Confidence Killer

This morning I was up at 3:30am. After feeding the baby I couldn’t sleep. I decided to attack my wip. I’ve been reading a lot during my pumping sessions. Reading has reminded me why I started writing in the first place and got me excited about my current book.
I was in the middle of a hot sex scene when I took a break. BIG F’ing mistake. I took an email break. My inbox had a review. A review of Hit Me. I’ve been weary of reviews lately because I’ve gotten more not so great ones. Not to sound conceded but the bad ones used to be far and few between. So this upswing of bad reviews has taken a toll on me. I was already suffering from lack of mojo from a high risk pregnancy.
This one really cut deep. There wasn’t anything this reviewer liked about the book. She gave it a 2 out of 5. I know I shouldn’t pay attention to reviews and normally I don’t. Unfortunately my hormones aren’t “normal” right now, so little things sting.
The other thing is I used to be a reviewer. There were a few books that I had to give a 2 to, but believe me I highlighted positives. There’s nothing more gut wrenching then having to hurt an author…and that was before I became one.
Anyway, the sex scene fizzled out for now, but I’ll put on my big girl panties and get back to writing shortly. I had to vent.
If you care to see the horrible review you can read it here: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=2670

The Waiting Begins and Continues...

I subbed to my editor yesterday and she informed me she’s swamped and it will likely be a fully eight weeks before I hear something. Understandable. Besides, what can I do, but wait. I’m also coming up on the 2 month mark of waiting to hear from Carina Press. Hey two months down, two more to go! LOL
As a writer waiting is the HARDEST part. A million thoughts go through my mind while waiting.
Will the editor think what I wrote sucks? Will she think – OMG, what kind of garbage is she trying to pass off as a story? It’s the fear I have with every single submission. I hope someday those fears go away. Something tells me that’s not going to happen.
In other news I received a fabulous review from Miz Love over at Miz Love Loves Books. The review is for Adrift…one of my favorite books. She gave it a Hot Stuff #1
If you want to check it out here is the link!

http://mizlovelovesbooks.blogspot.com/2011/02/adrift-by-amber-skyze.html?zx=598224b03213cfc9

A Good Day

First off I have to give a big Thank You to the wonderful and talented Selena Illyria, who has once again pointed me in the direction of an awesome review of mine. I also would like to thank Theresa, at The Romance Studio for the fantastic review of Adrift.
As all writers’ do, I fretted over how this new book would be received. It was my first time writing M/M/F. I’ve written many ménage’s, but they were all M/F/M. Adrift was a hit with TRS. A Five Heart review! To read it go here:
http://theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/adriftskyze.htm
In other news I’ve finished my latest wip, a contemporary M/F, called Sex on the Beach (tentatively titled). I’m going to let it sit for a few days before I edit and send it off.
The warm weather had returned to New England. I spent a few hours on the pool deck yesterday and hope to get a few more in today. The day job has quieted down for this month so I get to enjoy some leisure time. Also all my promo stuff is pretty much done for Romanticon. I can’t believe it’s only two weeks away. I can’t wait to meet all my awesome friends and fellow authors.
Fran Lee and I will be doing a Reader based workshop. I’ll also be joining the lovely ladies of the Cougar Challenge series for a workshop…oh and tomorrow I’ll be showcasing my lovely new Cougar cover art. The lovely Syneca has worked her magic yet again.
Happy Thursday!

Author Bashing - How Far is Too Far

Today I'm blogging about Author Bashing over at Seven Sexy Scribes today. Stop by and give your opinion.

http://sevensexyscribes.blogspot.com

Never a Dull Moment

Yup..That’s my house. Yesterday morning two of the dogs got into a battle over a bone. At first it appeared they both came out of it unscathed, but as the day wore on I realized the chocolate lab lost. He was bleeding from what I thought was his leg. He kept licking his leg for hours. Finally the blood became thick and heavy and was all over his face. Not good.
DH and son took him to the vet. His tongue was split in one place and punctured in another. They had to keep him for a few hours because they had to knock him out. This is my baby our first dog. He needs his momma or at the very least one of his brothers. Even though he’s the alpha dog, he’s a momma’s boy. :o)
DH went back to pick him up last night and he was crying. Broke the hubby’s heart. He’s never been away from home for this long without a family member or one of his brothers. So glad I wasn’t there. It would’ve broken my heart too.

Let’s hope today is quieter.

In other news….

The Romance Studio has just posted an outstanding review for my contemporary erotic romance novella Heat Waves and gave the book FOUR HEARTS. In part, Ammie, the reviewer said,
"...There were a few times when their conversations got quite graphic. But this is a book for adults so I was not offended or in any way by it. Their personalities were also well written and matched their actions. The plot flowed nicely throughout the book. There are a few snags in the perfect relationship building between Nina and Ty, which makes it more interesting to read. I like this book, and think it is perfect for someone looking for a hot, steamy romance."

