Monday, May 17, 2010

I'm so excited!!!

As you've already heard we have a lot to celebrate here at the Top Down. Four years! Quite a milestone. And even though I didn't sign on for the maiden voyage, I hitched a ride shortly after they got started and have loved every mile I've spent in the convertible with these amazing women. So yea, us!! Here's to four more years ... and who knows what after that.

I have something personal to celebrate this week, too. RISK NO SECRETS, Book 5, in my Black Ops., Inc. series, officially hits the bookshelves tomorrow, May 18th, and that makes me officially excited!

I started out on this journey quite some time ago with the intention of writing a 3 book series about a group of elite shadow warriors who fought for freedom and justice even after they parted ways with Uncle Sam. It all began in a back alley behind a seedy cantina in Buenos Aires where the hero and heroine of my last Bodyguard book, Into The Dark, had found themselves boxed into a corner with the baddest of the bad guys closing in. I had no idea how they were going to get themselves out of their fix when ... drum roll please ... along came Gabriel - the Archangel - Jones.

Gabe was larger than life, totally unexpected and on the dark side of shady. Be still my heart. I didn't know who this guy was or where he'd come from but one thing I did know: THIS man was amazing. THIS man was going to have his own book!!

So when Gabe, in turn, introduced me to his buddies, the stoic Sam Lang and the outrageous flirt, Johnny Duane Reed, I had my 3 heroes and Black Ops., Inc. was born. But, guys like these, capable, courageous, loyal and well, hot, they had to have some buddies, right? Right. So I tossed in their boss at BOI, Nate Black, the cute Latino, Rafael Mendoza, and then stirred two former CIA agents, 'Mean' Joe Green, and Wyatt - Papa Bear - Savage into the mix.

Little did I know that these secondary characters were going to demand stories of their own. That worked out pretty well because as it turned out, I heard from a LOT of readers who also wanted to hear their stories which meant my publisher wanted more, too. It was a win win all the way around. (Thank you all by the way, for putting the first 4 BOI books on the New York Times! I'm still stunned over that turn of events and I owe it all to you!)

Anyway, RISK NO SECRETS is Wyatt Savage's story. (Can we say hubba hubba??) This slow talkin' Georgia boy was content playing wing man until someone very special to him ended up in trouble and needed his help. And that's when Wyatt willingly stepped up to the plate and into a true hero's role. I love this story about Wyatt and Sophie. I love the action, the surprises I discovered about Wyatt, and the love story that survived in spite of all odds against it.

I hope you rush right out and buy RISK NO SECRETS but most of all, I hope you love the story as much as I do. Just to whet your appetite, here's a link to an excerpt http://www.cindygerard.com/excerpt_may2010.html AND here's a link to the book video. http://www.cindygerard.com/
AND, a little something extra if you click this link http://www.simonandschuster.com/search?term=cindy+gerard it will take you to the Simon and Schuster website and you can check out several short videos of me talking about the books. How's that for a test drive or two to help you decide to buy the product?

Seriously, check it out and then come back and make a comment about either the excerpt, the book trailer or the videos featuring moi :o) OR about your favorite BOI character and I'll send an autographed copy of RISK NO SECRETS to not 1 but 2 randomly selected 2 winners.

One final note. Michele hinted that we have a surprise in store this week. Anyone care to guess what it might be?? Tune in tomorrow for a really big announcement! You're gonna love it.

81 comments:

Laurie G said...

Wyatt & Sophie 12 years later...
I'm wondering what caused him to let her go, how did she end up with his ex partner, what kind of trouble is she in now, what's going on at the airport???

I'd love to read! I'm going to read "Risk No Secrets"!

Fantastic suspense!!

Anonymous said...

will you write alot more for this ,making it a HUGE series?


blackroze37@yahoo.com

Kirsten said...

I LOVED the excerpt :) I was caught up in it immediatly, what a shame it's so short. Oh well...
Sophie is a lucky girl to have Wyatt still feel so much for her. He seems an interesting kind of guy & I would love to read this story.

Unknown said...

Cindy, congrats on your wonderful series and all the success it's brought. These are wonderful stories and I am so in love with the hunk aiming a gun my way. . . does that make me a little bent?

Anyway, can't wait to read this one! Hoo-ra!

Laney4 said...

Well, you certainly had me on the edge of my seat with that excerpt. Wow! There are so many things I want to know too! I also can't wait to read it to find all the answers. Sounds like one I'll want to read more than once!
As for your announcement, I'm going to guess that more authors are jumping in the convertible. Will watch upcoming blogs with a vengeance....
Congrats on your successes. Here's to many more (raises glass in celebration)!

pjpuppymom said...

Congrats, Cindy! Very yummy. :)
Can't wait to read this one!

mariska said...

