Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: One Summer Night
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S): Scordato, Caridad
BIRTHDATE: 1958
WEBSITE: http://www.caridad.com/
CITY:
STATE: NJ
COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY: Cuban
Cuban-American
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born 1958, in Havana, Cuba; married; children: one daughter.
EDUCATION:Received degree from Villanova University (magna cum laude); St. John’s University, J.D.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Lawyer and author. Abelman, Frayne & Schwab, partner. Has appeared on television programs, including Adelante Chicago, Talking with Lee Leonard, and Good Day New York Early Edition.
AVOCATIONS:Writing conferences, boardwalk strolls, honing her writing skills, workshops, helping fellow writers.
MEMBER:Liberty States Fiction Writers (co-founder).
AWARDS:Golden Leaf Award, New Jersey Romance Writers, 2001, for Best Short Contemporary; Cataromance Reviewers Choice Award, 2006, for Best Nocturne; Golden Apple Award Author of the Year Award, Romance Writers of America, 2007.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Caridad Pineiro, also known as Caridad Scordato, splits her professional life between the law field and writing. She studied law at St. John’s University. Afterwards, she joined Abelman, Frayne & Schwab, and hit a milestone there by becoming their first partner to be of both Latino descent and female. Pineiro has penned dozens of romance novels throughout her career. One of her most notable works is Snow Falling, which was written under the guise of Jane Villanueva, the lead character from Jane the Virgin.
One Summer Night
One Summer Night is another one of Pineiro’s novels. The book stars two protagonists: Owen Pierce and Maggie Sinclair. Maggie and Owen have a long and passionate history with one another. When they were kids, their families owned beach houses that neighbored each other. At the same time, the Sinclair family and Pierce family have long been embroiled in a fierce rivalry, and have never gotten along. Owen and Maggie, however, developed feelings for one another as teenagers, yet their families’ bitterness toward one another kept them apart. The last summer they spent together, they were able to share a kiss that further solidified their attraction to one another. It isn’t until adulthood that the two are able to officially unite, albeit under strained circumstances.
As an adult, Maggie has a lot on her plate. Her family made a name for themselves through their department store, which has fallen on hard times. Maggie has taken it upon herself to try and rescue her family’s legacy from bankruptcy, but is fighting to keep everything afloat. This endeavor has occupied her time so much that she hasn’t indulged in any kind of romantic entanglements; yet, on the inside, part of her still longs for Owen and what they could have had. Fate turns out to have been listening to Maggie’s secret wishes, because she is soon able to run into Owen. Sparks fly immediately, pushing them closer into acting on the feelings they have harbored for years. Owen’s father continues to stand in the couple’s way, however, by pulling Owen into a devious scheme. The more Owen draws Maggie into a potential relationship, the easier it will be for Owen’s father to stake claim over her family’s business and absorb them into his own wealth. Owen agrees halfheartedly to go along with his father’s plans, yet he can’t deny the genuine pull of his feelings for Maggie.
Maggie and Owen’s relationship escalates into an engagement, though a bit more than romance is involved. For Maggie, becoming Owen’s wife also signifies the chance to salvage her family’s business. By this point, she has chosen to mortgage not just her current residence, but the beach house where she used to spend her summers. Owen’s father, however, believes he has Maggie’s family’s properties within his clutches, and intends to take advantage as soon as Maggie receives her wedding band. It is up to Owen to protect his relationship from his father once and for all. Booklist contributor Amy Alessio remarked: “Pineiro delivers rich emotions, strong lead characters, and interesting business insights.” In an issue of Kirkus Reviews, one writer called the book “a sexy, fun, yet touching summer read.” A Publishers Weekly reviewer commented: “Readers will want to visit the charming town of Sea Kiss again and again.”
Darkness Calls
Darkness Calls follows the efforts of Diana Reyes, an agent for the FBI who is tasked with what initially seems like a normal mission. She is given the job of investigating a string of killings that all stem from “The Lair,” a nightclub deep in the heart of New York City. The murderer has been on a rampage that exclusively targets women, and by disguising herself as a normal clubgoer, Diana hopes to be able to take him down. However, she soon learns that there is much more going on at the heart of the mystery. The club is managed by Ryder Latimer, who instantly has his eye on Diana. While she feels the same way, she tries to bite back her attraction. On top of her trying to solve the mystery of the killings, Diana also learns that Ryder isn’t even human; rather, Ryder’s origins and nature are vampiric, and Diana knows that her kind and his do not belong together. All the same, Diana is not able to deny Ryder forever, and the two eventually fall into a heated affair. However, the relationship forces them to deal with their own deep seated issues alongside the case Diana has placed with solving.
In an issue of Booklist, Nina C. Davis recommended the book to “readers who like just a touch of the unusual.” A writer on the Maryse’s Book Blog website remarked: “This book takes us on a quick ride through mystery, turmoil, self discovery, and potential love (everything one needs to be thoroughly entertained)!”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, March 1, 2004, Nina C. Davis, review of Darkness Calls, p. 1144; September 15, 2017, Amy Alessio, review of One Summer Night, p. 38.
Kirkus Reviews, September 1, 2017, review of One Summer Night; May 1, 2018, review of What Happens in Summer.
Publishers Weekly, September 28, 2009, review of Sins of the Flesh, p. 49; August 21, 2017, review of One Summer Night, p. 97.
Xpress Reviews, April 20, 2012, Natasha Grant, review of The Claimed.
ONLINE
A Plus, https://aplus.com/ (December 3, 2017), Lindsay Geller, “Meet The Author Behind The Real-Life Romance Novel Inspired By ‘Jane The Virgin,'” author interview.
Aurora’s Book Blog, http://www.aurorabsbookblog.com/ (October 10, 2017), Aurora B., “Author Interview: Caridad Pineiro – Author of One Summer Night.”
BookPage, https://bookpage.com/ (November 14, 2017), Savanna Walker, author interview.
Caridad Pineiro website, http://www.caridad.com (June 13, 2018), author profile.
DM Zone, http://thedmzone.tv/ (June 13, 2018), “The DM Zone: An Interview with NY Times Bestseller Caridad Pineiro (Entangled Publishing).”
Evanston Public Library, https://www.epl.org/ (December 7, 2011), “Author Interview with Romance novelist Caridad Pineiro.”
Harlequin Junkie, http://harlequinjunkie.com/ (January 2, 2013), review of Kissed by A Vampire
Passionate Book Reviews, http://www.passionatebookreviews.com/ (May 18, 2018), Priyanka Sharma, review of Fury Calls.
Maryse’s Book Blog, https://www.maryse.net/ (August 5, 2009), review of Darkness Calls; (August 10, 2009), review of Danger Calls; (August 12, 2009), review of Temptation Calls; (August 17, 2009), review of Death Calls.
Smart Girls Love SciFi, https://smartgirlslovesfr.com/ (April 9, 2013), Echo Ishii, “Author Interview: Caridad Pinero.”
Series
Calling
1. Darkness Calls (2004)
2. Danger Calls (2005)
3. Temptation Calls (2005)
4. Death Calls (2006)
5. Devotion Calls (2007)
6. Blood Calls (2007)
The Complete Calling Collection (omnibus) (2007)
Honor Calls (2009)
Fury Calls (2009)
South Beach Chicas
Sex and the South Beach Chicas (2006)
South Beach Chicas Catch Their Man (2007)
Sin Hunters
1. Sins of the Flesh (2009)
2. Stronger than Sin (2010)
3. The Lost (2011)
4. The Claimed (2012)
Reborn
1. For Love or Vengeance (2015)
2. To Love and Serve (2015)
3. Born to Love (2013) (with Caridad Pieiro)
4. Die for Love (2015)
Vampire Reborn (2014)
Gambling for Love
1. The Prince's Gamble (2013)
2. To Catch a Princess (2015)
Gambling for Love (2015)
Take a Chance
1. Just One Night (2014)
2. One Special Night: (2014)
3. One Last Night (2014)
4. Stay the Night (2014)
5. One Night of Pleasure (2015)
6. Embrace the Night (2015)
Take a Chance Box Set (omnibus) (2014)
Take a Chance Box Set Volume 1.5 (omnibus) (2016)
Villalobos Legacy
1. Undead Uprising (2014)
Undead Uprising: Book 1 Part 2 (2015)
At the Shore
1. One Summer Night (2017)
2. What Happens in Summer (2018)
Novels
Faith in You (2000) (as by Caridad Scordato)
Bether Than Ever (2000) (as by Caridad Scordato)
All My Love (2001) (as by Caridad Scordato)
The Perfect Mix (2001) (as by Caridad Scordato)
Feliz Navidad (2001) (as by Caridad Scordato)
Rookie of the Year (2002) (as by Caridad Scordato)
Kissed by a Vampire (2012)
The Fifth Kingdom (2013)
Omnibus
Right Stuff / Darkness Calls (2004) (with Merline Lovelace)
Danger Calls / Sheikh Who Loved Me (2005) (with Loreth Anne White)
Rider on Fire / Temptation Calls (2005) (with Sharon Sala)
Holiday With A Vampire (2007) (with Maureen Child)
Sheriff's Amnesiac Bride / Soldier's Secret Child (2009) (with Linda Conrad)
The Sharpshooter's Secret Son / Fury Calls (2010) (with Mallory Kane)
Capturing Her Heart (2012) (with Nina Bruhns and Kathleen Creighton)
A Passionate Mission (2012) (with Nina Bruhns and Marie Ferrarella)
Summer Holiday with a Vampire (2013) (with Kendra Leigh Castle, Lisa Childs, Michele Hauf and Laura Kaye)
Vampire Surrender (2014) (with Vivi Anna, Lauren Hawkeye, Laura Kaye and Alexis Morgan)
Summer Heat (2016) (with Nina Bruhns, Traci Hall, Kathy Ivan, Jackie Ivie, Taylor Lee, Jennifer Lowery, Stephanie Queen and Rebecca York)
Collections
Friday Night Chicas (2005) (with Mary Castillo, Berta Platas and Sofia Quintero)
Moon Fever (2007) (with Lori Handeland, Maggie Shayne and Susan Sizemore)
Awakening the Beast (2009) (with Olivia Gates, Barbara J Hancock, Linda O Johnston and Lisa Renee Jones)
A Vampire for Christmas (2011) (with Michele Hauf, Laurie London and Alexis Morgan)
Night of the Shifter (2014) (with Doranna Durgin, Megan Hart, Linda O Johnston and Katie Reus)
Immortal Temptation (2014) (with Lisa Childs, Olivia Gates, Michele Hauf and Denise Tompkins)
The Calling is Reborn Vampire Novels Box Set: (2015)
Take a Chance Box Set Volume 2 (2015)
Novellas
Aztec Gold (2011)
Amazon Awakening (2011)
Nocturnal Whispers (2012)
The Vampire's Consort (2012)
Night of the Cougar (2012)
Her Vampire Lover (2012)
Ghost of a Chance (2012)
The Shifter's Kiss (2013)
Under the Boardwalk (2016)
Series contributed to
Capturing the Crown
5. More Than a Mission (2006)
Capturing the Crown Bundle (omnibus) (2008) (with Nina Bruhns, Kathleen Creighton, Marie Ferrarella, Karen Whiddon and Linda Winstead Jones)
Mission Impassioned
Secret Agent Reunion (2007)
Coltons: Family First
4. Soldier's Secret Child (2008)
Fisher, Ryder & Quinn (omnibus) (2014) (with Carla Cassidy and Justine Davis)
Kindle Worlds : Shadow Ops
Fight for the Shadows (2015)
"Pineiro, Caridad: WHAT HAPPENS IN SUMMER." Kirkus Reviews, 1 May 2018. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A536571198/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=0bb17e68. Accessed 18 May 2018.
