Next week, my Sydney Croft writing partner, Stephanie Tyler, has a new book coming out!
Hard To Hold (which received a STARRED review from Publisher's Weekly!) is the first in a military romance series about Navy SEALs. What makes her books stand out from a lot of military romance is that the focus is truly the romance and the relationships, not just between the hero and heroine, but between the brothers who star in the books. Stephanie writes very strong heroes, and her voice is just amazing. You NEED to read these books! 
Technically, Hard To Hold is not a debut, since she's published three books with Harlequin Blaze. But it IS her debut single-title romance, and it's extra special because this is the book she's been wanting to write for years.
So anyway, she's been busy and hasn't had a lot of time for promo, so I'm going to just step up and be all kinds of obnoxious in her place. And my obnoxiousness is your gain! 
So…what are the prizes?
~Grand Prize: Hard To Hold AND a $20 Amazon Gift Certificate
~2nd Prize: Hard To Hold AND a copy of Hot Nights, Dark Desires
~3rd Prize: Hard To Hold
~Blue Cover BONUS Prize: Okay, since Steph's first book (Hard To Hold) and my first book (Pleasure Unbound,) have blue covers, I figured I'd toss in an extra bonus prize with different rules (see below.) What you'll win: Our blue cover books: Hard To Hold, Pleasure Unbound, and Unleashing The Storm. 
It's kind of funny, because we have a purple theme coming up — my fourth Demonica book, her third Hold book, and our fifth Sydney Croft book all release next year with purple covers…and our Demonica and Hold books release on the same day — January 26th (watch for more contests for that event!)
So anyway, THE RULES (you knew there had to be some!)
To be eligible to win one of the first three prizes:
***Mention this contest somewhere! Just come back and leave the link for where you posted about it.
***Twitter it! I'll see it if and count it as an entry if you include my Twitter name in your tweet: @LarissaIone (please limit your tweets to one or two a day to avoid being spammy!) And yes, retweets of my tweets count!
***Leave a comment here to let me know if you've ever read Stephanie Tyler or not. If not, you are really in for a treat!
***Post the Sprout at the bottom of this post somewhere — your blog, Facebook page, Myspace, etc. Just come back and leave the link in the comments. Each place you post counts as an entry.
You can mix and match any of the above for multiple entries!
FOR THE BONUS PRIZE: Simply go to Steph's blog and leave a comment on her most recent post (I'll keep track when she makes new posts,) to tell her which of her Hold covers is your favorite! You can see them on her blog's sidebar, or you can poke around the site to see bigger pics — they really are gorgeous! Do that, and you'll be eligible to win the Bonus Blue Cover Books!
Okay, that's it for now. Good luck, everyone! I'm so excited to do this. Steph has been one of the most supportive friends in the world, and I love her dearly. Without her, I really don't think I'd be published, and I owe her many times over.
So let's make this a great launch! 
Winners will be announced on Sunday!
posted the sprout to my wall and twitter it. I have been waiting for this series forever. Can’t wait to read them.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=125252&id=692128655&saved#/mskendra?ref=mf
Posted at Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=100000344835844&ref=nf
Hi Larissa!
I just RT’d the contest at Twitter and will spread the word at http://lea-closetwriter.blogspot.com as soon as I can. (at work - ugh).
Stephanie’s book (and yours) ROCK!!!
Best
Lea
I posted the copied the graphic into my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/amberleighwilliams
Also retweeted contest which automatically updates my Facebook status!
Great contest, and you’re right: her covers are gorgeous! Can’t wait for the purple books ;)
Nice cover :)
I tweeted about this as blodeuedd83
Posted on my Facebook!
Can’t wait to read this new series~
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/ckmcinnis?ref=profile
Hi Larissa!
I’m so excited that Hard To Hold is almost here!!
