Guest Author, Caridad Pineiro & Giveaway!
by sue on Nov.28, 2009, under Book Chat
Sins of the Flesh, by Caridad Pieneiro
Setting: Jersey Shore, New Jersey
Subgenre: Paranormal Suspense
Hero: Mick Carrera
Heroine: Caterina Shaw
One sentence summary: Renowned cellist Caterina Shaw risks a experimental gene therapy to save her life, but soon finds herself something more than human and on the run, accused of a savage murder.
Scene you like most and would never cut: Toward the end of the novel, there is a scene where Caterina is pouring her heart out by playing the cello. Mick enters the room and is moved by the emotion in her music. He approaches and as she finishes, he moves away her cello so that Caterina can express her emotions through him instead.
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: “Oh darn, I broke my fingernail.”
Your hero, is he a boxer or brief kind of guy: Definitely a tidy whitey kind of guy. Why hide all that deliciousness with loose boxers?
Ancillary character you had the most fun with: Mick’s mom, Mariel, who thinks she can cure any ills by feeding someone the right food. Her philosophy and culinary skills are loosely based on my grandma, who was an amazing cook and could make you feel better by knowing just what dish to make for you.
Your heroine’s favorite hobby: Caterina hasn’t had much time for hobbies, but if she did, I think it would be cooking.
Your hero’s favorite hobby: Surfing. Although we don’t see this in the book, one of Mick’s reasons for having a home down the shore is so that he can surf and enjoy the beach all year round.
What you think readers will like best about this book: Believing at the end that love can conquer the most impossible of odds.
The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: Dr. Liliana Carrera, Mick’s younger sister.
What’s next: I just finished STRONGER THAN SIN (October 2010) which is the next book in the SINS series. The hero, Jesse Bradford, is an ex-football player with a bone disease that has prematurely ended his career. To be able to return to the game he loves, Jesse opts for a radical gene therapy and finds himself illegally genetically engineered. When Jesse is told that his sister may be ill with a more virulent form of the disease, he agrees to assist a black ops group in securing information from Caterina Shaw’s doctor. The black ops group is using the information to create genetically modified humans that can be sold for illegal activities. What Jesse doesn’t count on is falling for the determined and spirited physician. When his lies threaten their lives, Jesse will have to dig deep to find the righteous man he used to be to save those that he loves. I’m also at work on books 3 and 4 in the SINS series which will introduce nanotechnology and bionics into the mix!
Thank you so much for having me here to chat about SINS OF THE FLESH. One of the more fascinating things about writing the book was turning real life science, namely, genetic engineering, into something paranormal.
Genetically modified organisms have been in the news a lot lately and as I wrote SINS OF THE FLESH and STRONGER THAN SIN, one question kept on going through my head: “Just because we can do something, does that mean we should?” What do you think? Are scientists going too far by genetically altering viruses, plants, animals and even humans?
Randomly chosen winners who comment below will receive one of 5 copies of the book for review, and a t-shirts to go with it, size XL.-; Only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win-No P.O. Boxes
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Super Sunday - last weeks winners! - trueromance
November 29th, 2009 on 10:24 pm[...] Caridad Pinerio Winners: Cheryl M Kaplan; Jennifer Mathis; Gloria; Kay; [...]
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Sue G - Borders True Romance Host - Borders Romance Buyer, reads romance. For her JOB. No, really. You can email Sue at sgrimshaw at bordersgroupinc dot com.
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Shape-shifter Dev Peltier thought he knew it all. But one night when a Dark-Hunter, who is also an official member of the Dogs of War, sashays into his bar, he realizes he might have met his match. But as old enemies and new move into New Orleans, Samia realizes that Dev just might be the only hope she and mankind have to save the world.
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November 30th, 2009 on 8:49 am
Hi, I just now stumbled upon this blog while browsing on online as I’m looking for some info on electric cellos!. It’s a good blog so I’ve bookmarked your site and intend to come back soon to enjoy a more indepth browse when I have more time.
November 29th, 2009 on 7:38 pm
Caridad, SINS of the FLESH is terrific! You tackled a tough topic but a fascinating one. The whole idea of genetic engineering is controversial but so intriguing. Congrats on writing yet another great book!
November 29th, 2009 on 6:50 pm
Thanks again to all of you for your comments. It is a tricky question to answer.
Hi Cheryl! I think we did meet a few years ago. I’m now with the Liberty States Fiction Writers, a great multi-genre organization in NJ. I hope I get to see you again soon!
