Jax's Artistic Journey...

I'm totally excited about the print release of SUNSWEPT, which I'm told will be out around the end of May or somewhere in the first week of June...I can't tell you how much this anthology means to me. This book showcases the very first few eBook stories written for Phaze and the beginning of my writing career. I'm sure by now everyone knows I wrote these stories with a co-writer and although we no longer write together, it was a great experience. It taught me a lot about my writing style and how important it is to believe in yourself.

SUNSWEPT contains 3 stories set in tropical locales and the characters all tie in together. It's always a pleasure to write characters that are fun, sassy, and intelligent. When I re-read the stories I'm amazed at what I've accomplished and delighted to re-visit these characters I loved so much. It's so difficult to say goodbye to them because in my head, they're dear friends and one I don't want to let go...

Here's the blurb for the book...

SUNSET KEY…
Freesia Daniels, personnel specialist and consummate planner, wasn't prepared to get the boot from her company for possessing a heart. When she decides to return home from Boston to the sunny beaches of Key West to lick her wounds, she discovers her heartbroken past has finally caught up with her in the form of Zachary Gray, her childhood sweetheart. He lures her to his island getaway and lands them smack in the middle of a raging hurricane. Lightning doesn't often strike twice, but this storm might give them both a second chance at love.

RALEIGH IN RIO…
Raleigh Campbell just learned that her five year marriage was a sham. To cheer her up, her friends take her to Rio during Carnivale to celebrate her 30th birthday and pending divorce. Little does she know, she’s not the only one her soon-to-be ex has cheated on.

Private investigator Cristo Santiago has been assigned to watch Raleigh's every move, in search of twelve million dollars of embezzled corporate money, and that's landed him in the hot waters of obsession. His love for Raleigh is sealed under the starry Rio sky, but can he find the missing money without losing her trust?

DOLCE & DIANA…
Diana Radford’s divorce settlement includes three million dollars and an island resort off the coast of Grenada. Although not classically educated in the culinary arts, she possesses a rare natural ability to create brilliant Italian/Caribbean fusion dishes. When she is selected by the reality cooking show, Fighting Chance, she can’t turn away the opportunity. Win or lose, this is much needed press for her restaurant, “Dolce”.

Culinary celebrity and reality show host, Chance Kohler possesses arrogance to rival his talent. After helming several 5-star restaurants in the States, he is disappointed to discover his opponent is an ex-waitress with no formal culinary training. From the moment they meet, this fashionista whets his appetite and leaves him craving for second helpings. If he loses, his career is on the line and he must survive the fierce but tasty competition…while the whole world watches.

I had a choice to re-edit the stories but opted not to. For one, I want to remember where I came from and where I am now. I think that if I had edited the content, it would certainly detract from the voice and since it was a different identity than my current writing persona, I still adore the innocence and charm of the stories.

Wow, during the last four years I've written 3 books, 2 anthologies, and 1 poem that are now available to the world. It's been an amazing journey and I predict many more books to come. Now it's all about momentum, focus and determination to get a more widespread distribution. Like many other authors I know, we keep hoping for our next book sale and we keep striving for greatness...or at least some much needed good reviews!

Coincidentally, Phaze recently decided to give the SURGE covers a new look. My very first ever novella SUNSET KEY, which is featured in the SUNSWEPT anthology, now has a sexier feel. No more CGI imaging and hopefully a better appeal. In the next few weeks they'll change out the look but I thought I'd give my readers a first peek. If nothing else, buy the eBook and if you love it, you can always pick up the print book with the other two stories! Still not convinced, read the EXCERPT of SUNSET KEY....