Doggy Style Review

I just received a review for my book "Doggy Style" in the Summer Seduction anthology published by Total-E-Bound. Doggy Style is a cute fast paced story ~ Night Owl Romance Click on the link to Night Owl Romance to read the entire review.

Book Blurb & Info for Doggy Style

Seasonal/ Contemporary/ Gay/ MM

Total-e-burning

Novella

Devon Barrett hates his baseball team's new name, but the sponsor is the yummiest man he's ever met. Devon can't stand the baseball team's new name but he falls for Sandy, the yummy new sponsor anyway. But his career as a nurse is on trial, everything's upside down, and it's not a good time to bring someone new into his life. Against his better judgment he lets Sandy in just to find out he's the last person who is able to support him in his time of desperate need. Thanks Night Owl Romance!

You'll also want to see what Amarinda Jones, Anika Hamilton, Anny Cook, Barbara Huffert, Brynn Paulin, Bronwyn Green, Dakota Rebel, Kelly Kirch, Molly Daniels, Sandra Cox, Regina Carlysle, and Cindy Spencer Pape are up to, so make sure to visit them also. :)

What Are You Doing This Summer?

What are you doing this summer? Moi? Today, I had my first summer book released. It's "Simon Says" at http://www.total-e-bound.com. Like most of my books, it's set in the eternal summer paradise of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I live here and it's like being in summer year round. We usually wear shorts and short sleeves on Christmas and New Years Day. Next month I have two more books releasing at http://www.total-e-bound.com. Best Mates and Doggy Style. And then another in August... Releasing books, and obviously promoting them, isn't the only thing I'm doing. Almost 50% of my waking hours when I'm not at the day job, I'll be at the softball field watching my daughter practice and helping her team. If I can sneak away, I'll be walking around the fields, getting in as much exercise as I can. I hope to write a lot during her practice, too. In July, I hope to visit my father in Cincinnati. I'll visit with the neighbors I grew up with. I'll also see my aunts, uncles, and cousins. I would like to spend time with my grandchildren and children at the beach and the pool. I also want to hang out at the gym a lot, also. I plan to bicycle, too. Somehow, between all my planned summer activities, I want to write. It's funny, though - in the summer I write Christmas stories and at Christmastime I write summer stories. Last summer, and perhaps again this year, I have my own Christmas in July. I watch Christmas movies for a week or two. I listen to Christmas music. I bake Christmas cookies. It may be a weird summer tradition, but it's one I enjoy. What would you like to do this summer? Above are the things I'm going to do. What I'd really love to do in addition to visiting my dad in Cincinnati, is to take a cruise around Alaska and the Caribbean. I'd love to go surfing and water skiing. I'd like to dance under the moonlight with a sexy man and then skinny dip in the pool. I'd like to have my own pool built in my backyard so I can stare up at the moonlight sifting through the palm trees. I'd love to be on vacation with my daughter-in-law and grandkids and ride horses with them. I'd like to rollerblade in the park. Maybe I will do this. I should do this. I wish I'd been hired by the FBI (I honestly applied to be an agent but my hearing loss made me ineligible) so I could go undercover and stop the bad guys. Since I wasn't able to do this in real life, I did so vicariously through my characters Rafael, Marco, and Cary in "Simon Says". I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. It's now available at http://www.total-e-bound.com/ What detective agency boss Simon Says, ex-lovers Rafael and Marco do whether they like it or not, including tracking a murderer in a transvestite beauty contest in Ft. Lauderdale - and sharing a hotel room. Former actor come private dick Rafael may be in his element dressing up as a babe in Ft. Lauderdale's transvestite beauty contest in order to catch the sleaze ball murdering gays, but his ex-lover macho ex-New York cop Marco doesn't. In fact, Marco isn't sure which is worse - having to dress up as a babe and talking into the microphone hidden in his boobs, or being forced to shack up in a hotel room with his ex-lover and too-tempting fellow detective Rafael. Excerpt From: Simon