Jess Dee's Blog, page 13

First Page Peak – Office Affair (First time peak too)

Office Affair was the book I never meant to write. And then someone (Ahem, KittyKelly) emailed to ask about a sequel to Island Idyll, and there was the story. Fully formed in my head. The book releases on the 1st of May, and is in fact so new, I haven't finished editing it. It doesn't even have a cover yet. So this is a real first peak!

First Page of Office Affair

Chapter One

"You want to know what I think?"

Ben Cowley jerked his head up at the unexpected voice. He'd been so immersed in figures, he'd had no idea anyone was in his office. Hell, he had no idea anyone was left in the building. At this time of night he'd assumed everyone else had gone home.

"I always want to know what you think." He flashed the woman standing in the doorway his biggest smile, knowing he flirted shamelessly.

"I think you need to get laid. And you need to get laid soon."

The smile vanished. "Pardon?"

"You're a mess, Cowley. You have been since you transferred to the Sydney office."

A muscle twitched in his jaw, but he tried not to show any other emotion—even though his stomach clenched in a nasty knot. Ben raised an eyebrow in question. "Is there a reason we're having this conversation?"

She pursed her lips and gave him a somber nod. "You've changed. You're not the same person you were when we first met. It's almost as if you've lost your enthusiasm, lost your drive. People are starting to talk—"

"People?"

"Well, me." She wrinkled her nose sheepishly. "And maybe not quite talk. It's more like I'm getting worried about you."

Ben looked wryly at her. She cut an imposing figure. Tall—made even taller by the four-inch heels she always wore—slim and dressed to kill. Kill competitors, that was. Melissa Sparks was an all-business, no-nonsense, one-hundred-percent goal-oriented investment banker. Much like Ben was.

____________

Stay tuned. Tomorrow I'll post the last first page excerpt. The first page in the first book of an all new series, Speed.

Jess

First Page Peek – Island Idyll

Ah, Island Idyll.  Can you think of a more perfect setting to fall in love than on a tropical island off the Australian coastline? It would be…idyllic.

First Page of Island Idyll

Chapter One

You Are Personally and Cordially Invited to Attend

The Soft Opening of Australia's Newest FIVE-STAR Luxury Resort

BANDICOOT COVE on Bilby Island.

Bring a plus one if you desire.

All expenses and needs will be catered for as we test our customer services in preparation for the Grand Opening.

(P.S. Can you believe I got this job, guys? Wow!!

See you soon,

Love, Kylie

XXXX)

(P.P.S.—Si! Wait 'til you see who installed our computer network. Your eyes are gonna pop.)

Sienna James drew her arm back, took aim and flung a flattish oyster-colored shell forward with as much gusto as she could manage. It sailed a good five meters in the air, landed with a muffled plop and sank beneath the pristine water surrounding the tropical and oh-so-beautiful Bilby Island.

With a satisfied grin, Sienna buried her feet in the wet sand, the sludgy grains squishing between her toes and leaned down to get another shell. Taking careful aim, she tossed it just as far as before. This time however, as she released the shell, she let out a mighty whoop.

Why the hell had she never considered tossing out her troubles before? So far, it was working a treat. With every shell that landed in the ocean, the shackles of her grief loosened, and throw-by-throw, step-by-step, she walked free of them.

Before lobbing the next shell as far as it could go, she brought it up to face level, glared at it with one eye and named it.

"Ben Cowley," she said and let it fly.

Ben sank gratifyingly fast.

"Dead-end engagement," she said to another shell and watched it disappear beneath the surface—just the way her ex-upcoming wedding had. Without even a splutter of breath. Both the shell and the wedding were gone. Never to resurface.

_________________

And tomorrow? Well, this is a bit of a surprise. It won't just be a first page peak, it'll be a first time peak. I'll be posting the first page of the sequel to Island Idyll: Office Affair – a book that hasn't even finished being edited!