Can i have a long excerpt than that ? :)

i love it. i'm so patiently waiting to read this one !

CrystalGB said...

Great excerpt and video. Congratulation on your new release.

Pamela Keener said...

OMG you shot an AK47? I was a police officer for 25 years and haven't shot one. You go girl.
I am guessing the recoil was amazing and you had to hold on.
Love & Hugs,
Pam

Keri Ford said...

CONGRATS! I'm anxious to see if I can get this on my e-reader first thing in the morning. It's spoiled me like that for release days ;)

Your NYT spot was well earned and a little late in coming, IMO. but then I've been following you around since the Bodyguards.

**love the upgrade to the banner!**

Terry Odell said...

Having read the other books, I wouldn't even need to read an excerpt to know I have to get this one as well. I remember being pointed to your books when I was trying to get my first Blackthorne book published. I admit I was late to the party, but I'm glad I found them.

Cindy Gerard said...

Laurie - all good questions. All answered in the book :o)
thanks for stopping by

Cindy Gerard said...

Black Rose - it's all up to my publisher. Typically, they don't like to run a series too terribly long for fear that readers who are just jumping on board will be afraid to pick up, say the 6th or 7th book will decide it's too late to get caught up and not buy. Did that make any sense?
In any event, count on at least 2 more books in the series and we'll see what happens next :o)

Cindy Gerard said...

Kirsten - glad you liked the excerpt. Wyatt's true blue, that's for certain.

Cindy Gerard said...

Thanks, Betina. You're a doll!

Cindy Gerard said...

Laney - you made a good guess ... stay tuned to see if you're right!

And I hope you enjoy SECRETS!
THANKS!!

Cindy Gerard said...

PJ - thanks - but not as yummy as your home made chocolate :o)

Cindy Gerard said...

mariska and crystal - thanks ladies!! appreciate it!

Cindy Gerard said...

Pamela - 25 years as a police officer? No kidding? That's dedication.

And yes, I shot an AK-47. Have a friend who has one among his many, many toys and he let me shoot it along with a Barrett 50 cal sniper rifle. Talk about kick!

Cindy Gerard said...

Keri - thanks, sweetie.
And you noticed the banner changes did you??? :o)

Cindy Gerard said...

Terry - you're a doll. Appreciate that especially coming from another author - and a gifted one at that.
Thanks!

KylieBrant said...

Congrats on the new release, Cindy! The cover is really eye-catching! I know it's going to be just as pulse-pounding as all the other BOI books!

Lori said...

Congrats on the new book!! Can't wait to read it. I loved the excerpt! I'm dying to know how it works out, since she's his best friend's wife, and is obviously very affectionate with him, which is sure to drive him crazy. Anticipation!!!

Cindy Gerard said...

thanks, Kylie and Lori! Like I said, I'm excited!!

Kathleen Eagle said...

Happy Birthday to RISK NO SECRETS and congrats to proud mama Cindy. The book has a gorgeous face--can't wait to get my hands on another big strong Bodyguard

Cindy Gerard said...

LOL, Kathy. Thanks. And yes, real men can do Violet :o)

Unknown said...

Congrats, Cindy. I'm proud to know you and your tough guys. Great books.

tetewa said...

Congrats on the release, enjoyed the video! tWarner419@aol.com

Anonymous said...

congrats on teh a great series and great reviews

great party whoo
kh

LSUReader said...

Great excerpt, Cindy. I hurt for Wyatt already. All those emotions packed into that brief scene at the airport...wow!

Cindy Gerard said...

Thanks, Lois, buddy!! My tough guys are pretty jazzed about knowing you, too!

TeTewa and KH, and LSU - thanks!!

Debra Dixon said...

Cindy-- Now that's a great book promo post. So, "Well done, you!"

I'm off to go check out your interview pieces.

Cindy Gerard said...

LOL, Deb. I'm learning :o)
And don't laugh when you watch the videos. I hated making them but they insisted that I do them when I was in NYC last fall.

Virginia C said...

Papa Bear.....come to Mama Bear : )

Wow, that excerpt was smokin' hot enough to bring the bear out of the cave from the deepest hibernation! I love a big, strong man whose heart belongs to one woman. A woman for whom he still burns and yearns, even after more than a decade. The bigger they are the harder they fall, and I would love to catch Papa Bear!

Congrats, Cindy, on a truly great book series! Here's to many more sensational romance reads from a very talented lady!

jennifer60201 said...

I about wept a few days ago when I realized I had waited too long to preorder from Amazon, and they didn't expect to be able to ship Risk No Secrets out for at least a month. I went ahead and ordered anyway, and this morning I got an email saying they would ship this week after all! Happy day!

runner10 said...

