Shhh! Writer in hiding!

I'll have to admit that when I first started writing, a number of friends asked me if I was planning to use a Pen Name. My response at the time was WHY? I wasn't ashamed of what I wrote and I didn't really mind telling anyone that I wrote romance. So once I got that first contract, I stuck to my guns and wrote very hot romances under my real name. They did okay. Not AWESOME but okay as far as sales. But when I began writing erotic romance, I knew a change might be needed with the whole 'fake name' thing. For awhile I stubbornly clung to the idea of using my real name. I mean, I had a website, a blog, yada yada. If I took on a pen name would I have to do two of everything? The very idea made me shudder.

Anyway, I sat down with the family and we had a discussion about it. My kids were totally cool with whatever I decided but I could tell by the look on my husband's face that he was a little concerned. We don't much cotton to hypocrisy at our house. We tend to call things what they are and avoid pretentious, judgmental bullshit but in this matter, considering the material I'd be writing, he felt it best for me to write under a pen name for my steamy stuff. Since I live in a fairly narrow minded, ultra conservative town in Texas, I readily agreed.

So yes, I write under a pen name and I've adjusted just fine. Most of my readers know my real name and my close friends certainly do so it's not a HUGE secret but the local folks, for the most part, don't know what I write and that's probably a very good thing.

Just heard from a writer friend who'd decided from the very beginning to write under her own name and she is seriously 'creeped out' by an email she just got from a local guy who referred to her 'smut books' and how he'd love to discuss her 'fave titles' with her sometime. EWWWWW. Yeah, she's a little freaked out over it and I'm wondering if she regrets not taking a pen name.

Umm. Yeah, glad I got that pen name. I really AM!

Other News: Reviews are beginning to come in for Highland Beast. Just got this one and I'm psyched! It's scary beginning a new series and I was secretly a little worried about how the book would be received. Breathing a bit now!

This is from Amelia at Sensual Ecatromance and she gave it a 4.5 rating!

The first connected book about intriguing shifters by Regina Carlysle is captivatingly innovative in both characters and plot. This talented author sets the heat at fire level in an exceedingly passionate yet heartfelt story of unexpected love and intense longing.

With her powerful empathic abilities, Martha Bennett has found living in a remote part of Texas makes her life easier as she can avoid feeling the emotions of those around her. When she purchases a very old mirror, she is stunned to be awakened one night by potent sentiments when no one is nearby. Even more bizarre is how different the appearance of the glass in the mirror looks. As she closely investigates, Martha knows she must be dreaming when a black wolf is revealed and it suddenly turns into a most impressively built plus handsome man. When she puts her hand towards the mirror after he beckons to her, she finds herself going back through time to the castle of a Highland shifter.

Although Silas MacAdam was cursed by a witch for not loving her, his thoughts about the woman now with him after three hundred years of being alone are much different. The wholehearted desire between Silas and Martha is mutual, and their expression of these feelings is explosively impassioned. When an incident has them going back to Texas in the present, they find their bond is just as strong as it was in his time. Since he was once king of the lycans, Silas would very much like to be with his own kind again. However, he believes Martha is destined to be his true mate, and it is his goal to persuade her to stay with him regardless of what the future brings.

Regina Carlysle adds her own special brand of wit, passion and fascination to create a story where the sexy hero and spirited heroine will leave you wanting more of their exploits. The deep inner feelings of Silas and Martha are evident at any time, whether they are actually together or just thinking about each other. Their emotional and physical connection is powerful from the very first, and the strength of this bond is almost palpable as they continuously prove how much they care with spoken declarations and actions. With sex being an extremely important part of their relationship, there are plenty of red-hot moments overflowing with fiery sensuality. This couple communicates with words and deeds in a delightful manner, as there is some playful teasing intermixed with the overwhelming craving they feel for the other. The supernatural aspects of the story are cleverly depicted, where the incredible seems completely reasonable. From the mystical mirror to shape-shifting to psychic abilities, the reader will want to believe in the magical elements being portrayed. The power of love also comes into play, especially when an unforeseen twist arises and causes some soul-searching by Silas and Martha. Regina Carlysle draws you into her spellbinding world where the supernatural is the norm. HIGHLAND BEAST entertains, intrigues and titillates with its fascinating premise and memorable couple.