Two Years Already?
Wow, I can’t believe it’s our second anniversary! Plotmonkeys has become just such an integral part of my day that I feel like we’ve all been hanging out here a whole lot longer than that.
I really am proud of the community we’ve developed here. I feel like I know so many of you personally (and hope to one day meet you in person…San Francisco, anyone?) I also hope that people who stumble in feel comfortable enough to make a comment, say hello and stick around for a while!
My career has obviously changed a whole lot in the past two years. On the day Plotmonkeys launched, I was starry eyed and full of ambitions about my single-title contemporary romantic comedy career with HQN.
We all know how that turned out.
Now, I’m doing something I’d long fantasized about but had never imagined I’d get to do. I’m’ writing dark romantic thrillers, for a new publisher, ready to try to fly out of the nest and soar into new possibilities under a whole new name.
And all of you here in the Jungle helped me with that.
I’m not just talking about Julie, Janelle and Carly. Oh, they have been absolutely wonderful with helping me plot and hammer out these books (despite the fact that not one of them really likes to get bloody and gross…lol!) But you here in the jungle have been so supportive and helpful as well. You all gave me lots of commiseration and lots of suggestions when I hit that crossroads and had to decide where to go. And aside from all the “go you!” comments here, so many of you wrote to me privately–encouraging notes full of humor and warmth. Your enthusiasm and support lifted my spirits on some dark days, and I thank you for that, most sincerely.
I hope that coming here and seeing some familiar names and chatting the way we do about this and that has lifted yours on some dark days, too. And will continue to do so.
Happy Anniversary to all us Monkeys and Jungle Swingers!
Now for a special 2 year anniversary excerpt & prize:
My next two Blazes are coming out in June & July. They’re part of a collection called The Wrong Bed…Again And Again! and are about a mixup at a charity bachelor auction, where a blue-collar paramedic is mistaken for a sexy European gigolo. And vice versa. The books are lots of fun. The first one SLOW HANDS just got a lovely review, and 4 ½ stars, from Romantic Times. Check out the exclusive excerpt below!
So, I’m giving away TWO sets of BOTH books.
As soon as I receive my author copies of SLOW HANDS (probably the end of this month) I’ll send that, plus a printed-out advance reader copy of HEATED RUSH. So you’ll have one “real” book and one printed ARC.
Okay?
You know what to do…just leave a comment. Maybe tell me some of your favorite moments in the past two years, or one way swinging through the jungle has helped you on some down days.
Thanks. We really appreciate you being here.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
And Now: An Exclusive, Plotmonkeys-only excerpt from SLOW HANDS. Enjoy!
“Oh, hell,” she whispered, knowing who was standing right outside her door. Only one man she’d met recently was capable of sucking every brain cell from a woman’s head within two minutes of meeting her.
Considering she’d dreamt about him for the past two nights–hot, Grey’s Anatomy inspired dreams of her being the filling in a triple decker McSteamy, McDreamy and McGigolo sandwich–she should be feeling Mcpanicked and Mccornered. He’d almost surely be able to read her guilty embarrassment on her face the moment he spotted her.
Somehow, though, she could only muster anticipatory and excited. And knew that all he’d see on her face was interest and admiration that he’d tracked her down–and sought her out–so quickly.
“Show him in,” she murmured, knowing she had about thirty seconds, the time it would take Ella to walk out and Number Nineteen to walk in. Just enough time to touch her hair, smooth her blouse and cross her legs.
She uncrossed them and slid her chair under her desk as soon as he entered. Her skirt wasn’t too short. It was perfectly businesslike, in fact. But the pose seemed a little too blatant…inviting. As if she wanted to encourage him sexually and he’d been all she’d had on her mind since the moment she’d met him.
That she did, and he was didn’t change her decision to go for professional rather than come-hither.
“Hi,” he said. “Found ya.”
“So you did, Mr. Wallace.”
“Nice to see you again…Miss Turner.” He glanced around her cluttered office, at the shelves laden with books and files and the stack of documents awaiting her signature in her in-box. Then past her at the window overlooking the city, one of the best views in the high-rise building. Whistling, he murmured, “I guess you do have a real job.”
“What made you think I didn’t?”
He met her stare, saying nothing.
“Okay,” she acknowledged with a grudging smile. “I don’t suppose many of the bidders from the auction work on much more than their tans.”
“But you don’t have one. Meaning you obviously work too much.”
“It could be that I’m naturally pale-skinned and prone to burning.” And that she hadn’t had one of those lazy summer days on her father’s boat since last summer. She was going to have to remedy that.
“I somehow suspect you spend twelve hours a day in here and just wave at the sun from your window as it goes by.”
