© 2007 Gracie C. McKeever

In This Issue:
--Siren Appearances/Chats
--Rapture Publishing, LLC
--What I’m Reading/Recommended Reads
--Shelfari
--Poetry Corner
--PNR Review(s)
--New Reviews (Excerpts)
--This Issue’s Novel Excerpt: Zack and the Dark Shaft: Zara’s Bois 1
--This Issue's Newsletter Contest
--Giveaways/Good Deals/Shameless Promotions and/or Sites That No (Romance) Reader Should be Without
--Odds and Ends

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Welcome back to this issue of The G-Spot!

Movies/DVD’s/Cable: HAIRSPRAY: Caught the morning matinee Saturday before going down to the Harlem Book Fair for the rest of the afternoon and evening. Hadn't seen any of the previous versions, but now after seeing the current movie, I have to say it makes me want to go back and give the Ricki Lake version a try. I had no idea what the storyline was until recently reading the reviews for the current movie, and was pleasantly surprised by the serious, racial theme that did nothing to take away from the light-hearted, laugh-out-loud humor or inspirational, triumphant moments in the movie.The cast is absolutely stellar (newcomer Blonsky, Travolta, Walken, Pfeiffer and Queen Latifah all give stand-out performances) and the song and dance numbers had me tapping my feet and dancing in my seat. This was another great summer movie I definitely recommend!

RUSH HOUR 3: This was your typical buddy-cop movie fare with the chemistry between Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker working over time. The action-from-beginning-to-end formula is serviceable, but it is the comic timing and humor of Tucker and Chan, and Chan’s death-defying athleticism and stunts that take this movie over the top. Not necessarily a summer blockbuster, but definitely an enjoyable and fun popcorn movie of laughs, thrills and spills.

SKIN WALKERS: I had some high hopes for this one, it being a shapeshifter story and all (I do love me some werewolf movies!), but ah, hopes are made to be dashed. After seeing SKINWALKERS I just have two things to say about it: big disappointment and I’m sorry I wasted my money (by the time you read this, I’m sure it will have long ago run its theatrical course). This is what I would call a straight-to-video deal in every way. The story has no cohesiveness, the characters have no depth (the performances weren't too hot either) and it was just a slow, pointless morass with very few highlights. The last time I was this disappointment with a movie in the paranormal genre in recent memory would be when I took in THE COVENANT. Okay, maybe that was more than two things, but you get the point.

THE ILLUSIONIST: I’ve probably mentioned this before, but it bears repeating: I have long been an Edward Norton fan, no more so than since first viewing AMERICAN HISTORY X several years ago. This part in THE ILLUSIONIST is such a departure from that very contemporary and edgy role that it only serves to show how really great and versatile an actor Norton is. Paul Giamanti (another favorite of mine), Rufus Sewell and Jessica Biehl all have noteworthy performances too, but it is the mesmeric delivery of Norton and the encounters between him and Giamanti as they constantly match wits throughout that make this movie a success. This movie wasn’t what I expected at all, and the twist at the end absolutely knocked my socks off. I’m not going to go into too many more details than this for fear of ruining it, but suffice to say, nothing in this movie is what it seems, but it is a perfect example of how healing, magical and redemptive is the power of love. A must see for Edward Norton fans and romantic mystery/suspense!

BALLS OF FURY: Silly fun, silly movie with lots of physical comedy and some good sight gags. The lead was, to me, a no-name. George Lopez had a nice comedic, side-kick turn, Maggie Q (of LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD) was at her bad-ass best and had a pretty good comedic turn herself. Cute romance with the “leading man”. All in all, not too lame a time at the movies. I’ve seen much worse. The kids (my nephews and niece) enjoyed it okay.

SNAKES ON A PLANE: Starring the ubiquitous Samuel L. Jackson, this one wasn’t as bad as I was led to believe by the critics and some friends. Lots of action, some suspense, I actually found the fast-paced plot not too unoriginal. All in all, not a bad action adventure outing. Perfect cable watching.

RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION: Part Night of the Living Dead, part 28 Weeks Later, with a smidgen of Aliens for good measure and featuring the now-familiar gun-toting, kick-ass, rag-tag survivors-cum-heroes-and-heroines, this was a pretty decent sci-fi horror flick. The acting--as is not always the case in these zombie-fests where the focus is on the blood, gore and spectacularly choreographed killings and death scenes--is serviceable. Milla Jovovich is a natural and always has been from one of her first appearances in The Fifth Element (a part where she had almost no English dialogue). Ashanti does an admirable job in a minor role, Ali Larter is solid as the leader of the convoy, and Oded Faher....ah, what can a say about this sexy piece of eye-candy who can also act and of course has an integral role in the forward motion of the story? The plot is fast-paced, action-packed and frighteningly realistic where corporate greed and hubris have set the stage for the original T-Virus to spread and caused the apocalypse. This movie has a little of something for everyone--action, humor, megalomaniac villains, sympathetic heroes/heroines and even a tinge of romance (though in a horror movie like this, we know it can go nowhere) and is a movie fans of the genre (and this particular franchise) will definitely enjoy.

HARLEM BOOK FAIR (Saturday 7/21/07): Another beautiful day out, sunny and hot. I didn’t have a table or tent (next year, that is a MUST), but I made the best of it going down with a supply of my books in backpacks with my sister and niece helping. Handed out flyers and bookmarks and just generally mingled. Bumped into a couple of my sister’s co-workers, one of whom is an avid reader. I made one sale to her, and the two of them spent the rest of the afternoon with us passing out flyers, and getting stuffed off a fattening, greasy soul food. It was great seeing all the brothers and sisters out selling their wares and being creative. I will definitely be coming back more prepared next time.

MUSEUM OF SEX (Saturday 8/11/07): My sister, niece and I finally made it to the Museum of Sex this weekend (had been planning trip for months and was armed with several $5.00 coupons clipped from the local Metro and AMNew York dailies for the special occasion).
It was a very interesting and enlightening experience. Of course, it was research for me and my writing but on a personal note, it was very eye-opening.
I've gone through my whole life (after typical health and hygiene, and biology classes in junior high and high school) just thinking I knew my body and exactly what makes it tick, but as far as sexuality and eroticism goes, I admit I am still a babe in the woods (good thing I have such an active imagination as far as my writing goes and am a stickler for research ).

This trip confirmed some information I had already been well aware of, but enlightened me on many others (in particular, the "exact" location of the (female and male) G-spot and exactly how to press certain buttons for maximum effect and arousal. As I said, I thought I knew pretty much everything I needed to, but after watching an informative video (complete with couples demonstrating positions, etc.) I know I still have a lot to learn.

The event/exhibit we attended was "Kink/Action" which showcased the implements and terminology for general perusal.

Gallery 1 was dedicated to kink/fetish, and again, there are so many things about this community that I, not only didn't know but had never heard of before (in particular, that of fur fetishes).

Gallery 2, Action, by far the most popular gallery from what I could see (and the one where we hung out the longest watching videos and reading) was dedicated to sexuality in cinema throughout history. Highlights here were, of course, famous scenes from such recent work as Risky Business (you know the one that makes you want to drop all your inhibitions to have sex on a train...hot!), 9 1/2 Weeks (the food scene at the fridge) and older Blaxpoloitation pieces like Coffey and Shaft, as well as other "mainstream" and smaller, lesser known independent films. My sister and niece were shocked to see Al Pacino's Cruising (the scene at the leather club in particular), the kiss between Christoper Reeves and Michael Caine in Deathtrap (compared to some m/m action I've seen, especially lately, it was relatively tame). Neither of them had heard of or knew about either movie and were shocked to see "Superman" kissing another man. Also popular were several celebrity sex videos (I finally got to see the uncut version of Tommy Lee and Pam's video, Paris' sex tape and Colin Farrell's tape. Makes you look at some of your favorite (Colin) and more infamous stars in an entirely different light. Don't get me wrong, I still love Colin (maybe even a little more than before after seeing his tape, although I'm not too crazy about his bald look, LOL).