Alessio, Amy. "One Summer Night." Booklist, 15 Sept. 2017, p. 38. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A507359905/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=1427cece. Accessed 18 May 2018.
"Pineiro, Caridad: ONE SUMMER NIGHT." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Sept. 2017. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A502192402/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=7ef1b1e2. Accessed 18 May 2018.
"One Summer Night." Publishers Weekly, 21 Aug. 2017, p. 97. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A501717337/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=58c0b3e4. Accessed 18 May 2018.
"Sins of the Flesh." Publishers Weekly, 28 Sept. 2009, p. 49+. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A209104871/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=3add1ab8. Accessed 18 May 2018.
Davis, Nina C. "Pineiro, Caridad. Darkness Calls." Booklist, 1 Mar. 2004, p. 1144+. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A114285353/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=9c3464c7. Accessed 18 May 2018.
Grant, Natasha. "Pineiro, Caridad. The Claimed." Xpress Reviews, 20 Apr. 2012. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A289120699/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=1f058588. Accessed 18 May 2018.
I’m a transplanted Long Island girl who has fallen in love with the Jersey Shore. When I’m not taking long strolls along the boardwalk, I’m also a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 50 novels and novellas. Some friends will introduce me and say “She’s got a million books published,” and I’m always quick to shy away from that claim. I still find it hard to believe that I have sold that many books since my first release in 1999.
I am passionate about writing and helping others explore and develop their skills as writers. It’s why I helped found the Liberty States Fiction Writers and love to do workshops to share what I’ve learned over the years. I also love to keep on improving my own skills as a writer and meeting new people by attending a variety of conferences during the year. You can find out more about where I’ll be by visiting my Events page.
Where else can you find me? I still have a day job as a lawyer and owe New Jersey Transit a big thanks for letting me write on the commute to and from New York City. If I’m not writing, I’ll have my nose stuck in a romance novel since I am a hopeful romantic and truly believe there is a Happily-Ever-After for everyone. Even vampires and other things that go bump in the night.
I love hearing from readers and fans and hang out online on my blog, Facebook, Instagram and several other social media sites. You can reach out to me by e-mail via my Contact page.
To keep up on what’s happening with me, please take a moment to sign up for my newsletter! Don’t worry, I won’t spam you and I won’t share my list with anyone else. Please click here to sign up for my newsletter.
Short bio
Caridad Pineiro is a transplanted Long Island girl who has fallen in love with the Jersey Shore. When Caridad isn’t taking long strolls along the boardwalk, she’s also a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author with over a million romance novels sold worldwide. Caridad is passionate about writing and helping others explore and develop their skills as writers. She is a founding member of the Liberty States Fiction Writers and has presented workshops at the RT Book Club Convention, Romance Writers of America National Conference as well as various writing organizations throughout the country.
Really Long Bio with lots of info!
Caridad Piñeiro® is a multi-published and award-winning author whose love of the written word developed when her fifth grade teacher assigned a project – to write a book that would be placed in a class lending library. She has been hooked on writing ever since.
From the start, Caridad’s novels have received acclaim and have helped redefine the landscape of modern romance novels. In 1999, Caridad was published by Kensington as part of Encanto, the first line of bilingual Latino romance novels. In 2000, Caridad was one of the first Latino authors featured at the launch of BookExpo America’s Spanish Pavillion. In December 2006, Caridad helped Silhouette launch its successful Nocturne paranormal line with DEATH CALLS, one of the novels in the award-winning THE CALLING Vampire series. In addition, Caridad has appeared at BookExpo America on numerous occasions and has captained both the multicultural and vampire genre panels at the RT BookClub Conventions.
Caridad’s CHICAS novels, including her seventeenth release, SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN from Simon & Schuster’s Downtown Press, have garnered praise from both fellow authors and reviewers and are helping to make Latina fiction a vital part of the publishing mainstream.
In recognition of her work, Caridad has received various awards and honors. In 2007, a year marked by the debut of six novels from Harlequin and Pocket Books, Caridad received the Golden Apple Award Author of the Year Award from the New York City Chapter of the Romance Writers of America. Other honors that Caridad has received include the selection of DANGER CALLS and DEATH CALLS as the Top Fantasy Books of 2005 and 2006 by CATALINA magazine, the Cataromance Reviewers Choice Award for Best Nocturne in 2006 and the New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf award in 2001 for Best Short Contemporary. Her other titles have received a number of nominations, such as the Harlequin Readers Choice Awards and RIO Reviewers Choice Awards. Both DANGER CALLS and SEX AND THE SOUTH BEACH CHICAS have been book club selections.
Caridad’s eighteenth novel, MOON FEVER, a paranormal anthology with Maggie Shayne, Susan Sizemore and Lori Handeland, debuted in late September 2007 as #32 on the New York Times Extended Bestseller list and #123 on the USA TODAY Bestseller List. HOLIDAY WITH A VAMPIRE, a paranormal anthology with Maureen Child, made the BookScan Top 100 Adult Fiction list.
Caridad’s paranormal romance, THE LOST, was nominated for the 2012 RITA Award for Best Paranormal. The RITA is the Romance Writers of America top award for writing.
In 2014, Caridad participated in the Lucky 7 Bad Boys Contemporary Romance Boxed Set which debuted on the NY Times and USA Today Bestseller lists and in the Dangerous Dozen Romantic Suspense Boxed Set which debuted on the USA Today Bestseller list.
In September 2017, Caridad’s ONE SUMMER NIGHT was featured in the NY Times Roundup of Romance. ONE SUMMER NIGHT was also a Publisher’s Weekly Top 10 Fall Romance selection.
In November 2017, Caridad ghostwrote SNOW FALLING, the novel featured on The CW’s Jane the Virgin television show.
Caridad has appeared on Romance Novel Television, Fox Television’s Good Day New York Early Edition , New Jersey News’ Jersey’s Talking with Lee Leonard and WGN-TV’s Adelante Chicago. Articles featuring Caridad’s works have appeared in the New York Daily News, Catalina, RT BookClub, NJ Monthly, Star Ledger, Home Tribune News, Sun Sentinel, Variety Yahoo! Online News, Latina and the Waterbury Republican-American.
When not writing, Caridad teaches workshops on various topics related to writing and heads a writing group. Caridad is also an attorney, wife and mother.
Also about the Author:
Caridad was born in Havana, Cuba, and settled in the New York Metropolitan area. She attended Villanova University on a Presidential Scholarship and graduated magna cum laude. Caridad earned her juris doctor from St. John’s University and became the first female partner of Abelman, Frayne & Schwab, an intellectual property firm in midtown Manhattan.
Additional Information on Caridad
Check out these releases under “About”:
Caridad’s Bio
Press Page
Awards
Sitemap
Meet The Author Behind The Real-Life Romance Novel Inspired By 'Jane The Virgin'
Caridad Pineiro shares her thoughts on love and female empowerment.
Lindsay Geller @lgells Dec 03, 2017
If you love hit TV show Jane the Virgin, there's a good chance you love love. And if you really love love, you don't just love watching love stories but reading about them, too.
While you can certainly love each of those separately, you no longer have to. Now, combining the magic of television and the magical realism of literature, the romance novel Jane Gloriana Villanueva writes and publishes on the hit TV show has come to life in our real world. That's right, Snow Falling is here — and it's just as lovey-dovey as you'd expect (especially if you will always and forever be #TeamMichael).
While Jane Gloriana Villanueva is a fictional character (we know, we're sad about it, too), real-life and best-selling romance author Caridad Pineiro brought her story to life.
A Plus caught up with this real-life Jane to discuss her writing process, the role of female empowerment in the romance genre, and of course, why she loves love:
Caridad Pineiro
A Plus: What was it like writing the romance novel Snow Falling as the fictional TV persona of Jane Gloriana Villaneuva? How did you get into that character so you could write as you imagine she would?
Caridad Pineiro: It was hard to get a feel for what Jane's "voice" would sound like for the novel and also how the narrator would be a part of a historical novel. I was lucky to have a few paragraphs that were read on the show and tried to channel Jane from those paragraphs to write the story. To stay in that character's head, I binge-watched all the shows again and also had the show running in the background while I wrote for added support. For the more important scenes, like the proposal and wedding, I watched those episodes again to make sure I really got the emotion of those scenes correctly.
