Welcome Lillian Grant

What English?

As an Aussie seeking publication in a US dominated e-publishing world some things you assume are a given clearly are not.

When I wrote Happy Birthday, Nancy Tobin, I wrote it in English. At least I thought I did. Turns out, nothing is quite that simple.

Story complete, critiqued, polished, rewritten, re-critiqued, whisked into outer space by aliens, prodded, probed, formatted and good to go, I sent a sample on its merry way to my publisher of choice. Happy with the final copy, I sat back and waited, and waited, and waited, until at last I got a nibble. Could I send the whole manuscript? Mai oui, of course. Then, would I rewrite the sex scenes to make them hotter? Well, in for a penny in for a pound. Finally, an offer to publish my baby, in English.

BUT, hmm, whose English? The contract said I had to use US spelling. So, who cares? What are a few lost U’s and the occasional S morphing into a Z between friends? If it got my book into the public domain and made women weep with unrequited lust for my hero, I could sacrifice the odd letter here and there.

Contract signed, I waited for my first round edits. They arrived and I opened the file. What eternal hell was this? My editor had interpreted, use US spelling, for make it a US novel…NOOOOOO!! Thankfully, she is an angel and when I emailed my horror at having my gorgeous Aussie hunk, that would have the ladies panting with pent up frustration, changed to a down home American boy, she spoke to ‘management.’

Oh, what sweet joy it was when the answer came back, lose the Aussie spelling, keep the Aussie slang. However, this came with a caveat. Keep the Aussie slang that made sense. So began a period of tense editing where words like ‘lounge’ were tossed aside to be replaced with ‘living room.’ Would American readers understand the word ‘git’ if read in context. I even got complemented on how clever I was to know when it was appropriate for my hero to use the word ‘bugger’ in a sentence. After much deliberation, the process was complete. My hero and heroine are still Aussie’s living in Australia and most of my slang survived. I was thankful I hadn’t used some of our more colourful expressions, such as ‘cooked chook,’ because nothing could have saved them, and it seems the names of more intimate body parts are universal.

I recently read pages and pages of comments on another blog about changing stories for the US market. Which begs the question, as a reader, do you want books set in other countries to be adapted to become stories set in the country you live in?

NB: No U’s or S’s were harmed during the writing or publication of this article.

Blurb:
Suddenly single on the eve of her fortieth birthday, Nancy Tobin’s not sure turning middle-aged is worth celebrating. She's stuck in a dead-end job as the boss’s bitch with only her morose Labrador for a companion. What does she have to party about? Maybe if she ignores the whole birthday thing, it will just go away.

Hot, twenty-six-year-old Jake Turner has other ideas. When he bumps into Nancy at the library, he sees a woman in need of a wake-up call. Determined to unleash the beauty hidden beneath the sad façade, he schemes to relight her spark. He wants to give her a birthday to remember but he ends up being the one who can't forget: a visit to his apartment becomes a weekend in his bed where he discovers an offbeat, unpredictable, sexually adventurous woman he never wants to let go.

With Jake, Nancy can do anything, her life can be whatever she chooses. But this new and exciting relationship teeters on the edge of destruction when her soon-to-be ex-husband reveals the reason for Jake’s initial interest in her. Can Nancy trust Jake when he finally tells her he loves her?

Excerpt:
Nancy sat alone at the table near the student café. Despite her best intentions not to, she searched the male population for Jake. He must have been teasing. Why would a cute young guy be interested in her? She stared at the nubile female bodies as they walked past, their belly buttons proudly displaying all manner of trinkets and tattoos and yelling to the world, I’m young, supple, and the best shag you could ever have. She looked down at herself and saw the roll of flab above her waistband. Her body appeared to yell, I’m old and saggy and too fucking tired to care if I ever shag again. Why would he even give her a second thought? Perhaps it was a dare or a joke.

“Excuse me; is this seat taken?”

The voice dragged Nancy back to reality, and she looked up, surprised to see a familiar face. Her cheeks burned, and she struggled to speak.

“No, please, feel free.”

Jake slid into the seat next to her. “So, Nancy, we meet again. Are you stalking me by any chance?”

Nancy was quick to shake her head. While she had been hoping to see him again, she had no intention of revealing that to anyone. She could barely believe it herself. Was she so desperate for love she would latch on to the first male who showed a glimmer of interest? No matter why she attracted him, with her track record, she should avoid good-looking young men like the plague. “No, absolutely not. Are you sure you’re not stalking me? I was here first.”

His deep, sexy chuckle resonated through her. “Touché. You guessed it. Someone is paying me to follow you.”

“Well, they’re wasting their money, I can assure you. There is nothing to see here.”

“Let me be the judge of that. Did you miss me?”

Nancy tore her eyes away from his and tried to sound nonchalant. “I haven't given you a moment’s thought since you left the library.”

He put his hand over hers, and she felt the blood rush to her cheeks again. When he leaned closer, she closed her eyes. The smell of his musky cologne and the feel of his breath on her face as he whispered in her ear made her stomach lurch and her heart rate lift.

“Liar, but it’s okay. I’ve been thinking about you too.”

Nancy opened her eyes and snapped her head around to glare at him. No one in their right mind would think about her. She refused to be the butt of anyone’s joke. Her hand hovered in midair as she fought the urge to slap his face. Jake leaned back and put his arm up. Deciding he wasn’t worth it, Nancy dropped her hand and snatched her empty Coke bottle off the table instead.

She clenched her teeth. “Fuck off, you git; you’re not funny,” she spat out.

Without another word, she got up and stomped back to the library, tears of frustration stinging her eyes. Stupid, stupid woman!

Thank you, Lillian, for joining us today.

If you’d like to read more about Jake and Nancy, one lucky commenter will win a free copy of Happy Birthday, Nancy Tobin.

If you can’t wait, you can buy it here.

And to keep up with Lillian, you can visit her site.

Show a Zombie Some Love

Thanks so much for letting me guest blog today!

Readers often ask me how I come up with ideas for my books, so I thought I'd give you a little behind-the-scenes peek at how I came up with my new release, a paranormal erotic romance from Ellora's Cave called DEAD SEXY.

Before I say anything else though, isn't that cover too hot for words?!  When the art department sent it to me, I probably gazed at it for a good ten minutes in mouth-drooling appreciation before I could email them back telling the artist it not only rocked, but totally fit the book.  The hero is "Dead Sexy," after all!

