Kayla Jameth's Blog, page 11

Best Historical Romance of 2012 - Honorable Mention

The polls are in! And Alexios' Fate received an honorable mention in the Love Romances Cafe's Best Historical Romance of 2012!

I can't begin to say how pleased I was to find Alexios' Fate had been nominated out of the hundreds of possible titles. Since it is my debut novel, I never expected Alexios' Fate to be nominated for anything. I truly expected to have to earn my stripes as an author first. Then maybe once I had a following, someone would nominate me for something.

But Alexios surprised me and earned an honorable mention.

Thank you to Dawn of Love Romances Cafe for all her hard work hosting the awards. Thank you to everyone who read and voted for Alexios' Fate. You have really made my day!

Getting to Know Me

Last week, I took a little "Getting to know you" questionnaire over at LRC. I don't think many people read it, but it occurred to me that my friends and fans might be interested in my replies. So here it is.

Tell us about your favorite character from your books.
What if I'm a good mother and like them all?
* Galen from Alexios' Fate is a real sweetie. He's put up with so much and is now trying to come to terms with his freedom.
* Cinder in From the Ashes is another sweet guy, but he's coming into his own as a young man.
* Andreas from A Spartan Love is a lonely young man, learning to trust.There lovers are princes and/or warriors.
I guess that means I root for the underdogs.

Tell us about your current release.
My current release is From the Ashes. It is a Cinderfella, an m/m Cinderella, set in 16th century France.
Blurb: Cinder never thought that he could rise from the ashes of his life, but an unexpected encounter with a woman claiming to be his fairy godmother may be just what he needs. Finding himself flung into his very own fairy tale, she sends him off to meet his Prince Charming. But was the gown really necessary?

When in the day/night do you write? How long per day?
I do most of my writing during the week after the kids have gone to bed. One the weekends, I write in the morning while the kids play games. I would say I write anywhere from one to five hours, depending on the day and if the muse is talking to me.

What is the hardest part of writing your books?
Finding the time to do it. I have some of my best ideas while I'm driving to and from work, but I can't stop and get it down on paper. Then I get home and while I have the ideas, the really good words have already disappeared. :(

What does your family think of your writing career?
They don't really know about it.

What do you think makes a good story?
Engaging characters are a must. If I don't like the characters, I find it hard to keep pushing on. But I think my pet peeve is when the logic is lacking or the information is just plain wrong. Research, people! I love research.

Plotter or Pantser? Why?
Pantser. I have the basic idea, and some times it's really basic, and then I let my characters tell their stories. My best stuff happens when one of my character takes the bit in their teeth and runs with it.

How do you develop your plots and your characters? Do you use any set formula?
I get the basic idea and then while I'm driving to work, I do my best to make it both logical and plausible. It's kind of like solving a puzzle. How do I get from point A to point B?

What book are you reading now? Any favorite authors/books you want to do a shout out for?
I'm not reading anything right at this moment. Maybe later today, I'll start a new book, if I get my writing and other chores done first.
I did recently beta read two wonderful stories: Leather+Lace by AB Gayle and Easy Ryder by Deanna Wadsworth. You will want to get your hands on both once they are released.

What do you do to unwind and relax?
Cuddle up in my recliner with a blanket and a good book. Frequently, I also have a child in my lap. Good times!

Do you have any suggestions for beginning writers? If so, what are they?
If you enjoy writing, write for fun. Don't get discouraged. It's also a good idea to start at one of the fanfiction sites to hone your skills. Write about something you enjoy.

What hobbies do you actively pursue?
Cross-stitch and writing.

Morning Person? Or Night Person?
Morning person. I pop right out of bed, often before the alarm goes off.

Coffee, tea or other drink to get you moving in the morning?
I post photos of hotties labeled "Morning cup of Joe" and "Double espresso", but I despise coffee! I rarely drink anything first thing in the morning. I do like a cup of tea when it's cold out. Doesn't happen too often in Houston, TX.

It's a new year so do you do resolutions or goals for the upcoming year?
I've got a few WIPs going right now. I intend to get at least half of them published. The Apollo's Men series first and anything after that is a bonus.

What is coming up from you in 2013? Anything you want to tease us with?
* I have an Alexios/Galen (Alexios' Fate 1.5) short story entitled 496 BC coming out in an anthology.
* I am also working on the continuation of Alexios and Galen's story, as well as another novel in the series called A Spartan Love.
* The first section of A Spartan Love I am calling Taming Theron, in which our young hero Andreas learns that food is indeed the way to a man's heart.

