I recently found myself wondering about promiscuity in novels as a result of a conversation with a former colleague.  “I didn’t let my son read your latest book,” he announced, referring to ALMOST HOME.  “I thought it had too much sex.” 

This didn’t in itself trouble me; I write for adults and I think that whether or not a parent lets a teenager read my work is very much a question of the parent’s sensitivities.  But this dad in particular, I knew had allowed his son to read my first two novels, THE KOMMANDANT’S GIRL and THE DIPLOMAT’S WIFE, both of which seemed to have as much sex, including extramarital affairs.  So how in ALMOST HOME had the love life of my single, thirty-something protagonist Jordan and her one tryst (alright, two-and-a-half trysts if you count the almost-hook-up with a coworker and the flashback to a night ten years earlier) somehow crossed the line?

Upon further contemplation, I’ve concluded that there are a number of aspects of promiscuity in our characters.  (I am talking about female characters here because I think, sadly, that a double standard still exists and women are still judged for behavior that men are not, even in women’s fiction.)  The first is how graphically the sex is depicted.  I tend to write what most in the business call “fade to black” sex, meaning the scene ends somewhere short of culmination of the full sexual act (partially clothed perhaps) and cuts to the snuggling afterward.  You know, the kind of stuff I could live with my mother reading.  I think some readers find leaving a good deal to the imagination more palatable.

Another issue is the context of the sex in the character’s own life.  In THE KOMMANDANT’S GIRL, Emma engaged in extramarital sex, but it was for a higher cause (helping the Resistance) and she only decided to do it after a great deal of hand-wringing.  Similarly Marta in THE DIPLOMAT’S WIFE engages in both premarital sex and extramarital sex which somehow seem forgivable because of the unique and desperate circumstances. 

Despite the changing time period and social context, readers seem to want a certain accountability from characters with respect for their sexual decisions.  Which is perhaps just a sub-set of what we expect from our protagonists generally:  logical decisions like the ones we would make, or if not, enough contemplation to make us wonder what we would do in those circumstances.  And even if we don’t agree with the choice, perhaps we can accept it if it fits into the larger context of what the character is going through, such as trying to heal wounds and come to terms with the past as Jordan struggles to do in ALMOST HOME.  It comes back to wanting to read about characters who we like and for whose happiness we want to root.

I’m wondering, how does a character’s sexual decisions affect your view of her?  Let me know!

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Can you give us a little information about your newest release Chayton’s Tempest?

 

Chayton’s Tempest is about James “Maverick” Lonetree and Tempest Independence Burnell. He’s the last single man of the Megalodon Team. He runs into Tempest in a bar in Albuquerque and can’t understand 1) his immediate attraction to her and 2) why she hates him so much. When he discovers he’s known her for many years and the reason why she hates him he realizes he is now facing his biggest battle. Maverick wants it all and he wants it with Tempest. He just has to convince her to give him, them, another shot.

 

 

Has becoming a published author changed your life? If so, how?

 

No. I don’t think so, not so much. It helps knowing that no matter where my husband is stationed in the world I will have this to come with us but otherwise, I’m still the one who cooks, cleans, washes and folds laundry, etc. J

 

 

Do you have a character you have written that is your favorite?

 

No, I can’t pick one character who is a favorite over anyone else. Each one I write holds a special place in my heart.

 

 

You just won the lottery. What is the first thing you purchase?

 

A lot of property, house, and horses in the Pac Norwest.

 

 

What is your favorite song for the moment?

 

Superman Tonight by Bon Jovi and that could be because that’s what’s playing right now. I just love music.

 

 

Do you have any works in progress that you can share with us?

 

I am working on a few things right now. A family saga that follows generations of a proud military family. The Graham family. A paranormal which ties into the free read site I’m a part of, Satin Notes, and deals with a child of Dane Sidorov. And I’m finishing up a story which will round out a series of books I’ve been working on for a while now. The title is tentatively, Beyond His Control, and deals with Marine Caleb Moser and Kamden Strong, the woman who’s been under his skin for as long as he can recall. She finds herself in a volatile situation which only gets hotter when Caleb shows up to rescue her.

 

Website: www.aliyah-burke.com

Myspace: www.myspace.com/aliyahburke

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Aliyah-Burke/100000592826953

Yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aliyah_burke/

Blog: http://aliyahburke.blogspot.com/

 

Thank you so much for having me here.

Happy reading,

~Aliyah

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I’m going to do something a little different in this blog. My new Samhain release is called “Training the Receptionist,” and it’s an erotic novella about a girl who gets her dream job at a very unusual firm, working for two rather naughty bosses. Cowell & Dirk may seem like an ordinary management consultant firm, but it has some unique job requirements. Dana soon finds her new job is far more satisfying than she ever imagined.

 

So as an introduction to Cowell & Dirk, I’ve put together a brief and very unconventional employee training manual. The rules may be unusual, but the firm says they lead to excellent employee performance.

 

Welcome to Cowell & Dirk. A brief note about our management structure: Ethan Cowell, Senior Partner, has authority over hiring and firing, while Simon Dirk, Executive Vice President, is responsible for training new employees. Other responsibilities are shared – as is the receptionist.

