Groovy Lee's Blog, page 4

New cover

Hello, Everyone

I am so excited about my new cover for my next romance novel: AS MY WIFE. If you remember, I was going to name it WIFE FOR HIRE, but there are too many romance novels by that name already out. I think the new title sounds better. Do you?

It will be released Jan. 19, 2015 or maybe a week earlier. In the meantime, check out the cover on my website: http://www.groovylee.com.

My brilliant cover designer, Brandi, did such a wonderful job. I hope you think so, too.

Thanks, everyone!

And the winners are

I would like to take the time to announce the winners who voted on which book they would like to see released in a few months. They are:

Edna, Sylvia, Laura, Julie, and Samina. I'd like to thank you so much, and I hope I don't disappoint you.

The book is coming along just fine. It should be ready on time. I hope I can come up with a better title than "Wife for Hire", though. I think there's another book by that name.

If anyone has an idea, I'd like to hear it. You can read my synopsis to this book on one of my posts or my website:
http://groovylee.com/

Thank you and take care.

Thank you and Ask the author

First of all, I just want to say thank you to those who voted on which book they would like to see released in Jan.

"Wife for Hire" was chosen most. (I wonder if it has anything to do with the master bedroom at the end of the hall with the King-sized bed?) Just kidding!!

Also, I forgot to mention that I'm part of Goodreads' Ask the author. So, come on over and ask me anything about me, my books, what I'm working on, why?... I am so excited about a storyline clear out of the romance and suspense stuff I usually write about, but more about that later.

I need to start working on the winner. I hope I don't disappoint the ones that took their time out to vote, they are so excited about it. (worried look)

And I got a new fan today!! Thank you, Lillian!! Yaaaay!

Thanks!

Suspense readers get a free copy for reviews!

Hello, suspense readers

Although I cherish the reviews I've received for "Cause She's a Good Girl", my first suspense novel, I would love to get some reviews posted on Goodreads and Amazon.
If you're interested you can contact me at atreyhu@att.net, or here. Leave your contact information and I will gift you a copy.

Cause She's a Good Girl

SYNOPSIS: Piper Banion spent most of her eighteen years trying to do the impossible—gain her abusive mother’s love. But the older she gets, the more she realizes that a parent’s undying love is something you don’t have to vie for, compromise your principles for, nor beg for in your prayers. Connie will always see her as a “worthless burden”. Still, it was hard making that life-altering decision that freed Piper from the chains of her defective childhood.

After five years of wandering from one small town to the next, she finds a true friend in Shelly Jamison, a runaway mom, slash, devout party girl, and outspoken rebel against the rich and powerful—her family included. Following the not-so-surprising pink slips they received one Monday, coupled with the alley fight between her and Shelly’s boy-toy, Tomas, Piper finally gives in to her friend’s invitation to spend the summer at her family’s estate in Destin, California. At last, she gets to meet Shelly’s S.E.X.Y. cousin Oz Jamison.

Oz owns a PR firm in Seattle, Washington. Hardly a day goes by that he can’t turn a corner without being asked those headache-provoking questions: “Are you Prince? Would you sign my Purple Rain DVD? Touch my copy of your latest CD? Better yet, touch me instead?” With skin the color of smooth vanilla, and the sensual glint in those caramel-brown eyes, even a pledged virgin like Piper has to fight off the lure of his sexuality. She opts instead for a friendship based on their shared abusive backgrounds while he house-sits for his aunt and uncle during the summer.

Piper is determined to forge a better life in California. But the collective cries of nine murdered women reaching out to her from those weekly news bulletins suspends that task. Someone is killing all the women she comes into contact with, and there seems to be a connection. What is it? She doesn’t know, what she does know is that they all stared into the eyes of the Silk Stocking Serial Killer before they were murdered. Piper’s “pureness” was the trump card that enabled her to walk away from the rage that consumes him and the lives of his unsuspecting victims. But the next time they meet, a head start is all she’ll get.

In the chaos off trying to get away, she learns that Shelly has disappeared. A muffled voice over the phone claims responsibility; And it’s not the Silk Stocking Serial Killer who’s daring her to come rescue her friend.

Thanks! http://groovylee.com/

Romance readers help me choose--get a free copy

Hello, Everyone, I've started to work on two new releases. The suspense novel is going to take a bit longer, but I plan to release a romance novel in Jan. 2015. My problem is, I need help choosing which one to start on, I can't decide. That's where you come in. Listed below are three novels up for consideration: Campdon Court--Forever In your Eyes--and Wife for Hire (temporary title)

The first four of you who email me with the story they would like to see released next year will get a KINDLE gifted copy of the one that was chosen the most when it's released. (Deadline for this is Oct. 24) Of course, if you don't care for any of the storylines, I am still grateful for your input.