A: Unlike the typical romance novel, or what many people at least think of the romance novel, Snow Falling spends a lot of time discussing Josephine's personal ambitions that have nothing to do with the men in her life. So how do you hope your contribution to the romance novel genre challenges the preconceived notions about the genre, while also changing it for the better?
CP: I think that many modern romances explore what women want besides a relationship. In many of my novels as well as Snow Falling, I've addressed women's desires for careers, education, family ties, etc. in addition to the central theme of a romance novel, namely, attaining a happily ever after with the right partner. I hope that the romance novel genre says to women, "You can have whatever you want — career, family, and love. Nothing is unattainable for women today!"
A: What were some of the challenges you faced writing this book as opposed to your other books?
CP: The first big challenge was writing a historical romance. I normally write romances set in modern times, although many of my vampire romances have had historical scenes as part of the vampire's backstories. I had to research 1902 Miami, but also be conscious of the language used as well as aspects of everyday life. For instance, to be able to work in the "snow falling" that happened in the big scene with Michael and Jane, it occurred to me to use a snow globe. However, snow globes were quite rare in the early 1900s and so we had to make it clear to readers that this was a very special snow globe. Also, we wanted to incorporate the magical realism of the show, which often happens via modern devices in the television show. To do that in Snow Falling, we had to think of other ways to incorporate that realism, like imaginary angels and devils that visit Jane.
via GIPHY
A: In the TV show, Jane is artificially inseminated — something that was not medically possible in early 1900s Miami. In the book, Josephine instead chooses to become intimate with Rake and gets pregnant as a result. How did this decision impact the Josephine character and help her diverge from the Jane character writing about her?
CP: This was one of the hardest decisions we had to make since we wanted the storyline with the baby to mirror Jane's life on the television show. There was only one way to accomplish that: by Jane/Josephine having an affair with Rafael/Rake. However, we had to make sure that Jane/Josephine was making reasonable choices and that her decision to pick Michael/Martin was justified by the storyline. Jane is such a strong, empowered and believable heroine that we didn't want to make her seem irresponsible or flighty. I hope we accomplished that.
A: Where do you hope the romance genre goes from here? What new, fresh voices and stories do you think we should pay more attention to?
CP: I have found that the romance genre has been one of the most accepting and supportive genres for female writers and writers of color. The Encanto Latino romance line and Arabesque African-American romance line were some of the first of their kind, and romance writers and readers have also embraced LGBTQ stories. I hope that such support continues to grow and that we see more diverse stories and characters, as well as stories that encourage women to reach for their dreams, whatever they may be.
A: Has writing romance taught you anything surprising about yourself? And if so, what?
CP: Writing romance has taught me that I'm much more of a romantic and dreamer than I thought I was. I was always the nerdy, science-minded kid growing up. Not to mention that those traits are ones that I don't normally show in my attorney day job.
A: Back to the book itself, Josephine and Martin falling in love is called a "miracle." Why did you use this word to describe their love? Do you think "miracle" describes the act of falling in love in general?
CP: I totally think that the act of falling in love and finding the right person is truly a miracle. When you think about how many people there are in this world and the odds of two of those people getting together and happily spending the rest of their lives together, that truly is "miraculous."
via GIPHY
A: As a Cuban-American, how have you seen love expressed through your family, your community, and your culture?
CP: We had a small, close-knit family, but many friends that had escaped from Cuba. There was a very strong sense of supporting each other and of Cuban culture when we got together with them, especially since I did not grow up in an ethnic enclave. My grandparents were Gallego Spanish, and we also had a lot of traditions and culture from them that were a part of our lives. We likewise had a lot of Spanish friends who added to that part of our family heritage.
A: What are your most steadfast beliefs about love and how did you incorporate them into Snow Falling?
CP: My one steadfast belief is that there is a right person for everyone, even if it takes work to make the partnership work. I stress the word "partnership" there because a good relationship is one in which both people share equally in the many aspects of their lives. The hard work part was especially true in the Snow Falling story since Jane/Josephine has her misstep with Rafael/Rake, and has to fix her relationship with Michael/Martin and redeem herself.
A: What do you hope readers take away from the book (and its connection to the beloved TV show)?
CP: I think the take away is that the happily ever after is possible, no matter how hard it may seem. For me, even though Michael left this world way too quickly on the show, I think it was still a miracle for Jane to have experienced his love. It's that old "better to have lost and loved" than not to ever have known such a great love.
Web Exclusive – November 14, 2017
Caridad Pineiro
Straight out of a telenovela
BookPage interview by Savanna Walker
Spoilers for “Jane the Virgin” through season four, episode four.
Over the course of four seasons, fans of the CW’s acclaimed dramedy “Jane the Virgin” have rooted for the titular character to achieve her dream of becoming a romance novelist (spoilers from here on in). After her beloved husband Michael’s death, Jane turned to writing to give them the happy ending they would never have. The result was Snow Falling, a historical romance novel set in 1902 Miami starring fictionalized versions of Jane’s family and friends.
Fans of the show were delighted to learn that they would be able to get their hands on an actual copy of Snow Falling, written by romance author Caridad Pineiro under Jane’s name. We talked to Pineiro about getting in Jane’s head, translating the postmodern telenovela world of “Jane the Virgin” to 1902 and which one Jane’s various love interests she thinks is best for her.
Were you a fan of “Jane the Virgin” before writing Snow Falling? Did you watch/rewatch a lot of the show before writing the novel?
I was a fan of the show and was so excited to be chosen for the project. I really identified with Jane, since I was a lot like her as a child. I was always working hard to get good grades in school, but I also wanted to be a romance writer. I also loved how the cast and writers had brought the over-the-top nature of the telenovelas I used to watch with my grandmother to American television. To be sure I captured the feel and fun of the show, I binge-watched all three seasons again before I started writing Snow Falling and even rewatched key episodes to make sure I was faithful to them.
Is Jane’s voice as a novelist different from your own?
I tried to re-create Jane’s voice from the snippets of the novel that were included on the show. As I wrote, I found that my voice was close to Jane’s, but channeling the Latin narrator was a little more difficult. I had to really get in his head and try to come up with the quips and humor that happen on the show. The narrator is one of the most fun parts!
How did you approach translating the show into the turn-of-the-century setting? Was there any part of the show you excised because it wouldn’t fit?
The first thing I did was a lot of research into Miami, the “Magic City” in the early 1900s, to get a feel for what was happening there at the time and how that could be melded with the important aspects of “Jane the Virgin.” It was difficult to try and capture the elements of the show that we felt were important, like the magical realism and the narrator. Those parts of the story had to be adapted in a historically accurate way, which presented a challenge. In addition, there was the main premise of the show, namely Jane being artificially inseminated. We had to find a way for that element of the show to be interpreted in a way that would allow us to tell Jane and Michael’s story, while also inserting Rafael into their relationship in a believable way. I hope readers will find that we managed to balance the 1902 setting and “Jane the Virgin”’s story in a way that honors the show’s uniqueness.
Which character or story element was the easiest to translate?
The easiest character to translate was Rogelio [Jane’s father], I think in part because I developed a major crush on him while I watched the show. There is just something about his character that is both honest and childlike, and that somehow makes up for how self-centered he is at times. Not to mention that he is so passionate about the people he cares about and that worked really well with the story in Snow Falling. The Rogelio counterpart in the historical romance (Ronaldo) was a humorous buffer against the darker workings of the suspense and the danger to Josephine and Martin (Jane and Michael in the present) from the sinister crime boss.
What was your favorite thing you discovered about Miami in 1902?
Being Cuban-American, I’ve visited Miami on numerous occasions to spend time with family and friends. Because of that, I had some idea of the history of the city, but working on this novel let me learn even more. While I was aware that Henry Flagler’s railroad expansion to Miami was responsible for the growth of the city, it was interesting to discover that his actions were prompted by a woman, Julia Tuttle. After a series of freezes ruined the citrus crops in other parts of Florida, Tuttle convinced Flagler that crops in the Miami area would not suffer a similar fate. Tuttle also convinced Flagler that Miami could be a great city as well as the gateway to Latin America, which was very forward-thinking. Not to mention that Tuttle barred liquor in the city limits, which provided us with a great backdrop for the suspense in Snow Falling.
In one beautiful section of the book, you worked in one of the show’s most meaningful visual elements: the titular snow falling. Were there any other motifs from the show you put in the book?
Thank you so much! I loved working in the falling snow from Jane and Michael’s romantic encounter, as well as the cascade of white flowers that happens when Jane and Rafael share a special moment. There were a few others that I think fans of the show will recognize and hopefully enjoy. For those watching season four, there is the infamous snow globe cover done by the publisher, but I think the snow globe in the book is much more romantic for various reasons.
“Jane the Virgin” is a very metafictional show that frequently comments on the way stories are told and the tropes of telenovelas and romances in particular. Did you add in any winks and nods to the show or storytelling in Snow Falling? Or did you play it straight?
Since this story is really a treat for fans of the show, we thought it was important to do two things. The first was to provide them an accurate historical romance that would mirror Jane and Michael’s life together, but with a happily ever after. I’m very happy with how that turned out, and I think fans will love both the romance and the suspense connected to the Sin Rostro story line. The second thing we did was to add some of the fun elements from the show as a nod to what fans have liked over the years—things like the magical realism, the narrator and the humor. I hope readers will like the blend of historical reality versus the fantasy elements from the show.
How much of the book had already been planned out by the show’s writers? Was it just what's been shown in the show or was there more of Snow Falling than viewers have seen?
Since we were mirroring Jane and Michael’s story, the basics of the plot created by the writers of the show were fabulous bones for us to flesh out a story. But there is a lot of new material in Snow Falling thanks to the historical setting and the changes that involved, as well as putting a unique stamp on the Jane/Michael/Rafael love triangle. Fans of the show will therefore see things that are both familiar and yet very new in the book.
I have to ask—since you’re now a preeminent expert in the romance of “Jane the Virgin”—which of Jane’s love interests do you think is best for her?
