Giving Thanks

This year has been a bit trying in the Skyze home. I'm thankful for the love and support of family and friends. I'd be lost without you all.

Happy Thanksgiving to those readers who celebrate!

The Countdown Begins...

8 days until my release Going for Broke. I’m excited about this book. It was previously published with Loose Id. I don’t believe it ever received the love it deserved. I don’t blame my publisher in any way. I just feel it was lost.

So now it’s revised and expanded and ready to take on the world. Here’s a taste.

Buy Link - http://www.ellorascave.com/going-for-broke.html

Blurb:

Deacon Burke has a singular goal—to win back the Las Vegas casino swindled from his father years ago.
Businesswoman Holly Perkins is equally determined to gain control of the Pleasure Palace, the decadent casino where anything goes—including exhibitionism and master/slave play. A corporate raider, she’s eager to put down roots in one location while running a business she loves.
When Deacon spots Holly in front of the casino it’s lust at first sight, and soon she’s submitting to him during a blistering-hot encounter. But how will he react when he learns of Holly’s agenda? All bets are off in their high-stakes game of carnal cravings and ultimate control.
Publisher’s Note: This title was previously released elsewhere under the title Hit Me, and has been revised and expanded for Ellora’s Cave.
A Romantica® contemporary erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave
Excerpt:

Put one foot in front of the other and soon you’ll be walking through the door.

Deacon rubbed his eyes. They burned from being sleep deprived and the bright lights didn’t help. It was nearing midnight, but who could tell in the city that never sleeps? He stopped to glance up at the majestic building. The four golden caps made it appear as if it were a true Palace. The design had been created with that in mind. Darius Burke had a dream. He’d wanted to build a casino that reminded people of royalty. He’d wanted them to feel like they were special when inside. For years he’d succeeded. 

Put one foot in front of the other and soon you’ll be walking through the door.

The one verse of the incessant Christmas song filled his mind as Deacon climbed the stairs to casino. Sure he changed it a bit to suit his needs, but that was his prerogative.

The flight in from Hong Kong seemed to drag on longer than it should have, but he closed the deal. They would gain a foothold in Hong Kong with their latest fragrance. The time had arrived for him to close another deal. The most important one.

Put one foot in front of the other and soon you’ll be walking through the door.

Deacon adjusted the laptop bag dangling from his left shoulder. He lifted his right foot and placed it on the concrete stair. Gold speckles glittered the front staircases leading to the entranceway.

Each step he took was painful to his weary feet and heavy heart. He hadn’t stepped foot inside the casino or Vegas for that matter in nearly ten years. The day had finally arrived. He was coming home after many years away. Deacon Burke was one step away from reclaiming what rightfully belonged to his family – the Palace of Pleasure.

Though when his father owned the Palace the top floors known as the Pleasure part of the casino didn’t exist. Deacon could see his father rolling over his grave imagining the things that took place in the Pleasure area. Not that Deacon minded. Sex was an enjoyment of his. There was something about cherishing a woman’s body that brought out the animal instinct in him. He also didn’t mind doling out a spanking or two. Having a woman bent over, hands tied behind her back getting spanked, got him overheated every time.

He stifled a moan, while fighting the hard-on that grew in his black slacks.

Maybe he’d partake in a little fun before meeting with the current owner. Why not try out the merchandise? Not that it would change his mind on reclaiming the casino. It belonged to the Burke’s and Deacon would stake his claim, no matter what stupid stipulations they put on him.

Blog- http://amberskyze.blogspot.com

Website – www.amberskyze.com

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Twitter - @amberskyze

Cover Love

Going for Broke is a M/F which will be released on Oct 30th with Ellora's Cave...

Taking a Break

I’ve missed so many blog posts I can’t count. Today I’m hanging up my hat and admitting I’m done blogging for a bit. I’m going to take time away from my writing career.

My real life has been intense and I’ve been interviewing for a new job. There are a lot of changes going on in my life. Writing has taken the back burner. I have no desire to write at this time. I’ll be around to support my fellow Seven Sexy Scribes and occasionally you’ll find me on the loops.

I’m always on Facebook and sometimes twitter.

Thanks so much for all the support you’ve given me over the years. It has meant everything to me. It’s not good-bye; just I’ll see you soon. :o)

Scavenger Hunt

I'm taking part in the Summer Scavenger Hunt Giveaway. I'll be giving away a copy of Operation: Second Honeymoon. There will be a ton of great prizes, including the grand prize - a Kindle.

Stop by for the fun and a chance to win. http://scavengerhunts.vpweb.com/Event.html

Operation Second Honeymoon - Releases Today!

