Jules Bennett

Blog on the Move!

2009-11-08T18:17:00.000-08:00

Currently I became a member of the Scamps and Vamps authors. I'm SO excited! I will be blogging with them and with the Desire authors. Both blogs will be once a month (or thereabouts) and I've decided to just stay in those two places. There's no way I can do 3 blogs and my books, so please, visit me at one or both locations. Below are the links to the sites:

Desire Authors Blog:

http://community.eharlequin.com/content/silhouette-desire-author-blog

Scamps, Vamps and Spicy Romance Authors Blog:

http://vampsandscamps.wordpress.com/

Happy Reading!
Jules

The Aftermath

2009-07-12T14:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a weird experience for me. A tornado ripped through the area. Now, I was not home and I'm told it was a small tornado.

Small tornado? Oookay. Trees were uprooted, cars were flipped, and the damage to homes was unbelievable. Oh, and the power lines...let's not forget those. The power lines is the whole reason I'm posting:)

I am currently at my SIL's house because there is an entire area without power and probably won't have any until Wednesday.

Wednesday!!! YIKES!!!

My family and I went through this earlier this year with an ice storm in March. How crazy is this weather? So unpredictable.

Anyway, I'm trying to finish a proposal, turn in a completed book to my editor, and pack for RWA Nationals in DC all before Wednesday...the magical day:)

So, what's going on in your part of the world? Chaos? Excitement? Are you bored to tears? I'd like to hear it!

Hugs,
Jules

Colors, Colors Everywhere!

2009-05-31T16:39:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I need help choosing a color to paint my living room. Right now it is a seafoam green and I LOVE IT! However, I've always wanted my bathroom that color (but a tad darker) with a charcoal gray and white.

So, now that I'm completely redoing my potty room, I can't have two rooms the same shade...or similar.

See my problem:)

My trim is white, my staircase and my hardwood floors are a tad darker than an oak finish and I have two windows that let quite a bit of sunshine in. I was thinking I could go with a darker shade, but I'm afraid hubby would not be happy:)

My first thought was a plum color, but then again, I remembered hubby:) I'll take any suggestions. Oh, my dining room is dark red, my living room is a dark, chocolately brown and my bedroom is gold. So, I'm up for any other colors:)

HUGS!
Jules

Crazy Life

2009-05-18T06:27:00.001-07:00

Wow! I just realized I haven't posted in a month! Let me tell ya, things are hectic and outta control around my house.

Just this morning, I've got a baby on my hip, a toddler by my side and I'm making breakfast with one hand - you mothers know what I'm talking about:) As I was putting things away and getting more things out, I realized I'd put the pop tarts in the fridge and the frozen waffles in the pantry.

My desk, well I think that's my desk, is beneath a pile of toys, baby snacks, baby wipes, diapers, bill statements, and some books. I'm pretty sure I'll find everything I've been looking for this past week if I just clean the desktop:)

So, do you all have crazy lives? Do you find that you're trying to organize, but lack of time and always being rushed prevent you? I'd take any tips you have on cutting back on clutter and simplifying your life:)

Hugs,
Jules - who is off to clean the desk

My Bucket List

2009-04-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

Nope, I haven't seen the movie, but just the idea of it makes me think. Surely there are things I want to do/see before I die. I've decided this would be a nice discussion:) Here's my list (well, some of it) feel free to comment with a few items from your bucket;).

1. Go to Italy...anywhere. I just want to say I've been to Italy:)
2. Go to Ireland
3. Get back to NYC. I LOVED it there and I've only been once!
4. See my girls fall in love and marry the man of their dreams
5. Grow old with my husband and sit on a porch playing with our grandbabies
6. Visit a Dude Ranch (I really, really want to do this!)
7. Take off for weeks just driving with no destination in mind to see the country
8. See a lighthouse
9. See my family members saved (that should've been #1)

So, that's just a sampling of what I'd like to do before I depart. What's on your list? I'd love to hear some of your goals!

Happy Dreaming!
Jules

WOO-HOO! YIPPPEEE!!! HOOORRAYYYY!!!

2009-03-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm a bit excited:) I just received another offer for a Silhouette Desire book! This will make #2 for me!

Writing has always been my passion, but to do it as a career is an absolute dream come true. I can't believe I'm doing something so fun, so rewarding, and getting paid for it! I really wish everyone could be this happy with their job.