Best Historical Romance?

Alexios' story takes place in Iron Age Thrace (eastern Greece) during the early years of the fifth century BC. To give you some idea of the time frame,Thermopylae and the 300 won't take place for nearly another two decades.

Alexios' world is exactly as he thinks it to be (eg the immortals and all their lesser brethren exist).
Prince Alexios of Dicaea, at 18 years old, has just come-of-age. His father expects him to make a marriage alliance at an age when he should be choosing a mentor instead. Greek men at that point in history didn't typically marry until they were in their 30s. Needless to say, he is rather put out about this.
King Lykos is one of the kings invited to Alexios' coming-of-age celebration as a possible father-in-law/mentor. Lykos is a mature bear of a man with confidence in spades, exactly the kind of man a youth would chose to be his mentor. He is in his late 30s, powerfully built with body hair and a beard. He and Alexios hit it off right from the start, much to Alexios' father's disgust.
Interrupted before they can pursue their attraction, Alexios finds himself alone with his slave Galen. He's never really considered Galen in a sexual light, but he's all hot and bothered from being hit on by Lykos. So he takes a closer look at the slightly older man whom he has known since childhood and decides to experiment.
Thus begins the romance between the two young men, but not without some rocky patches along the way as Alexios explores his sexuality and attraction to both Galen and King Lykos.
Blurb: The mature King Lykos has a sexy confidence that turns Alexios' head.Seduced by Lykos, Prince Alexios discovers a world of men he's never known before.
Meanwhile his slave Galen has gotten tired of waiting in the wings. He sets out to woo Alexios and win his heart.
Even Apollo can't leave Alexios alone. The young prince finds himself pursued by a god and in danger of a perilous love.
How will Alexios follow his heart when he unwittingly wins the favor of a god?Can Alexios escape the fate of Apollo's past lovers and have the man he wants?

Excerpt: After seeing to the fiery steed, he paused to give his own colt some of the fragrant grass and scratch his ears. The shift in his colt's ears alerted Alexios to the presence of someone else in the stable. With a final pat on the withers  he turned toward the intruder, pleased to find Lykos.