Gallery 3 was good, showcasing various artwork (paintings, sketches, sculptures) and some interractive exhibits, all very eye-opening again and interesting.

All in all, it was an educational an enlightening trip that I'm glad I finally made!

HERSHEY PARK (8/25/07): What summer season would be complete without at least one trip to a big amusement park? Did the Coney Island trip earlier in the season (had to get at least on last trip in before the big “conversion”.). Sizzling weather (got up to 106 degrees during the day at one point) so the water park was the way to go for most of the first half of our time there. The rest was spent walking around in the desert-like heat, standing on line and getting on the famous roller coasters before we had to get back to the bus by 6:30pm. All in all, a nice bus trip with the family and friends.

OCEAN CITY, Maryland (8/29 – 31/07): Took a trip to the seaside resort with my brother and his wife and kids. Some play and swimming in the water parks and pools; did turn in the arcade (got my Skeetball on), got on some rides with the kids and played the usual games on the boardwalk (I won a stuff animal in the watergun race); night fishing on the bridge Thursday (I caught a Flounder! Beginner’s luck to be sure, but it was a beaut. Not a keeper, but not far from it). Next day we got some sightseeing in, did some fishing on the pier (I liked seeing where my line went after I got the hang of casting and could get some distance, however, didn’t catch anything, so it’s a toss-up between what I liked the best—night or daytime fishing.). Got our grub on after the boardwalk and pier with two dozen crabs and some shrimp (can’t leave a seaside resort without engaging in a seafood-fest…or getting some saltwater taffy. Got three boxes on the boardwalk…yummy!) Drove home Friday night/Saturday morning and settled into the normal grind.

Now for writing and book news:

It’s coming! That’s right, ZACK AND THE DARK SHAFT: ZARA’S BOIS 1, my first m/m erotic paranormal release (not counting my first FREE short story, BREAKING AND ENTERING still available at All Romance eBooks) will be released from Siren Publishing October 2007!

Also, I finished the second book in the series entitled INGENUE’S CHOICE, and I’m very happy with the story and the characters. This continues with Zara-the-party-girl’s road to redemption, this time as a guardian angel sent back to Earth to hook up a day-and-night pair (in more ways than one) in tortured artist/bartender Keir Monroe and naïve but passionate, up-and-coming financial analyst Patryk Andrews. Along with EMILIA’S EMANCIPATION, I’m currently working on the third and final book in the ZARA’S BOIS series, entitled BOUNCER’S FOLLY which features another set of twins at the center of the story in Trevor and Travis Carmichael. As in Zack and Zara’s case, I have the “good” twin, “bad” twin dynamic with Trevor, the hard-living, club-hopping party-boy (being the “bad” twin) who one night goes one step too far with his recreational drug use, and the bouncer, Ramsey Logan, who comes to his rescue in the men’s bathroom of Zara’s after Trevor od’s. Is Ramsey too late and who is now inhabiting the body of Travis’ identical twin are just a couple of questions I will answer throughout the course of the story.

Read an excerpt of ZACK AND THE DARK SHAFT and read more about the upcoming series ZARA’S BOIS this newsletter! And don’t forget to check out the beautiful new covers for all the individual titles and the series and my upcoming fable/myth, THE WOLF IN THE MANSION, due out from Siren November 2007.

RAPTURE PUBLISHING, LLC: Read more about this new venture and publisher this newsletter and check out the site here: http://www.rapturepublishing.com
That’s all for now.

As always, hope you enjoy this issue of The G-Spot!
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SIREN APPEARANCES/CHATS: For up-to-date information about upcoming Siren Chats and Appearances, see publisher homepage at http://www.sirenpublishing.com

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COMING SOON from Siren Publishing, Inc.: “As different as night and day, the only thing twins Zara and Zack Benjamin have in common are their genes and their love for Quincy Powers. Zara’s death in an unfortunate accident gives her brother a chance with Quincy. Except Zara hasn’t quit on the man she loves just yet.” ZACK AND THE DARK SHAFT: ZARA’S BOIS 1, M/M Erotic Paranormal Romance (angels/interracial/light bdsm/reincarnation) by Gracie C. McKeever, Available October 2007! Check out Jinger Heaston’s beautiful new cover for this title here: http://www.sirenpublishing.com/graciecmckeever/gcm-zatds.jpg
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COMING SOON from Siren Publishing, Inc.: “Rescued from certain death when gifted psychic and wiccan Deja Hamilton pulls him naked and bleeding from the lake, shapeshifter Lincoln McCabe convalesces in the seclusion of his savior’s vacation cabin and comes to terms with the party responsible for the attempt on his life and his growing feelings for the woman who has rescued him.” THE WOLF IN THE MANSION an Adult Fable, Erotic Paranormal Romance (interracial/psychic/shapeshifter/wiccan) by Gracie C. McKeever. Available November 2007! Check out Jinger Heaston’s beautiful new cover for this title here: http://www.sirenpublishing.com/graciecmckeever/gcm-twitm.jpg
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~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~COMING SOON from Siren Publishing, Inc.: “Rendered almost incapable of painting after the death of a lover in a tragic accident, Keir Monroe is inspired after meeting natural-born submissive, Patryk Andrews. Keir soon realizes, however, that he’s caught a tiger by the tail and not the obedient submissive he thought when Patryk suggests becoming his agent.” INGENUE’S CHOICE: ZARA’S BOIS 2, M/M Erotic Paranormal Romance (angels/bdsm/ghost/interracial) by Gracie C. McKeever Available January 2008! Check out Jinger Heaston’s beautiful new cover for this title here: http://www.sirenpublishing.com/graciecmckeever/gcm-ic.jpg
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~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~COMING SOON: from Siren Publishing, Inc.: “One hot and trendy gay nightclub, two bickering angels and three unlikely pairs add up to steamy nights between the sheets and emotional days of healing and revelation outside of them when the ultimate architect throws His hat in the ring to fix up three wounded souls with their mates.” ZARA’S BOIS Print Collection, M/M Erotic Paranormal Romance (angels/bdsm/ghost/interracial/reincarnation) by Gracie C. McKeever. Check out Jinger Heaston’s beautiful new cover for this title here: http://www.sirenpublishing.com/graciecmckeever/gcm-zb.jpg
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COMING SOON from Rapture Publishing, LLC.: Falling to a rare sentinel illness and separated from her charges during a retrieval mission Xevera Nanay encounters the biggest threat to her survival but more importantly her autonomy when paramedic Michael Constantine recognizes and imprisons her to exact revenge for what was done to his mother by her kind decades ago. SENTINEL’S HUNGER, a Sisters of Emsharra novella, erotic paranormal romance (African-American/bdsm/shapeshifter/urban fantasy) by Gracie C. McKeever and part of RAPTURE 1Anthology – Available in Mass Market Print Only – March 2008! http://www.rapturepublishing.com ~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~