So, book #2 is the sequel to the first book I sold to Desire and I can't wait to get started on more. I love, love, LOVE that line! When my agent first told me she thought I would make a good fit there, I asked her what Desire books were like. She said, "Think Dynasty". Hey, I loved that show! Blackmail, scandals, money and power...oh, yeah, and the romance:) We can't forget that!

Anyway, I'm happy to say I'll have two books *hopefully* next Spring for my readers. This will be a long, empty year as I get more books under my belt and turned in, but starting in 2010, I'm expecting BIG things from myself:)

I hope you all will stick with me and countdown with me until my debut Desire release:)

Happy Reading!
Jules

Spring Is Coming...Is Your Body Ready?

2009-03-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

That's the caption I put up on our screen saver at work. No, my co-workers are not amused:) But since we all complain at least once a day (usually at lunch time) about our weight, I thought I'd do a little motivating.

Unfortunately, I'm the only one that has gotten her rear in gear. I rejoined Weight Watchers 8 days ago. After having my second baby last February, I joined and lost 48 lbs. Well, after my best friend got married in June, I got lazy and have slowly gained back 25 of that.

This is unacceptable!

So, I'm back on the wagon and I'm kickin' it in gear (it meaning me:).

Is anyone else gearing up for Spring? If so, how? Are you, too, getting your body back into shape after the winter blahs? Are you just looking forward to getting into your garden? Or are you just more than ready to put winter behind you and move on into the sunshine?

Hugs,
Jules

Giving Back

2009-02-15T16:46:00.000-08:00

At the beauty salon I work part-time in, we've been discussing how people are depressed from the economy, the time of year, and a number of other things depending on their lives.

So, in an attempt to brighten others' spirits (and ours in the process) we decided to have a contest within the salon. We had one week to do something nice for a complete stranger. At the end of the week, we told our stories and voted on the best one.

I went through a drive-thru and paid for the car behind me. When I asked the worker how much the car's order was, she told me and I said, "Add it to mine."

She looked a bit confused and said, "Do you know them?" I told her I didn't, but that I was hoping by me doing something nice for them, they would do something nice for someone else that day. The worker smiled and said, "I'll tell them that."

I was hoping to form a chain reaction. I know I can't enforce this on everybody, but if just a few people do this, the trickle down effect would be amazing...I hope;)

Anyway, now that the contest is over, I'm going to continue to do something really great for a total stranger at least once a week. This week I swept through my house and gathered up all my baby items and old baby clothes and gave them to a young teenage couple (just graduated last year). This couple is expecting their first child next month and they only have a crib. They are struggling to work and make a life for themselves and I want to do everything I can to help.

The boy (who doesn't know me) found out my phone number and called and left a really sweet message on my machine. He choked up in the middle of thanking me and my heart broke. I went back through my house with tears in my eyes and gathered up even more. I plan on passing them along through our mutual friend tomorrow.

The lady who delivered the baby items gave me $35 because she felt bad for me giving this stuff away. I didn't want her money, so I will take that money and go buy them some diapers and wipes.

So, I will now turn the challenge over to you. Can you find a total stranger and do something for them without expecting something in return? Let's see if we can't lift the spirits of those around us and try, one by one, to make this world a better place:)

BTW, I won the challenge at work:)

Hugs,
Jules

Electricity is Back...But for How Long?

2009-01-29T14:22:00.000-08:00

I'm really, really ready for Spring! This ice/snow storm has taken its toll on this area. We've been without electric since Tuesday! I've been staying with my parents who have kept theirs, but phones are down. Thankfully they just came back up an hour ago and I can touch base with the outside world:)

Unfortunately, next week shows another round of bad weather. Hopefully it will miss us, or better yet, just dissipate:) Nobody should have to endure this.

I certainly feel for the elderly who live alone or the families who have nowhere to go and are forced to wait this out in the frigid temps of their homes.

If you comment, hopefully I can respond. If not, you'll know Mother Nature struck again:)

Stay warm!
Jules

BELLY DANCING!

2009-01-19T10:37:00.001-08:00

I've lost my mind. I don't know what was running through my head when I decided to start belly dancing. But, now that I've done it twice, I LOVE IT!

Several months ago I started kick-boxing and I really, really enjoy that. It's a great way to vent:) But, belly dancing is so graceful and smooth...quite relaxing.

My hubby probably thinks I'm having some mid-life crisis when I mention new ventures, but I tell him they are all for research:) Honestly, I'm just having a blast!