Okay, back to the story and how I came up with it.  First, to set the stage, I need to share a little something with you about myself.  Well, about my hubby and me, actually.  We love zombie movies, from the George Romero gems to Shaun of the Dead and everything in between, including "Walking Dead," the new series on AMC.  You just can't go wrong with  a movie full of walking dead people, can you?  Well, if you've ever seen a zombie movie (or even you haven't), then you know the creatures aren't the heroes of the film.  I mean, how can they be, right?  They're all dead and decayed and downright unattractive, not to mention pretty damn scary.  Which was why you can imagine my surprise when my hubby suggested I write an erotic romance about a zombie hero.  I was like, you're kidding, right?  What woman in her right mind would fall in love with a dead guy?  No way could that possibly work, or so I thought.

Turns out, my hubby wasn't kidding.  In fact, he started working up ideas for the story.

"The hero didn't have to be a zombie all the time," he told me. "Think outside the box - take a little literary license!"

Okay, I thought. I suppose I could be open minded. 

My hubby told me that in his out-of-the-box world, the hunky hero got cursed by an evil Voodoo priestess and only turns into a zombie sometimes. 

"I'm listening," I said.

"And when he does go zombie, he doesn't have to be like the kind in the movies," my hubby added.  "Well, he has to look like one, you know all dead and stuff, but he doesn't have to be a mindless creature or attack humans or eat anything gross."

So, brains are completely out, thanks goodness!

"Think Jensen Ackles or Jared Padelecki, with a really, really, really dark tan - (yes, my hubby knows I've got a thing for the Supernatural hunks!) - well, maybe more gray and black than tan, but you get the idea."

I thought about that for a minute.  "So, the hero's dead, but he's still sexy, is that what you're saying?"

"Exactly," he said, giving me a grin as my eyes lit up with understanding.

By that point, my hubby had pretty much sold me on the idea.  Of course, I knew if I ran with it, I was going to have to sell it to a publisher, and I knew that could be tough since the hero is a zombie. But I ran with it anyway and ended up with a full-length novel.  And it came out pretty damn good, if I do say so myself!  I still had to find a publisher for it, though.

About this same time, It just so happens that several of my other books were in the process of being picked up by Ellora's Cave and I thought what the heck?  Why not pitch it to my editor there and see what she thinks?  So I did, and she told me to send it to her.  She was interested to see how I handled the whole zombie-thing.  Well, long story, short, she liked it.  A lot!  My zombie romance with it's dead-sexy hero had a home!  I was thrilled and my hubby walked around for a week with a smug, "I-told-you-so" look on his face.

I've been getting the word out there about DEAD SEXY ever since I signed the contract for it and I'm thrilled with the interest from readers who can't wait to get their hands on it!  I can't wait for them to read it, too! 

Now that I've revealed the story behind the story, I thought I'd share the blurb and an excerpt just to whet your appetite for more!
 
Blurb:

Romance author Simone Kent thinks she might just have found the most perfect guy in all of New York City - in bed and out. But Drake Parrish is about as far from perfect as any man can get. Eight years ago, he was cursed by an evil Voodoo priestess to live part of his life as a zombie. Since then, he has lived like a recluse on New York’s Upper East Side, afraid to go out for fear he’ll suddenly turn into one of the walking dead.

The sex if the hottest either of them has ever experienced and Simone discovers just how naughty she can be with Drake, while he finds himself feeling things for her that he hasn’t felt in a very long time. When the Voodoo priestess learns of their relationship, however, she comes after him again. She is determined to make sure he won’t have a future with Simone, even if that means killing both him and the woman he loves.

Excerpt:

As she led him up the steps to the second floor, Drake found himself wondering if she would ask him in. And wondering what he’d say if she did. When they came to a stop outside the door to her apartment, Simone turned to give him a smile.

“I had a great time tonight.”

“Me, too.”

She caught her bottom lip between her perfect white teeth and chewed on it thoughtfully as if unsure what she wanted to say next. It was probably an unconscious gesture, something she did whenever she was thinking, but to him, it was sexy as hell and all he could think about was kissing her.

Surely, one kiss couldn’t hurt. He desperately wanted to. He hadn’t kissed a woman in so long. It would be nice to see if he still remembered how.

Before he could stop himself, Drake tilted Simone’s face up to his and pressed his mouth to hers.

She tasted just as sweet and delicious as he thought she would. Her lips were soft and pliant under his as she kissed him back, her tongue eagerly seeking his out.

Drake groaned and slid his hand into her hair, deepening the kiss. Simone sighed into his mouth, running her hands up the front of his shirt to grasp his shoulders. The feel of her touch was like a tonic to his deprived soul and he let out another groan, deeper this time.

He ran his free hand up her side and around to her breast, cupping it through the soft material of her dress. He couldn’t stop himself and apparently, Simone didn’t want him to. She moaned and arched against him. He could feel the heat of her pussy through their clothes as she pressed up against his hard cock. Damn, she felt good.

Drake drew her bottom lip into his mouth and gently suckled on it before slowly kissing his way along the delicate curve of her jaw. Simone clutched his shoulders and tilted her head back. He eagerly trailed a path of hot kisses down her neck, then back up, his mouth finding hers again. Simone looped her arms around his neck, pulling him in even closer as their tongues met.

Down the hall, a door slammed, reminding him where they were.

Drake dragged his mouth away from hers, his breathing ragged as he tried to regain control. He had to get it together because he was about five seconds away from doing something really stupid. Like taking her to bed. “I should go.”

Her lips curved into a sexy, flirtatious smile. “Or you could stay.”

God, how he wanted to. But as much as he’d love to spend the rest of the night exploring every inch of her body, he couldn’t take the chance he might go zombie on her right in the middle of sex. Talk about coitus interruptus, And it had already been almost four days since he last turned, which meant he was already pushing his luck.

“You don’t know how much I want to,” he groaned. “But I can’t.”

Simone looked up at him with those big, blue eyes. “Why not?”

“Because I…” He hesitated, trying to come up with something that would sound believable. “I have a column due in the morning and I haven’t even started on it yet.” She knew all about deadlines, so she would understand that. Besides, he did have a column to write, it just wasn’t due until next week. “Rain check?”

She looked disappointed, but she smiled anyway. “Absolutely. How does coming over for dinner tomorrow night sound?”

It would be crazy to agree when he could be so close to having an episode, but he couldn’t say no. Not when she asked in that soft, sultry voice. “Sounds great.”

“Good. Be here at seven.”

“Seven it is.”

She pulled him down for another long, slow kiss on the mouth. “Don’t be late.”

His mouth twitched. “I won’t.” He bent his head to kiss her again, then groaned. “If I don’t go now, I’ll be here all night.”

Simone laughed. “Would that be such a bad thing?”

“Not to me, but my editor at Money Issues might not be too understanding when he doesn’t find my column sitting in his inbox tomorrow.”

She sighed. “Deadlines can be a real pain in the butt sometimes. Okay, go home and write your column. I’ll cuddle up with a bowl of ice cream instead.”

