My how time has flown! And what a year it’s been!

Last year at this time I’d just launched the first book in the Cupcake Club series, SUGAR RUSH, with SWEET STUFF coming out right after it. Now we have three books out in the series, with BABYCAKES hitting the shelves just this past November.

I also saw the first books I ever wrote, all for Bantam’s Loveswept line, come back out in digital form, from Random House. 13 of the 14 titles are now available for download at the awesome price of $2.99. There is one book left to go, WILD RAIN (which is the spin off from BLACK SATIN) and one of my favorite “Two people stuck in a _____” books. In this case? Jillian and Reese are stuck in a closet during a hurricane for almost the entire book. Did I mention there was a three-legged alligator in this one? Or that Reese is one hot Aussie? Well…come January 13th, you can download and it and find out how all that works out yourself!

As exciting and thrilling as 2012 was for me, seeing the Cupcake Club books have such a huge international success (proving you can still be an overnight sensation after 20 years and 50+ titles under your publishing belt!) 2013 is gearing up to be even more amazing!

First, as many of you know, 2012 was also the year that my longtime custom of recapping some of our most favorite reality tv shows in my blog expanded over to USA Today’s Happy Ever After column, which has been picking up and highlighting some of my recaps since last summer. Well, I’m ridiculously tickled to announce that they’ve asked me to start my own little column for them beginning January 7th with the premiere of Season 17 of The Bachelor!

I know!! How much fun is that? So consider this your official invitation to join me on this amazing new journey as we watch this season’s Bachelor, Sean Lowe, find love–or, you know, not–in what we all know will be a series of the Most Dramatic Rose Ceremonies Ever! Sean says he breaks a lot of rules this season, and host Chris Harrison tells me they’re calling it “the most shirtless season ever.” (Did I just name drop Chris Harrison? I think I did!) Check out Mr. Lowe up there, and why yes indeedy….that might be a reason to tune in, all by itself. Will you accept this rose and join me? I hope so…it’s going to be a hilarious, entertaining, and maybe even romantic ride!

Now why did USA Today ask me to blog about The Bachelor in their Books section? Could there be a tie in somehow, some way? Read on to find out!

But first…this just in!

All of you fans of the paranormal romances I published with Bantam some years back, and who have been begging me for more? Well, I can tell you that I’m presently writing a full length paranormal for Harlequin, featuring an out-of-this-world hero — release date as yet unannounced –but…BUT! Tomorrow, as in January 1, 2013, you can pick up my hilarious and sexy (at least, I hope it is!) paranormal short story in the brand new release, THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF FUTURISTIC ROMANCE. Available in print and digital everywhere after the ball drops and the clock strikes Happy New Year!

And that’s STILL not all!

This April will see the next book in the Cupcake Club series with HONEY PIE, which has a little “woo woo” magical element of it’s own. Then, coming summer of 2013, the first three books in the Cupcake Club series will be re-released in mass market format (I’m dying to see the new covers they’re doing for them – will share as soon as they’re in my hot little hands!)

AND! (Yes, more!) In October comes a really innovative and fun twist on the annual Christmas anthology with THE SUGAR COOKIE SWEETHEART SWAP, featuring connected stories from me, Kate Angell, and a newcomer whose new series you’re going to love, Kimberly Kincaid. And yes, of course there will be cookie recipes included!

Now, about that Bachelor tie in… I can now announce (and it’s been KILLING ME to keep it quiet) that I’ll be launching a whole new series beginning this coming fall. !!!!

The Bachelors of Blueberry Cove will launch in November 2013 with PELICAN POINT. These will be fun, sexy, heartwarming stories of love, redemption…and a little restoration, rebuilding, and remodeling thrown in for good measure. The series is set in Blueberry Cove, Maine and features a new cast of fun and eclectic characters and a trio (to start) of heroes who are already taking up residence in the deepest part of my heart. Seriously, I can’t wait to introduce you to them and the women who steal their hearts.

And, as some of you know, I have a thing for lighthouses, which you’ll learn all about in Book #1. And have you seen all those livable tree house photos I’ve been posting on my Facebook Page? What, you thought those were just for fun? Silly wabbit… Stay tuned for all the details, including blogs, news, and photos from my trips to the Maine coastline, and all the gorgeous cover art as it becomes available, because of course, I share all!

And for you Cupcake Club fans, don’t worry! This does not mean I’ve left Sugarberry Island behind. You’ll be getting more of Alva, Franco, Dre and the rest of the Cupcake Club in the future as well. Promise!

Whew! Okay, now even I feel a bit winded. Yes, I’ve been busy, and with any luck and all of your fantastic enthusiasm and support, I’ll be staying that way for some time to come. I can’t begin to tell you what you all mean to me, each and every one of you. I’m grateful every time I sit down to start another book, write another scene, and tap out The End, once again. I hope we get to share in that journey for many years to come.

And, to show just how much I love you all…let’s give away some more free books! I’ll be continuing my Free Stuff Friday giveaways, plus special bonus giveaways tied in to the USA Today columns, so even more chances to score free books!

Speaking of which…have you entered my New Years Book-a-Palooza giveaway going on rightthisverysecond and every day through Friday January 4th?? The entries have been coming in fast and furious so get in on the fun!

But first, I have a new winner to announce! Today’s lucky blog babe is Cheryl S! Woot, woot!! Cheryl, your requested digital copy of LET ME IN is heading to your Kindle as I type! Thank you so much for entering and I hope you enjoy the book!

Now, about entering. You only need to enter ONE TIME as all entries are kept in a stack and drawn from each day, with all new entries being added to the pile. Duplicate entries are tossed out.

Here’s how to get in on the fun:

Send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com (or dmkauffman1@gmail.com for AOL users) with “Happy New Year to ME!” in the subject line. In the body of your email, please include the book you’d like to receive, and email address/ebook format for digital book, or the address for a print book. (Please specify which you’d prefer.)

Now the fun part! Go browse the shelves and pick a prize, then drop me a note already! My website bookshelf can be found: HERE.

I will announce the next winner tomorrow right here on the blog…and will mention on my Facebook Page and Twitter when the blog goes up. But still…make a note to drop by tomorrow, say lunchtime, just to see if it’s your name we’re all cheering for!

And while you’re entering, browsing, and emailing…take a moment and drop by and “Like” my Facebook Page. We’ve always got something going on over there…and often times he’s shirtless. Like my handyman yesterday. No, really…go check him out, but bring a fan. And some ice. Just sayin…

Thank you for a fantastic 2012 and here’s to a marvelous 2013!

Happy New Year everyone!! Now…will you accept this rose?

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