November 29th, 2009 on 6:50 pm
Caridad, I’ve always loved your books. I have yet to read this one, but I certainly will. Who knows, if I’m lucky, I’ll win one of copies you’re giving away.
Gene therapy is fascinating and I sincerely hope all the experimentation is put to good use, like preventing birth defects and genetically transmitted diseases. I look forward to reading Sins of the Flesh.
Keep up the good work.
Shobhan Bantwal
http://www.shobhanbantwal.com
November 29th, 2009 on 2:02 pm
Hi Caridad,
Are you member of NJRW’s? I was a member for a short time and believe I met you, a year or two ago. At present I’m unemployed and can not afford the dues, but hope to be “back on my feet” in the near future.
Cheryl
November 29th, 2009 on 1:48 pm
I Would love science to be able to clone organs since both my parents have needed a kidney transplant. Since I donated a kidney to my mom. I would like to think they could clone organs in the future in case mine was to fell.
November 29th, 2009 on 10:51 am
This sounds like a great read! I have a hard time with this as well, if we can save lives it should be good right? Or are we playing God? I think in some thing we do go too far, such as in cloning but to cure someone I say go for it!
November 29th, 2009 on 10:27 am
thanks for the contest the book looks great. cant wait. I say only alter if it can help people but I know science will alter to see if they can and thats not exactly the same
November 29th, 2009 on 10:15 am
Hi Caridad, fascinating question and you took it a step further to make for intriguing and exciting story. what a great read!
Jo Ann
November 29th, 2009 on 8:25 am
I think your story sounds interesting. In regards to cloning of anything, I think they need to do a lot more study and soul searching. on the one hand I think it could be beneficial but on the other hand it raises many moral questions especially if you talk about human and animal cloning. Happy Holidays
November 29th, 2009 on 2:15 am
Just because we can do something it doesn’t mean we should. If it is helpful that is different, you know if it finds a cure for something and can make you live longer, that would be ok. But just to do something like make an animal half goat and half pig just because they can.
November 28th, 2009 on 11:29 pm
Just because we can do something, does that mean we should? No, not really. I think that, while scientists can achieve many wonderful things with genetic experimentation, it’s a dangerous path to tread. One thing leads to another, and once you start down that path, each step seems smaller. And it’d be nice to say that scientists would stick to ethics, but all it takes is one person who believes that the ends justify the means… it’s a slippery, slippery slope. That being said, if scientists found a way to cure my disability, I’d probably want take advantage of it right away. So I guess it’s more complicated than it seems.
November 28th, 2009 on 11:13 pm
I’ve so loved seeing all your comments on this subject. When you think about it, we’ve been engineering plants and animals for centuries by breeding them. Of course, the risk of a dangerous mutation is further removed here because of how long it takes to breed a particular trait into the plant or animal. But with genetic engineering - BAM - it’s right there and yes, like the nuclear bomb, there’s a big risk of what will happen. I’m looking forward to exploring this in the coming books, but don’t worry . . . They will still be sexy, hot romances as well ‘cuz I can’t help but do that as well! Thanks again to Sue and to all of you for dropping by. Good luck in the contest.
November 28th, 2009 on 9:55 pm
Caridad,
I can’t wait to read this book!!!!! Thanks so much!
Lanae
November 28th, 2009 on 9:29 pm
I think there are two sides to the issue…not a simple yes or no. By creating plants that are able to resist germs/bugs and can grow in just about any condition could help with the food supply for a lot of third world countries. Could world hunger end…
Then there’s the issue of what the result of genetic tampering can lead to..plants, animals and humans..who decides what genes are altered and in whom??
Not a easy answer anyway you look at it.
Thanks for the thought provoking question,
Kay
November 28th, 2009 on 8:45 pm
Hi Caridad! Great posts and questions. My non answer is… I would say… no. Of course, that’s really hard to say/do. Just because I can do something, doesn’t mean I should.
Modern medicine is helping people live longer -but there are some problems with that too. I’m torn about how far scientific manipulation should go, and how widespread it could or should be.
November 28th, 2009 on 8:17 pm
Another comment or my answer to your question about going too far - what about the parents who cloned a child to have body parts to save their first born? Haven’t we already gone too far in some areas?
November 28th, 2009 on 8:15 pm
I tried to type something earlier, but, oh, dear, I broke my fingernail!
I am SO happy to hear that you are finished with book 2!!!
