Maya Blake's Blog, page 4
December 21, 2012
Cover Love & Excerpt!
I've had my latest cover for a while but I was buried in revisions so...anyway...here's the US cover for my next Harlequin Modern Presents, The Sinful Art of Revenge. I LOOOOOVE IT!
It shows my heroine's Japanese heritage perfectly, right down to her favourite cherry blossom tree and red dress! Here's the picture that inspired me to write, Reiko, my heroine. Isn't she gorgeous?!
And here's an (unrevised) excerpt from The Sinful Art of Revenge for your delectation!
His eyes narrowed. “You knew I was looking for you?”
Reiko forced a smile despite the fresh wave of anxiety that coursed through her. “Of course. It’s been fun watching your security experts’ antics. They even came close a few times, Honduras especially—”
“You think this is a game?”
Her heart clenched. “I have no idea what this is. The sooner you enlighten me, the sooner you can get out of my life.”
He seemed lost for several seconds, his gaze lightening, then darkening as it scoured her face. Finally his lips firmed, as if wanting to stem what he was about to say.
“I need you.”
Reiko stared blankly; tried very hard not to swallow, sure he’d see her unease in that simple act. But it was hard not to. “You…need…me.”
In all the feverish scenarios she’d enacted, this hadn’t come even close. After all, what could Damion Fortier possibly want with her, after using and discarding her like a piece of garbage?
His grip altered, and the slide of his palm against hers sent another pulse of heat up her arm. Reiko glanced down at their entwined hands and felt a knot tighten in her belly. This hadn’t been such a bright idea after all. Rather than throw him off guard, she felt at the disadvantage.
“Let me rephrase that. I need your expertise.”
That was more like it. “Careful, Baron, your sneer isn’t exactly endearing. It’s taken you weeks to find me. The least you can do is be…civil. Otherwise next time I may not be so easy to find.”
It shows my heroine's Japanese heritage perfectly, right down to her favourite cherry blossom tree and red dress! Here's the picture that inspired me to write, Reiko, my heroine. Isn't she gorgeous?!
And here's an (unrevised) excerpt from The Sinful Art of Revenge for your delectation!
His eyes narrowed. “You knew I was looking for you?”
Reiko forced a smile despite the fresh wave of anxiety that coursed through her. “Of course. It’s been fun watching your security experts’ antics. They even came close a few times, Honduras especially—”
“You think this is a game?”
Her heart clenched. “I have no idea what this is. The sooner you enlighten me, the sooner you can get out of my life.”
He seemed lost for several seconds, his gaze lightening, then darkening as it scoured her face. Finally his lips firmed, as if wanting to stem what he was about to say.
“I need you.”
Reiko stared blankly; tried very hard not to swallow, sure he’d see her unease in that simple act. But it was hard not to. “You…need…me.”
In all the feverish scenarios she’d enacted, this hadn’t come even close. After all, what could Damion Fortier possibly want with her, after using and discarding her like a piece of garbage?
His grip altered, and the slide of his palm against hers sent another pulse of heat up her arm. Reiko glanced down at their entwined hands and felt a knot tighten in her belly. This hadn’t been such a bright idea after all. Rather than throw him off guard, she felt at the disadvantage.
“Let me rephrase that. I need your expertise.”
That was more like it. “Careful, Baron, your sneer isn’t exactly endearing. It’s taken you weeks to find me. The least you can do is be…civil. Otherwise next time I may not be so easy to find.”
December 3, 2012
Excerpt Time!!
To celebrate the UK retail release and worldwide e-book release of The Price of Success, I give you an exerpt from the book!
“I regret a lot that’s happened in the past twenty-four hours, not least of them watching my brother mangle himself and his car on the racetrack because he believed himself to be heartbroken. One more thing doesn’t make a difference.”
“Your emotions are overwhelming you right now. All I’m saying is don’t let it overrule your better judgement.”
A cold smile lifted one corner of his mouth. “My emotions? I didn’t know you side-practiced as the team’s psychologist. I thought you rode down with me to beg for your job back, not to practise the elevator pitch version of pop psychology. You had me as your captive audience for a full thirty seconds. Shame you chose to waste it.”
“Mock me all you want. It doesn’t change the fact that right now you’re acting like…” She bit her lip, common sense momentarily overriding her anger.
“Go on,” he encouraged softly. Tauntingly. “Acting like what?”
She shrugged. “Like…well, like an ass.”
His eyes narrowed until they were mere icy slits. “Excuse me?”
“Sorry. You asked.”