Buy Here

Blurb:

On the verge of their tenth anniversary, Cole is planning a surprise gift aboard a boat for his wife Avery. Bathing suits are optional - preferably left behind. The only other thing they need to make this weekend perfect? Owen their next door neighbor.

Out on the open sea, Avery will find herself tied to the rails being tortured in the sweetest ways imaginable. The men take her to delicious heights, only to leave her hanging - if only momentarily. When she demands an orgasm she oversteps the boundaries Cole and Owen have but in place. The two men spank her back into submission. There's nothing like red cheeks to ignite the flames of desire in Cole.

After a tremulous six months of clawing their way back together, Avery is ready to accept the help she needs to fix the marriage her husband has fought so hard to save. Will a weekend of hot, sweaty sex be enough to rescue them?

Excerpt:

Owen inched his body closer. Avery turned to flee from him, but he was much quicker. He wrapped her in an embrace and dunked her under.

When she came up for air, she punched him in his arm, only to be met by a brick wall. The muscles in his biceps were made of steel.

“Ouch.” She shook her fist. “You don’t play fair.”

“Hey, I didn’t ask you to punch me. I could’ve told you to save your energy.”

Somehow she managed to slip away to the other side of the oval pool. Owen lagged behind, Avery couldn’t help but wonder if he sported an erection and that was why he didn’t bother following her. Temptation to look filled her, but she bit her lip instead and diverted her attention to the outside of the pool.

“Whatcha looking at?” Owen swam up beside her.

“Checking on the garden. Wanted to see if the veggies are growing,” she lied. “Hey, I need to ask you something.” Avery turned her head to look at Owen.

“Avery. Avery… How does your garden grow?”

“It’s bare,” she declared. She couldn’t believe the bold words had left her mouth. She’d just told Owen that her pussy was shaved. Cole would freak if he knew she’d been discussing something so private with him.

“Hmmm.” Owen turned and swam away, doing the backstroke.

Avery sneaked a peek of his hard cock outlined by his wet emerald swim trunks. It looked massive.

She groaned. This wasn’t going according to plan.

“I should be going back in. I can’t be away from work for too long.”

“What was that question you wanted to ask?”

“Do you know anything about…?”

“What’s going on here?” Cole asked, entering the backyard.

Oh fuck. What was he doing home so early?

“Hey, man. You’re wife offered the pool so I could cool off. I kinda pushed her in because she was being a sissy about getting wet.”

Cole laughed. “It’s about time someone showed her the proper way to get in.”

As Cole drew closer to the pool, she noticed a mischievous look in his pale blue eyes.

Cole Jackson, what in God’s name are you up to?

“I was just getting out. I have to get back to work.” She struggled up the ladder. For some reason, her legs decided they didn’t want to work anymore. She fell back into Owen’s waiting arms.

“Gotcha.” He smiled, and she felt that jolt of electricity shoot right to her core. She wasn’t sure what was going on, but she knew she had to get out of there. She hadn’t felt that attracted to another man in over twelve years.

“Thanks.” Avery moved from his grip and flew up the ladder and out of the pool. She wrapped her slender body in the beach towel and off the deck she went.

“No kiss for your husband?” Cole called after her.

“In the house, honey. I think I’m late for a meeting.” The only meeting she was late for was one with her vibrator. If she didn’t orgasm now, she’d explode.

The ache between her legs needed to be dealt with. Her heart pumped wildly. Her body felt like it’d been teased and tortured and left to fend for itself when it came time for an orgasm. Owen had her libido in overdrive.

Cover Reveal - Operation: Second Honeymoon

Coming to Loose Id on July 9th, my new M/F/M

Not Much Going On

I'm in limbo. Last week I was dealing with a sick daughter. This week I'm playing catch up with life. I'm waiting on cover art for my newest Operation Second Honeymoon. Once I get it, I'll share. :)

Hubby's taking me away for a much needed weekend escape this weekend. I'm excited for two kids free nights. We're going to Foxwood's Casino. Not really sure why. We don't gamble, but there is a Hard Rock Cafe, which we love. I'm not complaining though. I'll be away from dogs and kids.

Hope everyone has a good week.

Coming Soon

For the last week I’ve been working hard on edits for Operation: Second Honeymoon. Let me start off by saying I’m thrilled they’re letting me keep the title. I love it. I’m sorry if others don’t, but I really do.

I wrote this book for a few different reasons. I used it as a therapeutic venue on some levels, at the suggestion of my wonderful friend Kat.

