Jessica E. Subject's Blog, page 105

Winter Heat Blog Hop Nov. 24 to Dec. 5

WELCOME TO THE WINTER HEAT BLOG HOP!

 

Thank you for stopping by my blog! Be sure to scroll to the bottom to enter the giveaway and to find the links to the other participating authors and bloggers.

Now, here’s more on my new release, THE STAR PRINCESS…

THE STAR PRINCESS

A Beyond Fairytales story

New Adult Erotic Sci-Fi Romance

In one week, Princess Ro’sa will board a spaceship, leaving her home on Minjet to be with her betrothed on Earth. The only problem is, she detests the prince’s selfish and arrogant ways, preferring to spend time with his personal aide, a man who stirs her desires in ways she never imagined possible with his radiant blue eyes and smouldering lips. And oh, the way he touches her.

Earth’s post-apocalyptic landscape offers little but the alliance offers much and a princess must do her duty, no matter the danger to her person and to her heart.

Available from

Decadent Publishing | All Romance | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks | Smashwords

Amazon US | UK | Australia | Canada | Germany

Add The Star Princess to Goodreads

Here’s a HOT exclusive excerpt from THE STAR PRINCESS:

He dragged her up the bank and laid her on the crystal-like sand, panic still clenching his chest. He tilted her chin up and leaned close to listen for her breath.

No brush of air against his cheek. No rise and fall of her ample chest, her breasts perfectly round, though puckered at the peaks. Fuck, even with the urgent situation, his hormones leapt into overdrive.

He fitted his mouth to hers and blew. Three quick chest pumps while resisting the temptation to touch more of her soft emerald skin. He leaned toward her again and caught a giggle before Ro’sa wrapped her arms around him. Her breath passed across his lips, shoving away his worry and igniting flames of desire. “Do you want me?”

Why, the little tease! “You didn’t drown at all.”

Her lips curved into a sultry smile he took as her answer.

Didn’t matter. He stared into her eyes, captivated by their warmth. If not for the grit of sand under his fingernails, he would have sworn he was dreaming, playing out one of the many fantasies he’d had of his first time with the princess. “Yes, I want you.”

She drew him closer and kissed him, her lips like velvet against his. Synapses fired from head to toe, and he was numb to all but the passion of their kiss.

Be sure to follow along with my blog tour which starts December 1.

Leave a comment below telling me your favorite way to warm up from the cold for your chance to WIN a THE STAR PRINCESS swag package including a signed poster.

Canada/US only. Must be 18 or older to enter. Void where prohibited by law. Good luck!

Be sure to visit the other participants:

A Perfect Fit with the THREE TIMES LUCKY #menage #boxset

Starting off with Kim Carmichael’s “Made for Two”. She needs to prove she was made for two.

Solera Winters gives us an exquisitely hot menage in “Darkest Dreams”. The darkest hour holds the hope of light.

They continue to surround me with women by throwing in a sexy short poem by Chelle before I bring in my own menage with “A Perfect Fit”. Will Ivanka realize the truth of being in a triad or will her fear of ultimate rejection hold her back from total happiness?

Dorothy Shaw follows the second poem given to us by Chelle, with “Playtime.” You’re welcome.

We close out with Louisa Bacio’s “Menage by Monday”. What can happen between three friends in three days?

Now available at Amazon!

Thankful for her BFF in THE STAR PRINCESS #MySexySaturday #scifiromance

Thank you all for joining me for week 69 of My Sexy Saturday!

Today’s theme is…

SEXY THANKSGIVING

Here’s seven from THE STAR PRINCESS,

which just released. Enjoy!

Set-up: While Thanksgiving is not celebrated on the planet Minjet, Princess Ro’sa is very thankful for her family, and especially her best friend when she really needs someone to talk to.

Ro’sa bounced from one foot to the other, waiting for Ka’lyn to answer the door. Her friend’s feline, a gift from Earth, rubbed alongside her legs, purring and demanding attention. She leaned down to pet the furry creature. “Where is your owner? She told me she’d be home today.”