November 28th, 2009 on 7:39 pm
Scientific advancement & ethics always walk a fine line and are often at odds. It’s hard to say when or where it crosses the line. Personally, I just hope that genetically altered/cloned humans is NEVER a possibility.
Congrats on the book, it’s been on my wishlist since release date!
November 28th, 2009 on 7:02 pm
I love the concept of this book! Another one for my wish list!
November 28th, 2009 on 6:58 pm
First of all, I LOVED “Sins of the Flesh” and look forward to the next book.
As for the topic of cloning or genetically altering animals, vegetation or humans - I think that there are several different ways to look at it. On one hand, if an organ can be replicated for a person with their own DNA, then it is less likely for it to be rejected by the body. On the other hand, I do not see the need for someone with more money than sense to have a beloved pet replicated. That is just creepy.
As for genetically altering our food sources, can the scientists guarantee that there is no possible danger to people who consume said food?
November 28th, 2009 on 6:10 pm
Yes I do think they are going to far. All this cloning and genetic altering. They need to have better laws on this.
November 28th, 2009 on 4:58 pm
I think we as a society need to be very careful about what is allowed to happen in the name of science. There are dangers inherent in most scientific development - dangerous by-products, mutations, etc. One thing to keep in mind is that Nature’s will to survive is constant and She’ll do what ever it takes to do so - even if it’s not in mankind’s best interest.
November 28th, 2009 on 4:44 pm
Thanks for all your comments on what is a very difficult topic. I’m glad that a book that is both sexy and entertaining can also hopefully make people think about things like this. I lost my mom to cancer, but before she passed they did some experimental seeding with radiation. That technique is now quite commonly used to cure some kinds of cancer. So, it’s a tough call. I’d love for science to cure many of the ills that are happening today, but there does have to be a line somewhere. Talk to you later!
November 28th, 2009 on 3:59 pm
Thank you Caridad for a great interview. This books sounds so good cant wait to read it.
On the question i think research is very useful but im sure there are scientist out there that go to far in what they think is good for mankind.
thanks for the awesome giveaway
November 28th, 2009 on 2:41 pm
I think scientific research is very important. But what is done with that research - I think more thought should go into the things that are being done with that knowledge.
Sins of the Flesh sounds like a great story, I’m looking forward to reading it.
November 28th, 2009 on 2:21 pm
Hi Caridad!!
Great topic! I love discussing science! I know…go figure.
To me, without scientific research, diseases like polio, chickenpox, etc.. wouldn’t have been cured. We wouldn’t have organ transplants and artifical joint replacements. I wouldn’t be walking without the technology of science. My father would havepaased away years ago without his two heart by-pass surgeries. Fetuses can have things fixed in-vitro. Yet, there is no cure for diabetes, cancer or leukemia.
There needs to be a line drawn and some say there is… I’m not so sure. Who actually sees that the guidelines are followed? Genetic testing is great but using frog or fish DNA to replicate another type of animal is a bit strange not to mention the ethics it involves. If you really want to clone a dead relative or pet, there are places out there that will do it for you for a price. When is too little, too little and too much, too much??? And… who pays for the reprocussions?
November 28th, 2009 on 2:12 pm
hi miss pineiro, i enjoyed reading your post today. as for your question, it’s really hard to answer. some days i do think that we are taking to far with the genetic engineering and we shouldn’t mess with mother nature, but at the same time if it’s helping people (and as long as there is no crazy side effects like in your book) then i guess it’s okay.
thank you for the giveaway!
November 28th, 2009 on 1:56 pm
I am very disturbed by scientific and medical abilities that allow humans to make choices best left to God, i.e., Who lives and who dies? We do that now in society. Abortion and stem-cell research are two examples. For me, the answer to the classic Machiavellian question, “Does the end justify the means?” has always been a strong “No.”
November 28th, 2009 on 1:30 pm
not sure if they are going to far but the potential is there. I think that whomever is doing this and/or funding it needs to be very careful that they don’t go to far.
November 28th, 2009 on 1:15 pm
Finding the line is always a tough decision - the “slippery slope” that lawyers often mention. For example, scientists have genetically engineered fish to glow (much like Cat). They use them to track what happens in certain environments, namely to see if there are pollutants, etc. Sounds like a useful reason to genetically engineer things (unless you’re the fish). In future books in the series, I’m going to be introducing new developments in bionics and nanotechnology. Seriously, it’s a brave new world out there with lots of cool things!