The heroine, Avery has suffered a loss and instead of turning to her husband, the man she loves with all her heart…she pushes him away. This once happy couple suddenly finds they’re lost and alone.

Avery’s husband Cole will do anything to save their marriage and get his wife back.

We all know I suffered a big loss a few years ago. I basically did the same thing, by pushing hubby away. I was ready to end my marriage for many different reasons. Some brought on by depression and some by delusions. Looking back I’m happy HE decided to stand by me and realized it was something that would pass.

Hubby suffered too. He essentially lost his son and his wife. His problem was he wouldn’t turn to me to talk. He kept it inside, so he could be my rock.

Grief and loss can take a toll on any relationship if not addressed properly.

All seriousness aside, Operation: Second Honeymoon will also bring happiness to readers. You’ll see the love Avery and Cole share in the beginning. The story is an M/F/M ménage. Readers will also be introduced to Owen, the couple’s next door neighbor.

Cover art, blurb and tasty excerpt coming soon!

Operation: Second Honeymoon will be released by Loose Id on July 9^th.

Tuesday Rant

I'll warn you up front. This is a bitch session, so if you don't want to read please come back tomorrow when I'm sure my lovely friend Katalina Leon will have a nice blog post. ;)

Ebook returns.

I don’t understand this. If you bought a book in a brick and mortar you wouldn’t be allowed to return a book. Okay, I’ve never tried, but have seen signs to this policy.

So, why should readers be able to return ebooks? If there’s an issue with the download, okay I get it. But if hundreds of others are downloading without any issues what’s wrong with the one download.

Take for instance my issue. A few months ago I bought an ebook for $3.99. After seeing another book by this author I bought the new book. Guess what? It’s the same damn book with a different cover. Sure I’m pissed. I spent another $3.99 for a book I already had.

What did I do? Nothing. I accepted it for what it was – a loss. I couldn’t imagine returning it even if it would be acceptable because I own it.

I’m sorry I just don’t get it the return policy. That’s how indie authors make their money. If readers are reading the book and then returning it they win and we lose. There are way too many free books out there to read. If you don’t want to pay for a book, download a free one.

My second peeve of the day?

Free stuff. If you get something for free, don’t complain about said free gift. If you don’t like it or it isn’t something you’d want, just say thank you and move on. No need to comment about the “free” gift. It’s FREE.

I’m done. Sorry for the rant but this has been bothering me for some time. 

Disheartened

I had a blog planned for today, but in light of what happened in Boston yesterday I decided against it. The heartache for the people involved is deep. We were lucky our family living close to the bombings were all okay.

My thoughts and prayers are with those in Boston today. 

Continuation from last week’s post

The conversation continues on the loop about self-publishing vs. publishing with a house.

I enjoy both for various reasons. One writer only has one book out and it sells very well on the third party sites. She wants to claim her rights back and self-publish.

She’s gotten a lot of good advice from talented authors. The consensus was to leave it for now. Build a following. If possible do both for a brief period of time. I agree with this for a brand new author.

I’ve left my books where they are for many different reasons. But recently the opportunity to get the rights back to one of my books presented itself. I took it.

Why?

Because the book does not sell well on ANY site. If I sold 10 copies on all the sites, in over a year that’s a lot. My theory? First the cover. I never did like the cover, but I don’t get a say. The other is it’s an M/F. this publisher big sellers are M/M/F and M/M. Just my opinion.

So I’m taking my rights back to the book and I’ll self-publish it. Someday I might take the others too. As of right now I’m starting one at a time.

Is There An Editor in the House?

I read an interesting conversation on a loop the other day. They were discussing the decline in publisher website sales. I’ve noticed this too. While I haven’t had a new release from one of my publishers in almost two years, I noticed the decline back then.

With the Kindle and Nook, most are waiting for the books to become available on third party vendor sites. I’m guilty of this if I can’t figure out which version is for Kindle. Plus I can click the Amazon link and the cost is applied to my Amazon charge card. So for me it’s simple.

The conversation also talked about the money you could make from self-publishing as oppose of through a publisher. I’m on the fence with this one. I do both. I’m more successful with a publisher.

Why? I’m not sure. With my self-published books I only sell about 10-15 a month – all six combined. With my backlist of 25 books with various publishers I sell a ton more.

Here’s another issue – editing. I NEED AN EDITOR. I won’t deny I need one. The six books I self-published were edited with a publishing house. Sure, I checked them again and added some words, but they had a few rounds of professional editing.

