Archive for the ‘romance’ Category

An Amazing Cover…and holy shit, am I thrilled!

January 26, 2010 - 1:24 pm 8 Comments

I don’t have a release date, but I received some fabulous cover files from the artist at Cobblestone Press.

The results are stunning. She managed to get the visuals exactly right, from the bodies to the tattoo to the L.A. skyline.

Here’s a blurb for this work of romantic/suspense.

Security consultant Ben McCall is alone. His wife and unborn child are dead, victims of an assassination attempt meant for someone else. Grieving, he disappears. When his best friend is in danger Ben resurfaces, only to find his friend isn’t the target of a murderer, he is along with his sister Angel. On the night of his return, Ben unexpectedly comes face to face with a woman from his past. She needs his help. He learns that he needs hers even more.
Grace Adams is one of the walking wounded. Her husband died two years ago. One night she is incapacitated. A man comes to her aid. He’s the man she fell in love with years before, Ben McCall. As the passion between them reignites, Grace too becomes a target of the madman who stalks Ben. She, Angel and Ben must use their wits to stay alive as they fight a man desperate for revenge.

Coming soon!

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Sarah, over at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

January 24, 2010 - 6:46 pm 3 Comments

was kind enough to answer some questions for me.

I love the site: http://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com/

Smart Bitches, Trashy Books is amusing, irreverent, informative and it tops my daily must read blog list. When I emailed Sarah about an interview, I didn’t really expect a response. I figured…why would she bother? But sometimes you want to know a little about what’s behind the public persona. Here ya go!

I’ve read about you on your site, but I’d love to hear, in your own words, where you are coming from. I’d like a little background, nothing too personal, but…for instance, have you been reading since you were, say, three years old? Was reading valued in your family? What genres do you read? Only romance, or do you throw in some nonfiction, biographies, straight science fiction? Do you have a favorite all time book?

I learned to read late, and had a lot of trouble with it. I’m not sure if it’s because I didn’t want to read or because of my eyesight or what, but I was moved backwards in reading groups and got it into my head that I wasn’t intelligent. This is how I discovered romance: when I saw the class valedictorian in high school reading a huge thick paperback, I got all angsty but worked up the nerve to ask what she was reading. It was Catherine Coulter, and she dragged me over to the romance paperback rack to tell me all about the different books. I was hooked from there.

Reading was valued in my family, but my tendency to go completely deaf and become completely absorbed into the book was not terribly valued or popular!

I read romance, mysteries, nonfiction, and a LOT about cooking and the science thereof. I don’t have an all-time favorite book but I have some that never lose their power with me:

Lamb, by Christopher Moore
The Duke and I, by Julia Quinn
Bitten, by Kelley Armstrong
Cry Wolf, Patricia Briggs
Charms for the Easy Life, by Kaye Gibbons

Be honest, do you read romance for the sex? Or do you read romance for the story? Or are both a must? How do you feel if a book has great sex, but the story sucks, or if the sex is merely insert tab a into slot b, but the story rocks? I would like to know what you think about the fact that romance/erotica has become increasingly graphic - both scenes and language - in recent years.

I absolutely do not read romance merely for the sex. I read for the story, the emotional power of a writer who can truly communicate the risk and fulfillment of a happy ending, knowing that no matter how bad the circumstances may become, it will all work out in the end. Sex is optional. I dislike it intensely when sex is, pardon the visual, wedged into the story for whatever reason. Sex is a complication, a form of progress or regression in a relationship - and its role or absence in a romance is important, but not the only reason I read.

I think erotica is popular for the same reasons that paranormal stories are popular: there are a lot of people who want to read them, and if that’s what someone wants to read, more power to ‘em. I think people should be able to read whatever they want, without comment or judgment.

How do you feel about authors who jump on the bandwagon, say switch from historical to steampunk or YA simply because it sells? Do their voices sound inauthentic, or can a very special artist successfully pull it off? Among the authors you’ve read or follow, who is able to switch voices and genres in a very satisfying way?

It always depends on the author. I don’t think a writer needs to be limited to any one subgenre. Many have written across genre lines and done marvelously well with it. Some haven’t. It depends on many factors, most of which rest on the talent of the writer.

