Finally, the first book in Billionaires' Brides of Convenience series is out! Meet Ryder Pryce-Reed, incorrigible actor and playboy!

A Hollywood Deal

I'm used to cleaning up after my boss, Hollywood superstar and all-around bad boy Ryder Pryce-Reed. Nothing can shock me now–not the countless “humped and dumped” women or the wreckage left in the wake of his wild ways–until he asks me to marry him…

…for a year.

He says it's strictly so he can claim his beloved grandfather's painting, but I know there's more. There's always more with Ryder.

My instincts say no, but he's offering to take care of the baby in my womb. Since my self-centered ex isn't going to play the father, I say yes, while steeling my heart. I can't afford to fall for a man who only wants me for a year.

But how can I resist the sexiest man alive when he turns on his formidable charm to give everyone a good show? And how does a simple girl like me deal with the spotlight as his fiancée…or the scandal that explodes in our faces?

—–

Okay, I really need to warn everyone: unlike my other titles, THIS ONE ENDS IN A CLIFFHANGER. I went back and forth on this because there are lots of readers who simply hate cliffhangers, but ultimately the story just couldn't be wrapped up in a satisfying manner in one normal-sized book without rushing the ending.

But I guarantee that Ryder and Paige WILL have their happy ending! Thank you!

BUY YOUR COPY TODAY!

Kindle US :: Kindle UK :: Kindle Canada :: Kindle Australia
iBooks :: Nook :: Kobo :: Google Play

Note: A Hollywood Deal‘s sequel, A Hollywood Bride, is currently available for pre-order on iBooks.

It's crazy how 2013 is more than half over. It's crazy…crazy I tell you!

I've been terrible about blogging. Mostly it's due to my being busy with things that required (and drained) a lot of my energy.

Recently, I've been super stressed, and I started taking phosphatidyl serine, which supposedly helps reduce cortisol (a stress hormone). I think it's helping me stay calmer than I would otherwise. It also supposedly boosts brain function, but I haven't noticed anything. However, cognitive benefits were tested on elderly people who had trouble remembering things, and I don't fit the demographic. If you want to try it, you can get a bottle from Amazon. It's not that expensive.

In July, I finished drafting one book (contemporary romance), and I'm working on another book that's tied to it (a novella). I'm hoping to release them all either December 2013 or early in 2014. It's going to depend purely on the editorial schedule and how healthy The Boy is for the rest of the year.

And just for fun — and I haven't done any self-improvement that's mentally stimulating in a while — I've decided to study Photoshop on my own. I have a few books on it, and why the heck not? I only did one unit so far, and I've already learned so much. (BTW – one of the books was written and published by Adobe, which called Photoshop “intuitive.” *snort*)

On the reading front, I just devoured Ilona Andrews's Magic Rises. It's my favorite Kate Daniels novel now. :) Really loved it.

The plan is to finish the novella this month and start revising the novel I wrote in July.

I hope everyone's doing well, and have a great August.

To kick off the month of October and the release of my first contemporary romance from Samhain, I’m doing a four-post series on Devil Falls. There’s a chance to win a free copy of Devil Falls each week, so tune in. :)

Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 1-60504-220-X
Length: Category
Release Date: October 28, 2008
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, LTD

Read It ♦ Buy It ♦ Extras

All he wants is silence. All she wants are answers.

Damien Kirk was once a world-renowned cellist, celebrated across five continents for his musical gift. Now he lives in self-imposed isolation on a small Caribbean island.

Biography writer Victoria Benedict is looking for a story…and she’s not the type to take no for an answer. Her appearance on his doorstep shatters his reclusive existence.

Determined to be rid of her, Damien demands a quid pro quo: a kiss for each answer to her interview questions. Her response is as arousing as it is unexpected. As Damien and Victoria escalate their sensual game of cat and mouse, Victoria discovers the passionate soul underneath Damien’s cold exterior…and a shocking story of secrets and betrayal.

Warning: This title contains the following: sex, scorching kisses, killer breakfasts, a hot tropical island and a happily ever after.

Interview with Damien Kirk Part 2

Two weeks ago, some of you submitted your questions for Damien. So here are his answers to the five randomly chosen ones:

Susan: Why is it do you suppose that men think the sharp, fierce, grouchy routine is going to scare very determined women away? Have you ever considered that it makes them want to see what is beneath the surface?

