Happy New Year!
My favorite way to ring in the new year is to leave town and head somewhere where I can see the stars and hear the coyotes howl. When this post goes live at midnight 1/1/13, that's where I'll be. :) While I'm there, I'll be thinking about my personal highlights of the past year and looking forward to the next.
A few days ago I put together a post full of photos showing the highlights of my 2012. You can check out the full post right here if you'd like, plus find out a little about my writing plans in 2013. Or, here are just a couple snapshots of a few of last year's highlights.
Having fun meeting readers & other authors at the RT Convention in Chicago...
Left: Me and authors Marie Sexton, Nichelle Gregory and Seranna DeWylde at the TEB publisher's dinner
Right: Me and author Angela Stone
Having fun meeting even more readers & writers at Lora Leigh's RAW in Pittsburgh...
From left to right: Sylvia Day, Carrie Ann Ryan, a lovely reader, Shayla Black, Lexi Blake & me.
My new puppy Nessie...
These photos are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what I loved about 2012, so probably needless to say, I really enjoyed the year.
What about you? What were some of your personal highlights in 2012? And what are you looking forward to in 2013? Tell me in a comment including your e-mail address & you'll be included in a drawing for some big prizes, as listed below...
Grand Prize #1: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet (winner's choice) *International
Grand Prize #2: A $300 gift certificate to Amazon or B&N (winner's choice) *International
Grand prize #3: A giant swag pack full of various goodies from the authors participating in this hop. *US Only
My Personal Prize: A Battered Not Broken goodie pack, which includes a keychain, button/pin and signed post card. *US & Canada only
In 2013, I'm looking forward to meeting more readers & fellow authors at events as well as bringing new stories to readers (of course!), and especially to putting more emphasis on my contemporary romances (though I will still be working on my paranormal series too). Here's my brand new release which just came out in December, and is my latest contemporary...
Ryan Moore forged his own path when he defied his wealthy family’s expectations by joining the United States Marine Corps as an enlisted man. After a period of service that’s cut short by an IED explosion, the lingering physical and mental effects of war result in an isolated struggle to exist in the civilian world. He throws himself into competitive MMA fighting – the one thing he’s still able to excel at, even if every match is a risk he can’t afford to take.
His first encounter with amateur female fighter Ally Rivera ignites a spark of desire he hasn’t felt since before a bomb left its marks on his life and his body, but his flirtation with her turns out to be anything but harmless. She’s struggling to hold together a family ravaged by violence – a feat that isn’t easy when her father has been imprisoned, leaving her vulnerable to relatives who run a local gang. Can two unrelenting fighters overcome challenges they couldn’t defeat alone, or do the wounds of war and crime run too deep for even love to heal?
Full-Length Novel. (Approximately 110,000 words.)
Read a free excerpt here.
Battered Not Broken can be found at major ebook retailers, including...
If you'd like to earn easy extra entries toward the Battered Not Broken goodie pack, feel free to check out the Rafflecopter options below.
Disclaimer
Comment by 11:59:59 PM Eastern time on 01/06/13 for your chance to win. Winners will be selected randomly using a Random.org. Winners will be contacted by the blog owner by 01/09/13. Only one entry per ISP address. The contest is open to international readers for grand prizes 1 and 2 but closed for grand prize 3 and the Battered Not Broken goodie pack. No purchase necessary to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Void where prohibited.
Don't forget to visit the other participating blogs for more chances toward the grand prizes! You can find the list of links here.
www.ranaerose.com
I got a new car!! :) Looking forward to lots of new books this year!
ReplyDeletenikki.t.23@gmail.com
I went to times square ny
ReplyDeleteThanks for participating in the blog hop and have a Happy New Year. I'm going to try and read more books. lol
ReplyDeletemiztik_rose@yahoo.com
Last year I enjoyed a lovely birthday party from my family.
ReplyDeletemce1011 AT aol DOT com
Thanks for participating in the blog hop. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
ReplyDeletesusanaellisauthor@gmail.com
This is my first participating
ReplyDeleteI look forward to 2013 and all that it holds
Thank you
ashlynn wiliams
ashlynnwiliams81(at)gmail(dot)com
My highlights were getting to attend 2 book signings and I am looking forward to even more in 2013! Thanks for being a part of the hop and I hope you have a great New Year.
ReplyDeleteholly.collins1(at)yahoo(dot)com
Great photos!
ReplyDeleteOne of my highlights was to relax over the christmas holidays after a manic year, lol :)
Thanks for the giveaway and happy new year x
xandrajames AT gmail DOT com
Hard to pick out just one or two highlights, so I'll focus on the writing -- after years of seeing my work published in small- and medium-sized markets, I decided to go the e-publishing route. It was slow at first, but October through December really picked up in sales, and even better -- I've really started to cultivate some friendships among readers and other writers. As for 2013, I hope for even more of the same!
