LRC Nominee Button

Here's my pretty Love Romance and More Cafe button. I am just so tickled about this. After the winter we had, this was just what I needed!

Love Romances Cafe Nominee!

Wow! Just found out that "Babes in Toyland II" was nominated for "Best Anthology of 2007" by Love Romances Cafe! I am so proud to be part of this collection and Aspen Mountain Press publishers!

Must-Read for "Babes in Toyland II"!

I am so thrilled to announce that "Babes in Toyland II" received a "MUST-READ" from Rogues and Romance reviews. The reviewer had this to say about the anthology: "Babes in Toyland II, and every story within, gets the Rogues and Romance Must-Read Award. This anthology deserves special recognition for an outstanding stories, characters, and writing."

Reviewer Mandy Briggs says about my story, "The Game": The Game is a scorching contemporary ménage, with enough sexy secret confessions to make your head spin! Join these four friends as they go on a trip of emotional and sexual discovery, that will leave their lives forever changed. This story will have no trouble making you feel all hot under the collar. Jeanne Barrack writes the most delicious, kinkiest holiday story ever!

Thank you so much, Mandy!

Check out my updated web site - Contest!

Check out my website. Leave a comment here and tell me what you think and you'll be entered to win a download of "Babes In Toyland II" from Aspen Mountain Press. Enter your comments by December 22nd.
Enjoy!

Babes in Toyland: II - Dave Harris interviewed

Well, seems Dave Harris, the hot NYC detective in "The Game", my story in the BIT:II anthology,

was interviewed by Michelle.

He didn't know what he was getting himself into!
Here's what went down taken from Michelle's notes.

INTERVIEW

After Kayleigh left I told Tina she didn’t have to continue wearing the elf costume. I couldn’t resist adding that if she kept misbehaving she’d be back to wearing it before too long.

Tina brought me a cup of hot chocolate and winked before she spun around to answer the door. Her docile behavior worried me more than my next interview.

“Michelle?”

I almost choke on my hot chocolate. Dave Harris’s sudden appearance catches me off guard. I quickly set my cup down and greet my guest. Dave’s good looks throw me for a loop. Six foot two, curly, short brown hair and eyes Paul Newman blue. And wearing a gold detective’s shield on his jacket pocket. I start to drool.

“Thank you for joining me tonight.” I put down my file and pick up my notepad and pen.

“Hey, when the captain called to tell me you had a lead on the sex club murder I was investigating, I had to come.” He laughs, his voice rich and seductive.

I wriggle on my chair. “I hope you don’t mind if I take notes this way. The last time I used a tape recorder there were…difficulties.”

He laughs again. I’m in trouble. “Honey, I feel for you. Here’s what I use.” He pulls out a small notebook. “I can barely access my voice mail.”

“Thanks.” I smile and try to remind myself he’s off limits. “Are you ready to get started? Can I offer you some refreshments? Food and beverage, name your desire and my super-efficient helper Tina will be delighted to bring it.” I ignore Tina’s glare—it’s getting old—and smile at my guest.

“Wouldn’t mind a cup of coffee. Black, two sugars. Anything tastes better than the swill they serve down at the station.

After Dave settled into his chair, I raised my pen and smiled. “What are you?”

“New Yorker born and bred. Well, from Brooklyn to be accurate. Only son of Jake and Molly Harris. I played center in High School. Single,” He looks at me in a way that makes my wavering defenses crumble, “Still looking, well, looking but nothing more than that. I always appreciate a good-looking woman.” How can any woman resist that heated playful look?

“So what do you do for a living, and do you enjoy it?”

“I’m a cop. I work vice and I deal with murderers and pimps and the dregs of the city. I got my detective’s shield five years ago. Do I enjoy it?” He laughs again and shakes his head. The man is too potent. I move in my seat again. “I enjoy putting away scumbags. It gives me a feeling of satisfaction to know I’ve made the streets safer for my neighbors. Yeah, I guess I do enjoy it.”

“I love cops.” As soon as I blurt it out I blush and bury my face in my notebook. “I mean—ah—your work is much appreciated. What do you do for fun?”

Dave winks and I try not to swoon. “Baby, I really can’t tell you what I do for fun. But I do enjoy playing games.” He leans closer and takes my hand, playing with my fingers. “With anybody.”

“Well, shit.” I blush again and try to decide if I should tug my hand free or not. His smile is devastating, and I don’t want to embarrass myself. “Do you have any hobbies or interesting information about yourself you’d like to share?”