Says “Simon says I have a dangerously fun assignment for my three favourite men, today.” The loud speaker crackled and echoed through the luxurious white-on-white offices of Simon’s Detective Agency. Private detectives Marco D’Angelo, Raphael Chico, and Cary Lombard stared at one another in turns. Cary, the computer nerd, shifted in his comfy armchair, leaned against the side, and sat Indian style. He tied his long golden blond hair into a silky ponytail and squinted in the direction of Simon’s voice. “How much fun is ‘fun’?” Marco, the ex-New York cop, scowled. “What do you mean ‘dangerously’?” Rafe, the ex-actor-makeup artist, ran his fingers through his dark curls and made a moue of his lips. “Do we get to dress up?” “Yes, indeedy, my pretty one. You’ll get to play with your makeup and costumes to your heart’s content. In fact, that’s an integral part of this assignment.” Glee glowed in Rafe’s heart and he rubbed his hands together. “I can’t wait. Do tell.” Cary cast an indulgent look at Rafe as he scratched his chin. “You made the diva very happy, but is there a part for me?” “Patience. I’m getting there. There’ll be plenty for all of you to make your little hearts happy. You get to bug lots of rooms, run videos, and fool with sound equipment. Will that keep your nerd heart happy?” Cary keyed notes into his laptop as he balanced it on his knees. He cracked a lopsided grin. “I’m good.” Marco linked his fingers behind his head and leaned back. Raphael wasn’t surprised when he kicked his booted feet up on the desk. “Cut to the chase, boss. Give us the nitty gritty.” “I’m trying to.” Simon’s fingers drummed loudly through the speaker. Glasses chinked. “You, my sweets, are going to be in a transvestite beauty pageant in Ft. Lauderdale. Have I caught your attention yet?” Salivating, Rafe scooted to the edge of his chair. He hadn’t been in a pageant for ages, not since long before joining Simon’s agency. “We all have to have a talent. I sing, act, dance, play wicked piano—” “Sprout wings.” Marco added, glaring at him. Rafe was sick of Marco’s derision. The tough guy ex-cop thought he was such hot shit, so big and bad. Rafe longed to wipe the smirk off his mug. “What’s your talent? Scratching your balls?” Cary snickered and gave an air high five. “Good one.” Marco gave them both the finger. To Cary he said, “At least, my idea of a hot Saturday night isn’t breaking and entering into private individual’s internet networks.” Simon clucked his tongue. “Now, now boys. Let’s stop the bickering. We all know one of Cary’s most invaluable talents is hacking.” Cary gave a toothy grin, stood and bowed. “Thank you. Thank you very much.” Marco’s brow furrowed. “If I were still on the force, I’d have hauled your scrawny ass into the pokey a long time ago.” “Bite me, pig. You wouldn’t have a halfway decent firewall or free satellite if not for me.” Rafe couldn’t wait to get started. He would be “Raquel Chico” for this tasty little job, with long, flowing curls, and rhinestone-studded lashes. He debated whether to be an average, sedate C-cup or a vivacious DD. Of course he’d have to get a manicure and pedicure straight away. The tough part would be dragging the butch cop and computer nerd with him. He went over his wardrobe and knew he couldn’t wear any of his old gowns. They’d be so 1999 he’d die of humiliation. “Will we have time for a shopping spree? Oh! And a bikini wax?” Marco groaned and rubbed his temples. “Do we all have to play dress up and prance around on stage like Diana Ross? Please say no.” “No, not all. Only two of you,” Simon said. Here's a review already from Fallen Angels Review. "Marco and Rafael seem to sizzle on the pages from start to finish. I would love to get a bird's eye view of the back story between Marco and Rafael, although Marco's motivation was explained effectively for this story. From Rafael's drama queen ways to Marco talking into his books, this romantic comedy is a gem! My only question, is there a story for Cary the computer geek floating out their somewhere?" Reviewed by April Thanks April! And yes, I'm writing Cary's story at this time. I think you'll like it, too. You'll also want to see what Amarinda Jones, Anika Hamilton, Anny Cook, Barbara Huffert, Brynn Paulin, Bronwyn Green, Dakota Rebel, Kelly Kirch, Molly Daniels, Sandra Cox, Regina Carlysle, and Cindy Spencer Pape are up to, so make sure to visit them also. :)