Have you ever tried belly-dancing? I assure you, you may feel silly at first, but you will become HOOKED!

Let me know if you've done it or if you've tried any new exciting thing in your life!

Hugs,
Jules

Resolutions?

2008-12-29T13:39:00.000-08:00

Personally, I don't do them because it's like saying the word "diet"...it's just not gonna happen:)

But, I do re-evaluate myself and reflect on the past year to see where I could've bettered myself. I also do this because my birthday is New Year's Eve and I want to make the next year of my life even better than the last.

Do you all do resolutions? Or do you do like me and just see where you can better yourself?

I'm always looking forward to another year. A new year gives everyone fresh hope and a clean slate to make the changes they need in their lives. Are you as excited as me to get started on 2009?

I hope you all have had a great year and have set some outstanding goals for '09!

Hugs,
Jules

Spring Cleaning!

2008-12-07T14:50:00.000-08:00

No, this isn't an old post. I seriously cleaned the whole first floor of my house (excluding my bathroom). Wow, who knew you could pack this much junk into such a tiny cottage style home?

My poor living room took the brunt of the attack. Hubby and I pretty much tossed everything in the floor of the living room and decided what to put back and what to throw away. We used 6 of the super-sized black garbage bags and 10 thirteen gallon bags.

Now, I freely admit to being a pack rat and I'm sure one day I'll want something that got the boot, but I gotta tell ya, my house is looking pretty spiffy right now:) It's a nice feeling - even though I'm wiped out.

I can't wait 'til the girls come home and demolish it again, but at least there's less stuff to toss about. Right?

So, do any of you get in those silly, all day cleaning moods? I wish that burst of energy would come more often and then it wouldn't take as long.

Well, 'til next time, happy cleaning!

Jules

Sold to Silhouette!

2008-11-11T16:03:00.000-08:00

Can you say thrilled? I can:)

I've been working my fingers to death for the last year in an attempt to sell to Silhouette Desire...per my agent's suggestion. She was insistant that that line was perfect for me and turns out she was right!

Unfortunately, as hard as Jenn, my agent worked, she was on vacation in the Bahamas and couldn't call me. Actually, I'm not even sure she knows yet. When her boss called, she said she had no way of getting in touch with Jenn. I can't wait to talk to her about this. We've worked and worked and our teamwork has paid off!

I've already got another proposal ready to go (as soon as I do one more read-through) and she'll send it on. Keep your fingers crossed for that!

My Desire book will be out in February 2010 - don't worry, I'll remind you. Also, I'll be revamping my website so keep you eye out for something new and fresh!

So, since I'm in the mood to celebrate, I'll be giving away a sterling silver bracelet with a cute dangling heart. All you have to do is leave me a post! See how easy that is?

Huge Hugs!
Jules

Family Photo

2008-10-22T16:23:00.001-07:00

How can two innocent words come together and be so terrifying? Let me tell ya, I'm shakin'.

I've scheduled family pictures for the end of November so I have one month to get this last 15 lbs of baby weight off. I've been hitting the gym like crazy since I work right next to it now. Not only do I have my weight to worry about...WHAT THE HECK DO WE WEAR?

I'm not one of those people who do cutesy outfits with everything matching. I'd like us to all match in color and the girls will be wearing jumpers with black, pink and white in them. I guess I'll go with my old standby of...black:)

As for hubby, he's even less thrilled than I am. But, I know if we don't do this when the babies are, well, babies, we'll be sorry when they get older that we didn't. And, hey, I'll need something to blackmail them with when they get older:)

I look back at family photos from when I was a kid and I don't know whether to laugh at the puffy, bad permed hair or cry at the fact my mother let me leave the house looking like Young Frankenstein.

Anyway, I'd love to hear some family photo horror stories:) Why do we put ourselves through the misery? I can't figure it out...

Hugs,
Jules

Happy Anniversary to Me!

2008-09-28T15:12:00.000-07:00

This is such an appropriate post to follow on the coattails of "Romantic Gestures". My hubby and I just celebrated our 9 year wedding anniversary on Sept. 25th.

What did we do? Well, we went to my FAVORITE restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory and did some shopping. Great food, a shoe purchase (or two) and trying on clothes that make me look skinny...what more could a gal want?

We had a fabulous time. Why is it that when the anniversary rolls around I feel more giddy? Does anybody else get this? I even get giddy on the anniversary date when we started dating.

