Wow, it's been over two weeks since I posted. Time is flying by and I'm dancing (figuratively) as fast as I can. My new series is coming along very well. I hope to be through with the first draft of my new book by the end of February. Fingers crossed!

In between writing a new book, I've completed the copy edits for RUN TO ME. Galleys should be coming soon. I've also done a couple of magazine interviews. One for Loveletter Magazine, a German in print romance magazine which reaches readers, booksellers and editors in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. They review US releases and I was interviewed for their newcomer section. Since I just sold in Germany, it'll be cool that readers will be aware of my upcoming releases there, which I believe are scheduled for 2010.

Also, I'm in the process of doing an interview for Romantic Times magazine for an article on my debut trilogy. I believe it will run in their May issue.

I'm very excited about these interviews and the wonderful promotion opportunities they give. I feel so fortunate to have been asked and look forward to seeing the articles.

Guest blogs are next on my agenda. I'm in the midst of setting up several of them and will post dates and locations as soon as they're set. If you're interested in a guest blogger in the next few months, let me know!

Another exciting event: I received the contract for my new trilogy. Yay! Super excited about that!

Aside from those things, it's been relatively quiet in the Reece household. Chilly temperatures have kept me and the furkids inside for much of the winter. I'm really looking forward to warmer weather. I have a tendency to be lazy during winter months when it comes to physical activity. Come March, I plan to get outside for much needed walking and brainstorming. I've found that there's nothing like getting the blood pumping and adrenaline going for new ideas to shoot through my mind.

Till next time, stay warm, dream of spring and read a wonderful romance. The happy-ever-after will bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face.

25 Random Things You Probably Don't Want to Know

I've been tagged on Facebook's '25 Random Things About Myself' numerous times and feel quite guilty for not responding to each one. Therefore, in an effort to fulfill one part of that obligation, I'm posting those things here. The other part...the one where I'm supposed to tag 25 more people...won't get done. Mostly because the ones I would have tagged have already tagged me. However, if you read this post and feel that you've been 'tagged', feel free to list 25 random things about yourself!

Here goes:

1. I've lived in four different states.
2. I would love to vacation in Maine.
3. The scariest thing I've ever done was submit a manuscript.
4. The second scariest thing I've ever done was skydive. (Submitting is scarier than skydiving!)
5. The first person I called after my first sale was my husband, followed by my mom.
6. I prefer strawberry preserves on my pb&j sandwiches.
7. Last summer a lizard came to live in my office for a week and I named her Okra.
8. I am addicted to Friends' reruns.
9. I miss the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series so very much.
10. If given a choice, I prefer my popcorn with butter.
11. I would love to live on a farm with every kind of animal as a pet.
12. My favorite book of all time is The Rolling Years by Agnes Sligh Turnbull
13. I have numerous favorite numbers but 7 & 13 are my absolute favs.
14. When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a psychiatrist.
15. I love hot, humid southern summers.
16. My dream vacation is a trip to Scotland and Ireland.
17. For my birthday one year, I ran a half-marathon.
18. If given a choice of switching my life with anyone else I wouldn't.
19. I love Edy's Chocolate and Blue Belle Homemade Vanilla ice creams.
20. My Mom is my role model.
21. My husband is my best friend and love of my life.
22. The weeping willow is my favorite tree.
23. I'm allergic to the weeping willow tree.
24. Worst rejection--a post card of reasons I might have been rejected, but nothing checked off.
25. Hardest thing about writing a book? The very first word.

Yay and Busy, Busy, Busy

First of all, apologies to those who read my blog and have been wondering when I was going to post again. It's been slightly crazy around here, but I see some breathing room in a couple of days and I'm excited about that. Meaning, I can get back to work on my new book, which I am loving!

I did want to pop in and share some exciting news. The foreign rights to RESCUE ME and RETURN TO ME sold to Britta Hansen at Heyne Verlag in Germany! Don't know release dates yet but I'm absolutely thrilled!

I've been busily working on copy edits for RUN TO ME, my June 23 release, which is the third book in the Last Chance Rescue trilogy. They're due back on Thursday, so once again this blog is short and sweet. I'll come back a little later...possibly this weekend and give you an update on my new trilogy. I'm so excited about it! Two of the books include characters from my first trilogy and the third book...well, let's just say I'm getting to know the characters and so far, they're very mysterious and intriguing. My favorite kind!

Now, back to copy edits. Until next time, stay warm and keep reading!

Congrats to Kerri

Just a quick post to announce that Kerri won the autographed advanced reading copy of my debut book, RESCUE ME. Congratulations Kerri!

And she had some even better news this week. Jump on and tell us about your big news when you can, Kerri.

Thanks everyone for your great recommendations and your comments. Be sure to check back often. I'll be giving away more ARCs and other items as I get closer to the release date...APRIL 28...of RESCUE ME.