(Side note): I am such a dummy. It took me this long to figure out how to "gift" a book. And this is the only way I know how to give an ebook away free besides Kindle's free promotion. (not my favorite) I love giving some of my books away free. If I didn't have to eat or pay bills, I would give all my books away for free, I just love writing.(now back to the subject)

Next, I would love to receive some reviews on the two romances I have on Kindle: "Invitation to Love and Under the Harvest Moon." If any of you would like to review one of them, I will "gift" the KINDLE book you choose to the first three that contact me. Be sure to leave your email address. And don't worry, it will ONLY be used to send you the book. (Deadline for this one is Oct.24.)You can read the synopsis for these books on Amazon. Please make sure these are the types of romances you like to read. Go to my website http://www.groovylee.com and see what level of romance I write.

I plan to put these campaigns on my group forums as well. So remember, if you want a free copy when it's released in Jan., send me the name of the book you would like to see published at my email atreyhu@att.net, or leave a comment here. Thanks, everyone.

CAMPDON COURT

Trina Hines, like her father, is strong-willed with a streak of stubbornness to boot. Quite the contrast to her mild-tempered cousin Celia. Since kindergarten, Trina has always had to defend her from those determined to take advantage of her weakness to please. That’s why she has no other choice but to take her and run off to Europe--incognito. Her just as stubborn father, William J. Hines, CEO of The Washington Forum, has plans to marry Celia off to the heir of his competitor just so the two media conglomerates can merge into a giant dynasty that will “no doubt send the business world into a dizzying spin!”. But Trina refuses to just sit by and allow this to happen. If her father won’t listen to reason, then she’ll do the only sane thing and save her cousin from the biggest mistake of her life.

While traveling, or better yet, flooring it through the enchanting countryside of the Loire Valley in France, a minor car accident forces them to accept the hospitality of the handsome and reclusive Graysen Rains. Trina isn’t there one full day before she suspects he’s living in the valley for more than just its beauty. Why, even the mention of his past in the states, plunges his mood two levels below enthusiastic. Chalk it up to that journalistic eye for a story she inherited from her father, but those alluring brown eyes are so familiar, and she knows there’s a secret hidden behind them—a secret that’s connected to a tragedy. So, while her cousin recuperates, and before she leaves the grounds of Campdon Court, she means to know exactly what it is.

But it will take a while; just one look and a slight smile from Graysen and she instantly forgets her plans of sniffing out the truth. That night she accompanied him to a charity ball still has her insides in an upheaval from the imprint of his taut body against her weak-knee’d frame as they slow danced—one dance, mind you. It’s a good thing Stephan Rogers entered the picture. Mix his vibrancy, his wittiness, and his zest for life in a shaker, and out would pour unadulterated fun—a welcomed diversion for Trina; Anything to keep away the sensual excitability Graysen evokes whenever he’s near; Anything to avoid her true feelings that have been growing since she first set eyes on him.

She can’t understand why Graysen would question her relationship with Stephan. All he could ever be is a dear friend. On the other hand, when Celia and Stephan meet, the magnetism between them becomes highly obvious. But then, she can’t help noticing that Celia’s relationship with Graysen has grown into something rather special on top of it. (It seems Celia has two suitors)

Talk about a love triangle; this is an outright square, with Trina having to carry her love for Graysen in silence.
She finally discovers his deep secret. But it’s nothing compared to the one he’s about to confess, one she has never expected.

FOREVER IN YOUR EYES

Carla Winstead is a professional plus-sized model—if you call a size ten plus-size. She loves her job, her grandmother, and her two childhood friends, Joseph Ridley and Preston James. She has everything she needs—or does she? She thought so, until she returned home after a modeling job and the man she thought only as her best friend somehow took on a new meaning. She has always been able to ignore those flutters in her stomach whenever Joe would look at her and smile with such intimacy. Even at times when they would joke around and wrestle for the last cup of coffee, the need to stay captivated in his arms seemed no big deal. But now, it’s a big deal. She can’t say what triggered it, but her love for him is refusing to stay dormant and she can’t ignore the inevitable anymore.

She knows how futile it would be to even think about giving in to such feelings; For one thing, Joe has a new girlfriend, Marla, and it looks as if she’s in his life to stay. So, moments of self-therapy to keep it all in prospective will have to do.