He chuckled. “Sounds better than taking a cold shower, which is what I’m going to be doing when I get home.” He closed his mouth over hers once more. “See you tomorrow night, beautiful.”

Resisting the urge to pull her into his arms again, Drake turned and walked down the hallway toward the stairwell. At the top of the steps, he glanced over his shoulder to see Simone standing where he’d left her, a sexy curve to her lips.

It took every ounce of strength he possessed not to go back and pin her against the door for one more long, lingering kiss. God, what he wouldn’t give to spend the night with her. Man, it was going to take more than a cold shower to get her out of his head.


Hope you enjoyed the excerpt and that you can't wait to read more! You can get DEAD SEXY from Ellora's Cave at http://www.jasminejade.com/ps-8917-50-dead-sexy.aspx

You can also check out the trailer here!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5D_YH6bYrE


If you decide to pick up DEAD SEXY, let me know how you like it!


*hugs*
Paige

http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com
http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com

Thanks for joining us today, Paige. Your zombie actually does sound sexy. Can't wait to read the whole thing.

Were you readers intrigued? If so, leave a comment. One lucky person will win a free copy of Dead Sexy.

Everyone have a great weekend.

Why the Congo?

Blood Diamond released this week. Wednesday, in fact. As I’ve shared here before, it’s my romantic suspense novella set in the Congo jungle.

Why did I choose such an exotic locale?

Well, it mostly had to do with the parameters of the call. I wrote Blood Diamond in response to call for romantic suspense stories for the Jewels of the Night series at The Wild Rose Press. The rules were simple: high suspense, romance, include a blue diamond.

At first, I was at a loss as to a story line. Up to that point, I’d concentrated on paranormal type story lines. So I put it to the back of my mind for a while.

I was watching a rerun of Bones, the pilot episode where she’s at Dulles airport with a skull in her bag and Booth has her detained. It got me thinking about how a forensic anthropologist works in some interesting, out of the way places. It started a niggling thought. What other professionals would be in out-of-the-way places. Then I thought about Doctors Without Borders. Now I was getting somewhere.

Next, it was time to research blue diamonds. Where in the world are they mined? I had a thought about using Russia as a backdrop, but there just wasn’t anything there that sparked any ideas. Then I read an article about blood diamonds and how the Republic of the Congo or Congo Brazzaville (there’s another country in Africa called the Democratic Republic of the Congo) had been sanctioned by the Kimberly Process in 2004. There had been a large number of diamonds exported when there were no registered mines there.

This really got me thinking and that story, combined with my heroine who was a part of Doctors Without Borders gave me the bare bones for a story. With the help of a critique partner, Rachel Lynne, who was also writing a story for Jewels of the Night (her book, Ring of Lies, comes out December 22), I was able to iron out my plot.

So that’s the story behind why I set my story in the Congo. I know I shared my blurb and excerpt a couple of weeks ago, so I chose a new, never-before-seen excerpt for today.

Excerpt
As if he read her mind, he pulled the cup of her bra down and sucked the puckered tip into the wet warmth of his mouth. The pulls on the tender bud shot red-hot need directly to her core, wetting her panties. A moan broke free from her throat as she grabbed his head, but she didn’t know whether it was to push him away or to hold him in place. 

“Mack.” Her plea broke on a gasp as one of his hands slid past the barrier of her pants to stroke plump lips moist with her desire.

His whisper cut through her haze. “Do you want me to stop, Jillian?”

His assertion earlier that he didn’t go where he wasn’t invited floated through her mind and she knew what he wanted. He might not trust her, but she was learning to trust him. Though, it might be a huge mistake, one she would pay dearly for later, she couldn’t deny that she wanted him now.

“Jillian?”

Her mind made up, she rubbed his erection through his pants. “No. Don’t stop.”


In celebration of the release, I’m giving away a copy of Blood Diamond to a commenter. I’ll announce the winner on Monday.

Do exotic locales make a book more exciting for you? Are you drawn to certain settings?

Make sure to leave a comment for a chance at the giveaway. Everyone have a great weekend.

Interview at A Possessed WIP

I’m over at Rachel Firasek’s blog today. She’s got a copy of my new release, Blood Diamond, up for grabs. If you don’t win one there, stop by here tomorrow. I’ll be talking about why I chose the Congo jungle as the setting in my story AND you’ll have another chance to win a free copy.

Head over to Rachel’s here.

NaNo-vember

Today is the day! It’s the start of National Novel Writing Month, more commonly called NaNoWriMo. Good luck to all of you courageous people out there working towards that goal. I’ll be joining my peeps from the Nuremburg writers group this week for our first write-in.

We’d planned for tomorrow but it’s a holiday here in Germany. Germans take their holidays seriously and everything’s closed so we’re aiming for Thursday. It may work out better as we may need some encourage by day 4.

Today also marks the 1 month mark for my new release. Blood Diamond, a Jewel of the Night story, will be out December 1 from The Wild Rose Press and it's up on the website as Coming Soon. To celebrate, here’s a little taste.

Blurb:
Dodging an angry warlord and running through the rain forest in Congo Brazzaville was not what Jillian St. James expected when she signed up with Doctors Without Borders. Yet that’s exactly what she gets after a mysterious visit from her brother.

Mercenary Mack Nichols doesn’t have much faith in humanity these days. When a beautiful young doctor denies being part of the theft of a blue diamond from his client, he doesn’t put much stock in her story.

Neither have reason to trust the other and their mutual attraction is an inconvenience to both. A betrayal and the reveal of an evil plan pit these two against an army. Can they put aside their doubts and work together to bring down a corrupt, power-hungry overlord or will their chance at love be over before it ever starts?

Excerpt:

“Are you all right, Jillian?” The husky timber of his voice sent another shiver through her, this time having nothing to do with fear.

How could she be aroused after being scared so bad? Especially with a man like this one, a man who worked for the General. She was one sick puppy.

“Jillian?” A hand came down on her shoulder and she jumped.

Finally lifting her head, she ignored Mack and trained her attention on the log where she’d been sitting.
As recognition set in, her entire body began to shake and her heart pounded so hard, she feared cracking a rib. Dear God. There where she’d just been sitting lay a yellow-green snake with ridged scales and green eyes that matched its body staring sightlessly ahead.

She swallowed, trying to wet her dry throat. “Is that—”

“An African bush viper? Yep. I think in the firelight, your hand must have looked like dinner.” Though the snake now lay dead, Mack’s voice still sounded strained.

She stood on shaky legs. “I didn’t even see it there.”

“I’m not surprised. It had coiled its tail around the branch overhead and dropped from there.”

If he hadn’t seen the highly poisonous snake, she’d be dead right now. She launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and burying her face in his throat. She heard a thud and then his arms were around her, surrounding her in a blanket of safety. For the first time, she thought maybe he really would keep his promise.

