While researching a detail for my work-in-progress (tentatively titled Small Print), I needed to find out if they still made Ken dolls. They do indeed. In fact, Ken has evolved since I was a little girl. As a Starbucks barista, I was amused to find there is a Barista Ken. With a man bun, no less. His jeans are distressed too. I actually think he’s kind of cool and if I were playing with Barbies now, I think he’d give GI Joe a run for his money.

I also kind of liked this sexy, nerd Ken, even if his shirt leaves a lot to be desired.

While in the Ken area of Amazon, I saw Barbie and Ken come in a Cafe Set, but even though I adored the tiny panini press accessory, I though it was sexist that Barbie was the server and Ken was the chef.

But then they sort of redeemed themselves with this guy…

I’ve got to get back to writing, but I’ll leave you with this…the Ken that tops them all…Merman Ken! I mean, wow. Just wow. Notice the crotch joint that allows his tail to move and his jaunty shell necklace and bracelets. How could you not want this guy? LOL

To celebrate the release of Animal Attraction, I’m going to be participating in some Facebook parties in the next couple of months. Fun games and giveaways guaranteed. Plus, I’m giving away a Kindle Fire!

Thursday, April 25 (6:00 pm – 10:00 pm EST) – A multi-author takeover for Animal Attraction in The Reader’s Lounge hosted by Sweet N Spicy Reads.

Saturday, April 27 RELEASE DAY! Open House Release Day Takeover in the BestSellers & BestStellars Party Room! I’ll also be dropping in at The Renegades Ice Crew, Susan’s Squad, and Stephanie Julian’s Reader Salon.

Friday, May 3 (7:30 pm – 8:00 pm EST) I’m taking over the Red Hatter’s Book Hangout! Games and giveaways!

Sunday, May 5 (8:00 pm – 9:00 pm EST) I’m taking over The Locker Room! Tons of sports romance fans there!

Monday, May 13 (5:20 pm – 5:40 pm) – Stina Lindenblatt’s Release Party in the One Click Addict Support Group.

I’m so excited and proud to be involved in this Hockey Holidays anthology.

http://books2read.com/hockeyholidays/

It’s a collection of 18 brand new romance stories from USA Today, New York Times, and all your favorite best selling hockey romance authors, the proceeds of which will go to the USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program.

Here’s bit about them:

The Program’s mission is to organize and administer an ice hockey program that provides a recreational, therapeutic experience and education.

The program educates, trains, motivates, and encourages the formation of “USA Warrior Hockey Programs” locally and nationally while encouraging individuals who have physical disabilities incurred during service to the United States to participate in the sport of ice hockey in an environment that is adapted to the level of their ability.

The USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program, Inc. is staffed by volunteers, on-ice and off-ice mentors and directors who do not receive any compensation, stipend or other remuneration for their time.

Please consider buying a copy of the anthology so we can make that donation a big one. The price for all 18 stories is only $.99 now, but the price goes up on November 19, so you might want to act quickly.

How We Fell in Love (Ice Cats) by Toni Aleo

He knew she was the one, she wasn’t so sure, which is why Grace and James’ love story is one for the ages.

A Second Shot by Shannon Stacey

She was the one who got away—the woman Erik Burke walked away from to focus on the game—but when their paths cross once again, all he wants for Christmas is the chance to take another shot at love.

A Wolfe Brothers Christmas (Game On in Seattle) by Jami Davenport

Spending their first Christmas together in years, the Wolfe brothers fumbling attempts to create good memories go awry.

Christmas Crosscheck (The Dallas Comets) by Jaymee Jacobs

Bryan’s planning to propose to Georgiana on Christmas Eve, but will the chaos of their families’ first holiday together ruin their special moment?

The Final Slapshot by Jean C. Joachim

Harry “Deke” Edmonds hides his secret, hoping for a Christmas miracle. When confronted with the truth, will his heart-breaking decision cost him both Kitty and the Huskies?

Lucky Holiday (The Las Vegas Kingsnakes) by Jennifer Lazaris

Vegas forward Tyler Quinn made the biggest mistake of his life when he broke Ella’s heart, and he’ll need more than an ace up his sleeve to win her back in time for Christmas.

Dmitri’s Christmas Angel (Las Vegas Sidewinders) by Kat Mizera

Two women. Two surprise pregnancies. Dmitri Papadakis is screwed.

His Christmas Cinderella (San Francisco Dragons) by Kate Willoughby

On his way to the team holiday party, Gideon Aguilar mistakes Bailey Peng for his Uber driver. After inviting her to join him, they make more than merry, but at the end of the evening, the sexiest, most captivating woman he’s ever met is nowhere to be found.

Red-Hot Trouble (Hot Ice) by Lily Harlem

Sophie Delaney never intended to walk into ‘that’ locker room, at ‘that’ moment, but she did, it happened, and now she’ll never be the same again.

Christmas Interference (The Baltimore Banners) by Lisa B. Kamps

Shane Masters no longer believes in second chances, happy-ever-afters…or love. Can the woman who knew him best thaw his heart with a little holiday magic before it’s too late?

The Devoted Father and the Introvert (The New Hampshire Bears) by Mary Smith

Elexis Dunaway loves Twitter and work. Dag Limon loves his twin boys and playing professional hockey. Soon their worlds will collide with one simple tweet.

Her Best Worst Boyfriend (Vancouver Vice Hockey) by Melanie Ting

This Christmas, Em Davis is bringing Mr. Wrong home to prove a point to her parents. He’s arrogant, conceited, and uneducated, and they’re going to hate him. But what if Ian Reid turns out to be Mr. Right?

Icing isn’t Only for Cookies (The Renegades Series) by Melody Heck Gatto

Avery James wasn’t looking for love when tall, dark, and deliciously handsome hockey player Kyler Wilson walked into her bakery.

Dallas Christmas by RJ Scott

Logan knows lusting after his captain’s brother can only lead to trouble. But when fate throws him and the temptation that is Archie together, it’s hard not to fall in love.

All I Want (San Francisco Strikers) by Stephanie Kay

When fate finally brings first loves Maggie and Alex back to the same city, will Maggie be brave enough to give the relationship she never forgot a second chance? Or will she put their love on ice?

Holding On Tight (Buffalo Bedlam) by Susan Scott Shelley

For Buffalo Bedlam defenseman Vince Forsberg and his boyfriend Joseph Parelli, the pressure to make their first Christmas together perfect leads to a lot of chaos, holiday mishaps, and some unexpected results.

A Star-Crossed Christmas (Cayuga Cougars) by V.L. Locey

Two years ago, Mitch shared an explosive kiss with his childhood friend, Olympic snowboarder, Shaun. Will Christmas be the time for the two men to untangle lust from love, and find a future together that works?

The Playboy (Redtails Hockey) by Stephanie Julian

Kyle is back in the minors to rehab his career but that’s not all he’s hoping to fix. He wants to get back the girl he left behind, but convincing Leah to take another chance on this former playboy will be harder than making it back to the NHL.

I’m so excited. The release of Clean Sweep is only three days away. Early reviews have been fantastic. Here are some highlights.

“[Clean Sweep] spoke volumes to my heart, and spoke volumes to my hockey loving soul, I absolutely loved it!! …it’s a beautifully written story certain to leave your heart happy!” —Red’s Romance Reviews

“These are characters that feel so real, so right, and the situations they faced were authentic and heart-tugging.” —Viper S.

“This is my first book that I have read from Kate Willoughby. And I loved it. It is my jam. I am going to add all of her books to my TBR list!” — Emily U. 

“Willoughby is one of the best authors I’ve never read.” — Isha C.