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THE WOLF IN THE MANSION [Adult Fables & Myths]
by Gracie C. McKeever [Paranormal/Interracial] Psychic wiccan Deja Hamilton pulls shapeshifter Lincoln McCabe from the lake, and the two form an alliance against the covetous older brother who wants Lincoln dead.
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ZACK AND THE DARK SHAFT [Zara's Bois 1]by Gracie C. McKeever [M/M, Interracial, Reincarnation] As different as night and day, the only thing twins Zara and Zack Benjamin have in common are their genes and their love for Quincy Powers. Zara's death in an unfortunate accident gives her brother a chance with Quincy. Except Zara hasn't quit on the man she loves just yet.
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INGENUE'S CHOICE [Zara's Bois 2]
by Gracie C. McKeever
[M/M, BDSM, Ghost, Interracial] Rendered almost incapable of painting after the death of a lover in a tragic accident, Keir Monroe is inspired after meeting natural-born submissive, Patryk Andrews. Keir soon realizes, however, that he's caught a tiger by the tail and not the obedient submissive he thought when Patryk suggests becoming his agent .
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BOUNCER'S FOLLY [Zara's Bois 3]by Gracie C. McKeever
[M/M, BDSM, Interracial, Reincarnation] Bad-boy Trevor Carmichael's fast-lane life of partying and drugs comes to a screeching halt when he OD's in the bathroom of Zara's. Nightclub bouncer Ramsey Logan comes to Trevor's rescue and resuscitates him. But is it really Trevor he brings back or a former party-girl Zara in need of redemption herself?
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ZARA'S BOIS [Print Collection]
Zack and the Dark Shaft : Ingenue's Choice : Bouncer's Folly by Gracie C. McKeever
[M/M, Interracial, Reincarnation] When the powers-that-be make the decision to return a selfish party-girl, Zara, to Earth on three missions of redemption, can romance and mayhem be far behind? One hot and trendy gay nightclub, two bickering angels, and three unlikely pairs add up to steamy nights between the sheets.
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RAPTURE anthology will be published by RAPTURE PUBLISHING, showcasing the best of erotic romance for women. Rapture, Volume 1 features the following hot romantic stories: In Lara Santiago's futuristic The Prosecutor Paramour [The Wives Tales], undercover enforcer Evie Marsh is dispatched to spy on the ambitious prosecutor, Zachary Valetta, only to fall in love and is betrayed by him as the radical Tiberius Group takes control of the U.S. and turns women into virtual properties in marriage auctions. In Emma Wildes' Regency Initiating Christian [Brothers of the Absinthe Club], the younger Christian Foster has fallen in love with an unattainable, scandal-shy woman. When Lauren DeSerre discovers the deliciously handsome brother of her former lover has a penchant for her, the temptation of initiating Christian might lure her astray. In Gracie C. McKeever's urban fantasy Sentinel's Hunger [Sisters of Emsharra], Xevera Nanay falls to a rare sentinel illness, then encounters the biggest threat to her survival when paramedic Michael Constantine recognizes and imprisons her to exact revenge for what was done to his mother by her kind. In Morgan Ashbury's contemporary The Enchantress [Song of the Sirens], Twyla Harper is very good at “recovering” valuables for a living. Then she meets Nicholas Coultrain who gets under her skin and into her heart. There’s only one problem: Nick is determined to bring down the Enchantress whose heist has destroyed his company.

Rapture 1 will be available March 2008 in mass market trade paperback. Rapture is accepting submissions for Volume 4.

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AVAILABLE NOW from Siren Publishing, Inc.: "A man who wants to save the world one child at a time…a young teen looking for acceptance and a savior wherever he can find them…and a woman who wants only to save them both. Somewhere between darkness and daylight they will all find and save each other." BETWEEN DARKNESS AND DAYLIGHT, erotic paranormal romance (psychic/interracial). An NCWA (New Century Writer Award) 2003 Novel/Novella Finalist by Gracie C. McKeever http://www.sirenpub.com/graciecmckeever/bdad.asp
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1933563362/sirenpub-20
SIREN TOP SELLER! A HIGHEST RATED eBOOK AT FICTIONWISE ~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~

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AVAILABLE NOW from Fictionwise: "Old World Evil vs New Age Passion… Can their love survive an ancient vendetta?" A centuries-old Djinni betrayed...a modern career woman and wife bereft. Can this thoroughly mismatched couple find comfort and vindication in each other's arms? More importantly, can their love survive the ancient vendetta of one unforgiving and powerful demon Djinni, Kane's sworn enemy Ifreet? Find out that anything is possible when a devout and mystical djinni from the old-world joins forces with an urban-reared spitfire from the new.
DESERT DREAMS by Gracie C. McKeever – Paranormal Djinni Romance http://fictionwise.com/ebooks/eBook30601.htm ~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~

EPIC's BOOKSTORE:
Epic's Ebook Store is Powered by Fictionwise.com
Fictionwise.com one of the most successful ebook seller on the web or
off has helped create a store for The Electronically Published Internet Connection (EPIC). It's a published writer's organization that has both ebook and print published members. It also has Industry members such as publishers and agents. Epic is the most recognized authority on epublishing. This bookstore will hope to sell ebooks by epic members that are on sale at fictionwise.
Visit EPIC's Bookstore - http://store.fictionwise.com/epic/

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AVAILABLE NOW from Awe-Struck E-Books: RT 2002 Award Nominee – Best Small Press Paranormal -- “Sean Casey has convinced himself he's content with his blue-collar existence but at an emotional and philosophical crossroads in his relationship with his yuppie lawyer fiancee. When Echo Quinn--an adolescent flame, but now successful health club owner--suddenly resurfaces with their "gifted" and troubled ten-year-old son in tow, Sean is forced to confront his deadly past and find absolution. Watch the sparks fly when a pyrokinetic firefighter, and an alcoholic telepath--reunite in this "secret baby" story with a supernatural twist...” FLAMES PAST by Gracie C. McKeever, Contemporary Paranormal Romance http://awe-struck.net/AUTHORS20/flames.html Also available in Trade Paperback from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Flames-Past-Gracie-C-McKeever/dp/1587492547/ref=sr_11_1/102-5235251-9271348?ie=UTF8 and Earthling Press http://www.earthling-press.com ~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~

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AVAILABLE NOW from Awe-Struck E-Books: “Will a spoiled rich debutante get rid of the chip on her shoulder and stop wallowing in self-pity long enough to let her physical therapist rehabilitate her? Watch classes collide in this story of self-discovery and healing.” DANCING IN THE DARK by Gracie C. McKeever, Contemporary Romance available from Awe-Struck E-Book’s Ennoble Line http://awe-struck.net/AUTHORS6/ditd.html ~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~

WHAT I'M READING/RECOMMENDED READS:

Recommended Reads this issue:

BAD BOYS SOUTHERN STYLE (anthology), by Joann Ross, E.C. Sheedy, and Jill Shalvis. Like any collection with Shannon McKenna, any anthology that includes Jill Shalvis is a must-read for me. This is a solid collection of stories, but Shalvis’s story of murder and intrigue for the on-the-run library in a small and sleepy Savannah town and the P.I. who comes to her rescue (or not ) is a real standout. Check out this Kensington Brava romance at major online bookstores like Amazon or your local brick and mortar stores.

BODY, HEART AND SOUL by Samantha Lucas (http://www.sirenpublishing.com.) This was another Siren book that met and surpassed my expectations. Devlin is a cold jaded man who has lost his sense of humanity and belief in the good and innocent. That is until he meets college art student Kira, his long-time lover’s new summer assistant. This was an intense romance, and sweet, erotic story of healing and redemption with great h/h chemistry between Devlin and Kira. I’m happy to say this is the beginning of a new planned series from Samantha Lucas!

