Category Archives: Kerri Carpenter

Do You Believe in Second Chances?

Second Chances

A Romance Writers of America® Collection

Do you believe in second chances?

Romance Writers of America brings together seventeen of today’s hottest authors in an anthology of never-before-published tales that reveal true love always deserves a happy ending. One of those seventeen “hot” authors is none other than Mermaid Kerri Carpenter, aka: moi! I’m absolutely thrilled that my short story, HOMECOMING, is included in this anthology. With so many stories in one place, there is definitely something for everyone who reads romance: contemporary, historical, young adult, etc.

 

“I came to Cherrydale for a second chance. And I know just where to get it.”

Homecoming Blurb

With only two weeks until she starts law school, Lana Greene has one goal. She’s returning to her hometown of Cherrydale for a second chance at hooking up with her high school crush, Wesley Givens. After all, Lana almost hooked up with Wes after their senior prom. Too bad her lifelong best friend, Ford Campbell, has other ideas. He wants to show her that he’s the second chance she’s been waiting for all along.

Interested? Buy links are below. But first, my fur-baby, Harry, has something to say:

Buy Links

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

iTunes

Kobo

RWA Page

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

I’m giving away one copy (Kindle or Nook version – winner’s choice) of Second Chances. Simply leave a comment and tell me who your BFF was in high school and if you’re still in touch today. I’ll randomly pick a winner on Friday, September 15. Good luck!

Kerri’s Summer TV

Winter is finally here!!!

Winter is finally here!!!

All summer long, we're talking about our favorite TV. Just like TV, I thought I would get all visual. So please enjoy this video with my summer television pleasures....

 

Tell us in the comments what shows you’re watching this summer…. Happy viewing!

 

Girl on the Verge, Nora Roberts, Carpaccio, Camping & More

The Mermaids are going nuts today. Why? Because it’s one of our most favorite days in the lagoon. One of our fishy sisters has a book release!!! [Insert Glitter Toss]

We are so excited for Mermaid-Pintip and her new book, GIRL ON THE VERGE. All the info is below. But first, allow me to share my favorite Pintip-memory. A couple years ago, we were at the fabulous Turn the Page Bookstore in Boonsboro, MD, home to romance novel queen, Nora Roberts. There’s an entire room devoted to all of Nora’s books and that’s where Pintip and I discovered our shared love of Nora books, specifically the old 1990s and early 2000s collection. We’re talking Calhoun sisters, MacGregors, Stanislovskis, etc. I think we talked about these wonderful books for about an hour. Continue reading

Bayside Blogger Causes Huge Splash Over Sparkly New Romance Novel!

Bayside Blogger dishes with the MermaidsHi there, Waterworld Mermaid Lagoon. Bayside Blogger here. My little gossip birdies (you know who you are) tell me that one of these so-called “Mermaids” has a new book out. That’s right. Nora Roberts-wannabe, Kerri Carpenter, just released Falling for the Right Brother. Who wants to fall for the right brother? My cute little stiletto-wearing self would more than likely go for the wrong brother. Wink, wink.

Rumor has it Kerri wrote two more books in this series. Even bigger rumor is that this series is all about…moi. Gasp! Now, who would be interested in little ole mascara-clad, gossip-loving, fabulous me? Snort. The real question, dear Mermaids, is who wouldn’t be?

While you try to learn who I really am, I’ll just go about my business and tell you that someone’s back in town. That’s right, little Ellie Owens has returned home. She goes by Elle now and is quite changed from the nerdy little mouse who was in love with Jasper Dumont back in high school. Nicknames aren’t the only things that are different. Elle has been spotted all around town with Jasper’s older and totally hot and sexy brother Cam. Hmmm, stay tuned for more on this developing story. Continue reading

Cover Reveal: Kerri Carpenter’s FALLING FOR THE RIGHT BROTHER

We are flipping our fins in the lagoon for Kerri-Mermaid’s cover reveal for her newest book, FALLING FOR THE RIGHT BROTHER!

