CHESS QUEEN
Rowena's
Occasional Newsletter
July/Aug 2006

Welcome to the July and August issue of “The Chess Queen” newsletter.

I occasionally worry about the vanity of calling my occasional newsletter that, but it is a headline quoted from a newspaper article about the chess moves I used in my alien djinn romance FORCED MATE.

In this issue:

1. Sundry News

2. New Reviews of FORCED MATE

3. Excerpt from Linnea Sinclair's
AN ACCIDENTAL GODDESS

4. Market News: Opportunities for
Short Story Writers

5. Interview with a Cover Model
Devin Yala

6. "Do Nothing" Contest Results

7. July/August Contest

8. Industry News: An Organization
for Electronically Published Authors

9. Coming Soon.

(READERS MUST BE EIGHTEEN TO READ ANY FURTHER THAN THIS.)

10. Excerpt from Brenna Lyon's
Last Chance for Love
(Caution: fully adult MATING takes
place! You must be 18 to read.)


The highlight of my May was the Romantic Times Convention in Daytona Beach, to which I drove with my small family. We meandered through Ohio, Tennessee—stopping to see the sharks in the Gatlinburg aquarium, about which I blogged—the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. We sped back straight up the I-75, stopping in Cincinnati to hear a University lecture about the almost-lost Ohio earthworks and the Hopewell Indians.

My most colorful memento of the Faery Ball is the group photo of all the Faery Court authors, taken on a balcony with the sea behind us.

Back Row (L to R):
Arianna Hart (Dark Heat), Mackenzie McKade (The Charade), Brit Blaise (Cave Creek Cowboy)

Second Row:
Rowena Cherry (Mating Net), Jaci Burton (Out of Darkness), Isabella Clayton (Seduction of Terror), Sahara Kelly (An Unkindness of Ravens), Cheyenne McCray (Forbidden Magic)

Third Row:
Tina Gerow (Stone Maiden), Melissa Schroeder (Her Wicked Warrior), Sylvia Day (Ask For It), Eden Robbins (After Sundown: Redemption), Tyler Blackwood (Riana Unveiled), Ann Jacobs (Sandstorm)

Front Row (seated):
Amanda McIntyre (It’s Magic), Kathy Love (Fangs But No Fangs), Denise Agnew (Primordial)


With thanks to Sahara Kelly for posting this picture on her gorgeous website
http://www.partnersinpassion.net/daytonasix.html

My other most colorful news is my cover for INSUFFICIENT MATING MATERIAL.

I am delighted to announce that my third story in the alien djinn romance series, INSUFFICIENT MATING MATERIAL, is scheduled for release in February of 2007.

Fewmet!
 Shot down…for failing to mate in public. Marooned on an island with the ultimate fashionista, who wouldn’t take off her clothes to save her own life, Djetth was discovering that when a Tiger prince is honor bound to hide his true identity, when his best tool of seduction bears a damning tattoo, and his very life is in danger, survival isn’t just a matter of making out.

Someone was trying to kill them…
Even in the outrageously wicked Tigron Empire, who would dare to attack a royal princess and her consort? So what if she had spectacularly rejected Djetth’s hand and privately turned her pretty nose up at his other princely parts? With the aid of two exiled empresses acting as psychic sleuths, some misplaced guitar glue and a talent for disguises, he would unmask a killer and prove this was certainly not a case of…INSUFFICIENT MATING MATERIAL

Did you notice the front cover?

In my opinion, this book has something for everyone, including outdoorsmen and the ladies who love them.

Blogs

Since May, I have started two new, by-invitation, group blogs (actually I’ve started three, but one is for alumna of Newnham College, Cambridge.)

Survival-Romance is a by-invitation blog for authors who are researching or working on romances or intimate adventures with strong survival elements.

The idea of starting this blog came to me after I posted on the NCPauthors blog (http://NCPauthors.blogspot.com) about SURVIVORMAN, Les Stroud’s cover quote for my new alien romance INSUFFICIENT MATING MATERIAL, and Annalee Blysse commented that she enjoys the Survivorman television series, too. Then Jacqueline Lichtenberg joined us….