Are vampires dead? LOL! Is the genre dead or is there life within it yet? Has it been done to death? Do you miss the good old days of bad vampires or do you like the new and improved versions? What about the shift to were-animals? Interesting? Not? I’ve skimmed a couple stories in which the characters have sex while in animal form and I’m not a big fan.

I’m very tired of vampires, personally. I am way over tales of angsty courtship with maudlin immortals. I do love were stories, particularly those that explore violence, anger, and gender roles, but I haven’t encountered many that feature graphic depictions of sex in animal form.

I may be taking my life into my hands here, but are you a Twilight fangirl, or would you prefer to say, no comment, and sparkle on your hard as marble merry way? Oh, and I must ask, Eric or Bill?

I read Twilight and gave it a D, but was very fascinated by the power and draw Edward as a character had and continues to have over a large group of fans. If folks are into Edward, they can sparkle on, though I wish they wouldn’t do creepy things like mail actors pictures of the hey nanner nanners because Lord that’s unnecessary. Eric or Bill? Neither, thanks!

Are you a BSG-er? Or perhaps you prefer Lost? Or are you more of a Thirty Rock kind of gal?

I’m a big ol’ loser in that question! My favorite shows to date are Bones and NCIS, and a few cooking shows I cannot get enough of. Sorry!

Tell me about your toughest post? I mean, what did ya’ll put on your website that drew the most ire or caused the most controversy? Do you ever back off because of controversy or do you dig in your heels and stick to your guns?

Toughest post? I honestly don’t know if there’s one that was hardest to write. I know the post I wrote after Kate Duffy died was among the most painful to write, because I wanted to say so much about her, and was afraid I wouldn’t say nearly enough.

The posts that drew the most controversy and ire were those that revealed the rampant plagiarism of Cassie Edwards. I didn’t think the story would get that much attention but it grew over the course of a week until The New York Times covered it in the weekend edition. We didn’t back off, though, even though a lot of mud was slung our way for being the bearer of unpleasant tidings.

Favorite meal/wine/do you cook? What do you think about fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies and would you like my insanely good recipe?

Favorite meal: it’s cold out, so soup with barley, please. Wine: cabernet or malbec are my current faves. And yes! Cookies! Bring it on!

Favorite weekend away? If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?

Favorite weekend away? Anywhere with a beach and a book. And visiting: I’m absolutely hopping to go to Australia and New Zealand. Someday I will.

Anything else you’d care to share with my readers and your fans? Books? Movies? Politics?

I think the best part of running my website is the fact that I’m always meeting new and enthusiastic romance fans. I love how many intelligent, savvy people read romance and love to discuss it.

Thanks for answering my questions, Sarah. I have to come clean…I am an NCIS addict. Got it bad!

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Worth Repeating, Lesli Richardson…

January 22, 2010 - 10:31 pm 9 Comments

Check out Lesli Richardson, over at her blog: http://www.leslirichardson.com/

Here’s the link for the original post…and I love the title - You Are Not A Special Snowflake!

http://leslirichardson.blogspot.com/2010/01/writing-how-to-you-are-not-special.html

She put together a marvelous, informative, coherent manifesto on how to do what we do best…write. I felt her blog was so important that I contacted her and asked her to elaborate on a few of her answers. She graciously agreed and took the time to get into a little more detail.

Thanks for having me! I appreciate you asking me to be here.

I don’t think any new writers are served by getting a pat on the head and false reassurances they can do it if they put their mind to it. There’s a lot more to it. On the other hand, the fact that it IS doable if a person wants to work hard for it-just like any other career path-should actually comfort them. There is no magic formula, just a lot of hard work.

A. It’s a lot of frakking work! When you talk about work, are you talking about the mere craft of writing or are you talking about writing, editing, putting yourself out there, risking failure and rejection yet persisting? Are you talking about promotion and contacting individuals who might be interested in your book despite knowing that they may never respond? For instance - not only writing books, but blogging, commenting on other blogs, asking for interviews and reviews, really stretching your comfort zone…

All of it. A lot of newbie writers think that the hard part of being an author is writing the book. (I did a blog post on this a few months ago.) Writing is the EASY part. If an author thinks that writing is the hard part, they’re going to fail. In this very competitive market, you have to constantly better yourself as a writer, you have to promote, update your website, network-and then, of course, you have to edit your book when it comes back from the publisher. It’s a lot of work.