OMG, answering that would almost be like choosing a favorite child (which is why I am glad I only have one fabulous daughter). When I first started watching the show, I could see how cute Jane and Michael were together, but it was tough not to respond to the bad boy/tortured aspects of Rafael. Then there is this season and Adam, who seems to be able to make Jane laugh and live again, which is something we all want for her. Each of the main men have brought new and interesting things to Jane’s story, but if I had to choose . . . no, not going to spill who is my favorite, but I will tell you that it was tough to write Snow Falling and present each of the men fairly but also create a story where you truly believed that she chose the right man with whom to spend the rest of her life.
Hopefully, Jane will have a long and successful publishing career. As her authorial voice and a very successful author yourself, what sort of book do you think she should write next?
I wish for Jane to have a long and successful career as a writer! Writing has been a rewarding career that’s provided me many wonderful opportunities to meet new people and explore new stories. As for what Jane should do next, I think it would be fun to do a story that explores Alba’s loves and journey to the United States, or one featuring Rogelio (my crush) and his early life with Xiomara. Of course, there’s always the possibility of a graphic novel collaboration with Adam. After all, a writer always has to be challenging herself to try new things.
Caridad Piñeiro was born in Havana, Cuba, and settled in the New York metropolitan area. After attending Villanova University and earning her law degree from St. John's University, she became the first female and Latino partner of Abelman, Frayne & Schwab. The award-winning author of more than a dozen novels, Caridad introduced the characters featured in Sex and the South Beach Chicas in the story she contributed to the Latina chick lit anthology, Friday Night Chicas. Visit her website at www.caridad.com.
Author Interview: Caridad Pineiro – Author of One Summer Night
October 10, 2017 0 comment
ONE SUMMER NIGHT
Author: Caridad Pineiro
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Pages: 352
Genre: Contemporary Romance
BOOK BLURB:
An offer that’s impossible to accept . . .
Maggie Sinclair has tried everything to save her family’s business, including mortgaging their beloved beach house on the Jersey Shore. But now, she’s out of options.
The Sinclair and Pierce families have been neighbors and enemies for almost thirty years. That hasn’t stopped Owen Pierce from crushing on Maggie, and he’s determined to invest in her success. Now he has to convince her that he’s more than just trouble with a capital T…
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Interview with Caridad Pineiro
Tell us a bit about yourself that a lot of readers don’t know?
Caridad: I play the bassoon and almost went the route of going to Julliard, but decided that I would miss my Science and English classes. I ended up going to Villanova as a science major.
What made you decide to move from Cuba to New York and what made you want to stay?
Caridad: My family was part of the huge flight of Cubans when Castro took power. My mom had been involved in politics and Cuba and didn’t want to be involved in that again and felt she couldn’t avoid it if we lived in Miami. She also had a job offer in New York, so that’s where the family moved to once everyone was reunited in the U.S. I lived on Long Island until I got married and a few years later, we moved to New Jersey!
Obviously you’re incredibly talented and successful! What do you think makes you such a successful author?
Caridad: Thank you so much for saying that. I think the things that readers love most about my stories is that you become so connected to the characters that you feel as if they are real people. I love creating compelling and engaging heroes and heroines, as well as all their friends.
Would you say that your process of writing has changed since your first book and if so how?
Caridad: I am much more organized and aware of how to create the romantic arc and conflict that’s necessary to keep a reader engaged through the whole story. When I first started writing, that was something I didn’t quite grasp, even though the characters and their emotions kept readers engaged. I think I am much better at that longer romance arc now, but I’m always working on trying to improve it.
Can you tell us more about your upcoming release One Summer Night?
Caridad: This is a series of my heart. The idea came to me when I was having a bit of a rough patch, but the characters kept on pushing me to write their stories and I set them in a place I love – the Jersey Shore – so working on the series really picked me up and made me happy. The first book in the series is a Romeo and Juliet meets a marriage of convenience tale. Yes, it sounds complicated and it is because the hero, Owen Pierce, is trying to do everything he can to make the heroine, Maggie Sinclair, love him, but to do so he has to defy his father who is intent on holding a decades old grudge against the heroine’s father. As you can imagine, lies build upon lies shakily until it all comes crashing down and Owen has to prove to Maggie that his love for her was true. I loved writing the complex emotions in both of the characters as well as the supporting cast of Maggie’s best friends and Owen’s younger brother (the hero of #2 in the series).
What is it about the main characters Owen & Maggie that make the reader connect and root for them?
Caridad: Emotion and that rooting for the underdog spirit. You want them to find a way to end the family feud and you want them to have their happily ever after. For Maggie, readers will also be rooting for her to save her family store and all the jobs that will be lost if she doesn’t succeed.
As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans?
Caridad: More writing! LOL. I am definitely in a contemporary romance state of mind right now, so I am doing another 2 in the At the Shore series as well as laying the foundation to continue the stories with some new heroes you’ll meet in #3. I also plan on re-releasing my earlier contemporary romances and some new novellas and longer stories in The Calling is Reborn vampire novel series.
What question do you wish someone would ask about you or your book? (then answer it 😉 )
Caridad: Why did you set the series on the Jersey Shore?
I LOVE THE JERSEY SHORE! Yes, I was shouting. I grew up close to Jones Beach on Long Island and we spent many a summer there, but the Jersey Shore was an entirely new experience. I love strolling the boardwalk or sitting out to watch the fireworks on the 4th of July. I love the different flavors of the small towns and how each one is unique. I’ve actually melded a few of my favorite towns together to create the fictional town of Sea Kiss in the At the Shore series. I hope you’ll enjoy seeing that town and maybe even visiting my little piece of the shore one day.
About Caridad Pineiro
Caridad Pineiro is a transplanted Long Island girl who has fallen in love with pork roll and the Jersey Shore, but still can’t get the hang of tomato pies. When Caridad isn’t taking long strolls along the boardwalk to maintain her sanity and burn off that pork roll, she’s also a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author with over a million books sold worldwide. Caridad is passionate about writing and helping others explore and develop their skills as writers. She is a founding member of the Liberty States Fiction Writers and has presented workshops at the RT Book Club Convention, Romance Writers of America National Conference as well as various writing organizations throughout the country.
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Author Interview with Romance novelist Caridad Pineiro
December 7, 2011
(En español)
A creative book project in elementary school was the impetus to the thriving, successful career of Romance novelist Caridad Piñeiro. Writing her first romance novel in the fifth grade about stranded high school students on a tropical island finding solace in each other, she is now the author of over 20 published books. The New York City Chapter of Romance Writers of America honored Caridad with the Golden Apple Author of the Year Award. In a recent interview with Reader’s Services’ Elvira Carrizal-Dukes, Caridad Piñeiro shared her love of writing.
ELVIRA: Can you tell us about your family background and where you grew up?
CARIDAD: I was born in Cuba, but grew up in Levittown, New York. Levittown was the Nation’s first planned housing development which was built for the soldiers returning from World War II. It was a great place to grow up, but there weren’t very many Latino families in town.
ELVIRA: What or who inspired you to write Romance genre novels?
CARIDAD: I think my love developed little by little. It started when I fell in love with WUTHERING HEIGHTS and then I kept on reading novels that had romantic elements. I just was attracted to stories where love could conquer all. In college I worked retail and was asked to help out in the store’s book department. I ran across SHANNA and didn’t know what to make of it, but it was selling so well I thought I had to see what it was all about. Once I read it, I realized this was not only what I loved to read, but what I wanted to write.
ELVIRA: What inspired you to mix Science and Action with Romance?
CARIDAD: I was a science major in college and love mixing that in when I can in order to make people think. In SINS OF THE FLESH and STRONGER THAN SIN, I wanted people to think about what would happen if scientists started genetically engineering humans with special powers.
ELVIRA: How is your book “Stronger than Sin” similar to your other books?
CARIDAD: I think the one common element of all my novels is that I insist on having strong empowered women. I believe that even under the worst of circumstances a woman has the ability to take control of her life in order to achieve her dreams or have a better life.
ELVIRA: In what ways are you and the character Dr. Liliana Carrera alike?
CARIDAD: We’re both scientists, determined and passionate. I really identified with Liliana on so many levels and was so glad to be able to write such a strong female character.
ELVIRA: Why do you think it’s important for Latinas and Latinos to become writers and authors and specifically in the Romance genre?
CARIDAD: The Romance genre is a very popular genre and has a large reach. By writing Romance with Latino characters, we can spread our culture and help people understand more about Latinos. By doing so, we can help break down barriers.
ELVIRA: What are you working on now?
CARIDAD: I am working on some new novels in my THE CALLING vampire series which will be back in late 2012. I am also working on proposals for additional books in the SIN HUNTER series.
ELVIRA: What is your advice for readers who do not like reading or have not read Romance novels?
CARIDAD: I think it’s a valid choice to not like a particular genre if you’ve tried reading it with an open mind and just don’t like it. I think many people have prejudices about Romance without ever having read one. The misconceptions are many, but the reality of it is that modern Romances address issues that are important to women and portray women who are in control of their lives. What could be wrong about that?
Author Interview: Caridad Pinero
CARIDAD PINERO is a mult-published author with many honors to her credit. In 2007, she received the Gold Apple Award for Author of the Year from the New York City Chapter of RWA. She has written paranormal romance, suspense, erotic romance, and women’s fiction. In 1999 she was published by Kensington as part of Encanto- a line of bilingual Latino romance novels. She is the author of the SIN HUNTER’S SERIES including THE LOST and THE CLAIMED as well as THE CALLING/THE REBORN Vampire Novel Series. THE LOST was nominated as a 2012 RITA Finalist for Paranormal Romance.
RK: What inspired you to become a writer?
CARIDAD PINERO: I had always been an avid reader, but in the fifth grade my teacher assigned the class a project: To write a book for a class lending library. I went home and started writing. When I finished, I realized that I could not only read stories, but write them to share with others.
RK: What made you decide to write paranormal romance?
CARIDAD: I had been writing contemporary romances and was looking for a change of pace. I was in a very dark mood and decided to channel that into a new and edgy story. That book was DARKNESS CALLS, the first in THE CALLING/REBORN vampire novels series.
RK: Let’s talk about your SIN HUNTERS series: I was enthralled by your choice of a heroine as a returning veteran. What was your inspiration for Bobbie Carrera? How did you go about creating the character?
