Announcement!

Remember this book?  It was the first book in which a 'back door' sex scene took place.  A few people loved it, including a 5 star review on Amazon:

Michaels interweaves the lives of Angela, Brad and Emma without giving a second thought. Angela is still in love with Steve and hasn't been able to tell Brad about her and Steve's past. The reconnection between Angela and Steve is realistic, heartfelt and genuine while Emma and Brad's developing love interest is paced perfectly for this short novella.

A reader also chimed in:
"OMG...Wild At Heart....just read it....Loved it!!!  Kenzie, you rock....felt like I was there, absorbing every word, I stayed up til 3am to finish,I think the only thing which would have been great is if Ethan could have gotten with Lori after rehab, lol!"

Anyway, this was released Nov 2010.  After 2 years and never getting paid for sales, other than what I hand-sold, I respectfully sent this publisher a 'can I have my book back?' letter, stating clips from my contract about low sales and the fact I'd not even promoted it for over a year.  She gracefully granted my request, and informed me I'd made about $26 in royalties, which they were retaining for 'services rendered'.  I can live with that!  I was told to wait 90 days, in order for the book to be removed from all websites.

Guess what?  My 90 days ARE UP!  I sent the original Wild At Heart file to Secret Cravings, and the book is due to be released at the end of this month:)  I was sad to give up my beautiful cover, but Dawne created an equally amazing one:

What do you think?  May 31st is my release date, and I know, with better editing and with a publisher who adores this story, I'll make that $26 back and more.  Want a sneak peek?

Blurb:

Angela Clayborn discovers the man she sent to prison nearly two years before, has been granted an early release.  Torn between wanting to see him and fearful if she does, sparks fly when Steve Blumenthal appears in her gift shop and later at her condo.  Will Angie free her heart from its icy prison?  Has Steve really turned his life around, or is it a hoax?

 

Meanwhile, in Colorado on business, Angie’s current boyfriend, Brad Morrison, is wrestling with his own call of the wild.  He’s met unconventional, sexy Emma Nichols, who runs not only her own riding stable, but helps out with her family’s woodworking store in EstesPark.  Emma resents Brad’s offer to help during a family crisis, but eventually discovers that Fate sometimes sends people down unexpected paths to love.  Can Brad tame a wildcat?  Or will Emma settle for the safe path?

 

Excerpt:

(Steve and Angie)

He confidently rang the doorbell and enjoyed the second shocked look on Angie’s face in as many days.

He immediately handed her the rose.

She sucked in her breath.  “You remembered,” she stood aside so he could enter.

“You bet darlin’” He made his way into the kitchen.  “I always said I would bring you a rose and a chocolate malt when you opened your store.  And I brought you something else.”  He handed her the sack.  “I figured you’d be ready for another one of these by now.”

“Oh Steve….” Angie put her hand over her mouth.  “I can’t believe it….Thank you.”  She pecked his cheek and took the malt and the art materials from him.  “I’ve not had a malt in a long time,” she took a sip and smiled.  She turned and set the rose on the table.

“I’ve got another surprise.  I’ve taken the job at the country club, starting Monday.  I’ll be working double shifts for a while, but it should only last through Labor Day.  I should have enough saved by then, and I can cut back my hours to explore my options and see what else is out there.”  Steve stepped closer to her and reached for her hand.  “And for something else…come outside with me for a minute.”  He tugged at her, and pulling her outside to the car.  “Voila,” Steve threw out his arm and gestured dramatically.  “Behold my new ride.”

“You bought a car?” she gasped.  “Oh my!  I guess you are serious about turning your life around.”

“Hell yes, sweetheart.  Especially if it means that beautiful look in those green eyes.” Steve tugged her back to the foyer of her condo, away from public scrutiny and pulled her into his arms.  His kiss was brief and gentle, but it sent fresh shock waves of desire coursing through his body, and saw Angie’s blush as she pulled him inside the condo.

“Have you had lunch?  I made a pasta salad last night…”

“Angie, you’re the only meal I need right now.”  His lips descended on hers once more, and his fingers went to the buttons on her white shirt.  His lips traveled to her ear as he spread the blouse open and lovingly cupped her breasts.  “If you’d rather we used your bed, Ange…lead me upstairs, honey, or else I’m going to love you on the floor.”  