Welcome back Nancy Lennea

Please welcome back Nancy Lennea. She’s got a couple of new books coming out and she’s here to tell us about Destiny’s Mountain.

What can you tell us about your new book?
I created a romantic suspense that incorporates scenery and location as an integral part of the plot. DESTINY’S MOUNTAIN also includes a hint of gothic mystery since I filled my story with stalkers, a murder, mountain rescues, ghostly voices, and sexy romance. It takes place in a quirky college town that is nestled between a river and mountains in northern New Hampshire.

What is your writing routine like? Do you find time to write every day?
I am fortunate in that writing is my current profession and it is up to me each day to get my b*tt in the chair. A few years ago, not the case. I worked outside the home as a 9-1-1 Emergency Medical Dispatcher when I began writing. I’d use a pencil and pad during breaks then rush home and type it into my computer. People at work helped with the story by editing, sharing ideas, and giving me the confidence to keep at it. Is it any wonder I have dedicated this book to them? After selling our NH home, we moved to North Carolina to be near family. My hubby goes to work and I write. It is my dream come true!

Last time you visited, you mentioned you believed in writing organizations. Still true?
Absolutely! I could not have done this—selling five manuscripts in a little over one year—without the organizations I have joined. Romance writers of America is the biggest. They supply their members with a varied system in order to help young writers, struggling published writers, and even old pros. My local chapter, Heart of Carolina Romance Writers, has 137 members and a great mix of men and women, old and young, and we have fantastic, helpful, and fun monthly meetings. On Saturday Oct. 16th our own Sabrina Jeffries will speak along with her agent Pamela Ahearn during an all day workshop. Next month’s talk on November 13th (my birthday!) will feature the Borders Romance Book Buyer, Sue Grimshaw. (find out more at www.heartofcarolina.org) I also belong to a few on-line chapters. Even my two publishers have author loops where we can chat and ask questions and pat each other on the back. Belonging to writing organizations is worth it!

Describe the genre of this book. Is this the only genre you write in?
Due to the intrigue I have wrapped around my characters, I deemed DESTINY’S MOUNTAIN a romantic suspense. Romance is, first and foremost, the basis, but I didn’t want to make the path toward true love too easy for Jacob and Destiny. There are several—read, dozens—of dark moments. My previous release from Red Rose Publishing, SECRET LOVE MATCH, was a more simplified contemporary story about romance between two individuals who were not out to find love. My latest release from Whispers Publishing, DRAGON’S CURSE, is a historical paranormal set on an island off the coast of Scotland. Totally different! I write what comes to my head. I create a story when a certain character demands attention. Crazy, but it works for me.

Having recently achieved your goal to be a published writer, what’s next?
I signed that first contract with Red Rose Publishing in August of 2009. I signed with Whispers Publishing last March. Three books are out. UNWRAPPING CHRIS, a contemporary short story set on an army base, is due out in December from Whispers and I have sold another romantic suspense to Red Rose. I believe in the power of the electronic publishing world, but still enjoy the feel of a book in my hand. I hope to someday have a book in print. So, I’ll keep writing.

What are you working on right now?
My sister and I visited my parents down in Florida back in August and, while enjoying the pool, we started talking about a newly expanded art museum that reopened near our homes in North Carolina. We started throwing out ideas for a paranormal that will include some of the twenty-nine bronze statues by Auguste Rodin. I am working through that book and have come up with some amazing characters and enough of a story arc to create a trilogy. So, in between promoting my current releases and editing my upcoming sales, I will get it done and out to agents. Still looking for an agent.

BOOK BLURB

In a quirky college town surrounded by the mountains of New Hampshire new art history professor, Jacob Oliver, hikes a trail on a crisp September morning. He contemplates his life. Divorced and forced out of his job with the Boston Police due to a horrific accident, he spots a naked woman beneath a majestic waterfall. Escaping, he falls and reinjures his knee.

Destiny Blake hears a noise; someone is on her mountain. She finds a handsome man sitting in the mud. Love blooms and lust consumes them after she helps him to the safety of her cabin. Soon, assumptions pull them apart, leaving her vulnerable to the unwanted attentions of other men.

When Jacob decides he cannot live without her, he must save her from a madman who chases her up her mountain through the cold, snowy darkness of a November night. Ghostly voices push Jacob onward, and urge Destiny to fight back. Pain, hypothermia, and death threaten before the sun rises. Can Destiny and Jacob make it off Destiny's mountain...alive?

EXCERPT

With all the noise, Jacob barely caught her name. Branches cracked and leaves rustled, while small animals high-tailed it out of her way. Chattering squirrels raced up huge pines, and several rabbits hopped past him and his stump. He spied small flashes of tan skin and blonde braid, and his aching body immediately reacted.

God, this girl would make a dead man hard.

When she reappeared with a long branch, he couldn’t look away. She wore no makeup. She didn’t need any. Delicate gold earrings hung from dainty ears, and she had the deepest blue eyes imaginable.

He let his gaze slide down her body, and glimpsed squared shoulders and taut muscles under her mud-spattered, yellow shirt. Two taut nipples jutted out, the soft fabric barely concealing their beauty.

“She’s braless,” he sputtered.

“Did you say something?”

The young woman stopped in front of him. His cock went rigid as a tree trunk, adding a different sort of pain to the mix.

“No, just clearing my throat.”

There’s a time and place for a throbbing erection. This isn’t it.

He hadn’t even shared a regular conversation with this woman. He required her help, so he’d better not scare her away.

“Just breathe and relax,” he muttered. These irrational thoughts could turn into a problem. Air whistled past clenched teeth with an irregularity not caused by his injury.

 He turned away, but kept one eye on her while she peeled twigs and dry leaves off a five-foot-long tree branch.

No panty lines, either.

She must have jumped into her clothes to chase me down. Brave, or just plain stupid? What if I was a rapist or a serial killer?

His mind blanked out on the present situation with swift intensity. Jacob’s brain suddenly relived that long ago horrible night even though he didn’t want to remember the sobbing, near-dead woman he found lying in an alley…


A little bit about Nancy

Nancy grew up on New York’s Long Island then attended school in the beautiful mountains of New Hampshire. She worked during college in the dining hall while earning a degree in art education. She met her husband at college and they raised a family in nearby Rumney. She volunteered as an EMT/firefighter then worked for the State of New Hampshire as a 9-1-1 Emergency Medical Dispatcher. Nancy now writes full time, lives in North Carolina, and is a member of Romance Writers of America, Heart of Carolina Romance Writers, Fantasy Futuristic & Paranormal Romance Writers, Celtic Heart Romance Writers, and Sisters-in-Crime. She also writes paranormal romance, such as DRAGON’S CURSE, as Nancy Lee Badger. Find out more at www.nancyleebadger.com.

