Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Guest Post & Giveaway with Author Virna DePaul



Welcome to stop #10 in my blog tour For Chosen By Sin (Para-Ops #3).

Thank you to Lush for having me here today!  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 #10 for me?  See More Plays And Musicals

I'm a musical junkie.  At least, I used to be.  But in the past few years, while I've managed to sneak in a few big ones (Wicked, Phantom, Jersey Boys), I no longer see them regularly and I haven't seen many local productions.  Just like books, musicals enable me to experience other people and places in an emotional, usually uplifting way.  They're especially great for those who love romance, even if it doesn't necessarily come with a perfect HEA.  For example, take Aida, a musical written by Elton John about star-crossed lovers.  I'm listening to a song from the musical right now, a duet between the romantic leads called Written In The Stars.  Here's just a few lines:

Never wonder what I feel as living shuffles by
You don't have to ask me and I need not reply
Every moment of my life from now until I die
I will think or dream of you and fail to understand
How a perfect love can be confounded out of hand

Is it written in the stars?
Are we paying for some crime?
Is that all that we are good for?
Just a stretch of mortal time?
Or some God's experiment
In which we have no say?
In which we're given paradise
But only for a day...

How's that for gut-wrenchingly powerful?
  

And what's Resolution #10 for Dex Hunt?

Here's a hint from Chosen By Sin.

“Remember, Dex,” Mahone said during their final briefing on Dex’s assignment. “Flying to Paris is about gathering intel only. The shape-shifters aren’t exactly a group the Bureau is prepared to trust. Still, reliable sources overseas tell us there’s more infighting than ever.”

“You’ve reminded me of this every hour on the hour. I’ve made several good connections over the past few days. I’m not stupid, Mahone.”

“But you do have a problem blending in, even when you’re in the States. You’ll stand out even more in France, where Otherborn aren’t even publicly acknowledged.”

It didn’t matter where they were—none of the Para-Ops team blended in. But Dex just shrugged.

He got what Mahone was saying loud and clear.

Forget that the team’s leader, Knox Devereaux, had a vampire’s silver hair and pupils, that Wraith had once had blue skin and hazed-over eyes, or that O’Flare was an “11” on a scale of one to ten for sexual appeal. Dex was the team’s problem child. That’s what Mahone meant, and that suited Dex just fine. 

Dex's resolution #10 is to stop buying into what other people think of him.  In fact, it's to stop encouraging those thoughts.  At various times, people have called Dex a problem child, a whipped dog, a pet, a worthless bastard.  He's taken in all those slights, whether he wants to admit it or not, and he needs to let them go. 

Want to see a trailer I made depicting the Para-Ops characters as I see them?  Dex is particularly yummy!  Here's the link: http://on.fb.me/z6Z8nI

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)


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

Paperback ($7.99)


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 the blog, or a question for Virna to answer. Please also include your email addy. This will end on 1/21/12 at midnight

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.


Thanks Virna for stopping by!

41 comments:

  1. I love musicals. When my grandchildren were little and cranky I would put in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and they would settle right down. Now they are 5, 4 and 2 and they still love to watch musicals with grandma.

    proudarmymom32(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  2. What a great resolution. I used to love to go to plays and musicals too but my husband won't go. I've only been to two in the 21 years we've been married. I think that is going to change. Thank you.
    vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com

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  3. I like musicals sometimes. Depends upon my mood really. Sometimes you just need a pick-me-up and most musicals are all about that. I have all the Roger's and Hammerstein's DVDs.
    LadyVampire2u AT gmail DOT com

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  4. Great guest post! I love musicals-and hadn't heard of Written on the stars. That blurb makes me want to get caught up on this series now! Not entering the giveaway.

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  5. Great resolution for Dex. Love the trailer. Thanks for the chance.

    mythic021@gmail.com

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  6. That is a wonderful resolution. Virna is a new to me author so I would not be able to answer the question about her character.

    Please enter me, MichelleKCanada @AnotherLookBook

    another_look_book_reviews at hotmail dot ca

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  7. I love musical when i see one on the Tv but i'm not a real fan ^^;;, i hope your resolution will be accomplished

    all the best

    isabelle(dot)frisch(at)gmail(dot)com

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  8. Sue SattlerJan - Joseph is one of my have musicals! My hub even played Levi in a local production. So cool that your have that ritual with your grandkids!

    Victoria - Yes! The future can be so much more than our past. My hub loves Jersey Boys and Wicked the most.

    LadyVampire2--totally depends on mood. I agree!