EDGE OF MIDNIGHT by Shannon McKenna: “Fifteen years ago, Kevin died in a terrible crash in his truck. With no skid marks and given his family's history of mental illness, the police ruled the death a suicide. The remaining McCloud brothers resigned themselves to the authorities' conclusion...all except Kevin's twin, Sean, that is…” Read the complete review on my bookshelf at Shelfari: http://shelfari.com/gwiz10 If you haven’t discovered this new haven readers haven, then it’s about time you did and signed up. More than a social network site like MySpace and FaceBook their ilk, this site is for avid, voracious readers, people serious about their books. So come on by and don’t forget to add me as a friend .

HER SEXIEST MISTAKE by Jill Shalvis: This title is yet another excellent example of this author’s gift for characterization and snappy dialogue. Kevin McKnight is a high school science teacher with a strong protective streak and a savior complex. Mia Appleby is a high-powered ad exec trying to escape a past of poverty and emotional abuse and neglect at the hands of her man-hungry mother and older sister. When her sister’s troubled, sixteen-year-old daughter Hope shows up on Mia’s doorstep after a cross-country car trip, Mia’s past catches up with her full-force. This story is fast-paced with strong, emotional conflict, colorful and well-delineated main and secondary characters, and is yet another hot and sexy gem from Shalvis. Available at major online bookstores like Amazon or your local brick and mortar stores.

SOUL SACRIFICE, by Elisabeth Jason: I’ve had a lot of good luck with MySpace friends’ books and this gem is no different. Read my PNR review for this paranormal romance featured in this issue.

Currently Reading: IM by Rick R. Reed; VISION OF LIGHT by Amanda Hilton, and STILL reading PARALLEL SEDUCTION by Deidre Knight (not that it is so bad, just that it’s my bike book and I haven’t really been exercising like I should—bad Gracie—so I haven’t read this one too much. I’m about halfway through and do hope to finish it before the next one comes out), and also still by my bedside halfway read is BLOOD CHILD by Octavia Butler. I haven’t been able to get into this short story collection the way I usually get into all of Butler’s novels.

Recently Purchased: Went on a little spree to purchase about $70 worth of books: VACATION by Jeremy C. Shipp, DARK LOVER by J.R. Ward (Yep, I’ve finally jumped on the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. But I’m NOT purchasing all of them at once. I’m going to try this one and if I like it, I’ll try the others.), KEEPER OF SECRETS: TRANSLATIONS OF AN INCIDENT by Anjuelle Floyd, THE KEPT WOMAN by Susan Donovan; THE KITE RUNNER by Khaled Hosseini, THE COLOR OF LAW by Mark Gimenez, DEVIL MAY CRY (A Dark-Hunter, Book 11) and UPON THE MIDNIGHT CLEAR (A Dream-Hunter Novel, Book 2) both by Sherrilyn Kenyon, and A DATE WITH THE OTHER SIDE by Erin McCarthy. I’ll let you know how these all are.

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AVAILABLE NOW from Siren Publishing, Inc.: Genesis has been on the run from her people for twenty-eight years, guarding the cambion Alex Ryan, who doesn't know she exists. But that's about to change when an attempt is made on Alex Ryan's life that leaves his father dead instead and Alex alone in the world….or so he thinks. GUARDIAN SEDUCTRESS: SISTERS OF EMSHARRA 1, erotic paranormal romance (interracial/psychic/shapeshifter/urban fantasy) by Gracie C. McKeever http://www.sirenpub.com/graciecmckeever/gs.asp
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AVAILABLE NOW from Siren Publishing, Inc: Montana Freeborn has been having visions of the "pony-man" since she was a child, her first live encounter with the centaur after a near-death experience when she was five and Seth Phoenix saved her from drowning. More than two decades later, the pair meet again and this time Montana's doing the saving. SPELLS CAST IN SHADOWS, erotic paranormal romance (African-American/psychic/shapeshifter/urban fantasy), by Gracie C. McKeever http://www.sirenpub.com/authors-img/gcm-scis.jpg SIREN TOP SELLER! Now Available in Print! Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1933563346/sirenpub-20
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POETRY CORNER:

nyc and a borough's sweet spot at dawn in spring
© 1997 by Gracie C. McKeever

60 minutes before the alarm
when pure sleep
is nine dreams
deep
hours after
the neighbors
have exhausted the airwaves
with unneighborly sounds
gangsta rap and
mariachi
wails of city-owned
vehicles
over-worked employees
at their helms
babe's a-whinin'
hound dogs a-howlin'
birds a-chirpin'
rooster's a-crowin'
planes a-flying'
traffic copters a-hoverin'
iron horse a-pullin'
over beside below outside
Richter scale serenade
rainfall pattering panes
right cerebellum crying out
full bladder screaming
for release
thieves in the night
even the blackout
shades can't stop
the dawn invasion
of your
space

Previously Published in Street News 1997

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AVAILABLE NOW from Siren Publishing, Inc.: “One man wants to Dominate her; the other wants to kill her”...Two competitive and at-odds advertising executives are thrown together when a job assignment and a matchmaking New Age sister of one – who knows each better than they know themselves – decides they are soul mates and perfect for each other. While Dominant Nick Vega and submissive Slany Breeze come to the conclusion that Nick's sister is absolutely right, a serial killer is on the loose and has set his sights on Slany for his special “training program.” TERMS OF SURRENDER: THE MATCHMAKER 2, erotic paranormal romance (bdsm/interracial/suspense) by Gracie C. McKeever http://www.sirenpub.com/authors-img/gcm-tos.jpg SIREN TOP SELLER! ECATAROMANCE REVIEWER’S CHOICE AWARD WINNER 2006!
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1933563389/sirenpub-20
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PARANORMAL ROMANCE REVIEW: “Powerful and tightly-woven adventure”... “Kieran MacArthur is a War Dancer, a fierce and magical warrior of yore with hundreds of years of blood on his hands and loneliness in his heart to spare. When the Lady of the Lake charges him with a task of monumental importance to the existence of the human race and the world it inhabits, Kieran’s life is about to drastically change.” To read the full review, visit here: http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/review.php?id=25706

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AVAILABLE NOW from Siren Publishing, Inc.: Embittered after her exile from Emsharra, LaMia Enlil meets her match in orphan empath Mateo Diaz, whom she kidnaps and falls in love with. But can he forgive her for causing the deaths of his family years ago? From ancient beings unaccustomed to asking for anything, much more begging for forgiveness, LaMia Enlil nonetheless wants just this from Mateo Diaz, a gifted and unique human male who makes her question the foundations of her Inanna beliefs. PREDATOR’S SALVATION: SISTERS OF EMSHARRA 2, erotic paranormal romance, (bdsm/interracial/psychic/shapeshifter/urban fantasy) by Gracie C. McKeever http://www.sirenpub.com/authors-img/gcm-ps.jpg
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AVAILABLE NOW from Siren Publishing, Inc.: Dara Kelly and Samantha Taylor should not have died, but did. And now both women are on the trail of two men – one an abusive, cheating husband-turned-killer, the other a rival bounty hunter whom will not be bested by any woman. Each woman will have her revenge, but at what cost to Caution Foster, the man they both love? IN PLAIN SIGHT, erotic paranormal romance (interracial/reincarnation/ghost/suspense) by Gracie C. McKeever – http://www.sirenpub.com/graciecmckeever/ips.asp SIREN TOP SELLER!
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1933563427/sirenpub-20
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NEW REVIEWS (EXCERPTS):