Jess

First Page Peak – Island Idyll

Ah, Island Idyll.  Can you think of a more perfect setting to fall in love than on a tropical island off the Australian coastline? It would be…idyllic.

First Page of Island Idyll

Chapter One

You Are Personally and Cordially Invited to Attend

The Soft Opening of Australia's Newest FIVE-STAR Luxury Resort

BANDICOOT COVE on Bilby Island.

Bring a plus one if you desire.

All expenses and needs will be catered for as we test our customer services in preparation for the Grand Opening.

(P.S. Can you believe I got this job, guys? Wow!!

See you soon,

Love, Kylie

XXXX)

(P.P.S.—Si! Wait 'til you see who installed our computer network. Your eyes are gonna pop.)

Sienna James drew her arm back, took aim and flung a flattish oyster-colored shell forward with as much gusto as she could manage. It sailed a good five meters in the air, landed with a muffled plop and sank beneath the pristine water surrounding the tropical and oh-so-beautiful Bilby Island.

With a satisfied grin, Sienna buried her feet in the wet sand, the sludgy grains squishing between her toes and leaned down to get another shell. Taking careful aim, she tossed it just as far as before. This time however, as she released the shell, she let out a mighty whoop.

Why the hell had she never considered tossing out her troubles before? So far, it was working a treat. With every shell that landed in the ocean, the shackles of her grief loosened, and throw-by-throw, step-by-step, she walked free of them.

Before lobbing the next shell as far as it could go, she brought it up to face level, glared at it with one eye and named it.

"Ben Cowley," she said and let it fly.

Ben sank gratifyingly fast.

"Dead-end engagement," she said to another shell and watched it disappear beneath the surface—just the way her ex-upcoming wedding had. Without even a splutter of breath. Both the shell and the wedding were gone. Never to resurface.

_________________

And tomorrow? Well, this is a bit of a surprise. It won't just be a first page peak, it'll be a first time peak. I'll be posting the first page of the sequel to Island Idyll: Office Affair – a book that hasn't even finished being edited!

Jess

First Page Peak – Exotic Indulgence

Exotic Indulgence is a little different from my other books. First and foremost, it's not only written by me, but by Lexxie Couper and Vivian Arend as well. Secondly, it's the first book in the Bandicoot Cove Anthology, and thirdly…it's a freebie.

First Page of Exotic Indulgence

Chapter One

You Are Personally and Cordially Invited to Attend

The Soft Opening of Australia's Newest FIVE-STAR Luxury Resort

BANDICOOT COVE on Bilby Island.

Bring a plus one if you desire.

All expenses and needs will be catered for as we test our customer services in preparation for the Grand Opening.

Kylie stared at the embossed card once more. The elaborate curlicues and swirls in the resort name twirled like fireworks going off in celebration. She'd really and truly made it. All those years of schooling, of working her way up through hotel after hotel, and here she was, in charge of the hottest, most exclusive resort to hit Australia.

She flipped the card onto her desk and drained the sparkling water in her wine glass in one gulp.

About bloody time.

Three weeks remained until the doors symbolically swung open, and her feet already throbbed—and not in a good way. There were last-minute details to take care of, which included ensuring she could be reached at all times during the soft opening. The practice weekend would be her last chance to make certain any possible disasters were eradicated before the official opening.

God help anyone who interfered with her preparations over the next few weeks.

The view out her window showcased the resort. When she'd demanded a fourth-floor office instead of one of the penthouse units—like most managers nabbed—the rest of her crew had been shocked. Yeah, she'd have been able to see the entire length of Bilby Island. All the way from the sheltered west-side harbor to the eastern shore where white sand beaches met the Pacific Ocean. But this location put her closer to the action. Let her look into the heart of the resort—the actual people moving around it. Staff wandering the grounds, working the pools, arranging tables and chairs in the bars and restaurants below her.

——————-

Tomorrow? The first page of my novella from the Bandicoot Cove Anthology, Island Idyll.