ReplyDeleteI'm John Peters, and my e-mail is johnpeterswriter@yahoo.com
My Daughter gave me a new Granddaughter in 2012 so in 2013 I want to see her do everything walk,talk,get new teeth..Can't wait for it all..Happy New Year!! adgaliatymaildotcom
ReplyDeletePersonal highlights hmmm.. My husband and I started our own construction company in 2012.. So 2013 I would love to see it grow.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year
Oh I also want to read 130 books this year :)
JamieToddMiller@aol.com
My goal for the new year is to continue to be successful in losing weight. I have lost 63 lbs so far and have 50 lbs to go.
ReplyDeleteawesome blog hop
susanmplatt AT hotmail DOT com
My favourite events of 2012? As a writer, they were without doubt seeing my first historical romance 'Angel Heart' published by MuseitUp Publishing, and signing another contract for my second romance. As a woman and mother, I am grateful for every single loving, happy moment I shared with my children. These are the best!
ReplyDeleteTHE BIGGEST HIGHLIGHT OF 2012 IS MY DAUGHTER GRADUATING FROM COLLEGE & MY MIDDLE DAUGHTER GOING 2 COLLEGE:D! MY BABEE GIRLS LAST YR. N HIGH SCHOOL & HER GOING 2 JAPAN ..She now calls her second Home:D((yayyyy me)))! ThanX GOD! IT WASNT EAZY..phewwwwwwww:)!! NOW IT'S MY TURN 2 GO 2 COLLEGE I A BIT SCARED THOUGH! GOD BLESS EVERY 1 This Coming YR.!
ReplyDeleteredz041@yahoo.com
my highlight from 2012 I graduated from college. My highlight for 2013 hmmm spending more quality time with my son and travelling
ReplyDeleteamy j
rahjennings@verizon.net
Happy New year! My 2012 Highlight is I got to meet Ann Rice and Terry Brooks in my home town Austin TX. I usually go to conventions but this year because of health issues I didn't get to go so when the opportunity of two of my favorite authors came to my city I couldn't pass it up and am so glad.
ReplyDeleteFor 2013 I look forward to going to a couple of author conventions that I missed going to last year and that is Readers & Ritas in Allen TX and Authors After Dark which will be in Georgia this year. Plus I want to go to The Indie Author convention in Tenn and Majovi Nights in Vegas. Hopefully more great authors will make their way into Austin as well.
mrsqueentutt@gmail.com
My oldest daughter graduated magna cum laude from college, and my second daughter graduated high school!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
sqwalker2@hotmail.com
One of the highlights of my year was giving a presentation at a national conference for my field. This year I am looking forward to painting the inside of my home (I've never done that before).
ReplyDeletejochibi AT yahoo DOT com
Love the pics!
ReplyDeletePositive for 2012=my going back to school!
2013=hopefully moving into our new home!
Kassandra
sionedkla@gmail.com
Your latest book looks truly good. And shall add to my EVER growing TBR pile.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year
queenbroseb@gmail.com
Looking forward to my oldest enrolling in college and my youngest starting middle school. As always more reading and family time!
ReplyDeletedewispelare@hotmail.com
Started on the library room of the house, hoping to have it finished soon and crossing fingers to get the books organized...
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year :)
BeckeyWhiteATgmailDOTcom
My highlight of 2012 was connecting with a couple of authors I now pimp for and I'm challenging myself to read 250 books in 2013.
ReplyDeletermwyer at shaw dot ca
Hi Ranae ... my highlights for 2012 - bought my dream car (2012 Dodge Challenger), won 3rd best mom dancer on the Carnival Dream at the Camp Carnival Welcome Aboard party, was selected to be a book reviewer for I Heart Books, and upgraded my Kindle Fire to a Kindle Fire HD!
ReplyDeleteMy goals for this year are to get my daughter reading better (she is 6), to enjoy a fabulous vacation in Europe this summer, and to keep my recently acquired volunteer job or book reviewing! This in addition to my full time job and family should keep my busy ;)
Theresa Esterline
theresa.esterline@gmail.com
Highlights, two cats.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year.
t.abule (a) yahoo (dot) com
My highlights for 2012 are a son who plays hockey, another son who was invited to play on a select soccer team and getting my dream Jeep.
ReplyDeleteFor me 2013 is a time to begin anew and just improve myself. My top 3 goals are:
1. Laugh more.
2. Love more.
3. Read more.
Happy New Year.