ETERNAL DESIGNS:

“…ETERNAL DESIGN will put you on an emotional rollercoaster and won’t let you off until it’s finished. Zoelle is really torn about her marriage and her feelings for Gale and her guilt at his death is even more palpable. Gale is in love with Zoelle, but fears he can never be more than her therapist. When he dies rushing to her rescue it breaks your heart, but when he comes back in Laurent’s body you just know that he will fight to keep Zoelle. Gracie C. Mckeever makes sure that you have background information on the characters so you feel as if you know them and are present at every memorable moment. You are drawn into this tale and experience it right along with the characters. Gracie C. McKeever has a knack for evoking powerful emotions in her stories and her past books are a testament to what a wonderful writer she is.” 4.5 Blue Ribbons, Angel for Romance Junkies. To read the full review, visit here: http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com/artman/publish/paranormal/Eternal_Design.shtml

“…Wow, this story blew me away. I was like, what are you going to do? Gale dies in the car accident, then Zoelle comes across her estranged husband in a pool of his own blood, then Gale wakes up in her husband’s body. Wow, this author kept me turning the pages to see what she was going to do next. I was on the last page, and was like, wow, she pulled it off and pulled it off Great. I look forward to more by this author.” 4 Roses, Nicole for My Book Cravings. To read the full review visit here: http://www.mybookcravings.com/Nicole_eternaldesigns.htm

MANIFST DESTINY:

“…This is the third book in Miss McKeever’s series and the first that I’ve read. It was meant as a stand alone read, and thus I had no problems following the plot or its interconnected characters. For those who enjoy a series, then this is the one for you, since there are still several Vega siblings to be matched with their perfect mate. The author does a wonderful job of expressing Evie’s fear and reluctance to become seriously involved with a man so many years her younger, and just as strongly explains why Jason doesn’t care and what he wants anyway.

The paranormal plot components were seamlessly integrated into the storyline and were in no way distracting from its romance. Did I forget to mention that Evie’s family has a thread of psychic’s running through it or that Justin becomes able to read her mind when he falls in love with her?

I thoroughly enjoyed this ‘May-December’ romance and wish that more authors had the courage to tackle a topic that in reality is so prevalent in today’s society. I can’t recommend this book enough and intend to go back and read the first two in the series.” 4 Roses, Pam, My Book Cravings. To read the full review, visit here: http://www.mybookcravings.com/Pam_manifestdestiny.htm

“…Manifest Destiny book 3 in The Matchmaker series, is like the two books before it, this one does not disappoint either! Both Evelyn and Jason have been scorned when it comes to love. The two were not expecting anything to happen because their personalities are so different, and that is the beauty of the situation. Because of their different personalities anything that happens between these two characters is explosive! Readers will be able to relate to both characters and their struggles to let go of past relationship mishaps. Manifest Destiny is a steamy book that many should read. This is one book that I recommend to all!” 4 Flags, Chantay for Euro Reviews. To read the complete review visit: http://euroreviews.eu.funpic.de/bookdetails.php?book_id=1059

NINE INCHES OF SNOW AND THE EBONY PRINCESS:

“…Ms. McKeever did very well. Although I can only identify one character by the title so I am not sure how it relates but, the story is a very nice if not hot read. I would suggest having some snow on hand to cool off. Maybe that's how the title relates and I just don't get it. Who knows, it's the inside that I am concerned with. I would love to see this in a longer format.” 4 Roses, My Book Cravings, Robin S. To read the full review, visit here: http://www.mybookcravings.com/robins_nineinches.htm

“…Gracie C McKeever knows how to write a story that has paranormal intrigue along with shapeshifters captured me from the first page. This was a wonderful story that builds into a great story that made me want more when it ended. The fight that David and Aziza had on their hands trying to get him to wake from his coma before it was too late had me on the edge of my seat. I look forward to reading anything Gracie writes from this book forward.” 4 Roses, Nicole, My Book Cravings. To read the complete review, visit:
http://www.mybookcravings.com/Nicole_nineinchesofsnow.htm

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AVAILABLE NOW from Siren Publishing Inc.: Even though both are Inanna, Genesis Enki and LaMia Enlil have varying views on how best to serve Emsharra.

When Kalika Enlil entrusts Genesis with the safekeeping of her outlawed child Alex Ryan before her death, Genesis' way is set to take up the New Regime's torch. Only one woman, the leader of the insurgents and Kalika's nemesis and cousin, stands in Genesis's way to protecting Alex from assassination: LaMia.

LaMia does not believe in the New Regime or its doctrines and is willing to do what she must to see it and the alliance between Emsharra and Gaiam fail. She will even go as far as kidnapping and enslaving Mateo Diaz who has already suffered at her hands in the past more times than a human should endure. It's Mateo's misfortune, however, that Genesis and Alex wish to recruit him in Emsharra's Harvesting Program….and Genesis and Alex are LaMia's mortal enemies. SISTERS OF EMSHARRA – Print Collection, erotic romance – bdsm/interracial/paranormal/psychic/shapeshifter/urban fantasy, by Gracie C. McKeever – http://www.sirenpublishing.com/graciecmckeever/soe.asp
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1933563664/sirenpub-20
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THIS ISSUE’S NOVEL EXCERPT: This issue’s novel excerpt comes from my upcoming M/M erotic paranormal romance Zack and the Dark Shaft, due from Siren October 8, 2007….Enjoy!

Blurbs:

Zara’s Bois:

One hot and trendy gay nightclub, two bickering angels and three unlikely pairs add up to steamy nights between the sheets and emotional days of healing and revelation outside of them when the ultimate architect throws His hat in the ring to fix up three wounded souls with their mates.

Zack and the Dark Shaft: Zara’s Bois 1

Spoiled, aimless party-girl Zara Benjamin has never had to work a day in her life. At twenty-eight she’s just discovered something she wants as much as her best friend since college, the unattainable Quincy Powers. But when an elevator door opens minus the car, all these hopes and dreams are forever dashed…or are they?

Successful financial whiz Quincy Powers made his fortune on Wall Street before his thirtieth birthday and left the rat race behind before the stress of trading could claim his sanity. Instead of the game keeping him awake, however, he now has the horrible sound of his best friend’s screams to haunt his nights.

When he discovers Zara’s nightclub business plan after the accident, he realizes too late he might have given his friend a raw deal in denying her requests and spends the ensuing ten months after her death bringing her dream to fruition.

Until two angels intervene and send Zara on a mission in the body of her twin brother, Zack Benjamin...