Jess

First Page Peak – Hidden Fire (First Time Peak too)

Hidden Fire, Book 2 in the Fire Series, and a novella in the Red Hot Weekend anthology is so sparkly brand new it hasn't even released yet. You'll need to wait til the 31st of Jan to read this beauty. But in the meant time, here's a sneak peak of the first page.

First Page of Hidden Fire

Chapter One

Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia

Jackson Brooks lifted his glass in the air and held it out in a toast. "Happy birthday, sis."

Jenna clinked her glass with his, careful to keep the orange juice from sloshing over the side. "Happy birthday to you too." She grinned at her twin. "You having a good one so far?"

Jackson looked at her, a half smile on his lips. "Never thought turning thirty would change my life. But it has."

Jenna laughed. "A little melodramatic, don't you think?" There was no one else she could tease as openly as her brother. No one else in the world she felt this comfortable with. Except maybe for her best friend, Rachel.

"Perhaps." He shrugged. "It's just made me think, is all. Made me assess what's important."

"Philosophy? This early in the morning?" The two were sharing a quiet, celebratory breakfast in the hotel dining room. "So tell me, Socrates, what conclusions have you come to? What is important in your life?"

Jackson met her gaze, his expression intense. "The usual I guess. Love. Life. Healing."

Her breath caught. "Healing?"

"Healing enough to live life to the fullest," Jackson elaborated. His gaze did not waver.

No, Jackson, please. Don't bring this up. "And are you? Living life to the fullest, I mean?"

"Are you healing?" he asked.

She bit her lip. "Nice birthday conversation." Not. "Mind if we change the subject?"

___________

(Much more of this to come soon. I promise)

Tomorrow?

A different series…Bandicoot Cove.

Jess

First Page Peak – Winter Fire

Winter Fire is both the first book in the Fire Series, and a novella in the Red Hot Winter Anthology. It's also been nominated for A CAPA award at The Romance Studio. (Cool, huh?)

First Page of Winter Fire

Chapter One

Heat radiated from the stone fireplace, warming the room. The temperature in the cozy, modern hotel lounge was a welcome contrast to the frigid wind outside. Mesmerized, Rachel Ashberg stared into the flames, watching as they danced around the logs, consuming the wood with hungry licks.

She sipped the last of her wine, relishing the tranquility that settled over her. Tomorrow that peace would be stripped away like old paint.

It had been a good idea to drive up to the Blue Mountains from Sydney a day early. The ninety-minute car trip through winding roads and national parkland had given her a chance to decompress a little. Twenty-four hours of rest and relaxation, away from the stress of work and failed relationships, was proving to be a much-needed tonic. Plus, she was building up her energy reserves for the weekend. She was going to need them.

The walk down to Wentworth Falls earlier had helped too. All that crisp, wintry air, lush eucalyptus forest, calming birdsong and getting back to nature had either cleared her mind of any remaining despondency or frozen her brain and heart enough that those issues no longer worried her. So what if things hadn't worked out with Paul? She'd known from the beginning he wasn't the right guy for her, but she'd tried anyway.

Just like she'd tried with James and Ethan and a whole host of other men who hadn't quite cut it. Hell, none of them were the right guy.

How could they be, when she'd already met the right guy—and he was the one man she couldn't be with? Of course, fate dictated he was also the man she was about to spend two days and two nights with, in a romantic boutique hotel.

He, his sister and ten of their closest friends.

God, it was going to be hell. Torture to the nth degree. How would she ever make it through to Monday?

Rachel shook her head, chastising herself for her negativity.

She would make it through to Monday. Her strength and her resistance had been fortified today, and she'd be fine. The weekend would pass without her once pining for Jackson Brooks. Without accidentally brushing up against him. Without sneaking outside in the blistering cold to steal secret kisses as they once had.

——————–

Tomorrow I'll be posting the first page of the second book in the series, Hidden Fire. Yep, the book hasn't even released yet, so this won't just be a first page peak, it'll be a first time peak too!

Jess

First Page Peak – Full House

Welcome to the first post of 2012 and the first page of the last book in the Three Of A Kind Series, Full House.