Oh well, I hope I never lose that school girl feeling. I get the tingling in my belly throughout the year as well. Like when my guy takes my hand and squeezes, a nice subtle, unspoken I Love You. Or, when he thinks I'm asleep and he comes to bed and runs his hand over my hair and my cheek and whispers, "I love you" or "You're so beautiful".

Man, do I have a good guy or what?

So, do you all still get that silly, tingling feeling with your mate? If so, how long have you been together? I think romance is the best emotion, action...whatever, in the whole world. I would hate to go through this life alone, having never felt this connection.

Since I'm in the lovey-dovey mood, I'll give away a really cool silver-plated bookmark to one lucky person who leaves me feedback!

Romantic Gestures

2008-08-25T09:34:00.000-07:00

Because they don't happen everyday, I get all giddy when they do:)

My husband is a romantic at heart. The man has no choice seeing as how he grew up with 4 older sisters. Needless to say he knows how to treat a lady...lucky me:)

The other day I was hustling around trying to get all the girls' things together as well as my own before we left. As I'm rushing to get to the door, I stop where I always hang my keys and instead of seeing my keys, I see a CD. On the CD were the words "I Love You". I stopped in my tracks and smiled.

So, now I'm even in more of a hurry to get to the car because I want to see what's on this CD my hubby made me.

I strap both girls in, load the car with bags and pop the CD in. Off we go.

There's only one song on this new CD - I Need You by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

WOW! My hubby sure does know how to impress me:)

Has a special person in your life ever done something romantic that took you by surprise? I'd love to hear about it!

If You Hate It...Change It

2008-08-14T04:16:00.000-07:00

I overheard a conversation between two people the other day...okay, so I was eavesdropping, that's beside the point.

Anyway, there was a lady complaining to a man. She said, "I hate being fat." (BTW, she was NOT fat by any means.)

The man said, "No you don't."

Her head snapped back. "What? I do to."

He replied, "If you hated it, you would do something about it."

Very good point. I really believe that could apply to anything in life. Personally, I hate having a messy house all the time, so I've decided to spend more time cleaning...now if I could just find that spare hour or two a day.

I also hate working my day job, so I'm taking steps to fix that:) Soon, I should be able to stay home and be a full-time author and mother.

So, is there something you hate? How do you plan to fix it? I'm offering up a prize from my goodie stash to one person who leaves me a comment!

Some People...

2008-08-11T06:36:00.001-07:00

We took my daughter to the zoo this past Friday for her 3rd birthday. We couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather. The sun was shining, a soft breeze joined us for the day and the humidity was low...which makes for a good hair day:)

So, back to the people I referred to. As we were walking in, there was a lady in front of us pushing her kids in a two-seater stroller. She wore one of those ruffled sundress that hits just below the tush. Well, remember that nice breeze I mentioned? Yeah, you guessed it, everyone walking behind her got a show. The dress blew halfway up her back SEVERAL times and she DID NOTHING to stop it. She didn't try to hold it down, she just kept walking as if her backside wasn't hanging out on display.

After this showing, we went into the aquarium. My daughter is standing at the glass taking in all the colorful fish. She's amazed and turns to go get my hubby who is standing back with the stroller. Some man trips over her, knocks her down, glances over his shoulder to see what happened AND KEPT WALKING! Granted, my daughter walked in front of him, but he didn't apologize or see if she was okay. Grrr.....

I guess it takes all kinds to make the world go 'round. Actually, I love people watching (refer to the lady in the dress:) but when people are downright rude, that's a bit ridiculous.

So, do you all have any stories regarding strangers? Rude people, strange people, careless people? Anything? Let's hear it!

Hugs,
Jules

Summer's Slipping Away

2008-08-03T16:01:00.000-07:00

Don't you hate when the department stores start putting coats and sweaters out when the temp is still 90? I can't even begin to think about bundling up, much less purchasing layers of long-sleeved clothing.

Having said that, I will admit my favorite time of year is fall. I LOVE the crisp evenings spent at the local football games. There's a certain autumn smell in the air, isn't there? Can you believe football starts in just a few weeks? Of course, if you're not a fan, you may not have been keeping track:) I, however, love the sport at all levels.