PROLOGUE

“So, what do you think?” Zara did her best Vanna White imitation, waving her arms with a flourish to encompass the 10,000 square foot loft space.
Quincy looked at her with his patented “Doubting-Thomas squint,” and she could see his mind whirring a mile a minute, measuring his next words like a U.N. diplomat. Not like her, who just blurted things out regardless of what anyone thought, come what may. “It’s nice.”
“Could you be more non-committal? Sheesh. It’s more than nice. Don’t you see the possibilities? It’s perfect.” Zara led him through the cavernous space towards the exit where they had first come in.
“I’m not following you, Zar. Possibilities and perfect for what?” He trailed behind her as far as the threshold and before she could answer him, his onyx eyes lit with understanding. “Oh, wait a minute. I know what this is about.”
“Before you go shooting me down, once I have the place up and running, you’ll get back your initial investment at least threefold.”
“That’s what you said about your bakery idea, your dog walking venture, your personal shopping undertaking…”
“This will be different, Quince.”
“I’ve heard that before.”
Zara stopped short of pouting and stomping her foot. Neither of those tactics worked too well on Quincy, at least not often. “Why are you being a miser? It’s not like you can’t spare it.”
“I’m a miser because I’m not giving into the princess’s whims?”
“Exactly.” Zara gave him her most engaging smile, even though it had failed to work on her parents only a few hours earlier.
But she could count on Quincy. Quincy wasn’t like them. Quincy understood her despite their disparate backgrounds.
“The answer is no.”
Zara gaped, trying to wrap her mind around her best friend’s denial. This was going to be a harder sale than she first thought. Fine, she’d just have to pull out the big guns.
She threw up her hands, turned her back on him and walked several steps away into the hallway before she turned back to glare at him. “Well, why the hell not?”
“Because for once you’re going to have to stand on your own two feet.”
“That’s what I’m trying to do.”
Quincy just stared, looking so regal and commanding in his dark-chocolate beauty that Zara licked her lips before she realized what she was doing.
No time for lust. This was business, serious business.
“Borrowing money from me for your latest get-rich-quick scheme is not standing on your own two feet.”
“I’m not asking for a loan. I’m asking you to be an investor. This would be a partnership. My ideas and your capital.”
Quincy sighed, shook his head and closed the space between them.
Zara craned her neck to take in his gorgeous, exotic eyes. If she wasn’t so mad at him and Quincy wasn’t just scenery, she might give in to the desire sending a moist dose of warmth between her thighs. As it was she just looked at him, disbelieving.
Quincy rarely said no to her unless he was trying to teach her a lesson about her flightiness. Then Zara could usually just bat her long-lashed, blue eyes and pucker up her already pouty mouth to get him to come around. No one would ever accuse Zara Benjamin of not working the womanly wiles that God had given her.
She placed her palms flat against his hard chest, stopped just short of fondling the muscles she felt there. God, Zack was right and she needed to have her head examined for wanting this man so much. By mere virtue of his sex, at least her brother had a chance with Quincy. But her? She knew where things stood. Quincy never lied to her about what he was, or how he felt about her. He loved her like a friend, like the little sister he never had—nothing more, nothing less. “I know I can make this gig work, Quince. I’m really passionate about this.”
“I’ve heard that before too.” He frowned. “Did your parents already turn you down?”
“I’d rather not discuss them right now.”
“That means they did.”
“It doesn’t matter. Zack’s helping me out. He believes in me.”
“Zack’s blood, your twin. He’s supposed to believe in you.”
“So is my best friend.”
“And you still need a major investor.”
“Yes and if you would just listen to my propos—”
“You actually have one this time?”
“Don’t be a wise-ass. I always have a plan. Maybe not exactly foolproof…”
“At least you’re owning up to your shortcomings.”
“My, it must be National Snide Day and you’re the grand marshal.”
Quincy chuckled and Zara did stomp her foot this time.
“I’m telling you I’ve changed! I’ve grown. I know what I want now and this nightclub—”
“So that’s what this little undertaking is going to be then? Some hangout for all your rich, druggie friends?”
“That’s not fair and you know it.” Zara peered at him, realization about Quincy’s stinky mood finally dawning. “Did your mother just visit you to borrow some money or something?”
“She has nothing to do with this.”
“She did and now you’re taking out your anger and frustration with her on me.”
“You’re taking a giant leap and it’s in the wrong direction.” Quincy took her hands in his and brought them to his mouth.
Zara had to stop herself from trembling when he brought his full lips to her hands and brushed them across her knuckles, the soft stubble around his mouth and on his chin tickling her skin. She noticed the contrast of their flesh—his smooth, chocolate skin against her fair, creamy complexion—and wondered what it would feel like to have him sliding his large, dark cock inside her.
Zara shook her head to clear it. No wonder he wouldn’t take her seriously. She had a one
track mind, at least where he was concerned, and that track invariably led to only one place: inside Quincy Powers’ pants.
“I can’t give you the money and it has nothing to do with my mother and everything to do with your fly-by-night past.”
“I can’t believe you’re holding stuff I did as a veritable child against me.”
He snorted. “You’re twenty-eight years old, Zar and the period we’re talking about isn’t that long ago. In fact, your last ‘passion’ overtook you just a couple of years ago.”
“Well, we can’t all be the perfect, staid financial whiz that you are.” She jerked her hands out of his grasp. “Fine, be that way. If you don’t want to invest in my business venture, then I’ll just have to find someone who will.” She turned and flounced off in her best rich-girl-annoyed-with-the-world imitation. She punched the down elevator button, huffed, crossed her arms across her breasts and impatiently tapped her foot against the dreary gray carpeting. That was one of the first things to be done in her redesigning: get rid of the cheap, funky floor covering.
After a few moments, she felt Quincy closing the gap between them, and cursed the elevator for taking so long. Modernizing the ancient deathtrap was her first order of business once she got a loan to renovate this place.
“Zara, we should talk about this some more before you go off all half-cocked—”
“There’s nothing more to talk about. You’ve said your peace and now I have to go find investors who’ll believe in my dream as much as I do.” She heard him curse under his breath right before she felt his hands seize her shoulders. Zara pulled away to avoid his embrace, and took a step back.
“Don’t be this way.”
She was getting to him, she knew it. Just a few more minutes and his guilty conscience would completely overwhelm him before he would beg her to take his money. She knew Quincy well--almost as well as he knew her.
She still needed to make this look good, make her dramatic grand exit. Then there was almost a ninety-nine percent chance he would come behind her wanting to make amends. He wouldn’t give her everything she was asking for, but something was better than nothing.
Zara turned to give him one more frosty look. “You had your chance.” The elevator door opened and she took a step forward.
Her expensive designer pump dangled over a gaping maw for just an instant before she heard Quincy’s urgent shout behind her. She felt his fingertips caress a sleeve of her couture dress right before she lost her balance.
Zara’s last thought before she went tumbling headfirst into the endless abyss was that she’d never get to tell Quincy “I told you so” at the grand opening of Zara’s.
* * * *
Afraid of what she would find, Zara dragged her eyes open to bright lights and fluffy clouds all around her. There was no pain, in fact not much feeling at all except the sense of floating in an endless, soft void.
This was definitely not the elevator shaft.
Had someone made a mistake?
“Not exactly, my child.”
Zara turned this way and that, but could see no one in the void with her, realized she’d only heard the voice in her head. Okay, she’d play along. “Am I in heaven or hell?”
A second voice answered her, more stern and less benevolent than the first.
“Neither. It is limbo or your waiting room.”
“Waiting to go where?”
“In time. First, you must learn the rules.”
“Rules?”
“Yes, the provisions of your return to earth.”
She was going back? Maybe she could still get her nightclub up and running, maybe she could—
“You have more important things about which to worry.”
“My immortal soul?”
“Micah, stop being so gruff. You are frightening her.”
“She needs to be frightened, Jamaereh.”
Oh God, they were angels! Well, what did she expect, really? “So I’m, uh, going back?”
“You have two weeks to fulfill your desire and be with the man you love,” the one called Jamaereh answered.
They were giving her Quincy?
“No one is giving you anything, young one,” Micah said. “You must earn him, and even then only for two weeks. After that time you must return for a ruling on your final destination.”
“That’s it?”
“That is not it. That is all you are being allowed to know for now.”
“Okay, fine.” He didn’t have to be such a grouch, sheesh.
“I can hear you,” Micah said.
Zara shuddered at the sternness in his deep voice and lowered her eyes like the recalcitrant child he was treating her. “Sorry.”
“Enough of this dawdling. It is time for you to depart.”
“But what else do I need to—” Before Zara could get out another word they whisked her away faster than it had taken her to tumble down that elevator shaft and for her life to change.
* * * *
“I hate it when you play bad cop like that,” Jamaereh said.
“Why? You like playing good cop,” Micah said.
“That is all well and good, but I still do not like it. And you know what I like even less?”
“What is that?” Micah took a seat on one of the many clouds surrounding them and arched his brows in a this-I-have-to-hear gesture.
“When you play Devil’s Advocate.”
“Me? I only did His bidding.”
“Do not remind me.”
“Are you still feeling the sting of the Jack incident centuries later?”
Jamaereh gritted his teeth as if to grind away the memory of the felled beanstalk and the murdered giant. “Jack was a foolish and selfish little thief who would not recognize a blessing if you handed it to him on a silver platter.”
“Which we did.”
“Unfortunately.”
“You take things too personally. It was not our fault what happened. And the child did get his just desserts eventually.”
“Not before ending the life of that hardworking, innocent giant for no other reason than to sate his immature materialism and envy.”
“Do you think Zara Benjamin will discover His loophole and make the same mistakes?”
“Dear God, I hope not.”