Comments are welcome (but you have to do that letter recognition thing)
http://survival-romance.blogspot.com

~~~~~~~~~~

Alien romances (http://aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com) is a by-invitation blog by authors who are pioneers, best sellers, or award winners in the subgenre of alien romances. Participating authors include Linnea Sinclair, Jacqueline Lichtenberg, Susan Kearney, Cindy Holby, Margaret L Carter, Susan Sizemore, and Rowena Cherry.

I started this group after Linnea Sinclair invited me to join her panel workshop – Starships, Sorcerers and Sexy Heroes, Oh My! – on SF writing at the Romantic Times Convention.

Comments are welcome (but you have to do that letter recognition thing)
http://aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com 

 

 

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Futuristic Fulfillment, Not Your Casual-Minded Romance

"Rowena Cherry’s Forced Mate is a thrilling ride filled with detours, dead ends and juicy 'scenic overviews' that will take you on a futuristic trip NOT for the simple-minded. Curves, turns and loops keep this story moving forward with intrigue and mystery that started in the lives and loves of past generations. Tarrant-Arragon may think he’s in the drivers seat, but Djinni-vera’s sidetracks his efforts at seduction and directs him to a place of great love, not just amazing passion."

~ Reviewed by Aysel Arwen, Author of A Clan Chief, A Dragon And Evelyn
www.ayselarwen.com

~~~~~~~~~~

4.5 Shamrocks

"...fans of sci-fi romance novels are going to love this new author and her exciting intergalactic series."
~Marilyn Rondeau, RIO – Reviewers International Organization

Read the full review at http://www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com/forcedmate_marilyn.html

 

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An Accidental Goddess
by Linnea Sinclair

Available from Bantam Spectra wherever paperbacks are sold (check the science fiction shelves)

Raheiran Special Forces Captain Gillaine Davré has just woken up in some unknown space station, wondering where the last three hundred years have gone. The last thing she remembers is her ship being attacked. Now it seems that while she was time-traveling, she was ordained a Goddess…

Gillaine’s only hope of survival rests with dangerously seductive Admiral “Mack” Makarian, who suspects her of being a smuggler—or worse. But he can’t begin to imagine the full extent of it. For Gillaine is now Lady Kiasidira, holy icon to countless believers, including Mack—a man who inspires feelings in her that are far from saintly…feelings she knows are mutual. But when their flirtation is interrupted by a treacherous enemy from the past, Gillaine’s secret—and secret desires—could destroy them both….

Mack’s gaze traveled to the utility belt at Gillie’s waist. She anticipated his next question. “How’d you cut down the Sacred Symbols?”
“You know what it’s like in the lanes. Sometimes the tools you need are a bit more than spec,” she lied.
“Since I didn’t hear you tell me that, I won’t have to confiscate them. But answer me this. Why?”
She knew he wasn’t asking about any fictitious, high-energy and highly illegal lasers. “Rigo’s able to do what he wants because people think he speaks for the Kiasidira.” She suddenly realized how she could use her desperate attempt at diversion and turn it into a method of discrediting the magefather. “I hoped people might interpret something like that as a sign of her displeasure. Especially if your safety team finds no physical explanation for it.”
“The supports were obviously sheared by an intense energy source.”
“Which they won’t be able to produce. Or identify. You and Pryor can confirm there was no one else in the temple.” She shrugged. “That’s all you have to announce. Leave the rest up to gossip.”
His gaze shifted away from her as he wrestled with her suggestion. But only for a moment. Then he seemed to remember who, and what, he was.
“I can’t, Gillaine. You’re asking me to participate in the fabrication of a rumor that could potentially destroy a man’s career.”
“I’m asking you simply to report what your team finds. An unknown energy source sheared the Sacred Symbols while only Rigo was in the temple. That’s all.”
“But I know you did it.”
She stood, unbuckled her utility belt, handed it to him. “Prove it.”
He took the belt but didn’t look at it. “You ditched the laser somewhere between the temple and my office, didn’t you?”
She smiled. It was a non-answer. It didn’t feel quite as bad as a lie.
He shook his head. “I don’t trust Rigo. You know that. But I have to work things my way. My methods. Fleet’s methods. I’m not going to start any rumors.”
He was an honorable man. She’d known that from the first time she’d met him. She never really expected he’d go along with a plan like hers.
But that was all right. She knew who would. Tobias.
Still, Mack was a damned good kisser, even when he was angry with her. He snugged the belt around her waist, threaded the buckle. Then, with his fingers curled around her belt, he leaned back against the edge of the desk and pulled her against him.
She wrapped her arms around his neck. Easier to do when he wasn’t towering over her.
His kiss was long and deep. She luxuriated in the feel of his short, thick hair against her palms, of the solid warmth of his chest against hers. His breath shuddered slightly in her mouth, sent a thousand fluttermoths soaring through her senses. Then his hands, which had been sensually massaging their way up from her waist, stilled.
He pulled back reluctantly. “I have to be in a meeting in five minutes.” He stroked her cheek. “Promise me. No more adventures. Without telling me first.”
“Promise.”
“Dinner will be late. We can have it at my place?”
She thought of what Simon would say. “Only if I’m allowed to be dessert.”
Desire flashed like a surge of heat in his eyes. Then he closed them, as if he knew she’d seen. Knew he was at the limits of his control.
Gillie knew. She teetered on the edge of her own every time he touched her.