 

During the training period, new employees are discouraged from looking inside Simon’s desk drawers. The items contained therein might cause too much excitement and anticipation.

 

Answering phones and greeting clients, while important duties, are subordinate to your primary function, which is to receive pleasure. After all, happy workers are more productive.  

 

If you find a yellow post-it note from Simon on your desk, it may indicate a performance issue that should be addressed immediately.

 

If discipline is required, the firm of Cowell & Dirk is committed to making sure it is highly pleasurable. 

 

Brian, the package delivery guy, is not employed by Cowell & Dirk. Therefore, the firm cannot be held responsible for whatever unprofessional behavior he engages in, even if said behavior would likely get him fired if he worked for FedEx.

 

The employee dress code is variable and depends on the whim of Simon Dirk. (Tip for new employees: you may be able to save money on undergarments.)

 

Welcome to the company. We’re certain if you follow these simple guidelines, your time here will be productive, extremely satisfactory, and occasionally kinky.

 

Happy reading!

 

Juniper Bell

 

“Training the Receptionist” is available now from Samhain Publishing. You can also download a Free Read called “Thanking the Receptionist” featuring the same characters. Visit Juniper’s website, check out her blog, or follow her on Twitter!  

“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…

Warning: This title contains explicit sex, bondage, ménage, ingenious use of office furniture, lingerie, and the occasional sex toy. Oh, and did I mention the package delivery guy?

 

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xclusive sneak preview for my FAR friends.

Virtus Saga
Book 1 The Sex – March 15th 2010
Book 2 The Game – May 15th 2010
Book 3 The Festival
Book 4 The Fitting
Book 5 The Pledge
Book 6 The Heat
Book 7 The Trace
Book 8 The Guardian

The World
Sex, sex and more sex without limits or boundaries—not in numbers, not in gender, whether it’s the phase, the pledge or the heat—such is Sendar’s very foundation, an apparently peaceful planet, without the usual pestilences associated with mankind, wars, hunger, violence. But is it really so?

The Characters
Lost while returning home, Duncan Caldwell, only son and heir of Prince Charles Caldwell, finds shelter in Ylianor Meyer’s rundown shack. The beautiful woman has a very familiar air, but for the life of him, he cannot remember who she is or resist the attraction he feels, despite his aristocratic tastes. So he offers her a job as Black Rose’s stable keeper, only to find out she’s the daughter of his father’s mistress. But will this stop the fatal pull drawing him to her bed?

Lord Christopher Templeton is fiercely in love with Duncan Caldwell, a love started before either was old enough to know what love is, which continues until Duncan decides it’s time for him to find a woman. But Chris is determined to hold on to his prince no matter what it takes, even if he has to face the hated rival he had already driven away from his lover’s side, once, so long ago.

Ylianor Meyer has been in love with Duncan Caldwell since the very beginning, growing up with him on the green hills and cliffs of Black Rose. Banned by Prince Charles’s mate, she hasn’t seen Duncan for over 10 years, but when he walks in her rundown shack, she knows she still loves him as passionately as when she was merely nine-years-old. So she follows him, no matter what the consequences, no matter what his despicable lover will do to drive her away…again.

Lord Arthur Fairchild, leader of the High Council, knows time is slipping away from his grasp and Sendar will be condemned if his hero doesn’t come forth soon. So he summons him—not just him, but also the ones he’s connected to by lifetimes of bonding love and feelings so strong they’ve transcended time and space. And the uncontrollable power, the Virt, the energy running wild on Sendar only complicate matters.

The pyramid
Three-sided like the three lovers full of power and explosive feelings, Virtus controls Sendar in ways they have yet to discover and if they can, change.

The story
Unknown to most, powerful forces dominate Sendar’s feudal-like society, the ability to wield destructive energy so strong in some people, it’s threatening to devastate their world. But to reach a new balance you have to learn, grow, blend with the world from which you come, then go beyond it before the world collapses into chaos. And that’s what Duncan, Chris and Ylianor must learn to do if sex, power, magic, passion and jealousy won’t stand in their way.

“If Sendar stood a chance perhaps it would be thanks to the arbitrary twists and turns of a blind destiny. Or maybe someone would discover the truth about the ancient ways and compromise our peaceful existence forever. Either way, people needed a hero to shed new light on the age-old mysteries.
But heroes were scarce on a planet ruled by sex, its perception pervading every aspect of our lives, thus making Sendar unique in its kind. Better yet, the concept of using sex to curb violence had no equals in the universe, even if only as the result of an ambitious experiment.
So we sex up our lives without limitations of genders or numbers to spoil our pleasure for the more the better—men, women or both—and no questions asked. Those are our ways, which the phase teaches from early on, training us in the art of loving, the process then completed by the pledge.
The system works wonders for our well-being. Violent impulses, channeled through sex, magically disappear and we avoid all the usual conflicts plaguing humankind since the beginning of time. But today our precious way of life is at risk. I’ll try my best to thwart the danger by guiding Sendar’s new hero, or heroes as this case requires because one man alone won’t be able to stand the tide, yet even if he does, we can all just hope and pray to our gods the world as we know it won’t collapse on us…now or ever.”