ZACK AND THE DARK SHAFT: ZARA’S BOIS 1 Available from Siren Publishing October 8, 2007!

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AVAILABLE NOW: Divorced and love-crossed Evelyn Vega gets more than she bargained for when she receives a two-week vacation package to a dude ranch as a birthday present. She thinks gorgeous cow boss Jason Makepeace will be the perfect vacation fling, but Jason has wife, kids and picket-fence written all over him. MANIFEST DESTINY: THE MATCHMAKER 3, erotic paranormal romance (contemporary/May-December/light bdsm) – Also a spin-off of SPELLS CAST IN SHADOWS, by Gracie C. McKeever – SIREN TOP SELLER! http://www.sirenpub.com/md.asp
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AVAILABLE NOW: “Chris is a talented and rising young track star who wants to make it to the nationals and break world records. He'll get these both if he can shake the specter of a crack-addicted older brother and the more clear and present danger of a steroid enhanced teammate with a mean score to settle. Tori is an intelligent non-conformist skirting the fastlane and hiding secret pains behind a wall of foul-mouthed bravado and false indifference. She hates jocks but wants to show Chris that there's more to life than running. Innocent and courageous, embittered and sexually precocious--together Chris and Tori will discover that they have miles to go... “
MILES TO GO by Gracie C. McKeever, a Byte^Me teen novel http://awe-struck.net/AUTHORS8/mtgo.html ~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~

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AVAILABLE NOW: A young wealthy philanthropist is critically injured by a spiteful friend-with-benefits when, after a bitter break-up, she runs him down with her car. Only a kiss and a little bit of sensual and erotic care from a dedicated and empathic young nurse can bring him out of his resultant coma. Can soul mates David and Aziza find justice as well as eternal love? NINE INCHES OF SNOW AND THE EBONY PRINCESS, erotic paranormal romance (bdsm/interracial/shapeshifter/urban fantasy) by Gracie C. McKeever – A Siren Adult Fairy Tale – SIREN TOP SELLER! http://www.sirenpublishing.com/graciecmckeever/nios.asp~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~

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AVAILABLE NOW! Siren Publishing, Inc.: "Gale Sinclair is a marriage counselor who has broken the cardinal rule of psychotherapy and fallen in love with one of his clients. Dying in a head-on collision and returning to life in the body of Zoelle Sutherland's estranged husband turns out to be the least of his worries.” ETERNAL DESIGNS, erotic paranormal romance (reincarnation/interracial/suspense), and a NCWA (New Century Writer Award) 2002 Novel/Novella Finalist, by Gracie C. McKeever http://www.sirenpub.com/graciemckeever/ed.asp ~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~

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AVAILABLE NOW! The fix is in when older sisters Angela – a New Age practitioner who shares her brother's telepathic abilities – and Evelyn decide to play Cupid and hook their brother EJ Vega up with Evelyn's personal shopper. From here, what starts as a professional relationship will gradually escalate into something much more when the free-spirited, "gifted" author preparing to go on his first national book tour, enlists the services of the uptight and skeptical Tabitha Lyons. BENEATH THE SURFACE: THE MATCHMAKER 1, erotic paranormal romance (contemporary/psychic/interracial/light bdsm). http://www.sirenpub.com/graciecmckeever/bts.asp SIREN TOP SELLER! ROMANCE EROTICA CONNECTION 2006 STORY OF THE YEAR! (Tabitha Lyons – REC Choice Heroine 2006!) #8 On SIREN’S ALL-TIME BESTSELLER LIST! Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1933563184/102-5235251-9271348?n=283155
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AVAILABLE NOW from Fictionwise: A young black man is shot down in the streets in a drive-by. But a mistake has been made. Kelly shouldn't have died. So he's returned to Earth…in the body of a young comatose white woman married to a hot looking Latino narc cop. Can Kelly resolve the questions surrounding his death? What will happen to Amire, the woman he loved in his previous life? And, most important, can he resolve his marriage – now that he's a woman named Dagny – to another man? NEW LIFE INCOGNITA: New Age Paranormal Urban Romance (interracial/psychic/reincarnation/sex-switch/wiccan) by Gracie C. McKeever http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/eBook36736.htm
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THIS ISSUE'S NEWSLETTER CONTEST: This issue I’m offering an electronic copy (PDF) of one of my most recent releases ETERNAL DESIGNS. To enter for your chance to win this SIREN TOP SELLER, just send an e-mail with your name and e-mail address to gwiz10@optonline.net with ETERNAL DESIGNS in the subject line. Contest runs until October 20, 2007. One entry per e-mail address, and per person. Refer a friend, however (who e-mails me with his/her request to subscribe and naming you as their referral), to the newsletter before the deadline, and you get an additional entry. The more friends you refer, the more times you're entered. (Referred friend will automatically be entered in the current newsletter contest once). AUTHOR SHALL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES THAT PREVENT TIMELY RECEIPT OF AN ENTRY AND/OR RESPONSE. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE, THEN THAT MEANS I DID NOT RECEIVE YOUR ENTRY. In order to give everyone a fair chance at winning, no individual will be allowed to win a book in the newsletter contest more than once every three newsletters or within a six month period (whichever is the longest). Author reserves the right to publish winner's name on webpage(s) and in the newsletter. July/August 2007 winner of MANIFEST DESTINY: Rhonda Barnes! Congrats Rhonda and I hope you enjoy your prize !!