If you’ve never read Kerri’s books, you need to SWIM — don’t wade — to your nearest book retailer. They are charming, so much fun, and full of swoon!!! I remember the first time I read Kerri’s writing six years ago. We were at our very first critique group meeting at my house, and a few things stand out about that memory: my not-yet-renovated living room, the green curry that I worried was too spicy, and Kerri’s effortless voice! 

I am counting the days until I get my hands on this book on May 23! Until then, feast your eyes on this cover!

FftRB Cover

Title: Falling for the Right Brother

Author: Kerri Carpenter

Series Name: Saved by the Blog, Book 1 of 3

Release Date: Print – May 23, 2017; E-book – June 1, 2017

Publisher: Harlequin Special Edition

Summary:

Saved by the blog! 

This just in, fair readers! Chic and stunning, that gorgeous new woman about town is none other than our very own little Ellie—now Elle—Owens. She’s a far cry from the frumpy, bookish student we used to know, but then, living in Italy will do that to a girl! Still, this blogger can’t forget the infamous video that caused her to leave!

Apparently Miss Elle has been spotted with yummy contractor Cam Dumont…but we thought her heart belonged to his little brother. Are Cam and Elle a new couple? They were seen cooling their passions in the bay…in April! If this is love, let’s hope she’s swimming with the right brother. The Bayside Blogger will keep you posted.

 

Excerpt:

Gazing at her now, with moonlight washing over, her eyes alight with amusement, her slender body swimming in his jacket, he thought he’d never seen any woman look so beautiful. He took a step closer. “So you really didn’t know me at all.”

Staying in place, she angled her head to look up at him. “Apparently not.”

“How do you feel now that you are learning a little about me?” Was he flirting with her? Some part of his brain screamed for him to stop, but standing this close felt too damn good.

“I feel like I might be interested in hearing more.”

And she was flirting back. Double damn. Elle Owens had been in love with his brother her entire life. Maybe Jasper hadn’t been into her back in high school, but if what Cam witnessed earlier tonight was any indication, he was interested now. Cam would not, could not, interfere with his brother. Not after what his brother had done for him.

Buy Links: 

Amazon  Barnes & Noble  iTunes  Kobo  Harlequin Page

 

Kerri HeadshotAuthor Bio

Award-winning romance author Kerri Carpenter writes contemporary romances that are sweet, sexy, and sparkly. When she’s not writing, Kerri enjoys reading, cooking, watching movies, taking Zumba classes, rooting for Pittsburgh sports teams, and anything sparkly. Kerri lives in Northern Virginia with her adorable (and mischievous) rescued poodle mix, Harry. Visit Kerri at her website, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or subscribe to her newsletter.

 

Other Books by Kerri Carpenter: 

Bidding on the Bachelor

Saved by the Blog, Book 2

Harlequin Special Edition

Coming in: October 2017

 

Tempting Mr. Wrong

Wrong Man series, Book 2

Entangled Publishing, Lovestruck Line

Released in June 2016

http://bit.ly/TMWEnt

 

Kissing Mr. Wrong

Wrong Man series, Book 1

Entangled Publishing, Lovestruck Line

Released in May 2015

http://bit.ly/KMWEntPub

 

Flirting with the Competition

Entangled Publishing, Lovestruck Line

Released in October 2014

http://bit.ly/1t95WF8

 

The Best Kind of Love

Soul Mate Publishing

Released in December 2014

http://amzn.to/1VSvgen

 

Tempting Mr. Wrong

Hi everyone!

I’m thrilled to announce that I have a new book out today called Tempting Mr. Wrong. This is book 2 in the Wrong Man series. *GLITTER TOSS* Okay, let’s get right to it, because I’m too excited to wait one more minute. All the info you need is below. Happy Reading!

TMW Cover

Blurb:

Lance Townsend craves freedom after years living a structured existence in the Army. But just as he’s about to start on his bucket list, Lance receives an unexpected request: check in on his goddaughter. The problem? The adorable little girl’s aunt is the one woman he’s never been able to forget.

Carly Quigley can’t believe her brother’s best friend, the man who jilted her years ago, is at her door. He claims her brother asked him to check in on her niece and their fixer-upper, but all either of them can focus on is their undeniable attraction. Carly knows Lance is counting down the hours to leave, which makes him the wrong man for her. Unfortunately, the wrong man has become oh-so-tempting.