DESTINY’S MOUNTAIN is available now from
Red Rose Publishing at www.RedRosePublishing.com.
The buy link is: http://bit.ly/a4NOHE
Visit my website at: www.nancylennea.com
Visit my blog at: www.nancylennea-inlove.blogspot.com

Have a great weekend everyone! I'm heading to Austria for the weekend so I'll have some pics next week.

Welcome J.K. Beck

Today J.K. Beck, aka bestselling author Julie Kenner, is joining us. If you remember, a couple weeks ago I was fortunate enough to get my hands on an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of When Blood Calls, the first of her new series. I wrote a review here.

Julie’s answering questions for us today. If you have any that I haven’t asked, please leave a comment. She’ll be by later to answer them. I've got 3 copies of When Blood Calls up for grabs for 3 lucky commenters. I'll do a random drawing and announce the winners on Monday.

I strongly urge you to check this series out. I’ve been an urban fantasy reader for years and this is definitely a series that I’ll be impatiently waiting for each successive book to come out.

So, without an further ado, here’s Julie!

Tell us about When Blood Calls and the Shadow Keeper series.
I’m having such a great time with this series!  It’s dark and edgy and the world is as much a character as the people (human or not) who fill the pages.

Essentially, the series is set in and around a paranormal judicial system that’s hidden within and mirrors our own.  Only this system has been around for millennia, and it’s charged with investigating, apprehending, prosecuting and punishing those creatures who break the Covenant, a set of laws originating in ancient times and first codified in ancient Sumaria.

When Blood Calls is the first in the series, and the heroine is a human assistant district attorney who’s thrust into this world when she’s handpicked to be a prosecutor for “Division 6” (the arm of the PEC—Preternatural Enforcement Coalition—in Los Angeles).  Her name is Sara, and through her eyes the reader learns about the world as well.

As you can imagine, it’s quite a shock for Sara, but what’s even more earth-shaking is the revelation that the first defendant she’ll come up again is the man she had a one night stand with.  And not only has he confessed to murder—he also happens to be a vampire.

You also write under the name Julie Kenner and have quite the following. What made you decide to put the Shadow Keeper series under the name J.K. Beck?
Several reasons, all of which mush together.  For one thing, most of my Julie Kenner stuff has a much lighter, quirkier tone to it (the exception is the Blood Lily Chronicles, but those are first person and while I wouldn’t say they’re quirky, there’s definite snark).  Also, most of my recent Julie Kenner stuff has been urban fantasy, not romance (with the exception of category romances).  So we wanted readers to know that these books are romances (though I think they would definitely appeal to UF fans) and they have a distinctly different tone than my Julie Kenner stuff.  I think fans of my earlier books will still dig the series—I know of many who do!—but it’s a distinction we wanted to make.  And, hey, it’s still me!  The J.K. stands for Julie Kenner, and Beck is my maiden name.

What are you working on next?
The next three Shadow Keeper books!  When Passion Lies, When Danger Hungers and When Temptation Burns.  YAY!

What’s a typical writing day for you?
It’s bliss.  I wake up to breakfast in bed.  My children are angels and straighten the house, do the dishes, and do their schoolwork quietly and without being told so that I can get in a solid 5 hour stint of writing in the morning.  I break to have tea and chocolate with the kids, take a leisurely stroll through my perfectly upkept yard, and then sit down to answer emails quickly and efficiently.

That’s the fantasy version, just in case you didn’t see the sarcasm and irony dripping off the words.

Seriously, I wish I had a typical writing day.  But, alas, every day is an adventure.  Right now, in addition to everything else, we’re moving.  So I have house buying stuff and house selling stuff thrown into the mix!

But I can give you a glimpse.  I tend to work late (it’s 2:03 right now, and I’m about to grab another cup of coffee).  I homeschool my kids, so that’s the morning and early afternoon activity.  Much like when I was practicing law, I have a day job to go along with my writing job.  Fortunately, I don’t have to report billable hours for the kids, so while they’re doing independent stuff, I can either write (if the chunk of time is large enough) or more likely do the non-writing work—emailing, blogging, putting together mailings, etc.

After school, I settle in to write for a bit, and while I’d like to say I do it distraction free, I’d be lying.  I did discover a great program called Freedom (Mac only) that shuts off the Internet for X amount of time.  Love it.

Then it’s family time.

Then it’s back to work until I crash. I’m a night person, so it’s not a bad schedule, though I do wish I was a morning person. It just seems so…perky.  But, hey, I write paranormal.  The night makes sense!

Depending on where I am on deadline, that entire schedule can be erased and replaced with “superglue butt to chair and fingers to keyboard.”

When you begin a new book, do you plot first?
No.  I have a basic story concept, either a plot, a character or a concept. I start to write, just to get voice, tone, possibly the character if I haven’t found him/her yet.  And then, when I can see that I like it, I go back in and start playing with the plot. 

I’ve done it other ways, but that’s my most common approach.  The dive in and figure it out then plan of action!

How do you approach editing?
Other than with a large stick, you mean?
Ahem.

Okay, seriously, I just dive in at page one.  But when I dive, I tend to know what I’m doing, because for the most part by the time I get back to page 1, the book is pretty much done.

So I guess that means the answer to your question is that I edit as I go along.

To a certain extent I’m getting away from that, or trying to train myself to.  What that means, though, is that the first 2/3 are pretty solid, and the last 3rd (where I didn’t edit as I went) ends up being in desperate need of a red pen.

I toss stuff happily and with no regrets.  I cut characters.  I delete scenes.  I change motivations.  I never (well, hardly ever) fall in love with the page.  It’s all about serving the story, and that’s all about entertaining the reader by being true to the plot and the characters.

Which author had the most effect on you as a reader?
I’m not sure I can answer that!  I read so much and across so many genres.  If I have to pick one and only one, probably Madeline L’Engle, simply because A Wrinkle in Time sparked my imagination in so many ways.

What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
Cut out the chaff. Keep your writing tight and your story moving.

What is your advice to aspiring writers?
Read, read, read!  And write.  A lot.  Seriously, reading is by and away the best, most efficient way to grok the concept of story—of pacing and plotting and characterization.  Workshops and books are awesome, but the absorption of knowledge through actually reading is so, so important. 

Equally important is to write.  Put pen to paper and write.  And keep writing.

Thanks for having me!  I hope folks explore the series at www.theshadowkeepers.com (be sure to check out my booktrailer!)  And you can find me on facebook (www.facebook.com/authorjkbeck) and twitter (www.twitter.com/jkbeck)

When Blood Calls

I mentioned last week that I had received the ARC (advanced reader copy) of this new book by J.K. Beck. Today, I'm going to share my thoughts on the first of a new trilogy.