School will be starting back soon as well which always seems like the end of the road for summer. Is it me or does summer seem to get shorter and shorter each year? I swear, every time I turn around it's cold outside. I really, really hate being cold. If the temps drop below 60, I'm turning on the heat...drives hubby crazy;)

So, anyway, what's your favorite time of year? Do you like the sunny days of June and July, the bite in the winter air as December approaches or are you like me and you enjoy the relaxing, cooler evenings of September and October?

Wanna Win a Kindle:)

2008-07-15T08:06:00.000-07:00

AuthorIsland.com is turning TWO this month and to celebrate, forty three AuthorIsland.com authors and one of our publisher members got together to offer up one heck of a prize!

They're giving away TWO - are you ready for this? - TWO AMAZON KINDLES!!! YIPPEEEE!!!
But you're going to have to work for it, each of the forty four sponsors has a question for you to answer - the answers can be found somewhere on each of the author's websites. Once you have all the answers, email them to AuthorIsland at yahoo.com, numbered, along with your name and address, with AuthorIsland Kindle Contest in the subject line. TWO winners will be drawn on August 1st from all the correct entries to receive their very own - AMAZON KINDLE!!!

Head over to AuthorIsland.com's Contests page and get started! Good luck!

Okay, I Need Help

2008-07-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

Anybody want to volunteer to guide me through this blog set up? Seriously, I need some help:)

Okay, I don't know how to get a picture to show up when I comment. Also, I'd like to change the background and some other things to spice up my site.

So, to the lucky person who takes on this task, I'll offer up a nice prize! I have some cute post-it notes that would look adorable on anyone's desktop:)

When I'm Happy...

2008-06-23T09:15:00.000-07:00

Everybody's happy!

I woke up at 4 a.m. the other morning with a brand-spankin' new idea for a book. I can't tell you how excited I was to get started on this book. I immediately typed out an overview, read through it and dove right in to the main course:)

Later that same day, I was driving and flipping through the XM stations. I normally just listen to CD's because I'm never happy with the radio, but I am so glad I decided to nix the CD's that day. I came across a country station and heard a beautiful opening to a song.

The second the song started, I got goose bumps! Seriously. Not only that, I got a little teary-eyed. The more I listened, the more I thought Eli (the hero of my book) was talking to me through my radio! Okay, that sounds strange, but in my world it makes perfect sense;)

The song? Better as a Memory by Kenny Chesney. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT! I'm not a big country music fan, but this really hit me.

So, since Kenny and I are working together on my new book, I'd like to give away a little something to brighten your day. I have a cute picture frame with hearts all around it. I believe it holds a 4x6 picture.

Just let me know what song(s) have inspired you or just made your day. I'll pick a winner at the end of the week!

WIN A SONY E-READER!

2008-06-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

That's right! You can win a Sony e-reader! Who wouldn't want that great gift?

Here are the very important details:

The Wild Rose Press is giving away SONY eReader!
All this summer (June 11 – August 31), every time you purchase a title by any of these sponsoring authors (see list below), you will be eligible to enter our drawing to win a SONY eReader.

The drawing will be held on Tuesday evening, September 2, 2008 at our weekly chat (9:00 p.m. eastern). (You do not need to be present in the chat room to win).
When you purchase any title from these authors simply email your order number to:
SONYREADER@thewildrosepress.com
This e-mail address is protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it. Make sure you have a current email address and/or include your contact information so we can find you if you win.

You may enter as many times this summer as you wish. If you purchase more than one title in the same order, feel free to send two emails and include the order twice. The Wild Rose Press will verify that you did indeed purchase more than one title.

The following are the sponsoring authors for this wonderful contest. Please look for their author information on our web site and enjoy some fabulous reads this summer from these participating authors:
Jules Bennett (moi!)
Donna L. Bolk
Laurel Bradley
Rachel Brimble
Pam Champagne
Lynda Coker
Christine Columbus
Sandra Cormier
Amy Corwin
Sharon Cullen
Donna Dalton
K.M. Daughters
Debbie Doggett
CarolAnn Erhardt
Valerie Everhart
Cindy Green
Kathleen Grieve
Larry Hammersley
Stacy Dawn
Sharon Horton
Tara Haff
Anna Kathryn Lanier
Marly Mathews
Nicole McCaffrey
Devin McKee
Sandy Wickersham McWhorter
Donna Michaels
Stacey Joy Netzel
AnneMarie Novark
Cindy Spencer Pape
PL Parker
Katie Reus
Jane Richardson
Jennifer Robins
Donna Marie Rogers
Emma Sanders
Kathleen Scott
Robin Shope
Misty Simon
Carol A. Spradling
Debra St. John
Lily Stone
Browyn Storm
Beth Trissel
Leanne Tyler
Brenda Weaver
Nita Wick
Teri Wilson

Good luck!