Anger flared in his eyes, radiated off his body. Sasha held her breath, readying herself for the explosion about to rain on her head. Instead he gave a grim smile. “I’ve been called worse.” He nodded to his bodyguard, who took a step towards them. “Romano will escort you off the premises. Be warned - my very generous donation to this hospital is contingent on you being arrested if you set foot anywhere near my brother. I’m sure the Administrator would relish that challenge.”
Despair rose to mingle with her anger. “You can’t do this. If you don’t listen to me, I’ll…I’ll talk to the press again. I’ll spill everything!”
“Ah, I’m glad to finally meet the real you, Miss Fleming.”
“Ten minutes. That’s all I want. Let me convince you to keep me on.”
“Trust me, blackmail isn’t a great place to start.”
She bit her lip. “That was just a bluff. I won’t talk to the press. But I do want to drive for you. And I’m the best mid-season replacement you’ll find for Rafael.”
“You do place a high premium on yourself, don’t you?”
Unflinching, she nodded. “Yes, I do. And I can back it up. Just let me prove it.”
His gaze narrowed on her face, then conducted a lazy sweep over her body. Suddenly, the clothes that had served as perfect camouflage against the intrusive press felt inadequate, exposing. Beneath the thin material of her T-shirt, her heart hammered, her skin tingling with an alien awareness that made her muscles tense.
As a female racer driver in a predominantly male sport, she was used to being the cynosure of male eyes. There were those who searched for signs of failure as a driver, ready to use any shortcomings against her. Then there were the predators who searched for weaknesses simply because she was a woman and therefore deemed incapable. The most vicious lot were those who bided their time, ready to rip her apart because she was Jack Fleming’s daughter. Those were the ones she feared the most. And the ones she’d sworn to prove wrong.
Marco de Cervantes’s gaze held an intensity that combined all of those qualities, multiplied by a thousand. And then there was something else.
Something that made her breath grow shallow in her lungs. Made her palms clammy and the hairs bristle on her nape.
Recalling the sheer intensity of the look he’d directed into the camera earlier, her heartbeat accelerated.
“Get in the car,” he bit out, his tone bone-chilling.
To everyone who's bought the book so far, thank you much!
“I regret a lot that’s happened in the past twenty-four hours, not least of them watching my brother mangle himself and his car on the racetrack because he believed himself to be heartbroken. One more thing doesn’t make a difference.”
“Your emotions are overwhelming you right now. All I’m saying is don’t let it overrule your better judgement.”
A cold smile lifted one corner of his mouth. “My emotions? I didn’t know you side-practiced as the team’s psychologist. I thought you rode down with me to beg for your job back, not to practise the elevator pitch version of pop psychology. You had me as your captive audience for a full thirty seconds. Shame you chose to waste it.”
“Mock me all you want. It doesn’t change the fact that right now you’re acting like…” She bit her lip, common sense momentarily overriding her anger.
“Go on,” he encouraged softly. Tauntingly. “Acting like what?”
She shrugged. “Like…well, like an ass.”
His eyes narrowed until they were mere icy slits. “Excuse me?”
“Sorry. You asked.”
Anger flared in his eyes, radiated off his body. Sasha held her breath, readying herself for the explosion about to rain on her head. Instead he gave a grim smile. “I’ve been called worse.” He nodded to his bodyguard, who took a step towards them. “Romano will escort you off the premises. Be warned - my very generous donation to this hospital is contingent on you being arrested if you set foot anywhere near my brother. I’m sure the Administrator would relish that challenge.”
Despair rose to mingle with her anger. “You can’t do this. If you don’t listen to me, I’ll…I’ll talk to the press again. I’ll spill everything!”
“Ah, I’m glad to finally meet the real you, Miss Fleming.”
“Ten minutes. That’s all I want. Let me convince you to keep me on.”
“Trust me, blackmail isn’t a great place to start.”
She bit her lip. “That was just a bluff. I won’t talk to the press. But I do want to drive for you. And I’m the best mid-season replacement you’ll find for Rafael.”
“You do place a high premium on yourself, don’t you?”
Unflinching, she nodded. “Yes, I do. And I can back it up. Just let me prove it.”
His gaze narrowed on her face, then conducted a lazy sweep over her body. Suddenly, the clothes that had served as perfect camouflage against the intrusive press felt inadequate, exposing. Beneath the thin material of her T-shirt, her heart hammered, her skin tingling with an alien awareness that made her muscles tense.