Sara Constantine is one of the country’s most tenacious prosecuting attorneys—and she’s just secured a well-earned promotion. At first she’s thrilled. Then she finds out her new job involves prosecuting vampires and werewolves. And nothing prepares Sara for the shock she receives when she meets the first defendant she’ll be trying to put away: Lucius Dragos, the sexy stranger with whom she recently shared an explosive night of ecstasy.

When Lucius Dragos kisses the beautiful woman sitting next to him at the bar, he’s only hoping to blend into the crowd and avoid the perceptive gaze of the man he’s following…and planning to kill. But what starts as a simple kiss to secure his cover ignites into a fierce hunger that leads to an all-consuming passion. Charged with murder, Luke knows Sara will do whatever it takes to see him locked away—unless he can convince her that he’s not the monster she thinks he is. And that might mean making the greatest sacrifice a vampire can make.

Beck's worldbuilding in this novel is wonderful. She creates a rich, dark world so real that you can envision yourself in it. The characters are fully realized, each with their own dark secrets and tortured pasts. The pace steadily builds along with the tension and the stakes.

You've got political intrigue, dark desires, vendettas. I've mentioned the word dark several times so far. It is a dark paranormal romance, but a romance nonetheless. Beck does not disappoint on the ending, giving us a satisfying resolution.

I really enjoyed this novel and I'm looking forward to the rest of the trilogy. Lucky for me, the wait isn't too long. When Blood Calls is available in bookstores August 31. The other two books in the series will be released in September and October.

Head over to her site today, J.K. Beck. She's got two excerpts from the book, plus links to buy. Also while you're there, check out the next two books coming soon. There's already an excerpt for When Pleasure Rules and I'm sure there will be one coming soon for When Wicked Craves.

Don't forget that J.K. Beck will be here on September 10.

Quick Tease

Guess what was in my mailbox yesterday.

An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of JK Beck's new book, When Blood Calls.

I will have it read (hopefully) in time to give you all a review on Friday.

Another teaser? She'll be here soon with an interview. You'll love it. I'll have a couple copies to give away to commenters that day.

Gotta head into the part time job early today. Apparently it takes some people 2 hours to learn to use a credit card machine. Next Wednesday is my last day there. After yesterday, I can't wait.


 

Meet Nancy Lee Badger

Today I’m interviewing debut romance author, Nancy Lee Badger. Her book, DRAGON’S CURSE, is a Scottish historical paranormal romance and was released on June 25, 2010. 

BLURB
Sometimes a special gift and an unwanted curse cannot keep destined lovers apart.
Brianna Macleod has accompanied a shipload of her guardian’s friends to a remote island off the coast of Scotland. She eludes these Highland hunters to keep her innocence…and her gift of sight. Her attitude against falling for womanly desires changes when she nearly drowns. Saved by the talons of a terrifying winged beast, she awakens—naked—in a cave, beside an unusual man.

Cursed by a vengeful witch to transform into a dragon at inopportune times, Draco MacDonald hides on this deserted island to live alone: until he plucks a servant girl from certain death. Fueled by jealousy, and tempered by fear for her safety, he succumbs to an unfamiliar desire to mate. Her kisses propel him to dare to make her his own.

Set in 1592 Scotland on the Scottish island of Staffa, the cursed hero battles a ghostly witch, a hunter set on rape, and his own growing desire for a young woman with premonitions of his death.

EXCERPT
“I nearly drowned. A sea beast wanted to eat me for supper, now a dragon has stolen me away to this island. What else could happen?” Out of breath, she glanced back at her attacker from the relative safety of jutting rocks and prickly groundcover. Nothing. No dragon.

Silence filled the air until a high-pitched squeal made her jump. A huge boar, bigger than any the hunters had brought down during their stay on Staffa, pawed the ground a few paces from her hiding spot.

“Nice piggy,” Brianna whispered.

Great. I can turn and run back toward the dragon or be gored by an irate pig.

“Go up.”

Who said that? No matter. Turning, Brianna slipped a bare foot into a low crack in the nearest rock formation. Pushing upward, she climbed. Apparently enraged by her escape attempt, the animal’s squeals turned to angry snorts. The rock shook when he collided head-on with its base.

“Go ahead. Knock yourself silly.” The boar backed up and struck again. The boar’s irrational mood and raw strength left Brianna’s bloody fingers grasping for a better hold, but she held. She nearly lost her footing when he attacked a third time. Clinging to loosened soil, which covered the jagged boulder, she also worried about the dragon. Has it let me go, or does it plan to scoop me from my perch once I reach the top?

“Brianna?”

Shocked senseless, her grip loosened. She fell. The scrawny branches of a gorse bush, growing from a crack in one side of her stone perch, scratched her cheek and snatched at her hair. She screamed until she stopped with a thud.

A warm, male hand swept tangles from her face. The coarse skin of a masculine thumb swept blood from her painful cheek as she collapsed, with a sigh, into Draco’s chest.

“Ye do no’ fly. Do ye?” he asked.

“I certainly do no’, ye beast. Draco!” She pushed far enough away to stare up from his arms. “Be careful! A wild boar is near! He almost pushed me off my perch.”

“I should no’ wonder since I accomplished the task with only my voice.”

Stiffening with shock, she knocked him aside the head and squirmed until he stood her on her feet. Backing away from his taunts, she took a minute to straighten the creases on her frock. She sighed again at the damp, salt-encrusted clothing. They would never look clean again.

“I am happy to see ye. I thought ye left me,” he whispered.

He sounded hurt. Did he stand in her presence only to berate her for leaving with her adopted clan? Was the man unaware of the mortal threat she escaped only moments ago?

“Ye have no idea what I have gone through in the last three hours.” Her cries were a statement, not a question so she did not pause to let him explain. She poked him in the chest.

“First, I nearly drowned in a hellish storm. Secondly, a finned sea creature threatened Nia and I. Thirdly, a dragon plucked me from the sea. I escaped. Fourthly, there is a killer boar nearby, and ye say ye are happy to see me. I, sir, stand before ye lucky to be alive!”

Please tell my readers a little bit about your book.
I pumped a lot of action, drama, romance, and paranormal elements into my novella. Read the blurb and the excerpt and you get a good idea of the interaction between my characters. Poor Draco was cursed for something he did not do. Brianna has a gift she must keep secret. Neither expects their lives to improve. I love that my characters grow and learn to love even in the face of diversity. I based my story on the real island of Staffa, off the west coast of Scotland, near Mull. Its sheer cliffs and large dark caves were an inspiration.