“Well, I’m into basketball. Friendly game every week with the guys in homicide. I have a room mate, best friend from High School.” His deep chuckle rumbles through me, and I try not to shiver. No doubt he felt it anyway as he was still playing with my fingers. The man was hot like fire! “We’re kinda like “The Odd Couple” -- he’s Felix, you know, neat freak, irons his underwear. Me, I’m Oscar, sort of a slob, love sports. Frankie takes care of me. We have season tickets to the Knicks. “

“It’s a good way to stay in shape too.” He smiles and I give up pretending I’m immune to him. I clear my throat, tug my hand free and fan myself. I’m supposed to be taking notes. “What are your plans for this holiday season? Which holidays do you celebrate, if any, and how do you celebrate them?”

“Well, I’m taking my girlfriend home to meet my folks. She’s never been to a Jewish household during Chanukah. My mother is going to be happy she has someone to fatten up. Latkes - potato pancakes - she makes so many of them she packs ‘em up for me to take back to my apartment. My cousins and their kids celebrate with us and the kids play Dreidle.” He chuckles again as I curse inwardly. Of course he’s taken. Dumb! Dumb! Dumb! “The last time I played that game, it was sure different!”

“So about your girlfriend, what’s her name?”

“Shari Nelson.”

“Can you tell us about her?”

“Shari? She’s a redhead, sexy as hell. Adventurous, smart, talented. Did I say, sexy?” He gives a wicked laugh that should be considered a lethal weapon. “We’ve only been together a short time, but it’s been the most intense relationship in my life. There are hidden depths to her that intrigue me. We’ve just begun to know each other. We’re planning a weekend away before the holiday. She may just be the one.”

“Most would consider you lucky to have a catch like that. I hope you two have a good time. I’d like to ask you more about the way you play Dreidle, but Tina is making slashing gestures across her throat.” I blush as he laughs again. “What are your goals for the rest of the year?”

“Doing my job the best way I can. Putting away the POS - that’s “pieces of s***” that dirty up the streets. And maybe making my relationship with Shari permanent. But that last, I don’t know. There’s a lot about her I haven’t learned yet. And, crap, there’s a lot about myself I don’t know.”

“Perhaps this trip is just what you two need. To figure things out, that is. Thank you so much for joining me tonight. I really enjoyed getting to know you.” I hope he doesn’t realize HOW much I enjoyed this interview.

He laughs and takes my hand again and kisses it. “Wanna come up to the cabin with me and Shari? We could get to know each other even more. Somehow I don’t think Shari would mind.” He leers playfully. “I know I wouldn’t.”

I’m about to put down my notebook and agree when Tina comes over and puts her hand on my shoulder. “She’d love to, Dave, but she has several more interviews to conduct before the release. You know how it is, business before pleasure.”

"Well, you didn't have anything new on that murder case, but hell, I needed a break from interviewing hookers." He nods and winks before he saunters out of the room. I can’t muster the words to respond as I watch his fine ass.

“You better get ready for your next guest.” Tina pats my back and picks up the dirty dishes.

I sigh and reach for the next folder. She’s right. Unfortunately.


Dave from The Game by Jeanne Barrack

"Babes in Toyland: II"

Coming Soon from
http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/coming-soon/coming-soon/babes-in-toyland-ii/prod_103.html

Cover for Babes in Toyland II

I just got the cover for the Aspen Mountain Press Holiday anthology that my story, "The Game" is in.

It's pretty spectacular, I think. It's due out soon.....check out their website

http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/ for upcoming details

And another new Publisher!

And I have another new publisher. Aspen Mountain Press will be publishing a story called "The Game". The story is inspired by Chanukah and the theme is freedom -- sexual freedom. Four friends stranded together in a cabin in upstate New York learn more than they'd ever expect about themselves and each other.
I am so pleased to join this wonderful e-publisher!

New Publisher!

I am so excited! I just signed with Liquid Silver Books for their Terran Realm series! http://www.terranrealm.com
My story centers on Brigid, one of the oldest and most powerful female deities and the two men who love her - one an ancient love from her past and the other, a new one from her present life.
The setting is contemporary Ireland, but we revisit the ancient land of myths and legends throughout the story. We have my most evil, nasty villain and my feistiest heroine yet.
I poured out my love and knowledge of Irish culture in this one.
More updates as they become available!

GRAND TOUR CONTEST WINNER!

The Grand Tour Contest has ended and we have a winner!
Mary Ann Williams successfully answered all nine questions correctly and her name was drawn as our Grand Prize Winner!
Congratulations, Mary Ann and thanks to all of you who participated in our journey.

