THE PUBLIC MUSINGS OF KOKO BROWN

Book Reviews: Do They Influence Your Purchase Decision?

2009-07-03T16:52:00.001-04:00

Last week-end, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen was the biggest box office draw in the U.S. grossing over $200 million domestically, since it's opening on June 24 making it the second best opening of any film in the history of filmaking behind The Dark Knight. Of course, to many of its legions of fans that really wasn't a surprise because its predecessor was the 5th most successful film in 2007 eventually grossing more than $700 million worldwide. To read the rest of the blog visit the Loose-Id Author Blog

2009-06-25T16:52:00.011-04:00

It's that time of year again! My local Romance Writers of America chapter, Space Coast Authors of Romance, is accepting submissions for their 2008 contest - Launching a Star.

Last year acquiring editors and agents requested an amazing 10 manuscripts from finalists with two of them selling. This year, we’ve added new categories – Romantic Suspense, Inspirational and Novellas – in our efforts to bring you the most value for your contest dollars.

To enter, submit the first chapter (25 page max) of your romance in any of our nine categories. All first round judges (2 per entry, one trained, one published in romance) will provide constructive comments on EVERY entry. In the final round, two industry professionals (one agent and one editor) will judge each. The overall contest winner has a star named in their honor through the International Star Registry. An engraved, star-shaped paperweight is presented to the first place winner of each category, and stars cover the frameable certificate provided to all finalists. This year's final round judges are:

Single Title – Editor Selina McLenmore, Grand Central; Agent Becca Stumpf, Prospect Agency Romantic Suspense – Editor Sara Goodman, St. Martin’s; Agent Kimberly Whalen, Trident Media
Inspirational – Editor Natalie Hanemann, Thomas Nelson; Agent Rachelle Gardner, WordServe Agency
Historical – Editor Talia Platz, NAL; Agent Elizabeth Pomada, Larsen-Pomada Agency
General Paranormal: Editor Heather Osborne, TOR; Agent Laurie McLean, Larsen-Pomada Agency
Fantasy/Futuristic: Editor Meredith Giordan, Berkley/Jove; Agent Deidre Knight, The Knight Agency
Series Contemp: Editor Susan Litman, Harlequin Special; Edition; Agent Michelle Grajkowski, 3 Seas Agency
Young Adult: Editor Kristen Daly, HarperCollins; Agent Elaine Spencer, The Knight Agency
Novellas: Editor Angela James, Samhain; Agent Roberta Brown, Brown Literary Agency

So are you ready to enter? Polish up your first 25 pages (no synopsis needed) and either email it to contest@authorsofromance.com (only for International entries) or mail it in with $25 (STAR members) $30 (NON-STAR members) and a SASE by September 5th to: Launching A Star Coordinator, c/o Lee Rhuday Duncan, 1823 Laurel Oak Drive, SouthRockledge, FL 32955

Author Chat Tomorrow with Marilyn Lee!!

2009-06-23T09:17:00.004-04:00

Hey gang!

My author group Scribes Unleashed will have an author chat with the godmother of interracial romance on Wednesday, June 24 beginning at 8 p.m. est!

We'd love to have you, plus you don't want to miss out on all the free books Marilyn plans to give out:)

Here's the link to join in the fun!
http://www.yahoo.com/groups/scribesunleashed

Beach Party A-Go-Go

2009-06-21T22:17:00.006-04:00

It's time again for the annual Writerspace Beach Party, to celebrate summer and find some terrific beach reads for this year's vacation!

So please join me and dozens of your favorite authors at the 2009 Beach Party at Writerspace on Sunday, June 28th from 8pm ET to 11pm ET.

Authors will be dropping in to chat all during the evening and we will be giving away 100s of new books and other fantastic prizes -- autographed, hard-to-find, advance copies plus special treats like gift baskets and more. We hope to see you Sunday night! You don't have to be present to win, but you must be registered.

To register, and for details on all participating authors and the prizes they're giving away, visit http://www.writerspace.com/beach

Steamy Scene May Lead To Publishing Contract

2009-06-06T16:23:00.012-04:00

Are you an aspiring author? Have you written a steamy love scene that's a scene stealer? Why not enter the Maryland Romance Writers Reveal Your Inner Vixen Contest.

According to MWRA's website, your entry should be no more than 25 pages (plus an unjudged 1-page set) should convey the sensual tension between your hero and heroine and that the scene can be anything from a flirtation, a kiss, or a fully developed love scene, just as long as the reader can feel that tension.

