: Happy Endings, Diving Into Love, and For Love or Charity

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!

Purchase Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1Evp3ki, UK: http://amzn.to/1yWf44d

Nook US: http://bit.ly/1JWeIxU, Nook UK: http://bit.ly/1yWeAuJ

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1KfixfX 

KOBO: http://bit.ly/1JWeHKo

Produced by www.drgraphicexpressions.com

Happy Endings - Book 1 (on sale for just 99 cents!)

Art by http://edhgraphics.blogspot.com/

Handsome, wealthy Quinn McCallister is the most eligible bachelor on McCallister’s Paradise. Making his family's island resort a success is all that matters to this workaholic. Everything changes when he meets the beautiful new massage therapist...

Larissa Benner may have survived cancer, but its aftermath left plenty of problems besides the ever-looming fear of relapse. Her family nearly went bankrupt paying for her life-saving treatments. She desperately needs the full-time therapist position on the island and the benefits that come with it. The last thing she wants is problems with her boss, or a complicated office romance.

It’s hard for her to resist Quinn’s charms—or his passionate side. However, Quinn is married to his job. The choice between love and work is tough for him to juggle and has Larissa scared. If the cancer recurs, could she count on him to be there for her? Or would he leave her to face it alone, ending her relationship in tragedy?

Diving Into Love - Book 2

Art by http://edhgraphics.blogspot.com/

Parker McCallister is the playboy of the family, never having a care in the world beyond his next fling. When Sierra Burns nearly runs him down on horseback, she challenges him in ways he's never experienced. Now all he has to figure out is how to capture this beauty's heart, and this time it is about more than sex and fun for him. 

Shortly after meeting Parker, disaster strikes for Sierra and her secret troubles are revealed. Now she needs his help in the worst way. The only problem is she wants to earn her place in life and have a chance to be the person she wants to be, not who her rich parents expect of her. Taking charity from Parker or his family would feel like a lie to her convictions, and she doesn't want dating him to be a condition of accepting their help. 

Despite her hesitations, Parker's charms and charisma are hard to resist. Just when she gives up fighting against the attraction and allows herself to hope for love, his past foists a surprise on the new couple and throws Sierra's life out of balance...again.

For Love or Charity - Book 3

Art by http://edhgraphics.blogspot.com/

Sydney McCallister isn't looking for love, especially not from an overbearing man demanding money for his charity after missing the cutoff date for proposals. Doesn't Matthew Coleson realize his organization isn't the only one hoping for a grant from the McCallister family? Tired of dealing with the constant stream of angry people and feeling terribly homesick besides, Sydney wonders if she should give up on New York and head back to the family's island resort. 

When Sydney's office is trashed and she receives a threatening message, she's certain Matt must be responsible. After confronting him, however, she learns there is more to this man than is apparent at first glance. There's something about his eyes... besides, who can resist a man who helps homeless people get back on their feet? He seems to truly care about people and swears he would never hurt anyone.

Together, they work to uncover the identity of the person threatening Sydney, and Matt seems determined to keep her safe. Questions remain for her, despite the excitement Matt brings to her life... Does he care about her for herself, or is he more interested in her family money and what that could mean for his charity?

Love's Ride - Book 4 and Cooking Up Love - Book 5 coming soon!

About the Author:

Best-selling author Chantel Rhondeau once thought a great mystery or fantasy book with strong romantic themes was the highest level of reading bliss. After reading her first romantic suspense novel, she never looked back. Chantel is author of six romantic suspense novels, a Christmas novella, and the new McCallister’s Paradise 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.

Website: http://www.chantelrhondeau.com/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1636019463291441/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChantelRhondeau
New release mailing list: http://bit.ly/1qKSN0q
Check out all Chantel's available titles: http://www.chantelrhondeau.com/p/my-available-titles.html

New Contemporary Romance Series Video Trailer

Okay, I'm seriously freaking out just a little bit! Most of you know I've been working really hard on the McCallister's Paradise series, getting ready to publish the first 3 books all together on April 7th. Lucky for me, I've also been doing other boxed set projects, and I met a wonderful new artist who is awesome! She made a video trailer for me, and I hope you enjoy. I'm over the moon about it! Check it out! 

Cover art by EDH Graphics. 

Video by DR Graphic Expressions

Available for preorder now! 

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!