Linnea Sinclair -- http://www.linneasinclair.com

Bantam-Spectra 2005:
FINDERS KEEPERS, GABRIEL'S GHOST, AN ACCIDENTAL GODDESS

Coming 2007:
GAMES OF COMMAND, CHASIDAH’S CHOICE, THE DOWN HOME ZOMBIE BLUES

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New Concepts Publishing is actively seeking short stories of 10,000 to 30,000 words for their new lines:

Kinetic Series—Releasing November 2006 The theme for this series is psychic powers. Examples include, but are not limited to psychokinesis, pyrokinesis, hydrokinesis, and other superhuman powers.

The Brood—Releasing February 2007 The theme for this series is animal shifter clans, either of earthly origin or of the fantasy variety. (Please, no bestiality themes) Examples include, but are not limited to wolf, lion, bear, dragon, griffin, swan, etc.

Enchanted—Releasing May 2007 The theme for this series is magical enchantments and curses. Examples include but are not limited to retellings of fairytales like Beauty and the Beast, Rose Red, Sleeping Beauty, etc.

Inferno—Releasing August 2007 Theme is summer and heat. These stories should be VERY SEXY and should include high sexual tension.

Send to submissions@newconceptspublishing.com

For more details visit the new concepts website, or check out the details I posted on my blog at http: http://www.rowenacherry.blogspot.com
Also at http://outdamnedstory.blogspot.com

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What could be more appropriate for the hot months of July and August than to showcase an Elite Exotic Male Entertainer.


Recently back from being on tour with the Chippendales, laconic cover model Devin Yala has very kindly granted this interview.

RC Devin, thank you very much for granting this interview. How do Chippendales men like to be described?

DY: Elite Exotic Male Entertainers.

RC: Was dancing with the Chippendales a long time ambition for you? And is it difficult to become a Chippendale?

DY: It was a long time ambition, and Yes it is difficult. The selection criteria are very rigorous.

RC: What did you have to do get the job?

DY: Audition.

RC: Are there mass auditions?

DY: Yes

RC: What does a guy have to know, and be good at in order to become a Chippendale Elite Exotic Male Entertainer?

DY: He has to have looks, a good stage presence, be a quick learner (for group skits), and have charm, good attitude, be good dancer, of course, have a good body.

RC: Is it a bit like getting on American Idol?

DY: Yes

RC: It seems to me Chippendales men are perfect candidates for the Romantic Times BOOKclub’s Mr. Romance!


RC: I’m curious about how the business works. Do dancers have agents, like actors and fashion models?

DY: No

RC: Are dancers all paid the same...?

DY: No, not all dancers are paid the same. Usually it's by seniority, experience.

RC: Are dancers kept on retainer, or is every tour a new experience with different colleagues?

DY: We go on tour usually with 7-10 main guys. For other venues we have more guys.

RC: Are dancers ever fired (as air hostesses used to be) for gaining weight?

DY: They are given a warning. If they don't do anything about it, then, of course they are let go.