CARIDAD: I have a number of friends who have served in the military and I wanted to honor them by trying to portray the sacrifices that they make. I am also a strong believer in female empowerment and wanted to show how far women have come by having Bobbie as a Marine. As for creating Bobbie, I researched the kinds of injuries that our military men and women were suffering and worked that into the story line. To further honor our military, I donated a portion of my royalties from THE CLAIMED to Hope for the Warriors, an organization that helps military men, women and families.
RK: The paranormal world you create of Light and Shadow is very unique. It’s paranormal, but the use of energies gives it a definite scifi edge. How did you develop this idea?
CARIDAD: I was a science major, so I am totally into trying to find real life rationales for things which seem paranormal. I also love history and so I decided to combine some aspects of the history of the Americas with science in order to create a race of people who could use energy for a number of different things. The rituals of honoring the sun were inspired by Mayan rites and many of the words that the Hunters use come from the Quecha language. I love mixing up so many elements to create a new mythology for the novels.
RK: Your current releases include THE SHIFTER’S KISS and GHOST OF A CHANCE. Could you tell us more about them?
CARIDAD: In GHOST OF A CHANCE, there is a mystery that revolves around an 80 year-old murder-suicide that occurred in a lovely oceanfront mansion in Sea Girt, New Jersey. It’s a big old Victorian mansion that is now run by the state as a museum, but rumors abound about it being haunted. That’s why true crime writer Tracey Gomez has been invited with several others to try and find out the truth about the crime that happened there years earlier, during the height of prohibition. Not far from the mansion, near the Shark River, rum runners were known to bring in the bootleg liquor which would make its way to Newark and then throughout the United States.
In THE SHIFTER’S KISS, wounded firefighter Victor Edwards is finally fulfilling his dream of becoming an oceanographer. While working on a grant in the San Blas Islands, he is living in a small seaside hut. His grant is allowing him to explore the coral reefs in the area which brings him into contact with a very unusual shark. One which intrigues him and which he risks his life to share. It turns out the shark is actually a shifter goddess, Nali, one of the last of her kind. Nali is likewise intrigued by Victor, but she can only spend short bits of time on shore or risk losing her powers.
RK: I noticed on your pinterest, you pin inspirations for your novels. In that spirit, can you choose a novel you wish were made in the movie? Who would star?
CARIDAD: I would love for DARKNESS CALLS to be made into a movie. The novel is a paranormal suspense that I say is like Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets The X-Files. If I could choose people to star in it, I’d love for Kate Beckinsale to play Diana Reyes and someone like Jim Caviezel to play Ryder.
RK: If you were a supernatural creature what would you be and why?
CARIDAD: That is a tough one, but I’d have to say some kind of were-cat. It would be awesome to be able to shift into another form!
RK: And because this is a Smartgirls love scifi and paranormal blog, which would you rather be: space pirate, rebel commander, or android?
CARIDAD: LOL! Okay, if you are forcing me to choose, I’d have to say rebel commander!
RK: Anything else you’d like to share with the blog readers?
CARIDAD: I love to hear from fans and interact with them at various places, like Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and at my blog! Come by and spend some time with me!
Check out Caridad’s current releases:
THE SHIFTER’S KISS
GHOST OF A CHANCE
Find out more about Caridad Pinero and her books:
SITE: http://www.caridad.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Caridad.Author
TWITTER: @CaridadPinero
PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/caridadpineiro/
The DM Zone: An Interview with NY Times Bestseller Caridad Pineiro (Entangled Publishing)
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Caridad Piñeiro® is a multi-published and award-winning author whose love of the written word developed when her fifth grade teacher assigned a project — to write a book that would be placed in a class lending library. She has been hooked on writing ever since. Host Dianemarie (DM) Collins interviews Caridad on The DM Zone.
From the start, Caridad’s novels have received acclaim and have helped redefine the landscape of modern romance novels. In 1999, Caridad was published by Kensington as part of Encanto, the first line of bilingual Latino romance novels. In 2000, Caridad was one of the first Latino authors featured at the launch of BookExpo America’s Spanish Pavillion. In December 2006, Caridad helped Silhouette launch its successful Nocturne paranormal line with DEATH CALLS, one of the novels in the award-winning THE CALLING Vampire series. In addition, Caridad has appeared at BookExpo America on numerous occasions and has captained both the multicultural and vampire genre panels at the RT BookClub Conventions.
Caridad’s CHICAS novels, including her seventeenth release, SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN from Simon & Schuster’s Downtown Press, have garnered praise from both fellow authors and reviewers and are helping to make Latina fiction a vital part of the publishing mainstream.
In recognition of her work, Caridad has received various awards and honors. In 2007, a year marked by the debut of six novels from Harlequin and Pocket Books, Caridad received the Golden Apple Award Author of the Year Award from the New York City Chapter of the Romance Writers of America. Other honors that Caridad has received include the selection of DANGER CALLS and DEATH CALLS as the Top Fantasy Books of 2005 and 2006 by CATALINA magazine, the Cataromance Reviewers Choice Award for Best Nocturne in 2006 and the New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf award in 2001 for Best Short Contemporary. Her other titles have received a number of nominations, such as the Harlequin Readers Choice Awards and RIO Reviewers Choice Awards. Both DANGER CALLS and SEX AND THE SOUTH BEACH CHICAS have been book club selections.
Caridad’s eighteenth novel, MOON FEVER, a paranormal anthology with Maggie Shayne, Susan Sizemore and Lori Handeland, debuted in late September 2007 as #32 on the New York Times Extended Bestseller list and #123 on the USA TODAY Bestseller List. HOLIDAY WITH A VAMPIRE, a paranormal anthology with Maureen Child, made the BookScan Top 100 Adult Fiction list.
In 2009, Caridad will debut a new paranormal romantic suspense series with Grand Central Publishing. The first novel in the series, SINS OF THE FLESH, will be released in November 2009.
Caridad has appeared on Romance Novel Television, Fox Television’s Good Day New York Early Edition , New Jersey News’ Jersey’s Talking with Lee Leonard and WGN-TV’s Adelante Chicago. Articles featuring Caridad’s works have appeared in the New York Daily News, Catalina, RT BookClub, NJ Monthly, Star Ledger, Home Tribune News, Sun Sentinel, Variety Yahoo! Online News, Latina and the Waterbury Republican-American.
When not writing, Caridad teaches workshops on various topics related to writing and heads a writing group. Caridad is also an attorney, wife and mother.
Also about the Author:
Caridad was born in Havana, Cuba, and settled in the New York Metropolitan area. She attended Villanova University on a Presidential Scholarship and graduated magna cum laude. Caridad earned her juris doctor from St. John’s University and became the first female partner of Abelman, Frayne & Schwab, an intellectual property firm in midtown Manhattan.
Pineiro, Caridad: WHAT HAPPENS IN SUMMER
Kirkus Reviews. (May 1, 2018):
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2018 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Full Text:
Pineiro, Caridad WHAT HAPPENS IN SUMMER Sourcebooks Casablanca (Adult Fiction) $7.99 6, 5 ISBN: 978-1-4926-4967-0
Years after a failed summer fling, Jonathan and Connie are thrown together again. Their attraction is alive and well, but their fundamental differences are still getting in the way. Aren't they?
Connie Reyes has never forgotten sexy Jonathan Pierce, whom she met when she spent a college summer at her best friend Maggie's summer house in Sea Kiss, a beach town on the Jersey Shore. She'd hoped to continue the relationship, but when Jonathan told her he wasn't going back to school, she knew he wasn't the man for her. Her Cuban mother had wasted her life waiting for undependable men, and she wouldn't fall for a man with no ambition. Now, seven years later, he's back in Sea Kiss, supporting his brother, Owen, as he navigates a problematic relationship with Maggie. At first Jonathan tries to avoid Connie, but they fall into a sexual relationship, which is frustrating for Jonathan since, despite his entrepreneurial success, Connie still sees him as a fickle wanderer, loathe to commit and settle down. Yet Connie's own success seems questionable thanks to a sexist partner in her law firm who refuses to see her skill and contributions. Connie's conflicted feelings lead her to take stock of her choices and priorities, especially when a conversation with her mother, an unexpected job offer, and some startling news combine to give her a changed perspective on life and love. Pineiro's follow-up to One Summer Night (2017) covers the same time frame from the alternate couple's viewpoint, to sexy, satisfying effect. Connie and Jonathan's trials, tribulations, and second chance at love are engaging and at times thought-provoking, touching on the power of love, loyalty, and friendship.
Another visit to Sea Kiss will charm romance fans.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Pineiro, Caridad: WHAT HAPPENS IN SUMMER." Kirkus Reviews, 1 May 2018. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A536571198/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=0bb17e68. Accessed 18 May 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A536571198
One Summer Night
Amy Alessio
Booklist. 114.2 (Sept. 15, 2017): p38.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2017 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist/
Full Text:
One Summer Night.
By Caridad Pineiro.
Oct. 2017. 352p. Sourcebooks/Casablanca, paper, $7.99 (9781492649649).
