Training the Receptionist by Juniper Bell

Sometimes you just have to take a chance. My new book, which comes out tomorrow from Samhain Publishing, is a risk because it's so different from my last book. "Doll," was an emotionally intense story of a woman struggling to free herself from memories of her abusive husband. "Training the Receptionist," on the other hand, is pure wicked fantasy. It's written in first person from the point of view of a cheeky young woman who lands her naughty dream job. Chloe, from "Doll," lived in the uppercrust world of a Senator's wife. Dana grew up in the gritty town of "Low-life, Long Island," as she calls it. Instead of a romantic island setting, "Training the Receptionist" takes place mostly in an office. "Doll" had one hero, this one has two.

The stories have only two things in common. Both have happy endings, and both were written by me.

Here's the blurb:

“Training the Receptionist” by Juniper Bell

Genre: Erotica

ISBN: 978-1-60504-949-6
 Length: Novella
 Price: 3.50
 Publication Date: March 2, 2010
 Cover art by Scott Carpenter

It’s her naughty dream job—if they’re satisfied with her performance…

Eager to escape her miserable existence in Low-Life, Long Island, street-wise Dana Arthur jumps at an entry-level position with the consulting firm Cowell & Dirk. As her training period begins, she quickly discovers she’s required to do more than take messages and order office supplies. Her job description contains some deliciously naughty duties that give receptionist a whole new meaning.

Simon has almost given up on finding the right woman who will please his clients as well as his demanding partner and mentor, Ethan Cowell. No one measures up—until Dana. Her inner fire and fearless nature are perfect for the job. No matter what wicked punishment he devises to chastise her for her on-the-job mistakes, she accepts with a relish that leaves him wondering which one of them is really in control.

The last thing he expects to discover is that she’s a perfect sexual soul mate he can’t bear to share. But share he must—it’s part of his business agreement. Unless he makes Ethan the deal of a lifetime…

So...as a relatively new writer, should I be trying to stick with what I know works, or should I be exploring new things? That's the question I struggled with. The answer I came up with was, write the story that comes to you. If it's in the same vein as the last one, fine. If not, what the heck! But more experienced authors might have a different take. I'd love to hear what other writers think of this question. And readers, do you like it when an author tries something new?

"Training the Receptionist" will be available here from Samhain Publishing. Come visit my website or blog for excerpts and more.