Arthur Fairchild

 

 

The Sex
Virtus Book 1
By Laura Tolomei
GENRE: Gay, Fantasy, Paranormal, Adventure, Series, m/m, m/f, m/m/f
HEAT LEVEL: 4 flames
LENGTH: 308 pages
RELEASE DATE: March 15th, 2010
PUBLISHER: eXtasy Books
COVER ARTIST: Angela White
BUY NOW

BLURB
The prince, his lover, his woman, the three sides of the pyramid whose importance they’ll discover if sex, passion and jealousy won’t stand in their way.

EROTIC M/F
Her breath caught in her throat as she turned around to answer. Like the first time she had seen him, he gave the impression of being too big for the available space, his magnificent body more attractive than ever with the long black strands dripping tiny streaks of water on a bare chest that displayed an impressive set of muscles before narrowing to the waist, wrapped by the blanket. She also could not help feeling his heat, but even if temptation to touch him seemed irresistible, she knew better. “Much.” Then she turned to face the fire, so she would not have to look at him.
Dropping down on a comfortable carpet, she pretended to stare at the high flames, particularly when he sat right next to her, although she did not need her eyes to feel the powerful energy or the scorching desire trapped in his body, screaming for release. Ironic as it seemed, it was the second time fate had created a sensual opportunity, trapping her in a secluded cabin, alone with a man women dreamed about, and if Sarah Jennings had been in her place, there would have been no trace of a blanket anywhere on her body, Ylianor mused, repressing a giggle.
The prince turned to look at her. “Is there something funny you’d like to share?”
“Well, this whole situation is funny. Here I am with a person I thought I’d never see again for the rest of my life, forced to spend another night together.” The hint of a smile curved her lips. “I guess, when you’re back in a girl’s life, you make sure she notices it…even if she’d rather have nothing to do with you.” She made it sound like an afterthought, though her stomach crunched painfully at the obvious lie.
He regarded her coolly, then called her bluff. “My dear, you’re not a prisoner, you know. You’re free to leave whenever you want.”
“Right!” She quipped hotly. “As if I’d ride out in the middle of a storm.”
He chuckled. “I meant when the weather calms down, but I’d be surprised if you did. It must’ve taken a lot of guts—”
“I’d call it stupidity.”
His eyes flashed in disaccord. “Whatever it was, it mustn’t have been easy to return to Black Rose after how my family treated you, especially considering nothing ties you to the place.”
“Nothing…except the past.” Ruefully, Ylianor let out a deep breath, her thoughts running to Prince Charles and his soothing love.
“Aren’t I a part of that past?” His eyes searched her face before he continued. “Judging from what David told me, you used to like me.” He grinned mischievously. “And people tell me I’m a likable fellow now more than ever.”
“You don’t need to play games with me.” Ylianor scolded annoyed. “You’ve always had my complete attention then and now, even if I’m not sure I want you back in my life.”
“Why not? Was it better without me?” Suddenly, the black eyes clouded. “Or do you perceive me as a threat?”
Gaze still locked on the prince, Ylianor only wanted to drown in him, forgetting about stupid questions, too dizzy by now from hunger and cold. His nearness did not help matters either, the acute awareness of his body pressing at her side making her legs weak with the unbearable need to feel his arms around her and his warm lips pressing—
With an effort, she pulled her gaze and mind away from temptation. “Yes, I do, probably something to do with our childhood.”
He smiled apologetically. “Since I can’t remember, maybe you ought to fill me in.”
Ylianor’s lips curved bitterly. “I’m sure you don’t need my share of bad memories. It’s better if you stick to the pleasant ones in which I don’t appear.”
Duncan’s head bent on his knees as if he were trying hard to resist some impulse or simply taking his mind off whatever was gnawing at him. She had noticed, of course, could not help noticing it as a matter of fact, his energy speaking louder than any word.
“I’m sorry.” Raising his head, he looked at her apologetically. “I don’t know you or what your life has been like. I shouldn’t have asked.”
Ylianor’s heart went out to him. “No, forgive me. I shouldn’t have answered like that. I’m glad for the opportunity to do something with my life, really. I’d have wandered aimlessly in search of…” She shrugged as her voice trailed off. “Something,” she added eventually, before a stray thought hit her, spreading an amused smile on her face. “And it’s not as bad as it seems. We’ve been friends before, so I don’t see why we can’t be again.” She turned to him, but her confidence vanished upon realizing how much she wanted to touch him. Yeah, sure as if I could ever be friends with someone who turns my stomach upside down simply by looking at him! Her heart was racing, her thighs tingled and a strange throb between her legs did not make things any easier.
“I’m not sure I can think of you as a friend,” was his cold reply.
Of course not. What a stupid fool to think even—
“Damn!” Grabbing her shoulders, he cursed again. “I might regret this for the rest of my life, but the gods know I want more, much more.”
Closing his mouth on hers, Prince Caldwell took their conversation to a completely different level, drawing her closer while his tongue carefully explored the warm opening, making her head spin and her body heat out of control. The intoxicating feeling became more intense when he pushed her down on the carpet, lying on top of her. Tossing the blanket aside, Duncan caressed the soft skin, teasing the nipples, until his mouth left hers to start a tantalizing descent, nibbling, kissing and tasting along the way while his long strands tickled her flesh. Arching her back, Ylianor pulled him closer so he stroked the moistness between her legs, gently and seductively. The fire inside raged furiously, together with the dull hammering she thought she could not endure a second longer, particularly when his tongue circled one hard nipple. Shocked, Ylianor felt shivers of pleasure radiating from her breast as he deepened the kiss, drawing the tight bud fully in his mouth and sucking it hard. Even his teeth lightly grazing the skin felt pleasurable, so she pressed his head against it, wanting him to swallow her whole. But he had no trouble switching to the other hardened tip, demanding his lavish attention complying generously, licking and lapping avidly, until he decided it was time to resume his sensual journey.
Stretching luxuriously, she tensed her legs, feeling the wetness dripping all the way down to her asshole, until the raw sensation of his hot mouth closing right around the painful pounding was simply too intense to breathe and Ylianor stopped moving altogether. Body taut in anticipation, her swollen clit drowned in his unbearable sucks that teased, stroked, rubbed, until her mind went blank with wave after exquisite wave coursing through her every fiber, similar to shivers, only at a much deeper and blissful level, as repeated coils overwhelmed her like an unstoppable tide. Unable to withstand the unexpected pleasure, she opened her mouth wide to let the scream escape her lungs, its loudness rising and falling with the intensity of the throes melting her body into liquid fire.
Obviously startled, Duncan stopped sucking, but afraid he would end it there, she swung her hips enticingly, her body begging him to continue and he could not resist the invitation. “Have you been with a man before?” He whispered softly in her ear after tearing his mouth away from her cunt.
Even though her senses were reeling, she caught his question. “Never.”
Prince Caldwell had a moment’s hesitation as if debating whether to take her, but quickly made up his mind. “This might hurt a bit.” His warning reached her ear before his kiss took her breath away.