As a female racer driver in a predominantly male sport, she was used to being the cynosure of male eyes. There were those who searched for signs of failure as a driver, ready to use any shortcomings against her. Then there were the predators who searched for weaknesses simply because she was a woman and therefore deemed incapable. The most vicious lot were those who bided their time, ready to rip her apart because she was Jack Fleming’s daughter. Those were the ones she feared the most. And the ones she’d sworn to prove wrong.
Marco de Cervantes’s gaze held an intensity that combined all of those qualities, multiplied by a thousand. And then there was something else.
Something that made her breath grow shallow in her lungs. Made her palms clammy and the hairs bristle on her nape.
Recalling the sheer intensity of the look he’d directed into the camera earlier, her heartbeat accelerated.
“Get in the car,” he bit out, his tone bone-chilling.
To everyone who's bought the book so far, thank you much!
November 28, 2012
Out & About
Hey lovely blog readers,
In the run up to the Official official release date for The Price of Success in two days (yayyyy!), I'm out and about in a few places on the interwebz!
Caribbean Accent Book Reviews:
http://caribbeanaccentbookreviews.wordpress.com/2012/11/25/beyond-the-page-giveaway-the-price-of-success-by-maya-blake/
Remember to enter the rafflecopter here - http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e08a0b11/ to win a copy of The Price of Success.
I'm also telling my Call Story over on The Pink Heart Society. Please stop by and say hello!
http://pinkheartsociety.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/call-story-harlequin-presents-author.html
Finally, my lovely CP is also doing a giveaway on her blog.
http://suzanne-sj.blogspot.co.uk/
Please pop by and say hello and enter the giveaways!! Everyone loves a freebie, right?
Maya x
In the run up to the Official official release date for The Price of Success in two days (yayyyy!), I'm out and about in a few places on the interwebz!
Caribbean Accent Book Reviews:
http://caribbeanaccentbookreviews.wordpress.com/2012/11/25/beyond-the-page-giveaway-the-price-of-success-by-maya-blake/
Remember to enter the rafflecopter here - http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e08a0b11/ to win a copy of The Price of Success.
I'm also telling my Call Story over on The Pink Heart Society. Please stop by and say hello!
http://pinkheartsociety.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/call-story-harlequin-presents-author.html
Finally, my lovely CP is also doing a giveaway on her blog.
http://suzanne-sj.blogspot.co.uk/
Please pop by and say hello and enter the giveaways!! Everyone loves a freebie, right?
Maya x
November 21, 2012
Reviews & A New Release Date
You know the "saying" – you wait for ages for a bus and then two come at once? Heh, guess what happened to me yesterday? No, sadly, all the buses I needed yesterday didn't turn up but that's another rant for another day…or for Twitter.
BUT what turned up were a plethora, yes, a PLETHORA of reviews for The Price of Success. And best of all, they didn't suck! No one wants to throw eggs at my head! In fact, readers seem to like Sasha and Marco's story! Yayyy!
" I really got into the two characters of this book. I thought it was amazing that the heroine was a racing car driver which in itself made her an exciting character that you wanted to read more about. Likewise, you could really sense the strength and the vulnerability of the hero which I credit fully to the author. Ms Blake wrote this book so well that you really felt all the emotions of the characters and the tension between them.
10/10 " (ritat)
" I really liked the story .Maya Blake is the most promising M&B new author ! Can't wait to read her next book !" - (Erika Mendes)
" This is my first Maya Blake book and I was quite happy with it. Both characters are handled well however, I would have liked to hear more of what Rafael had to say in first person, being the main reason for the both the characters to meet in the first place and it seems who was instrumental after all in getting us to the final scene! 4 stars !" - (Sarina Thottathil)
" This was a promising debut novel although I had some conflicting views.
I'm not altogether sure that a female racing driver as the heroine will have mass appeal.
The characters were likeable although Marco became rather irritating in the latter part of the book which was more or less just a sex-fest and didn't really progress the story.
Without divulging anything, parts of the plot I didn't like and it was disappointing that there was no resolution regarding the behaviour of Sasha's ex-lover.
However, I particularly liked the style in which the book was written with continuing tension and good dialogue.
Overall I think this author shows good promise and I would look forward to the next novel.