GIVEAWAYS/GOOD DEALS/SHAMELESS PROMOTIONS and/or SITES THAT NO (ROMANCE) READER SHOULD BE WITHOUT:
AWE-STRUCK E-BOOKS – “Publishes ebooks in Romance, SF, SF Romance, Regency, Western Romance, New Age, Inspirational, Teen Fiction, and Historical, and we are unique to the reading world with our Ennoble titles that feature heroes with disabilities. All our ebooks are available in HTML, PDF, Palm, Pocket PC, Rocket; some titles are also available in eBookman, and Hiebook.” http://www.awe-struck.net

BLACK LITERATURE.COM – Your home on the web for books by, for and about Black people. http://www.blackliterature.com

BOOK-REMARKS – The website that promotes books written by or about African-Americans. http://www.book-remarks.com

EARTHLING PRESS – If you haven't checked it out yet, zip on over to Earthling Press http://www.earthling-press.com, your source of fine books in print. EP is an imprint of Awe-Struck E-Books, Inc. and brings to you the same great stories—and great giveaways and sales—from your favorite Awe-Struck Awe-thors…only in print! "Earthling Press—books from your home planet."
ENCHANTED RAMBLINGS – “Our review section is continually updated, reviewing the latest offerings from both print and e-publishers…We also play host to authors in our virtual bar - The Rambler's Inn. Feel free to drop by and enjoy an e-soda, while reading the latest interviews.” http://www.enchantedramblings.net/

EUROREVIEWS: “To bring WORLDWIDE attention to both print and e-Books, whilst encouraging the interest in Dutch publishers in the American reviews industry.” http://euroreviews.eu.funpic.de/index.php

FALLEN ANGEL REVIEWS – New Releases, Reviews, Interviews, Contests, Authors Pages, What the Authors are Saying! Author Extras http://fallenangelreviews.com/

FICTIONWISE – “Excellence in e-Books” http://www.fictionwise.com

JUST EROTIC ROMANCE REVIEWS: “The sensual side of romance” http://www.justeroticromancereviews.com/home.html
MIND LIKE WATER E-Book Directory: http://www.mindlikewater.com: Free ebook directory and marketing

NEW AND USED BOOKS: http://www.newandusedbooks.com – Features new releases, reviews, interviews, and contests. Don’t forget to check out their new format!

PAMELA TYNER BLOG: This blog was set up for readers to locate information about e-published authors’ new releases and/or contest information: http://ebooksreleasesandcontest.blogspot.com/ Readers, this blog will be updated on a regular basis. Add it to your favorites and visit often.

PARANORMAL ROMANCE (or PNR): “New Worlds Are Our Oyster…Join us if you dare…” http://www.paranormalromance.org

RACHELLE’S BLOGSPOT: Daily author Q&A, excerpts, and an easy monthly contest to win cool books and other great prizes! http://zyphe.blogspot.com

RAPTURE PUBLISHING, LLC.: Erotic romance for women http://www.rapturepublishing.com

R.A.W.SISTAZ (Reading and Writing Sistaz): Literary Group and Online Book Club. One of Writer’s Digest 101 Top Websites for 2006! From the Website: “…main goal is to provide information to the African-American Literary Community regarding books, authors, events, and other industry news. We offer our services and our sites free of charge, as avenues to promote literacy, to encourage our authors to continue following their dreams and to facilitate the open exchange of literary information; basically connecting both readers and writers.” Check them out at http://www.rawsistaz.com

READERS READ™: Do you like to read a chapter of a book before you buy it? Stop by http://www.readersread.com/excerpts/ to read excerpts and first chapters from the newest books. Check back frequently.

ROAD TO ROMANCE http://www.roadtoromance.dhs.org/index.htm -- For Readers and Writers of romance fiction. Reviews, interviews, contests links, and much more! Also -- FREE BOOK offers from http://roadtoromance.dhs.org/freestories.htm The Free Stories Feature has been updated and given its own page. It used to be on the contest page. These are author stories and are linked to their sites, where you can either download them or read them online. Lot's of free reading here! Follow the links offered with each.

ROMANCE JUNKIES – The name says it all. For readers addicted to all kinds of good romance…check out your favorite authors, contests, reviews, interviews and up-to-date romance news. One of Writer’s Digest 101 Top Websites for 2006! http://www.romancejunkies.com

ROMANTIC TIMES BOOK REVIEWS – The Magazine for Fiction Lovers – Books, Authors, Magazine, News, Resources, Message Boards http://www.romantictimes.com

"SHADOW OF LOVE" Paranormal Romance – FREE Novel Download from Awe-Struck E-Books http://awe-struck.net/FREENVLTTE/freeshoflve.html
SHELFARI – Create a virtual bookshelf to show off your books. Connect with your friends. Discover exciting new titles. Voice your opinion. All for FREE. Read. Share. Explore! http://www.shelfari.com Sign up and don’t forget to add me as a friend http://www.shelfari.com/gwiz10!

SIREN PUBLISHING, INC. – “Quality erotica romance for the sophisticated reader” http://www.sirenpublishing.com

SPECROM: Want to find out: What Science Fiction Romance is, anyway, and why does Science Fiction Romance deserve its own newsletter and website? Wellllll…you guessed it, another newsletter. But, if you're really into the genre and want to keep abreast of what's coming out and going on with your favorite sfr authors, then this newsletter IS a must (I know, that's what they all say). The newsletter, which hosts the yearly SAPPHIRE AWARDS for the best works in the genre, has been in publication since 1993/1994 and has had an active website since 1996. Visit Speculative Romance Online http://www.specromonline.com/ Click "Join SPECROM", then "Become a Member" to subscribe/gain access to the newsletter.

THE DREAM WEAVER – "For those who believe in the magic of dreams". It's easier than ever to read the Dream Weaver online! www.earthlycharms.com/dreamweaver.htm Or send a blank email: DreamWeaverNewsletter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com to subscribe and be automatically entered in the bi-monthly drawings.

THE ROMANCE STUDIO – “The romance genre today”. Latest romance news, contests and information about your favorite romance authors and the latest romance books. http://www.theromancestudio.com

THE ROMER REVIEW – “A diverse and proactive mix of resources, book reviews, and literary works to inform the African-American Community” http://www.theromerreview.com

WRITERSPACE – Stay informed about lots of your favorite writers (and regular monthly contests) in one monthly newsletter, and consider subscribing to Writerspace-News, where you'll be kept up-to-date on Janelle Denison, Jayne Ann Krentz, Elizabeth Lowell, Stella Cameron, Rachel Gibson, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Geralyn Dawson, Susan Wiggs, Diana Palmer, Marilyn Pappano and more. To subscribe, visit http://www.writerspace.com/news.html

ODDS AND ENDS:
Please feel free to share this newsletter (in its entirety and/or including the proper credits when/where necessary) with a friend or two...or a hundred! Encourage them to sign up. Or they can just drop me an e-mail expressing their wish to subscribe to the newsletter and I'll sign them up. Want to preview the newsletter and see if it's to your liking? Check out past issues of The G-Spot (formerly known as Gracie's Gazette) at http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewnewsletter.asp?AuthorID=623

If you've ever read any of my books and enjoyed them (I hope, I hope, I hope), why not consider hopping on over to Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, or Fictionwise.com and rate or write a reader review. I'd be ever so grateful!

Thoughts and comments on the newsletter and/or its contents? Drop me a line (especially if it’s a compliment ) and let me know what you think. Seriously. I’d like to hear from you. Who knows? Maybe I’ll create an Op-Ed/Reader’s Comments Section just for that. Hmmmm, that’s an idea...

And if you get a chance, visit some of my and my publisher’s sites below.

GCM—

http://www.graciecmckeever.com
http://www.myspace.com/graciecmckeever
http://blog.myspace.com/graciecmckeever
http://www.shelfari.com/gwiz10
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SirenBooks
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/awe-somereaders

Thanks for subscribing and see you next issue!

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." –Steve Prefontaine (1/25/51 – 5/30/75)

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'" -Erma Bombeck (2/21/27-1996)