For the whole review, check it out at http://theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/heatwavesskyze.htm

Dizzy - Not Just In My Head

So I’ve been in bed the last three days, not really sure what was wrong with me. The only symptom I had was dizziness. I’d get up and the room would spin. Mind you I get motion sickness very easily. I thought I had vertigo. I’ve had it twice in the past, but this time it was stronger. A friend asked me if I had my medications changed recently and I quickly jumped and said no.
This morning when I was going threw a pile of papers on my desk I found paperwork for my prescription company who I’m fighting with to get my acid reflux medicine changed back to my original stuff. Nothing I take works except Protonix. Then the bells went off. I’ve been taking the Nexium they sent until I get other script. I did some research and sure enough dizziness is a side effect/allergic reaction to Nexium. BINGO!
I placed a call to my doctor who told me to stop taking immediately…well duh! Now I must suffer until the stupid prescription company my insurance decided to use sends me the other script. I detest these mail order drug companies. But nothing I can do about it I have to have my meds. I’m at their mercy.
In other news I received a three star review from The Pen and Muse to read it go here:
http://www.thepenmuse.com/

Happy Hump Day!

Review - Body Shots

Body Shots has it's first review! YAY!


Title: Body Shots
Author: Amber Skyze
Genre: Spicy, Contemporary
Available: Dec 22, 2009
Score: 4.25 / 5

Ms. Skyze has written an interesting page-turner that has intelligent, believable characters and a plot that holds your attention from beginning to end. To read this review in full visit this link! http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.aspx?daoid=5468

Manic Readers gives Spank Me Twice a "Thumbs Up"

4.5 Stars
Release Date: 05/22/09
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing LLC
Genre: Erotica
ISBN: 978-1-60592-037-5
Pages: 79
Format: E-Book
List Price: 6.00
Author Page: Jude Mason
MR Reviewer: Amanda

Ticket to a Spanking by Jude Mason

When Julia and her best friend Chris find a speeding ticket belonging to Julia’s husband, Ken, she figures the best way to make him pay for keeping it from her is a spanking. However, Chris has always been interested in how Julia “punishes” Ken but she never expects to have a front row seat to it. While Ken is embarrassed and shocked to be receiving his spanking in front of another woman, it’s kind of a turn on as well. Will all three find their pleasure or be left out in the cold?


YUM! I love Jude’s books, especially her spanking stories. They’re so original and sexy. I loved Chris the most in Ticket to a Spanking—she’s such a newbie to the lifestyle and she was depicted brilliantly. This is a very hot and heavy story and sure to rev your engines.

Rein Me In by Amber Skyze

When Delia overspends on her credit card, her husband is understandably upset. Poor Delia thinks he’s going to leave her though, and she’ll do anything to make sure that doesn’t happen—even take a spanking for her naughty behavior. No cajoling on her part is going to get her free of his “lesson in overspending.”


Rein Me In is a ton of fun. I loved Scott (Delia’s husband). He’s gorgeous and dominant. He’s determined to get his wife to lay off shopping and the only way he can get her to pay attention is by teaching her a lesson. The spankings are off the charts hot and although I felt a little bad for Delia I know she enjoyed it just as much.

Road Trip by Tara S. Nichols

While on a road trip, Mona can’t keep her horniness in check. Anytime she’s in the car her needs just ratchet out of control. Her boyfriend Jess knows it drives her wild, but he’s holding back. Will he be able to resist her the entire trip, or will her sensual teasing be too much to resist?


I love road trip stories. There’s just something so carnal about them. A quickie on the side of the road or over the hood of a car, they’re all very stimulating. I loved Mona. She’s quite the little hussy. I don’t know how Jess managed to hold out on her for so long. Fast paced but not lacking in any area, Road Trip is definitely a feast for your senses.

Lip Service by Keta Diablo

After Navarre and Bryan have a fight, Bryan takes off on assignment to Japan. Determined to reconcile, Navarre creates the perfect romantic atmosphere for Bryan’s homecoming—only to have it go to hell in a hand basket. The plane has mechanical problems and Bryan is stuck in a hotel—200 miles away. Well, nothing like a little spontaneity to keep the relationship at its peak. Navarre decides to surprise Bryan in his hotel room, only to get a surprise of his own—Bryan isn’t alone.


Ouch. The suspense was killing me. I could feel the connection between Navarre and Bryan so I was really worried about what Navarre was going to find in the hotel room. Lip Service is a total page turner and I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen.