Although the two families owned next-door beach houses on the Jersey shore, Owen Pierce's father didn't want his family to be friendly with the Sinclairs. Maggie Sinclair never forgot the kiss she shared with Owen when she was 18, and her attraction to him returns to distract her as she is trying to save her family's struggling stores. Maggie is running out of options after mortgaging the beach house and her own home and agrees to marry Owen so he can help the company. When Maggie learns that her father-in-law assumes that the marriage grants him access to the Sinclair properties, she is determined to forget her newfound happiness with her husband. Will Owen finally stand up to his father? Modem marriage of convenience stories are tricky, but Pineiro delivers rich emotions, strong lead characters, and interesting business insights.--Amy Alessio
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Alessio, Amy. "One Summer Night." Booklist, 15 Sept. 2017, p. 38. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A507359905/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=1427cece. Accessed 18 May 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A507359905
Pineiro, Caridad: ONE SUMMER NIGHT
Kirkus Reviews. (Sept. 1, 2017):
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2017 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Full Text:
Pineiro, Caridad ONE SUMMER NIGHT Sourcebooks Casablanca (Adult Fiction) $7.99 10, 3 ISBN: 978-1-4926-4964-9
Trying to save her family's iconic New York department store, Maggie Sinclair doesn't have time for a love life, especially with Owen Pierce, the son of her father's archenemy, who's the boy she kissed years ago on one dreamy summer night at the Jersey Shore."The two beachfront mansions had been built side by side decades earlier, before the start of the Pierce and Sinclair rift." Maggie and Owen had been childhood friends, summering together at the shore before their families had a falling-out, Owen's mother left, and Maggie's mother died. One "ill-timed and half-drunk" teenage kiss had fueled her fascination with him, and years of crossing paths both professionally and personally never let it quite die, but Maggie has avoided relationships, too busy trying to save her family's retail company and perhaps too reluctant to admit to herself that no one attracts her quite like Owen. After a few random meetings amplify the sexual and emotional tension between them, they step more and more into a relationship, documented by the intrigued local gossip pages. Owen appeases his angry father by claiming he's doing it to get Maggie to trust him, with the ultimate goal of taking over the real estate once her stores have failed. As the two grow closer and the stakes get more intense, past distrust and current misperceptions collide to create an explosive situation. Trust and love may save the day, but getting there is a hard sell when Owen's father is determined to drive a wedge between the lovers and take everything Maggie holds dear. Pineiro begins a new beach-themed series with a bright combination of an enemies-to-lovers trope with a second-chance-at-love twist. Secondary characters enhance the plot and setting while hinting at the next two stories in the series. A sexy, fun, yet touching summer read.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Pineiro, Caridad: ONE SUMMER NIGHT." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Sept. 2017. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A502192402/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=7ef1b1e2. Accessed 18 May 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A502192402
One Summer Night
Publishers Weekly. 264.34 (Aug. 21, 2017): p97.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
One Summer Night
Caridad Pineiro. Sourcebooks Casablanca, $7.99 mass market (352p) ISBN 978-1-49264964-9
Ina passionate modern Romeo and Juliet--inspired story (with a much happier ending) that opens a contemporary romance series, Pineiro (Under the Boardwalk) develops the forbidden love between sensitive, spunky retail heiress Maggie Sinclair and stoic real estate scion Owen Pierce. Three decades earlier, Maggie and Owen's fathers, formerly best friends and business partners, had an ugly fight, supposedly over real estate. They bequeathed that animosity to their children. Inconveniently, Owen and Maggie have been attracted to each other since they were young, and chemistry arcs between the two when they reconnect at their families' side-by-side beach houses in Sea Kiss, N.J. Owen's bitter father threatens to disinherit Owen if he dates Maggie, so Owen comes up with a desperate plan: he pretends that he's only marrying Maggie to gain control of her faltering retail chain. A cast of lovely, imperfect supporting characters--including Owen's entrepreneurial younger brother, Jonathan; Maggie's friend Emma, a wedding planner avoiding love; and her friend Connie, a workaholic lawyer gunning for partner--neatly surrounds this endearing hero and heroine as Owen's father attempts to derail their love story forever. Readers will want to visit the charming town of Sea Kiss again and again. (Oct.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"One Summer Night." Publishers Weekly, 21 Aug. 2017, p. 97. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A501717337/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=58c0b3e4. Accessed 18 May 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A501717337
Sins of the Flesh
Publishers Weekly. 256.39 (Sept. 28, 2009): p49+.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2009 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Sins of the Flesh
Caridad Pineiro. Grand Central/Forever, $6.99 (336p) ISBN 978-0-446-54383-5
Terminal illness leads gifted musician Caterina Shaw to seek radical treatment that turns her superhuman in this uneven romantic suspense from paranormal and category romance author Pineiro (Honor Calls). Dr. Raymond Edwards saves Caterina's life but then traps her and continues experimenting on her with genes and hallucinogens. Out of control and desperate, Caterina escapes, only to fall into the arms of Mick Carerra, an attractive Mexican mercenary hired to find and dispose of her. Her beauty awakens his long-throttled emotions, and instead of collecting the bounty, Mick defies Edwards while his sister provides the medical treatment Caterina needs to detox and his affectionate family helps to heal her heart. The premise is intriguing, but Pineiro never fully develops it, and too many inconsistencies distract the reader from both romance and science. (Nov.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Sins of the Flesh." Publishers Weekly, 28 Sept. 2009, p. 49+. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A209104871/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=3add1ab8. Accessed 18 May 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A209104871
Pineiro, Caridad. Darkness Calls
Nina C. Davis
Booklist. 100.13 (Mar. 1, 2004): p1144+.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2004 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist/
Full Text:
Mar. 2004. 298p. Harlequin/Silhouette, paper, $4.50 (0-373-27353-3).
FBI agent Diana Reyes' latest case places her undercover at a hot New York club, the Lair, hoping to attract the attention of a serial killer and stop him before another woman becomes his victim. What she doesn't expect are the attentions of the club's owner, Ryder Latimer, or to find his southern charm so appealing. Ryder also feels drawn to Diana, but the phrase "not her type" never held more meaning: he is a vampire and has no place in her world. But as pressure mounts in the investigation, heat rises between Diana and Ryder, until neither can resist their forbidden passion, Pineiro crafts strong sexual tension and a fascinating portrait of both Diana's and Ryder's internal struggle with their respective dark natures. Die-hard paranormal fans may miss the lack of a larger supernatural world, but readers who like just a touch of the unusual will find this romantic suspense a satisfying read.
Davis, Nina C.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Davis, Nina C. "Pineiro, Caridad. Darkness Calls." Booklist, 1 Mar. 2004, p. 1144+. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A114285353/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=9c3464c7. Accessed 18 May 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A114285353
Pineiro, Caridad. The Claimed
Natasha Grant
Xpress Reviews. (Apr. 20, 2012):
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2012 Library Journals, LLC
http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/reviews/xpress/884170-289/xpress_reviews-first_look_at_new.html.csp
Full Text:
Pineiro, Caridad. The Claimed. Grand Central. (Sin Hunters, Bk. 2). May 2012. c.368p. ISBN 9780446584609. pap. $7.99. PARANORMAL ROMANCE
As a future Quinchu of the Light Hunter race, Victoria Johnson is tasked with choosing a strong mate before she reaches the end of her equinox, thereby ensuring the continued existence of her people. When she first locks eyes with Christopher Sombrosa, she doesn't realize that he is a Shadow Hunter--and therefore her sworn enemy--but that does nothing to abate the magnetic pull she feels toward him. Like Victoria, Christopher's role as Anura brings with it a responsibility to lead his local Shadow Hunters to a prosperous future. Yet, while both are willing to explore their mutual attraction in the course of sussing out each other's secrets, there are those among them who believe that light and shadow do not mix, and they will do anything necessary to sever their bond.
Verdict In this second book in the "Sin Hunters" series, Pineiro (The Lost) layers equal parts action and romance with liberal coatings of paranormal effects to produce a reworked tale of forbidden love. Although one might wish for fewer scenes involving the secondary players, fans of the genre will nonetheless appreciate the author's attention to character development, pacing, and descriptive detail. For all romance collections.--Natasha Grant, New York
Grant, Natasha
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Grant, Natasha. "Pineiro, Caridad. The Claimed." Xpress Reviews, 20 Apr. 2012. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A289120699/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=1f058588. Accessed 18 May 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A289120699
Review: Kissed by A Vampire by Caridad Pineiro
Posted January 2nd, 2013 by Sara @HarlequinJunkie in Harlequin Mills&Boon, Nocturne, Review / 0 comments
Kissed by A Vampire by Caridad Pineiro
Alex and Stacia aren’t your typical couple. Stacia is an elder vampire, with the strength and power of many men. Alex is an undercover cop working a case where young women are being drugged and sold. When these two catch a peek at each other across a crowded bar they both realize there is more than passion lurking behind the heated nights. A vampires kiss can save a humans life, and as it turns out this isn’t the first time Alex has been kissed by a vampire.
There were many things that I liked about “Kissed By a Vampire” by Caridad Pineiro. I really liked that the heroine held most of the power, I mean you don’t see this as much as you would think in romance nowadays. I also loved that Alex and Stacia have a secret past that neither of the, remember until their eyes meet across a crowded room. But most of all I love the passion that these two had in bed, Alex turned out to be one heck of a caring and respectful lover. He never wanted to hurt Stacia, even though he isn’t nearly strong enough to do so. How cute is that? 🙂
Throughout this book all I could think about was… How could I not have known that this author exited!?!? With such a passion for romance writing Ms Pineiro blew me away by creating a world that truly opened my imagination to a world of possibilities. Not to mention she creates a truly enchanting story with a beautiful relationship! If you call yourself a fan of paranormal romance than I fully recommend Caridad Pineiro!
Rating:
Book Info: Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne (November 1, 2012)
For two thousand years, vampire elder Stacia has roamed on her own, haunted by the betrayal that turned her into a creature of the night. Her nights looming empty and eternal, Stacia longs for love, but settles for quick bites and sinful pleasures in South Beach. Until she comes face-to-face with the unforgettable DEA agent she once brought back from the brink of death.
Alex Garcia knows that demons exist—the real kind, the kind that are kidnapping women and selling them into slavery. Finding those victims is his focus—not a beautiful seductress whose otherworldly abilities can’t possibly be real. But when Stacia summons all her powers to prove what she really is, Alex will summon all his to believe in the vampire’s kiss….
BOOK REVIEW: Fury Calls By Caridad Pineiro
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Buy: Amazon
The “Fury Calls by Caridad Pineiro” marks the end of ‘The Calling series’. At least that’s the result of my research. I’m hoping it ends here. The cover art of ‘Fury Calls’ is beautiful. Maybe I should add that it’s the best cover art in the series.
‘Fury Calls By Caridad Pineiro’ ~~ Synopsis:
The story explores the love-hate relationship of Meghan with Blake. Meghan hates Blake because he turned her without her knowledge as he sensed a connection.
Meghan isn’t ready to adapt to her new circumstances. Due to which, their connection suffers. For the sake of keeping peace, Meghan and Blake stay out of each other’s path.