Congrats on the latest release. Great excerpt. You definitely made me want to read more.

Unknown said...

Congrats Cindy on your new release and I can see why you are so excited! Can't wait to read your new book!

This is a hugh week for you ladies! Four years of being together at this awesome blog and we have more suprizes ahead! Can't wait!

Cindy Gerard said...

Awe, Virginia - you really nailed Wyatt's essence. Thanks!

Jennifer - I love a happy ending. Glad you're getting yours with Amazon!!
Thanks!

runner - that was my evil plan LOL
thanks

Cindy Gerard said...

Wow - Not one but 2 Virginia's visiting today. Way cool!
And yes, it's a very big week!
Thanks

Leanne said...

Cindy, huge congrats on the new book. And OMG on the hot guy! YOWZA! I can't wait to get my hands on your newest!!!:)

chey said...

Congratulations on your new release! This sounds like a series I want to read!

donnas said...

Congrats on the release. Really glad you get to tell their stories too. Looking forward to reading it.

Cindy Gerard said...

LOL Leanne. Can never have enough of those hot guys :o)

Chey - I'm hoping you will like it!

Donnas - yep. It's hard to ignore those guys - and really, they ask so little of me :o)

Thanks all!!

Michele Hauf said...

You get the most awesome covers, Cindy! And thanks for making sure we knew EXACTLY what the hero looks like. I have him imprinted on my brain for the rest of the day. Nuthin' wrong with that! :-)

Cindy Gerard said...

Hey Michele - I'm pretty jazzed about the cover too. Real men CAN do violet, right? :o)

Karyn - thanks. I was pretty jazzed about the book video too. And like I might have already said: you can never get too much of the Hot Guys :o)

catslady said...

Congratulations. I agree the excerpt was too short - but then that means it was a good one because I want to read more!! Are the books stand alones or would I miss too much?

Cindy Gerard said...

Hey Catslady - ALL the books are stand alones. You absolutely do not have to read them in order so no worries there :o)

Christie Ridgway said...

I can't wait to read the book, Cindy. Before we were convertible-mates, you were one of my most favorite authors. Bookstore trip for me tomorrow!

Cindy Gerard said...

Wow, thanks Christie. Coming from you that's high praise, you double Rita finalist you!!

Mady Mitchell said...

Not that I needed it, since I already am in love with all the BOIs, but that excerpt is a great teaser.

Catherine said...

Cindy
From the moment Gabe asked Jenna if she was going to souffle someone--I wanted Gabe's story. When I finished Into the Dark I was hoping to read about those 2. Loved them. They are by far my fav's. I'd tell you how many times I've read that book but it would be rather embarrassing.
Suffice it to say, their book is one of my all time fav's!!!
Can't wait for the rest. Will we get Nate's story someday???????
Keep 'em coming!!

Valerie said...

I love this series!! And I love that it turned out to be more than 3 books. All of the characters are larger than life, and so far Wyatt is my favorite. I'm sure Risk No Secrets is headed for the NYT as well. Can't wait for the next installment. :)

Jane said...

Congrats on the new release, Cindy. I can't wait to read Wyatt's story. I hope Doc's book is coming soon.

Unknown said...

Awesome book video! And I don't usually watch the book videos. I like Johnny Duane Reed's story cause he just has his coming. Of course I like Gabe's story too. I don't know if anyone is my favorite cause I like them all!

Nat said...

I really loved your Bodyguard series and was sad to see it end, but I'm so glad you created the BOIs. Love their stories...Can't wait to read Risk No secrets. The excerpts are great.

Cindy Gerard said...

Nat - it was hard for me to end the Bodyguard series too :o( But, sometimes you just have to move on (sniff, sniff). Glad the BOI's picked up the slack for you :o)

Ellen - Johnny is probably one of my fav characters, probably because there is so much more to the man than he ever wants anyone to see. If you're an NCIS fan you will understand when i say that DeNozo was my model for Johnny. Cute, flirty and irreverent ... but with a core of steel.
And Gabe ... well. He was GABE!! :o)

Cindy Gerard said...

Mady - I love it that you love my guys :o)

Catherine - oh come on. Tell me. How many times??? :o) Seriously, I've read my favorite books over and over again and I can't tell you how much it means to me to hear that you loved one of my books that much to invest yourself in it multiple times.

Cindy Gerard said...

Valerie - Wyatt is such a sweet heart - until he's riled. then look out. He turns into a Grizzly Bear :o) I really hope you like his story.

Jane - thanks on the video props. And while I'm writing Doc's story now, he's not next. There's a surprise BOI novella out in October in the DEADLY PROMISES anthology with Sherrilyn Kenyon and Laura Griffin. If you read Whisper No Lies (Johnny D's story) you may remember Cavanaugh. He was the CIA operative in Jakarta who helped Johnny and Crystal and the guys. WEll, LEAVE NO TRACE is Cav's story. He's not officially a BOI but close enough :o) Hope you like it!