I posted about the contest at my blog and put the widget in my sidebar too! I’ll be RT’ing your tweet as soon as I post this!
http://nosuchthingas2manybooks.blogspot.com/2009/11/contest-alert.html
ok retweeted it too!
ok retweeted it too!
http://twitter.com/Magicbrat
Retweeted!. http://twitter.com/KathrynStJohn
Posted at my facebook….
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/sandi.w.shilhanek?ref=profile
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by Toriaimeegirl: RT @LarissaIone New contest on my blog! Win @StephanieTyler’s new book, Hard To Hold, a gift cert. and more! http://tinyurl.com/ydzsqnv...
Posted the sprout on my wall on FB http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/fictionvxn?ref=mf
Retweeted you: http://twitter.com/FictionVxn/status/5767303870
Added the contest to my blog sidebar at http://fictionvixen.com
Now, crossing fingers!!! :)
Posted on my wall at FB http://www.facebook.com/#/profile.php?ref=name&id=100000403814729
Ok, I posted a comment about this on Theexfactor yahoo group, Samhain group and wicked writers. I dont know how to copy a link for those. The books look awesome. I cant wait to read them
Patty
Retweeted at http://twitter.com/sgbandmom05
Sandi
Wonderful idea and great delicious reads as the drawing prizes, cannot wait for Hard to Hold to be out….
Posted the contest site info on my blog at:
http://jacaburintexas.blogspot.com/2009/11/hard-to-hold-release-contest.html
posted widget at the following: http://www.myspace.com/texasgirljackieb (on my blog)
http://jacabur2008.livejournal.com/
http://apps.yahoo.com/-ZHMv304m
http://www.facebook.com/jacabur?ref=profile
Everyone good luck and this is a good one for us fans to try for…
Jackie B Central Texas
Woo Hoo! I have been dying to read this!!
I have posted on my blog sidebar the sprout:http://myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com/
as well as my contest page entry (mention):
http://bookminded.blogspot.com/2009/11/giveaways-week-of-nov-16th.html
Sprout on sidebar: http://bookminded.blogspot.com/2009/11/giveaways-week-of-nov-16th.html
Brande
Mentioned the contest on Facebook with link.
Sprout is on Facebook also.
Commented on Stephanie’s blog.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Smart-Btches-Trashy-Books/176433038197?v=wall&ref=nf#/home.php?ref=logo
Cannot wait for Stephanie’s new NAVY Seal Series. YUM!
Thanks again.
Absolutely love your work Larissa.
Mentioned the contest on Facebook with link.
Sprout is on Facebook also.
Commented on Stephanie’s blog.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#/cynthia.netherton?ref=profile
Cannot wait for Stephanie’s new NAVY Seal Series. YUM!
Thanks again.
Absolutely love your work Larissa.
Here’s the link to the blog post where I mentioned the contest and posted the sprout!
Just posted to my facebook page!
http://www.facebook.com/#/tinamarie63?ref=profile
Watching the countdown makes it even hard to wait!
I twittered about it http://twitter.com/simplyali/status/5772114126
Used the sprout to post on my blog
posted on my facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/posted.php?id=637943707&share_id=178453587857&comments=1#s178453587857
I havenot read Stephanie’s books, but have read SydneyCroft books.
I’ve never read any of Stephanie’s books but they look awesome!
I blogged about the contest and posted the sprout on my blog too! http://jeanette8042.blogspot.com/
I told all of my reading buddies about your books.
I have yet to read any of Stephanie’s books but intend to soon.
I am behind the times-I don’t Twitter, have a blog or Facebook or Myspace so hope I can still be considered for the prize.
I’ve read all of Stephanie’s Blazes. Can’t wait to read “Hard to Hold.”
I’ve never read Stephenie Tyler before, but I’ve heard many wonderful things about her books!
kaylajohnson3969@sbcglobal.net
Posted on my Facebook wall!
http://www.facebook.com/#/lanae.tatman?ref=profile
I love the Hold covers!