Entry is easy this year, no snail mail here guys! All entries should be sent in electronically and time stamped no later than June 15 al0ng with an entry fee of $20 for MWRA members and $25 for non-members. ESPECIALLY NEEDED: SERIES CATEGORY, SINGLE TITLE, HISTORICAL, EROTIC ROMANCE, AND YOUNG ADULT.

Each entry will be judged by THREE qualified judges, i.e., trained and/or published authors and each entry will receive helpful comments regarding strengthening their manuscripts.

The top three scoring entries in each category will then advance to the final round for evaluation by TWO EDITORS in that genre. All finalists receive a brief critique by the final round judge, a certificate, and mention in the next issue of the RWA® Romance Writers Report. First place winners receive a $50 prize. Last year, five out of fifteen finalists were asked to submit partial or full manuscripts.

Here are the categories along with their final round judges:

Series Contemporary: 1950-present, 40,000-79,000 words
Final Judges: Gail Chasan, Harlequin/Silhouett e; Rhonda Penders, The Wild Rose Press;

Single Title:1950-present, 80,000-120,000 words
Final Judges: Allison Brandau, Penguin/Berkley; Bethany Morgan, Samhain Publishing, Inc;

Historical: Historical: BCE-1950, 40,000-120,000 words
Final Judges: Meghan Conrad, Ellora's Cave Publishing Inc; Deb Werksman, Sourcebooks, Inc;

Alternative: TT/F/F/P, 85,000-120,000 words
Final Judges: Chris Keeslar, Dorchester; Amanda Barnett, The Wild Rose Press;

**Young Adult: 40,000 words or more
Final Judges: Krista Marino, Delacorte; Lindsey McGurk, Samahain Publishing, Inc

For more information about the contest or to see a sample score sheet, visit: marylandromancewriters.org

**New Category
Forwarding Permitted and Appreciated

15 Years, 15 Books, for only $1.50!

2009-06-03T10:01:00.010-04:00

To celebrate their Fifteenth Anniversary, my publisher Red Sage Publishing is throwing a party the entire month of June!

So, each week they have chosen 15 titles which will be on sale for the bargain basement price of only $1.50!

Some of the authors include Natalie Gray, Anne Rainey, Alice Gaines, Natasha Moore, and Calista Fox. For more details visit Red Sage's blog.

And don't forget my novella The Merry Widow which is receiving great reader reviews is still available!

Mini Me Has Arrived

2009-05-29T23:04:00.002-04:00

My Dell Mini computer arrived today. And its really, really small. In fact it's even smaller than one of my vintage Gucci clutch bags. Surprisingly enough the keys aren't that small, but I did notice that I had trouble keeping them from slipping onto other keys. Haven't actually worked with it, trying to follw the instructions and let it heat up for the requisite 12 hours.
At least, I have 15 days to play with it before I have to return it. I'll let you guys know how I like it.

Yipee Kayah! Get Along Little Notebook!

2009-05-23T22:22:00.013-04:00

I just wanted to share that I broke down today and bought my self one of those mini Dell notebooks today. For a long time, I've been looking into a notebook/wordprocessor that wasn't such a burden to carry around, especially since I love to stay connected even when I'm on the road.

I know the color is probably making all the feminist out their puke, but by choosing "Promise" pink Dell will contribute $5.00 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The small, virtually weightless design lets you travel light while keeping up with your blog, video chat, instant messenger and email so that you never lose touch with your family and friends. Highlights include wireless LAN, an integrated 0.3MP Webcam, and Microsoft Works.

Intel Atom Processor N270

Operates at 1.6GHz/533Mhz FSB/512K cache for very good

GB DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz

Use several applications without a decrease in performance

Widescreen 8.9" display

Powered by Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 950 integrated graphics

Integrated 0.3MP webcam

Makes video conferencing and chat easy and fun

Genuine Windows XP Home

8GB Solid State Drive

10/100 Ethernet

802.11g Wireless Card

Integrated 0.3MP webcam

4-cell Battery

3-in-1 Media Card Reader

McAfee 30-day trial

Microsoft® Works 9.0

Romanticon 2009? Pencil Me In!

2009-05-11T11:07:00.004-04:00

It's official...I'm going to Romanticon 2009!

What exactly is Romanticon you may ask? Well, Romanticon is Ellora Cave's inaugural reader's convention, which seemed to sprout from a need to be around more people who appreciate and support romantica.