    A Buckeye Girl - Glad you liked the post. Thanks for stopping by! :)

    Vanessa N.- Thank you and good luck with the giveaway!

    MichelleK - Thanks for commenting today!

    miki-Thank you! Hope you have a great day today!

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  9. Today's resolution is good, but if the majority of people who know you think the same negative thing, you should reflect on it and decide if it's something you really need to change.

    acm05atjuno.com

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  10. I'm not into musicals but I can't say I don't like them since I've never been to one. Always willing to try something once (as long as it's legal...well...anyways..) Enjoying the tour!
    bluesun1218@yahoo.com

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  11. Dex's resolution #10 is to stop buying into what other people think of him. In fact, it's to stop encouraging those thoughts.

    I look forward in continuing this series. The first two books were great.

    Thanks,
    Tracey D
    booklover0226 at gmail dot com

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  12. I haven't read any of your books yet but I have the first one in my tbr pile! They all sound great! I look forward to reading them! Dex's res. is to stop buying into what other people think of him.
    -Amber
    goodblinknpark@yahoo.com

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  13. Oh, I love musicals and I agree with you: they're especially great for those who love romance. I'm very romantic and I usually can't enjoy for example a book without some romance. One of my favorite musicals is Notre Dame de Paris (the French version) and though it's the typical love story and doesn't have a happy ending, there still some love in it. And I love its soundtrack :)

    Thank you for the giveaway!
    creature-in-night@hotmail.com

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  14. I've always loved musicals - they can be so much fun & the music can really affect my mood.
    I'm lovin' visiting with you and Dex in this tour!
    sallans d at yahoo dot com

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  15. I like movies that are musicals.Me and my Dad used to watch them on Sunday mornings on PBS.Never been to a musical on stage before.
    great snippet today.

    If you had the opportunity to write a book with another author who would you like it to be?

    elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net

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  16. OOOH! So want to read this book - sounds so great! Love damaged men. And musicals are my passion, whether stage, screen or soundtrack. I often listen to an all musical soundtrack channel through our cable company when I'm doing things at home. Thanks for this great giveaway, Virna.

    Sue P.
    pennsdog(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  17. Hi Virna! Happy Wed! I just can't wait to get my hands on Chosen By Sin! From all of the comments and interviews etc. Dex is awesome. Thanks for the fantastic giveaway! bpatrick64113@sbcglobal.net

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  18. I've never been to a musical; although I did take my daughter last year to the Cinderella ballet performance. We had to drive 3 hours to Seattle, but it was a very fun weekend for us. It was my first ballet too. We both hope to be able to go again this year.
    Thanks tons....
    Sebrina_Cassity at yahoo dot com

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  19. Wonderful tour! Thanks again for having such a fun post and giveaway.

    I totally agree with you about making more time to see musicals. The last one I saw was Wicked and it totally blew me away! It was fantastic and I can't believe that I waited so long to see it. It's all about taking the time to enjoy life, give yourself time off and the guilt free ability to enjoy life. I'm definitely working on that!

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  20. I grew up watching tv musicals with my Mom, and still love popping into the city to enjoy them in person.

    caity_mack at yahoo dot com

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  21. DANG! I sooo want to read this book! Fun tour, sometimes i forget the new post is up because of the time difference (I live in Europe) hehe

    rea0903@gmail.com

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  22. What a fun tour idea! I'm so late to the party... hope it's not too late to catch up with all the other stops. Needless to say, will be following along now! :)

    chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com

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  23. Musicals! Oh yeah! I am so down with this resolution. I used to go to community theater at least once a year and to a big show a little less often. Now I haven't been in some time.

    And yes, Dex, definitely needs to rethink that attitude because based on the description he's got no reason to think worse of himself than the others do.

    Thanks for the post and for the giveaway opportunity.
    sophiarose1816@gmail.com

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  24. I am so enjoying this Blog tour. I love this series. I found it on accident and I am so glad that I did. Now I am ready for another one!!!

    sheryl

    sheryll1974@netscape.net

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  25. Stephanie A.

    Not so keen on musicals but I know how it feels to love something so much that you rarely have the time to do it. Im not one to really care what other people think of me. If they have a problem with me, they can keep it moving! Lol. Nevertheless, if you know its something that you feel you should change, then go for it. But Dex does need to tone it down a bit :) Thanks again for this!