B. You are not the next Stephanie Meyers! How common do you think it is that authors believe they are the next Stephanie Meyers?
Very. I’ve seen it on publisher and agent blogs a lot. I’ve seen it on email list discussions. I’ve see it on Twitter when agents will post real things writers send to them. “This is the next bestseller,” is almost guaranteed to get you a rejection in a query. And too many authors form unrealistic hopes for themselves and, frankly, set themselves up for failure. Sign up for writing courses, buy books on writing, read writing magazines, hone your craft, and work hard. That is what will give you the best advantage, not magical thinking.

C. I love your statement, Writing for a living is not art, it’s business. I write because I love to write, but I ain’t quittin’ my day job as a nurse - it’s too lucrative and the money I make from writing is too inconsistent and definitely not enough! This is followed by your next statement - If you want to make money writing, treat it like any other business. Can you make a list of the most important things you think a writer can do to make this work of love a work that pays?

I have always wanted to write for a living. I’m blessed enough that I worked my patookie off to get here. But for years I had to have EDJs to make a living and pay the bills. Basically, to convert dreams into cash, you need to do what I talked about earlier, learn the craft and practice it. Read other writers. Join the Internet Writing Workshop (free). They are one of THE best resources out there for fledgling writers, and I think all writers serious about their craft should participate there and learn how to self-edit. It really boggles my mind sometimes how a newbie writer will write something practically incomprehensible and think it’s great. I’m not talking bad writing, I’m talking a person who speaks English as their native language who puts something down on paper that bears absolutely no resemblance to the English language. I want to ask them, “Did you even READ this? Did you read it out loud to yourself? Did you read it out loud into a tape recorder and play it back and realize it doesn’t even make SENSE? You TALK like an intelligent person, so why do you write stuff that most people can’t even understand?”

But I don’t say that, obviously, because it would be cruel. But, seriously, someone who wants to be a writer and who writes like that needs to cash a serious reality check.

You also have to give up the notion that you will change publishing. You won’t. Trust me, you will not. The road to success is littered with the shattered hopes and dreams of writers who thought they would. You have to play the game, build a name and reputation for yourself, and THEN you earn the freedom to take chances. But still, you’ll only be allowed to take those chances because you played the game in the first place. You won’t be changing publishing, you’ll only be cashing in your “paid my dues” chit.

D. *Not everyone will love what you write - You make a very important point. I’ve actually found I learn more from a reviewer who points out the weaknesses in my writing than a reviewer who simply says - rah rah yay yay! Please talk about developing a thick skin and the value of a real review.
A reader is a human being, with their own likes, dislikes, prejudices, etc. Some review sites are more fair than others, some are better run than others. I have some sites that even if they PAID me to give them books to review, I wouldn’t do it. I have some sites I love regardless of the rating I get, because I know overall their reviews are fair and well-written.

As a reader, I rarely pay attention to reviews in terms of allowing it to sway my opinion of a book. (I do use them to help me find books I might not have heard of before, however.) And frankly, any reader who accepts a review as the final word without looking more deeply into that book, and allows their opinion of a book to be swayed by it, then they need to grow a spine. I mean, it’s okay to avoid a book with trigger ick issues for you if a review tells you that. If you hate paranormal, and the book is paranormal, then no-brainer. But if a reviewer says they hate a book and you don’t even bother to give the book a chance, that’s on you as a reader, not on the writer of the book.

I’ve had reviews come out positive about my books, but the review is so convoluted and wrong about some things in the book, I wonder, “Did they even READ the book?” but I let them go because it’s not worth it, and the review was positive, whatever.

There are popular books and series out there that I’ve tried to read and I think, WTF? People like THIS? And then there are books I love that others have hated and think, WTF? How could they come away from this book with that opinion?

So the bottom line is, you can’t please everyone. Period. Don’t even try. Write what you as an author enjoy writing, and you will find an audience. That is who you are writing for, not the people who don’t like you.

And most writers will tell you, overall, reviews don’t influence sales much. Maybe a momentary bump in sales. In fact, some authors have told me that horribly bad reviews will often net them more sales than a good review. *LOL*

E. This one is great - Not every book will make you money - live with it. I’d love to know your take on what we learn from our mistakes - in addition do you have an opinion on whining?
Whining is always counterproductive, regardless if it’s by a writer or by a nurse or your car mechanic. It’s a waste of time. If you want to whine, it won’t solve the problem. Identify why the book isn’t selling and try to take measures to fix it. Ask for HONEST opinions from others about the book, does it need more promotion? A different cover? Does it need a different blurb? Extensive re-edits? A new publisher? Whining doesn’t fix anything.