An Opportunity to Share and Win

Yesterday I was sitting in my office working on page proofs for RETURN TO ME, the second book in my trilogy. I love this book, even if I did write it. The hero, Noah McCall, is the founder and head of Last Chance Rescue Enterprises. He's heroic, sexy and incredibly stubborn...my favorite kind of hero. Samara Lyons, the heroine, is gutsy and spirited...a perfect match for Noah. Admittedly, the book has several dark moments, but justice prevails and there's a happy ever after. My favorite kind of read.

But I digress... So yesterday, I was sitting in my office and the Fed Ex truck rumbles by my house. I'm thinking, hmm...my publisher often uses them...am I expecting anything? My line and copy edits for RUN TO ME (Ethan Bishop and Shea Malone's intensely emotional love story) are coming soon, but probably not for a week or two. So I turn away and get back to work, sure that the Fed Ex truck is delivering to one of my neighbors.

And then...he came back and stopped in front of my house!

I rushed down the stairs...admittedly after he'd pulled away since I was in my pjs...and opened the door to find a package. Oh wow, wrong size for a manuscript. What could it be? My fur kids are going crazy behind me, because of course, the door bell rang and that means excitement. The noise only adds to the anticipation as I rip into the package and...Oh My!!! Advanced reading copies of RESCUE ME!!! They're beautiful! All shiny and pretty and everything. Woohoo!

After gazing at them for at least an hour, I suddenly realized I needed to get them into the hands of readers. Oh boy! My agent suggested taking them to booksellers. So this weekend, despite the extreme shyness that often strikes me at inconvenient times, I'm heading to a few stores to give them away.

RESCUE ME, the first book in my trilogy, is truly the book of my heart. The heroine, Eden St. Claire, overcomes enormous tragedy and heartache. The hero, Jordan Montgomery, is tough and sexy, but has an underlying tenderness that makes me sigh every time I think about him. This is a story of triumph and redemption and everlasting love. What can I say? I love these characters and their story. And now, I can't wait to get it into the hands of readers.

Here's where you come in. I've been pretty preoccupied the last couple of years with writing and haven't had the opportunity to read as much as I would like. I've read a few of my favorite authors and of course, bought as many debut author's books as I could since I think we should all support each other, but my reading time has been seriously diminished. I'm writing three books this year, but once I'm through, I'm going to want to read. A lot!

So, if you would like an opportunity to win an autographed advanced reading copy of RESCUE ME, please give me a recommendation of one of your favorite books. It doesn't have to be romantic suspense or even romance. Though that is my favorite, I enjoy reading other genres too.

Making the recommendation will give all who read this blog some great book suggestions and you an opportunity to win.

Drawing will be one week from today at 5:00 PM CST. I'll announce the winner on the blog. Since I'm only giving away one copy, each person will only have their name put in once. Even if you comment several times or leave multiple book recommendations. And please, no just leaving your name. Only those who give a recommendation will have an opportunity to win. Let's get the word out about one of your favorite books!

So, come on...Leave a recommendation. We'll all benefit and one person will get my book!

Let's get started!

Happy New Year!

It's New Year's Eve and I'm excited. I'm really looking forward to 2009 for a lot of different reasons. Here are a few:

1)My debut book RESCUE ME will be released April 28. WooHoo! Then, RETURN TO ME will be released on May 19 and RUN TO ME on June 23. Triple yay!!!

2)I sold another trilogy in my Last Chance Rescue series, which means I'll be writing three books in 2009. Another triple yay!!!

3)I'm hopeful that the economy will turn around in 2009. This has been a tough year for so many people. Fingers crossed that the new year will bring stability and renewed optimism.

4)I love new beginnings. That's probably one of the reasons I so enjoy starting a new book. New beginnings are uncluttered by the past. That's what a new year is to me. Like a fresh fallen snow, it's pristine and sparkling bright, full of wonderful promise and hope for a better everything.

There are many more reasons I'm looking forward to the new year...too many to list. How about you? What are you looking forward to in 2009?

I wish everyone a peaceful, prosperous and happy new year. May all your dreams come true!

Happy Holidays!

It's almost Christmas! Don't you just love seeing the happiness and excitement on everyone's face this time of year? People of every age turn into children. Ripping into presents, laughing at silly jokes and eating way too much. It's my favorite holiday.

Okay, yes, there are a few Grinchs out there, but even they can be softened up with a bright smile or a kind word. Things that don't cost a thing and can often make a big difference.

Even though these are tough economic times and many people are stressed and worried about the future, this is a wonderful time to sit back and count your blessings. I hope you're able to take some time and do that.

Also, in between the hustle and bustle of the busy season, I hope you have time to sit down and read a good book. There are lots of wonderful ones out there and this is the perfect weather to stay inside, drink a cup of hot tea or cocoa, curl up with your honey or your pets and enjoy a great read.

As for me...I received the galleys for RETURN TO ME. Yay! So red pen in hand, I'm going to curl up for a bit of revising and reading of my own.

Until next time, stay safe, keep warm and enjoy the beauty of the season!