*No purchase necessary to win the SONY eReader. If you do not purchase a title, you may enter the contest by mailing a post card to The Wild Rose Press, Sony eReader Contest, P.O. Box 708, Adams Basin, NY 14410. Please include your name, email and contact information. In addition, you must write down three titles from any of the participating authors. Postcard entrants will be added to the names of email entrants and a winning entry will be drawn on September 2, 2008.

A New Look!

2008-05-07T16:18:00.001-07:00

Well, my body is getting a complete overhaul. No, no, nothing fake is being added, I'm just adjusting what God already gave me.

I'm toning up from having my baby, put a new color on my hair and bought some new clothes that's not my typical style, but makes me look good. Who knew?

So, since my personal look is changing, I decided to make other changes. First of all, I had a professional redo my MySpace site. Check it out! She did a WONDERFUL job:) www.myspace.com/authorjulesbennett

Next on my list is my actual website. I'm getting a brand new site this year and I can't wait for you all to see my new home!

Oh, I bought a new car. Well, that was hubby's idea, but I was all for it!

Um...is this starting to sound like a mid-life crisis? Really, it's not. I've just decided that I need to do what works for me and makes me happy. I've been told by friends, family and people who barely knew me that I give too much to others and not enough to myself. Well, that's changing.

Several months ago I had a bad life experience. Since then I've been depressed and not caring about myself. I'm so glad I've perked up and quit sulking around:)

Anyway, on the coattails of my new looks, I have another contemporary romance about to be released. Love in Bloom will hit cyber shelves on June 6th and bookstore shelves on December 5th. I can't wait for you all to read this remarkable love story with a blind heroine and a single father. I will be giving away a wonderful prize to launch this romance. Be sure to check back here, www.julesbennett.com, www.authorisland.com, OR www.myspace.com/authorjulesbennett.

Happy Reading!
Jules

Oh, the Horror!

2008-04-28T01:15:00.001-07:00

I tried on bathing suits over the weekend.

Thank you, thank you for the groans and cringes:)

I HIGHLY recommend NOT trying on these ghastly scraps of torture only 9 weeks after giving birth. Unfortunately, I signed my toddler up for swim lessons and I have to get into the pool with her. Great, huh?

I tried all sizes, all colors, all styles...NOTHING WORKS! And those "slimming" suits? Yeah, unless they go from neck to ankle, forget it. Hey, I think I'll just get a wet suit:)

After two days and hours of pouring myself into lycra and spandex that should come with a warning tag, I ended up bringing two suits home. Of these two I'm trying to figure out which one will be less frightening to the young children in the class. I'm so afraid I'll give them nightmares...or worse, they'll just go blind.

Have any of you tried the dreaded ritual of trying on suits? How can I face the public when I can't even leave a dressing room? I'd love to hear your experiences/horror stories. Please tell me I'm not alone:)

Hugs,
Jules

I'm So Happy!

2008-04-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

As you know my first romantic suspense was released last week from Samhain Publishing. Naked Vengeance was my absolute favorite book to write. There's secrets, dark pasts, revenge, and so many twists, you'll be pleasantly surprised!

Here are just a few of the reviews:

Within the pages of NAKED VENGEANCE is a great suspense thriller that will shock you at the end. I was bewildered by the “whodunit” character. I never saw it coming. Sophia Rae does a great job drawing her readers in right from the beginning with her appealing characters and a thick plot that will have you turning the pages quickly.
~Billie Jo - Romance Junkies 4.5 stars

This is my first book by this author, and I am excited to say I’ve found another great storyteller.
~Lisa Freeman - The Romance Studio 4 Hearts

Need more inspiration to read Naked Vengeance? Check out my book trailer!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UbD_KgrmDc

Check it out and let me know what you think!

New Release This Week!

2008-04-07T05:42:00.000-07:00

My romantic suspense, Naked Vengeance, will be available on Tuesday, April 8th from Samhain Publishing! This is another title under my pen name, Sophia Rae.