RC: Are there codes of conduct (as there are for models at RT) for what a dancer can and cannot do while on tour?

DY: Yes definitely.


RC: Does being a Chippendale Elite Exotic Male Entertainer involve a lifestyle? For instance, what hours do you work? How regular are the gigs? How often do you tour? If a dancer kept a day planner, what would a typical 24 hour period look like? Is it tough to be on tour away from your family?

DY: Our day is pretty much the same every day. We travel to a city, take our props and costumes and set up at the venue.

We rehearse for 1-2 hours, check in to our hotel, eat, go to the gym, and maybe rest for an hour, then prepare to go to the show.

Yes it is tough being away from your family. We average 20 shows a month.

RC: Are there specific exercises that Elite Exotic Male Entertainers do to keep in the right sort of shape dancing?

DY: No, there are no specific exercises that we do, we pretty much train with weights and eat right (although it is difficult). We just need to keep in shape. It's not like being at home when you can train on a regular basis. On the road you try to do as much as time allows.

RC: What is the worst --or most artistically challenging-- thing that has ever happened to you on tour or during a performance?

DY: When you get behind doing group acts on stage and try to catch up with the other guys. Our acts are professionally choreographed and with lots of synchronized movements, so when one makes a mistake it makes the whole act look bad.

RC: Do Elite Exotic Male Entertainers get bouncers --or such-- to protect them from groupies or inappropriately behaved patrons during performances (or at the stage door) or are muscular guys presumed to be able to take care of themselves?

DY: Usually most of the venues that we perform at have Security.

RC: Does being a dancer fit in well with another career? If so, what else do you do?

DY: I'm also a nursing student and a cover model. My favorite cover is probably my first one, Ellora’s Cave Legendary Tales 111.

RC: Do you have hobbies or sports that you enjoy?

DY: I love sports… all types. Presently, when I am not on tour I play in a premier softball league. Also, I like martial arts.

RC: What is the retirement age for a dancer? Do you plan to dance as long as you have the energy and the looks? Or do you look on dancing as a stepping stone to something else?
What do you want to achieve?

DY: I guess when your body starts to look really bad then it's time to hang it up. I would like to own a Chippendales franchise one day or be a manager.

RC: Is there anything I haven't asked that you would like people to know about you or how to contact you or where they can find out more about you?

DY: Yes, I LOVE!!!! ANIMALS. I love my BRANDI she's my dog. She is mixed: Rott, shepherd and lab. I can be contacted via e-mail: hawaiianfantasy@sbcglobal.net

RC: Devin Yala, thank you very much for a fascinating interview.

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What I promised:
Prize—A Godiva chocolates gift token.
"..the May/June contest will be a Do Nothing contest. At the end of May I will put all the names (one each) in a suitable container and pick out one winner at random from everyone signed up for my newsletter/mailing list."

The winner was Laurie, from Canada.

My husband objected to all that paper being printed off –not even using both sides!!! So, next time I have a random drawing of this size, I will have someone who does not know what is going on to pick a number between 1 and 2,000. Every subscriber has an “Entry number” depending on the order in which they signed up (or were signed up, if they entered a Fresh Fiction or TRS contest).

There was also an unannounced contest just for new sign-ups in June.
That winner was Joanna from the U.K.

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Win: A Faery medallion attached to an RT Faery Ball "scroll" of all the Faery Ball faeries' poems, an autographed, printed ARC of the short story MATING NET (from a very limited number made up for a Romance Writers Contest entry) promo items.

Answer the question: What color was Rowena Cherry's "alien djinn wedding dress" as worn for the RT Faery Ball and at subsequent book signings?

This contest runs until the 3rd of September.  Void where prohibited.

There will one winner, determined by a random drawing from correct answers sent to rowena@rowenacherry.com  with the subject line "Guess the Dress"

No purchase necessary. Entrants need not visit Rowena Cherry's website, her blogs or Blogspot profile, or anyone else's to win (you can guess.)

Entrants may also snail mail answers to:
Rowena Beaumont Cherry
PO Box 554 
Bloomfield Hills MI 48303-0554
 
This contest is to promote MATING NET, author Rowena Cherry, and her alien djinn romances.

