The Lost books…
My first book, Erotic Research, was published in March 2008. Since then, I have been EXTREMELY blessed to contract and release 33 more ebooks! I look at that number and pretty much freak out. I wake up every day feeling like the luckiest person on the planet. Some of my books have sold extremely well (like blow-my-mind well). Eastern Ambitions recently hit the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists and I'm still shaking my head in "dream come true, holy hell, pinch me" amazement.
Other books, however, have fallen into what I call my "lost books" category. I have several books I've loved that (for whatever reason) readers didn't go for. I have lots of conversations with writer friends, my editors, and others in the publishing industry about what makes a book sell. Today…I'm asking for your help, for your expert opinions as readers and consumers.
Below are my "lost books." I'm going to post the cover, the blurb and an excerpt. Here's what I'm asking. Based on what you see, what would keep you from buying that book? Cover? Genre? Subject matter? Maybe it's a book you didn't know existed. I'm genuinely curious what you look for when selecting a book.
In fact…let's make it a contest. One commenter will win their choice of one of my "lost" ebooks.
Lost Book #1 – Do Over
Sometimes once is not enough…
After twenty-five years of marriage, Faith Wainwright wonders what she'll do next. Her kids have moved out and sometimes she feels so distant from her husband, Troy.
Right before their anniversary, Troy gives Faith an unexpected gift: a journey through their hometown to reenact all their "firsts". Their first date. Their first kiss. And especially the first time they made love—only better.
Each stop on their tour becomes an opportunity for Faith and Troy to rediscover how explosive their passion could be. Now Faith knows exactly what she's going to do—Troy, over and over again….
Read an Excerpt.
Lost Book #2 – Covert Lessons
Gangs are taking over the hallways of Lowell High School. Desperate to save her alma mater, English teacher Kelly Finch reaches out to at-risk students in an effort to steer them from more dangerous pursuits. Still, gang activity is rising, and when the superintendant seeks help from an undercover task force, Kelly is forced to play host to the most arrogant, infuriating, sexy man she's ever met—Lt. Jared McNally.
The opinionated pair clash constantly, especially when Mac sets his sites on Kelly's favorite student. As the intensity of the mission grows, so does their attraction, leading to an erotic "punishment" for Kelly when she consistently disregards her own safety.
But the stubborn beauty's devotion to her students continues to bring her closer to the escalating gang violence. If Mac can keep her safe long enough, she'll definitely need a few more sensual, covert lessons.
Publisher Note: For more sexy suspense featuring staff from Lowell High, check out Retreat.
Excerpt of Covert Lessons.
Lost Book #3 – Slam Dunk
Slam Dunk Black & White Collection, Book 6
Who says you can only score on the court?
When Ellie "Hottie" Hunter lands a job teaching science in the same high school as Trey Donovan, he knows the basketball gods are smiling on him. He's in need of an assistant coach and Ellie fits the bill perfectly. In fact, if Trey plays his cards right, Ellie may be his perfect match off the court as well as on.
Ellie's coming out of a bad relationship that not only broke her heart, but cost her the job she loved. Turning over a new leaf, she approaches her fresh start with a positive attitude and new rule—no more workplace romances. Unfortunately, her undeniable sexual attraction to Trey weakens that resolve. Maybe she could fudge the rule…just a little. Casual sex doesn't count, right?
Right?
Warning: Lots of red-hot, half-dressed court presses complete with sex toys, food, bubble baths, strip poker and, oh yeah, balls.
Read Excerpt.
Lost Book #4 – Because of You
Because of YouSometimes what you're looking for is closer than you think.
Jessie's life is a mess. In the eight hellish months since her husband died in a freak accident, she's been mugged, her house has been trashed, and now she's receiving frightening pranks calls. Still, she resists a friend's offer of a weekend getaway—her grief is too fresh to consider meeting anyone new.
Then again, since it's a party for gay men, there won't be any pressure, right?
ER doctor Caleb James feels perfectly at ease among his gay brother's friends, but one look at Jessie sparks a sexual tension that's impossible to ignore. A few drinks and a few hours of conversation later, things move a lot faster than either of them expects. Jessie is left confused and Caleb aches with regret—and love for a woman who is still guarding her heart.
Pressure is the last thing she needs. But as it becomes apparent that her string of misfortunes trace back to her husband's death, help is what she's going to get. Caleb's help…ready or not.
Warning: This title contains a two adults playing doctor. But that's okay, one of them is licensed to practice. A prescription for extra-strength Kleenex may be required.
Excerpt for Because of You.
Lost Book #5 – No Recourse
June Girls, book oneThey say lightning doesn't strike twice, but it might with the passing of two hundred years…and a little magic.
2008 is one year that Hayley Garland would like to forget. Devastated by the disappearance of her best friend, she's spent the year in limbo. But now she's back to where it all went wrong. Returning to Fernwood Grange in the hopes of finding out what really happened to Erin seemed like a good idea, but Hayley can't find anything more than a stormy English night and an old oak tree. If only she could go back in time….
Captain Jack Campbell is searching the Dover shoreline for another missing girl. Racing through the woods, he's caught in a sudden downpour. Drenched and in need of shelter, Jack is stopped short when lightning strikes a tree in his path. The split trunk reveals a young woman, in obvious pain, and he reaches out to her just before she loses consciousness.
Desperate to find Julia, a local woman who has disappeared recently, and escape the powerful storm, he heads to a small cabin in the woods, determined to question the unconscious woman in his arms. Little does he know, Hayley is not what she appears to be, and this woman is about to change his future drastically. Because in Jack's world the year is 1818.
EXCERPT of No Recourse here.