Interview with Holly Jacobs, Harlequin and Avalon Author

Today, I welcome a very special author to my home, a long-time and valued friend, Holly Jacobs. I've known Hall since before she wrote for Harlequin. Please ask her questions and leave comments for her. 1) What inspires you? I could honestly answer that I’ve been inspired by all the fantastic authors I’ve read over the years. That the love of the written word keeps me writing, that the joy of creating stories inspires me to head to the computer each day. All are the truth. But there’s another truth. Paying my kids’ tuitions...that inspires me and sends me running to the computer each day. Not only does that mean they get great educations, but it also means someday they’ll be self-supporting adults and my nest will be empty! LOL 2) Do you have any other dreams (reached or unreached as of yet) besides writing? Yes, I dream about an empty nest (see previous answer ). Now, don’t get me wrong, I adore my kids, but I have four. And I had them very early in life. I’m so ready for some peace and quiet...and four kids do not inspire much in the way of peace or quiet! LOL 3) What do you prize above all else? Okay, after that last flippant answer, you might not believe me, but honest and truly, as much as I live for an empty nest, I do treasure my family above everything else. They drive me crazy and conversely, keep me sane and grounded! 4) What was the inspiration for your latest book, "Same Time Next Summer"? Okay, I’m mentioning my kids in four out of four answers so far, but truly as a mother, there’s nothing more horrifying than seeing your child injured and not being able to make it better. Daughter #2 was a daredevil, always following her older sister, even when she was too little to do something. She was just a toddler and they were with a babysitter, when she followed her sister up a big slide–and fell. She ended up in the ER and the moment when I walked into the examination room and saw her, so tiny on that bed, her older sister standing by her side, holding her hand...well, it’s forever ingrained in my memory. That feeling–that utter helplessness–really inspired SAME TIME NEXT SUMMER. Carolyn’s daughter was in an accident and she’s in a coma. Carolyn’s helplessness, and her staunch belief that she’ll come back...my kids inspired that one! 5) You are so very prolific. How do you balance being a wife, mother, and novelist? My basic rule of thumb is, family first. I try to be involved with the kids’ school, although my involvement centers around what’s important to them. I go on fieldtrips, and volunteer in school, but I rarely volunteer to work salad bar...they don’t care if I chop lettuce! LOL I’ve learned to say no to things like that. As for my writing, I’ve always treated it as a career–even before I sold. Family is first...but writing is second. Dust bunnies?? Last. LOL 6) What is your most challenging aspect of being a writer? That balancing act that every working mother faces. Balancing my career needs against the family/kids’ needs. I try to walk the line and most days I think I do a good job of it. But sometimes I slip and then all I can do is try to do better the next time round! 7) I heard one of your recent novels sold out its first print run. That's AWESOME! Do you have any idea why this happened? Yes, that was the first book in my Everything But... trilogy for Avalon Books, EVERYTHING BUT A GROOM. It sold out almost immediately and had to go into a second printing. And no, I have no idea why that one did so well. That’s the thing with promotion...it’s impossible to tell what the tipping-point is. So, I do what I can for each book, whether it’s ads or online promotions, or interviews (thanks, Elaine! ) then I cross my fingers and hope for the best! 8) How many hours do you write on a typical day and how many hours do you market? Or do you have someone who helps you with your marketing? As a mother, there’s no such thing as a typical day. I don’t go by hours of writing, I go by pages. Five a day is the goal. And since I’m writing longer books now, and Harlequin has started going by computer word count, rather than page counts, I switched to Arial. Five pages in Arial is more like seven in Courier. And then, if I want my weekends off, I do seven each weekday and can take the weekend off. And in Arial, that’s more like ten pages in Courier. So, I normally do about ten pages, but in my head it’s only five! LOL (PS Don’t tell my brain that I’m fooling it...so far it’s working! ) As for promotion, I do hire someone to design my ads and website, but I do all the website updating myself, and various other aspects myself, including online networking, like participating at eHarlequin.com or at MySpace. Maybe an hour most days...more or less. 9) Do you ever have difficulty writing any kind of scene? If so, what type and what do you do to get through it? Love scenes are my hardest scenes to write. I write a lot of rated G books that don’t require love scenes, but there are books where the story requires the scene. Okay, funny story about love scenes and the first one I wrote for Harlequin. My editor called with revisions for the book and told me I had to rewrite the love scene. “Why?” I asked. “ Because she (the heroine) didn’t have a good time,” was her response. So, now, when I write a love scene, I make sure that the heroine has a good time...sometimes even a great time! LOL 10) Have you met your writing/publishing goals? If not, what goals are you striving for still? My basic goal, as I said before, is to make enough to pay tuitions, and so far, so good! LOL But seriously, my real writing goals are to try and improve, to try and push each book to a new level, and to keep my readers happy! So far, so good there, too! Of course, no writer can make every reader happy, but most of mine have had nice things to say, so I’m happy! 