Modokker said...

Cindy i have a couple of your books here on my TBR pile. I believe they need to move up to the top of the pile. I bought them because i kept hearing so many good things about your books. This new books sounds awesome but it's the 5th in the series? I need to hurry up and find the first 4 and get them read then so i can get caught up. I love these kinds of books. Definately going to get with it and read them.

Nice picture visual! lol

Lisa

modokker At Yahoo DOT com

jennifer60201 said...

OMG!!! Cavanaugh!! I've had dreams about him. I'm so glad he's getting a book! Thank you, thank you!

MaryC said...

Cindy,

Looking forward to reading Risk No Secrets. I've been a fan since reading you when you wrote for LoveSwept - you're one of my must buy authors!

krisgils33 said...

I don't need to watch the trailer or come up with an excuse to buy the book, because as long as it has your name on it...I'll be in line for a copy! I have enjoyed all of your stories and I can't wait for the new one (the waiting is the toughest part!).

Cindy Gerard said...

krisgils - holy cow, girl You sure know how to make MY day. THANKS!

MaryC - again - wow. you guys rock! thanks!

Jennifer - Yeah, baby. Cav has quite the story - and carries quite the burden. He was an amazing surprise to me. LOVED writing his story. Takes place in Myanmar, BTW. Very scary place.

Cindy Gerard said...

Lisa - again, they really don't have to be read in order. It might be a little more fun if you read them in order but I seriously don't think anything is lost by reading them as you get them. BUT, if you feel you MUST buy the others ... who am I to say no :o)
TNX

Cindy Gerard said...

Artemis - those southern boys ... they do have special charms, don't they :o) Lucky you!!

Robin said...

I have to wait until Wednesday before I can get to the book store. Gonna be a long day tomorrow....

Nicole A said...

Love the BOI's! I'm so happy those gorgeous men demanded their own stories. Ever since I read Rafe's I couldn't wait for more. These men are amazing, and I would love to live in your head for a day where you came up with them! Don't think I can pick a favorite..although I have a soft spot for Gabe!

Cindy Gerard said...

Nicole - trust me. you do NOT want to live in my head. Even for a day LOL. It's pretty messy in there. And yeah, Gabe is the man!

Robin - well, boo hoo on Wed. Make sure if the book is not on the shelve that you have them dig it out for you. They should have it!
Thanks again, you guys

Jane said...

Cav is an honorary BOI in my opinion, so I'm super excited that his story is part of the anthology. I guess October is not really so far away.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Can't wait for the next story. I'm anxiously waiting for Doc's story though. I love him in all the books. Otherwise I do think Johnny and Gabe are my next favorites. Oh heck, it's hard to pick a favorite!!
Denise

jcollins said...

Much congrats!!!!! Can hardly wait to see what else the future brings!

Anonymous said...

Cindy,

Congratulations on the release of Risk No Secrets. I am so darned hooked on this series and am thinking about heading to the bookstore before work! Cannot wait to delve into this story tomorrow, yay!

Cindy Gerard said...

P - you're a doll! glad if you have to be addicted to something it's my BOIs :o)

Jcollins - thanks! Wish I had a crystal ball too :o)

Denise - it's like picking a favorite child for me too. Just can't do it. Love 'em all of different reasons :o0

Jane - Exactly what I thought. Those guys wouldn't have survived Jakarta without Cav - oh - and guess what - they show up in his story to return the favor. Gotta love pay backs :o0

Anonymous said...

congratulations cindy :)

looking forward to reading your latest novel.

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Sonya said...

I've loved all of these books since they started in The Bodyguards series. Of course, I loved all of those guys too. Who wouldn't? Thanks Cindy, for writing such amazing men and the women who complete them. Can't wait to read Wyatt and Sophie's story and Doc's later on. I'd read anything with your name on it!

Cindy Gerard said...

KarenK - thanks, lady. :o)

Sonya - that is so sweet. I loved my Garretts and their buddies too and thanks for the vote of confidence! Makes it all worth it!!

Linda Henderson said...

I really enjoyed the excerpt, now I can't wait to read the whole thing. Good luck with your new release.

seriousreader at live dot com

Cindy Gerard said...

Hey Linda - thanks so much!!

robynl said...

hubba hubba for sure. You go girl! congrats on the release.

I ♥ Book Gossip said...

I cannot wait to read this book. The excerpt made me swoon.

cindyc725 at gmail dot com

Cindy Gerard said...

hey Robyn1 and Cindyc
thanks! let me know what you think.

:o)