Laura Tolomei

Website  www.lallagatta.com

 

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We see it in books and movies all the time. The world, and its inhabitants, have been ravaged by disease, global warming, nuclear explosions, war, or aliens—take your pick— and a handful of people remain to pick up the pieces. What makes these types of books and films popular? Perhaps it’s because we all feel as though the world is truly on the edge these days.

 

Personally, I think we are drawn to such books and movies because we see humanity stripped bare. We peel back the layers of civilization and reveal who we truly are deep down inside. We see the best and the worst of people in a crisis. Some will rise to the occasion and become more than they ever dreamed they could be—heroes, leaders, freedom fighters. While others will profit from the misery of others, stealing, destroying and hording all the goods and services people need to survive. That’s human nature.

 

The darkness of that kind of world drew me, but it was hope that kept my fingers tapping away at the keyboard. I truly believe that we as a people would survive a catastrophic event, but only if we learn to work together and trust one another. These ideas spurred me onward and Project Alpha was the result. This trilogy, which contains Embracing Silence, Have Mercy and Sweet Charity, looks at post-apocalyptic Earth.

 

It’s 2133, about a hundred years after the world, as we know it, was destroyed through a combination of events. Many of the surviving people have taken refuge inside the Gate—a high-tech shield, which protects the enclosed city from contamination and the lawless land outside. The Ruling Council controls people’s lives and they’ll do anything to maintain control of their world, including creating Alphas—a group of genetically and computer-enhanced assassins.

 

Now there are only two Alphas left and they have escaped their masters’ control. Outside the Gate, they now seek revenge on the scientists that created them and the General who used them all these years.

 

But there is a whole world in the outer city, people who are struggling to stay alive. These people dig through the rubble and remains of their world to scrape together the means to survive. It’s a violent, dangerous place. But there are pockets of hope, of civilization.

 

The Alphas are dangerous and distrustful. They will do anything to survive and want nothing to do with the people outside the Gate. They cross paths with some very special women and their lives are changed forever. Plus, they’re not the only ones who want to see the Gate come down. There is a Resistance force led by the mysterious and deadly Adrian. He is dedicated to seeing the resources from inside the Gate shared with those outside. And he’ll stop at nothing to see it happen.

 

BLURB: Embracing Silence

 

First in the Project Alpha series.

 

Earth 2133

 

Tienan is an Alpha—an assassin who has been genetically and computer enhanced. He has escaped from the lab that created him and the Ruling Council that controlled him. He is now outside the Gate—a high-tech shield that protects the enclosed city from the contaminated and lawless land outside. Tienan must constantly evade security forces sent to eliminate him, his only goal to destroy his former masters.

 

Silence is a tracker with the Resistance on the trail of a dangerous stranger. The hunter becomes the hunted and when Tienan kidnaps her, she thinks her life is over. But both captor and captive are enthralled with one another. Desire and need ignite each time they touch. Enemies become lovers.

 

Treachery and mistrust drive them apart. But nothing can diminish the sexual heat smoldering between them. With enemies all around, they must confront each other one final time. With time running out, sexual longing and trust battle with betrayal for supremacy.

 

 

BLURB: Have Mercy

 

Second in the Project Alpha series.

 

Earth 2133

 

Logan is an Alpha—a genetically enhanced assassin—who has escaped from the lab that created him. He is now outside the Gate, a high-tech shield that protects the enclosed city from the contaminated and lawless land outside. Shot while evading security forces sent to eliminate him, Logan’s only goal is survival.