A lock clicked open. Ka’lyn opened the door a crack, enough to peek out and for her feline to sneak in. “Hey, I didn’t think I’d see you today.”

“I kissed him!” Ro’sa couldn’t contain the news any longer. Needing to tell someone, she’d barely slept all night. That and fighting the urge to sneak from her quarters for another private meeting with the man she’d almost let take her virginity. She wanted to see what other sensations he could make her feel without giving him everything.

“Who? The prince?” Her friend opened the door a bit more, revealing her mussed hair and disheveled clothing. Her husband came from behind and wrapped his arms around her.

Ro’sa’s cheeks heated. “I… I’m sorry, I’ll come back later.”

“No, tell me who you kissed,” Ka’lyn said.

“That’s my cue to leave.” Ry’der kissed the top of her head and squeezed past Ro’sa. “I hope it was a good one, Princess.”

~ About THE STAR PRINCESS ~

In one week, Princess Ro’sa will board a spaceship, leaving her home on Minjet to be with her betrothed on Earth. The only problem is, she detests the prince’s selfish and arrogant ways, preferring to spend time with his personal aide, a man who stirs her desires in ways she never imagined possible with his radiant blue eyes and smouldering lips. And oh, the way he touches her.

Earth’s post-apocalyptic landscape offers little but the alliance offers much and a princess must do her duty, no matter the danger to her person and to her heart.

Available from:

     

Be sure to check out other MY SEXY SATURDAY excerpts!

It’s Release Day! Will Princess Ro’sa choose duty or love in THE STAR PRINCESS? #scifiromance

Hello my dear readers! I’m very excited to announce that THE STAR PRINCESS, my erotic retelling of The Star Money by the Brothers Grimm is now available. I hope you’ll join me over the next four weeks as I tour around with my new release. I’ll be sharing all kinds of information about the story, the characters, and my writing process along the way. There will be chances to WIN some of my backlist titles along the way, and during the first two weeks of December, I’m taking my book on a special WORD SEARCH tour, where you can WIN a $25 GC from Amazon or All Romance. So, stay tuned for that information!

You can visit me this week here:

November 18 – Decadent Publishing blog

November 18 – Beyond Fairytales blog

November 18 – Lea Bronsen’s blog

November 19 – Tara Quan’s blog

November 19 – Governing Ana

November 20 – Literary Lagniappe*

I also wanted to let you know that you can have an email sent directly to you from both Amazon and All Romance when I have a new release. At All Romance, when you purchase titles from your favorite authors, you simply check a box indicating you would like to be informed when that author has a new release. At Amazon, you can visit my author page, and click “Add to Favorites”. (Make sure you’re signed in.) And that way, you’ll be notified every time I have a new release.

The Star Princess

New Adult Erotic Science Fiction Romance

Decadent Publishing

52 pages

ISBN: 978-1-61333-765-3

Cover art by Syneca Featherstone

Edited by Cassandra Dean

Blurb:

In one week, Princess Ro’sa will board a spaceship, leaving her home on Minjet to be with her betrothed on Earth. The only problem is, she detests the prince’s selfish and arrogant ways, preferring to spend time with his personal aide, a man who stirs her desires in ways she never imagined possible with his radiant blue eyes and smouldering lips. And oh, the way he touches her.

Earth’s post-apocalyptic landscape offers little but the alliance offers much and a princess must do her duty, no matter the danger to her person and to her heart.

Available from:

      

Excerpt:

At the whoosh of the space shuttle flying overhead, the feline on Ro’sa’s knee hissed before jumping to the floor. Ro’sa hurried to the front of the house, pressing her palms and nose against the window. Somewhere in that ship was her betrothed, the prince from Earth she would marry.

Ka’lyn, her best friend, squeezed in beside her, claiming the rest of the available window space. “What do you think he looks like? I’ve never seen anyone from Earth before. Maybe he has two heads, or one eye….” She nudged Ro’sa’s side. “Two cocks?”