Smart man. And one who was right now making himself at home, sitting in a chair opposite her desk without being asked. Her office almost seemed to shrink around him, as if his big body had sucked up all the spare particles of air, leaving the two of them cloaked tightly in intimacy.
Thank God for the desk. If it weren’t between them, Maddy had a feeling she would have slid her chair closer, until their knees touched. Or their thighs. Or their mouths.
Stop it.
“Why’d you ditch me?”
“Why did you pursue me?”
“Ha. I asked you a complicated question and you asked me a very simple one.” He grinned. “I tracked you down because I owe you a date and I am not a welcher.”
That was all. He wasn’t a welcher. Well, didn’t she just feel special, like an average everyday poker player waiting for a five dollar pay-off.
“Now, your turn.”
“It isn’t necessarily complicated.” She arched a brow and managed a bored tone. “Maybe I ditched you because I wasn’t interested.”
His grin still confident, he immediately dispelled that possibility. “Twenty-five thousand bucks is a whole lot of disinterest.”
“It’s for a worthy cause.”
“So why didn’t you bid on somebody else early in the evening and get out right away?”
“What makes you think I didn’t? Maybe you were my second-to-the-last chance to make a difference, so I made an outrageous bid.”
“You didn’t bid on anybody else.” He leaned toward her desk, dropping his elbows on its surface. “Admit it.” The position sent muscle surging against cotton as his casual, washed-out T-shirt hugged his arms. The flexing of his tanned skin against the black fabric was almost impossible to tear her gaze away from. She honestly didn’t think she’d ever seen a more powerfully built man in person.
She knew she’d never slept with one.
Most of the men Maddy had had sex with had been wiry young college guys who wanted any female they could get–especially wealthy, heiress females–or pale, soft businessmen she met in her usual circle. Those men, and men like Oliver, her ex-lover, who she’d kicked out of her life a year and a half ago, were generally toned from their weekend tennis game or occasional golf tournaments. Or, in Oliver’s case, from his frequent ski trips with his “best friend” Roddy.
That Roddy had been a nickname for Rhonda, a twenty-year-old ski bunny, had been something he’d failed to mention. Maddy had found that out the hard way when she’d decided to surprise him one weekend. She’d found Oliver in his room, engaging in some serious downhill action with the snow ho.
There were no skis involved, but his pole had been getting quite a workout.
She thrust off the memory, acknowledging that in the several months she’d dated the man, she’d never looked at him and immediately lusted the way she did with the guy sitting on the other side of her desk. Jake Wallace had the kind of massive, rock-solid body women dreamed existed but never expected to see in real life.
And she coveted it. As he’d been coveting the other night.
“I don’t think you bid on anyone else,” he murmured, speaking softly, as if aware she’d been struck a little brainless. “I was watching you from behind the curtain for a long time.”
Feeling a dry ball of air lodge in the center of her throat, Maddy struggled to swallow it down, but couldn’t quite manage it.
He had been watching her. Watching. Her. Of all the tall, elegant, skinny women in the room, she’d caught his eye…and had apparently kept it.
In some contexts, hearing a man saying he’d been “watching her” could creep a woman out. But this didn’t. Just the way his hungry stare hadn’t the night they’d met.
Instead, once again, he appeared so…honest. Open about his feelings. Jake sounded both confident and almost surprised by his own admission, as if he hadn’t meant to reveal his immediate interest in her, even though his presence here in her office confirmed it.
He’s a pro at making women feel this way, a small voice in her head reminded her.
“I even started asking the universe to let you be the one to win me,” he admitted.
Startled into laughter, Maddy knew exactly what he meant. Tabitha had recently been touting the brilliance of the same self-help bestseller. She swore it was the reason she’d landed her latest fiancé, a well-known Chicago hotelier, who was nice, a bit dull, but richer than an oil baron.
“You don’t strike me as the type who needs any secret when it comes to winning a woman over, Mr. Wallace.”
“I obviously needed to find out one secret…your identity.”
Smooth.
“Fortunately, like Cinderella, you left a clue behind.”
“I think I had both shoes on my feet when I got home.”
“Your check. With your signature.”
Frowning, she crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair. “They gave you my check?”
“Just a quick peek. Then a helpful stranger told me the rest of what I needed to know.”
How kind of the stranger.
Honestly, though, considering she was edgy and excited, her pulse a little fast, her heart beating a little hard, maybe it had been a kindness. Maddy hadn’t dated anyone in a long time. The last scene with her ex had burned itself on her brain and left her skeptical of the sweet promises of any man. Oliver’s final words–when he’d insisted they could still be a great team with her money and his family connections, with no messy, intimate “emotions” attached–had replayed in her mind many times since then.