Hump Day Hook #11

Yes, I know.  I've been absent from this hop for a while.  I was busy last week, remember?  For more Hump Day Goodness, go here.   

Today, I thought I'd give you a taste of Class Reunion....you know, the one getting all the Rave Reviews?  Enjoy!

“You look way too chipper after last night.” Lisa adjusted her dark ponytail. “Who’s the lucky man?”

“Who says there is one?” Natalie countered. Her coffee arrived and she sipped it with caution.

“C’mon, Nat…you’re glowing. And I know you weren’t stupid enough to sleep with Brian last night. So who was he and why didn’t you bring him to the reunion?” Michelle took off her dark glasses, winced, and put them on again. “Christ, I had too much to drink last night. Remind me again why
we’re hitting the mall so early?”

“Because your kids need clothes, and everything is forty percent off this week,” Lisa admonished. “This was your idea anyway and since we’ve got time to kill before the picnic, why not? Nat doesn’t come to town that often, you know.”

“Okay, I’ll level with you. It was Bob.” Natalie grinned at Lisa.

“Bob?” Michelle looked confused. “Did we even have a Bob in our class?”

“No, silly, she means BOB. Battery Operated Boyfriend. Seriously? You got that glow from a fucking sex toy?”

“Damn. I’ve gotta get me one of those. Sex with Phil is starting to get stale after twelve years.” Michelle groaned and finished her coffee.

Want to read more?  Class Reunion is available here. 

Coming Down Off My 'High'

What a week that was!  Yes, I know.  This is my 4th book; I shouldn't be surprised to learn people love my stories, should I?  Well yes, I am.  Why?

-I've promo'd heavily on my blog, Molly's, the loops, twitter, and FB.

-I've 'haunted' each site and responded to each comment.

-I even awarded extra books.

-I promo other authors.

-I even 'haunt' the loops, cheering on others.

-I'm participating in blog hops.

And yet, sales are down.  Am I not doing enough?  When I first joined the chat loops, I only belonged to three, and read each digest, even copy/pasting the excerpts which caught my attention so I'd have the links at my disposal once I could purchase the book.  But as my Web presence grew, I no longer had the time to read every post.  Now, I read the ones I'm most active on, and only if the subject matter catches my attention.  So I'm assuming others do this too.

Maybe I need to return to my 'Heat It Up Friday' posts?  Those used to garner a lot of attention.  But time is a precious commodity these days.

Off The Clock should be arriving soon, and my edits for the soon-to-be-rereleased book I can't talk about yet is due in May.  So maybe sales will pick up again?

I can only hope:)

What A Week!

I'm in shock.  Why?  The reviews have been wonderful!
On Wednesday, Jersy Girl Book Reviews had this to say:  "Class Reunion is a sassy short story about two former classmates who rediscover each other after twenty-five years. Author Kenzie Michaels weaves a fast paced fun tale set in Anderson, Indiana and Boise, Idaho, written in the third person narrative that follows the reunion and relationship development of Natalie and Brian....With a fun cast of characters, quirky dialogue and interactions, and a quick storyline that leaves you wanting more; Class Reunion is a thoroughly enjoyable short and sexy read!"  4 Stars.

Yesterday, Librarian Judith said this:  "This short story is the perfect size for a lunchtime read if you are looking for one....Ms. Michaels does a good job, however, in developing the two main characters--you see where they are coming from (especially Brian) and root for them to come together. I will definitely be on the lookout for more stories by Ms. Michaels."  


And today, I was nearly brought to tears by Harlie's Books:   "It’s a sweet, sexy story of going back home and finding your true love that has been sitting under your nose the whole time. "  AND it's a Recommended Read:)

Why am I so surprised?  I mean, I wrote it.  Don't I know what a fabulous book I've written?

When you go for months without anyone patting you on the back or even emailing you with a 'Yuck, I hated this' or a 'Good job!  Can't wait to read the next one!', self doubt creeps in and you cross your fingers as you hit 'submit' or even on Release Day that people will buy your work, or even rank you on GoodReads or Amazon.  Or blog about it.  Or even review it.  Until then, I have no way of knowing what's in readers heads as they read/finish any of my books.  Am I doing all right?  Am I now on your 'auto-buy' list?  Or do you wish you'd spent your hard earned pennies on someone else's book?