Here's part of my review ~

Naked VengeanceSophia RaeSamhain PublishingApril 2008http://www.myspace.com/authorsophiarae SuspenseRating: 4.5EBOOK

Within the pages of NAKED VENGEANCE is a great suspense thriller that will shock you at the end. I was bewildered by the “whodunit” character. I never saw it coming. Sophia Rae does a great job drawing her readers in right from the beginning with her appealing characters and a thick plot that will have you turning the pages quickly.

I highly recommend NAKED VENGEANCE for all romantic suspense readers. You will not be disappointed in this book. I anxiously await Sophia Rae’s next saga.

Pretty cool, huh?

I'll have an interview up at The Long and Short Reviews tomorrow. http://www.longandshortreviews.com/interviews.htm

I will also host a Q&A at their Yahoo loop on Wednesday. You just have to join the loop to chat:)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LongAndShortRomanceReviews

And, lastly, I'll be chatting live at Romance Junkies on Wednesday from 9-10 pm EST. www.romancejunkies.com

Do you want to win a free download of Naked Vengeance? I'm giving one away this week at The Long and Short Reviews. One will be given away at my chat with Romance Junkies and two will be given away at Author Island this month! www.authorisland.com

I hope you all can make it to at least one of my appearances:)

Have a great week!
Jules Bennett/Sophia Rae

Toddlers and Newborns

2008-04-03T15:51:00.000-07:00

I now have a total appreciation for my mother - any mother, really. I had to put my daughter in time-out the other day.

Now, before I go any further, yes, I put her in time-out occassionally. I always laughed at parents who used this method, but, hey, you do what works and this seems to work well for my two year old.

When her father came home from work and asked what she did to get put into time-out, she rolled her eyes and informed him, "It was ridiculous." Believe it or not, she pronounced the word correctly.

This is the stage in her life where she does the embarrassing things in public and you hate to laugh, but can't help it. If she hears any noise at all that resembles passing gas, she'll call you (or a perfect stranger) on it. Yes, it's quite fun at restaurants when you slide across the vinyl seats and she says, "Mommy, you toot toot." Of course, people turn and stare and you're forced to eat just feet away.

My kids are providing so much enjoyment. I can't wait to see what else is in store for me:)

So, if you have kids (or if you just know some rotten ones) let me hear some stories!

Pick-Me-Ups

2008-03-28T12:19:00.001-07:00

Rain, rain, rain. I'm a bit tired of dreary skies and soggy ground. I realize the rain is needed, but come on. Do we really need THIS much?

So, let's chat about pick-me-ups. What lifts your spirits on drab days? Do you give yourself a manicure? Read a book? Perhaps you clean your house. Yes, I know that is not a way to boost your mood, but after I clean, I do feel better because my house at least looks cheerful.

Let me know what you do to perk up and I'll draw one winner from the list of comments to win a book. I'll let the winner choose the book from my very large stack:)

Hugs,
Jules

The "D" Word

2008-03-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

I'm never one to actually {gulp} diet, but since having baby #2 and getting ready for my best friend's wedding, I really feel now is the time:).

I know this will be a hard 20 lbs to lose, but I can do it. All I have to do is take one day at a time and visualize myself in my strapless, short, tight dress my friend so graciously picked out for me to wear. Remind me to send her a thank you card. Oh, did I mention the dress is pink? You know, pale pink. The shade of pink that will show every ripply and bumb beneath. Of course she's not concerned. She's never had a baby, never gained an ounce in places she didn't like and she'll be wearing a full gown.

Ahh, but I love her anyway. Which brings me to my question. Why do we feel the need to worry about our weight? Are we concerned about our health or about how people perceive us? Obviously I'm concerned with how I will look in this miniscule dress. What about you? Why do you diet? That is...if you do.

My New Home!

2008-03-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome! I hope you all will join me in my new home to discuss the books we love and the lives we lead.

In the upcoming months, I will have some great guests and fabulous prizes to give away.

For those who don't know me well, I write romance novels. My sweet contemporary stories are under the name Jules Bennett while my spicy tales are penned under the name Sophia Rae. I write for Samhain Publishing and The Wild Rose Press.

My current releases are: Home Again by Jules Bennett from The Wild Rose Press and A Stranger's Bed by Sophia Rae. Home Again is available from Amazon, www.thewildrosepress.com, Barnes & Noble and Borders. A Stranger's Bed is available from The Wild Rose Press only as it is a novella.

That's all for today. Check back later in the week as I announce my upcoming release and the great contest to launch it!

HUGS,
Jules:)