She was a suitable candidate for the position of Oliver’s wife, with an acceptable pedigree and lots of cash. A great business prospect. Nothing more.
Ouch.
“Everybody knows everybody in your circle, huh?”
“It’s the world’s biggest small pond.”
“Yawn.”
“You’ve no idea.”
“So come swim outside of the reef with me. You might not be with your colorful, tropical kind, but sometimes us plain old trout can be entertaining.”
Maddy couldn’t help chuckling again. The man was just cute. As if he could be plain old anything. “You know, lately, I’ve been sticking to the shallows.”
“Double yawn. Come on, take a chance.”
Huh uh. The shallows suited her fine; here she could safely ignore any remnant of a personal life. Along with working insane hours, she’d been dealing with the usual family crises, including Tabby’s upcoming wedding. The social functions she attended were more a matter of courtesy and professionalism than pleasure and the men she met at them always fell into two camps: the boring and proper, and the greedy who saw dollar signs on her forehead.
One type could never catch her interest. The other made her skin crawl. Not a single one made her even consider swimming out into those romance waters again.
Until now.
It’ll be in stores next month…if you’d like to pre-order, click here!
I enjoy reading about your everyday lives: moves,college for your daughter, how you met Bruce, the ups & downs of writing, how you got started etc. Julie’s remodeling, Janelle’s move to Oregon, Carly’s dogs….
Also enjoy the excerpts!
Love and envy the Plotmonkey friendship!
Thanks for sharing!!
Comment by Laurie G — April 15, 2008 @ 6:35 am
2 years goes by in a jiffy huh?? One week seems to go by in a jiffy these days. But it has been a wonderful two years of reading blogs and watching new books come to life. Romance novels have helped me find my passion for reading.
And YAY FOR GIVE-A-WAYS!!!
I’m so excited for everyones new books.
Comment by Emily — April 15, 2008 @ 6:41 am
Congrats on another Plotmonkey anniversary! Here’s to many,many, many more.
Online friends are really special, and I’ve gotten to meet several over the last few years. Next month I’ll be meeting several more I’ve gotten to know online, and I’m really looking forward to it. In RL, I don’t have any friends who share my love of romance novels, so to find people who feel the same is wonderful, and now I’ll be spending time with them and talking about some of my favorite books. It’s a beautiful thing. And the Plotmonkeys have brought many people together. I love that
Comment by Stacy ~ — April 15, 2008 @ 6:50 am
Sounds hot and McSteamy;-). I love Plotmonkeys. Ever since I have found it, my appetite has been whetted, both visually (Hello Beefcake) and for books.
Comment by G — April 15, 2008 @ 6:51 am
2 years!!! Wow! I agree with Emily it’s flown by! Thank you guys for the wonderfule blogs about your daily lives. Makes mine seem normal.
Have a great day!!!
Comment by tricia — April 15, 2008 @ 6:51 am
I love reading the Sunday jokes and seeing the excerpts of upcoming books - it gives us a good tease and lets us know whether it not it would be something we would be interested in reading.
Thanks for being here for us readers.
Comment by Pat L. — April 15, 2008 @ 6:56 am
Yahh, I love it so far, can’t wait for the release. It sounds great and while I’ve been a lurker mostly, I’ve enjoyed the jokes and laughter the tears and the support that’s constant with the Monkeys and all the Jungle swingers. Congrats on your anniversary!!
Melanie W
Comment by Melanie W — April 15, 2008 @ 7:18 am
Thanks so much! We love you all as well!
I hope you gals stick around for a long time! 
Comment by Melissa — April 15, 2008 @ 7:20 am
Two years has flown by yet, in a way, it seems like coming to the jungle has been a part of my life for so much longer. A very comforting part of my life. Not a day goes by that I don’t visit here and something I read (either the day’s post or some of the comments) brings a smile to my face.
Happy 2nd Anniversary Plotmonkeys!
Comment by Cheryl S. — April 15, 2008 @ 7:22 am
I enjoy coming here.This site gives me pointers on writing every saturday.
Here’s to many more years at plotmonkeys
Comment by nancy — April 15, 2008 @ 7:47 am
I love the plotmonkeys website I feel like I belong I am 41 so around your ages and I love books now if I could just write one maybe I could be the 5th money !!! Happy Anniversary!!!!
Comment by TAMMY — April 15, 2008 @ 8:02 am
W.B Yeats wrote, “Think where man’s glory most begins and ends. And say my glory was I had such friends.”
I am fairly new to the jungle. Last July, I won a Plotting lunch on Brenda Novak’s Diabetes Auction with the Plotmonkeys at National. I only wish that Leslie could have been there.