Some books just won’t sell. Period. It could be a great book and not sell. It might be too nichey or not hot enough or whatever. In e-publishing, the hottest books sell the most, that’s just the facts of current demographics. Non-romance/erotica is slowly carving out a niche as more people discover e-books, but ask ten people on the street if they read e-books, and most of them will say, “Huh?”

F. Don’t be a one-trick pony. Thank you. I write in three genres and I’m thinking of adding a fourth. A consultant told me I should stick with one genre so my readers would always know what to expect. I really would like to hear your thoughts on this issue.
Nope. You need to play the field, even if you think you need to use different pen names. If you only write vampires, you’re missing out on a HUGE market of shape-shifters. If you only write cowboys, you’re missing paranormal. If you only write sweet romances, you’re DEFINITELY missing out on the erotica market. (Although some people just will not make that cross-over, and that’s fine if that’s their choice.)

Learn what sells, don’t be afraid to email your publisher (if you’re signed) and ASK them what’s selling. Look at Amazon.com’s Kindle rankings, Mobi, Fictionwise, AllRomanceEbooks, and others to see what’s at the top of their list and don’t be afraid to exploit that to make money. You can STILL write a great story. Look at it this way-you wouldn’t move to Fargo, North Dakota, and try to grow oranges. It won’t work. They can’t survive the brutal winters. You’d move somewhere and grow oranges where they will thrive. Why some writers don’t do this with their writing I’ll never know.

G. Indie publishing IS real publishing. I have discovered something very important. In their money days, New York publishing houses put out a lot of short story anthologies by new authors - it was sort of a foot in the door, a way to introduce readers to the author. They don’t really have the money to take that risk anymore. Indie publishers do. A lot of what we do, as writers of ebooks, is put out short stories. The Indie houses provide that service. I’d love to hear your take on this.

As slow as traditional publishers have been to embrace e-publishing, some writers have been even slower. I don’t understand why. Maybe it’s they feel cheated that they worked hard all those years just to have someone else come up from the ranks and make money the “easy” way. (HA! It’s NOT easy, believe me!)

If your goal as a writer is to make money, then you HAVE to write smart. If your goal as a writer is to write and be an artist and you don’t care if you publish or not, then go the self-publishing route through Lulu.com or someone like that, you’ll make about the same amount of money that way and can claim you’re “published.”

But just like the Edsel didn’t survive, neither will traditional publishing if they don’t shift their business paradigms. Let’s face it-Harlequin started Carina, they see the money they’re losing by not embracing e-publishing. They’re not the only one seeing the light. Over the next few years, I see the big publishers struggling for money and more readily embracing e-publishing now that the little guys have proven it’s more than doable, it can be profitable if an author wants to work hard.

But traditional publishers, despite bleeding red ink from their coffers, didn’t want to take the risk until someone else proved it could make money. Just like erotica, now lots of traditional publishers put out erotica lines. Now it’s e-publishing. We’ve proven there is a viable and rapidly growing market for it, especially as more people get smart phones like iPhones and BlackBerries that can double as e-readers (I use my BB as an e-reader when out and about and stuck in a line).

I’m not saying traditional publishing is dead. The old-fashioned publishing MODEL is dying, however. It cannot sustain itself in the current environment. It will have to change to embrace new technology and reader desires. Look at the current backlash among Kindle readers over windowing e-book releases after hardcovers. Publishers will be forced to start listening to their readers, because they will start losing those customers-and authors-to those readers. I’m surprised more A-list writers haven’t actively started self-publishing. Once you have name recognition, you don’t need to fight a distribution stream battle, you are automatically in the door. I think (and I’m not the only one who’s said this) that you’ll start seeing more writers becoming publishers and cutting agents and traditonal publishers right out of the mix.

Thanks, Lesli, for these words of wisdom!

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Babbling About Books…and an interview…and an announcement!

