Pre release jitters: I've got 'em bad!

I’m not normally a nail biter. Oh, on occasion I’ve been known to gnaw off a hanging nail or two, but generally I don’t engage in this nervous habit. But take a look at my nails lately and you’d swear I was fibbing because I’ve recently picked up the habit--along with a bit of a nervous tic. The tic isn’t all that obvious or anything. In fact, if you squint when you look at me, you might not even notice. Why the sudden attack of nerves? It’s review time, folks.

What’s Bullet Hole talking about, you’re probably asking. She’s had five books released, you’re thinking. So, why all the review jitters now? Here’s why: Because these reviews are for my first ‘non-Calamity Jayne series’ book--a book in an entirely different genre from the mystery hybrid world Tressa Jayne and Company reside in. FIANCÉ AT HER FINGERTIPS is a paranormal romance.

But that’s not the only reason I’m entering this review season with a bit of trepidation. I actually wrote this book before I penned my first published book, CALAMITY JAYNE. FIANCÉ AT HER FINGERTIPS was the third book I wrote. It followed my first book, a western historical romance (which, by the way, I still love!) and a category romance which shall forever be relegated to a place in the back of my closet and hereafter known as ‘Kathy's Learning Experience’. From this book I learned that I was too long-winded to write category romances. Lesson learned. It’s also the book that required the most revisions of any book I’ve written--and that two week period of time allotted for revisions and rewriting came right at Christmastime this year. Ho Ho Oh No. Needless to say, the holidays this year were rather hairy. Or harried.

FIANCÉ AT HER FINGERTIPS is special to me in other ways. It was my first try at writing humor. The experience taught me that this was a genre I could actually fit in. No more round pegs and square holes. I had a ball writing this book. So much so that I knew I’d found my niche. Writing F@HF was my introduction to romantic comedy and it provided the push for me to write CALAMITY JAYNE. And the rest, as they say, is history.

This book is also dear to me because it brought me my first--and only--Romance Writers of America Golden Heart nomination back in 2005. As a result, I met an outstanding group of writers known as The Wild Cards who never cease to amaze me by their outstanding literary successes.

So, now you know why I’ve been on proverbial pins and needles awaiting reviews.

Well, last week I received my first review. A belated birthday gift as it were. And it’s a biggie. A 4 ½ Star review from Romantic Times BOOKreview!!!!! Oh. My. Gosh. I almost fell out of my chair. Here’s what RT had to say about F@HF:

‘Bacus brings readers a delightfully imaginative premise with a fabulous plot twist, enhanced by hilarious dialogue, compelling narration and a collection of off-beat characters. The magical boyfriend box will be an irresistible item for many readers, and this novel is sure to bewitch and charm them all.’ -- RT BOOKreview 4 ½ Stars
Okay, so it’s just one review, but it’s a humdinger of a review. And was, hands down, the best birthday gift I received last week!

Now maybe I can let my fingernails grow out again. Oh, wait. I have a speaking engagement at the Kiwanis at noon today and a speech to give at night class this evening. Guess the fingernails will have to wait a day or two. Hmm. Maybe I’ll consider acrylic ones.

Is there anything you’re presently anticipating with nervous stomach? Anything particular that gives you a case of the nerves? ‘Fess up.

~Bullet Hole~