I can remember shaking in my shoes as I walked up to the door of their hotel room. Yes, they actually invited me to their hotel room for a private room service lunch! I was shocked they would do that. And delighted. :-)I mean after all, they didn’t know me. I could have been some irritating, whiny whack job.
I stood there a moment before I knocked, holding my humble offerings in their gift bags and took a deep breath trying to calm my nerves. I kept saying to myself, “Don’t say anything stupid and maybe they’ll like you.”
So, I gathered my courage and knocked. In a moment, there they all stood, the Plotmonkeys, who I had only worshipped from afar, prayed at the book shelf altar where their books were stored in my office and devoured their words with relish.
They welcomed me into the sacred sanctum of their rooms, opened their hearts, their brilliant writer’s minds and together we plotted the BLAZE that is currently on Brenda’s desk waiting for her to read. It was one of the most wonderful days of my life. It made my year. I’ll never forget their kindess to a nobody like me.
After I got home, I began swinging in the jungle everyday feeling a bit smug I must admit that I had actually met them. Being here is a must for me. It’s part of how I begin my day. Hanging out in the jungle has definitely lifted my spirits especially on the gloomy days when I wonder if my stories really matter at all.
So, this jungle crawler would like to send a deeply heartfelt thank you to the Plotmonkeys for always being here, for that wonderful, magical day last July but most of all for just being you.
Leslie, I LOVED the excerpt. And the humor is wonderful. Such witty, sparkling dialogue! I hope my name gets pulled out of the hat.
Have a terrific day all you lovlies,
Cher
Comment by Cher — April 15, 2008 @ 8:27 am
I really like Leslie’s books. I look forward to reading these.
Comment by Kim W. — April 15, 2008 @ 8:37 am
WOW!! I can’t believe it’s 2 years already!!
Snow ho.
That is going to cause me to chuckle the rest of the day.
And I have always wondered how many McAdjectives there are out there.
Comment by ev — April 15, 2008 @ 8:38 am
On a more serious note (yeah, right) I love my daily visits to the Monkeys and Jungle Friends. Like Stacy, I have found a bunch of buddies through this website and another that I can’t wait to meet. Actually I think this one lead to the other one, so you guys are instruemental in the downfall of Washington DC next month. And it has nothing to do with politics.
Comment by ev — April 15, 2008 @ 8:41 am
That was great Leslie! I cannot believe that it has been two years. Time really does just fly right on by. My mornings are always a bit brighter after I visit the jungle and read what you wonderful ladies have to say! Here is to another great year
Comment by Shannon T. — April 15, 2008 @ 8:43 am
Love the excerpt Leslie! I can’t believe it has been 2 years. I stop at the plotmonkey site everyday, even before I check my email. Thanks for sharing a little piece of each of your lives.
Comment by Liza — April 15, 2008 @ 8:43 am
Great prizes. I love reading about the events your every day lives and the great excerpts that you share with us.
Comment by Crystal B. — April 15, 2008 @ 8:44 am
Great excerpt Leslie and I am so glad you have 2 coming out in a row.
Comment by Laura J — April 15, 2008 @ 8:46 am
I have only been visiting Plot Monkeys for a few months…better late than never, right? But, I have enjoyed the excepts, Sunday funnies and whatever else you talented group of ladies throw out. Things like free books,,,LOL
Happy Anniversary!!!
Comment by Karen H in NC — April 15, 2008 @ 8:53 am
Wow, Cher. You brought a lump to my throat, as did everyone’s posts over the last few days! We monkeys pride ourselves on the jungle being a great place to escape and we’re so glad you all feel the same way. I know I will never forget what it was like to be a “nobody” as Cher said, but BAD WORD choice even if I knew what you meant.
LOL!
We’re ALL somebody important. And we’re all glad you’re here!
Comment by Carly — April 15, 2008 @ 8:54 am
Congrats on two wonderful years of Plotmonkeys.. this has definitely been a place that cheers me up through the bad times lately.. i love hearing all the goings ons in lives.. the kitchen remodeling. the puppys, the kids.. so heres to many more wonderful funny giggle filled, and book filled years ahead…
Comment by Jolene — April 15, 2008 @ 9:05 am
Leslie,
I love reading your posts and am so excited for the 2nd year anniversary. Congratulations on the new books - they sound great!
Comment by limecello — April 15, 2008 @ 9:12 am
I have enjoyed just hanging out…now that Janelle is moving to my neck of the woods…seriously, the invite is out to all of you…drinks are on me (well, not literally, but I’ll buy a round or two) if you guys come to Oregon to visit Janelle…..I will even throw in See’s chocolates for Julie and Leslie (Carly and Janelle, if you want some, too, I will do it).