The convention will be a three day event where reader's will be able to meet their favorite authors and cover models. Aspiring writers can take two days of workshops on everything from what genre's are hot right now, how to write BDSM romances, how to perfect your online persona, to having their story's critiqued by an editor or author. And authors can meet readers in Sunday's booksigning.

I'm pretty excited, since all the EC people are so cool to be around, plus its my birthday weekend and I usually take a trip (last year I went to Berlin and Prague) so why not Ohio...whoo hoo!

So, if you're interested in attending, visit Ellora Cave's Convention website at http://www.jasminejade.com/romanticon.

Headless Heroes

2009-04-30T12:01:00.003-04:00

This morning I picked up the June 2009 issue of Romantic Times magazine we received last week during the 2009 RT Convention in Orlando. As I was thumbing through the issue, there was an interesting reader letter regarding "Headless Heroes" submitted by Paula L. Brummel from Victorville, CA.

Ms. Brummel's letter addressed the current trend used by many publishing companies to decapitate their heroes heads and not the heroines. Considering all of the novels I've read -I once read over 200 the summer before my senior year in high school -I never really thought about this. But Ms. Brummel surely did and she was particularly ticked off by what she called a publishing gimmick. To read more...

FOREVER, I DO JUMPS 12 SPOTS TO LAND IN TOP 10!

2009-04-29T19:36:00.002-04:00

Whoo Hoo!

I just found out Forever, I Do jumped 12 whole spots to land in top 10 Bestseller list on All Romances Ebooks this week! I know it isn't New York Times or even Times Picayune(LOL), but it's a nice feeling:)

If you haven't bought Forever, I Do here's a blurb to whet your whistle:

Rosalind Fletcher has a secret. Her one-of-a-kind wedding cakes are infused with a loving spell handed down from mother to daughter for over a century. Her sought-after creations are not only delicious, but rumored to be lucky as well: producing long-lasting marriages where the men never stray, the women don't nag, and 99.7 percent never face each other on opposite ends of a court room.

But what happens when her spell falls into the hands of the wrong person?

Like Ashley Benedict, notorious playboy and wedding planner extraordinaire, who eats a sample meant for his clients? There's only one thing that can happen: he succumbs to the spell's bewitching powers and sets out to charm the pants off of the hardworking sole proprietress of Forever, I Do cakes. While Rosalind frantically searches for an antidote, she surrenders to Ashley's lustful appetites. Will guilt push her into finding a successful cure for her bewitched lover, or will her heart allow herself to be locked into a loving relationship with a man who might not really be in love with her?

Click here to read an excerpt!

Click here to visit my publisher!

LIVE CHAT WITH APRIL MARTINEZ TONIGHT

2009-04-29T13:18:00.005-04:00

VIP chat Wednesday, April 29 in Scribes Unleashed's Private Chat Room with cover artist extrodinaire, April Martinez from 7pm-9pm EST!

April consistantly designs beautiful hot covers for Loose-Id, Freya's Bower, Liquid Silver and Samhain. So, if you're intrested in April's creative process, want to learn how to break into the industry or just want to say hello, we'd love to have you!

To join in on the chat, here's the link: http://pub5.bravenet.com/chat/show.php/383559686

It's Christmas...no it's just Romantic Times Again!

2009-04-21T03:02:00.004-04:00

Today feels like Christmas. Yes, it might be the middle of April, but I woke up with visions of fairy costumes, cover models in loin clothes, and book signings in my head. And a year of waiting for this date to arrive has finally come! And it hasn't come soon enough in my opinion. So, yes Romantic Times Convention to me is like Christmas to little children.

It's the one week where I actually feel special. I'm gifted with compliments and adoration from readers, and I get to share what I love to do with like minded people. So, all this week follow me as I blog about my travels through Romantic Times in Orlando, Fl!

Frozen In Time Hits ARe's Bestseller List!

2009-04-19T08:57:00.004-04:00

Frozen in Time Hits

All Romance Ebooks ~ Top 4 Bestseller List for Time-Travel

Hey gang!

I'm estatic that my 2008 release, Frozen In Time is currently in the top 4 on All Romance Ebook Store's bestseller list under time travel! I know it's not NYT, but its the first time in MANY year's I've made any list. Ha! Anyhoo, if you haven't check out this multicultural romance featuring a hot viking and aspiring graphic novelist, here's a quick blurb & excerpt:)

Blurb:
Reese Johnson yearns for a life other than the world of drudgery she's settled for as the manager of Gotham City Comics. What's that they say? Be careful what you wish for? Well that's a motto Reese should have tattooed across her forehead. Because Loki, the Norse god of mischief, has just the remedy for the boring life of this woman who denounces his existence.