Buy Links

Amazon

B&N

iTunes

Kobo

If you would like to learn more about Tempting Mr. Wrong, or see Kerri’s other books, please visit the Entangled Page.

Author Bio IMG_6441

Award-winning romance author Kerri Carpenter writes contemporary romances that are sweet, sexy, and sparkly. When she’s not writing, Kerri enjoys reading, cooking, watching movies, taking Zumba classes, rooting for Pittsburgh sports teams, and anything sparkly. Kerri lives in Northern Virginia with her adorable (and mischievous) rescued poodle mix, Harry. Visit Kerri at her website, on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to her newsletter.

Excerpt

Carly started a pot of coffee. While it brewed, she meandered over to the window again. Thank God she wasn’t holding her coffee cup because it would have most definitely been dropped and splattered into a million pieces on the floor. Lance was working out in the backyard. But not just working out. Half-naked working out. And currently he was doing one-armed pushups as his rippling muscles quivered with the exertion.

Damn. She knew something else that was currently trembling, and she had to cross her legs to keep from losing it completely. Her mouth dropped open, and she knew that drool was soon to drip out of it. She knew Lance was built, but witnessing his naked top half working out really drove that point home.

Holy hell.

As if he felt her presence and knew she was standing there gawking at him, Lance looked up. No time to even pretend to be doing something else, she was totally busted. Taking it in stride, Carly winked and then strolled back to the kitchen and fixed her coffee. As Lance sauntered in the back door a few moments later, she took a long, deep gulp, the hot liquid scalding her throat. Not that she felt it because Lance still remained shirtless and her brain therefore remained inoperable.

 

Mermaids Immortalized in Romance Fiction (And a giveaway to boot!)

7Hello fishy friends!

How’s everyone doing? I hope your 2016 is off to a great start. I’m humbled and honored to say January is wrapping up very nicely with the release of my eighth published novel. Let Me See (Book 2 of the These Three Words series) just came out today. I’m so very happy I get to share this story with you but guess what really has me smiling?

I’ve missed my fishy sisters so much since moving away from their area nearly two years ago. But today I get to be with them again. Sort of.

I hope you’ll enjoy this excerpt from my new release in which the Waterworld Mermaids become immortalized in romance fiction. **Be sure and leave a comment below for a chance to win a free e-copy.** Let’s see if you can spot them…

Copyrighted Excerpt from Let Me See (These Three Words, 2) by Carlene Love…

Jay normally spent as much time out front chatting with the guests as he did on stage performing for them but right now he wanted a few extra quiet moments alone to let the importance of tonight sink in.

“Jay, come.”

Having thought that, Marie was rarely persistent with him like this. So he followed her out front, forgetting for the time being that he was only half-dressed for his solo. He ran his hand over his abs, rubbing away some of the sweat already sticking to his skin. He’d barely crossed paths with Julian but the bump-in had been enough and he had the man’s angel wing glitter all over his black pants. Jay dusted it off as best he could, eventually giving up. Jay hooked his thumbs in his suspenders. He left the newsboy hat that would—pardon the pun—cap off his college prep outfit in homage to Maggie, in his locker and followed Marie out front. One thing he recognized for sure was the extra pep in her step. If he didn’t know better, he’d have thought she was playing Cupid or something ridiculous like that. Too bad he couldn’t just tell her he’d officially taken his heart off the market, for good, two weeks ago when he’d been stood up again by the girl who had somehow taken his everything prisoner.

“Yes, ma’am,” he said and followed her out, pumping himself up for the night and walking to the beat of Gabe’s solo song.

“So you guys had a pretty successful adoption event at the last shelter drive?”

“Yes, Marie. Why do you ask? You sure are talking to me a whole lot tonight. I mean, I love it. But, do you swear everything is okay with you?” He’d do anything he could to help her. She worked hard and he knew she had issues she kept hidden. Jay knew how that could eat at a person.

“I’m in the mood to do some good and you think there’s something wrong with me? Gee, thanks, Stud.”