Writers will be slammed if their books aren’t edited properly. Readers can be harsh and rightly so. If you pay good money for a book you expect it to be clean of errors. It drives me crazy when I’m pulled from the story because of a misspelled word. I once read a book where the author transposed the word from to form. It happened consistently throughout the book…it drove me nuts. Sadly, this wasn’t a self-pubbed book. This was from a publisher. So I guess there could be argument for the other side. LOL

Would I rather be self-publishing? Absolutely. Bigger royalties.

I don’t make enough in the self-publishing world to pay for an editor. So for now I continue to submit to publishers. I can’t help it…I need those editors.

Re Release of Sliding Home

Sliding Home was first published by the now defunct Aspen Mountain. It has a new sexy cover, but the hot sexy men are still the same.

Buy Link

Blurb:

 

Alex loves baseball and when the majors come knocking on his door he’s thrilled. The only thing missing from his life is a partner to share it with. Alex longs to be with his best friend, Rick. He’s loved Rick since he realized he was gay.

An evening of celebration turns to a night of pleasure between Rick and Alex. The next day Rick is confused with his feelings toward Alex.

Will Rick give in to his desires or will he let Alex walk out of his life forever?

 

Excerpt:

He thought he’d seen something earlier. A spark in Rick’s gray eyes. He couldn’t have imagined it, could he? Again, when he’d rubbed up against him while they were playing pool, he saw the look.

It was desire.

Then Rick had stormed off to the bar for another drink. Was he afraid of hanging around and letting Alex see his raging hard-on?

Too late.

Alex had noticed it and got hard instantaneously. He was so hard he’d thought about going into the bathroom and rubbing himself until he felt relieved. Somehow, he knew relief wouldn’t come from masturbation so he decided against it.

Besides how would he explain his long absence?

No. Alex had suffered through.

When he asked if he could crash at his friend’s house he’d had an ulterior motive. He wanted to see if things would be different when they were alone. He wanted to know if Rick would mention how his body reacted to Alex’s.

He didn’t. In fact, he’d never mentioned it once. Even when they entered Rick’s apartment, he never said a word. He retrieved the blanket and pillow for him, before heading to his room.

 One thing was certain; Rick couldn’t get out of the living room quick enough.

It was like he was afraid of what would happen if he stayed too long. Could he be wrestling with the same feelings Alex was? He wasn’t sure, but he didn’t want to act on it just yet. If his friend did have feelings for him, he wanted to address it before he had to leave.

Knowing Rick was waiting for him would make his transition much easier. 

Alex wondered if he should go into Rick’s room and see if he was still awake. If he was, they could talk about what had happened. Worry settled into the pit of his stomach. What if Rick did feel something, but refused to act on it? What if he rejected Alex?

Alex couldn’t handle being rejected by his best friend. He cared for him too much. He didn’t want to ruin the friendship they had by stepping over any lines. No, it was best for him to stay put on the couch. If Rick wanted him, he would have to be the one to make the first move. That way, Alex wouldn’t be treading into uncertain waters.

Disappointed, but satisfied with his decision, Alex closed his eyes and tried to concentrate on anything other than his aching balls.

An hour later he was still struggling with the tightness in his crotch. He thought about relieving himself numerous times but was afraid of Rick walking in on him or worse—overhearing his moans.

Unable to fight the urge, Alex jumped off the couch and headed toward Rick’s bedroom.

“Fuck it.” He had nothing to lose at this point— except his friendship with Rick

Editing

I'm currently editing my current wip to get it submitted by the 2/15 deadline...oh and I'm leaving to go out of town on the 14th. So only 2 days of editing.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Resolutions and Goals

Did you make any resolutions or set any goals for yourself? This year I decided not to. What I did do is set up a new writing schedule, which includes some non-fiction too. January is over and how did I do?

Pretty damn good if I say so myself. The book I started at the beginning of the year is currently at 24K and will be completed and submitted next week.

I subbed another book and a series proposal to one publisher. In my non-fiction I subbed four short stories. I researched, wrote and subbed five queries. Overall I’d say 2013 is off to a great start.

I also decided 2013 is the year for me to reclaim my health and get back in shape. So, while I’m almost back to normal health, I’m taking the exercise slow. I’m walking a mile a few times a week. I have a surgery in March to help one of my health problems.

I’m taking the steps to find a new job and building a foundation to write full time.  

All in all this year is going to be a great year. I feel it.

How about you?

Reviews

Taking the good with the bad.

Lately I’ve received an influx of reviews. There’s been a mixture of good and bad. I’m happy to say most have been positive. It’s the negative that sometimes leave me baffled.

One reviewer said if you can get past the heroine, the book was good. First and foremost I’d like to say, thanks for taking the time to buy and read my book. I really, really do appreciate it. More than you’ll know…I’m just confused. The heroine is a huge part of the book. If you don’t like her how did you like the book?