Lykos descended on him with fire in his eyes. A shiver raced through his body as Alexios realized he wanted whatever the older man had in mind. Once more his cock stirred to life as Lykos swept toward him like a wave before the storm.
"Ah, there you are. I wondered if I would still find you here. It took me longer to get away from the others than I would have liked."
"You followed me?"
"I asked your brother where you had gone."
He crashed down upon Alexios and bore him back against the side of the stall.The king slipped both hands under Alexios' tunic, grabbed his ass, and tugged their groins together. Alexios thrust against Lykos almost before he could get his hands on the hips surging against him like the tide.
"I knew you wanted me. I watched you get hard on the deck of my ship."
"Maybe that was just the excitement of being on a warship, naked in front of the whole crew."
Lykos threw back his head and laughed, startling several of the drowsy horses."We shall see about that!"
Blunt fingers massaged and parted the hillocks of Alexios' ass before one probed his hidden valley. Like the advance scout of a conquering king, the digit explored him with a thoroughness that caught him unaware and left him breathless  When Lykos' finger passed over his opening, the tip pressed lightly.His blood thundered in his ears so loud he almost didn't hear the groan that ripped from his throat.
"Like that, do you?" Wine scented breath played along his neck. "I'll show you other things you will like even more," the dark voice promised more of the world of men Alexios had just discovered.
Alexios allowed himself to be turned until he faced the wall. Cool air washed over his lower body as Lykos eased his tunic up to his waist. Something hot and hard slid between his nether cheeks, rubbing up and down his crack. When the head pushed against his hole, he leaned back. He wanted more, but had no idea how to go about getting what his body craved.
A deep chuckle vibrated against his back. "Easy. There will be plenty of time for that. But for now we'll take it slow."
The older man thrust up his cleft a few more times. Lykos shifted and his cock slipped under Alexios' ass to rub on the sensitive skin behind his sac. He pulled Alexios' hips back against his groin until the head of his cock mashed against Alexios' balls. With a groan, Alexios placed his crossed forearms on the wall and rested his head on them, pushing his hips back into Lykos' solid body.
Alexios smiled at the sudden hitch in the older man's breathing. Maybe the control didn't rest solely in Lykos' hands.
"You want me, Prince? I'll give you all you can handle."
"I think you want me too."
"I'll show you what I want you for!"
Hard hands drifted over his hips and thighs, stroking the skin and making his body tingle. He pushed back against the strong body holding him, shoving the head of Lykos' cock into his balls again. Twin moans entwined in the dark air.
"Squeeze your legs together tightly." The sexy rumble commanded instant obedience and a thrill shot down Alexios' spine.
Girls had never had half this effect on him when he fucked them. Why were men so much more arousing? Did he enjoy the take-charge attitude of the man holding him? Did he prefer hard bodies and firm hands over feminine softness? The answer to his questions rose ever-proud before him. Precum leaked down his length and pooled in the dark hairs at the shaft's base.
One hand grasped his hip and held him steady as Lykos drove his engorged cock between Alexios' thighs. The other hand wrapped around Alexios' damp cock,gliding up his shaft to squeeze the head with a gentleness unexpected in hands used to the sword. The firm grip slid back down to the base, the moist friction heaven on Alexios' skin.
His panting breaths matched the gasps of the older man as he thrust with growing fervor into the king's hand. Lykos let him set the pace. He stood while Alexios'hips snapped forward into his hand then drew back against him, rubbing the man'shard cock over the sensitive skin and into his balls.
"Come for me, erômenos."
With an inarticulate cry, Alexios pulsed out string after string of pearly cum.Dazed by his release, he wondered how much cum a man could spend in one day before he ran dry. When the last spasm left him weak, he slumped back against Lykos.
Muscled arms encircled his waist and kept him upright as the older man plunged between his legs with increasing urgency. His balls swung back and forth under the onslaught. Lykos surged forward and buried the entire length of his cock within the sheath of Alexios' sweat slicked skin. Hot cum bathed his balls as the man holding him twitched his hips forward in a series of shallow thrusts.
Lykos' weight on his back bore them both down against the wall, pinning Alexios beneath the king's larger, heavier frame. Content to be held in place while their harsh breathing slowed, Alexios marveled at the speed at which he had yielded to the man.
"You called me 'erômenos.' I'm not your beloved. You aren't my mentor yet."
Lykos nuzzled the back of his neck and nibbled on his ear. "Is there any doubt?Theocritus enjoys bringing a youth to heel. Andronikos doesn't have the taste for taking an erômenos. Philon is too old and his daughters already wed."
After their breathing slowed, the king stirred. Lykos stepped away from him,allowing his tunic to drop back down into place. Alexios' cum covered cock and balls grew clammy. He reeked of sex. He hoped his father and the other kings would think he had indulged with one of the slave girls. His standing with his father, not to mention his father's plans to acquire an advantageous alliance,would suffer if any of the other kings discovered what he had just done. He resolved to garner an alliance with the man who had just shown him a world he wanted to become part of.
"I believe you are competing in three days. When I see you there, naked before everyone, I'll remember that you wore my seed."
Alexios endeavored to settle his tunic to hide the evidence of what they had just done. The cum on his cock and balls made the cloth cling suggestively to him. He searched in vain for something to wipe the thick fluid off. After noticing the amusement on Lykos' face, he settled for washing with some of the water from the large collecting tank. He might not be wearing the man's seed anymore, but the smell clung to him and his clothing.
"Now, my young prince, return to your father's house. I will remain here a little longer."
Lykos aimed a playful swat at Alexios' ass as he left the stable.

If you enjoyed Alexios' Fate, please drop by the LRC's Best of Polls and vote.

Nominee for LRC's Best Historical Romance of 2012

Alexios' Fate has been nominated for Love Romances Cafe's Best Historical Romance of 2012!

Voting begins January 10th and continues until the 19th.

Early Reviews for From the Ashes

I am flattered and extremely gratified at how fast From the Ashes is garnering reviews. And such wonderful reviews at that.

Five out of Five Stars on January 4th
"This is a sweet twist on the well known fairytale. This isn't a story about escaping from rags to riches. I thought the author pulled off a clever twist in the way she solved the HEA aspect." - AB Gayle at  Goodreads

Five out of Five Stars on January 5th
"Beautifully written and very imaginative. A must read for anyone into retelling of fairy tales, M/M Romances or good tales, in general." - Christopher Hammel at  Goodreads

Four out of Five Stars on January 6th
"Ms Jameth did a wonderful job turning this classic fairy tale into its gay counterpart.The HEA was perfectly worked out for this well crafted short story." - Don Bradshaw at  Hearts on Fire Reviews

From the Ashes is also a silver star, number 1 best seller, and number 6 overall on ARe's Historical Medieval Romance category.