November 28th, 2009 on 1:14 pm
I think the percentage of scientists working on exreme things are small.
But they do exist. A lot of research is done in an academic setting and, if I understand correctly, they also have to publish so there is peer review.
But I like the concept of the book either way. Nothing is free, right?
November 28th, 2009 on 1:00 pm
Congrats on your latest release. I believe that scientists do go too far sometimes. There should be a code of ethics that should be followed by all scientists to prevent them from crossing lines they shouldn’t.
November 28th, 2009 on 12:54 pm
Yes, I think scientists are going to far. Instead of trying to solve a disease, more concern is being placed on genetically altering animals and humans in order for the consumer to have a certain status in society.
November 28th, 2009 on 12:49 pm
Congrats Caridad on your new release! As a disabled person I’m always interested in new medical techniques that will perhaps one day get all of us back on our feet. So your book is very timely and it’s definitely on my wishlist.
November 28th, 2009 on 12:11 pm
Hello,
Thanks for the giveaway. I’m not usually a paranormal fan, but your book sounds really interesting and good. That is a really thought provoking question you bring up. I wish I knew the answer - I think you do have to be careful of going to far. I agree with the poster above, about determining where the line (not to be crossed) should be put is a key factor.
November 28th, 2009 on 11:10 am
Hi Caridad, and congratulations on SINS OF THE FLESH. I’ve read great reviews and look forward to reading it.
In a perfect world it would be nice if we didn’t have sickness and disease. Such a difficult decision to draw a line only just to create groups of “haves” and “not have’s”. I would love for all to benefit from a new technology, especially children.
November 28th, 2009 on 11:09 am
Hi, Caridad! Congratulations! You definitely have created a whole new realm of paranormal romance!
November 28th, 2009 on 10:53 am
Hi Caridad. Sins of the Flesh sounds wonderful. Hard question. If there are positive results without unethical practices, then it is ok. But, if they cross the line into harmful results then it isn’t ok.
November 28th, 2009 on 10:36 am
In SINS OF THE FLESH, Caterina decides to risk the gene therapy to save her life. She has no other choice so it really is a gamble for her that has some mixed results. In the book, one of the traits that Caterina develops is skin that begins to glow and this is actually real life science that reads like fiction. Scientists use markers called fluorescent proteins to track where genes are incorporated.
November 28th, 2009 on 10:12 am
I think some are changing too things to extremes..they are playing with Mother Nature and going beyond what they should. Let’s work more on things like cures for cancer and now dementia is a major problem among so many people..let’s try and get these under control before doing any new problems that aren’t problems yet. susan L.
November 28th, 2009 on 9:42 am
Tough question. It’s hard not to want to save a life, cure a disease when the technology is available. Should we tamper with a higher power? I don’t have the answer to that question. Would I judge anyone who wanted to extend their life using gene therapy or other technology - never, it should be their choice.
November 28th, 2009 on 9:32 am
Caridad,
I thoroughly enjoyed SINS OF THE FLESH. The whole genetic engineering theme was fascinating, but I really loved your very real characters and of course the sexy scenes : )
Looking forward to the next!
Julia
November 28th, 2009 on 9:25 am
Caridad,
I thoroughly enjoyed SINS OF THE FLESH. The whole genetic engineering theme was fascinating, but I really loved your very real characters and of course the sexy scenes : )
Looking forward to the next!
Julia
November 28th, 2009 on 9:20 am
Congratulations on another hit, Caridad. You are continually invigorating the genre.
November 28th, 2009 on 8:38 am
I agree…I don’t think there’s unlimited places they should go with genetic engineering or altering, but as long as it is helping people, I don’t see how anyone could fault that.
Thanks for the giveaway! Sins of the Flesh sounds like a great read
November 28th, 2009 on 8:27 am
I definitely think there is a line that shouldn’t be crossed, but placing that line in the correct spot is a hard decision. I’m not sure I could decided where it should go.
November 28th, 2009 on 7:32 am
Thank you, Sue! I so appreciate being with you today and am honored that you enjoyed the book. I loved creating a different “paranormal” story by using genetic engineering to create unique powers. Looking forward to chatting with all of you today.
November 28th, 2009 on 3:40 am
That’s a hard one, but I’d have to say if only to help the survival. If there is a way to rid ourselves of something like cancer or to even prevent it as long as there is no adverse affects, why not?
Happy Holidays!