Coral-600: Release Day!

It's RELEASE DAY!

Those words have more than one meaning when you're talking about erotic romance, don't they?

I got some wine delivered to me by Club W . Because really....wine delivered to your door...is there any better way to celebrate?

The cold popped the cork for me!

Coral-600 is the story of a robotic virgin who realizes she has more than just magnetic charge turning her gears. I'm so happy to have her finally out in the world. I loved the idea of a woman embracing her sexuality with such excitement. I found a fun way to let that excitement out with Coral.

My hope is she makes you smile as much as she did me. 

BLURB:

Pleasure is not a malfunction.

The DMA Files, Book 1

Coral-600 is the first and only one of her kind. An artificial intelligence prototype with realistic skin over her metal frame, she was deemed too expensive for mass production and gifted to the royal family.

She cannot legally have a relationship with a human, and it never entered her electronic brain to want more—to break the law. Until she meets Quinn, and her DNA-enhanced skin tingles with a completely new sensation. Desire.

His body damaged beyond repair in the war, Quinn survived—barely—by agreeing to have much of it rebuilt. His royal relatives have taken him in, but it’s tough adjusting to a body that doesn’t come with instructions. 

As Coral helps Quinn cope with his new body, the connection between them reaches the melt-down point. But unless she can convince the authorities that humanity runs deeper than flesh and bone, she’ll have her CPU wiped clean—permanently.

Product Warnings

This book contains artificial and natural flavors, lubricant (lots and lots of lubricant), and fun with oh-so-hard drives.

Buy it NOW from all e-book retailers who know how to have a good time.

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

KOBO

ALL ROMANCE

SAMHAIN PUBLISHING


So while I am cuddling under my blankets with a glass of wine and hiding from the below zero temperatures outside, tell me what you think of my robobabe! She's got a little bit of heat to warm you up during the polar vortex.

~Roxy

The World Needs More #Robosex

Yes. I used a hashtag in my post title. I'm making this take off. It's a thing. (At least it will be if I keep using it.)

The finalized forms have come back in, and I officially have a contract in for 2016!

Yes, you read that right. Over a year from now.

One of the things that shocked me the most about the publishing world is how long everything takes. I am not published with one of the large houses, but I truly believe that I am published with one of the best small presses out there. Samhain Publishing put out books I was always chomping at the bit to get my hands on as a reader, and now they publish the ones I write. (I still am in awe of that...seriously.)

But...getting things done well takes time. There's paperwork, edits, cover art, edits, marketing plan, edits, blurb writing, and yes...more edits. And all that needs to be done well in advance of release day, because all of that beauty gets formatted into one glorious file by the magicians behind the scenes.

So, with that in mind, if I want something published with this quality, and through this publishing machine of awesomeness, I have to get things moving quickly.

I am excited to say, that thanks to the encouragement (read hard push from through the computer) from my editor, my little quirky #robosex novella, Coral-600, is turning into a series! This book takes my favorite secondary character from Coral-600 and lets her tell her story. Get to know Paisley in my novella next month, and you will see why she HAD to have a book of her own.

I am a reader too, so I understand that a year is a REALLY long time to wait, so while you are waiting, make sure to mark your TBR pile to include Coral-600.

Here are some links for your wishlist and pre-order pleasure.

Goodreads

Samhain Publishing

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

KOBO





I am working hard on getting myself organized for the new year, and I'll post up a bit about the system I am using later, because I am really excited about it.

2015 is going to be exciting with four releases, but I am working my hardest to make sure I keep writing more as well, because I know I need to plan ahead. Here's to hoping I get my schedule filled all the way into 2017!

Happy New Year, and happy reading.

~Roxy

My Job vs. My Career

I've seen some of my friends and some of my co-workers a bit discouraged lately. I thought I'd share how I changed my outlook by simply changing the labels I put on myself.

I have a writing "career". I have a "job" working in retail hell. Those two terms help me separate them in my brain. Let me explain how this keeps me mildly sane.

I have worked at the same place for over a decade. They pay me, and I have put in enough time there that I have accrued some perks. But I don't love it there. I don't feel like I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing.

I am the type of person who firmly believes that we have a path we are destined to follow. I feel like I'm on that path when I'm writing. Don't get me wrong. I don't think I will ever feel like I'm an old pro at this writing gig. There are always changing trends, changing sales practices, and if anyone tells you they know exactly where the technology associated with the ebook revolution is going...well I will call them a liar to their face.