He wasn’t sure exactly what to say back to her, to be honest. It was tricky with Marie because Jay knew he had to keep his flirting to a minimum, remembering how wrecked it had made him when D had gotten too loose with his flirty words for Kelley. “My apologies to the lady.”

They walked single file through the last bits of the cramped back hallways until they got to the door that led into the public portion of the club. Jay took an extra-long step to put him in front of Marie so that he could get the door for her. He ushered her through but then noted how she quickly jumped back in front of him. Guess she really wanted to be the leader.

“Accepted. And you’re right, it is odd that I’m feeling so chipper. It’s freaking me out but I’m going with it for this night only. I just feel like this burst of goodness came inside earlier. Apparently your sister’s spirit of positivity has its claws in me tonight.” She winked and smiled softly at him. “Anywho, recognize anyone?”

Marie suddenly stopped walking when they’d only made it a few feet into the club, clearly waiting for him to stop too and have a look around. Okay, he’d play along and checked out the bar area since that was where he associated Marie as being most often. “Drunk Al. Tina and her mom and her sisters. Um, Brad?” He noted the faces he could see this far in the dark.

“Ahem.” She cleared her throat and pulled him around by the suspender until he was facing the stage. She let go and the elastic snapped his skin. It didn’t really hurt but he let out a yelp just to tease her. “Ouch.”

Now he did see a ton of familiar faces. “Do you really want me to start naming everyone? Cause there’s Liz, Kerri, Dana, Kim, Alethea, Pintip, Susan, Loni, Masha, and Denny, just for starters.” It gave him an immense feeling of joy that so many of the regulars were already here supporting the cause. “Oh, and let’s see … Lynne, Robin, and Avery. I can keep going—Jen, Keely, Deb, Denise, Sue, Lil. Ooo, Becky’s looking supa-hot tonight. She turned fifty in here last week, you know. Still fricking gorgeous. Did you know she’s the drummer in a band? I think I’m going to give her a late birthday lick later on. In fact, I think I’m gonna go over there with my sexy self and lick her right now.” Of course he was just teasing, watching Marie’s face get more and more perturbed with him. It was his playful payback to her for bringing him out before he’d gotten dressed and then being so secretive. But honestly, who did she want him to see?

“Ugh. You’re impossible. And you wonder why I don’t talk much to you boys. Gabe—”

But she may as well have stopped speaking.

The second he changed his line of sight to the stage where Gabe currently held court as a half-dressed military hero, he saw the one thing he never would have expected, not in a million years at this point.

She didn’t even have to turn around for him to know.

*****

Eek! I hope you liked it!

Take my friendly fishy advice. If you find yourself missing those who you care about and can’t be near, write them something. Whether it’s a letter, an email, a text, or yeah, in this case a novel. Reach out. Let them know you’re thinking of them. I call it a paper hug. xoxo

**Giveaway Info: Say hi, or better yet, say hi and leave a message for someone you’re currently missing in the comments section and I’ll enter you into the drawing for a free e-copy of Let Me See. Winner will be randomly picked on Sunday night, 1/31/2016. Good luck!

My best to you and yours!

Fishy kisses,

Carlene Mermaid

Let-Me-See-evernightpublishing-JayAheer2016-3DrenderAre you sure you’re ready to see what’s inside?

Two hearts beating…      

S Club dancer and extrovert, Jay, has worked very hard for this eye-opening moment with his reluctant and shy friend, Kelley. Unfortunately, a humorous attempt to get her to open up serves to push her further away. Now it’s nearly impossible to convince her he’s not just out to play.

Hundreds of scars in need of hiding…       

For good reason, Kelley has yet to let Jay see all of her whereas he takes his clothes off nightly for a living. Her respect for him runs unmatched because she sees who he is inside. There’s just no way to ever reciprocate and that’s not fair to him. His interest in her has never made sense. The best option is convincing Jay there really is nothing to see.

One dark night to shine some light on their healing…

Sometimes, it just takes one very patient man, one dimly lit room and one safe set of arms.