“Ka, really?” Flaring heat rushed to Ro’sa’s cheeks and temporarily paused the fluttering of firetubes in her stomach. In seven rotations, she would say good-bye to her home, her family, and all of her friends to be with a complete stranger. She’d grown up knowing this time would come, but it had always seemed so far away. Until he’d arrived. Ro’sa swallowed her nerves. “His people just recently joined the Confederacy. I think the only reason they were invited was to prevent an intergalactic war when they learned of the existence of life beyond their own solar system.” They’d already destroyed most of their planet. Who knows what they would have done had the Confederacy not intervened?

Ka’lyn grabbed her shoulders and turned Ro’sa to face her. “I know all this, but what do they look like?”

“Humanoid, like us.” She searched her memory for the few Terran dignitaries she’d met. “But their skin is different shades of brown, from nearly white to almost black.” Though she had no idea where her betrothed fit into the spectrum, never having been allowed to travel to Earth. How she wished she had. If her parents had allowed them to meet earlier, she’d have far fewer worries and much more experience with how to interact with those from Earth, and with her betrothed. She’d retained her virginity for him, the only female her age on the planet who hadn’t experienced sex, though she hoped to know what it was like before she left for Earth.

“Weird. So, when do you get to meet him?”

“Tonight.” Ro’sa returned her gaze out the window, watching the shuttle descend onto the runway. Had the prince saved himself for her? “There’s an official introduction ceremony where we will shake hands and eat our first meal together.”

“That’s crap.” Her friend tugged on her fingers. “Let’s go meet him as he’s coming off the ship.”

Ro’sa shook her head, yanking her hand away. “I can’t. I have to follow protocol.”

“Then we’ll hide in the shrubs. Don’t you want to check him out before you’re introduced to him in front of everyone?”

Biting her bottom lip, Ro’sa watched the spacecraft disappear below the treetops. “I guess.” Then she wouldn’t look like a fool in her first reaction to him. She could hold her emotions in check, having already caught sight of the prince.

“Let’s go then.” Ka’lyn stood at the door before she had the chance to move.

They left her friend’s home behind. Darting through the woods on the packed dirt path, Ro’sa hoped they’d make it to the runway in time. If the castle guards hastened him away, they’d never make it in time. Why hadn’t her parents let her meet him years ago? Was he that horrendous looking? At least they could have shown her a picture.

Extended Excerpt from THE CASE OF THE BYGONE BROTHER by @DMBurton72 #mystery #suspense

THE CASE OF THE BYGONE BROTHER
A PI mystery
by Diane Burton

After taking over O’Hara & Palzetti, Confidential Investigations from her dad and his partner, Alex O’Hara’s bottom line has taken a plunge. So when a femme fatale offers her the case of a lifetime along with a huge advance, Alex sees her finances on a definite upswing. But someone doesn’t want her to find the long-lost brother. Complicating matters is the return of Alex’s old heartthrob, Nick Palzetti. Is he really there just to see her or does he have an ulterior motive? The Lake Michigan resort town of Fair Haven is abuzz with the news that O’Hara & Palzetti are together again.

Available from:
Amazon | Smashwords | iTunes

 

Enjoy an extended excerpt from THE CASE OF THE BYGONE BROTHER:

Why are you here, Nick?”

I folded my arms. I didn’t just sound defensive, I looked it. He’d better not be here to claim his share of the business. For the past eight months, I’d busted my rump to make it on my own. He wasn’t going to stroll in just as business was picking up and take it away from me.

Here’s what sticks in my craw. Through high school, I ran errands, answered phones, and filed—all the scut work at the firm—while Mr. Football Star ran around dazzling girls with his dark hair, dark eyes, and those thick lashes girls would kill for. While he went off to the University of Michigan and majored in seduction, I commuted to Grand Valley State—criminal justice—and helped The Pops in the office. Gradually, they turned more and more work over to me before retiring. I was building a good reputation until they left. Nothing like being undermined by your employees. Former employees.