We are all trying to keep up as the publishing world changes and grows. I've been reading ebooks since 2009, and I know I was nowhere near being a part of the the initial wave of ereaders. Even in these past five years, I have seen so much change in the publishing world. I can't imagine where we will be in a decade. I'm just fastening my seatbelt and grabbing some popcorn as I go along for the ride.

I have only been a published author for a year, but I know in my heart that this is my career. This is my path. Unfortunately my mortgage company could give a rat's ass that my job that pays me money isn't where my heart is. And really, if I'm honest, even my heart wants WiFi.

Therefore I must endure the evil day job. I have had to turn on my "customer service smile" (anyone who has worked in retail knows this smile). I've gone to work the day after book release day. Feeling that new book high is sharply contrasted when someone talks down to you like you are dirt because you are in a service industry.

I was going a little nuts and losing heart, but then I decided I'm done labeling myself as a peon. I am a published author. No one can take that away from me. And next year I get to touch a real paper book with my name on it.

This is my career. This is how I define myself. I changed my social media to reflect that I'm an author. It felt awesome. It might not pay the bills yet, but that's what my job is for.

Whenever someone looks down their nose at me, I remind myself I am just doing a job. I am doing a job that lets me embrace my career.

If you work in Retail, you appreciate Retail Robin as much as I do.

Sometimes it gets to me. I'm not going to lie. BUT...I'm working towards a career that I have already taken the first steps towards.

This career is a roller coaster. The highs of a great review are definitely punctuated with the lows of the Library Journal hating your book. You'll get a reader contacting you and asking for more and the same day you'll find out that there is a twitter account dedicated to your undoing.

Roller coaster or not, I plan on pulling the safety bar across my lap and asking for another ride. Because this is my career. Maybe someday I'll be able to write those pesky mortgage checks from book sales. Maybe I'll be able to do more than that. Who knows.

Right now...I'm working towards the career I want. Right now I'm putting words on paper, because right now is pretty darn amazing.

I have a career as a published author. My job...eh...let's call that research.

IT'S MY BIRTHDAYS! (Yes, that's meant to be plural)

My hubby. My heart. My support.

I am posting some random memories from my journey on here. Look at the pretty pictures while I get sentimental.

Let me tell you a story...

Once upon a time, I wanted to be a writer. I was thirteen. I was devouring a series that was about a teenage detective. I think her name began with a J. 

My editing t-shirt.

Following the story arc had me salivating to put my own spin on it. My VERY patient teacher (Thank you Mrs. Hinkleman) put up with me turning in chapters of my own middle grade book. 

This was before kids turned in projects from computers. I had to write it out longhand. I remember turning in dozens and dozens of pages. The story rambled, and probably made sense to no one but me. I loved every hand cramp I got.

I got distracted in high school by what I was supposed to do. By sophomore year I was expected to start thinking about college. At the age of sixteen, I decided that I needed to be responsible and pick a major based on marketability of skills, and I knew darn well that English majors tended to end up teaching. 

I should never teach. Trust me. I did the world a favor.

Aside from a few poems and random journaling, I left writing behind. I graduated, got married, and bought a home. I had bills to pay, and had to be responsible.

My Sexy, Spicy, Fun Roxy button.
If you ever want one, just send me
an email. I'll drop one in the USPS.

About five years ago, I was broke. (Student loans are scary things.) And I went to the library, because I didn't have money to do anything else. It was the best thing I ever did. I rediscovered my love for genre fiction. 

I read EVERYTHING. And then I found the kindle. *angels singing*

After the kindle, came Goodreads and the wonderful women (and a few brave men) of Kindle Smut. The words "This is the dirtiest book I've ever read" were uttered, and I never looked back.

Erotic romance invaded my life, and I found my home.

The next few years were a happy blur of kindred spirits, book conferences, and finally...my writing hand itching again.

October 1st 2013 was my birthday. I turned 33, and although I couldn't pay any bills with this new gig, I was never prouder of myself than getting to say the words, "I'm a published author." 

My very first book published at Samhain

I still can't pay my bills yet, but I'm doing something I love, and something tells me I've started the journey of my heart. I'm where I'm supposed to be.