    Blackwydow526@gmail.com

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  26. Continuing the blog tour and really enjoying all of Dex's resolutions. Thanks for the giveaway!!!

    yadkny@hotmail.com

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  27. I have a love hate relationship with musicals...lol
    I love older musicals like The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, but some of the newer musicals - even the movie ones - haven't done much for me, in fact the last musical I went to I left early because it was a miserable venue, the sound quality wasn't great and the performance was somewhat insipid. I do still love to watch old musical movies though:)

    junegirl63 at gmail dot com

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  28. only musicals I've seen is on the tv. There are several that came out on broadway i'd love to see but would have to find someone to watch them with me. they are definitely not hubby's things. As always love your first book and would love to win the next one.
    scrtsbpal at yahoo dot com

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  29. The only musical I've ever liked was Miss Saigon. If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor. And bring tissues. Oh crap, but I don't know if it's still even around!?

    b(dot)cardone(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  30. I enjoyed the trailer and the excerpt. The book sounds very good.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  31. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  32. The only musical that I've seen live is Pirates of Penzance. It was great. I would like to see more musicals, too.
    marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  33. I like your resolution for today. I too love musicals & haven't seen one in years, so I will have to work on that one myself.

    drainbamaged.gyzmo at gmail.com

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  34. Great resolution! I love musicals, but haven't seen one in years. I'm going to borrow this resolution. christina_92 at yahoo.com

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  35. nne--That's true! Self-reflection is always a good thing. THanks!

    bluesun1218 LOL on the legality. Being adventurous is fun! Glad you're enjoying the tour.

    booklover0226--Thanks! Glad you enjoyed CBB and CBF!

    VampedChik-I hep you enjoy CBB When you get to it! Take care!

    BBL--I've never heard of that musical. Will def. check it and the soundtrack out! Thanks so much, V

    Di-So glad you've enjoyed the tour. Thanks for following it!

    elaing8 - WOW you are asking such great questions! Thank you. Hmm...so many authors I'd love to write with but I'll pick Larissa Ione right now, because I've met her and think she's such a nice lady in addition to being brilliant!

    Anonymous-Damaged men can be so compelling! Thanks for following the tour and good luck with the giveaway!

    Barb P--Thank you Barb. Glad you're enjoying Dex!

    Sebrina--Sounds like a wonderful trip to the ballet! Thanks for stopping by!

    erin--Great job on trying to enjoy life! I'm so happy for you! Thanks for commenting and good luck!

    Cathy M--I love it when people have special people to share their interests! Take care, V

    andie--Glad you're enjoying it! Thanks for following it from overseas! :)

    winnie--Thank you for joining us! You can backtrack if you like! Good luck with the giveaway! :)

    Sophia Rose--It's so easy to get out of the habit, and then I see a fantastic production and get all excited again! Hope you see something good soon. :)

    sheryl--Thank you for telling me you love the series. Always wonderful to hear! Good luck with the giveaway! :)

    Darkest Embrace/Stephanie A.--Hope whatever you love comes to you in spades. Thanks so much! V

    *yadkny*--Glad you're enjoying the tour and thanks for your support! Good luck!

    Maria D.-You love the classics! Always good to know what floats your boat and what doesn't! Disappointing theater is SOOOO hard to take. Thanks for commenting!

    Pamk-Thank you! Glad you enjoyed CBB and hope you and a friend check out a musical some time! ;)

    Bethany C.--Hi! Just saw Miss Saigon this summer. It's great!

    bn100-Thanks for commenting and good luck!

    mbreakfield-I haven't seen that one. Thanks for the rec! :)

    Kathryn Merkel--Thank you! Hope you see something fun soon. Take care, V

    Christy-Yay!! it's all yours! Hope you see something awesome! :)

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  36. That's a GREAT resolution, Virna! I wished I lived somewhere where I could see more of those...I LOVE them too. Not sure my husband would agree though...LOL! Having fun tracking the tour...hope you are too! Say hi to Dex for me, heh, heh! ;)

    barbbattaglia@yahoo.com

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  37. oh this sounds good. I've not heard of the series but it has a lot of things i love reading about. will be checking it out :)

    acade29@gmail.com

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  38. Musicals are awesome. And in their own right regular drama and comedy plays are too. I really think its a highly overlooked art form nowadays.

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

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  39. I've never heard of this book before, but I must say the blurb has me intrigued! Thanks for hosting this stop:)

    Sarah
    sarah.setar@gmail.com

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  40. Dex's resolution #10 is to stop buying into what other people think of him. Dex is too cool to worry about what others thing, anyway!
    jepebATverizonDOTnet

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  41. I loved the first book and can't wait to catch up!!! This sounds great

    june111(at)att(dot)net

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