Describe the genre of this particular title, and is this the only genre you write in? 
This is a paranormal but is steeped in history. I use a real place and refer to a real massacre on the nearby island of Eigg to bring substance to my characters and build a reason why Draco was cursed by the witch, Agatah. I love everything Scottish, since my husband is of Scottish descent. I also write contemporary romance and romantic suspense as Nancy Lennea. Find out more about that side of my life at www.nancylennea.com.


Will you share some encouraging words for authors still struggling for that first contract? 
PLEASE do not try to do this alone. Writing in itself is a lonely vocation. I wish I felt comfortable meeting someone at a coffee shop with my laptop and working side by side. The best I can do is continuing as an active member of writers organizations. Sure, they cost of few dollars, but this business is constantly evolving and new authors, especially, need to learn and grow. If you asked me 3 ½ years ago if I expected to be published electronically, I would have laughed. But, e-publishing has grown exponentially with the widespread sales of e-readers like the Kindle, nook, and IPad.

Are you a member of any writing organizations and, if so, have they helped?
As I just mentioned, I believe strongly that membership in writer organizations is critical. Workshops, contests, on-line courses, face-to-face meetings, joint book signings, and sharing guest articles on blogs…these are all made possible once you belong. I currently belong to Romance Writers of America, www.rwa.org, and my local chapter, Heart of Carolina Romance Writers, www.heartofcarolina.org. We meet monthly about eight miles from my home. I am a member of Celtic Heart Romance Writers, www.celtichearts.org, where I can communicate with and learn from other authors who love to write about Scotland, Ireland, or Wales. When my story idea included dragons, I joined the Fantasy-Futuristic & Paranormal Romance Writers, www.romance-ffp.com. Because I love mysteries and recently sold a romantic suspense, I joined Sisters in Crime, www.sistersincrime.org. 

What are you working on next? 
I am busy re-editing a full-length Scottish historical paranormal set in the Highlands of Scotland in 1598 and present day New Hampshire. My hero is a Highland chief, and my heroine is a new witch volunteering at a present day Scottish festival who finds herself accidently propelled back in time. I would love to find an agent excited to sell my work, and the subsequent stories to follow. I just started a present day paranormal set at an art museum.  I continue to take writing courses, attend workshops, and write.

How can my readers buy your book?
My novella, DRAGON’S CURSE, is available now! The best way to order the e-book is to visit my publisher, Whispers Publishing. My website and blogs will always carry a link as well as other excerpts and updates on future work.

You can find more information about Nancy Lee Badger and her book, DRAGON’S CURSE by visiting her publisher Whispers Publishing, or her website, or her blog.

Meet Nancy Lennea

Today I'm interviewing debut romance author, Nancy Lennea. Her book Secret Love Match is a contemporary romance and was recently released by Red Rose Publishing.

Book Blurb

Rebecca Delacourt has played and taught tennis for the last three years. At twenty-one, she knows what she wants. Without help from her wealthy parents, she buys a condo in Glen Cove, NY and plans to be on the Olympic Tennis team. She has no time for men, marriage, or children. Her mother gave up her acting career when she became pregnant with older sister, Laney, whose illegitimate son is mute due to recent emotional trauma. Rebecca still manages to squeak out some time for her charity work for breast cancer research in Baltimore every year.

Taylor, a former TV actor, notices Becka. She knows him - she's dreamed of his TV persona for years. They meet at her parents' country club. He thinks he's found gold in the athletic blonde. After beating him at tennis, he meets her parents. Too bad he knows them - a former co-star and the man helping get him auditions.

Her sister moves in, thwarting any privacy. She's hiding out and is attacked. Taylor finds himself falling for Becka. Will he change his arrogant ways, save her nephew from kidnappers, and realize she's the one? Becka wonders if dreams can still be reached with someone beside her. Will they reach their dreams together?


Describe the genre of this particular title, and is this the only genre you write in?
This book is set in present day New York City, Long Island, and Baltimore. I grew up in Huntington, Long Island so the setting was easy. Before moving to North Carolina, I attended college, married, and raised a family in New Hampshire. My next Red Rose published work takes place there. I also write Scottish historical paranormals as Nancy Lee Badger.

When did you start writing towards publication?
Funny you should ask. Since we celebrate our nation's birthday this week, and I am from a patriotic family, I am proud to explain. In October 2006 my son, Eric, returned safely from a tour of duty in Iraq with his U.S. Army battalion based in Darmstadt, Germany. Hubby and I drove down and picked him up at the Raleigh, NC airport where my extended family waited with hugs. Then we drove to our home in New Hampshire. We also spent a day visiting Eric's older brother, Rob, in Vermont. The whole time I sat in the back seat, scribbling. I finished the book in a month. It was like the floodgates of stress opened wide and all this pent-up creativity escaped.

Why have you become a published author?
That's a tough one. I have always loved to read and I guessed I figured I could do it too. When I set my mind on something, watch out! I have only had four professions since getting my first job when I was seventeen. Before that, I volunteered at the hospital. I have worked in a retail discount big box store, then did over twenty years at a hardware store, and ended my outside the home jobs as a 9-1-1 dispatcher. I have also been big on volunteering: Hospital Auxiliary, Cub Scout Den Leader, Highland Games Volunteer, EMT and firefighter for a small town squad. Writing is all together different. Just me and the laptop; nobody waiting for their change, or a truck to unload, or helping someone do CPR on a loved one.

Having achieved your goal to be a published author, what is the most rewarding thing?
Well, it isn't the money. I would have to say it is the friendships and professional contacts that make me look forward to checking my emails and going to workshops and conferences. Writing can be a solitary vocation, so I look forward to monthly meetings of my local Romance Book Club here in Raleigh. I am Vice President of my local chapter of Romance Writers of America. Meeting other writers in person is so important. Blogs, Yahoo loop groups, Facebook and other internet options also help.

Are you a member of any writing organizations and if so, have they helped?
My previous answer says it all about how I feel writer groups work to aid me in being a better writer. Besides RWA and the local chapter, I am a member of Celtic Heart Romance Writers, Fantasy-Futuristic & Paranormal Writers, and Sisters in Crime.

What are you working on next?
I have just released a Scottish historical paranormal as Nancy Lee Badger. Dragon's Curse is my first attempt at a novella and it sold quite quickly to Whispers Publishing. Check out my website for excerpts and more information. Red Rose Publishing, as I mentioned, bought another book that I hope will be released later this year. It's a romantic suspense. I have a full-length Scottish time travel nearing completion and just started working on a present day paranormal which takes place at the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh.

Excerpt
Nodding, she rose up on her toes and placed a quick kiss on his cheek. Her mouth forced a smile as she stepped away, reveling in the pleasure of touching Taylor. This is an omen.