January 22, 2010 - 8:41 am 3 Comments

Katiebabs over at Babbling About Books gave me a nice review for Captured. Thanks, Katiebabs! Here’s a partial quote:

Julia Rachel Barrett really takes some chances with Captured, her science fiction romance. Mainly, because Mari is thought of as food. Her eventual love interest, Ekkatt even thinks of her like that at first, as well as the belief she’s a mindless animal. This is a major hurdle, but because Mari is a strong, smart and quick thinking, she’s able to save her life and change Ekkatt’s opinion, who comes to many new conclusions because of the way Mari is able to stand up for herself.

It took me a while for Ekkatt to grow on me because he is the type who goes along with the status quo. As soon as Mari gets under his skin, that’s when he really makes an impression. He is a bit innocent in his thinking as he tries to understand Mari. He has always assumed things were one way. It takes the redheaded Mari to open his eyes. Ekkatt then must grapple with breaking the rules he lives by, as well as his growing feelings for a creature that goes against everything he’s been taught. Once he’s willing to embrace these feelings, his love for Mari is wonderful. Mari introduces him to new ways of loving such as mouth kissing and using her mouth to pleasure other body parts Ekkatt was never aware of before. These scenes smolder in their intensity.

Ekkatt and Mari’s quest for a Utopian society becomes a very important part of Captured and one that you hope they both find before a certain enemy comes upon them and destroys their new found happiness.

Captured has an almost erotic feel to it, and Ekkatt and Mari’s love for one another is very believable and emotional. Julia has written a nice sold romance.

Check it out for yourself - she also gives a nice review to Stephanie Julian and Kiss of Midnight.

http://kbgbabbles.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-reviews-kiss-of-moonlight-and.html

I’m also interviewed today over at Love, Romances and More:

http://loveromancesandmore.blogspot.com/2010/01/welcome-to-julia-rachel-barretts-guest.html

Check it out - I love your comments!

Announcement: Just received a call that Captured is a finalist in the Gotcha ! Contest. Wow. Check it out!

http://www.svrwa.com/gotcha

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Love, Romance, Passion

January 20, 2010 - 10:06 pm 4 Comments

A Guest Blog

http://www.loveromancepassion.com/

Come check my final stop on my virtual tour! You can win a copy of my romance/suspense - full length - Cara!

In other news, we have horizontal rain, wind, darkness…waiting for hail and locusts, possibly rivers running red with blood - and I had to walk my dog because he refuses to set foot in the backyard. Despite my layers, I was soaked to the skin within fifty yards. Oh well…fresh air.

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Back at The Geeky Bookworm

January 20, 2010 - 8:37 am No Comments

Come Visit.

You’ll find the link on my sidebar - every time I try to upload it here, it goes all funky on me! I’m blogging in Germany so get your passport and come visit! Totally a day behind thanks to work and the holiday!

In other news, my friend, the Goddess of Poetic Prose, Mia Watts, has a new release, Open Sesame. Her style makes me drool like Pavlov’s dog.

Alister Baban overheard a business discussion which netted him and his Uncle Cassimer a lot of money. When the Simsim Group stock crashes and declares bankruptcy within weeks, the owners immediately suspect the Babans of playing dirty.

Oz Adamo, one of four brothers who owned Simsim Group, agrees to abduct Alister to obtain information and win back the lost pensions of former employees.

Tied to a bed and lusting after his captor, Alister fights the sexual attraction he has for Oz. They want information and he isn’t about to give it. But Oz loves a good challenge and shrewd, serious, sexy Alister is naked and his—at least for now.

Cool excerpt:

He stood off to the side, forcing Alister to completely look away from the first three to see him. Like the others, he had an olive complexion with a head full of dark straight hair. This brother’s hair swept off his face to skim the top of his broad shoulders. Trimmed but unrelenting black brows slashed over his mahogany colored eyes with very little arch. The color reminded Alister of finely polished wood reflecting undertones of reddish tints. Like the sunlit glass of port had been spilled over one of Cassimer’s antiques.

Chiseled and angular, there was nothing pretty about him. He was beautiful, startling, in the way ancestry had selected the best traits and bestowed them on this man. Alister couldn’t help but stare. The white dress shirt had been rolled up his forearms, tucked neatly into charcoal slacks. He stood an inch taller than Cain, with a silence of conserved energy and motion. As Alister watched, the man folded his arms across his wide chest. Letting his gaze fall, Alister noticed the substantial disturbance in the line of the man’s slacks.