Eight out of ten " - (rubcale)
" I really enjoyed reading this book and found it refreshing !! " - (Cammy Jones)
And this morning, my lovely CP sent me a link to yet another one from Goodreads. I think this is one is the best yet:
This novel was heartfelt, snarky and wonderful. I loved both hero and heroine, they had both been through similar tragedies and became better for them. The hero and heroine bounced sparks, passion and flame off one another and the ending was beautifully written as well . – Tia-Marie
The next bit of news is that my release date has been brought forward from 7 December to 1 December, which means The Price of Success will be in a bricks and mortar retailer near UK readers earlier than expected. I've been told it fits perfectly into a Christmas stocking. *wink wink*
BUT what turned up were a plethora, yes, a PLETHORA of reviews for The Price of Success. And best of all, they didn't suck! No one wants to throw eggs at my head! In fact, readers seem to like Sasha and Marco's story! Yayyy!
" I really got into the two characters of this book. I thought it was amazing that the heroine was a racing car driver which in itself made her an exciting character that you wanted to read more about. Likewise, you could really sense the strength and the vulnerability of the hero which I credit fully to the author. Ms Blake wrote this book so well that you really felt all the emotions of the characters and the tension between them.
10/10 " (ritat)
" I really liked the story .Maya Blake is the most promising M&B new author ! Can't wait to read her next book !" - (Erika Mendes)
" This is my first Maya Blake book and I was quite happy with it. Both characters are handled well however, I would have liked to hear more of what Rafael had to say in first person, being the main reason for the both the characters to meet in the first place and it seems who was instrumental after all in getting us to the final scene! 4 stars !" - (Sarina Thottathil)
" This was a promising debut novel although I had some conflicting views.
I'm not altogether sure that a female racing driver as the heroine will have mass appeal.
The characters were likeable although Marco became rather irritating in the latter part of the book which was more or less just a sex-fest and didn't really progress the story.
Without divulging anything, parts of the plot I didn't like and it was disappointing that there was no resolution regarding the behaviour of Sasha's ex-lover.
However, I particularly liked the style in which the book was written with continuing tension and good dialogue.
Overall I think this author shows good promise and I would look forward to the next novel.
Eight out of ten " - (rubcale)
" I really enjoyed reading this book and found it refreshing !! " - (Cammy Jones)
And this morning, my lovely CP sent me a link to yet another one from Goodreads. I think this is one is the best yet:
This novel was heartfelt, snarky and wonderful. I loved both hero and heroine, they had both been through similar tragedies and became better for them. The hero and heroine bounced sparks, passion and flame off one another and the ending was beautifully written as well . – Tia-Marie
The next bit of news is that my release date has been brought forward from 7 December to 1 December, which means The Price of Success will be in a bricks and mortar retailer near UK readers earlier than expected. I've been told it fits perfectly into a Christmas stocking. *wink wink*
November 7, 2012
It's raining Man...and Woman!
Now that I've stumbled blurry-eyed from subbing Book 3 to my editor (cue Hallelujah Chorus), I thought it was time to do something I haven't done for a while...
Post some pictures of man...and woman candy!!!
Basically, I was searching for the perfect couple for a future book and for some reason, the utterly gorgeous Joss Stone kept cropping up in my mind's eye.
She's cheeky, super-talented (that voice!!!) and has a fire in her belly. She also has that wild child streak that appeals to me.
And then there's Bradley Cooper!
Nuff said, right?
A have a few more books to write before I can even begin to plot a story for these two, but I don't complain when the muse strikes with ideas and even if it's just pictures of two characters, I've learned to listen and just go with the flow. So...what do you think?
Post some pictures of man...and woman candy!!!
Basically, I was searching for the perfect couple for a future book and for some reason, the utterly gorgeous Joss Stone kept cropping up in my mind's eye.
She's cheeky, super-talented (that voice!!!) and has a fire in her belly. She also has that wild child streak that appeals to me.
And then there's Bradley Cooper!
Nuff said, right?A have a few more books to write before I can even begin to plot a story for these two, but I don't complain when the muse strikes with ideas and even if it's just pictures of two characters, I've learned to listen and just go with the flow. So...what do you think?
November 1, 2012
Surprise!!! It's Release Day!
Ok, I must admit, I've been caught with my pants down...luckily only figuratively because that would be...
Anyway, my lovely CP squeed at me on Twitter last night when she saw my Harlequin Presents Debut on the Mills & Boon website!
I could hardly sleep after checking it out. I'd been given the release date as December but I've found out that The Price of Success is actually up on the site a WHOLE MONTH EARLY!
So, yes folks, my book is officially out in the world. You can buy it here today, or on Amazon and other online outlets or UK retail stores and wide release date on 7 December!
Or you can click on the "browse" thingy below and just...browse!