Mel
bournmelissa at hotmail dot com
Thanks for the fun and Happy 2013!
ReplyDeletezenfoxflowerATyahooDOTcom
My highlight was my trip to Paris... Amazing!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm looking forward to starting college.
Happy New Year!
anasmithblue@gmail.com
Thanks for the great hop.
ReplyDeletemagic5905 at embarqmail dot com
I lost quite a lot of weight and plan on continuing!
ReplyDeletediane dot sadler at gmail dot com
I enjoyed meeting all of my new Dog Training Clients and helping them through their problems. Cute dog in your last picture by the way. Some of my best friends were clients at one time when I meet them the first time. I hope to have more great friends at the end of this year.
ReplyDeleteJudy
strawberryrose@earthlink.net
This last year I had a few photo exhibits and directed two great kids shows! This year I am looking forward to all my wonderful reading and planning on taking my Gram to RAW in September! Watch out authors she is a wild one!!
ReplyDeletegrapeapril75(AT)gmail.com
A woman fighter??? This screams strong n sexy heroine. You should visit my blog sometime and get featured as heroine of the week. This looks awesome. Going on my to read. Love your puppy too! I should be answering your question, eh? LOL. Most fun I had in 2012 was traveling. Went to Montana and Missouri, saw both my parents, went to wineries. 2013...I'm looking forward to going on a cruise. tchevrestt(at)yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteOops. Messed up on the newsletter thing and can't figure out how to fix it. I subscribed to your blog though.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
Delete2012 Saw my house being listed! And, I am most excited for the move closer to family and the release of my debut novel!
ReplyDeleteMichel_Lee_King(at)yahoo(dot)com
Highlight of 2012 I lost some weight; and that is one of my continued goals by the grace of our Lord Jesus!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the hop!
Happy 2013!
deethomas291@gmail.com
Hi just Hopping by again to say I did tweet on 1-1 & 1-2 ; I tried doing that url
Deletething both times & on other blogs; no luck with it, sorry. I am following you everywhere also.
Keep writing! Especially intrigued with " Battered, Not Broken".
deethomas291@gmail.com
Thanks so much for a great beginning to a New Year. For this year I need to find a job since graduating college this Spring. so yup. Last year I read alot of great books so I hope this year I get to read as much amazing books too.
ReplyDeletekp_kazamei(at)yahoo(dot)com
I loved going to the two conventions in 2012 and I'm looking forward to new books this year! Thanks for the great giveaway!
ReplyDeletered_tigergirl2(at)hotmail(dot)com
Happy New Year!
ReplyDeletechellesy.clay at gmail dot com
Ranae,
ReplyDeleteI know you will have a great 2013 and again thanks for the great read, can't wait for your next book. I am excited for 2013 and can't wait to graduate college in October.
j.m.platt83@gmail.com
looking forward to possibly taking a vacation to someplace new this year
ReplyDeletehappy new year
gamistress66 (at) aol (dot) com
My daughter and I survived her first year at college. I am looking forward to the births of my great-nephew and my new niece or nephew.
ReplyDeletekoonie2888 at yahoo dot com
A few years ago I challenged myself to do more acts of charity than I had done the previous year. It has now become a yearly challenge for me. I love the way helping others makes me feel and I still put out wonderful vibes with my actions. This year I was able to wonderful things for charities close to my family and ones that I have never worked with before all without breaking my budget. I'm proud that I was able to leave a silent but lasting impression in other people's world.
ReplyDeleteplanterofhope at aol dot com
My highlights is that a special person came back into my life after being apart for several years.
ReplyDeleteRafflecopter Name: Dawna Newman
vampiremistress2010@gmail.com
looking forward to getting healthier by exercising and eating better. Plus hopefully the renovations are finished on my house soon.
ReplyDeletescrtsbpal at yahoo dot com.
Hmmm.. 2012 was not a great year by any means. But I have hope that it will get a lot better. I set goals for 2013 and have the means to make them happen. :) I look forward to finishing school, finding a job, and having fun guest reviewing.
ReplyDeletereadsalot81(@)hotmail(dot)com
Happy New Year! I plan to spend more time with my family and stop stressing so much!
ReplyDeletemamamoss08(at)hotmail(dot)com
My happiest moment in 2012 was when I actually started my first novel. I am still working on it and I am praying that My 2013 goal is to finish it :D Hope u have a wonderful New Year full of happiness. Big Hugs
ReplyDeleteMissie Jones
missie25524 @ netzero . com
I met some great people in 2012 so that was fantastic! I'm glad to have them in my life.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the chance to win. It's a great way to start the year. No major resolutions beyond reading a lot and staying active, but I hope you have a great year :)
Thanks again!
hisboywonder(at)gmail(dot)com
I think I've met more people this year than any other year so far! It's due to my writing I believe. People call authors recluses. So not true! lol.