Buy link: http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/

Oh, Mia, you are so fucking good!

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Thanks Teagan, at Bookwenches,

January 18, 2010 - 9:04 pm 12 Comments

Definitely saving the world

one book at a time!

I got a sweet review from Teagan over at Bookwenches. She gave me 4.5 stars. I’ll quote part of the review:

Captured is such a pleasant surprise, that I find myself rethinking my previous feelings about romantic science fiction. I love science fiction, and I love romance but have never sought out the two together due to previous reading in this category that did nothing for me. Ms. Barrett has completely changed my mind. Captured is well-written, well thought out, and will have the reader in its grip throughout. When I started the book, it was a bit alarming since the writing pulled me in and made me think how I would feel if I was in Mari’s place. Her terror came across the pages but her level-headed thinking quickly made her survival instincts kick in. I love a strong female character.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone that is looking for an entertaining and heartfelt romantic science fiction. I am already a fan of Ms. Barrett, and she has just solidified that. I look forward to reading more of her work.

http://www.bookwenches.com/

I had this really bad dream that a reviewer put Captured on her do-not-buy list because she said my heroine, Mari, was TSTL. I woke up this morning and I couldn’t remember if I’d actually read that or if I dreamed it and it’s bugged me all day long. I am not especially fond of heroines who are TSTL and to my knowledge I’ve never written one. Of course, I also dreamed my husband said he wanted a separation for God only knows what reason, so I took off my wedding ring and threw it at him and I would have punched him in the side of his head, but the phone rang in real life…so I didn’t. Lucky him.

Watched Inglorious Bastards tonight - violent, irreverent, classic Quentin Tarantino. A for acting, B- for plot.

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And Away We Go…

January 18, 2010 - 8:46 am No Comments

With Romance Junkies!

http://www.romancejunkies.com/rjblog

A guest blog, a contest, and a promo for Captured!

Drop by and check it out. I love reading your comments.

On the heavier side, just finished watching Gran Torino, with Clint Eastwood. To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect. One daughter didn’t like it. She claimed the acting was amateurish. The other daughter thought the movie was okay.

Baby girls, it was way more than okay. The acting wasn’t amateurish, it was real. Once again, just as occurred when I watched The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, my eyes were riveted on the screen. Clint Eastwood, is, of course, riveting all by himself, but the Hmong actors were outstanding as well, the story heartrending. For me, the themes were personal. I work in neighborhoods like this. I have patients who are the spitting image of Walt Kowalski and I love them, while I have other patients who are part of a community just like the Hmong community of Thao Vang Lor. And I have to watch out for the gang bangers when I make my home visits.

Gran Torino, five stars out of five. Thanks, Mr. Eastwood.

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The Geeky Bookworm…Thanks Susie!

January 16, 2010 - 6:55 am No Comments

Susie, over at her site, The Geeky Bookworm,

which is a great name for a site, by the way, posted the cutest review of Captured. Maybe she was disappointed in the ending, but I did leave the door open for a sequel…

Check out her site on my sidebar.

Her site really is worth bookmarking - she’s got an awful lot of fun stuff going on.

Here’s a little of what she says:

The book starts a bit alarmingly. We wake up together with Mari in a room full of naked woman in cages, not only human ones but many different species, and two hunky men watching over them. First thing I thought was: OMG not the Stockholm syndrome again! But after that I thought: isn’t it greedy to have a whole ship of sex-slaves? But as it shows it’s not the way my dirty mind pictured it. The women aren’t kidnapped to being raped, their even worse future is being sold on the meat market. Yep, you read that right! There are species enjoying nothing more than a human steak. So ick!!!! But okay, we need a bad party in this book. Even worse for me was the attitude of the “smugglers”(who are vegetarians by the way- love that part). They think humans are nothing more than animals without any feelings and higher cognitive functions. You feel charmed already?

The Geeky Bookworm is a charming site! Thanks, Susie.

And many thanks to Erotic Romantic Crush Junkies for hosting my guest blog and contest yesterday. It’s not too late to leave a comment!

Announcements: Go check out my friend, Tina. http://www.tinadonahue.com/blog/

Read all about her new book, Deep, Dark and Delicious! Yum!