Enter Preston, an untiring grab-life-by-the-horns musician who concocts an idea that will get Joe’s true feelings for her to stir from its secret chambers. But Carla didn’t think for one minute their little scheme would work. Preston may think Joe has deeper feelings for her locked away, but she’s not so sure; And he’s certainly not about to fall for the announcement of her and Preston being a couple to evoke jealousy when he returns from an overseas trip. But Preston is adamant they press on—Joe will crack.

Carla was prompted to think long and hard about this. What if he doesn’t? And Preston’s speculations of Joe’s feelings for her were just that—speculations? Would she prepared to lose her best friend for something that may not even exist? Is she willing to risk the consequences that are beginning to rear its ugly head from their whispered plan? The strain is becoming obvious: Joe’s otherwise good nature is growing thin; and his patience isn’t as long-standing as it used to be with her; Especially when a soda can spinning across the floor ignites a heated exchange instead of inspiring a joke. And as she witnesses Joe and Marla’s relationship growing even more intimate, she tries hard to hold back the tears.

When Joe bursts into her fellow model friend, Nicole’s, apartment and rescue them from her boyfriend’s violent rant, Carla thought for sure the easy-going Joe was back for good; But it was a short-lived truce. Nicole’s circumstances and Prestons’ need for care after a serious car accident, forces all of them to have to move into Joe’s house temporarily which made the fiery stress of staying under the same roof fray the fiber of their friendship even more. And yet, when he reacted to an argument between them with a kiss that had her stunned lips submitting to his; the taste of his fervid exploration filled her with a heady sweetness surmounting any pleasure she’s ever imagined. There’s no turning back. He has bound her to him for life, and being subjugated to a mere friend isn’t enough anymore.

When the strain of it all has her finally giving up, she decides to take the offer to move to New York and sign on with another agency; That way the tension between them could heal and she would get her old friend back. Would it be a wise decision? And why is Preston so insistent she go see Joe one last time before she boards that plane? What in the world could Joe say to stop her?

Wife for Hire (temporary title)

Tina Leggs is an executive secretary for Indio Farrell, the raven-haired, tight-bodied CEO of Farrell industries. From the day she walked into his office to apply for that position, his essence reached down to her very being from those dark sensual eyes of his examining her from head to toe as he sat so self-assured behind that huge oak desk. Something inside her changed that moment, and she knew she should have ran the other way when he called the next day and informed her that she had gotten the job. But the need to pay rent and to eat wouldn’t allow it. So, with a deep breath and a seven foot wall of courage encircling her, she kept her true feelings and deep attraction for him under professional control as she went about her daily duties over the next two years. It goes without saying she’s not his type; To dare to even think that is absurd. Besides, she has plans for her future. Just one more year and her dream to be the proud owner of her own pastry shop, "Sugar and Spice", will be more than a blue-print dream.

But Indio halts those plans when his deceased father’s will is finally read. And in order for him to claim his inheritance there’s one provision he must have—A Wife! In his hour of desperation, he makes a deal with her: To marry him and reside as his wife until his inheritance is finalized; After that, she’ll receive a sizeable settlement in return.

Although she practically jumped at the opportunity to open her own business debt free, having to keep her true feelings for her boss under control while they’re married and residing at his vacation home in Canada will prove difficult to say the least. Now that he’s her husband, in name only, mind you, will she be able to keep her professional wall up as they interact on a more personal basis? When he touches her like a cherished wife in front of his mother and sister, will she be able to keep her love for him locked behind that wall of courage? How many excuses can she come up with when they’re alone and the urge to give in to his advances almost overpower her? This is a deal, right? And nowhere in the contract does her duties include the master bedroom at the end of the hall with the king-sized bed. Add to that, his Gucci-wearing, high-maintenance, Mount Vesuvius tempered ex-girlfriend is on the attack to get him back.

When the strain becomes too much, she wonders if she should just hang in there for her "Sugar and Spice" dream, or walk away for the sake of her heart and sanity.

O.K., there you have it. I can't wait to see which one you picked.

Why I love to write vs. Ray Rice

Since the Ray Rice video came to light, there has been a big out-cry against domestic violence--from the NFL to Dr. Phil. It's about time. I wasn’t going to divulge this, but I too, WAS a victim of domestic violence. I alluded to this fact in one of my posts of “Why you will never find me on Facebook”. I made light of the reason that I have an ex out there who would love to find me so he could send me “love letters”. I only wish it was that simple. There’s a good reason why I can’t do a full-blown Facebook social contact kind of thing—I can’t risk him finding me. I’m not going to go into the details of what I went through, or why I stayed so long. There are many reasons why women stay. What’s important is that we support one another, not ask someone in an abusive relationship "why?". When that door opens, she will leave. This is true of Ray Rice’s wife. I look in her eyes and I know why she’s sitting beside him during those press releases with cameras flashing away; Why she didn’t just pack her bags and leave after being knocked out cold, which, believe me, is not the first time. And then on the other hand, I’ll be glad when her door opens and she will leave if he doesn’t change his views on women. In the meantime, let’s support her and all the women in her situation. Only an abused woman knows what she’s going through and why she’s still with him.