Meeting Lexi Blake for the second time.
I'm pretty sure I actually formed words.

I would write "The End" to finish up this story, but my story's not over yet.  I'm just beginning, and to celebrate the joy I feel as I head out into this strange and wonderful world, I wanted to give something back. 

So your reward for listening to me be sentimental and cheesy on my birthday is a chance to win a $25 eGift Card (Samhain, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble). 

Just comment below. What is your dream? Are you following it?  Tell me what you're doing for your soul, tell me something happy, or tell me Happy Birthday. I'm easy today. (Just don't tell my hubby)

This giveaway will be open for comments until Oct 13th at midnight EST. I can't wait to talk happy things with all of you. 

Bringing Booty Back.
Happy Birthday to
Both Me's.

                                                                          ~Roxy

Hottest Hero...the Play-at-Home Edition! (Round 2)

First, I again want to say thank you so so so so (you get the idea...I'd give you all inappropriately long hugs) much for voting for Craig in the Hottest Hero Contest. He's a beta at heart and really doesn't go for the spotlight anyway.

But since he prepped all kinds of goodies for the ARe contest I thought you'd like to see how he responded to the call for the prompts.

So in Round 2 we get to read about our hero's first kiss with his heroine (or hero).

Craig and Mary had a very non-traditional first kiss. Let's call it a first lick.

Love's a Witch Excerpt

Thoughts of sharing a room with Mary started to trickle into my brain, and in the next instant there she was standing in front of me. Blue diamond eyes looked up into mine. It was like I’d called her.

“Are you coming?” She had no idea how the buzz she had going made her words sound. The question should have been innocent enough. It was her breathlessness at hurrying into the room, and the way her pupils dilated that had very un-innocent thoughts banging around in my brain.

I couldn’t help the growl. “Not yet.”

She stepped back, shook herself off a bit, and then started backing into the doorway. “Oh…well…um…don’t blame me if Amber eats your food. She’s been eating a lot. Even for her. And…well…your choice. Ow!”

She tripped and fell on her butt, a ripple bouncing through her frame. How was a guy not supposed to think of her breasts bouncing for other, much more fun, reasons? I grabbed her hand to help her up. 

Lacking some of my famous self-control, I pulled a little hard. A squeak from her and she crashed into me. Her soft curves felt amazing pressed against my body. A deep breath and I knew I wasn’t the only one affected. She was getting wet just being close to me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a bad looking guy. I was used to having women respond to me, but this was different. Hers was a scent I couldn’t ignore, and it caused my wolf to fight harder.

“Save me a plate, Mary. I’ll be in there in a minute.”

“Uh huh.” Making women breathless was fun. Making Mary breathless was dangerous.

This was something more than playful. Before my brain could process anything else, something on her neck really caught my attention. Right where her collarbone met the veins tracing delicately along the column of her throat I could see her pulse. I tilted my head to get a better look. She squirmed against me. She was getting wetter being held. So little Mary had some submissive tendencies. Interesting.

I couldn’t stop staring at that spot. What was that? I hated mysteries. Investigation was necessary. My wolf suddenly grabbed the reigns and he pushed my tongue from my mouth. I started laving Mary’s neck. She stiffened, but immediately softened with a moan. Her scent surrounded me and gave my wolf even more hold. I was drunk on her, and let my wolf hold my body up.

Then my teeth lengthened. A bone jarring feeling that hit me when I scraped them against her supple skin. It was the only thing that made me take the control back. Cold washed over me as my wolf’s intentions became all too obvious to my human brain.

He wanted more than sex from this woman. My wolf wanted Mary as his mate. She was mine. This was exactly what I had been trying to avoid. She couldn’t be mine. This wasn’t how it was supposed to happen.

Mary was still in my arms. She arched her back. The softness of her belly pressed against an erection that had a mind of its own. My wolf grabbed hold of my lust and pushed through. She smelled so good. I needed just one more taste. Just a little one.

Currently available at : ALL ROMANCE

                                      AMAZON

                                      BARNES & NOBLE

                                      KOBO

                                      SAMHAIN PUBLISHING STORE

                   

So there you have the first time Craig's tongue met Mary's neck. It's one of my favorite scenes in the book. 