*A word about Haiti - relief supplies are arriving. The problem, as always in poor nations, is distribution. Don’t be fooled by fake charities asking for donations. Give to a well-established charity like the Red Cross that knows how to reach the people who need help. Thanks. Julia

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Erotic Crush Junkies!

January 14, 2010 - 9:47 pm 2 Comments

My virtual tour continues at Erotic Crush Junkies - January 15th.

http://erjunkiesreviews.blogspot.com

Leave a comment and have a chance to win a book. I’d love to hear from you!

New Release!!!

My friend, Tina, has a new release. Enjoy!

Buy Link:

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8080-deep-dark-delicious.aspx

A wickedly sensual feast… Eden DeCarlo may have narrowly lost Miami’s best chef competition and the prize money she desperately needs, but she has caught the eye of dangerously virile Rafael Zayas, one of the judges and a wealthy restaurateur. Despite her vow not to let any man derail her life, Eden’s captivated by Rafe’s imposing masculinity, then challenged by the business deal he offers. He’ll invest in her new venture if, for one month, she can satisfy his culinary expectations and the sexual attraction they both feel.

Dominant and unashamed, Rafe knows what he wants when it comes to carnal pleasure and will spare no seduction to have Eden in all the ways he demands—naked, wanting, submissive.

Within thirty days, he will teach her the delights of yielding to passion, relinquishing all control to him and fulfilling her deepest, darkest and most delicious desires.

Sounds yummy! Head over to the site to read an amazing, generous excerpt! Good luck, Tina!

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The Sweetest Thing

January 14, 2010 - 8:07 am 6 Comments

Hubby read my new book

and he said something very interesting about Captured. He came to bed and woke me up…and ya’ll know what we do when he wakes me up…anywho - he told me that reading Captured was a weird experience because the heroine is me.

He said, “You know, there are pieces of you in every one of your heroines and I’m accustomed to that, but Mari is you. She’s just plain you. And it’s really weird to read about you having a relationship with this guy from another planet. It makes me feel real weird.”

I asked if he felt like I was cheating on him and he shook his head, no. He said it just felt weird, and then we went on to hm-hm.

The next day, I re-read the book and I realized he’s right. Mari is me. She’s just plain old me, potty mouth and all. Wow. I had no idea. Wonder what Freud would have to say about this?

If you want a picture of an author, I guess, read Captured.

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My Second Review

January 13, 2010 - 6:16 am 4 Comments

and I’ll quote it in its entirety

from Fran Lee over at her romance blog: http://franleesbookreviews.blogspot.com/

The premise of this hot and sexy sci-fi romance at first leaves the reader with a dry throat and a palpitating heart…how would you feel if you realized that you had been “harvested” as part of an alien search for table delicacies? That you were not even considered to be a thinking, higher creation, but rather a food source or an animal fit only for mindless work? I shared Mari’s fear and shock, and her horror and indignation.

Ms. Barrett’s style carries the reader through a hard-hitting, witty, and wisecracking story at top speed, and this reader, in particular, couldn’t put the book aside long enough to even go get a snack. I read the entire 148 pages in four hours. I think that was a record, even for me. I was spellbound and laughing or tense and angry every moment of the read, and when I was finished, I wondered where the missing four hours had gone.

Ms. Barrett’s well defined and thoroughly engaging characters and her sense of timing were impeccably intertwined to keep me virtually enthralled through the entire book…no lags, no drags, and no yawning here! Her ability to mesh past horrors most of us “earthers” recall from history, and an entirely new world gave me a flashback or two as she led me into a world that is so beautifully drawn that it feels like home.

A romance grown from the ashes of misunderstandings, guilt, and pain. A healthy does of wise cracking humor and a few belly laughs. And the sex…OMG! Hot and wonderful and totally enthralling!

Julia Rachel Barrett is an author I hope to see a lot more of…and she is definitely on my auto-buy list.

I love the four missing hours comment! Thanks Ms. Lee!

In the meantime, a wonderful friend has a release coming out -

Laid Bare, by Cerise Deland

Isn’t the cover yummy???

Blurb:

Tate Ryder had spent his life savoring many women in his bed at once before luscious Anna Stevens came along and didn’t seem to know he was alive. He cursed his lot until one night Anna was attacked outside his condo. Frantic, he whisks her away on his yacht. He vows to keep her in his arms and enchant her sleek body with hot pleasures she’s only imagined.