Thank you to everyone who has purchased a copy and especially those who are taking the time to write a review or even just give it a rating. You are making my day!

Release Day - From the Ashes

Today is the day I've been waiting for, my chance to introduce Cinder and his prince to the world. Or at least the m/m romance reading world.


Come with me as I transport you to 16th century France. A time when fairy godmothers were real and a boy could hope for his very own happily ever after.

From the Ashes is now available from Breathless Press.

From the Ashes Blog Tour

Tomorrow kicks off my From the Ashes promo blog tour. I am currently scheduled to appear on a dozen blogs. There will be interviews, book spotlights, and giveaways in preparation for the January 4th release of From the Ashes. Be sure and drop by to comment for a chance to win.

From the Ashes is a Cinderfella (m/m retelling of the classic Cinderella story--boy meets prince) set in 16th century France.

Blurb:
Cinder never thought that he could rise from the ashes of his life, but an unexpected encounter with a woman claiming to be his fairy godmother may be just what he needs. Finding himself flung into his very own fairy tale, she sends him off to to meet his Prince Charming. But was the gown really necessary?


When, where, why, and how:
December 14: Amara's Place
     The source of my inspiration for From the Ashes and giveaway
December 15: Kharisma Rhayne
     Christmas interview
December 20: Deanna Wadsworth
     The Twelve Days of Sex-mas and giveaway
December 27: AB Gayle
     Interview the Next Big Thing style and giveaway
January 1: Zara Stoneley
     Interview
January 3: Rebecca Leigh
     Inspiration for From the Ashes and giveaway
January 4: Leona Bushman
     Book spotlight
January 7: Micheala Rhua
     Book spotlight
January 8: Doris O'Connor
     Book spotlight
January 10: Megan D. Martin
     Author spotlight
January 17: Aurelia B. Rowl
     Interview
January 18: Raven McAllan
     Ten things about my heroes

Hope to see everyone there!