Leslie…you forgot to mention YOUR move within those two years and without a door (that is still probably my favorite Leslie story)…I know way too much about you guys
Comment by katie — April 15, 2008 @ 9:21 am
Leslie, I loved the teaser and can’t wait to read them! I hope the thrillers are a huge success for you.
I know that the monkeys are always busy writing & plotting
and I’m grateful that you all find time to stop in and chat…Thank you 
and Happy 2 year Anniversary! 
Comment by Tina Martinesi — April 15, 2008 @ 9:25 am
I always enjoy reading all of the delicous excerpts.
Happy Anniversary!
Comment by Christy H. — April 15, 2008 @ 9:38 am
You monkeys really know how to throw a party. Talk about spoiling your fans, I wish you would celebrate your anniversarry monthly!!! LOL!! Then we could read all these amazing exceprts throughout the long months of waiting for the books to come out. It is torture I tell ya!! That being said, this really is THE best place to come escape from every day life.
Comment by Kelly F. — April 15, 2008 @ 9:48 am
Aww, Cher, I so wish I’d been there, too! I’m so glad your day was so special.
And thanks for looking back with me today. Katie, the no-door thing, I think, is something Bruce and I will look back upon and laugh about when we’re old and gray…and no longer need a door.
Comment by Leslie — April 15, 2008 @ 9:49 am
I know time flies when you are having fun.
THe Story sounds like fun .
I am writing the title down now.
Comment by Gigi — April 15, 2008 @ 10:01 am
I love the excerpt! That snow ho line was too funny!
I always love the sense of sharing and friendship on this blog. It is always a weloming environment. Some of my favorite moments are when you get so excited about holidays (especially Halloween) and shared all of your celebrating with us. I always enjoy the excerpts too!
Comment by Zara — April 15, 2008 @ 10:15 am
Carly, I’m truly blessed to be here. Leslie, it was a day I’ll never forget.
Cher
Comment by Cher — April 15, 2008 @ 10:35 am
Reading this blog has become part of my day. Thanks for writing this. Happy 2nd!
Comment by Philomena D — April 15, 2008 @ 10:45 am
Hi Leslie! I loved the excerpt! I can’t wait to read both books and look forward to your new romantic thrillers! I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you all better as writers, moms, wives, and friends. Thanks for sharing so much of yourselves and taking the time to make a difference to an aspiring author like myself! Happy Anniversary and many, many more!
Comment by Robin — April 15, 2008 @ 10:55 am
Looks like a great book! I really like the blazes. Are these the only 2 in the series? I have enjoyed this blog and it is one of the first I read everyday.
Have a great day!
Comment by Christina — April 15, 2008 @ 11:11 am
Congrats . Your new book looks great, Leslie. Favorite plot monkey moments,hmmmmm. Love when Julie talks about pirates.
Comment by flip — April 15, 2008 @ 11:12 am
Thanks for all the funny blogs about episodes in your lives, excerpts of your books and the camaraderie amongst all the posters. Also, winning stuff doesn’t hurt, either.
Comment by Susan P. — April 15, 2008 @ 11:29 am
I am new to the plot monkeys, but I find you guys hilarious. And I love the
Comment by Carrie — April 15, 2008 @ 11:34 am
Another amazing prize. Wow.
I’ve learned so many cool things about you guys here. I love the Saturday writing craft blogs and you are always so wonderful to answer our questions. Love the Jungle!!
Cher, there are many comments that I love to read, but I always look forward to reading yours.
Comment by Vicki — April 15, 2008 @ 11:52 am
Leslie, with a little luck you and Bruce will always need a door!
Comment by Tina Martinesi — April 15, 2008 @ 11:57 am
I love the premise of these books.
The highlight of the past 2 years for me was getting to learn more about y’all as people and not just authors.
Comment by Jennifer K. — April 15, 2008 @ 12:03 pm
Wow that was a great teaser… I really enjoy your blogs… keep going strong… Happy 2nd monkeys!!!
Comment by Colleen — April 15, 2008 @ 12:07 pm
Congrats to all the Plotmonkeys for 2 years! For me, I’ve loved all the personal info, Leslie’s move-that-never-came-for-2-yrs. (my fave was her recount of picking up her daughter on the electric lawn mower), Carly’s travel travails & life with her dogs, Janelle’s upcoming move & daughters’ school news, & Julie’s tough-mother fight at her daughter’s school, etc. Always a laugh.
Patricia
Comment by Patricia — April 15, 2008 @ 12:13 pm
Happy Anniversary!! I love reading all of your books and look forward to all future stories.
Leslie - Great excerpt! Can’t wait to pick up the book!
Comment by Kelly H — April 15, 2008 @ 12:16 pm
Happy Anniversary! Great giveaway.