Check out more from Let Me See HERE at the Evernight site or HERE at Amazon. xoxo

Do You Hear What I Hear…

The question in the lagoon this month: What’s the one thing you cannot write without?

Today’s answer comes from the Waterworld Mermaids’ very own Kerri Carpenter.

Visit Kerri at her awesomesauce website here. Follow her on Twitter here.

*********************

I have to keep this short and sweet today. Why? Because it’s NaNo month of course.

Wait, you don’t know what NaNo is? Allow me to explain. Writers from all over the galaxy are trying to write at least 50,000 words during the month of November. Intense, right?

Even more crazysauce is that the Waterworld Mermaids are in a tight competition with the writers over at Romance on the Rocks. Who can write the most words? Fingers crossed for the lagoon! Now, back to the question at hand.

The one thing I absolutely, under no circumstances, no way Jose, cannot write without is… Music!

Some writers need absolute quiet. Others love them some background noise. Me? I gotta have the tunes. For the most part, any music will do. However, I do have some favs. Without further ado, here’s my list:

Field of Dreams Soundtrack

I love the movie and I love the soundtrack. I listen to this constantly.

Random Playlists I Create

I love creating playlists and sometimes I’ll do one inspired by whatever I’m working on. For example, in my contemporary romance, The Best Kind of Love, Penelope and Ethan were created by listening to a lot of Lady Antebellum. I considered the song, “Dancing Away with My Heart,” to be Penelope and Ethan’s song.

Anything by John Williams

John Williams is the man! Like a song from a movie? He probably came up with it. I’ve been listening to his Greatest Movie hits for the last couple months. Star Wars, Superman, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, and soooo many more.

Random Artists

I really do listen to a ton of different music but I will admit I have some go-to’s. Colbie Caillat, John Mayer, Paul Simon, Lady Antebellum, Ben Folds Five, Ashley Monroe, and more.

Christmas Music

I love Christmas music so freaking much! I would listen to it all year long, but I do restrain myself. However, I’m currently working on a Christmas story so it’s been all Christmas, all the time. Bring on Bing, Mariah Carey, and the Chipmunks. I’m in Heaven! (And thank you to the Hallmark Channel for already playing Christmas movies!)

Alright, folks. That’s it for me. I’m off to fire up The Carpenters’ (no relation) Christmas album and get back to the writing.

 

*********************

Cyber-stalk Kerri at her website.

Like Kerri on Facebook, so you can answer her Questions of the Day and view her plethora of adorable dog photos. Everyone loves Harry!

Retweet Kerri on Twitter, especially when she gets super into #TheWalkingDead on Sunday nights.

What’s that? You still need more Kerri? Wow, you guys are insatiable. Buy Kerri’s books on Amazon. (Most books are also available at Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and kobo too.)

Kerri-Harry Working

Kissing Mr. Wrong releases today!

Friends,

We are flipping our fins and throwing glitter in the mermaid lagoon today! Why? It is the release date of Kissing Mr. Wrong, a novella by our very own Kerri Carpenter!!!

This novella sounds AMAZING — kinda like Kerri herself. So amazing, in fact, that I had to corner Kerri in the lagoon and ask her a few questions about her latest book.

1. What was your favorite scene to write in this book?KMW Cover

This question took me the longest to answer because I couldn’t decide! It might be the opening scene where Vanessa and John have a HUGE misunderstanding. She’s just lost her job and he thinks she’s going to throw herself off a bridge. In the end, she almost goes over the side anyway, he saves her, and they, um, having a little sexy time.

2. What makes Vanessa different from other heroines you’ve written?
Vanessa actually doesn’t differ much from my other heroines because I love writing contemporary women that I would want to be friends with in real life. They’re on the verge of something great happening in their life, if only they can just cross that one hurdle that’s been dogging them.

3. Before Vanessa discovers her one-night-stand is her best friend’s brother, she and her best friend have an . . . interesting conversation about her experience. Care to tell us about this conversation?
Well, we all know that girls talk. At least with their BFFs. However, it’s not until Vanessa and John discover who the other is…
“OMG – you’re my best friend’s brother!”
“OMG – you’re my sister’s best friend!”
…that a certain realization dawns for Vanessa. Yep, she tells her BFF everything including… well, um, ahem, penis details. Oops!