 

Mercy Dockins is a healer. Her world is shaken to its foundations when a stranger is brought to her near death. As she heals him, her body and soul respond to him, overwhelming her with sexual desire. With little more than a look and a touch, passion flares out of control, consuming them both.

 

But this stranger is dangerous to not only her well-being, but also to the safety of everyone she loves. And he has brought the security forces right to her door.

 

 

BLURB: Sweet Charity

 

Third in the Project Alpha series

 

Earth 2133

 

Adrian is an Alpha—a genetically enhanced assassin—thought dead by the people who created him. Living outside the Gate, a high tech shield that protects the enclosed city from the contaminated and lawless land outside, he is the leader of the Resistance, living only to bring down the Gate and the people who sought to kill him.

 

Charity Caruthers is the daughter of one of the most powerful and brutal men in the inner city—the General. She risks everything sneaking outside the Gate to get a message to Adrian.

 

Passion explodes, ripping apart the foundations of both their lives. Charity begins to understand true sexual desire as Adrian teaches her the passion to be found in dark fantasies. Loyalties are tested and trust pushed to the limits as the final confrontation is at hand. Some will die. Some will live. And Adrian and Charity’s fragile relationship could be the final casualty in this war of retribution and freedom.

 

 

I knew this was going to be a three-book series when I began writing. And, for the first time ever, I wrote all three books back to back to back, not leaving that world until I was finished. It was a challenging, but wonderful, experience.

 

The setting is like another character in the book, a dark, deadly creature waiting to strike at any moment. Painting such a dismal, dangerous place was a challenge in many ways and easy in others. The lack of name for the city is intentional. It could be anywhere. And, after everything that has happened to the Earth, a name no longer matters. This is a dark world with even darker men, but there is also light and love and hope.

 

 

EXCERPT: Embracing Silence

 

She was almost through the first strap when she sensed the air behind her stirring. Silence continued to saw frantically at the restraint. He was here. He’d made no sound, and she’d been listening, but he was here. As always, she could sense his very presence, as though the air shifted and made way for him wherever he went.

 

“You’re resourceful.” His voice was deep and dark and raspy. His words made her shiver with dread. He didn’t sound particularly mad about her escape attempt. He didn’t sound anything at all. His total lack of emotion was more frightening than if he’d bellowed in anger.

 

Silence almost sobbed with relief when the leather strap gave way. She clawed at the second strap, getting it undone. Not pausing to even think about why he was allowing her to do so, she sawed at the strap around her waist. Blood from several shallow wounds on her wrist dripped down her fingers making it more difficult for her to work.

 

“How do you plan to get past me?” His question was thoughtful, almost as though he was curious about her intentions.

 

His voice was closer now, coming from the deep shadows behind her. The last restraint fell away and she lurched from the chair. She whirled around to face where she thought he was. She couldn’t see a thing.

 

“Stay away from me. I’ll kill you if I have too.”

 

No reply. But she knew he was there in the dark watching. Tucking her short blade in her jacket pocket, she grabbed up her larger one. She wished she had a gun but they were in short supply and given to the men and women who went out daily on patrol in the outer city. Somehow she felt all the weapons in the world wouldn’t do her any good against this man.

 

“Who are you?” she demanded. Her voice was little more than a croak. Her throat was slightly swollen bruised and fear made it close even more.

 

“Who are you?” he countered. She circled slowly. He sounded as though he was on the other side of the room. She damned the shadows that made it impossible for her to track him. There should be some indication of his movement—a stray sound, a breath, a wavering of the air. But there was nothing.

 

The man was a phantom.

 

She took a step back and hit the edge of the table. The candle teetered and fell to one side, its flame flickering before being extinguished. Darkness descended. Silence got a sick feeling in the pit of her belly. She had no idea how to get out.

 

Moving forward, she tried not to make a sound as she headed toward where she’d first sensed him in the room. It made sense that the entrance would be somewhere around there.

 

As before, there was no sound, no tell-tale giveaway, but she sensed him as he moved in behind her. Before she could react, his wrists wrapped around hers. He didn’t squeeze them, but his fingers pressed some pressure points. Her hands opened and her knife fell the floor, clattering on the dirt and stones.

 

He bent her elbows, crossing her arms over her chest. Because of the way he held her, his arms were crossed over her chest too. He surrounded her totally, much like the darkness.

 

“I don’t want to hurt you.” His voice was little more than a murmur in her ear. His breath ruffled the hair on the back of her neck, tickling the sensitive skin.

 

Silence licked her lips almost afraid to ask, “What do you want?”

 

The heat from his body seeped into her back, warming her. He was so warm and she was so cold. She wanted to lean against him and soak up his heat, but she held herself erect and as far away as his grip would allow. There was no safety, no solace to be found here.

 

“What’s your name?”

 

She thought about it and then decided that telling him might be in her favor. Maybe he knew her brother. It was possible Adrian’s name might get her out of here alive. “Silence. My name is Silence.”

 

He chuckled and the raspy sound stroked over her skin sending goose bumps down her arms. “Very apt. You’re an excellent tracker.”

