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My third novel is out???? Really???

Yep, there they are on the shelf at the Barnes & Noble in Fresno. Never been to Fresno, but my friend Sharon Lathan sent me this picture. She was amazed that I'd never taken a picture myself, but it's true. I never have.

It isn't that I didn't have the opportunity; I just never thought of it. One of my favorite pictures of Marie Force is the one of her grinning from ear to ear next to Line of Scrimmage, so you'd think I'd have one of my own, but I don't.

Perhaps it's because the idea of my books being on the shelf with all the others is still something I haven't quite grasped yet. I know they're there; I've seen them, signed them--even bought them--but it still seems like something that is happening to someone else.

My friends are all great for publicity, which is a good thing, because I'm not much use as a self-promoter. By the time we left Nashville this past Wednesday morning, salesladies, guitar pickers, hotel employees, and a waiter or two had been given the news: "My friend Cheryl Brooks has not one, but THREE books published!" I didn't have to say a word. They're very proud of me and say they're living the life of a famous writer vicariously through me. But I don't feel famous--perhaps because I'm not.

Rogue might be the one that does it, though. Someone told me (I think it was our dear Danielle!) that the third and fourth books are the ones that can make or break a series, and if so, early reviews are foreshadowing success. Outcast, the fourth book will be different from the others because it's written in third person, but Rogue is different because for the first time, my heroine has two hot Zetithians, Tychar and Trag, to choose from. She can have one, or the other, or both, but you'll have to read the book to find out what Kyra Aramis, a timid piano teacher from Upper Sandusky, Ohio, will do.

Marie recently asked if you'd ever had to choose between the tried and true and the one who really tickles your fancy, but what if they were both irresistible, and what if you didn't have to choose? These two slave boys haven't had sex in tweny years and have virtually no chance of ever doing so again unless Kyra is willing. What would you do? Choose one and deny the other, refuse them both, or take them both? Inquiring minds want to know. . . .

Comments

  1. boy, Sharon was a busy bee! I saw Terry's photo on wickedlyromantic.

    Cheryl, you have to love seeing your name on multiple books on those shelves! and the names around you... awesome!

    Congrats on the great initial feedback - I'd expect nothing less!

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  2. Oh boy, two of them, huh? Well, since it's me or nothing, I guess I'd have to take one (or two) for the team. What a sacrifice!

    Thanks for the LOS shout out. That photo said it all, didn't it?

    :-)

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  3. Yeah, that was really sweet of Sharon! :) That's like a friend carrying around a picture of your new baby, and you don't even have one! LOL :) Thanks, Sharon!

    Here's the link to the wickedly paranormal ladies: http://wickedlyromantic.blogspot.com/

    We caused quite a stir (in a good way) with our mascot AKA, The Blond Muddy Guy, on one of the loops yesterday! :)

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  4. Yes, Judi, seeing my books on the shelves is pretty cool. There are plenty of well-known names there along with them, and you guys all know how that feels, or if you don't, you soon will.:-)

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  5. Hi Marie!
    It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it! I'm glad someone would take pity on two lonely Zetithians!
    Yep, love that photo. We should all have our own version of it, but, alas, I was alone with no camera when I found Slave on the shelf. I looked like hell, too. Perhaps it's for the best....

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  6. Hi Terry,
    It was sweet of Sharon, wasn't it? I'm glad someone thinks of these things. I'm in a fog half the time these days. Hahaha! Blogger's Fog! Coined a new one.
    Blond Muddy Guy is totally hot! I've always said he could easily be one of my Zetithians--Leo, actually....

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  7. It must be a lot of fun to walk into a book store and see your book(s) on the shelf. What a delightful *squee* moment. Congratulations.

    I've never been able to make up my mind (just ask my husband - lol) so if I were Kyra, I'd have to be an equal opportunity lover and take both.

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  8. Good for you, Silver! I'm sure the lonely slave boys would be very grateful!

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  9. Congratulations, on your third release. And good luck on continuing the series.