ReplyDeletehave a fantastic new year! and thanks for hosing a giveaway stop!
t_mcclinton85 at hotmail dot com
Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteOne of my highlights of 2012 was Lori Fosters RAGT. I look forward to it every year.
~*Drea*~
dreabecraft(@)aol.com
In 2012...I got a new house...and didn't loose my mind when we move from CO to NC in the process...LOL
ReplyDeleteI also kept up with my reviews on my blog which I'm really proud of...as for this year..I think I might read more (lol) and maybe get a trip in (hopefully).
~BJ
beejee77 at gmail dot com
In 2012 I got a job after being unemployed for over 2 years. My goals for 2013 are to pay off a couple of the credit cards. I wish good things for you in 2013. Happy New Year and thanks for the chance to win. <^_^>
ReplyDeletereneebennett35 (at) yahoo (dot) com
My first book was published. There is nothing like that feeling!
ReplyDeleteMelissa
daringzoey@yahoo.com
Last year wasnt one of our best..however, we did move to a new place that we all love, For this new year I am hoping to stand and walk for longer periods of time. My goal for now is 5 min. I hope this year is full of good memories.
ReplyDeletepeach_hugs@yahoo.com
Happy New Year!! My highlight was my son coming home from the NICU. My mom visting. And hopefully a blessing in disguise my husband being laid off and moving back to Nevada. I hopeful that in 2013 we will be where we need to be.
ReplyDeletesmurfettev AT gmail DOT com
My highlight is spending time with my cousins kids and I hope to enjoy life to the fullest in 2012. Happy New Year
ReplyDeletecrystaley73 at yahoo dot com
My highlights have been spending time with my family and friends, the birth of new family members, my best friend graduating college and lots more :) I'm looking forward to new books and going back to school :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the awesome giveaway!
cassandrahicks1989@yahoo.com
2012 wasn't a good year for me, I just kind of made it through any way I could. I'm hoping that this year will be better, I think I'm ready to make that happen.
ReplyDeleteproudarmymom32(at)yahoo(dot)com
Highlight of my year? I got my first paying job as a book editor/proofer, after having done much the same for my favorite authors in exchange for free books. I actually got an author to take a look at my half finished WIP, and based on her comments, I'm going to get this thing finished this year, and published.
ReplyDeletenancyg5997 at gmail dot com
My boyfriend and rescued a great dog and I started volunteering at my local animal shelter. I love it! I look forward to continuing my volunteer work and reading some good books in 2013. Thanks! katieamanda1(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeletei got a new job and i am really looking forward to more awesome things to come our way in 2013! thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletepepperpenn42 at gmail dot com
My highlight was maintaining the weight I lost in 2011.
ReplyDeletebituin76 at hotmail dot com
My highlight for 2012 was embarking on my self-publishing career. It's been a thrill. :) Congratulations on the new release. I can't wait to read Battered Not Broken!
ReplyDeletekristinecayne (at) gmail (dot) com
Wishing you a very Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Wishing everyone a happy new year full of promise and wonder.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year
ReplyDeleteKit3247(at)aol(dot)com
My highlight from 2012 was publishing 3 books! hthurmeier @ gmail . com
ReplyDeletegetting my CDL a this past summer and i am looking forward to moving in the summer
ReplyDeletekaholgate at ymail dot com
Happy New Year,thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeletedragonkeep62(at)gmail(dot)com
Happy New Year to all!! My highlight of 2012 was giving up smoking. I have been smoke free since 6/24/12 and I am hoping to continue in 2013.
ReplyDeleteI can't think of any high lights for 2012. It was a pretty quiet year for me. My hope for 2013 is to have more successes with my home business.
ReplyDeletegatormaryd(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi! Happy New Years! Thanks for the awesome hop and all the giveaways! This is so fun! I love these hops! I always meet new authors, reconnect with old ones and my TBR list grows by leaps and bounds! Thank you!! Have a great day! Best wishes and many blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteshadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com
oh, that was a lovely post your year in photos. I end up buying both books you recommended and I'm going to buy yours also, since I had it on my Secret Santa List but I didn't get it there.
ReplyDeleteOne of my wonderful highlights of 2012 was to find goodreads, where I met so many new authors, books... really a whole new world to explore. :)
Happy 2013!
morebooksthanlivros@gmail.com
my highlights were that I found time to read more and stress less and I am looking forward to the arrival of 2 more grand babies this spring thanks for the hop
ReplyDeletemyboo63@hotmail.com
cleaned the whole house
ReplyDeletelooking forward to reading more books
Happy new year!