I hope that in the midst of your new endeavor that you keep writing Blazes because I really enjoy your comedic voice. Who else could write a line like, “Considering she’d dreamt about him for the past two nights–hot, Grey’s Anatomy inspired dreams of her being the filling in a triple decker McSteamy, McDreamy and McGigolo sandwich–she should be feeling Mcpanicked and Mccornered.”
Comment by Patricia W — April 15, 2008 @ 12:24 pm
Congratualations on two great years. I enjoy visiting your site to see what you are doing with your writing and in your personal lives.
Comment by Maureen — April 15, 2008 @ 12:25 pm
I love the excerpt! I can’t wait to read the books.
I always love reading this blog even on days I don’t get a chance to post a comment. I love all of you as authors and it is wonderful to read about your lives. I like the writing segments on Saturdays. The best part is reading this blog on days when things could be better and getting an unexpected laugh or inspiration that makes my day better.
Happy second anniversary and many more to come!
Comment by Stephanie S. — April 15, 2008 @ 12:35 pm
Congrats. I’m glad I found all of you wonderful authors to distract me from cleaning my house! Thanks Leslie for the preview.
Comment by Jeannine — April 15, 2008 @ 12:49 pm
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 2 yrs. I really enjoy reading about y’alls everyday life. I love hearing funny stories about your kids and animals.
Comment by Claudia — April 15, 2008 @ 12:55 pm
Wow. I love these excerpts. I’m going to go broke buying books this summer.
Happy anniversary! I can’t believe it’s been two years!
Comment by Amy Addison — April 15, 2008 @ 1:03 pm
I’ve only been a few days at plotmonkeys, so I don’t yet have a favorite moment. But it’s great to see such a wondeful group of people.
Happy birthday to all of you!!!
Comment by Stefanie D — April 15, 2008 @ 1:14 pm
Leslie,
I can’t put into words how much joy you ladies have brought to me this past year. I’ve had many serious health problems to deal with and your daily posts have brighten even my worst days.
I love the excerpt!
Congratulations on your 2nd anniversary! May there be many, many more!
Comment by Susan — April 15, 2008 @ 1:34 pm
Congratulations on two wonderful years! I love the excerpts of your new releases.
Comment by Janet — April 15, 2008 @ 1:34 pm
Sounds like my kinda book!
Congrats on the 2 years and wishing you many more (books!)
Comment by Elizabeth — April 15, 2008 @ 1:43 pm
I’ve just started visiting the Jungle in the last couple months, but now it’s one of my everyday sites! I love the insights and humor you ladies provide. And hearing from everyone else in the comments is fun too!
And I love all your giveaways! I would be honored to win any of them; they’re all worth having!
Comment by Michelle N. — April 15, 2008 @ 2:13 pm
Leslie, I have to agree with Tina! May you & Bruce always need a door! Thanks for your humor, sharing Bruce with all of us and entertaining us with your books. I’m looking forward to your two new Blaze books which will come right to my doorstep.
By the way, I plan to be in San Francisco, I’m only 70 miles away!
To all four of the Plotmonkeys, thank you for letting us into your lives. I think most of us understand more about how much work goes into each book that each author writes. It makes me appreciate each book I read more. Keep it up.
Comment by Donna M — April 15, 2008 @ 2:29 pm
Leslie, I can’t believe it’s been two years already! It’s been wonderful getting to know you all better–I love hearing about and from your family. Bruce is such a perfect partner for you! Thanks for letting us peek into your home and heart and for sharing your terrific stories with us.
These two Blazes sound terrific–I’ve loved your category and single-title stories, and can’t wait to hear more about your new direction! Keep writing! Please!
Comment by Fedora — April 15, 2008 @ 2:30 pm
I can’t believe it’s been 2 years since we started monkeying around! I love all of you and you have given me lots of good laughs.
Comment by Tina — April 15, 2008 @ 2:30 pm
WHADDAYA MEAN WHEN WE NO LONGER NEED A DOOR?!!!!!
The only acceptable reason for not needing a door is because the kids have moved out and the rest of the house becomes fair game.
Happy anniversary ladies!
Comment by Bruce — April 15, 2008 @ 2:33 pm
HAVENT BEEN AROUND BUT ABOUT A YEAR, BUT LOOK FORWARD TO
JUMPING INTO PLOTMONKEYS AND READING EVERYTHING,AND
ENJOYING ALL THE COMMENTS FROM THE OTHER PEOPLE THAT ARE
MONKEYS. I USUALLY READ IT BEFORE I GET TO MY E-MAILS.
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE BLAZE BOOKS.