A complete list of rules can be obtained by emailing rowena@rowenacherry.com with the words "Guess the Dress Rules" in the subject line.

 

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What is EPIC?

EPIC, the Electronically Published Internet Connection, is a professional organization, consisting of e-published authors, editors, publishers and industry professionals of all kinds. It was established to provide a strong voice for electronic publishing. Among our members, you'll find writers of all the most popular fiction genres, as well as non-fiction self-help and how-to. Our members hail from all over the world...13 different countries at the current time.

Even though E-Publishing is a relatively new venue, there are many readers, writers, and traditionally published authors who believe this is one of the major marketplaces of the future, and the growth figures support that belief. EPIC exists to help professional writers learn more about the best publishing opportunities on the Internet and to provide networking opportunities for exchange of information about promotion and market growth.

In addition, EPIC addresses literacy in middle school and high school students with one of our yearly awards, the New Voices Award. This entry-FREE award recognizes writing talent in young authors. For more information about e-publishing, e-books, our contests or EPIC in general, please visit our site at http://www.epicauthors.com

By Brenna Lyons, President of EPIC

 

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Mark Johnson

 

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“Tell me, Susan.” He wouldn’t take her until she asked him. That was their way, their tradition. He shook in his restraint as he waited for her answer.

Susan settled her hands on his shoulders. She looked between their bodies to where they were loosely joined. “Make love to me, Joel.”

Jole shivered; glad that Susan had never changed the way she said his name after finding out that he liked it. The long-unused Earth pronunciation in Susan’s sex-charged voice made him crazy in need for her. His name rolled off her tongue like a caress direct to his raging erection.

He dropped her over him slowly, filling her as her body stretched to accommodate him. His heart ached as he did. Susan asked him to make love to her. Not to mate or to have sex with her or even to give her a child. Make love to me, Joel. As he raised his hips to join with her fully, Jole determined to do that. He’d never made love to a woman before, but he had no doubts that he would find the way with Susan.

She moved with him, matching his movements as he climbed steadily, thrusting faster and harder into her. Susan threw her head back, baring her chest to his ravenous mouth and gasping for him as he suckled at her body. She buried her face in his shoulder as her body started contracting around him, little whimpering sounds of pleasure vibrating through him.

Susan was ready for him, still lost in the high her climax provided for her. Jole pulled her hips to him as he cried out his release and emptied into her in long spasms that shook him to his core. His member swelled further, locking her body to him.

She cried out in surprise and pain, pulling back against his grip. Jole furrowed his brow as he locked her hips firmly to him. What was she doing? Moving at joining would be excruciating. Susan swung frightened eyes to him. Her eyes pleaded with him, but for what, he had no idea.

The door swung open and Pyter’s fury melted into a mixture of surprise and amusement.

Jole pulled Susan to his chest, shielding as much of her body from his chief of security as he could. He glared at the older man. “Get out,” he barked. “Get out before I take your head.” Jole said it in English, so Susan would know what was said. Her embarrassment deserved that much from him.

Pyter nodded and disappeared behind the door with a self-satisfied look. Jole felt his stomach clench. Of course Pyter was happy. There was surely a handsome reward in store for him being the first to report back that Jole had claimed his bride as true mate.

He ran his hands in soothing arcs over Susan’s back as she sobbed. “Please, tell me what’s wrong,” he begged of her. Was she so upset at Pyter barging in on them or was it something in his lovemaking that injured her? Pulling away at the moment of joining could do considerable damage.

Susan raised her tear-stained cheeks to him. “What did you do?” she whispered, her lip trembling.

Jole groaned. “The swelling? It only hurts if you try to move. It will subside in a few minutes.” And then I can gauge if there was damage done. Gods, I hope there was no damage done. “I should have warned you.” He ran his fingers over her cheek. “Human men don’t do that at climax, do they?”

She shook her head. “My father didn’t— My mother never—”

“He was a first generation cross-bred and much more human than I am or you are.”

“No, but I felt—” Susan pulled his hand to her abdomen, at a loss to put her fears into words. “When you stretched me—”

Jole nodded in understanding, smiling in spite of her upset. She’d never been stimulated by a Keen male. Human men didn’t complete the fertility cycle she required.

