May has been such an exciting month for me. With the release of my first book, The Heart of the Jungle on April 30th, I realized a lifelong dream… and sudden, intense anxiety. For the first two days, I waited in dread for the reviews to start coming in and wishing I could just go back to waiting for the rejection letter from the publisher. Disappointed readers are far, far more frightening than a pink slip you can quietly tuck away in a drawer and forget.

I’m happy to say that the reviews so far have been heartening—maybe I should keep at it for a few more books at least… I am, of course, grateful for the praise I’ve gotten, but also for the critique. One builds confidence, while the other builds skill, and I’m grateful for both.

Mostly, I’ve been completely overcome with gratitude for all of you who have reached out to me, who have welcomed me into the M/M romance community, and who have taken a risk on my work. Your overwhelming kindness means more to me than I will ever be able to say. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart.

5/2/12 – Pixie at MM Good Book Reviews – 5/5 Stars

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/2012/05/02/the-heart-of-the-jungle-by-jeremy-pack/

“Was I disappointed that there was only a touch of sex… no.  Because, this story fed me so much more than just romance; it fed me intrigue, mystery, twists, hope, despair, desolation, unwanted lust, guilt, danger and betrayal. This story didn’t miss a spot and if you want a true thriller, mystery, suspense book to read then this is it and I highly recommend you go get this book and thoroughly enjoy the journey it takes you on.” -Pixie, MM Good Book Reviews

5/7/12 – LadyM at Reviews by Jessewave – 3.5/5 Stars

http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/2012/05/07/the-heart-of-the-jungle/

“As I said at the beginning, a small part of my criticism stems from the high expectations I had after reading the great beginning of this story. I recognize that your experience will also depend on your mileage in the mystery genre. It’s quite possible that your impressions will be significantly different than mine. The author has a great command of language and obviously a lot of imagination. In fact, considering that this is his first novel, I suspect that Jeremy Pack will be a wonderful addition to the genre.” -LadyM, Reviews by Jessewave

5/20/12 – Amos Lassen at Reviews by Amos Lassen – No Rating Given

http://reviewsbyamoslassen.com/?p=16319

“Pack’s characters are skillfully drawn and his plot line is excellent. He plays down romance in deference to suspense and action so it is quite basically a mystery with a touch of romance and a bit of sex. For a first novel, this is an excellent   read and a beautiful swan dive into the pool of LGBT literature and I am completely sure that when Pack comes up for a breath, it will be with yet another wonderful new book.” -Amos Lassen, Amos Lassen Reviews

5/24/12 – Nicci at Twilb Reviews – 4/5 Stars

http://twlibreviews.com/2012/05/review-the-heart-of-the-jungle-by-jeremy-pack/

“Jeremy Pack makes his debut into the writing world of M/M Romance and Mystery genres, hence, I will refer to as M/M Romantic Suspense.  He does a wonderful job keeping me engaged to the narrative, drawing me into the suspenseful, tensed world of murder.  I hope he will continue writing M/M Romantic Suspense.  He has the skills to improve on and I for one will be looking forward to more books from this author.  Recommended for the mystery thriller and a touch of romance.” -Nicci, Twilb Reviews

5/28/12 – Christi Snow at Smitten With Reading – B+

http://smittenwithreading.blogspot.com/2012/05/heart-of-jungle-by-jeremy-pack.html

“I enjoyed this book. It was quick-paced and the suspense kept me guessing almost throughout the entire book. The romance ramped up before the chemistry was really there for me at the beginning of the book, but by the end, I completely believed in Jason and Chris as a couple. The epilogue was fabulous and perfect for this story. I look forward to reading more from this author again!” – Christi Snow, Smitten With Reading

Again, my very sincere gratitude to each of the reviewers who not only took the time to read my book, but wrote a review. Your feedback and encouragement are beautiful gifts.

On 5/8/12 I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Pixie at MM Good Book Reviews. (My first ever interview!)

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/2012/05/08/interview-with-debut-dreamspinner-writer-jeremy-pack/

On 5/19/12 I hosted a “Meet the Author” event on Dreamspinner Press’ Facebook page. I had a GREAT time. There are a couple of excerpts from the Heart of the Jungle in the notes. I also posted an original short entitled “Brianna” which you can download on The Heart of the Jungle page on my website.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/dreamspinnerpress

On 5/20/12 My second novel, tentatively titled “ To Touch the Stars” was contracted with Dreamspinner Press for release in October, 2012. This story is very personal to me and I can’t wait to share it with all of you. I’ll be getting the pre-release campaign underway in September with some really fun initiatives, so be sure to keep an eye out!

http://www.jeremy-pack.com/books/to-touch-the-stars/

Today, you can find an early blurb of my current work in progress, tentatively titled “The Lock and the Key”. If I stick to the outline, this story will be non-stop suspense and brain-bending puzzles from beginning to end. I am having an absolute blast writing it! I’ll be sure to keep the progress updated as I hit my milestones on the way to my targeted November, 2012 submission.

http://www.jeremy-pack.com/books/lock-and-key/

And last, but not least, today is your last chance to enter The Heart of the Jungle Sweepstakes. I’m giving away a NOOK Simple Touch, a $35 gift certificate to Dreamspinner Press, and a copy of The Heart of the Jungle to the grand prize winner. Three paperback copies are also up for grabs. Be sure to get your entry in before midnight! Ellie will be picking winners from a hat tomorrow.

http://www.jeremy-pack.com/hotjgiveaway/