 

“Obviously not good enough,” she countered, unable to keep the bitterness from her tone. Her entire life, it was the one skill she had that separated her from others. It had given her a place of respect within the resistance movement.

 

“No.” He rubbed his chin over the top of her head. “Not good enough.”

 

The matter of fact way he said it made her feel like more of a failure and that made her angry. Anger was a much better emotion to focus on than defeat. She could use anger to her advantage. “Who are you?” She figured if she asked him enough times, he just might answer her. And as long as he was talking to her, he wasn’t killing her, which was definitely a plus in her books.

 

You can check out the Project Alpha trilogy at Ellora’s Cave. To find out more information about any of my books, go to my website at http://www.njwalters.com

 

 

N.J. has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.

http://www.njwalters.com

http://www.njwalters.blogspot.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/awakeningdesires/ (newsletter group)

Tags: Author Days, Excerpts // 5 Comments »

Often, writers will refer to their books as their babies. Believe me, the process involved with getting those books onto shelves and eReaders is nothing short of a labor of love.

 

We bring them up from the birth of the idea through the sometimes countless rounds of molding and polishing needed to make them shine bright. When the time comes to cut the chord, to set them out into the agent-verse or editor-verse in search of good homes, in can be stressful. They make their rounds. We cross our fingers. We fret and hope that they will find the perfect place to call their own. We fret and hope that someone will tell us they love our baby, that it’s beautiful, rather than an ugly and misshapen nightmare.

 

Other times it’s just fun to take our characters and smack their butts right down into the nightmare. I’ve been accused of doing just that, and you know what? I do. It’s fun. Just recently I agreed to write a Samhain Publishing Freebie for Valentine’s Day. We were given free rein on what we wanted to write as long as it’s Valentine themed. For a moment I was a little concerned that my first idea turned into what is now titled A KILLING CUPID.

 

I had some characters that I wanted to explore more deeply, so I put them on a case together.

 

Lana is an award winning reporter determined to let nothing stand between her and her story. And she’s always after that “major story”. She’s a risk taker with trust issues as far as men are concerned, but her ethics and morals are as true as the blonde roots of her hair. She’s also unwilling to let the fear of being a serial killer’s target cripple her.

 

Aidan is the second in command of my FBI team and is, to say the least, intolerant of reporters—even one willing to put herself in danger to stop a serial killer. He is Lana’s reluctant white knight. Poor guy didn’t want her to be the bait anymore than he wants to admit to himself that he’s attracted to her.

 

Sort of like the first time I felt the flutter of my kid moving in my stomach, these two are still in the development stages in my brain, but they sparked in my head the first time I saw them together. What will be there story is beginning to take shape in my head, though I will not get to it for another few months. Hopefully that will help make it one of those easy labors. J

 

I had a blast writing A KILLING CUPID. Along with a lot of other great free reads that you should absolutely check out each day, it will be available at www.Samhellion.com on February 21^st. It’s free. Check it out!

 

Yep, as writers, we often view our stories as our babies, but like real children we love to talk about them. We also love to tell stories and chat about other people’s kids that entertain us. So tell me, what are some stories that resonated deeply with you? Who wrote it? What part got to you and how?

 

Commenters will be entered in a drawing. The prize will be their choice of either my first book SOUNDS TO DIE BY (eBook) or a bottle of Kieralyn Beckett’s (heroine from SOUNDS TO DIE BY) favorite lotion to indulge your senses in.

 

For more information, visit www.NikkiDuncan.com and www.NikkiDuncan.com/blog

Tags: Author Days // 20 Comments »

“Hey world!  I have a new book out.  It’s fabulous, and you should buy it!”

 

If only promotion were that easy.  Maybe so for the extravert.  I’ve never been so lucky.  The thought of telling someone about my book—a complete stranger—makes me nervous.  The notion of  public speaking sends me into tremors.

 

So what’s a shy author to do?  Thank God for the Internet.  Not only can you reach possibly thousands of people with a click of a mouse, you can do it all in the comfort of your own home. 

 

Having a website is a must.  Mine can be found at http://www.nancyhenderson.com

You need a cyber home for your brand and your books.  A place for readers to find you.  Even better to interact with them through a forum or blog of some sort. 

 

I’ve been keeping a blog http://www.nancyhenderson.blogspot.com for about five years now.  I post often, usually at least three times a week.  I generally post writing news, excerpts of my books, author interviews, and of course the latest cute photo of my pets.

 

I’m fond of Twitter too.  There, I can announce online chats or signings I’m doing, even updates to my blog or places I’m guest blogging.  Plus I’ve made some new friends there, as well as found some new favorite authors from reading their Tweets. Oh, and my page can be found at http://www.twitter.com/nancyhenderson

 

I try to post on as many reader loops as humanly possible.  I love chatting with readers, talking about my characters, about journaling, or even movie watching.  (I think most writers are movie buffs at heart.)

 

All of these outlets can be a tremendous time suck if you’re not careful.  I try to promote on weekends when I’m not working on my books (except when on deadline then it’s 100% on the book at hand.)  Weekdays, nights especially, I have to work on the book.