At midnight tonight, I'll award one person of the three people who ventured over to any of these sites a free book.  And someone else will get the $10 Freya's Bower GC.  Guess what?  That $10 will buy ALL 3 Books.  Or,at least the entire Anderson Chronicles trilogy when Off The Clock has been released.  Yeah, my books are inexpensive:)

So next week, I get to turn the brain back over to Molly so she can finish edits, or even write.  I may wear my tiara for a few more days, ha ha ha!

Reviews Trickling In.....

Day #2 of the tour and my 'baby' is doing well:)

Long And Short Reviews give it 3.5 Stars:
"Ms. Michaels does a good job in a short period of time letting the reader get to know Brian and Natalie...for a quick, sexy read about two people who finally find each other, Class Reunion might be a short story to pick up."

Musings From An Addicted Reader says this today:
"I am a sucker for reunion stories and this one did not disappoint.... I thought Brian was a bit jaded, but rightfully so and I think when he starts spending time with Natalie he sees something that makes him a bit nervous, he doesn't want to have feelings but can't seem to stop himself. Entertaining read."

I mentioned in the last post's comments I'll stop shaking on Friday.  Truth of the matter is, I stop shaking after I open each link in the morning.  Then the days goes verrrrry smoothly!

But still trying to avoid the swelled head.  I'm not sitting around in my tiara, eating chocolate all day and drinking champagne.  No, yours truly did all the laundry yesterday; sent two truckloads of 'stuff' to our storage unit (you can see the FLOOR in the basement again!); and cleaned up my kitchen.  The only 'diva' act I pulled was asserting my rights to watch last night's final game between Louisville and Michigan.  Even though the SU sulked like a two year old.

But I got to watch Louisville win, 82-76:)  And he won't have to fight me again until next March.  Or next Sunday, when I want to watch 60 Minutes, Amazing Race, and Good Wife:)  And DVR the Celebrity Apprentice.  It's the one night of the week I tie up both TV's.

Tomorrow, Jersey Girl Book Reviewer takes a shot at me.  Check back tomorrow!

Nervous Author Checking In....

Why the sudden case of nerves?  My 3rd 'baby' has been thrown to the wolves-er, I mean, reviewers.  To kick it all off, I've been invited by the Goddess Fish blog to promote my 'baby' up to five times today on their blog, and already have one excited comment and another 'downer', though not at me.  This person apparently had a bad experience and will never again return.  But she DID leave her contact info, so maybe she's choosing to live vicariously through Brian and Natalie?

Anyway, here's the link to post #1.  I'll be back throughout the day to post the links to the others (I spaced them out about 2 hours apart.)  This way I don't have to scroll through a bunch of posts when it comes time to pick my winner:)

(2:40 pm)  Post #2 is up:)

(4:45 pm)  Post #3 is up:)

(6:50 pm)  Post #4 is up:)

(9 pm)  Part #5 is up:)

Coming up this week, Marci decided to send Class Reunion on a week-long Review Tour.  Here are the blogs I'll be featured on this week:

Monday:  Long And Short Reviews

Tues:  Addicted Reader 

Wed:  Jersey Girl Book Reviews

Thurs:  Straight From The Library

Friday:  Harlie's Books

With the exception of Harlie, I know none of these reviewers.  Harlie loved Teacher's Pet, so she has the advantage of already knowing my writing style.

Keep your fingers crossed everyone will be kind to me???

Hump Day Hook #10

For more Hump Day fun, go here:)

I know; I've been a bad blogger lately.  Blame Molly; she's taken over the brain with her editing.

Here's a snippet of my latest, book #3 in the Anderson Chronicles, Off The Clock.

Austin drummed his fingers on his desktop, and as the door to his office opened, picked up a sheaf of papers and waved them at her.  “Care to explain this?”

            Cara’s complexion paled, but she continued to look him in the eye.  “The snack bar is in need of an overhaul.  The counter is rotting, the windows are cracked, and there’s no air conditioning out there.  One of the microwaves needs replaced, and shelves need to be built in the storeroom.”  She crossed the room as she spoke and settled herself in the oak chair in front of the desk.  “Those are the estimates from bidders.  I told them you’d make a decision by the end of the week.  Repairs are set to begin at the end of the month.”

            Austin struggled to contain his rising temper.  “And how did you come by this information?” he demanded.  “I hired you to straighten out my office, not to start running the place.”

This book has been edited and is off to the proofreader!  And I'm still waiting on cover art, lol:)