I’ve had to work doubly hard just to stay afloat. Nick was not going to take it away.

“Would you believe I came to see you?” His mouth creased into a whimsical smile.

I knew better than to believe him. “It’s been what, Nick? Eight years?”

He had to have an ulterior motive. I mean, come on, he didn’t even come back for The Pops’ retirement celebration in February.

Nick appeared to ponder for a moment. “Maybe eight for you. I saw you two years ago when I came home for Christmas.”

“And you didn’t think to stop and say ‘Hi’? To Pop?” Wouldn’t want him to think I cared that he’d seen me and hadn’t bothered to talk to me.

“As I recall, you were sitting on a stool at Clancy’s Tavern as some knuckle-dragger tickled your tonsils.”

While my cheeks burned at the memory of that unwanted kiss, I silently cursed my fair Irish complexion. Genetics betrayed me every time. “Knuckle-dragger is right,” I said. “I guess you didn’t stay long enough to see me deck him.”

“Guess not.”

“Would you have talked to me if you had?” Why did I ask that? It wasn’t like I wanted him to know how much I missed him.

We grew up together. Our playpens sat side-by-side in the front office while our mothers worked at the agency. Okay, slight exaggeration. I was in the playpen. Since he’s three years older, he got to play under desks.

“Forget I asked that,” I said hastily. “Why are you back? It’s not like your folks are here anymore.”

“I saw them in Scottsdale last week. They send their love. Frank, too. He said to tell you his golf game is improving.”

Oh, Lord. The Pops did send him. Since they’d bank-rolled my venture, I sent regular reports. Did they think I wasn’t doing a good enough job? Did they think I needed help?

Don’t go there, I told myself. Think positive. Don’t let him know you think he’s here to spy on you.

“How’s your mom?” I asked.

Maria Palzetti was especially dear to me. After Mom died eight years ago when I was twenty-two, Maria was my life-saver. She didn’t try to take Mom’s place. She was just there for me during that horrible time. I hate to say it, but I miss Maria more than I miss my father.

“Mom’s fine. She got her way with Pop so she’s happy.”

It was Maria who declared the investigative business was for the young and not for someone past seventy. She told Tony it was time to retire. His triple bypass might have had something to do with her decision. Pop thought it was such a good idea he retired, too. At Maria’s instigation, they sold me the business. She was a dynamic force. Neither of The Pops would dare go against her. Maria also made sure her son wasn’t denied his inheritance. Hence, Nick’s option to buy into the business.

I tried again. “What are you—”

He got up and walked around. Though the office was spacious, the usual business accoutrements made it smaller. Besides the long bookcase behind the massive cherry desk, there was a vertical file—definitely not one I’d ever climb on. Next to it was a printer stand with a slow, but reliable, black-only printer that had seen a lot of use. Pop said it was like a Timex. It took a licking and kept on printing. I guess that came from an old commercial. Susan had the faster laser color printer out front.

Nick brushed against my swinging foot. Though he murmured an apology, it took every bit of self-control not to shrink back. He would see it as a sign of weakness.

“I like what you’ve done to the place.”

“Not much,” I demurred. I’d tried to brighten up the mahogany-paneled walls with large white-matted photos I’d taken around Michigan. The ones of Lake Michigan lighthouses, like Big Red in Holland and Point Betsie, were my favorites.

“I picked up your Pop’s baseballs. I’m glad you kept his collection.” He gave me a winsome smile over his shoulder. “I always wanted that one signed by Al Kaline and the rest of the Tigers’ 1968 World Series team.”

“In your dreams. Back to my question. Why are you really here?”

He turned away from examining the photo of the Pictured Rocks along Lake Superior. “I’m considering a career change.”

 

Diane Burton combines her love of mystery, adventure, science fiction and romance into writing romantic fiction. Besides the science fiction romance Switched and Outer Rim series, she is the author of One Red Shoe, a romantic suspense, and The Case of the Bygone Brother, a PI mystery. She is also a contributor to the anthology How I Met My Husband. Diane and her husband live in Michigan. They have two children and two grandchildren.