The Collector 5: The Crystal Flacon - R-rated Excerpt

In the Grand Tour post, I mentioned the delicious piadina bread. Here's an excerpt from the story where Abby and Antonio take full advantage of the tasty delights of piadina!
(edited) EXCERPT:
"Come, bella, are you hungry? We can raid the kitchen.”
Abby giggled. They had barely entered the foyer when Antonio’s stomach rumbled so loudly it echoed in the immense room.
“Even if I weren’t hungry, how could I say no to your tummy’s demands?”
They pilfered the contents of Renata’s pantry, giggling like children. Leftover piadina was heated up and dipped in olive oil. The dripping oil was sucked off seeking fingers as Abby wound up seated on Antonio’s lap. The designer clothes lay on the floor while he smeared her breasts with the fragrant olive oil, suckling her glistening nipples. The slice of bread slipped from her limp hand and her head fell back as he slid his fingers between her swollen folds. She would have tumbled from his lap if he hadn’t supported her.
With a groan, she drew back, her voice breathy as she begged him to either stop or finish her off.
* * * *
“Oh, bella, ti amo.”
He cupped her face in his hands and drew her lips closer. Slowly, he nudged them open and dipped his tongue within her mouth.
She sighed and melted against him. Her arms went around him so tightly she could feel his heart beat. Her nipples puckered and she grew damp. “Take me to bed. Make love to me.”
He brought her to his room, laid her on the bed and joined her there. For a while he just held her, whispering love words in her ear. Soon, the words grew more impassioned as he described what he wanted to do to her, with her. Then the words gave way to action and there was no more need for words. Sighs, gasps and groans were the only audible sounds.
And when they came, cries of joy.
* * * *

Visit at http://www.jeannebarrack.com for a longer R- rated excerpt from
The Collector 5: The Crystal Flacon

The Collector Series: The Grand Tour - Stop #1- Italy

Your first stop on The Grand Tour is Ferrara, Italy, land of the Borgias. On your stop in Ferrara, enjoy the taste of Italy and a recipe from the Emilia -Romagna region.
Piadina Romagnola
Makes Nine 7-inch breads
1/2 teaspoon active dried yeast
1 cup warm milk (110-115F.)
2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
3 cups (12 ounces) or 340 grams Unbleached, All-Purpose Flour
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
Dissolve the yeast in the milk in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the dough hook. Let stand 5 minutes. Pour in the olive oil. Add the flour and salt and process the mixture until a ball of dough forms. The dough should feel soft and silky and not stick to your hands. Carefully remove the dough to a work surface and knead it a few times with your hands. Transfer the dough to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for 30 minutes. Meanwhile heat a non stick sauté pan over medium heat or heat an electric non-stick skillet to 350F. Punch down the dough and form it into an 18-inch long rope. Cut 9 two inch pieces from the rope and roll each one into a 7-inch circle. Poke the top of each round with a fork. Place the rounds in the pan or skillet and bake them until they begin to get brown specks on the underside. Turn the rounds over and bake the other side. As you bake them, transfer them to a cooling rack. The rounds should be thin and pliable. When cool they can be served with a variety of cured meats, olives, and cheeses.
Your question for the Grand Tour is: How big a circle is a round of Piadina bread?
email your answer to collectors.contest @ inbox.com (no spaces) with Grand Tour Stop #1 in the subject line.
Your next Stop #2 - Ally Blue's Mississippi setting at
http://ally-blue.livejournal.com/ beginning Monday, August 20th

Inspiration for The Crystal Flacon

When I was looking for inspiration for the crystal perfume bottle for Lucrezia, I wanted something rich and exotic. I found this gorgeous blue crystal bottle from the early renaissance. It would have fit perfectly in Lucrecia's palm.

It's all soft, feminine curves -- very sexy. I can just imagine it filled with the magical aphrodisiac perfume that Lucrezia used.

July Featured Author at The Romance Studio

Well, I seem to be pretty popular this month ;>D
I'm one of the featured authors at The Romance Studio Blue find out more about me and my latest story from Loose Id, "The Collector 5: The Crystal Flacon" at this link:
http://theromancestudio.com/blue/who6.php

Let me know what you think!

Interview at Lucynda Storey's blog

Hi Gang!
Lucynda graciously invited me to do an interview at her blog at
http://www.lucyndastorey.com/blog/
Pop on over to find out a little bit more about me!

Ecata Review for "The Crystal Flacon" - 4.5 stars!

I haven't been able to post for a while now, cause I was on a merry-go-round with google. I'm so pleased to be able to post this review from Elise Lyn at eCataromance for The Collector 5: The Crystal Flacon
Abby is quite the capable heroine while Antonio is a very smooth, exciting hero. His thought processes were fun to follow. He carefully thought out his actions and did not jump to conclusions - something that can be unusual. The plot itself was intriguing and kept your interest as you followed along. Jeanne Barrack tied everything with beauty and intricacy. Having read several of The Collector books, The Crystal Flacon is an excellent addition,enjoyable to all readers. It does not matter if you have read the earlier ones. The Crystal Flacon is enjoyable by itself. Kudos for Jeanne Barrack,for writing another delightful novel for our reading pleasure.
Thanks Elise!