I'm just going to stare at the cover again and SQUEEEE!
Anyway, my lovely CP squeed at me on Twitter last night when she saw my Harlequin Presents Debut on the Mills & Boon website!
I could hardly sleep after checking it out. I'd been given the release date as December but I've found out that The Price of Success is actually up on the site a WHOLE MONTH EARLY!
So, yes folks, my book is officially out in the world. You can buy it here today, or on Amazon and other online outlets or UK retail stores and wide release date on 7 December!
Or you can click on the "browse" thingy below and just...browse!
I'm just going to stare at the cover again and SQUEEEE!
October 22, 2012
Loving Mr Fedex!!!
Yep, it's me again, professing love for someone other than my husband. Shocker! But I seriously dare you not to fall a little bit in love with the guy who brings you your VERY FIRST (HARLEQUIN) AUTHOR BOOKS!
My editor had told me I wouldn’t get them until the end of the month, so having them arrive early was an extra special lovely surprise. Then came the teary moment – my words…in print...within a cover that bears that iconic rose that signifies Mills & Boon…WITH MY NAME ON IT!!! Wow…just…wow.
I get overwhelmed just looking at and touching them. I have a feeling I shall remain this way for a while so please bear with me, lol.
Annnnnd here's the blurb....
I even got HARDBACK copies...wheeeee!
My editor had told me I wouldn’t get them until the end of the month, so having them arrive early was an extra special lovely surprise. Then came the teary moment – my words…in print...within a cover that bears that iconic rose that signifies Mills & Boon…WITH MY NAME ON IT!!! Wow…just…wow. I get overwhelmed just looking at and touching them. I have a feeling I shall remain this way for a while so please bear with me, lol.
Annnnnd here's the blurb....
I even got HARDBACK copies...wheeeee!
October 8, 2012
Hanging Tight
Ok my lovely blogger friends, I gotta tell ya...last week was HAAAARRRRD!
And seriously, I have no idea how it got so completely out of hand. Granted, the day job was a huge contributory factor. Which is weird because normally, I can do my job with one hand tied behind my back and I get on famously with my colleagues. But last week, it seemed nothing...NOTHING was prepared to go according to plan.
The littlest thing got to me and I saw myself sliding slowly into melt-down mode. I tried reading...watching my favourite shows...I tried shopping and even that gave me (gasp) nothing. My poor DH got the brunt of my insane twilight funk and by the end of the week, despite my sorry mood, I felt sorry for him.
By Friday, I was a total wreck. The advice I got through it all was...hang in there, things aren't as bad as you think they are. And you know what? They were right.
Tis always darkest before dawn. Some wise person said that and I need to remember this going forward. I also learned some truths about myself and others (which is almost always a delight, right? Umm, maybe...). Anyway, here are some of them:-
1) I'm not as patient as I thought I was, and I need to remedy that, STAT!
2) Despite thinking I've grown a thicker skin, I've still got soft patches that when prodded, stings like hell!
3) There will ALWAYS be someone who'll prop you up when you're down. You just need to ask!
4) My DH deserves sainthood...or an iPhone 5 for his birthday next month. I know which one he'd prefer, lol.
5) I'm determined this week will be better because...
Have a great week everyone :)
And seriously, I have no idea how it got so completely out of hand. Granted, the day job was a huge contributory factor. Which is weird because normally, I can do my job with one hand tied behind my back and I get on famously with my colleagues. But last week, it seemed nothing...NOTHING was prepared to go according to plan.
The littlest thing got to me and I saw myself sliding slowly into melt-down mode. I tried reading...watching my favourite shows...I tried shopping and even that gave me (gasp) nothing. My poor DH got the brunt of my insane twilight funk and by the end of the week, despite my sorry mood, I felt sorry for him.
By Friday, I was a total wreck. The advice I got through it all was...hang in there, things aren't as bad as you think they are. And you know what? They were right.
Tis always darkest before dawn. Some wise person said that and I need to remember this going forward. I also learned some truths about myself and others (which is almost always a delight, right? Umm, maybe...). Anyway, here are some of them:-
1) I'm not as patient as I thought I was, and I need to remedy that, STAT!
2) Despite thinking I've grown a thicker skin, I've still got soft patches that when prodded, stings like hell!
3) There will ALWAYS be someone who'll prop you up when you're down. You just need to ask!
4) My DH deserves sainthood...or an iPhone 5 for his birthday next month. I know which one he'd prefer, lol.
5) I'm determined this week will be better because...
Have a great week everyone :)