ALICE IN TEXAS
Comment by ALICE — April 15, 2008 @ 2:44 pm
Happy Second Anniversary. I love the exclusive excerpts and of course the contest and the jokes.
Comment by Jane — April 15, 2008 @ 2:46 pm
I love your sunday jokes as they always lift my spirits in time for a monday morning
Also the cute monkey stuff remind me of my very own monkey who I miss terribly is he’s away at uni and very bad at keeping in touch
Comment by Ilona — April 15, 2008 @ 2:50 pm
LOL Bruce, I’m sure that’s what she meant!!
Comment by Tina Martinesi — April 15, 2008 @ 2:56 pm
Congratulations on your 2nd anniversary
Doesn’t time fly when we are having fun?
A little bit of madness each day is just what is needed.
So ladies, keep em coming.
Thanks,
Judith.
Comment by Judith — April 15, 2008 @ 3:42 pm
I joined plotmonkeys less than a year ago. I read Carly Phillips book Hot Stuff I then looked her up on line I emailed her and wow she emailed me back. I then read every book she wrote i then looked at the plotmonkey site and was hooked I love the writers advice, I get book advice on what to read next. I to feel as if I know you all.
Comment by Michele — April 15, 2008 @ 4:12 pm
I love coming here everyday and reading what’s going on with everyone. I have always been a big fan of Carly, Julie, Leslie, and Janelle’s and I had read everything they had written that I could get my hands on.(still do!) The day I found plot monkeys I was estatic. I couldn’t believe there was a place I could go to everyday and read about my favorite authors. But the best part is knowing that these wonderful people are common folks like I am and they have the same highs and lows in life that I do. I still run out and buy your books as soon as they hit the stands and shout out to everyone that you guys are the best. That’s what friends are for!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!
Comment by Carol R — April 15, 2008 @ 4:23 pm
Great excerpt! Can’t wait to read the book.
Comment by Estella — April 15, 2008 @ 5:11 pm
Love to be able to read all the excerpts from the authors upcoming releases. I also enjoy when you throw in guest bloggers and the giveaways are awesome. Thanks for two great years, hopefully many more!
Comment by Teresa W. — April 15, 2008 @ 5:21 pm
Thank you thank you thank you all for the wonderful comments. I know I have read them all day and just had such a smile on my face.
And somewhere, I know, somebody asked about whether these next two books are the only two in the series. The answer is yes, they are, though “The Wrong Bed” is a long-running miniseries within Blaze (and formerly Temptation.) The only thing different about these is that there are two in a row and they’re connected.
Comment by Leslie — April 15, 2008 @ 5:26 pm
I can tell you what brings me up when I am down is a good book! My son finally decided to go to college and that made me very happy. We had been trying to get him to go so he started in January.
Comment by Virginia H. — April 15, 2008 @ 5:35 pm
I only just discovered the jungle in the past month. It was definitely what I needed at the time, though, and helped me get through the last few weeks of preparation for my Master’s exam. Coming here provided me with a great escape and a bit of laughter when I needed it most.
I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone better since everyone seems to have such a great time here. I know I have been.
The excerpt definitely whet my appetite for your book, Leslie. It’ll be very much anticipated.
Comment by Karin — April 15, 2008 @ 5:52 pm
Can’t begin my day without a visit to the Jungle! The PlotMonkeys will always be on
my Favorites list! Congratulations on your second anniversary and my Best to each
of you! You make us feel so welcome here in your Jungle home!!!
Pat Cochran
Comment by Patricia Cochran — April 15, 2008 @ 5:58 pm
I discovered the Jungle a few months ago and have really enjoyed swinging in every day to chat and share about books and life. Thanks for making Plotmonkeys so great! Let’s keep it going for years to come! Happy Anniversary!!
Comment by Katie B. — April 15, 2008 @ 6:04 pm
It hasn’t been that very long ago that I discovered your fabulous site! You ladies are quite interesting, I learn a lot about different subjects and I enjoy your humorous sides!!!!! I wish you many more blog happy anniversaries. Thanks for the fun ride so far. Cindi
Comment by Cindi — April 15, 2008 @ 6:29 pm
Enjoyed the comments and the excerpt for Slow Hands.
One thing that perked me up was during the end of last year I went to a high school reunion and saw a couple of my high school heart throbs. ha Glad I didn’t marry them. And why is it anymore, people do not dress for a nice occasion like it was? I couldn’t believe how some of them appeared. ugh
Comment by Joye — April 15, 2008 @ 6:38 pm
Leslie, did you notice that your name is larger than the title of the book? I am guessing that is something you earned. :-)
I don’t know if I have a fave moment from the blog. It is a fun and happy place for a reader. Even the bitch-fests aren’t very nasty.