 

So that’s my promotion methodology.  I do signings, attend conventions, but it’s the online promotion where I have the most fun.  Maybe because it’s the only place I can work in my jammies!

 

Thanks for reading,

~ Nancy

 

Website:  http://www.nancyhenderson.com

Blog:  http://www.nancyhenderson.blogspot.com

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/nancyhenderson

Tags: Author Days, Monday Mania // 10 Comments »

Hello,

 

It is such an honor to be invited to participate as a guest blogger.

 

What do romance readers and writers have in common? We all love books. We all love romance. We all love to believe in something.

 

I, for one, read romance as an escape from the harsh realities of everyday life. How much joy can one find in the world-when the 24 hour cable news networks are hell-bent on telling us how horrible the world is?

 

But there is joy in the world–we just have to look a little harder to find it.

 

Books have always been a love of mine. Check that–stories have always been a love of mine. When I was little, I thought the library should be divided into two categories: stories and non-stories. This whole fiction/non-fiction division. What was that about?  LOL

 

So, I grew up, reading, reading, and more reading. And after college, guess what? I became a librarian. By then I knew more about Dewey and organization (thank goodness something from college sank in!) I started writing my senior year of college. Well, actually, I started attempting to write my senior year of college. It was quite a labored effort. I didn’t finish that novel. But I kept trying.

 

It took me eleven years, but then I finally finished my first novel. I became a published author in 2005. Then in 2009, I found a new publisher, Agora International ebooks. (www.internationalagora.com) I submitted a manuscript to them, and three weeks and two days later, they offered me a contract. I submitted another manuscript to them, later that year, and it, too, was accepted.

 

So, it is with great joy that I am able to share these two new books with you.

 

Right Under Her Nose tells the story of a man and a woman who are best friends for twenty years. But what happens when the feelings of one person in the friendship begin to change? How does that affect the friendship? Can the friendship even survive?

 

This book was quite an undertaking as a character study, and figuring out ways that humans react in situations like this.

 

The second book is called Branson’s Beauty. In addition to writing, I am a musician and performer. I love Branson, Missouri as an entertainment destination. Branson’s Beauty tells the story of a woman who moves back home to Missouri in the wake of tragedy. She obtains a job singing on one of Branson’s famous stages, and she reunites with the old love of her life.

 

It was wonderful to incorporate knowledge from one of my fields of interest (music and live performance) into writing this book.

 

I am fortunate that the talented artist, Karen Ball, of Missouri, agreed to create my book covers. She creates fine art, herself, (as opposed to photoshopping a graphic) and the aspect of having real art on the covers, enhances the books to the Nth degree.  (www.karenballartist.com)

 

 

 

 

I’d love to share the books with you, so I’m having a contest. Email your name and email address to: possum (at) wiredok.com. Put “Fallen Angel blog contest” on the subject line. I will put the names in a hat, and draw out two winners. One person will receive an ebook for Right Under Her Nose and one person will receive an ebook for Branson’s Beauty.  I will hold the contest open for a week and draw the names on Monday, February 1, 2010.

 

So, in closing, I wish for you a fabulous day– full of life, love, joy and peace.

Best,

LeAnn Coston

www.leanncoston.com

Tags: Author Days, Contest, Monday Mania // 2 Comments »

Thank you Angels for having me on your blog! I love this site and I’m so happy you asked me to chat!

 

Since you’re all ‘fallen’ angels, I have a confession to make. I’m one of those readers who sometimes – more often than I’ll admit – skips to the end of a book if I’m feeling really stressed about the happily ever after. If things look too dire for a couple, I’m totally flipping to that last chapter and reading ahead. I should know better, especially when I’m reading romance because that almost always guarantees an HEA. But, I’m a bit of a freak when it comes to reading and I have no problem admitting it. Once I’ve set my mind at ease, I’m free to go back and finish the story.

 

One of the reasons I love reading and writing romance so much is watching that sexual tension and realization of love develop between the two main characters. I love reading about people falling in love. There’s a difference between erotic romance and erotica so when people ask me what I write, I make sure they understand the distinction. Yes, sex is involved in my stories and it’s graphic and hot, but it’s always about the developing relationship between two people. As a reader, if I dole out my hard earned cash I want an HEA so I definitely give it to my readers.

 

As I’m writing this, the heat in my house is broken and I’m wrapped up in blankets. You’d think since I live in Florida it wouldn’t get that cold, but there’s been a serious cold snap this month and this Florida girl wasn’t ready. At least I have my lovely ereader stocked full of hot books!

 

If you’re looking to warm yourself up one of these winter nights, check out Miami Heat, which just released from Loose Id Publishing January 19^th. To purchase, click here. I promise you’ll get your happily ever after. Here’s a brief blurb:

 

When Madison Dubois witnesses a terrible crime, she goes to the only place she knows she’ll be safe, Detective Rafe Jackson’s house. Rafe has been in love with Madison Dubois for longer than he cares to admit. Unfortunately for him, she views him as a big brother. When she shows up on his doorstep terrified for her life, he has no choice but to keep her safe. Undeniable sparks fly when they’re forced to share a roof but unless he can keep her alive, their relationship might not have a chance to even start.