First Page of Full House

Chapter One

Trev Greenfield pocketed his mobile phone and swallowed back his agitation. Still no message. Shit. Tonight, more than ever before, he wanted his phone to beep.

He set the box of poker chips and cards on the table and turned to put out glasses and drinks.

Beer? Check.

Wine? Check.

Vodka coolers—

The lights above him flickered and died, cloaking him in darkness.

Well, just freaking perfect. Poker in less than an hour, and no lights. No text message, either, but hey, who's keeping track?

"Trev?" a feminine voice called from the other side of the house. "The power's gone again."

He laughed softly. As if he needed the heads-up. Still, he couldn't get annoyed. Not when it was Grace Miles stating the obvious. It seemed anything that came out of his new housemate's mouth was welcome. So long as he could hear her voice, he was happy.

"How often does this happen in Sydney?" Grace yelled. "It's the third time in as many weeks."

"Not often at all," Trev called back and inched his way to the lounge room. "Almost never, in fact. Something must be wonky with the power supply to the neighborhood."

"Yeah? Well, I wish they'd fix it. I'm running late."

"You going out now?"

"Uh-huh. Got a date."

Lucky man. Trev wouldn't mind dating his gorgeous housemate. With her long blonde hair, unbelievable curves and breasts that begged to be touched, Grace was easy on the eyes. Very easy on the eyes indeed. Which surprised Trev, seeing as he usually didn't give women much of a second glance. Not that he had anything against them. No, not that at all. He'd had his fair share of women in the past, and he'd enjoyed them all heartily. Lately, however, his taste favored men.

—————-

Get ready for the first page of the first book in the Fire Series, Winter Fire, tomorrow.

Jess

First Page Peak – Raising the Stakes (And happy new year)

Raising The Stakes, Book 2 in the Three Of a Kind Series, is the only mfm menage in the series. It's also smokin' hot!

First Page of Raising The Stakes

Chapter One

Desmond Reed dumped his cards facedown on the table in front of him. He wished he were anywhere but here, with anyone but them. The five people seated around the table didn't worry him. It was the empty chair opposite that scraped at his soul, ripping out parts of his already frayed heart.

At the front door Alex Truman pulled Megan Loxley in close and kissed her until her eyelids fluttered shut and a tiny groan escaped her. Alex's muscled bulk eclipsed Meg's slim frame, but his size could not hide the heated response of her kiss or the way she leaned into him, molding her body to his, clutching his arms and kissing him right back. The flashes of her pink tongue sliding into Alex's mouth nearly undid Des.

Damn it, he should turn and stare out the window at the Sydney skyline, but he couldn't look away.

He swallowed hard against the desire and jealousy that fueled his blood. He refused, point-blank, to give in to his hunger. His dick could turn blue and fall off for all he cared. He was not going to utter one word to Meg on the matter. He wouldn't comment to Alex either. It had been his choice to stand on the sidelines and feed the unforeseen fire that had flared between the two of them. Too late now to cry like a baby and yank back his approval.

Still, the sight of the two of them together tied him up in knots. It made him wish to God he was the one in Meg's arms, but he couldn't—wouldn't—do a damn thing about it. His envy did not give him the right to act like a complete prick.

Even so, ill-placed resentment stirred in Des's chest, and common sense didn't stop his fingers from tightening into fists beneath the table.

It should have been him. His lips should have been touching hers. Not Alex's. She should be in his arms now, moaning softly into his mouth. Why had he woken up so late? What was his bloody problem? Why'd it have to take Meg's falling for his poker buddy to make Des see the light?

Megan should have been his. He should have gotten down on one knee and proposed years ago.

—————–

And yep, tomorrow you can read the first page of the final book in the series, Full House

Jess

By the way, since tonight is New Year's Eve here in Sydney…

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Hope you have a happy, healthy, prosperous 2012

First Page Peak – Going All In

So in Going All In, Book 1 in the Three Of A Kind Series, I once again tried something a little different. Some man on man action in a mmf menage. I think it worked out quite nicely.