His recipe for disaster?

Take a 30 year-old woman and send her back in time as a pawn for revenge. Couple her with Eirik Sigurdsson, a Viking Warlord, too arrogant and baggage-laden to be of any use for anything, but battle and bed. Mix thoroughly, folding in a heavy dose of pride, a tyrannical king, and a sympathetic goddess. Bake at high until a white-hot love is unleashed and then forever frozen in time.

* * *

Adult Excerpt

“Where is she?”

“Don’t you want to eat supper after such a hard day of work?” his mother asked, sidestepping his question.

“Do not try and placate me, Brita. At this moment, I am not hungry for food.

“Where…is…she?”

Before she could answer, the kitchen staff ambled into the hall with the evening meal. As if drawn to an open flame, his eyes fell on the exotic beauty carrying a large trencher topped with roasted duck, her plain linen dress soiled with grease and her tightly wound curls escaping from a hair tie. Yet despite her unkempt appearance, nothing could detract from her exotic good looks.

“Are you behind this?” he asked, his eyes never straying from the woman.

“N-n-no,” his mother stammered. “When we returned to the hall, she asked me about the other slaves’ duties. After I apprised her, she headed off toward the kitchen. She’s been there ever since.”

Eirik felt his anger rise as Reese slid the trencher onto the main table. When she turned to head back to the kitchen, she faltered, having noticed him. Their eyes met briefly, and then she looked away, summarily dismissing him.

This…was…the…last…straw!

“Excuse me, Mother.”

Eirik left his mother to stalk after Reese. When he caught up with her, he seized her wrist and proceeded to drag her through the main hall, back to his bedchambers, where he kicked the door shut behind him before pushing her up against it.

She struggled, but her efforts were no match for the arm he braced against her while his free hand fumbled with the lacings of his leggings. When his cock sprang free, the single eye wept in anticipation.

“If you take me, it’ll be by force!” she yelled at the top of her lungs.

“Nei, it will not be by force. Both of us know you crave my lessons.”

“Liar!” she charged, but her moan belied her words when he bit the side of her neck.

“We shall see,” he chuckled, pressing his body into hers. His hands gathered the folds of her skirt and lifted the hem.

In a last-ditch effort, Reese bucked against him. Her efforts were wasted because her dress was now bunched around her waist, and her sex exposed to his seeking fingers. She stilled when his hand slid up the inside of her thighs.

“I’ve been thinking about lying between your soft thighs all day,” he breathed against her throat. “And I’ve thought about your tight quim and how it grips my [...],” he whispered, his hand rubbing her throbbing [...], eliciting a strangled moan from her tightly pressed lips.

Eirik reached up and clasped her chin. He brought her head around so she had no other choice but to look at him. “There is nothing to be ashamed of, my tiny warrior. You have won the battle…but as we both know, I will win the war,” he growled before his lips slashed across her mouth, opening her lips to his seeking tongue.

To read another excerpt click here!

The Godmother of Interracial Erotica To Land on Scribes Unleashed

2009-04-17T21:47:00.010-04:00

Marilyn was feeling under the weather tonight, so the chat will be rescheduled for next month. Make sure you look out for it. She's giving away a few of her books to chatters:)

My author group Scribes Unleashed is running non-stop this week as we continue our VIP chat series with multicultural and multipublished author Marilyn Lee!

I'm not sure if you all know this, but Ms. Lee was one of the first to burst on the scene with HOT love stories revolving around multicultural characters! And thank goodness she never looked back with almost 40 books under her belt, published with five different publishers and legions of fans.

If you love Marilyn's books, or curious about the hot erotic love stories with such ease join us on Saturday, April 18 @ 7p.m.! To join us for the chat, visit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scribesunleashed

For more on Marilyn visit her website at http://www.marilynlee.org/

Kimberly Terry Live Chat Tonight!!

2009-04-17T11:41:00.011-04:00

Hey gang!

I wanted to invite you all to spend an evening with Scribes Unleashed's special Yahoo! live chat guest Kimberly Kaye Terry author extrodinaire whose books have been described as "Sexy, emotional, and delicious!"

Kimberly Kaye Terry pens interracial and multicultural delicious tales that expertly blend eroticism and true romance, as well as erotic fiction for Ellora's Cave, Harlequin, Kensington, and New Concepts Publishing.