 

About Me:

I’ve been reading romance for as long as I can remember and I’m a firm believer that the world would be a much better place if more people read romance! When I discovered erotic romance, I knew I’d found my niche. Most of my stories have a touch of intrigue, suspense, or a heavy dose of the paranormal. Happily married to my own hero, I live in (normally) sunny Florida with the smallest Siberian husky in the world who thinks she’s human. If you’d like to learn more about me, visit my website www.savannahstuart.com or visit either of my publishers: www.jasminejade.com & www.loose-id.com

 

Contest

One lucky winner will win a digital copy of my recent release from Loose Id (or something from my backlist if you’d prefer). Just respond to this post by 12am EST. Winner will be announced here tomorrow via a comment so please check back.

Tags: Uncategorized // 6 Comments »

All the writing mags and how-to books say, “Write what you know!”

 

Well, if you’re a small town southern girl like me, that may not be much. I’m not all that well‑traveled. Heck, I’ve never even had a cup of hot tea. We drink it sweet and iced down south.

 

But I have been in love. I’ve experienced the heartbreaks and joys associated with turning over your trust and soul and secrets to another person. I know what it’s like to be betrayed and unfortunately, I know what it’s like to be the one who betrays another. I also know what it is to find that special someone with whom you fall in love all over again every day.

 

Hopefully, I’m able to bring my experiences to my stories to create colorful characters and vicious villains.

 

In my most recent f/f Ellora’s Cave release, Beyond Curious, I incorporated my experience as a piano teacher to give texture to my heroine, Emily.

 

In Beyond Curious, heroine, Annie is dreading the piano lessons that her grandmother’s will demanded she take, that is until she meets her teacher, Emily. Far from the elderly cat lady Annie had envisioned, Emily is sexy, blonde, and completely irresistible.

 

Emily has never been with a woman, but Annie attracts her in a way that no one else has. Despite Emily’s initial misgivings, it doesn’t take long for their relationship to move from teacher and student to something much more than either of them expected—something that might lead to the love of a lifetime.

 

Here’s a brief excerpt of the first time Annie sees Emily:

 

A quick glance at her watch prompted Annie to get out of the car and climb the steep driveway toward the front door. Even in late September, the midday Alabama sun baked her back through her chambray shirt. But as she neared the house and heard the tinkling of piano music—very beautiful piano music—her trepidation melted away with the humid heat. So much like Gram, she thought. Only better. She had not heard music like this since Gram had still been able to make her arthritic fingers dance across the keyboard.

Consternation giving way to curiosity, Annie climbed the concrete stairs onto the brown brick porch and peered through the window at the narrow back of a blonde woman, playing the piano and swaying in time to the steady rhythm. Mesmerized by the sound, Annie could only gape as the woman—who she assumed was the Widow Granger—continued.

Annie’s piano repertoire included the bass part of “Heart and Soul” and a by-ear version of “Chopsticks”. But this…This was real music. If only she could learn to play like that! Gram would be so proud of her.

Although the pianist’s left hand was obscured by the drapery, Annie could see Mrs. Granger’s right hand lithely gliding up and down the keyboard.

Just as her consciousness submerged completely into the music, the musician abruptly stopped and stood, turning to discover her spying like some sort of peeping tom.

But no quicker than Annie had glimpsed her teacher, she vanished and Annie heard the doorknob turning. The screen door creaked as the widow pushed it open.

Annie gaped.

This was hardly the old cat woman in worn-out house shoes she had imagined.

Mrs. Granger was beautiful. Her blonde hair fell in an ethereal mass of waves just below her shoulders. Minimal makeup highlighted her fresh-faced appearance. Her white blouse and black skirt were stylish, yet professional. Annie had expected an old crone of seventy to greet her wearing a floral print muumuu. This woman had to be in her thirties—if that. The only thing that gave away her age was the wisdom that emanated from her eyes, even through a pair of bright blue reading glasses.

Everything about her seemed feminine and soft and the way her gaze traveled down Annie’s body and back up again made Annie wish she’d worn something besides the baggy men’s jeans and boots she wore to her job at the humane shelter every morning. A smile claimed Mrs. Granger’s pink glossed lips. “You must be Annie.”

 

Here’s Chopin’s Nocturne in E Minor, Op. 72, #1, the piece Emily was playing when Annie first saw her:

url: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHAOrjgIfbg

 

What brings a character to life for you?

 

Comment to be entered in a drawing for a free download of Beyond Curious!

 

About the author:

 

Paisley Smith is a full time freelance writer and can usually be found in front of her computer either writing, chatting, promoting or plotting.

 

A true southern belle, Paisley enjoys all things feminine such as the perfect shade of lipstick, a pair of killer heels and a sexy, confident woman.

 

 

Sneak a peek at Paisley’s site to see what she’s up to.

 

Email: PaisleyLSmith@gmail.com

 

Website: www.PaisleySmith.webs.com

 

Beyond Curious buy link: http://www.jasminejade.com/pm-8016-593-beyond-curious.aspx

 

Beyond Curious Book Trailer: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mJPhOvQsYM

 

For a free download of First Taste by Paisley Smith: http://www.jasminejade.com/pm-7806-593-first-taste.aspx

 

 

Tags: Uncategorized // 15 Comments »