First Page of Going All In

Chapter One

"I call, and I raise you twenty dollars." Julia Savage placed her bet. The evening was drawing to a close, and she figured she might as well take a bit of a chance before leaving Jay Baxter's flat.

Jay gave her a look that scorched all the way through to her toes. "Raising the stakes, are we?" He checked his cards and winked, stirring up every dirty fantasy she'd ever had about him—and she'd had her fair share. "Cool. I see your twenty."

Hunter Miles laid down his hand. Serious as ever, he shook his head, making his blond hair glisten like wheat under the lights. "Too rich for me. I fold."

Julia resisted the overwhelming urge to run her hand through his silky locks. She nodded at Hunter instead, making sure her expression was blank. "Okay, Jay. Deal the turn."

Jay burned a card then flipped one. Queen of Hearts.

This time Julia let a smile play on the corner of her mouth. Sometimes a little bluff went a long way in a game of poker. Real life, on the other hand, was a different story. "I bet another ten." She added more chips to the growing pile in the center of the table.

Jay grinned and matched her bet.

Her heart lurched. "River card?"

"At your command." Jay looked at her a second too long, then burned another card and showed her the river.

It took a moment to comprehend what the card was. Her brain couldn't compute much besides the men on either side of her. They left her mind reeling and her heart thumping.

Ten of Spades.

Hunter whistled, his lips pulling into a sexy pout, and Julia made sure her gaze stayed on the cards. No point in examining his delectable mouth now. She had to focus on her game.

Two tens, a queen, a jack and a nine lay on the table.

Julia narrowed her eyes then opened them wide. She held a lousy Three of Hearts and Six of Diamonds. In other words—nothing. "Thirty dollars."

——————-

Tomorrow, book two in the series, Raising The Stakes.

Jess

First Page Peak – A Question Of Love

How could I not have followed up A Question Of Trust with A Question Of Love? It was crying out for a sequel:

First Page of A Question Of Love

Chapter One

"Regular long black?"

Gabe Carter turned to the counter to accept his take-away coffee. As he did so, movement across the coffee shop caught his eye. A man stood, leaned over and brushed his mouth against that of a woman still sitting at the table. Their lips met, held, held some more and then some more.

She pulled away. The man waved and walked out of the coffee shop. The woman slumped back in her seat.

Gabe stared, stunned all the way down to his toes. His heart beat uneasily against his ribs. Goddamn. It couldn't be.

Could it?

'Course it could. Made sense too. The coffee shop on the corner. The same one where she and he and Connor Regan, his closest mate, had always hung out, every Sunday morning like clockwork. Wasn't that the reason he'd come here? Not for the coffee but for the memories? For the hope, the slight hope that maybe, just maybe, she would be here?

She hadn't been home, and the voice message on her mobile phone had informed him the number had been disconnected. Visiting the café had been a last desperate attempt to find her. Frustration needled his gut. Why had it taken him so long to come to his senses? Why the fuck hadn't he acted four years ago, when he'd realized just how deep his feelings ran for Tina Jenkins? He wouldn't have needed to track her down now.

Gabe shook his head to clear it. That didn't matter anymore. She was here. With a man, no less. Fuck. Was it the same man?

She hadn't changed, although her blonde hair was short now, cut in pixie-like wisps to frame her delicate face. She wrinkled her nose as she stared at her cup. Her almond-shaped eyes narrowed, and her mouth drooped in a despondent pout. A sexy despondent pout.

Arrows of apprehension struck his spine. Now what? He'd come searching for her, and he'd found her. Kissing someone. Did he do what instinct dictated? Stride towards her, kicking chairs out of his path, and haul her up in his arms? Carry her out of this place like a barbarian intent on claiming his woman? Prove that no other man was good enough for her?

——————-

And tomorrow? The first page of the first book the three book series, Three Of A Kind.

Jess