Welcome to stop #3 in my blog tour For Chosen By Sin (Para-Ops #3).
Thank you to The Book Reading Gals 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 #3 for me? Reinstitute date nights with my spouse and kids
I remember after my first and second sons were born, my husband and I made a commitment to go out on a date together once a week. When things were good between us, we went to a movie or read at our local Borders (which I’m still missing). When things weren’t so good, we’d have heavier discussions over coffee, but they would always be geared towards getting to a better place. When things were really good between us, we added another weekly date night to the schedule—each of us would take one of the boys on a “date” to give them one-on-one time, and we’d switch kids the next week. We stuck with this commitment for quite a long time, but the dates became more infrequent as the kids started school, I started writing, and we had our third son. But I miss that one-on-one time, and I want it back. In some ways, it’s a luxury, but my favorite mug says “I want it all,” and to the extent that’s possible, I’m going to give it my best shot!
And what’s Resolution #3 for Dex Hunt?
Here’s a hint from Chosen By Sin. This occurs after Dex learns he’s fathered a child.
The same litany kept repeating over and over in his mind.
Can’t be. Can’t be. Can’t be.
He’d vowed never to have kids.
Kids were soft. Fragile. Easily hurt.
Life was hard.
He was hard.
He’d never wanted to be the source of pain for any child and he knew, with him for a father, a child was bound to suffer. If not physically, then because of Dex’s careless way with words. And if not by that, then by neglect. Or if a miracle happened and Dex somehow managed to be a decent father, his child would still suffer the stigma of being part dog. A mongrel. One with a half-breed father whose own family had abandoned him…Sent him away to live with a bunch of other unwanted werebeast children who were sometimes abused, sometimes starved, and sometimes even worse.
Dex’s heart constricted, as if someone had reached inside him and mercilessly squeezed it, and he grasped at his chest. His left knee gave out and crumbled, hitting the ground. The world around him swirled, faster and faster, like he was on a merry-go-round from hell. The dots grew bigger, blacker. He heard the pounding sound of running feet and wondered if the devil himself was chasing him.
This isn’t a spoiler, since the blurb of Chosen By Sin gives away the fact that Dex is going to have a baby. However, as the story reveals, Dex’s baby is special in many different ways. Dex’s third resolution is to accept that he’s special enough to be a good father.
Want to see a trailer I made depicting the Para-Ops characters as I see them? Here’s the link
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) 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.
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. 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.
As I read the excerpts as the tour goes on, I want t read this one more and more. Also, I really like Dex so far. Can’t wait to read his story.
mythic021@gmail.com
Oh I get to be the first!! Date night is so important. After my husband and I divorced my four kids and I had movie night. We would bring all the blankets and pillows into the living room, get out the munchies and watch movies. My kids are all grown up now but they still talk about those times together.
proudarmymom32@yahoo.com
Wow! I really love this series and can’t wait to get my hands on it! To prove that no matter how messed up you think you are because of the way you were raised, you can be more than that. To bring a child into the world takes a great responsibilty and I know you captured that aspect really well. 🙂 How does it feel knowing you have readers that are willing to read whatever you write? No matter how terrible you think it is because we have faith in what you do?
I think that a resolution to reinstate date nights with your husband is a fantastic choice. It might take work, but the rewards are enormous.
drainbamaged.gyzmo at gmail.com
Thank you to my hosts for having me here today! I really appreciate it! 🙂
Vanessa N. – I’m so glad you are enjoying the excerpts!! Yay!!
Sue Sattleron – Those movie nights were clearly special. Awesome! Last night, I missed “cheesy” movie night with my hubby and kids. They eat grilled cheese sandwiches and watch a movie (usually one hubby groans at but the kids think are a hoot!) I need to schedule my time better so I don’t miss it again!
Stephanie A. – I’m still building up my confidence as a writer, but when readers “get” my stories, it’s such an incredible rush! Thank you!
Kathryn Merkelon – I so agree about the rewards! Thanks for commenting and good luck on the giveaway! V
I can’t wait to learn more about Dex. I’d like to read them in order so I need to hurry and read the other two! Thanks for the post. brendem7@comcast.net
Date night – oh yes – I remember now. My hubs and I used to have one too. When our youngest (now almost 20) was around one they stopped. I think I will suggest them again. Even if it’s a date at home in front of the fireplace. Thanks for the reminder.
I’m really enjoying this – thanks.
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
I’m not usually a resolutions type of person, but Dax has made some good ones!
b(dot)cardone(at)hotmail(dot)com
Brenda! Thank you! You won CBB from me but never received it. I’m sending it out today with trading cards coming separately!
Viki S.- I hope you do suggest it!! It’s wonderful to give our relationships that jump start. 🙂
Bethany C. – I’m glad you’re enjoying Dex’s resolutions. Thanks for commenting, V
Hi Virna,
I asked at the last stop what was your favorite scene to write,now what was the toughest scene to write?
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
How about a date weekend? We’re leaving town for three whole days – taking in a concert, shopping and who knows what else. Staying at nephew’s house, but he is out-of-town! We have ‘the mansion’ to ourselves. Can’t wait!!
It’s really important to take some time just for you too. At the moment i don’t even manage to take some time for me as i should.
i wish you the best for 2012 and thanks you again for the international giveaway
isabelle(dot)frisch(at)gmail(dot)com
This sounds like such a GREAT series! I’m LOVING learning about Dex as this tour moves along! Thx Virna, it’s great to meet ya!
barbbattaglia@yahoo.com
Dex’s third resolution is to accept that he’s special enough to be a good father.