Hi Larissa, great contest! I have yet to read any of Stephanie’s books, but I am looking forward to reading her new series. I posted the sprout on my facebook page and I also posted about the contestat another forum that I go to. Here are the links:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?ref=profile&id=506420825
http://midnightbreeds.heavenforum.com/other-authors-5-f11/stephanie-tyler-t2219.htm#152793
I haven’t read any of Stephanie’s books yet, but they all sound fantastic. I’m going to have to add them to my list.
yes her blaze are great love the seals
posted on her website
love hold on tight cover, i lov epurple
please count me in
thanks
great contest ladies
I haven’t read any of Stephanie’s books yet, but I’d love to.
I retweeted as well.
Hi Larissa,
I’ve posted the sprout and a message describing the contest on my Facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/home.php?filter=lf/Christine Dove
I’ve retweeted your tweet about the contest and will do so again. http://twitter.com/Krystean
I’ve not read any of Stephanie’s books yet but she is at the top of my list since she came to my attention through you when I discovered that she is your other half for the Sydney Croft books.
The only thing is I don’t have a blog or a website of my own to promote the contest on. I will now head over to Stephanie’s blog to take a look.
Thanks!
I RT’d @ Twitter.com/QLady48
tweeted meandi09
I’ve read all of Stephanie’s Blaze titles and LOVED them all. I’ve been waiting for this book all summer.. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!!
I have read the Sydney Croft books but not Steph’s alone. I’m not on Twitter and don’t have a blog so I guess this is my only entry.
Your Book sounds great adding to my list of books to get some day.
I blog about your book and this contest on my myspace and here is the link.
http://www.myspace.com/sasluvbooks
my E-Mail is sasluvbooks(at)yahoo(dot)com
Mentioned the contest here:
http://bunnymoney9.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-links.html
Twittered: http://twitter.com/bunnyb/status/5795775809
I’ve never read Stephanie Tyler yet!!
Posted the Sprout at http://bunnymoney9.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-links.html
Blogged: http://bunnymoney9.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-links.html
This would be a new author for me, count me in! tWarner419@aol.com
I’m really looking forward to this book. :)
HI this would be great. Please count me in. For extra points I retweeted @smokinhotbooks but with the new feature I don’t know how to add the link. Urgh!
http://twitter.com/smokinhotbooks/status/5800849822
I’ve never read a Stephanie Tyler book - it looks great!
~Trish
I haven’t read a Stephanie Tyler book, but now she’s on my list. Once this semester is over, books here I come!!!
Have not read any of Stephanie’s books, but looking forward to Hard to Hold
JAKE!!!
I posted the sprout on FB and twittered! (@lillie_80)
YAY! This books sounds great, I have never read one of Stephanie’s books before. I did comment on her blog of my fav cover tho
I put this contest on my sidebar and copied the spout: http://wickedwalker.blogspot.com/
I also retweeted http://twitter.com/raycee3/statuses/5803570413
Congrats on the upcoming release, Stephanie!
I Tweeted! (As @robbiebear03)
Robyn :)
Placed the sprout on these following site:
visionarydruid.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/visionarydruid
http://twitter.com/RaonaidLuckwell
http://www.facebook.com/#/RaonaidLuckwell?ref=name
And I’ve never read a Stephanie Tyler book. I do have an anthology and another book in my to be read list that I won in a contest
I have not read any of Stephanie’s books but they sound interesting
Hey Larissa!!
I added Steph’s promo for Hard to Hold to my facebook profile!
Can’t wait for Jake!!
http://www.facebook.com/#/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1021546008
I Rt’d 2xs today on Twitter.com/QLady48
I don’t think I have read any Stephanie Tyler books. I do love anthologies so it’s possible I’ve read a novella of hers. Would love to win a book of hers now!! Thanks, Sue
I have never read a book by Stephanie Tyler but would love to - please enter me in your giveaway.
budletsmom at yahoo dot com
I read all of Steph’s Harlequin Blazes. Love SEAL stories.