This is why my career as an author is so important to me. The main reason is because I love writing so much; I would write for free. But also, this means my financial independence from him. And one day, I will fully accomplish that; To hopefully write novels that are popular enough to allow me to break that last chain that connects me to him. So, I’m going to continue to work hard and reach that goal.

Which brings me to why I love writing romance so much. I call my stories true love stories. I write about the kind of man most of us can only dream about. A man who is not only FINE on the outside, but is twice as beautiful on the inside: Respectful toward all women, your protector, patient, kind. And even when he’s standing before you engulfed in a huge argument, instead of reaching out to do physical harm, all he wants to do is reach out and touch you, to hold you, and assure you of his love; That touch that brings out the passion in him for the woman he loves so much—his soul mate; A red-blooded male filled with desire and passion and wants to express that only to you.

I try to make my hero’s unforgettable. My motto is: If you can’t find Mr. Right in the real world, he’ll always be waiting for you in my EverAfter Romance Series. I do hope I’m doing a good enough job. Have I accomplished that? Feel free to let me know.

In the meantime, this fall I will be very busy on my third romance novel, and second suspense one. So, until they’re finished, I will keep you up-to-date. Thanks Everyone!

Newest release on sale & US Open

Hello readers,

First, as everyone knows, I am a tennis addict, and I really enjoyed the US Tennis Open the last two weeks. I hope all of you tennis addicts enjoyed it too. It was quite pleasant to see newcomers in the men's finals instead of the same ole Federer and Nadal--though I was looking forward to seeing Djokovich play; Congrats to Serena. Also, I'm going to miss not seeing it on CBS anymore. What a low blow to loyal CBS viewers. Oh well...

This is a blog shout-out to let you know that my latest release, "Cause She's a Good Girl", will go on a Kindle countdown deal Friday, Sept.12,2014, starting at .99. Thank you for your support.

thank you readers & G'bye Robin

First, I would just like to say how much I'm going to miss Robin Williams' heartwarming, funny smile; and his natural talent of making you laugh even when you weren't in the mood. He was a beautiful, beautiful man! He definitely comes to mind when we are reminded of that old passage that says: "In the end, your greatest achievement in life will be not how much you loved, but how much you were loved by others". This describes Robin without a doubt.

Moving on: I'm so happy about the good reviews I'm getting for my latest release,'cause she's a good girl'. Not one bad review--yet. Thank you, readers. I'm going to post some of them on my website groovylee.com later this week. They make such interesting stories. People email me and tell me not only how much they like the book, but the interesting experiences that happened from reading it. I promise you I did not make these up. I love them!

Why you won't find me on Facebook!

Why? Because I don't like it. For one thing, they're too restrictive--"You can't spell your name this way, you have to spell it that way", "You can only use your real name,"--No thanks. I have an ex out there who's probably searching Facebook to see if he can find me and start sending me "Love notes", "Send us a photo-ID if you want to change the spelling of your name". Of course, I'll do that. I don't mind being a target of identity theft at all.

Second, it's like you're wide opened, exposed for the entire world to look in on you. Nope.

Third, I really don't know how to work the pages. It's confusing and I'm tired of trying. So, I'll just keep the account to contact a television show or something when I want to like it. So--there.

So, if you want to contact me, fans that I really adore and appreciate, you can do it here on GoodReads, or my email address:
atreyhu@att.net

By the way, thank you so much for the wonderful reviews of my work. I haven't received one bad review from my last book, "Cause she's a good girl". People love it, they really love it. One reader called me amazing. Me! Amazing! And this is why I love to write so much. Please keep the praise coming. I need a big head.

Thank you

Cause She's a Good Girl

It's finally done. Cause She's a Good girl will debut June 1, 2014. I'm so excited! I love the new cover (The last one made me cry for almost a week)Thanks to my great cover designer, I am so proud to finally get this book onto Kindle. I hope all my readers will be entertained. And for those Prince fans who are avid readers, I think you'll like it.

The French Open is here; And you know what that means. But please feel free to contact me and let me know what you think. Hopefully, you'll give me a good review.

Thanks!