Wowzers. Spank Me Twice is mouthwateringly delicious down to the last page. What an incredible array of writers in this book. Jude Mason starts it off with a delicious tale of a naughty husband who gets his punishment and it goes out with a bang with a male love story by Keta Diablo. Spank Me Twice is like an Oreo cookie. Yummy crunchy cookie on the outside with delectable cream-filling in the middle. All the stories are fast paced and will have you needing a fan on high next to you.

Knock Me Over Review - One Tasty Night

ONE TASTY NIGHT

AMBER SKYZE

ISBN: 978-1-60168-231-0

May 2009

Aspen Mountain Press

http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/

E-Book$4.00

84 PagesCougar /EroticaRating: 5 Cups

Taylor runs Taylor Sweets and every morning sells a bunch of lollipops to the uber handsome, hot, and younger Shane. After accepting a challenge from her friends, Taylor heads to an “adult toy store”, only to discover that the shop is Shane‘s second business.

Shane is thrilled when his long term crush, Taylor, is discovered in his store. When he finally gets her to go out with him, his family interrupts his big date.Talyor hopes Shane comes back, because if he is her dream man come true, then she is going to fulfill as many of her fantasies as she can. Shane is thrilled to use some of his store’s toys with Taylor. But, can he show her that the age difference is not as big as their desire for each other?

Here is the quick part of the review: One Tasty Night is excellent. Stop what you are doing and go to Aspen Press and buy it now. For the details, the main characters are perfect for the story and each other. The sex is out of this world and works fantastically with the plot. No act is gratuitous, but they are all hot and thrilling. Little details are well written and made this wonderful story all the better. This is my first book by Ms Skyze, but I cannot wait for her next publication.

Anya

Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

Blurb:

Taylor Jax has a secret. She fantasizes about seducing longtime friend Shane Griffin. Only problem, he’s eight years her junior – too young in her mind.

During a game of truth or dare her secret is exposed. Challenged by her best friends, Taylor must go into an adult toy store and buy all the accessories needed to live out her fantasy.With another night of truth or dare looming, Taylor makes a bold move. Before her friends can dare her, she plans a full-fledged seduction.

Shane has loved Taylor for as long as he can remember. She enters his store in disguise, prompting him to tease her. To his surprise she agrees to have dinner with him. And when she propositions him he wonders - will one night be enough?

Excerpt:

Looking around, Taylor noticed she’d wound up in the vibrator aisle. At least it was something familiar. Every woman owned a vibrator, didn’t they? As she absorbed the different sizes and shapes she wondered how big Shane was. Picking up the icicle dreams she scrunched her nose. Not her style. She liked them to at least look like a penis. She placed it back in its spot.

She snatched a rather large one off the hook, imagining it was Shane’s size. “Hot bunny. Now this is what I’m talking about.”

"Find everything you're looking for?" Shane asked, sneaking up behind her.

His warm breath tickled the back of her neck, sending heat coursing through her overheated body. Her mouth grew dry. Water. She needed water to put out the flames burning her body. "Umm, I think I'm okay."

"Are you sure?"

She wanted to fall back into his arms. She wanted to give in to her desires and let him do whatever he wanted. “Yes.”

God, she had to get out of there soon or something bad was going to happen.

"You sure you don’t need a hand?" His fingertips traced down her arms and sent shivers through her body.

She wanted to scream Fuck Me! but she fought the urge. "Really, I'm fine. Don't you have other customers to assist?"

"Not at the moment. You're my only customer. And since you're always so good to me I'm going to give you extra special attention.”

Her legs were mush standing this close to him.

“Let me see your list,” he coaxed.

“Shane, I’m fine. Seriously. I'll handle the list."

Shane stepped in front of her. "I know the store from top to bottom. Just like you know Tasty Taylor’s. Let me help, please."

Those captivating eyes pulled her into a trance. They begged her to just give in this one time. She wouldn't. She couldn't.

"No.”

"Come on," he pleaded.

Before she could respond, he snatched the paper from her hands and looked it over. "Oh, this will be a cinch."

"Give that to me," she demanded, her hand held out impatiently.

He shoved the paper into his pants. "If you want it, come and get it."

Taylor stood there dumbfounded. Had he really just stuck her list down his pants? What the hell was she going to do now? Certainly she couldn’t put her hands down his pants and grab it could she? Serve him right if she did. Would he be standing there looking so smug if she reached in and took her paper? If she did she could find out just how big he was. Oh, the girls would enjoy that conversation.

“You seriously don’t want me to come and get it, do you?” She gave him one last chance to change his mind.

“Don’t I?” He turned and walked away.

Challenging her was a big mistake.

Coffee Time Reviews Splashing Good Time

SPLASHING GOOD TIME
AMBER SKYZE
ISBN#: 9781419921063
April 2009
Ellora’s Cave
www.ellorascave.com
eBook$2.49
54 Pages
Contemporary
Rating: 4 Cups

Reese has been divorced for three years and is still unable to find her rebound man. She refuses to consider her sexy younger pool man, despite the fact he has fueled her fantasies for many years.