4. Not only is John the brother of her best friend, but he’s also two years younger than Vanessa. In Vanessa’s eyes, which is a bigger deal-breaker? What other ways is John Mr. Wrong? What ways is he Mr. Right?
Being her best friend’s brother is definitely a bigger deal breaker. In fact, she’s really just grasping at straws with the age thing and John calls her right out on it. But the fact that he doesn’t plan on staying in town definitely puts another check in the Mr. Wrong category. Yet, somehow she’s still attracted to him. Maybe because he sees how talented and beautiful she is, and when she’s with him she feels like the best version of herself.

5. Can you give us a few “Easter eggs” about this story? Inside jokes you’ve hidden that the reader may not necessarily pick up on?
I love Easter eggs and I definitely have a couple in this story!

Since I adore The Walking Dead, I named quite a few periphery characters after people on the show. Carol and Beth both make appearances.

If I’m drinking, I go for wine. But every once in a while, I’m tempted to have what I call “a big girl drink,” and my hard liquor drink of choice is a good old gin & tonic. That drink plays an important role in one of the scenes of this book.

Like many people, I must have my coffee. And I truly believe that when you move into a new house the first two things you should do before any other tasks is set up your coffee machine and get sheets on your bed for that night. That’s why a Keurig plays a prominent role in one of the scenes.

* * *

Thanks so much for answering my questions, Kerri! I am sooo looking forward to reading!

Blurb: Three months ago, graphic designer Vanessa Hewitt slept with the ridiculously hot guy she met after nearly falling to her death while stargazing on a bridge. The adrenaline-fueled night of we’ll-never-see-each-other-again sex fulfilled every fantasy, but with her best friend’s wedding on the horizon, Vanessa can’t stop thinking about what would happen if her sexy stranger passed through town again.

Haunted by his time in Afghanistan, soldier John Campbell returns to his sister’s town just long enough to help plan an engagement party for her. When he realizes her best friend is the sweet one-night stand he’s been fantasizing about for months, he’ll do anything to have her again…though getting trapped together in a storeroom wasn’t quite what he had in mind.

Vanessa is in hell. Or is it heaven? Because with every touch, their forbidden connection grows, until kissing Mr. Wrong starts feeling more like kissing Mr. Right…

Author Bio:

Visit Kerri at her awesomesauce website here.  Follow her on Twitter here.

Kerri Carpenter began writing in her grandmother’s kitchen at the age of seven in a small town outside of Pittsburgh, PA. After graduating from Georgetown University, and working at The Washington Post and several nonprofit organizations, she began her freelance writing career. Happy endings called to her so she turned her focus to romantic fiction. Now, Kerri writes contemporary romances, usually set in small towns. She enjoys reading, cooking, watching movies, taking Zumba classes, rooting for Pittsburgh sports teams, and anything sparkly. Kerri lives in Northern Virginia with her adorable (and mischievous) poodle mix, Harry.

You can buy the book here!

Amazon  Barnes & Noble  iTunes  Kobo

Kissing Mr. Wrong

I’m a very excited Mermaid today. Why? Because my new book, KISSING MR. WRONG, comes out in less than 3 weeks!!! *glitter toss*

This novella is the first of three stories in the Wrong Man series being released by Entangled Publishing on May 26. Here’s a short blurb:

After a lousy day, graphic designer Vanessa Hewitt decides to drown her sorrows in a sexily satisfying man she’ll never see again. Three months later, however, she learns that her hot hook-up is actually her best friend’s younger brother, John Campbell―and they have to plan an engagement party together. Now John and Vanessa have to hide the truth. The only trouble is that Mr. Wrong is starting to look a lot like Mr. Very Right…

Sound good? How about a cover reveal? Sound better? Enjoy…

KMW Cover

Even better yet? KISSING MR. WRONG is up for pre-order on Amazon.

And if you want to stay up-to-date on all Kerri-related sparkleness, make sure to sign up for my newsletter or follow me on social media.

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Off to count down the days until my May 26 Release Day…. Happy Reading!