I look forward in continuing this series.
Thanks,
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
Just wanted to jump in and say hi to everyone and thank Virna for including us on her blog tour. I have to say if you have not picked up this series yet you are so missing out! I have been hooked from the beginning and can’t wait for more!
I stumbled across this series by accident and boy am I glad that I did. It is great!! I just can’t wait to see what the next book is going to be about.
sheryl
sheryll1974@netscape.net
I’m really enjoying the tour. I can’t wait to read this series!
I absolutely loved Chosen by Blood and can’t wait to read the new book! I am loving the book tour and thanks for the fantastic giveaway! bpatrick64113@sbcglobal.net
I have the first book and it’s moving to the top of the TBR list! This sounds like a great series!
Poor Dex! The more I read of his resolutions and his sad childhood and upsetting look at himself because of it… the more I want to go back in time and change things. No one should go through all he has. Definitely a character in need of a happily ever after! Cannot wait to read his story. Congratulations on this awesome release.
Dex’s resolution is to accept accept that he’s special enough to be a good father. This book sounds great!
I haven’t been on a date night in forever. I’ll have to remedy that ASAP. Thanks so much for the giveaway. Congrats on the new release!
elaing8-Hi! Thanks for the question. The hardest scenes to write were the ones where I was having Jes commit acts that weren’t the most honorable or ethical. I really wanted to portray her as obsessed and desperate, but ultimately driven by a good heart and good intentions.
# Sue P.-I love date weekends! No rushing around or squeezing things in. Have a wonderful time! 🙂
# mikion-I hope you get time for yourself soon. Thanks for stopping by!
# Barbaraon – Yay! I’m so glad you’re enjoying getting to know Dex. Great to meet you, too!
# Tracey Don – Thanks for commenting! Good luck with the give away!
# Melanie- So awesome being here! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the series.
# Sheryl – Thank you! I love hearing readers who “stumble” across me and leave with a good impression. Take care, V
# Sariahon – Glad you’re enjoying it and thanks for following the tour! V
# Barb – Yay on you loving Chosen By Blood! Good luck with the give away!
# Susan W. – I hope when you get to it that you enjoy CBB!
# LadyVampire – Thanks for the congrats and for seeing how badly Dex needs his HEA!
# bn100 – Thanks! I’m glad you stopped by. I appreciate it!
# StacieD – Yes, I hope you get your date night soon! Thanks for the congrats and good luck!
I love that excerpt Tickles me when a big bad ass goes down cause he such a softie inside lol.
scrtsbpal at yahoo dot com
Date nights are important. Not that we do it often but we try to whenever we can. This sounds like a great series and I hope to catch up soon.
tamsyn5@yahoo.com
I really liked the short excerpt, Dex is really growing on me as a character. Thanks for the post and giveaway!
junegirl63 at gmail dot com
It’s wonderful that you recognize the importance of connecting to each member of your family – your kids will probably talk about it many years from now too.
sallans d at yahoo dot com
# Pamkon – Hard bad boys with gooey insides rock! 🙂
# Tamsynon – Glad you get your date nights in!
# Maria D.- Yay! Thanks and good luck. 🙂
# Diane Sallanson – I hope they will, Diane. Thank you for stopping by.
Hi Virna, I keep stumbling on your posts around the blogworld 🙂 I think going on a date night with your own husband is great. It’s important to get away from the daily rut every now and then, just the two of you.
The more I read your posts, the more I want to read your books!
auriansbooks at gmail dot com
I love date night! I have two boys and I think getting that alone time with the Hubby not only keeps your relationship strong but it also makes you a better parent. Everyone needs a little me time! I really like the idea of one on one time with the kids, I’m gonna start doing that.
bluesun1218(at)yahoo(dot)com
Wow, I love your and Dex’s resolutions. I used to be married and once we had kids we quit having any special time for just us. Anyway I am really enjoying your posts. christina_92 at yahoo.com
Heart-wrenching excerpt… to see how affected Dex is by the knowledge that he’s going to be a dad. Can’t wait to read his story to see how he overcomes that.
yadkny@hotmail.com
That is a great goal about ‘dates’ with husband and children. My parents were a great example of that. They did weekend dates away from us on occasion and also each took turns taking us out somewhere special.
Sweet goal for Dex too.
Thanks for the giveaway.
sophiarose1816@gmail.com
# aurianon – Yay! I must be doing what I’m supposed to if you keep stumbling on me! Thanks so much for following the tour!
# Brandy Swainon – I totally agree alone time makes one a better parent!
# Christyon -Glad you are enjoying the tour!
# Yadira A. – Thanks for your comment and following the tour!
# Sophia Roseon – Sounds like your parents had the right idea! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I loved the trailer. thanks for the giveaway
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com
Great tour. Really loving it.
bacchus76 at myself dot com
Marlene-glad you enjoyed the trailer!
DonnaS-Thanks for joining the tour! Means a lot to me!
Dex’s third resolution is to accept that he’s special enough to be a good father. Of course Dex is destined to be a good father. He takes care of everyone! I love Dex a little more!
jepebATverizonDOTnet
(I would follow your site on Facebook but they have locked me out of my account and I can’t find a way to access it! Very frustrating! And I don’t Twitter.)