I twitted: http://larissaione.com/blog/2009/11/16/hard-to-hold-release-contest/ :)
I’ve never read any of Stephanie’s books (nor your collaborative Sydney Croft works!) but now I’m curious! (I actually first read your Demonica books shortly after the third book was released and I was hooked! I can’t wait ’til January!)
And here’s a link to my comment at Stephanie’s blog:
http://www.stephanietyler.com/blog/2009/11/10/hold-on-tight-sneak-peek-posted-unfinished/comment-page-1/#comment-6938
Oops seems like I missed my link for Twitter, let’s try again: https://twitter.com/c_morin/status/5811542288
I’ve read her Blaze books and enjoyed them very much. I can’t wait to read this one.
I posted a tweet, and to my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/alanagassboyd - I have not read Steph (that I know of) but then again I have read alot of harlequins….
I posted a shout-out on myspace/jayhawksr1. I have read Steph before, and of course, I am a Sydney Croft ARCO fan!! :)
Thanks so much Larissa for the contest!!
On my way over to Steph’s blog now!
I’ve never read any of Stephanie Tyler’s books, but I’ll definitely be on the look out in the bookstore!
Um…is the Pope a Catholic?
I have all Steph’s books….
Not only that I have read the HOLD series - Hey there are benefits to some jobs..IT ROCKS!!!!!
Yes I did post the comp and blog
http://list.forumotion.com/ecstasy-unveiled-demonica-book-4-f29/a-little-teaser-t375-45.htm#16719
in LARISSA AND STEPH’S FORUM - L.I.S.T.
in several threads actually
Should I win I would like to nominate someone else for the prize.
Huge hugs Larissa
Lo
Blogged : http://bunnymoney9.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-links.html
Tweet today: http://twitter.com/bunnyb/status/5818217664
Awesome contest Larissa
..I am very excited about Steph’s new hawt series..
I have read a couple of Stephanie’s Blazes and they were great.
unfortunately I haven’t had the possibility to read one of Stephanie Tylers books *hiding* but they sound great - can’t wait to read them
wish you all the best
Ina
I posted on Twitter today. Twitter.com/QLady48
I haven’t read any of Stephanie’s books, but I’ve heard so much great about them, I’ll put them on my wish list!
Posted to my blog here:
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&bID=519009849
And I’ll attempt to tweet this–still a Twitter newbie! :)
–Fedora (flchen1)
Wonderful idea and great delicious reads as the drawing prizes, cannot wait for Hard to Hold to be out….
Posted the contest site info on my blog at:
http://jacaburintexas.blogspot.com/2009/11/hard-to-hold-release-contest.html
posted widget at the following: http://www.myspace.com/texasgirljackieb (on my blog)
http://jacabur2008.livejournal.com/
http://apps.yahoo.com/-ZHMv304m
http://www.facebook.com/jacabur?ref=profile
Everyone good luck and this is a good one for us fans to try for…
Jackie B Central Texas
I twittered and retweeted it Larissa.
I haven’t read a stand alone title from Stephanie, just your collaberation as Sydney Croft. Looking forward to checking this one out.
Posted a link at LR Cafe as well on contest. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/loveromancescafe
Dawn
Owner-LRC
Need to clarify.
I said I was fortunate enough to read H2H for a preview. I want to say I do have the book pre ordered and paid for……we Aussies don’t count in the bestseller sales so I can pre order.
Only 5 days left!!!!!!
Buy in that first week ladies! It’s important to our authors.
Lo
LARISSA IONE & STEPHANIE TYLER FORUM
http://list.forumotion.com/index.htm
Today’s tweet: https://twitter.com/bunnyb/status/5852857160
To be honest, I have not read a book by Stephanie. I would love to but I am in college and my finances are very tight. I am totally crossing my fingers that I win.
I am just meeting Stephanie but the books looks great and I am sure I would enjoy reading them. I am retired so books keep me company a lot. I think it is so nice of you to promote books for Stephanie..you are a true friend. susan L.
I love Any books she writes.My fave one’s so far is the acro series MMmmmMMM….Can’t wait for more of them! I imagine anything she writes is going to be awesome!