Purchase Links:

Amazon:

US: http://amzn.to/1Evp3ki

UK: http://amzn.to/1yWf44d

CA: http://amzn.to/1A9epOD

AU: http://bit.ly/1uKHpVL

Nook US: http://bit.ly/1JWeIxU

Nook UK: http://bit.ly/1yWeAuJ

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1KfixfX

KOBO: http://bit.ly/1JWeHKo

2015 Writing madness... Yep, I'm crazy!

Hello readers! 

I know it's been an awful long time since I blogged anything personal or, well, my blog has been really neglected lately even with posting new releases and such. I've been so busy, I'm not sure I know which end is up most days. 

2014 was an excellent year for me, personally and professionally. I wrote more than I thought possible, participated in three boxed sets, and sales have been picking up! On the personal side, my kids are both doing great! My son graduated from college and is now on the hunt for a job as a police officer. My daughter took a break from school and has a fantastic job right now and her own apartment. When her lease is up this summer, she's going to move out of state and head back to college. Yes, I'm a proud mama. Love those kids. This month, I'm finally marrying my love. We decided 16-1/2 years together was long enough, and it was time to tie the knot! It'll be a small ceremony, but I'm really excited. 

As far as writing... I don't know what I'm thinking. Last year, I joined a class by Author Rachelle Ayala on writing a romance in a month. A month before the class started, I had a dream about the characters of Murderous Lies, and knew I had to write it before the class. So, I wrote it that month. Then the class started, and I completed my first contemporary romance, Happy Endings (McCallister's Paradise - 1). I want to publish the first three books of this series all at the same time, so I put them on the back burner (releasing April 7th and available for preorder now). Then, I was invited into all the boxed sets. Thankfully, one was for an already-written book for Killer Romances, but then I had to write a Christmas story (Season For Love in Romancing Christmas set) and a hot hero story (Blazing Love in Heroes To Swoon For set) all before the end of the year. That was hectic, and I thought probably plenty, but this year I've really challenged myself. Here's my schedule: 

McCallister’s Paradise 2-5 need written (finish by May)

Diving Into Love - Book (finished last week)

For Love or Charity - Book 3 (current WIP)

Love's Ride - Book 4

Cooking Up Love - Book 5

Then, I have all these boxed sets I planned to go into for 2015:

Dangerous Encounters – Putting in Murderous Lies (already published)

Score One for Love – Serving Up Love - August publication

Sweet Christmas Pet boxed set – Unexpected Gift September publication

Steamy Christmas Set – Loving Lucy - October publication

As if that weren't enough, I decided to join one more set, one about heroes (cops, fireman, etc.) and To Serve and Protect set will be coming out either the end of the year or early next year. Luckily, if I don't have time to write another book for this set, they said I can include Crime & Passion, since Donovan is an awesome police officer, but I'd really like to revisit my people from Blazing Love and write Frankie Hernandez's story.

What else am I hoping to accomplish but have made no promises to anyone about?  Here is what I'll work on to close out the year: 

Love & Compromise (Agents in Love - Book 3)

Start on Lovers in Paradise 5-book series 

Basically, I want to write a book a month. Luckily, some of those are novellas, which will help, but I'm pretty sure I've lost my mind! Here's to a productive, happy year. I hope you all have big goals too! Aim high, and let's do everything we can this year!!

All my best!!

~~Chantel~~

Writing a Romance in a Month

Hello Friends!  It's been a while since I posted about what I'm doing instead of giving you new release books from my fellow writers, but I've been having a fun time and wanted to tell you about it!

Back in May I started on a journey with several other writers. Our goal? To write a romance novel in one month. We took an on-line Facebook class hosted and taught by the wonderfully talented Rachelle Ayala who, as many of you know, is my writing bestie and someone who's work I admire tremendously. 

Since Murderous Lies popped up on me out of nowhere, I had to race to finish writing that before the class started, so I didn't do many of the exercises Rachelle had for us until the very last minute. I like writing by the seat of my pants anyway, so this wasn't a problem. 

I loved this class! There is no competition or minimum word count or anything. We were just a group of writers supporting each other. Everyone has their own thread and the goal is to write something every day, then post a little snippet about what your characters did that day. Rachelle also posted daily questions to get us to interview our characters in depth and learn more about them. These questions really helped when I became stuck because they sparked my creativity. I also had a fun time reading what all the other writers were doing with their books and following along with them. This is my first shot at a contemporary romance with no thriller portion, and I'd say I'm pretty dang proud of the job I did. I finished my first draft in the month deadline (with only a few hours to spare) and sent the MS off to some early beta readers (by exchanging books with other classmates). 