Comment by ThatBrunette — April 15, 2008 @ 6:42 pm
It is a must to check the site everyday to have a good start of it.
I am so happy that I started reading again and found Plotmonkeys, I enjoy mingling with all of you and reading these about great books.
Comment by Dina — April 15, 2008 @ 6:44 pm
Hi Leslie,
Great excerpt, I can’t wait for both books to come out!! Over the last two years I feel like I’ve come to know each of you a little bit better. I have to say that I started reading this blog because of one monkey in particular–but I’m not saying who because I’ve come to enjoy each of you . I loved read about your plans for your Halloween party in your new house, Carly getting her Bailey–I got a puppy around the same time and we were going through similar potty training horrors! Those are just a few of the fun memories, hopefully there’ll be a lot more!
Comment by erin — April 15, 2008 @ 7:08 pm
Happy 2 year Anniversary
I love reading the books
and prizes,
but
Comment by Cherylann — April 15, 2008 @ 7:14 pm
I hit submit before I finished
To all four of the Plotmonkeys
Comment by Cherylann — April 15, 2008 @ 7:21 pm
For the past 2 years i have been here, reading about your lives and your books, and you have been introducing me to other authors. Happy Anniversary ladies… Thank you for creating this web blog page… If you didn’t create it I would have never read or bought any of your books. Thanks again… Huge hugs to everyone of you all ladies…
Comment by Elisa V — April 15, 2008 @ 7:42 pm
Happy Anniverssary. I love you all so much. you make my day a little brighter especially on the days that don’t comment b/c I am having an off day. So thank you for taking the precious time away from your writing for us fans.
Comment by Debbie — April 15, 2008 @ 8:08 pm
Hi Leslie!
That is a great excerpt and what a wonderful prize you are offering.
Congrats on two years on Plot Monkeys and I hope you all have many more.
Keeping my fingers crossed.
Comment by Lori T — April 15, 2008 @ 9:26 pm
Happy second anniversary!
I live in San Francisco, so I hope to swing by the RWA signing this summer. It’d be nice to meet so many authors whose work I enjoy.
Comment by Diana — April 15, 2008 @ 9:38 pm
Sorry, I am swinging in so late…had a really rough day and had to disappear for a while…
Love the excerpt Leslie…I can’t wait to read the rest of the book…Maddy and Jake sound like wonderful people…should be interesting to see how their relationship develops…I already pre-ordered it…good luck to everyone…I will be in San Fran, so we will finally meet each other…yeah…I am so glad that I will get the chance to meet you all…
I have to go to bed…I am so tired from running away today and I am about to crash…the best way to not have to deal with anything…tire yourself out until you can’t think and then crash…ttyt
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment by Paula R. — April 15, 2008 @ 10:18 pm
happy second anny. Love this site. lovet he aouthors. love your books of course. will be getting these books soon. Love teh new releases. prizes and guest athors. you ladies are very enterataing. hope there will more to come from this site and all of ladies. great work on all the books and we love reading them. The books are great leslie, congrats on the great reviews from RT. you deserve it. Cant wait to read it. cross both fingers and toes to win it. but if not will be buying it first day it comes out. Congrats Plot monkeys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by kim h — April 15, 2008 @ 10:23 pm
Plot Monkeys rock! I love your excerpts and the Sunday funnies! Keep it up!! Cheers!
Comment by Bunny — April 15, 2008 @ 11:07 pm
Comment by Yolanda — April 15, 2008 @ 11:13 pm
Comment by Julz — April 15, 2008 @ 11:25 pm
Wow it’s been that long already!
Yeah another great prize pack!
Definately count me in!
Comment by Terri W. — April 15, 2008 @ 11:41 pm
I would love to win this. Count me in.
Comment by Amelia — April 15, 2008 @ 11:44 pm
Wow has it been two years? I have enjoyed reading all of your blogs plotmonkeys! You have brought many hours of sunshine into my days! Leslie, Carly, Janelle and Julie you are all fantastic writers! Many congrats to you all on a magnificent blog and a standing ovation for all your hardwork and classic writing skills!
Love ya all!
Michele L.
Comment by Melis L. — April 16, 2008 @ 12:00 am
I love reading about each one’s life and their books. Happy anniversary to the PlotMonkeys.
Comment by RobynL — April 16, 2008 @ 1:04 am
Happy Anniversary. You guys are the best!
Comment by Beth — April 16, 2008 @ 2:00 am
I just discovered this site, short of a couple of weeks ago and am still learning to navigate through the “jungle”. Sad to say, I haven’t experienced two years yet, but hopefully I will get into the swing of things and start hanging out!
Maureen
Comment by maureen — April 16, 2008 @ 2:34 am