Tonight from 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m., Kimberly will talk about her newest release "Scream My Name" and we hope we can open her up (which isn't going to be hard, since she's a really cool chic) and get her to talk about her experiences within the industry and the multicultural genre as a whole.

To join our live chat tonight for this insightful look into the life of writer Kimberly Kaye Terry just log onto: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scribesunleashed/

You're sure to have a great time!

FOREVER, I DO Up for Best 5 Heart Review This Week

2009-04-13T22:41:00.004-04:00

Exercise Your Right To Vote!

The Romance Studio is having a contest for your favorite 5 Heart Sweetheart Review for this week! And Forever, I Do is in the running! If you have the time and you liked the book, please vote for it:)

Here's the link: http://theromancestudio.com/5heart_form.php

1...2...Reveiw Punch for Forever, I Do!!

2009-04-13T20:29:00.029-04:00

One of my recent releases, Forever, I Do received not one, but two great reviews this week! Forever, I do is a multicultural paranormal romance set in Beaufort, South Carolina.

The story revolves around a young woman who makes charmed cakes, which ensure long lasting marriages and how she tries to cure a love sick wedding planner, who suddenly finds himself in love with her. Only thing, Rosalind has a huge crush him.

5 hearts out of 5!
"The writing team of Koko Brown and Taige Crenshaw has penned a happy, unique book which is not only fast paced but also addictive. The sexual content was explosive and not for the faint of heart...To read the entire review visit the Romance Studio!

Forever, I Do is a sweet and sexy short story. The lust between Rosalind and Ashley is strong, but she's not willing to give in because she believes its a result of the charm. Her attempts at giving Ashely the antidote are humorous...To read the rest of the review, visit RRT Erotic!

To buy the book or read an excerpt visit Loose-Id.com

Piracy Boomerangs, Bites Thief In His Pension

2009-04-07T16:18:00.001-04:00

Anyone familiar with Yahoo! knows that they post the top four most buzzed about stories swirling around the Internet. And yes, I am guilty of being pulled into these little sound bites or snippets of daily news. So, I was intrigued by the recent firing of a film reviewer by his employer when he wrote a stellar review of a highly anticipated and predicted blockbuster X Men Origins: Wolverine.

Initially, I was drawn in because... to read the rest of this entry

Discussion on May/December Relationships

2009-04-01T14:08:00.003-04:00

We're having a discussion on May/December relationships on our Yahoo Group Scribes Unleasehd all day today!

If you want to join in on the fun or hear some really interesting facts and numbers and or to just have a good ole time come on over and join us at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scribesunleashed

The Merry Widow Released April 1! No Kidding

2009-03-31T16:23:00.010-04:00

My historical erotic romance The Merry Widow releases Wednesday, April 1 throughRed Sage Publishing! The story is a historical set during the Victorian period and evolves around a May/December romance which begins as a result of mistaken identity.

Here's the Blurb:

Victorian England is a man’s world. And no one knows this better than Phillipa Jones who must fight society’s conventions along with chauvinistic ship captains and a greedy yet undeniably handsome Viscount to keep her late husband’s shipping business afloat.

Unfortunately, one moment of weakness and a case of mistaken identities will place her in a compromising position, which will see everything she’s worked for come to ruins including her reputation.

To read a spicy excerpt this link will redirect you to my website.

To buy a copy that's all your own, this link will redirect you to my website.

First Review for Forever, I Do

2009-03-09T21:49:00.006-04:00

Again, Lara Santiago has looked out for your girl! She just sent me a review on Forever, I Do, my February release from Loose-Id. The reviewer T.S. Peters with Just Erotic Romance Reviewers gave the book 4 out of 5 stars and an "O" (orgasmic) for heat level.

Here's a portion of the review, which was published in Jerr's monthly newsletter, Issue #145:

For generations, Forever, I Do has had the most sought after wedding cakes in South Carolina. What no one realizes is that owner and designer, Rosalind Fletcher adds a little something extra to her cakes to guarantee that her customers really do get their happily ever after. Super hot wedding designer Ashley Bennedict makes her skin crawl in all the right ways. Too bad he is so annoying, her best customer and white! Between that and his lothario ways, Rosalind wants nothing to do with him outside work. But one bite of her special cake will change everything…forever.