“My body enticed yours to release an egg,” he explained slowly. “That is what happens in Keen mating. That is one of the reasons you cannot reproduce with a human male.”

His amusement fled as she burst into tears again.

“Susan— Did I hurt you? Please tell me what’s wrong.”

She nestled her cheek to him. “I’m not— Humans don’t—”

Understanding came slowly. Humans didn’t feel the release of an egg. Humans had some other way of stimulating that release. Susan wasn’t prepared to relinquish her identity as human.

“How is it with humans, Susan?”

“Human women release an egg once a month. If the man’s sperm is there at the right time and the fertilized egg catches at the uterine walls, she carries a baby.”

Jole nodded. His heart took up a choppy rhythm. He knew she had been with human men. Was the difference too much for her?

“Can you— Will you consent to mate with me again?”

 

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ROWENA'S BOOKS

FORCED MATE

Prince Tarrant-Arragon has found the mate of his dreams.  She hates him.  What is a god-Emperor to do?

FORCED MATE (by Rowena Cherry) is a futuristic take on the myth of Persephone and the god of the underworld: a dark ruler of an interstellar superpower abducts his perfect mate, never dreaming he’ll fall in love.

Find out more at www.rowenacherry.com

 

MATING NET

Helispeta wanted to marry well… But not THIS well.

What is an ambitious young princess to do when she finds herself irrevocably married to the wrong god?

Find out more at www.rowenacherry.com

 

INSUFFICIENT MATING MATERIAL

Coming in February 2007

Not only is Prince Djetth marooned on a deserted island with the ultimate fashionista who won’t take off her clothes to save her own life… they are sitting ducks for whoever is trying to kill them.

 

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ROWENA'S BLOGS

If you would like to hear from Rowena Cherry more often, sign up for her periodic blog at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rowenacherrynewsletter/

Read more at any of the following blogs:
www.survival-romance.blogspot.com
Also at www.outdamnedstory.blogspot.com
Also at http://www.rowenacherry.blogspot.com
Also at http://www.aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com
Also at Divas of Romance http://www.divasofromance.com
Also at All Star Scribes http://www.allstarscribe.com
Also at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rowenacherrynewsletter/



Look what turns up on an A9.com search "Alien Romance" --

alien romances
Any animal with interesting or excessive reproductive habits or equipment may serve to inspire an alien romance. The concept of a shark's claspers (which look like labia when not deployed) fascinates me….

http://aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com

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WHAT REVIEWERS SAY ABOUT
ROWENA CHERRY AND FORCED MATE

PEARL - Paranormal Excellence Award for Romantic Literature

Rowena Cherry
PEARL AWARDS - Best New Author - Honorable Mention

FORCED MATE
PEARL AWARDS - Best Futuristic - Finalist

MATING NET
PEARL AWARDS - Short Story Finalist 2006

FIVE BLUE RIBBONS "FORCED MATE is one of the best science fiction romances I've read all year...." ~ Nicole Hulst, reviewer for Romance Junkies.

"ROMANCE, humour, the SAS, royalty, outer space--all in one! That combination, coupled with a wicked sense of humour makes this by far the most unusual, entertaining, yet thought-provoking book I have read in a long time." ~ Jo Thomson, reader.

FIVE ANGELS! "This book is long and complex and I loved it." ~ Jean, Fallen Angel Reviews

FOUR STARS. "FORCED MATE is a highly unique, funny and sexy read. This is an author with a bright future!" ~ Jill M. Smith, reviewer Romantic Times

"This futuristic romance is one that you won't want to miss!" ~ Cy Korte, BookIsle

FIVE STARS. "FORCED MATE is a terrific science fiction tale." ~ Harriet Klausner, sime~gen

FIVE ANGELS. "I laughed so hard I cried." ~ Izzy, Fallen Angel Reviews

FIVE STARS! "Well done and very romantic...a true page turner!" ~ Cindy Lynn Speer, Affaire de Coeur.

"HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! FORCED MATE is something any fan of futuristic romance will enjoy." ~ Shelina Emery, reviewer for MyShelf.com

FIVE MOONS! "FORCED MATE absolutely ROCKS!" ~ Brenda Clark, MystiqueBooks.com

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