Meghan begins working as a chef at the new hangout opened by Diego in partnership with Ryder. She’s trying her best to adapt to her new life as a vampire.
Blake after dating elder Stacia (Desire Calls) is back to his old life, where loneliness is the only companion he knows.
Blake soon realizes, he’s not over Meghan and needs to do something to get her back in his immortal life. Blake convinces Diego and Ryder to hire him and promises not to bother Meghan.
Since they are working together, it’s difficult for Meghan not to see or acknowledge that Blake’s making serious effort to change his ways.
Blake also opens up about his life before he’s turned and that too helps in softening Meghan’s stance towards him.
Though, Megan’s not sure if she’d be able to let go of all the anger she feels towards him for his past actions.
In the background, vampires are dying mysteriously. A new breed of vampire is making his presence felt in the town. Everyone coming in contact with the new vampire wants to know more about him.
This creature’s eyes are set on Meghan. Noticing this Blake tries to gather as much information as possible about the new vampire in town.
Blake believes the guy’s a trouble and possesses some dark power.
According to Stacia, the other vampires may not be powerful enough to fight this creature.
Another unusual happening, Foley’s behaving strange. Blake thinks he can understand Foley’s position, considering once upon a time he’d gone through the similar experience.
My Views:
There’s so much going on this book. But the plot is engaging and keeps you guessing.
Blake & Meghan’s love story’s entertaining. But entry of new character is much more thrilling.
This one is slightly darker in its storyline, which suits my reading standards just fine.
What’s Not Sizzling:
Once upon a series, over-use of a scene where the vampire bared his/her fangs to scare away his/her lover was a norm.
In the last couple of books, annoying presence of Stacia, in almost every lonely male vampire’s life is a new norm. Why?
I don’t have a problem with the new character, Stacia. I just don’t find the same kind of situation in almost every other installment amusing.
Second: the stereotype that every woman desires a baby. Really? Why is it so difficult to believe childfree couples are happy about their choices?
Anyways, I rather not get into this debate.
The Verdict:
As a standalone novel ‘Fury Calls’ is one of the best in the series.
And from all the books in ‘The Calling’ series, ‘Fury Calls’ you can read without going through the previous installments.
Though, I believe nothing beats the fun of reading the series from the first book to last one. That of course is my view; you can pick whichever one that calls for your attention.
Happy Reading!
Book Review – Death Calls by Caridad Piñeiro
by Maryse on August 17, 2009 · 0 comments
in Caridad Piñeiro, My Book Reviews
Death Calls
I finished this one a few days ago, and already finished book five too! This book was, to date, the most emotionally charged of the series. You are taken on an emotional roller coaster, as Ryder and Diana attempt to navigate through a turbulent patch in their unusual love affair.
Diana is realizing that her involvement with Ryder and his dark lifestyle is wearing down on the dreams she once had…a husband, children, and someone to grow old with. As the few years have progressed with Ryder, Diana feels her biological clock ticking, and she recognizes the call of “the darkness” growing within her. She both fears and is greatly attracted to Ryder’s dark side, and realizes that some distance from his world will be the only way she might truly find out what she wants in life.
The change hadn’t happened overnight. It was only in the past year or so, when they’d become more involved with Manhattan’s other vampires, that Ryder had begun to change. She hadn’t noticed at first, but recently it had become impossible to ignore. Ryder was darker and more powerful than she could have imagined. Worse, yet, she liked his transformation. Too much.
And that was what troubled her most-how much she wanted to share in his darkness, how much she craved the intense emotions only he could rouse. Was she losing herself to him?
Ryder, dejected with the realization that he may be losing Diana, understands why she must sever their relationship (even if only temporarily). On occasion, he has had to resist the urge to completely “turn her” during intimate situations where they have both almost gone too far, (after Diana requested he “bite her”).
After biting her the other night, he had been forced to acknowledge just how badly he wanted her with him forever. After more than a century of avoiding humans and their emotions, he had allowed himself to care for her. She had restored him. Made him alive again. Losing her…
While they remain separated, they struggle against the urge to see each other.
“I care for you, only…Foley says that each bite-”
“I won’t bite you again,” he said. Not unless you ask me to.
“I won’t ask again. I can’t lose myself like this. I can’t stay with-”
“Don’t push me away, darlin’. I know you’re scared, but I am too. In all my life, you’re the only woman I’ve ever…”
Ryder didn’t finish. Instead he buried his head against her midsection and wrapped his arms tight around her like a supplicant embracing his reason for being. Then he shocked her by kissing the scar against her ribs-a product of the drive-by shooting that had killed her father.
Diana had closed her eyes against the sudden threat of tears and the constriction that closed her throat. She cradled his head and stroked his hair, trying to ease the pain. Trying to curb her own.
As more time goes by, without contact, Diana realizes that their connection is weakening, as she no longer “feels” him. She attempts to live a normal life, and throws herself into her work. She leads a dangerous new case that is possible tied to her father’s murderers, and finds herself working with her ex-fiance, Alex. While she thought she was over him, they re-connect instantly, and old feelings resurface. Realizing she was the one who pushed Alex away (during the dark period after her fathers death), she suddenly realizes that they could pick up where they left off, and she could finally have the life she once dreamed of.
“Alex-”
He didn’t give her the chance to protest, replacing his finger with his mouth. Kissing her until her head was spinning and she had to grab his shoulders for stability.
“Alex, this is crazy. Especially now,” she said and yet she couldn’t keep herself from going on tiptoe and kissing him back.
He wrapped his arms around her and dragged her tight to him. “Don’t push me away again.”
His words shattered the moment and she did just that. They were both breathing roughly as they squared off. “I’m sorry, Alex.”
“Don’t be sorry. Just be sure of what you want. There won’t be a third time for us.” He turned on his heel and stalked away.
She watched his retreating back much as she had ten years earlier. Only this time…
She couldn’t just stand there and let him walk out of her life. not when he might be the one man who could help her forget a certain vampire.
Ryder, desperate to shake off his depression, finds himself hanging out with his new vampire entourage at the “Blood Bank” bar. He encounters a beautiful, ancient vampire who greatly resembles Diana. The power she emanates affects him to the core, and, despite his friend’s warnings, he is drawn to her.
“Easy, mi amigo. She’s not to be taken lightly,” Diego warned, but Ryder had no way to suppress the experience of her.
Painfully, he stood there, poised on the edge of…anticipation both sexual and intellectual. What could this vamp be like that she had so much sway without his even knowing her name, without his having seen her face?
She turned then, and energy surged through him, singeing his senses. The force of her acknowledgement was so strong he had to rein in the beast before it rushed to her side.
And here I will leave you, to read the rest. Just like a normal relationship with a temporary “time-out”, each person learns to re-adjust to life without the other, and in time, may even try something new. While love may be abundant between these two, will it be enough for Diana to accept the loss of her ideals? Will they adjust without each other, or will they re-connect for good? The dangerous twists and turns, emotional struggles and the crazy ending will astound you! I couldn’t put it down!
4.5 stars
Book Review – Temptation Calls by Caridad Piñeiro
by Maryse on August 12, 2009 · 1 comment
in Caridad Piñeiro, My Book Reviews
Temptation Calls (The Calling)
Book three has just secured my devotion to the series. While I was enjoying each book, I now feel a sense of attachment to the characters, and love the growth progression of the relationships. Book three, again, allows us to explore a new potential couple, and the threats that they have to face. We are also introduced to new characters, expanding Ryder & Diana’s world, and growing our tight knit group.
The book is about a beautiful female vampire (Samantha Turner) who, as a human, suffered terrible abuse at the hands of her late husband, and then again, by the male vampire who turned her. She mistrusts most men, and refuses to be touched or allow anyone into her heart. Over time, surrounded by only a few friends, she has become strong and independent, and has embraced her vampire powers, while continuing to guard her humanity. She has opened a safe home for abused women and their children, and her neighbors suspect that the positive change in their neighborhood is due to her presence. Her secret is closely guarded and only known by one human male (remember the Santero from the last book)? She is essentially, a vigilante, keeping watch over the good people of her community.
After a tragedy occurs in her neighborhood, she is approached by Diana’s colleague (NYPD detective Peter Daly). He is investigating the crime, and while intrigued by her beauty, and haunted by the sadness in her eyes.
She gazed at him over her shoulder and he felt as if he’d been kicked in the gut. There was so much pain, so much fear and anguish in her gaze she couldn’t hide it.
He suspects she witnessed more then she is letting on. He persists in interrogating her, and eventually, the spark of attraction kicks in and their compassionate friendship evolves into something deeper.
A few of her vampire friends have suddenly gone ”missing”, and Samantha realizes she is in over her head, and she needs Peter’s help. While she doesn’t tell him exactly what the circumstances of her situation entail (he still doesn’t know her secret), Peter realizes something is up, and decides Diana should be brought in to help too.
They’d worked together on two different cases now and in both instances, he sensed there was something not quite normal with Diana’s lover, Ryder, and their friends. Diana had never confided in him, but when she’d asked Peter for help during her last case, he hadn’t been reluctant to do what she’d asked. Just as he knew that if he called, Diana would come without hesitation. Maybe it was time to call in his marker.
“I have a friend, I think she could help us because…There’s something different about her as well.”
When Diana (and Ryder) show up, the fun really picks up (beginning with Samantha and Ryder’s initial encounter-ACK! talk about letting the cat out of the bag!)
While the investigation takes place, Ryder, suddenly surrounded by members of his own species, realizes he has much to learn about his powers, vampire rules, and how a chosen human can greatly benefit from some of their powers. Samantha let’s him and his humans in on some precious information…
“And their keepers? What do they do to their keepers?” Melissa asked.
“A different kind of bite, administered as needed.” She watched as puzzled looks crossed the faces of both her companions.
“As needed?” Sebastian echoed at the same time, that Melissa said, “Could you explain the ‘as needed’ part?”
With a shrug, she said, “The more frequent the bite, the less the keeper ages.”