    Renee

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  10. Cool! So happy I could get those photos for you Cheryl. I am a big geek when it comes to seeing my book on the shelf. Got a bunch of photos of my book in Target as well. But the really cool thing is that I receive almost the same joy when I see all of my friends. I scan the shelves for your names and the Sourcebooks light bulb icon on the side (that really stands out, by the way, if you are ever searching). And when I see them I get a giddy feeling. "I know this person!" is the thought that rushes through my head. It was so fun to snap the pics. My daughter was with me, and since she has read many of my CasaSister's books, and exchanged a few emails with you fine ladies, she was as giddy as me. I wish I had snapped everyone's book, but I was focusing on the new arrivals, sorry ladies. We all have so much to be proud of and have no reason not to burst with enthusiasm. Go Casablanca Authors!!

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  11. Hi Cheryl~

    Lord, you give me such hard...I mean difficult questions to answer. I guess I would have to put my personal feelings aside for the greater good and take pity on both Zetithians. Poor, poor me.

    Robin->wondering how she could talk her DH into stopping at Barnes and Noble to pick-up Rogue before their date tonight.

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  12. Sharon,
    I know what you mean about that light bulb on the books; it does make ours easier to spot! Of course, once we turn them so the covers facing out, you can't see it anymore. *snicker, snicker*
    I think it's cool that I know other authors, too. Makes me feel like less like an outsider who doesn't really belong there.

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  13. LOL! Robin!
    Sorry to make things so "hard" for you!
    Good luck on getting Rogue tonight. I picked up my copy a while ago and flipped to the middle, started reading one steamy little scene, and got sucked back into the story right away.
    Notice my choice of verbs in that last phrase? We're just full of puns today, aren't we?

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  14. Cool picture, Cheryl! You know, I've never bothered to take a picture of my books on the shelf either. Probably should do that when the next one comes out! Anyway, your babies look great on the shelves, and are in some fine company, I see!

    I will join the growing chorus who would make the, er, extreme personal sacrifice of taking on both Zetithians. I mean, how could I condemn one of them to a sexless future? It's all about them and their feelings, of course...that's my story and I'm stickin' to it:-)

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  15. Also, I'm an idiot. My book is actually in this picture! You don't want to know how long it took me to notice:-)

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  16. Um, I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't notice it, either, Kendra, though it is sitting in a bit of a shadow. But now that I know it's there, I must agree that, yes, my babies are in very good company!

    I'm glad to know that Ty and Trag would have yet another sympathetic woman to allay their suffering. It's so kind of you, so noble... *sniff*

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  17. OMG! Kendra, I did not see it!!! I looked in the "C" zone and was happy to not see you (in a way) because I hoped that meant you were sold out with more on the way. Same for MM and Marie and Cindy. I totally did not see you there as this is the 'New Releases' section. Very cool! Just wish I HAD noticed it so I could have gotten a better view. Want me to send you a copy?

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  18. Seriously 20 years. That's just not fair. Those poor poor guys. I would most definitely agree with some of the other women and take pity on them (On both of them) And not just once. Multiple times yes.

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  19. They could thank me in many ways, any day, any time Ma'am :D

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  20. How many Zetithians does it take...? Um, maybe I'd better not go there.

    Congrats on book number three--and I do have a picture with me and my books. The problem is the books are gorgeous. Me, not so much.

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  21. Thanks, MM!
    I think my books are better-looking than I am, too. Though I might take a picture of them alongside some cute fellow who works in a bookstore...

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  22. Well it's true! I might be sore after but I'm willing to try!

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  23. Cheryl,

    I'm a lucky reader who got to read an ARC of ROGUE (Review will be posting on 3/3) , I just wanted to tell you how great it is. I'd never read any of your books before I read ROGUE...oh baby is that book HOT! I am definitely a convert! Thanks so much for the opportunity! I can't wait to get started on OUTCAST!

    Marta Hoelscher

    tbbycatt (at)gmail (dot)com
    Marta's Meanderings

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  24. Hi Marta!
    I'm tickled pink that you liked Rogue. It was such fun to write, and it's even more fun knowing that my readers are enjoying it, too.
    Thanks!
    Cheryl

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