Her body had felt numb for days, ever since the taxi drivers' out-of-the-blue attack. Her tranquil life disappeared that day, replaced with a numbing truth. Jamie is a target.

However, Taylor would make everything better. The handsome man standing next to her in the elevator uncrossed his arms and surrounded her with warmth straight from one of her dreams. Dizziness swept across her brow, but she managed to relax amid the comforting tenderness of the man she loved. He vibrated with raw power in the small elevator, poised to race down busy New York City streets in order to find a sweet boy who didn’t sense danger.

She closed her eyes. Absorbing the pleasure of his closeness, she inhaled his scent. The sizzling aroma of sweat, mixed with lime aftershave, made her clasp him, tighter. She could care less about the elevator’s cameras. So what if the doors would open any minute. She lifted her face and accepted his kiss. The floor indicator pinged.

“Later. You and me, alone,” he demanded. “I can’t stand being close to you like this without taking you.”

She nodded, but why did he suddenly sound angry? “I can’t stand being unable to make love to you, either. We are always interrupted.”

He chuckled and loosened his grip around her. She did not want him to release her from their comforting circle. A smile twitched across her face as the elevator doors slid open. The last person she expected to see appeared before their eyes.


You can find more information about Nancy Lennea and her book, Secret Love Match, by visiting her publisher's buy link.

Read excerpts on her website.
Visit her blog.
View her book trailer.

Hope you enjoyed meeting Nancy. Have a great weekend everyone!

Cover Art

If you've been visiting me regularly, you've heard me talk about my romantic suspense novella, Blood Diamond. I wrote it for the Jewels of the Night series at The Wild Rose Press. Luckily for me, they liked it.

The series kicks off in November and I don't have a release date yet. Hopefully that will be coming soon. I do have all the edits complete and last week, I gave my approval for the final galley. The last thing is the release date.

Oh, did I forget something? I did! The cover. I got that last week too. I'm sharing it with all of you first, along with the official blurb.

Dodging an angry warlord and running through the rain forest in Congo Brazzaville was not what Jillian St. James expected when she signed up with Doctors Without Borders. Yet that's exactly what she gets after a mysterious visit from her brother.


Mercenary Mack Nichols doesn't have much faith in humanity these days. When a beautiful, young doctor denies being part of the theft of a blue diamond from his client, he doesn't put much stock in her story.


Neither have reason to trust the other and their mutual attraction is an inconvenience to both. A betrayal and the reveal of an evil plan pit these two against an army. Can they put aside their doubts and work together to bring down a corrupt, power-hungry overlord or will their chance at love be over before it ever starts?

So, what do you think?

Salome at Sunrise

I first discovered Inez Kelley on Samhain Publishing's newsletter/blog. She had a free story called To Cop a Kiss. Her first release hadn't come out yet, but I fell in love with her writing there. Since then she's written a whole series of stories based on those two characters I met in that story called Beauty and the Badge, plus several releases with more on the way.

Salome at Sunrise is her newest release. Check her out over at Carina Press.

SALOME AT SUNRISE by releases today from Carina Press!

It’s not nice to piss off Mother Nature…

Bryton Haruk sets out on a suicide mission to stop the bloodthirsty Skullmen from terrorizing the war-weary Land of Eldwyn. Consumed by guilt over the death of his wife, Bryton seeks revenge and reunion in the afterlife with his lost love. His purpose is determined, his bravery unmatched, until the queen casts a spell to save Bryton from himself.

Salome is that spell. A bird-shifter, she can harness the earth’s breeze and take the form of a beautiful, innocent woman. Her challenge is to harness Bryton’s pain and guide him to peace. She entrances and irritates him, tempting Bryton from his mission. Even as he gives in to the passion between them, Bryton insists on mounting a solo attack on the brigands’ compound, and Salome fears her love won’t be enough to save him…

Celebrate Summer Solstice.

Salome at Sunrise from Inez Kelley and Carina Press.

Seize the day.

Buy it now.

Stellar Heat Release

Today I'm pleased to announce the release of Stellar Heat, available at The Wild Rose Press. It is the debut of Scarlett Jameson, which happens to be my other pen name. Yes, this is my first release ever. It's also the first futuristic story I've ever written AND the first erotic story I've ever written. A lot of firsts for me. It was a lot of fun to write and I really enjoyed my characters. I hope you will too. I'm giving away a copy of Stellar Heat to one lucky commenter. I'll do a random drawing on Sunday night, so you have plenty of time to comment, and announce the winner on Monday. So, here's a blurb and an excerpt (don't worry, it's not explicit). Enjoy!

Blurb: Jak of House Midori, has found his heart mate, that one person he can connect with on a soul level. Only problem is, as a twin from the planet Zaphron, Jak must share his mate with his brother. But Qwin wants to wait until they are more established in their careers as Star Flight officers.

Petty Officer, Lily Buchanan has whiplash from trying to figure out Jak's intentions. At the pub he's charming and flirtatious, but his aloof attitude on campus leaves her confused--and burning up with sexual energy.

When the three are assigned to repair a satellite in the Helix Galaxy, they are attacked by enemy star fighters. Seriously outgunned and their craft crippled, the three are stranded alone on an uncharted planet. Will Qwin agree to ease the mating fever consuming Lily, or will Jak be forced to initiate the mate-claim and exclude his brother from their union forever?

Excerpt: As Lily approached, she eyed Jak on deck in front of the ship, waiting. He must have gotten his hair cut. His midnight hair was now regulation short instead of slightly shaggy as it had been yesterday. Short or longer, his hair set off his masculine beauty. The dimple in his cheek, absent now but always prevalent when he flirted with her, softened the edge his square jaw gave him. He looked more approachable before than he did now.

His eyes matched the color of the Earthen sky, before the nuclear implosion that destroyed the atmosphere. Though she was Earthen, she'd never been there but had seen history vids in her Cultural Earthen Anthropology classes.

Jak's height, as well as his broad shoulders and thick arms, could intimidate most people, but she knew deep inside, somehow, he would never hurt her. Even on his bad days.

Oh, well, time to get this party started. "Hey, Jak. Is the pilot here yet?" Lily dropped her duffel on the ground as she looked up at him.

Jak glared down at her. "Is that how you address a senior officer, Petty Officer?"

Looked like Jak was having a bad day. Great. For her, too.

Lily snapped into a quick salute. "Petty Officer Buchanan reporting for duty, sir."

After he acknowledged her salute, she stepped back and cast a wary eye at her senior officer. Ass.

Before he could reply, Lily felt a presence behind her. Heat radiated through her limbs and gathered in her belly as a voice whispered in her ear. "Glad you could make it, Flower."

Lily whirled around to see...Jak? Her attention ping-ponged from one Jak to the other. There were two?


 
Have a great weekend everyone!