Here's what I came up with in that month: 

Cover by the fabulous EDH Graphics

Happy Endings (McCallister's Paradise - 1)
Coming Early 2015
Contemporary Romance

Handsome, wealthy Quinn McCallister is the most eligible bachelor on McCallister’s Paradise. Making his family's island resort a success is all that matters to this workaholic. Everything changes when he meets the beautiful new massage therapist...

Larissa Benner may have survived cancer, but its aftermath left plenty of problems besides the ever-looming fear of relapse. Her family nearly went bankrupt paying for her previous treatment. She desperately needs the full-time therapist position on the island and the benefits that come with it. The last thing she wants is problems with her boss, or a complicated office romance.

It’s hard for her to resist Quinn’s charms—or his passionate side. However, Quinn is married to his job. The choice between love and work is tough for him to juggle and has Larissa scared. If the cancer recurs, would he leave her to face it alone?

I can't wait to finish the editing and such, but I have other projects to get to first (namely Love & Compromise - Agents in Love Book 3), so I'm planning to release this in early 2015, hopefully with the next two books in the series at the same time. 

We are gearing up for another class that will start September 15th. The class is free and open for anyone to join, but the postings are kept private and we like members to actively participate. The goal of writing something every day, no matter how small, really kept me on track. I liked it so much that a few of us have stuck around the class for the stories we are currently working on so we can encourage each other to keep the momentum running! 

I can't thank Rachelle enough for putting on this fabulous class. If you are interested in joining our next session, contact Rachelle on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RachelleAyalaWriter Here's the class announcement:

Free writing class. Sept 1 - Oct 15, 2014. Join romance author Rachelle Ayala on a guided journey to write a romantic story in one month. Start with 2 weeks of lessons and exercises before zooming into the writing. The class is no pressure, fun only, and motivational. We will, as a group, inspire and support each other. There are no wordcount goals, nada. You may write a flash romance to an epic romance, or finish with an outline or synopsis. The important thing is to go through the experience together and know that you CAN do it!

Textbook available: http://www.rachelleayala.com/p/romance-in-month.html

Happy reading and writing my friends! Always follow your dreams and anything is possible! 
~~ Chantel ~~ 

Current projects, the future, and an excerpt

Happy Wednesday! 

Halfway through. I can't say that I'm ever sad to see us getting closer to a Friday! So, I told you Monday that I'd let you know what I was working on, what my plans were, and maybe have you weigh in on those plans. Obviously, my #1 plan is to finish my Agents in Love series in 2014/2015, as I'm not going to leave you all hanging with that. Right now, I'm writing Book 2 - Love & Redemption, and I'm really having a lot of fun! As much as I enjoyed Carlie and Nick, I love Shelley and Gavin. For different reasons, and it is a much different type of book, but I'm at about 40K right now and I'm loving it! However, I do find myself staring at a lot of pictures like this: 

just to get me in the spirit of what I'm doing. 

I know when I finish Love & Redemption, I'm moving right into working on Love & Compromise, which will feature our little FBI hacker, Jenessa Jones and President Sharp's youngest son, Kole, as my main characters. I have a lot of ideas about this book running through my head, and this series is already turning into something much different than I thought it would. I think (and don't quote me on this) there will be two more books, Love & Murder and Love & Vengeance. I know who the last book will feature, but I'm going to keep that a secret for now, in case my muse changes her mind. I hate making promises I can't keep.

If my hands hold on and my headaches stay to a dull roar, I hope to write all of these books in 2014 so that the series can be released in its entirety by early-ish 2015. No hard dates, because when I do this as a part-time in my spare-time job, I can't guarantee the speed with which I'll write. Safest to say, as fast as I can. :-) 

After that, though, I have a choice of projects that clamor for my attention, and I thought it would be a good idea to ask my readers if any of these ideas even interest you, since you are ultimately who I'm writing for (well, besides myself...if I don't enjoy it, none of us will). My first idea is a contemporary romance series that will have likely four books. It will be McCallister's Paradise and is about a family that runs a resort area on their own private island in warmer waters near Hawaii. This book will follow all the children through their trials and getting married off to the right mate. 