*posted on
http://bookblogs.ning.com/group/bookbloggiveaways/forum/topics/hard-to-hold-release-contest
*posted on
http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hard-to-hold-release-contest
*don’t have twitter
*haven’t read her books unfortunately
*Sprout on facebook and blog
http://www.facebook.com/people/Anna-Shah-Hoque/767402866
http://s7anna.blogspot.com/
BONUS entry - went over and commented on Stephanie’s blog - loved the cover for Hold on Tight
Happy Reading
Anna Shah Hoque
s7anna@yahoo.ca
I have no idea what’s going on but this is my third try to post on here…aargh!
*posted on
http://bookblogs.ning.com/group/bookbloggiveaways/forum/topics/hard-to-hold-release-contest
*posted on
http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profiles/blogs/hard-to-hold-release-contest
*don’t have twitter
*haven’t read her books unfortunately
*Sprout on facebook and blog
http://www.facebook.com/people/Anna-Shah-Hoque/767402866
http://s7anna.blogspot.com/
BONUS entry - went over and commented on Stephanie’s blog - loved the cover for Hold on Tight
Happy Reading
Anna Shah Hoque
s7anna@yahoo.ca
I’ve read one of her Harlequin’s but I CANNOT wait for this series
PS Love the devils!!!
Rt’d 2xs on Twitter.com/QLady48 today. Sue
I posted your sprout here: http://razloversbookblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/blog-post.html#links
I haven’t read any of Stephanie’s books before but I would like to!
I commented on Stephanie’s blog and my favorite cover is “Hold on Tight”.
Thanks for the awesome contest!
Daily tweet: http://twitter.com/bunnyb/status/5887911353
I RT’d 2xs today on Twitter.com/QLady48 Thanks, Sue
I haven’t read one of the books yet, but the excerpt from “HARD TO HOLD” has me quite intrigued!
I posted on Steph’s blog that my favorite cover is “HARD TO HOLD”.
I posted the sprout on my blog.
I posted this on my contest list at my blog.
http://www.bookcrazyscrapbookmama.blogspot.com
I haven’t had the pleasure of reading her books yet but she’s on my tbr list.
I linked the sprout here: http://donnasbloghome.blogspot.com/2009/11/hard-to-hold-promo.html
Also placed it on the sidebar here: http://donnasbloghome.blogspot.com/
I havent read any of her books yet. But I love the covers. And thats an amazing coincidence about the cover colors between both your series.
daily tweet: http://twitter.com/bunnyb/status/5915386518
I haven’t read any of her books yet but when I read about Hard to Hold I really really wanted to read it and I can’t wait for it to come out. I hate waiting for books to come out, I’m too impatient.
I posted on
myspace
myspace.com/forever14n9
myblog
http://zenes-escape.blogspot.com
congrats on the releases both of you alls work rocks! i also posted on
face book
http://www.facebook.com/GhostsSiNner
my year book
http://www.myyearbook.com/bainesgoddess_14_and_9
twitter
@bainesgoddess
tagged
http://www.tagged.com/forever_eternally_his_zene
Picked up Mz Tyler’s 3 Harlequin books based on you recommendation…Really enjoyed them. Looking forward to Hard to Hold next week. Thanks for the contest
I have not read any of Stephanie’s book but Greta sent me over and she keeps talking about JAKE!! I want to find out all about this Jake now. I just blog but now I would love to read Hard to Hold.
Gorgeous !! Count me in ;-)
Tweeting 2xs today on Twitter.com/QLady48
HAVENT READ ANY OF STEPHANIE TAYLORS BOOKS BUT IF SHE WRITES LIKE YOU I CANT WAIT TO READ IT. LOVE UR BOOKS LARISSA AND I CANT WAIT FOR ECSTASY UNVEILED TO COME OUT!
I MEAN STEPHANIE TYLER. SORRY ABOUT THE LAST NAME!