11) What is your favorite part of writing? Writing the words The End. Okay, so I don’t really write those words, I just write that final scene and final word...but that’s my favorite part. Knowing I’ve taken an idea from my mind and turned it into a fully-formed book with a beginning, middle and end is still as much of a rush as it was first time round! 12) Do you have any rules or methods you use when writing? My biggest rule is trying not to suck! LOL Seriously, my biggest rule is remember that this is a business. I treat it as such. I work during my office hours, and I try to remember to take time off to enjoy my life...my family. Like I said, it’s a balancing act, and I do the best I can! 13) What is your advice to aspiring novelists who may be feeling a bit rejected early in their careers? All you can do is keep writing. Keep telling stores that you love...that delight you. Write something, anything, every day. And keep writing. What separates an unpublished writer and a published one, is just that stubbornness that keeps you writing, even when you’ve had some knocks. 14) Besides writing, what else makes you "Holly"? Oh, “Holly” is a myriad of weird foibles! My dh and I “geek” date. We antique and hit wineries. We have a huge love of Disney (and while I love it, he’s gone beyond mere love to some whole new level of attachment). And of course, there’s the kids. We do their activities. I guess, even more than my writing, what makes me “Holly” is my family. 15) What's next on your agenda? I’ve got a bunch of speaking/signings coming up. In September I’m in Pittsburgh signing at Borders, in October I’m doing a local Women’s Expo for two days, and I’m going to Buffalo to speak to the Western NY RWA group. And I’m going to be doing a big signing here in Erie in February...just in time for Valentine’s! (More information on all my upcoming appearances are on my website!) 16) I see at your website that you have many more books coming out in 2008. Please tell us about them and when they'll be available. Okay...taking a deep breath...here goes: SAME TIME NEXT SUMMER, Harlequin Superromance, US and Australia release, 8/08 (available in mass market paperback, Larger print paperback and eBook) *EVERYTHING BUT A BRIDE, Avalon Books, 8/08 (hardback) **ONCE UPON A THANKSGIVING, Harlequin American Romance, 10/08 (available in mass market paperback and as eBook) **ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS, Harlequin American Romance, 12/08 (available in mass market paperback and as eBook) *EVERYTHING BUT A WEDDING, Avalon Books, 12/08 (hardback) CHRISTMAS EVE KISSES, UK Mills Boon Single Title, 12/08 **ONCE UPON A VALENTINE’S, Harlequin American Romance, 2/09 (available in mass market paperback and as eBook) CRIB NOTES (working title), Harlequin SuperRomance, 12/09 (available in mass market paperback, Larger print paperback and eBook) *part of Avalon’s Everything But...trilogy **part of Harlequin American Romance’s American Dad Trilogy 17) Please let us know when and where we can find you, online and off, in the coming months. Please include your website, chats, conferences, and any book signings. I covered the speaking gigs and books, but next year, I’m planning on attending RT’s Convention in April, and I’ll definitely be at RWA’s National Conference in Washington DC in July! There are a couple other possible appearances, but nothing in stone yet! 18) Please tell us all about "Same Time Next Summer". Every summer, Carolyn Kendal and Stephan Foster met at their neighboring lakeside cottages. They swam and played at chasing shadows across the beach. That childhood game taught them a basic life-lesson, ‘there’s always another shadow.’ The trick is remembering to believe it will eventually give way to sunshine again. They spend their childhoods as summer friends. In their late teens, they had one magical summer-fling before they went their separate ways. Summers go by without their paths crossing, and when they do meet again, they’re committed to other people. But when tragedy strikes Carolyn, it’s Stephan who rushes to her side and Stephan who supports her, when everyone else has given up. Stephan stands by Carolyn and they try to discover if there is such a thing as a second chance. Same Time Next Summer is a story about change, about believing that some changes--however hard--are worth creating a 'new normal' for. Carolyn and Stephan both learn that no matter what anyone says, they have to trust their hearts to show them the way. And their hearts always lead them to each other. 19) Do you have any final thoughts to share with us? That’s pretty much me in a nutshell...a foible-ridden, mother of four who’s very happily married and loves to write! I also love to hear from readers. They can reach me through my website, www.HollyJacobs.com and I hang out a lot at http://community.eharlequin.com/users/holly-jacobs I’m also at MySpace, GoodReads and Shelfari. Stop in and say hi! www.HollyJacobs.com You'll also want to see what Amarinda Jones, Anika Hamilton, Anny Cook, Barbara Huffert, Brynn Paulin, Bronwyn Green, Dakota Rebel, Kelly Kirch, Molly Daniels, Sandra Cox, and Cindy Spencer Pape are up to, so make sure to visit them also. :)