The other idea is one I've actually had for years. I don't have a name for the series, but I do know the characters. Faith and Evan. Faith is a psychic who sometimes consults for the police department on cases they can't solve. Evan is a private detective who does not believe in psychic abilities. So, yeah. They should be all sorts of fun to write. I think the books will be a trilogy in which they work on a murder in each book, but their romance will slowly build throughout the series. I'm not even sure you could classify it as a strict romance, since they won't be getting down and dirty in every book, but the trilogy, as a whole, would ultimately be a grander-scale romance.

Besides that, I have a few stand-alone romantic suspense book ideas climbing inside my head. I really don't know if there is room in there for me anymore! There are plenty of voices going on!!

So what do you all think? What's your favorite idea for me to build upon next in the grand scheme of things. Is there an idea here that you absolutely hate and wouldn't want to read the books? An idea you positively love? Any input is greatly appreciated! 

Since you're all super patient, and I know how hard it is waiting for books to come out, I decided to give you the first scene of Love & Redemption so you can get a look at Gavin Hart. I really like him. I think you will too! I'm doing a cover reveal about a month before this releases, so I can't share the entire cover with you, but here is what Gavin and Shelley look like, just to give you a visual. Can't wait to share the whole cover. It is HOT!! 

Love & Redemption

Book 2 - Agents in Love

Copyright 2013 Chantel Rhondeau

Chapter One

Gavin Hart held his breath, hoping the two thugs wouldn’t look up and notice the cover missing from the ventilation duct or spot him inside it. No matter how good he was at body control, Gavin couldn’t shimmy through the large ductwork without alerting them to his presence. If only he’d been able to get away before they entered the room. Now, he helplessly watched the scene unfolding in the room beneath him.

The blonde opera starlet held out a small black bag, fidgeting her feet as she looked at the ground. “They said you’d have money. What’s with the guns?” Her hands trembled when the skinnier of the two men snatched the bag away. Perhaps she figured, as Gavin did, that the thugs didn’t plan to pay.

A slimy grin flitted across the darker-skinned man’s face. He hefted his gun. “The boss ordered a change in plans, Sierra.” He twisted a silencer onto the end of the pistol.

“The boss?” Sierra dropped to her knees and a tear tracked down her cheek. “No. Please, don’t kill me. Just take the diamonds.”

The man’s partner shook his head, brushing sandy hair from his eyes. “You know things don’t work that way. It was only a matter of time before we caught up with you. You should have vetted your customers better.”

“He’s going ahead with the bracelets? I’d hoped to stop him.” Sierra bowed her head and clasped her hands together, murmuring what sounded like a prayer.

“That won’t save you.” The dark man took a step forward and pressed the barrel of the gun against her head. “Such a waste of talent. You could have been a top S.A.T.O. agent if you hadn’t turned your back on Paul. You knew he needed these diamonds.”

Gavin swallowed down his horror, wishing he could do something to stop the inevitable. It would be foolish to try and save her. She took a risk by selling the high-quality diamonds. Whoever Paul was, he wasn’t the only person interested in them. Several clients approached Gavin about acquiring them. He didn’t know why they were special, but it was a bigger score than he’d landed in a long time.

Below Gavin, the man pulled the trigger and his weapon made a soft sound, almost like that of a pellet gun. Sierra collapsed to the ground. Red oozed from a small wound in the front of her head, trickling down the starlet’s face. Gavin then made the mistake of looking at the back of her head. What was left of it.

Jerking involuntarily, he bit back bile rising in his throat and slid slightly on the slick ductwork. His foot hit the side of the vent shaft, sounding out a loud, metallic ring.

Shit!

He tried to lean into the shadows, but the skinny man’s head snapped up and his blue eyes locked onto Gavin’s.

“Terrance,” he murmured. “We have a problem.”

***

That's all I have for you for now. If you missed the first book in the series and happened upon this post by accident, you can still vote for what you think I should focus on after this series, but be sure to check out the "Books by Chantel" tab and see where you can get my titles! Oh, I almost forgot! Thanks a million to everyone for all your support and for the great reviews you've been leaving on all my books lately. I don't comment on the reviews, because I find that unprofessional, but I do read them, and it means the world to me! 

Time for me to get back to work! Let me know what you think and have a happy day!!
~~ Chantel ~~