The ladies, Brown and Crenshaw, have written a highly entertaining, passionate and funny multi-cultural story. Readers will enjoy Rosalind’s desperate antics and Ashley’s sexy, charming schemes. When the two get together, readers will either be falling over laughing or hot and bothered. The sex is amazing! It is hot, urgent and full of passion.... ....(to read the rest you have to go to Jerr's Yahoo Group)

My 50th Birthday Wish!

2009-03-02T20:49:00.004-05:00

When I turn 50, I'm going to make a wish to have some man candy like 50-year old Madonna's newest boyfriend, brazilian model Jesus Luz! Mmm...yummy!

What do you all think?

When Bad Weddings Happen To Good People

2009-02-18T13:04:00.014-05:00

In honor of my one week old release, Forever, I Do from Loose-Id Publishing, I co-hosted a live chat last week in which the discussion centered on on all things weddings, which only made since considering the hero and heroine from are both in the wedding business.

Rosalind is a wedding cake baker who makes charmed cakes that ensure happy marriages. And Ashley Benedict is a hunk but also a wedding planner extraordinaire!

During the four hour we discussed, laughed, cried, and sighed on such various topics as our dream weddings, favorite flavor of wedding cake (I'm privy to red velvet), most memorable engagement proposal and even disastrous weddings. I'm still tickled by some of the discussion. So, much so that I decided to share some of it with you in a Q&A entitled Tragic Weddings!

1. Worst place you've ever attended a wedding reception?
My high School's cafeteria (the walls are painted orange and black ~ Go Tigers!)

2. Worst bridesmaids dress you've ever seen?
It was my cousin Robin's wedding. One of her bridesmaids had gained 40lbs since the last fitting due to a pregnancy. Instead of giving up her spot to someone who could wear the dress, which was beautiful by the way, she had a seamstress bust the seams up the sides to her hips then install panel made of white suit lining to hide her undergarments.

3. Most macabre wedding?
When a friend of mine honored several dead family members during the wedding reception. It wouldn't have been so bad if they'd passed in the past year, but they were honoring people who'd passed away years ago.

4. Worst bridesmaid's behaviour?
My cousin chose one of the oldest churches in Washington D.C. to have her nuptials. And of course the place didn't have AC. So halfway through the ceremony, which took place in the middle of August, four bridesmaids fainted.

5. Worst Catering Service?
I once attended a wedding reception where the caterer served all of the guests on styrofoam plates with the individual pockets to keep your food seperated. And no this was not a barbeque themed reception.

6. Worst wedding idea?
The bride loved the movie Beauty & The Beast so much that she wanted to have two wedding attendants walk down the aisle with two figurines from the move encased in glass. But the idea was squashed by her mother-in-law who wondered who was the beauty and who was the beast.

Take a stab at the six questions above, I don't mind! We've all had two hours stolen away from us by tragic weddings.

And if you haven't picked up your copy of Forever, I Do yet take a peek at the blurb/excerpt its a great story!

Brand Spanking New Review ~ THE MERRY WIDOW

2009-02-18T11:49:00.013-05:00

I was just on the author loop for Red Sage and found out that my April 1st release, THE MERRY WIDOW has already received a review from Sarah Silversmith of Romance Reader's Connection!
Hope it intrigues people enough to buy it (wink). This story is the first story I've written that didn't contain any paranormal elements. I really enjoyed writing it however. The heroine was joy to write with her exotic looks inherited from an East Indian grandmother and her popensity for going against the grain.

Here's a snippet of the review:

In THE MERRY WIDOW, Koko Brown writes a short, hot, historical story that is sure to titillate most readers. Mrs. Phillipa Jones is a widow running her late husband's shipping company in late 20th century England. It has not always been the easiest thing to do, but she has managed admirably since his death. She has competition from a lot of quarters, but Lord Bellomont has been hounding the company's doors trying to discuss business with her for weeks. She has politely rebuffed his business advances, but he has been doggedly persistent.

On a personal level, Phillipa has been lonely. Risking her reputation, but not knowing where else to turn, she procures the services of a male companion. The relationship is not necessarily sexual, she just wants some companionship. In a case of mistaken identity, Reggie, Lord Bellomont finds himself being escorted into Phillipa's parlor.

These two find the sparks ignite immediately, but there are so many obstacles to overcome. Phillipa is looking for a paramour, not a husband and definitely not a hired lover. Add to that, Reggie is so young, it looks like she is robbing the cradle. Reggie, for his part, is a rake through and through. With this case of mistaken identity and a relationship based on subterfuge, he does not know how to make it right. These two lovers have their work cut out for them.

CLICK TO READ MORE!