Once again, an awkward silence greeted her words, until Melissa made a little circular motion with one finger and said, “So a bite a day-”
“Keeps the Reaper away,” Sebastian added.
Samantha couldn’t contain a chuckle. “I guess that’s about as simple an explanation as possible.”
The romance, of course is incredibly touching and sweet.
With a shrug, she said, “It’s inevitable. You’re human, and I’m-”
“A beautiful woman, although I won’t hold that against you. But I would like to hold you, even though that seems crazy. Can we start that way? Just holding? Until we both figure out what we want?” His voice was expectant, boyishly trusting. It was that Boy Scout sincerity that lessened her resistance. With a nod, she moved until she was sitting beside him, his good arm wrapped around her shoulder, pulling her tight into his side.
But it is the interactions between all of the characters, in this book, and Ryder’s own growth in his vampire status that kept this story grounded, humorous, and almost, “believable”, if you will.
This is a series that wakes me up in the middle of the night just to continue reading it. While I rarely start a new book during a work week morning, (I find it difficult to properly get started in a book, when my reading time is limited) this morning, I couldn’t help myself, and immediately started book four. I was delighted to realize it was focused on Ryder and Diana again, and am anxious to get back to them now (poor things, hitting a rough spot in their love affair….they are in sore need of a hug!).
4 stars
Book Review – Danger Calls by Caridad Piñeiro
by Maryse on August 10, 2009 · 0 comments
in Caridad Piñeiro, My Book Reviews
Danger Calls (The Calling)
I liked this one too! It is the 2nd book in the series, and even though Ryder (the vampire of the story) is not the main focus (this book concentrates on Melissa – Ryder’s human caretaker), this story captured me just as much.
We find out more about Melissa’s family history, and her slight resentment at being next in line in having to answer “the call” (helping care for Ryder, and keep his secret). The job has been passed down many generations in her family, and is now her responsibility. Due to the strange hours and dangerous circumstances involved in caring for and living with a vampire, she is tormented at the prospect of never having her own personal life.
She also resents her parents for distancing themselves from her life. Her parents, having been deeply in love, and desperate to find a cure for her mother’s illness, centered most of their energies on each other, leaving Melissa to lead a solitary childhood, slowly reinforcing her impression that her life was one of responsibilities without affection.
The action begins when Melissa’s office is broken into, and one of her father’s journals is stolen (a journal, amongst many, that detail his life & experiments while caring for Ryder). While these journals are important in helping Melissa continue where her father left off, she realizes that someone specifically targeted this journal, which means the secret might have been breached. Keeping the remaining journals locked up, along with discovering who is snooping into their secret, and why, is crucial.
Melissa enlists Sebastian (Diana’s hot, bad-boy brother) who is a computer programmer to digitize and encrypt the remaining journals. Problem is, they have a slight *history* of their own, and her raging crush proves to be more difficult to handle then she originally thought.
“I don’t think there will be much together, Sebastian.”
She doth protest too much, he thought. She was building defenses right before his eyes.
He knew the price to be paid for erecting such barriers. He’d kept his father away with the walls created by his defiance. Behind those walls, he’d avoided hurting people who expected more of him than he was able to give.
“Understood Melissa. Just business.” He held up one hand as if in surrender, although giving up was the last thing on his mind.
Sebastian’s too-quick acquiescence surprised her because of the disappointment that came again, much as it had at the coffeehouse the other day. Disappointment implied that she’d hoped he’d take this opportunity to rekindle…
Melissa thoroughly reads each journal as Sebastian scans them in, and soon uncovers secrets about her parents that capsize everything she ever believed about them. Diana and her FBI staff begin piecing together past evidence that suggests her parents may have actually been murdered. Secret experiments, new medical discoveries, and, once trusted colleagues that could actually be enemies, unravel a world that no one had suspected.
Ryder also gets a lot of air-time in this story, (along with some sweet moments between him and Diana).
He released her and dragged a hand through his hair. “And what of my life? Or should I say, my lack of life? Tell me what’s right about it Diana? Tell me what I did wrong to merit the life I have?”
Diana’s heart ached with his pain. She embraced him and held him close for long seconds. Cradling his head to her, she said, “Did you ever think the reason you’re here now-that you’re the way you are-is because you were good?”
A harsh laugh escaped his lips. “And this,” he said, transforming into vampire mode, “is my reward?”
Standing on tiptoe, she brought her lips to his and cupped the back of his head to keep him there where he would have pulled away. “If not for this, we’d never have met.”
He answered her with a kiss so demanding, she wasn’t sure whether it was the vampire or human in control. Frankly, at that moment, she didn’t care.
Remember how in the first review, I commented on how Ryder was not the typical powerful vampire. In this installment, his human half appears to be conceding to his vampire half, and his powers are emerging at an alarming rate. Now THIS could get interesting! While Ryder is unable to explain the changes, simply describing them as almost “instinctual”, the humans around him are finding themselves somewhat unnerved at his obviously less-than-human responses.
Here’s an example. Melissa is napping in the home office, while Sebastian is busy working next to her, and she screams due to a nightmare;
The door to the office flew open.
Ryder stood in the doorway, naked except for a pair of boxers, his hands clenched at his sides. “Melissa, are you okay?
His question was followed by the sound of hurried footsteps. Diana came to the doorway in a robe that had been hastily tossed on and her Glock drawn for defense. She glanced uneasily at Ryder. “How’d you do that? One second you were there and the next…”
Ryder shrugged. ” I don’t know. I just heard Melissa and reacted.”
“Like the Flash?” Sebastian prompted.
While the mystery is abundant, the love story remains front and center. While each of the characters have their own demons to battle, they find themselves becoming stronger, with each tenderly shared moment.
Here is one of my favorite moments of the book (between Sebastian and Melissa), that I felt most definitely needed to be highlighted here.
Closing the distance between them, he embraced her tightly, but what could he say?
“Will you stay tonight?” she asked, the side of her face buried against the spot directly above his heart.
Did she hear the way the beat stopped, then started once more, faster than before? Did she know that with those few words, she had made him hers?
Very touching, and sweet, and while Sebastian may not be a vampire, he is incredibly sexy, nonetheless!
Well, onto book three. One of Diana’s colleagues appears to have a vampire interaction of his own, and I’m off to be swept away
4 stars
Book Review – Darkness Calls by Caridad Piñeiro
by Maryse on August 5, 2009 · 2 comments
in Caridad Piñeiro, My Book Reviews
Darkness Calls (The Calling)
I purchased this entire series awhile back, and have been anxious to get started. What better time than now?
I completed book one last night, and liked it a lot. This author can sure write a love scene (whoa!). Actually, each scene is rich with description;
“…skin soft and flavored with the light sheen of sweat…”
The imagery conveyed illustrate the atmosphere & feelings beautifully.
This book is about a 140 year old vampire named Ryder, who is mostly alone in the world except for his one caretaker (a human doctor named Melissa). She is the only one who knows his secret, and has inherited the role from family tradition (a few generations of men in her family, have all, at one time, taken on the responsibility). While there is no romantic connection between the two, they care tremendously for each other, and consider each other family.
He is a traditional vampire, requiring blood, avoiding the sun, hates garlic, and can’t see his reflection in the mirror. Surprisingly, after the slew of vampire books I have read lately, (describing the vampires with almost god-like powers), Ryder’s weaknesses hinder him somewhat. While he is swift, and recovers quickly from damage, he isn’t necessarily the best fighter in a battle.
He might have superior strength and speed, maybe even more stamina, but she was certainly the better fighter. She recognized his weaknesses and played on them, forcing him to make moves that she not only easily countered, but punished him for with a fresh series of blows.
He doesn’t shape-shift, doesn’t “influence” humans, and I’m not quite sure if he can even read minds. While he can eat human food for “appearances” sake, he requires blood to survive, and has made a conscious decision not to feed from humans.
A serial killer is on the loose, and appears to be targeting women that frequent Ryder’s nightclub. FBI agents step in to investigate, and interrogate Ryder and his staff. Ryder finds himself taken with Special Agent in Charge, Diana Reyes. He recognizes her from dreams he has had, and she feels an instant connection too.
Diana resists her attraction to him, and half-heartedly rebuffs Ryder’s attentions.
“Ryder,” she started, her tone brusque, “I don’t appreciate you ogling me, especially if we’re going to be working together.”
“Darlin’-” he began, but she cut him off by raising her hand.
“I am not your darlin’, or sweetheart, or whatever else it is that you good ol’ Southern boys call your lady folk.”
He laughed.
“Well, okay then, Ms. Reyes,” he said, putting undue emphasis on the Ms. “As a man, it is unfortunately, an inherent part of my nature to notice a very attractive woman when I see one. So my apologies, for noticing you.”
Diana turned and faced him, searching for a way to counter his last statement without sounding like a total bitch, but he had effectively trapped her. “Touché, Ryder. I can see that I’m going to have to watch myself around you.”
Ryder smiled, broadly and unrepentantly. There was something about his smile that tempered her anger and started a slow curl of warmth in parts she’d rather not have warmed.
“Darlin’, that is a shame,” he said, and again she found herself jumping as he pulled imaginary strings.
“And why is that, Ryder?”
“Because I was hoping you’d be busy watching me.”
She is efficient, tough and practical, and doesn’t succumb to emotion easily. Due to a terrible hurt in her past, she has built a defensive wall around her emotions. However, working in close proximity with Ryder on the case, wears down her defenses, and she finds her logical self losing to her heart. Ryder, knowing that this kind of relationship might put Diana in danger (from his instinctual vampire side) can’t stay away from her either. He tries to keep his secret guarded, but the more they connect, the closer she is to discovering who he really is.
Ryder closed his eyes and buried his face against the side of her neck as he fought a battle within himself. Her body was so soft, warm and accepting. Would she accept him so willingly if he revealed his true self? He didn’t know, but for now, she was here with him, loving him. He wanted to treasure the moment. It meant everything to him.
This book takes us on a quick ride through mystery, turmoil, self discovery, and potential love (everything one needs to be thoroughly entertained)! I’ve already started book #2, and I’m thrilled that it picks up pretty much right where book #1 left off!
4 stars!