Nathan has been biding his time but is tired of waiting. When he discovers the one thing that is preventing Reese from considering him for a relationship, he is insulted.


Reese thinks the 10 years between her and Nathan is insurmountable. Nathan is just as determined that Reese will see him as the responsible man he is rather than the stereotypical role she has given him.


The timeless story of the older woman and the younger, sexy pool man is spun in a time honored way. I loved how Nathan was a man determined not to let the woman go no matter how she saw herself. Amber Skyze used a humble and gentle manner to tell a story that some women would find uncomfortable.


DelaneReviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

Literary Nymphs Reviews One Tasty Night

Title: One Tasty Night

Author: Amber SkyzePublisher:

Aspen Mountain PressPublisher

URL: http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/

ISBN: 978-1-60168-213-0

Genre: Contemporary {M/F} Erotic Romance, Light Bondage, Spanking

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Rose Nymph

Taylor Jax has been warding off Shane Griffin’s advances for a long time. Sure, she’s attracted to him. Who wouldn’t be? He is one fine example of the male form and in the time she’s gotten to know him as a customer in her store, he seems a great guy too. He’s just too young for Taylor and she fears that if she gives in to him, he’ll get bored with her eventually. She can’t risk her heart getting broken but her concerns don’t stop her fantasies; fantasies her friends are trying very hard to help make a reality.

After a game of Truth or Dare, Taylor finds herself in an adult store with a list of goodies to purchase in order to make her fantasies come true. Does Taylor have it in her to let go of her worries and seduce the secret man of her dreams? Shane has faith that it will only be a matter of time before Taylor sees how perfect they are for each other and when she finally caves in, he’s going to be more than ready to step up to the plate.

One Tasty Night is the sequel to Mistletoe Studs and focuses the attention on Shane’s pursuit of his dream woman, while his brother Brad’s escapades with Meg having been the subject of the previous book. Ever since Shane mentioned his feelings for the older woman Taylor in the first book, I was intrigued and so was excited to see a sequel had been written. I wasn’t disappointed as the anticipation, eroticism and satisfaction was all there. The chemistry between Taylor and Shane was well written as I could easily believe that they had known each other for a while and that the mutual attraction had been bubbling away nicely the whole time. The “interruption” of characters from the first book during the pair’s first date was nice and added to Taylor and Shane’s building frustration. When they do finally get to explore their feelings – phew – it’s going to be One Tasty Night that might just make both of them realize how much they’ve been missing.

Splashing Good Time - JERR review

KUDOS to my friend Regina for finding this review!

Title: Splashing Good Time
Author: Amber Skyze
Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing
Publisher URL: www.ellorascave. com
Reviewer: Ann Barber
Rating: 4 Stars
Heat level: H

Finally over her divorce, Reese is ready for more than just masturbating to her hot pool “boy”, Nathan. Well he’s been having a few fantasies himself. Unfortunately Nathan is ten years younger than her, and Reese refuses to be compared to her cradle robbing ex. Can he convince her that the only opinions that matter are their own?Splashing Good Time is a fun, light read that I found to be a perfect companion on a hot summer afternoon. Reese’s finding new love in an unexpected place drew me into the story, and although Nathan is younger, his maturity makes him an equal partner in their relationship, and he is delightfully alpha in the bedroom. The sex was scorching and made me extremely happy I was sitting near the A/C! Despite its short length, the story doesn’t seem rushed at all. Reese and Nathan’s relationship seems to develop at a natural pace, and though this story only shows the beginning of their romance, I think they have a great shot at a real love. I would love to see another book that shows their relationship at a later point. If you’re looking for a fun read with a handsome younger man to sweep you off your feet, Amber Skyze’s Splashing Good Time is a great treat for a steamy summer afternoon.
Ann Barber
Just Erotic Romance Reviews

You Gotta Read Reviews Spank Me Twice

After only being on sale two weeks, Spank Me Twice has its first review.

While the reviewer wasn't too fond of my story she did praise the other authors. Here's a snippet of my review:

Rein me in by Amber Skyze

Delia is happy being a stay at home wife, spending her husband's money. Only problem? Scott doesn't share her enthusiasm. Yes, he wants his wife to enjoy the finer things in life, but he wants her to stay within a budget.

While still good, this was my least favorite of the offerings. The female lead was just vamped and leaps to the worst possible conclusion (the end of their marriage) at the drop of a hat. Her husband, likewise, completely skips past sitting her down and having a rational conversation with her about why her spending is inappropriate. This leaves the characters feel flat and hard to relate to as people.

You can read the full review here:

http://yougottareadreviews.blogspot.com/2009/06/review-spank-me-twice-anthology-by.html