Damien [shrugs]: Because it works, of course. I think of it as a triage of sorts. Females approach me all the time; I need something to separate the women from the girls. And in Victoria's case, it worked like a charm.

Sandie: I’m with Victoria. What did Damien mean when he said “I don’t need another death on my conscience” ?

Damien: It does make one wonder, doesn't it? [Smiles nastily] Perhaps you should be careful. Some of the locals think I eat children.

Deidre: What purpose does you having dogs serve? Surely, someone as insufferable as you can take care of himself.

Damien: Would that insufferability conferred some type of protection; I might cultivate the quality. Alas, mere insufferability is not enough to dissuade the more obtuse of the paparazzi. Ludwig and Amadeus, however, function quite nicely in that capacity. Also, they are excellent companions. They're loyal and obedient creatures.

Beth R: Can you explain your side of the scandal? What happened?

Damien: To which scandal do you refer? There have been so many…

Tami: Where is your favorite place to have sex and what position?

Damien: To a true artist, any venue can be an inspiration for the Venusian arts. As for positions, if you must know I prefer “The Cello”, female front, with a straight-backed and sturdy chair.

Feel free to comment. One lucky commenter will get a copy of Devil Falls on October 28.

Finally, the last week's winner is Deidre (Commenter #1)! Please contact me for your prize!

To kick off the month of October and the release of my first contemporary romance from Samhain, I’m doing a four-post series on Devil Falls. There’s a chance to win a free copy of Devil Falls each week, so tune in. :)

Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 1-60504-220-X
Length: Category
Release Date: October 28, 2008
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, LTD

Read It ♦ Buy It ♦ Extras

All he wants is silence. All she wants are answers.

Damien Kirk was once a world-renowned cellist, celebrated across five continents for his musical gift. Now he lives in self-imposed isolation on a small Caribbean island.

Biography writer Victoria Benedict is looking for a story…and she’s not the type to take no for an answer. Her appearance on his doorstep shatters his reclusive existence.

Determined to be rid of her, Damien demands a quid pro quo: a kiss for each answer to her interview questions. Her response is as arousing as it is unexpected. As Damien and Victoria escalate their sensual game of cat and mouse, Victoria discovers the passionate soul underneath Damien’s cold exterior…and a shocking story of secrets and betrayal.

Warning: This title contains the following: sex, scorching kisses, killer breakfasts, a hot tropical island and a happily ever after.

Q&A with Mambo the Grocer

Today we caught up with Mambo the grocer. She owns a small grocery store near the mansion where Damien lives, and does a little fortune-telling on the side.

Me: Hi, Mambo. How long have you been on the island?

Mambo: Since I was born. I am a seventh-generation St. Cecilian. (lowers voice) I know everything about everyone.

Me: Really? What do you know about Damien Kirk?

Mambo: Who?

Me: The man who lives in Greyhaven.

Mambo: Him! He is a demon, I tell you. He killed my girl!

Me: Oh…Errrr…hmm. What did the police say?

Mambo: Pffaah! They can do nothing. He has a demonic power. Everyone is afraid of him.

Me (not remembering giving him any supernatural power): How do you know he has “demonic power”?

Mambo: Have you heard him play his cello? It is unnatural to make such sounds, I tell you. Besides, his dogs! They howl like the hounds of hell and cannot stand the light of day.

Me: Err…okay. Well, thanks for your time.

Mambo: Via con dios. (leaning forward) Avoid that man! He will feed his dogs on your blood.

Me (nodding vigorously): You're right. I'll be very careful.

Comment here with anything you want to say or ask Mambo. She will try to answer them all by October 20, so come back here for her response to your questions / comments. One lucky poster will get a free copy of Devil Falls. (Drawing will be held on October 20, so post by October 19 for your chance to win!)

And finally, the winner from last week is Janie Mason (Commenter #9)! Please contact me for your copy of Devil Falls!

To kick off the month of October and the release of my first contemporary romance from Samhain, I’m doing a four-post series on Devil Falls. There’s a chance to win a free copy of Devil Falls each week, so tune in. :)

Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 1-60504-220-X
Length: Category
Release Date: October 28, 2008
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, LTD

Read It ♦ Buy It ♦ Extras

All he wants is silence. All she wants are answers.

Damien Kirk was once a world-renowned cellist, celebrated across five continents for his musical gift. Now he lives in self-imposed isolation on a small Caribbean island.