Talking with two other authors we’ve come to the conclusion we really need to look at the review itself. Is it poorly written, could the reviewer have a bone to pick? I’m not referring to the review above when I ask these questions. I’m asking them in general.

The truth is when I go back and re-read some of the reviews I have to take the comments with a grain of salt.

You can benefit from reviews though, even the negatives. I believe we can grow from others comments and critiques.

Another thing I hear a lot is “the book was great, I just wish it were longer.” I believe I’m not alone here. A lot of writer’s get this. In the beginning I’d get pissed and want to scream. It’s a f*ing novella, it’s supposed to be short. Now I’ve decided to look at the positive side of it. The reviewer wanted more. He/she wished it were longer because they liked it and craved more.

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. :o) Besides, it feels better when you see it in a positive light.

Yes, I read reviews. It’s just part of the writing game. What I don’t do is allow them to consume me with grief and heartache. I accept that it’s one or more person’s opinion and they have a right to express how they feel. How I interpret those opinions is up to me. 

In My Writing Cave

I’m writing a themed book under a deadline of 2/15 so I’m busy. Wish I could post something thought provoking, but yeah, right. That’s not me. LOL

Happy New Year!

I'm on the road today and unable to post anything. Wishing you all Health and Happiness in the new year! 

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas - Release Day

Merry Christmas to all of my fellow SSS and our followers. Today is release day for me. Hope you enjoy the little taste.

Buy Link


Blurb:

Trust isn't something Patience Middleton gives very often, especially in the bedroom. She's been looked at as a slut for wanting more than a vanilla sex life. When she meets William LaBorde he's offering everything she wants which is a whole lot more than she can handle. He wants to know all her deepest darkest desires, plus he's sexy, sweet and willing to make all her fantasies come true.

Patience gives in briefly until William gives her a familiar look of what she perceives as disgust. It takes some doing, but eventually he convinces her his only wish is to make her happy in the bedroom, against the wall or under the Christmas tree.

Things go awry again, though, when Patience's dream fantasy turns into a nightmare. Can William save the day and will she finally give herself to him; body, heart and soul?

Excerpt:

“What brings you here tonight?” She didn’t notice a wedding band, but that didn’t mean anything. He probably had a small child who wanted one of the hot new toys. She didn’t envy him. She didn’t have the first clue what children liked. If it weren’t for her sister’s request, she’d likely just give Kyle a gift card and be done with it.

Maneuvering the toy department never had been her thing.

“My friend’s child could use some cheering up. Father’s been gone for a bit.”

Was that sadness in his eyes? Her heart swelled; his story touched her. He truly cared for his friend’s child.

“Funny, me too. My nephew. Do you have any children?” Nothing like getting right to the point. Not that she wouldn’t be interested in him if he had children; she’d prefer her man to be completely hers.

What the hell was she thinking? She wasn’t going to be dating this man. She’d just met him. She knew nothing about him except he had a soft side toward children. And she certainly wasn’t going to engage in a relationship with him. She didn’t need the headaches, but cozying up to his big, strong body did sound appealing.

“No kids. You?”

“Nah. I’m not ready for them yet. Maybe in five, six years.” She figured thirty-five was a good age to have children. By then she’d be done traveling or doing whatever the hell she wanted.

“Seems reasonable. I like the idea of children now, but I’d be willing to wait too.” He tilted his head and flashed a grin.

Patience laughed despite herself. He was flirting. She liked that.

“When should we get married?” Again, she couldn’t believe the words slipping from her mouth.

He pretended to look at a watch on his wrist. “I’m free in a few hours. I’m sure there’s a justice of the peace out there willing to perform the ceremony.”

“I believe my calendar is free too.” Patience played along with his game.

“Seriously, though, I’d like to take you to breakfast or coffee after this, if you’re really free.”

How did she answer that? She was free, but should she go with him, alone? He was funny and cute. It was just breakfast, after all. They’d be in a public place.

“Sure, why not?”

“Great! Do me a favor. Keep my spot, and I’ll be right back.”

“Okay.” She found it strange that he decided to take off after agreeing to breakfast, but he said he’d be right back. Hopefully no one would get upset when he returned and cut the line. He wouldn’t really be cutting, but those who weren’t here to see him wouldn’t realize that.

She watched as he jogged off into the parking lot. She lost him in the mix of cars.

When twenty minutes passed and he didn’t return, she wondered if William had been real or a figment of her imagination. She didn’t have time to worry, though. The store would open, and she had to fight off the cold numbing her toes.