She answers his intimate kisses with scorching caresses—and wild revelations. She’s been on the run from thugs for years. She’s not who she claims. But one thing is true—she craves Tate now deep inside her body, the way he’s always been deep inside her heart.

Enthralled, Tate lays bare her naked body the way he’s determined to lay bare her nameless enemy—and persuade her to stay with him and the erotic delights that bind them forever.

Buy link: http://www.jasminejade.com/ps-8088-50-laid-bare.aspx

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Discussion at Dear Author

January 12, 2010 - 11:22 am No Comments

There is a fascinating

discussion going on now over at Dear Author regarding society’s double standard about male vs. female sexuality and how it may be reflected in romance novels. It’s worth it to read the original post and then follow the comments.

On a personal note, my heroines are not virgins. They’ve had sex with one or more men in their lifetimes. Perhaps if I wrote historical romance, they would be inexperienced, because that would be appropriate according to the mores of the time period.

One of the comments, i.e., mine, has to do with experience vs. promiscuity. I understand sexual experience. I also understand promiscuity - this is my take on the matter, feel free to disagree. I equate the term promiscuity with risky sexual behavior - frequent unprotected sex with multiple partners IRL, not just in books. Having sexual encounters with complete strangers, the use of drugs with sex with complete strangers…sexual behavior that can actually endanger your life. Sexual experience does not necessarily equal risky behavior.

I encourage you to head over to Dear Author and check out this animated discussion.

http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/ The second post down.

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Friends and their books:

January 12, 2010 - 8:08 am 3 Comments

Heirs to Darkisle - Darkisle Book One

by Cassandra Pierce

When Sebastian arrives in the seaside town of Darkisle, Briana wonders who and what he really is. His icy skin and hypnotic eyes ignite a strange desire she cannot extinguish. When a murder occurs, Briana must decide if the lover of her dreams is also the architect of her nightmares.

Buy Link: http://www.sirenpublishing.com/cassandrapierce/

Awakening Augusta

by Cindy Spencer Pape

Regency Scotland can be a lonely place, but Augusta MacLeish has four mischievous younger siblings for company—now if she only had money to feed them! Colin Fordyce has recently inherited an earldom, along with five wards in a remote Scottish castle. When he travels to meet them, he discovers his predecessor was skimming their funds. He also learns the oldest Miss MacLeish is absolutely stunning. A knock to his head leaves him seeing two of the buxom beauty, just as one kiss from her tempting lips leaves him longing for more. A night spent together forces Colin and Augusta to marry, leaving them all the opportunity in the world to explore the sexual hunger between them. Colin delights in teaching Augusta all the pleasures of the flesh, awakening the wanton lover beneath her ladylike veneer. From Scotland to London, the flames burning between them refuse to be doused, and oh how they will set the Ton on fire.

Buy Link: http://www.jasminejade.com/ps-8076-50-awakening-augusta.aspx

Jaguar Hunger

by Regina Carlysle

Noah Littlehawk and Aaron O’Malley have searched long years for the mate they will share, a jaguar female to fulfill their lives and ease their loneliness. What begins as a job soon becomes much more when they meet Violet. Her quiet intensity calls to them. Her body makes them yearn to claim her with the savage hunger of their species.
Death comes for Violet Carson like a speeding train. She knows the shift from woman to beast will rip her apart without the help of jaguar mates. As heat and lust overwhelm her, two men step from the shadows to claim her body and soothe the fire that consumes her. But a human predator waits and he won’t rest until he possesses her, body and soul.

Buy Link: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8049-jaguar-hunger.aspx

Double Your Pleasure

by Fran Lee

Coming January 13th from Ellora’s Cave

Ever Dreamed About Having TWO Hot Men Loving You?

Helen Turner never even imagined such a thing…but she sure wants a nice apartment and a secure job…

So what’s a girl to do when her wishes come true…and in spades?

How would you like to have this hot and sexy pair of identical twins chasing you?

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Whirlwind Virtual Tour - join me!

January 11, 2010 - 4:57 am No Comments

Come visit

over at Alternative Read: http://tjbook-list.blogspot.com/ *If this link isn’t working, check my sidebar for Alternative Read and you can get directly to the post!

I’ll post a list of sites I’ll be visiting over the next couple of weeks later today. In the meantime, stop by and give me a holler!

I’ll try not to cause a time paradox…

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