Biography writer Victoria Benedict is looking for a story…and she’s not the type to take no for an answer. Her appearance on his doorstep shatters his reclusive existence.

Determined to be rid of her, Damien demands a quid pro quo: a kiss for each answer to her interview questions. Her response is as arousing as it is unexpected. As Damien and Victoria escalate their sensual game of cat and mouse, Victoria discovers the passionate soul underneath Damien’s cold exterior…and a shocking story of secrets and betrayal.

Warning: This title contains the following: sex, scorching kisses, killer breakfasts, a hot tropical island and a happily ever after.

Interview with Damien Part 1

Honestly I had no idea what to expect when Miranda (Damien’s manager) said Damien would see me for a quick interview. You gotta wonder about a guy who goes missing for months after a ghastly scandal. Not that there’s anything wrong with scandals, mind you. After all, don’t we all love good gossip?

So here I am, blindfolded and led by a couple of people — men I think. Beads of sweat pop out on my skin at the briny smell of ocean and the piercing screeches of seagulls. Thank God Damien is a musician, not a mob boss.

Someone pushes me into a car, and we drive for a while. The road is apparently unpaved. The car stops and we get out and walk over uneven ground for a good ten minutes. I hear what sounds like a waterfall in the distance. Finally we enter a house. My blindfold disappears and I see a pair of Dobermans. Great. I’m afraid of dogs, especially big ones. They merely glare at me, and I thank my lucky stars they are leashed.

A big-boned woman who reminds me of a boarding school headmistress is standing in front of me.

Me: Hi! I’m Angelle. I think Damien’s expecting me.

Woman (speaks with a subtle accent…I can’t quite place it): I’m sorry, but there’s been some misunderstanding. You have to go back.

Me: What?

Woman: Mr. Kirk isn’t feeling well, and he’s not—

Me: (thinking “yeah right”) DAMIEN!!!!!! DAMIEN!!!!!!!!!!!

My loud voice startles the dogs and they start barking.

Woman: Stop that right now! You horrible American!

Me (ignoring her): DAMIEN!!!!!!! I know you’re here!!!!!!!

I guess I screamed loudly enough. Finally the man appears. Damn. He’s hot. It’s like a pure concentration of male hotness. If it weren’t for my boyfriend, I’d jump him.

Damien: Amadeus, Ludwig, silence!

The dogs immediately quiet down.

Damien: So. You’re the bottom-feeding writer Miranda told me about.

Me: You should show some respect here. I’m your creator, and I can make you ugly if I want.

Damien (lifts an eyebrow): Do let me know when a publisher starts a Quasimodo romance line.

Me (choking in outrage)

Damien: Well? I haven’t got all day. Ask your question and get out.

Me: What really happened on the night your—

Damien: Next question.

Me: Wait! I haven’t finished—

Damien: Yes you have. Next.

Me: Why are you so insufferable?

Damien: Because I can be. (Smiles nastily) You’re my creator. Surely you know.

Me: No. I prefer to create and deal with pleasant people.

Damien: Well, you have me instead. Of course, you can always leave and deal with Miranda if you prefer. She handles the “pleasant” work. (Takes the dogs’ leashes) I presume our interview is over?

Me: No way. I’m going to take questions from the audience. And so are you.

Readers, feel free to ask any question you want by Monday October 13 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. I’m going to draw five on October 13 and make Damien answer them by October 21. Also, one lucky commenter will get a copy of Devil Falls.

If you haven't done so, please read the previous installments titled Identifying Your Site's Purpose and Audience, Go-Live Date, Your Budget, and Your Technical Aptitude, Identifying Your Website Needs and Design Preferences a.k.a. Doing Your Homework, Contacting Designers and Getting Quotes and Evaluating Quotes and Designers before reading this week's article.

I was going to do lessons learned, but I realized that I really don't have anything to share, esp. since my experience with Frauke has been so smooth and pleasant. I really lucked out.

A few things to keep in mind:

1. The designer works for you, not the other way around. She should provide you with a satisfactory design that meets your specifications.
2. The designer is not a mind reader. If you're not satisfied with something, you must communicate as soon as possible.
3. Don't stay with a designer who is rude, late, uncommunicative and/or incompetent. Believe it or not, there are a lot of incompetent designers. You can usually tell by their design portfolios and/or their response to your requests, etc.

Good luck!

P.S. If you want to plug any designers you've worked with before, feel free. :)