Five Star Review from JERR

I am so thrilled to announce that Patrice Storie of Just Erotic Romance Reviews gave "The Collector 5: The Crystal Flacon" five stars and had this to say:
The Collector 5: The Crystal Flacon is an amazing adventure with an even more amazing love story woven through it. Abby Foster is a likable, enterprising heroine who can’t help falling for the handsome Antonio d’Este. Antonio has a lot going for him. He’s sexy, honorable to friends and employees and wonderful with his daughter. Lucy is a delightful child who adds depth to the story. Several suspenseful twists keep you involved and make the pace fly. The love scenes between Abby and Antonio are varied and steamy. They may have fallen for each other rather quickly but there are several plausible explanations, whether it’s magic or destiny at work. The historical references to Lucrezia Borgia and her husband really make this story unique and are so well done I felt there were two sets of heroes! If you enjoy a wildly romantic adventure with a supernatural twist, The Crystal Flacon is an excellent, highly entertaining choice.
Thanks, Patrice!

THE COLLECTOR'S CONTEST

The Collector's Contest
Check out the Contest information at
http://www.collector-series.com/contest.html
and answer the questions listed there to be entered in a drawing to win:
Prizes include:
> Scarves and massage oils offered by Mechele Armstrong (The Collector: Magical Chances)
> A miniature perfume flacon offered by Jeanne Barrack (The Collector: The Crystal Flacon)
> Handmade beadwork earrings offered by A.J. Matthews (The Collector: Cauldron)
> A pair of sterling silver octopus earrings offered Ally Blue (The Collector: Eight Arms to Hold You)
> "Pirate Booty" offered by Lucynda Storey (The Collector: This Time Forever)
> Original music playlist soundtrack offered by Diane Charles Linford (The Collector: The Onyx Palace (working title)
And much more!!!
Email your answers, name and email address to collectors.contest@inbox.com before midnight EST, March 31, 2007, with THE COLLECTOR'S CONTEST on the subject line.Note: One entry per person. You must be 18 or older to enter. One winner will be chosen randomly from those who answer the questions correctly by the deadline (midnight EST on March 31, 2007). "Audra Phelan" will contact the winner for a mailing address.
The Collector series - a journey to magic and romance
http://www.collector-series.com/
published by http://www.loose-id.com/

The Collector 5: The Crystal Flacon

I am so thrilled to announce that "The Collector 5: The Crystal Flacon" is available now from Loose Id publishers at

http://www.loose-id.com/detail.aspx?ID=410

Here's the blurb:

Abby Foster, owner of Nannies, International, has been commissioned by the secretive Collector to obtain the Crystal Flacon, believed to have been in the possession of the infamous Lucrezia Borgia and to contain a magical aphrodisiac. But why should a nanny be set such a task? Seems Abby has secrets of her own. She also runs Finding Justice, an organization dedicated to returning art and other treasures lost during WWII to their rightful owners. With the specialized skills she's gained, getting the Flacon should be easy. She isn't counting on channeling Lucrezia through visions and dreams or falling for Antonio, duke d'Este, the present day owner of the Flacon.Antonio d'Este, the direct descendent of Lucrezia Borgia, is a modern man with modern problems. A recent widower, he needs a nanny to take care of his five year old daughter while he prepares for the launching of "Lucrezia", the new scent for Borgia, the family-owned perfumery. Inspired by the stunning Crystal Flacon, Antonio focuses everything on making "Lucrezia" a success. He has no time for the distraction posed by the beautiful nanny or the strange effect making love with her has on him.When someone attacks the perfumery, destroying property, disrupting projects in an attempt to ruin the company and killing innocent people, they both need a change of plans. Together, using Abby's skills honed while working for Finding Justice, they must find the saboteur, before everything they love is lost.

It's A New Year!

A lot has happened in my life, both professional and personal this past year. Since this is a new year, I'd rather concentrate on the good stuff.

First, "A Song of the Sidhe" was nominated for the Romance Studio's CAPA award for the best Erotic Fantasy romance! I am so thrilled about this! The category is small and I am the only nominee in it from Loose Id. I'm up against some big guns, too. Whatever the outcome, it was an honor to be nominated.

This month my sixth novel from Loose Id comes out.
"The Collector 5: The Crystal Flacon" is part of a multi-author series about the mysterious Collector and his quest to claim all the pieces of a love totem. My story was inspired by the much-maligned Lucrezia Borgia. In real life, she was beloved of her husband, Alfonso, Duke d'Este and the people of Ferrara, Italy where she spent the happiest years of her life.
I'm looking forward to this year -- who know what surprises await me!