Megan D. Martin's Debut

A lot of work goes into writing any book, but I think it's safe to say that there are some genres of romance that are more difficult to write, just based on the amount of research that has to be done. Historical books pose a threat to any writer, because not only do we have to procure a good story but we also have to make things historically correct, else we get hung out to dry with the rest of wrong-doers (haha).My novella, Forbidden Angel, is set in a concentration camp at the end of WWII. Here are some of the tactics I used when it came to making my story historically correct—I didn't limit myself to the characteristics of one certain concentration camp (example: Auschwitz). Instead I did research on all prevalent camps, like—Dachau, the extermination camp Sobibor, and of course Auschwitz. I took the knowledge that I learned about camps like these and used it to create the setting for the characters in my novella.-I also did a lot of double checking, which is probably one of the best tactics to use. Don't trust anything you find online, unless there are multiple sources that back it up, especially when it comes to Wikipedia. It's very useful, but not always correct.
This time period is a rather difficult to capture since this is such a tragic event in our history. It is hard to portray something like a romance within the walls of a place where happiness isn't a common denominator; especially between the Jewish people being held prisoner and the Nazis holding them captive. This was a big reason that I chose this story, because it was a challenge. A relationship between these two people seems nigh impossible, based on the circumstances that bring them together.
It's funny because when I read books about paranormal heroes who are known killers of hundreds, and are proclaimed evil, I don't think twice about it. When it comes to a German Nazi soldier, it's hard for me to think of any qualities he could have where he can redeem himself. (Funny how that works, right?) Writing Sarah and Aurel's story was definitely a challenge for me, especially since I had a hero whom I disliked at first, but grew to love in the end.
With all of that being said, I hope you will check out my debut novella, Forbidden Angel. Available now from Breathless Press!
Forbidden Angel
Timeless-Historical RomanceBuy Link http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=17&products_id=406&zenid=k4q0ectdke0c2oklp8bd0n7a73 Blurb:When captured by the Nazis, Sarah finds herself in a concentration camp that not only brings her closer to death...but closer to love.Sarah Brenner, a young Jewish woman, is terrified when she finds herself in the heat of a rail-car bound for a work camp in Nazi Germany. For years she, along with her mother and sister, had hidden from the SS, but no one could hide forever. Her hatred for those who have enslaved them is ever-growing, especially when they arrive and she encounters the shockingly handsome Nazi doctor who can't seem to keep his eyes—or hands—off her.Aurel Rothstein is not your everyday concentration camp physician. The endless prisoners and lack of care he's allowed to give have made him numb to the work he so coveted. It isn't until he comes face to face with a beautiful prisoner that his heart becomes involved with his job—a forbidden and fatal move to any Nazi.When a vile soldier takes direct interest in Sarah, she will be forced to make a choice that will change her life forever: ignore the pull toward the handsome doctor or give in to the forbidden passion he awakens with only a look. Either way they both risk everything...Excerpt:The doctor was kissing her. She was kissing him back. Sarah had been afraid when he'd carried her to his office. The word "experimentation" terrified her, but he did nothing of the sort. He'd actually fed her and given her some water. He even made her something to take back to her family. He was being so kind, and when his gaze smoldered and he said something about inspecting her body, she'd easily melted for him.
There was something wrong with her. She shouldn't be feeling this way, but the moment his rough hands caressed her achy back, she was lost to her nerve endings. Never before had she felt such desire from the mere brush of fingertips against her skin. The pain in her back immediately ceased, and all she could feel was pleasure.
His kiss was soft and tentative at first, as if he was afraid he'd scare her away, but she kissed him back and reveled in the groan of defeat he gave. He ran his hands deliciously over her hardened nipples, teasing them, tracing where his mouth had kissed just moments before.
He's a bad person, her mind kept trying to tell her, but she ignored the warning. Something about this man just felt so right.
"What's your name, angel?" he asked as he broke away from her lips. Did he just call her angel? She pondered this pet name for a moment before he leaned in and nipped her neck.
"Mmm, I'm no angel." She truly wasn't. She was selfish just like any other person.
"Yes, you are, angel. Your name?"
"Sarah," she murmured as he traced his tongue along her sensitive collarbone. Never in her life had anything felt this good. She'd been with one man before they stopped going into public. She didn't dislike the sexual acts she explored with him, but they felt like nothing compared to this.
"If I am an angel, then so are you." Sarah temporarily forgot his actions outside of this room, the other things he did. Only an angel could bring forth sensations this exquisite.
"No, that I am not." His voice rumbled like a hurricane.
"Okay, a dark angel then, but still an angel."
About the AuthorMegan D. Martin is a content editor at Breathless Press, and loves her job more than a normal person should. She was born and raised in a small Texas town, where she still resides with her delightfully rotten son. She enjoys decorating her home with strange things that do not match, playing her old school Nintendo Entertainment System, and buying fish for her many fish tanks. Forbidden Angel is her debut novella. To learn more about Megan and her writing check her out on these social networking sites:Blog: http://www.MeganDMartin.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Megan_D_Martin

The Next Big Thing - Yet Again

What is the working title of your book?My current WIP is entitled 497 BC, but may be retitled Taming Theron.Where did the idea come from for the book?It is the prequel to A Spartan Love, Apollo's Men #3.What genre does your book fall under?It's a historical m/m erotic romance.What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?Andreas discovers that food really is the way to a man's heart.Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?I'm planning on subbing it to a historical m/m anthology.How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?After two days, I'm approximately 1/3 done with the rough draft.What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?I haven't really read any similar stories so I would say Alexios' Fate, book 1 in the Apollo's Men series. Aleksandr Voinov's Spoils of War comes the next closest.Who or What inspired you to write this book?I wanted to tell the story of how Andreas and Theron met.What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?The story takes place in Sparta during the beginning of the Persian War, approximately two decades before Thermopolae.The following authors will be posting in The Next Big Thing series next week:Cherie Noel: http://talesfromthewritingcave.blogsp... Church:http://www.site.romancewithsass.com/

The Next Big Thing, Second Wave

Today four authors will be making their Next Big Thing posts about their current works in progress (WIP). Please take a moment to pop on over to their blogs and see what's new and exciting in the works.

Deanna Wadsworth is an author of erotic romance, primarily m/m, but she's not afraid to add a girl to the mix.
http://deannawadsworth.blogspot.com/

Rebecca Leigh writes erotic romance, m/m, f/f, and multiple variations on the theme.
http://blog.rebeccaleighromance.com/

Tara Lain has never met a beautiful boy she didn't love, especially when he loves another boy.
http://taralain.blogspot.com/

Kharisma Rhayne has just launched her new yaoi blog Itadakimasu.
http://itadakimasu-yaoi.blogspot.com/

I hope everyone will join us there.