I still remember the first kiss with my hubby, and I try to remember that feeling of a big ball of destiny knocking the breath from my body whenever I write one of these scenes. While everyone comes together in different ways, there is always that moment, and I felt like this was the moment for Craig. 

Don't forget to get your votes in over at ARe!  I'm making sure to support the wonderful authors who keep me in great stories. And thank you all again for the nomination, and the votes. It really was an honor to be up on the page with so many people I respect so highly.

~Roxy

Release Day Recap...Did That Really Happen?

I expected a sale or two.  I expected to watch my rankings for a couple of hours before they dropped, and I expected to have a slice or three of birthday cake. (Or five)

What happened on October first was so much more.  I began the day doing dishes.  Complete glam life, am I right?  But dammit, I wanted some Boo Berry cereal, and we had no clean spoons.

I love Halloween for giving us Boo Berry.

Then I did what any new author would do.  I scampered to my computer and checked out my rankings and ratings.  I watched them climb higher than I would have ever hoped for.  I am not a known player in the writing world.  I am nobody, but I was so lucky to have some amazing people at my back.

Then the super amazing things happened.

I broke into four digit rankings on Amazon!  Sure it was only #9250, but I can tell you that is now my new favorite number.

I moved up the best-sellers list at Samhain Publishing.  I actually hit the top ten for the whole site! 

Then the shoutouts.  OMG the shoutouts.  I got so many birthday wishes and happy release day posts, that I could not possibly name them all.  What I can say is that I slapped my husband frequently that day and squealed, "Holy CRAP! {insert amazeballs person here} just wished me Happy Release Day!"

Then someone knocked on the door, my hubby answered it, because it was my day, and I was wearing comfy pants to enjoy it.

These beautiful flowers were what was at the door.

With a note from a woman I consider an idol in the Erotic Romance Industry.

I won't say who, but if she happens to be reading this I hope she knows that these flowers were an amazing highlight for me, and who they were from made them even more beautiful.

I am still smiling at the pretty pink bouquet.


So my day can't get much better, right?

WRONG.

It was my birthday as well as my release day, and hubby, being the amazing man he is surprised me with this...

That is a damn near life-sized framed poster of my book cover.  It's hanging right next to my signed books shelf.  He told me that when he sets up my writing office, that is going right behind my desk.  He said it's to remind me where my writing career started.  I think he might be enjoying Amber a bit, too, but the sentiment was so sweet, and the fact that hubby walked into the store and printed out a huge erotic romance book cover and then walked out with my cover blazing earned him big brownie points.

Needless to say, I am on a major high by this point.  The day is winding down, and I am trying (very unsuccessfully) to tear myself away from the computer.  Then my cell phone dings to give me a notification.

It let me know that the Kindle Smut group on Goodreads, had chosen my book as one of their Featured Reads for October!

It was a good thing Hubby stayed home to feed me, otherwise I wouldn't have left the couch to eat.

The next day was just as incredible.

A lovely woman sent me a message.  Just three sentences, but it told me she read my book, she loved it, and she was waiting for book two.  Just so you know, dear reader, you were the icing on my birthday cake...that I totally had for breakfast the next morning.

I got reviews!  I had people talking about my book.  And many of them enjoyed it.

Now.  This is when it winds down, right?  This is when I slide back into obscurity?

Not yet, at least.  I get the Samhain Publishing newsletter.  My own cover is staring back at me.  I AM ONE OF THE FEATURED BOOKS FOR OCTOBER!  *dies*

***NOTE***  If you buy my book through Samhain Publishing and enter the coupon code "FALLREADS" you can have 30% off the price through October 31st.

Then I get a DM on Twitter.  Did I see the newsletter?  Well heck yeah, I saw the Samhain Newsletter!

She tells me, no, not that one...the All Romance Ebooks Newsletter!

Nope.  Not joking.  Off to the right hand side of that email blast was my book, tagline, and buy link.

So here I sit today.  My mouth is slightly ajar, and my eyes are fuzzy from staring at the screen, but I am insanely happy.  Thank you everyone for the start you gave me.  I could never pay you back, but I hope I can pay it forward.  Just know that you all had a huge part in this.  All I did was let the voices in my head hit the paper.

For everyone that read my little corner of crazy...words will never express my gratitude.  But words are all I have so...

Thank you.

Roxy