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
My personal highlight in 2012 was getting my Bachelor`s Degree in Translation Studies.In 2013 I`m looking forward to finding a job I love.
ReplyDeletedita(dot)skarste(at)gmail(dot)com
I had a crappy start to 2012 with being layed off but got called back in the spring to a better department with wonderful coworkers...
ReplyDeleteMichelle B. aka koshkalady
purrpurrkoshkamb at aol dot com
My goal for 2013 is to be more active. I didn't follow through on my 2012's.
ReplyDeleteJennifer Rote
wildnmild4u at yahoo dot com
Hmm, my happiest moment of 2012? When I won the pumpkin carving contest from my local news station. As for this year...I've never made resolutions, but I have a short-term goal to finish editing my current novel.
ReplyDeletetp DOT quixotic AT gmail DOT com
Highlights of 2012- Starting my blog, doing the A to Z challenge, NaNoWriMo win.
ReplyDelete2013- I resolve to meet the goal of finishing the polishing of my first book in the Existence series and to submit it to agents/publishers. So I'm looking forward to "the golden ticket" reply.
j.lennidorner@facebook.com
Happy New Year from What-Are-They.com ! I hope you have a great one. Thanks for taking part in the hop.
Going to NOLA after my first book was published in 2012. :) What do I want in 2013? To be happy and healthy.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Sue
sue_holston@hotmail.com
Highlight would be spending the entire summer in my small hometown away from the city I live in! So much fun.
ReplyDeleteNo real resolutions but I do want to read more this year!
Thank you for the giveaway!
uilani25 (at) hotmail (dot) com
I finished NaNoWriMo in 2012 so that was great!
ReplyDeleteHappy new year!
jessica.crawford10@gmail.com
I don't have any this year just hope I have a better year then last. Thank you very much for the great giveaway and fun blog hop!
ReplyDeleteI wish you a very Happy New Year!
Latisha D
tishajean@ charter.net
Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeletebacchus76 at myself dot com
Happy New Year to you!
ReplyDeleteverusbognar (at) gmail (dot) com
happy new year! Last year was a disaster i am looking forward to this year angel0319@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite things about 2012 was being introduced to goodreads and winning my first book set. It is always so exciting to win another book to add to my collection and to read. In 2013, I am so excited about meeting new authors and finally being able to get my stomach fixed.
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Melissa
abinormyl AT gmail DOT com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI am very happy that I finally got back into teaching and got rid of the call center/customer service job in 2012! This year I am looking forward to getting another degree and traveling this summer!
ReplyDeleteAnn
Kyreadinggirl@yahoo.com
I am looking forward to having a new nephew in April. I love babies! Thanks for the great giveaway. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeletethompsonem3 at aol dot com
I am looking forward to all the new books coming out soon! One of my favorites of 2012 was getting my guinea pig. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeletenatasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com
My highlight of 2012 was having my military husband home more than he was gone and making it halfway through Nursing School.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Kris
lowekn@gmail.com
Hmmm, same old, same old this year for me.
ReplyDeletekrankimom@comcast.net
highlights of 2012 the baby started school! other then that it was a pretty boring year. but for 2013 i now have the time to try and write a book my goal anyways!
ReplyDeletemiriam.whitewolf@gmail.com
The highlight of my 2012 was graduating with my Masters Degree and getting engaged! Although, 2013 isn't off to a great start because I fell and broke both of my ankles last wed. Has to get better here on in!
ReplyDeleteThanks for participating!
Ash
ashwayvpa@aim.com
2012 pretty much sucked. so I am hoping 2013 is better.
ReplyDeletelauratroxelatyahoodotcom
2012 was pretty uneventful but this year we will welcome baby #3 into the family! <3 Thanks for the chance! girlfloyd at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteHmm... probably my highlight of 2012 was meeting famous hockey players at bars. Let's be honest... they're hot.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to finding a job in 2013.
mestith@gmail.com
Hope this year is better .
ReplyDeleter.d1@myfairpoint.net
2012 was a crazy stressful year. My job disappeared when my folks sold their business & it moved out of state. Then we moved 1000 miles away, so that my mom & I would have more help with my dad who is suffering from alzheimer's. Our new home is close to my oldest brother & his two kids. I'm looking forward to 2013 being more restful & finding work that I can do from home.
ReplyDeletedrainbamaged.gyzmo at gmail.com
http://kathrynblathersaboutbooksandfood.blogspot.com/