For more info and excerpts from her books, visit Diane’s website: http://www.dianeburton.com

Connect with Diane online

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest

 

 

What happens when this foursome is left in the dark? HIGH RISK FEVER by @LeaBronsen #eroticrom

HIGH RISK FEVER
by Lea Bronsen

Thank you so much for hosting me! I’m incredibly happy to share this new release. I started it in response to an erotica anthology call in the spring of 2013. The antho didn’t happen, but I continued writing, broadening my genre spectrum from hetero erotica to GLBT and ménage. Though I’d already told the story of a gay boy in my debut novel, describing full-on gay acts and choreographing steamy foursome scenes so long they spanned over several chapters was a new experience and quite the challenge! *laughs* I hope you enjoy this wild ride of mine as well.

BLURB:

Two young and indecently handsome bicyclists visit a village in the French Alps during the summer holidays. Forced by a raging storm to spend the night at the local bed & breakfast, they invade the quiet lives of hostess Anne and her husband, Brian.

A power outage plunges the foursome into darkness, encouraging new liaisons to form, life-long secrets to be unveiled, and steamy lessons to be learned. But once the storm moves on, can the four find a balance and resume their normal lives?

 

 

Breathing deeply to calm her nerves, she approached the unfortunate bicyclist and bent to grab his handlebar.

Surely by pure coincidence, one of his gloved hands landed on hers, curling strong fingers around her small ones and helping her pull until the bike stood upright between them.

Still, even as he stood on his feet, his hand lingered, holding hers firmly on the hard-plastic handle.

Anne looked up into his face, seeing him for the first time. How in the world had she missed such a jewel earlier? Among tanned, Latin features, a pair of black diamonds sparkling with mischief stared back without shame. His long, black locks were swept back in a ponytail, revealing a single golden earring in his left lobe. Large chest muscles heaved beneath a tight, pink spandex shirt, begging to be caressed by a woman’s hand, and black chest hairs peeked from the open collar.

Unable to believe the seductive intensity he exuded, she sucked in a breath and held it while the world narrowed. Her head buzzed. “What?”

“What?” The beautiful bicyclist used the same low tone, his full lips forming a teasing grin inches from her face. He was so near she could smell his hot breath. Intoxicating.

How had he come so close? And how long before her husband noticed?

Thankfully, Brian’s calm, indifferent voice rose behind her, addressing the blond bicyclist. “So you’re looking for a place to stay?”

“Yeah. We’ve already asked in several different villages on our way here.”

Anne tugged at her trapped hand and took a demonstrative step back. “Please.”

“Oh.” Feigning surprise, the dark beauty lifted an eyebrow and removed his hand, allowing her to retrieve hers. “Sorry,” he added, rolling a thick R with his tongue, keeping his lips parted a second too long. A move so deliberately naughty, her stomach knotted with need.

As she retreated, he studied her face with a grin, arrogance and amusement gleaming in his dark eyes, before turning his attention to the two other men.

Blood pulsing in her temples, she copied his movement.

 

AVAILABLE FROM:  Decadent | Amazon.com | Amazon.uk | Kobo

Add it to your Goodreads list!

 

BOOK TOUR:

High-Risk Fever will tour the book blog sphere with Bridging the Gap Promotions December 8 – 19. Look out for guest posts, interviews, and giveaways!

 

Lea has always had a vivid imagination and written since an early age. Now juggling life as a mother, full-time worker, and thriving author, she struggles to find any reading time – but when she opens a book, she wants it fast, hot, and edgy! Striving to give her own stories the same intensity, she currently divides her writing time between psychological thriller, erotic contemporary romance, and dripping erotica.

She loves to interact with her readers, so send a mail to leabronsen@yahoo.com or come visit her on Website | Facebook profile | Facebook page | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | Smashwords

Spying on the SEXY ALIENS ~ #MySexySaturday from THE STAR PRINCESS #99cents #scifiromance

Thank you all for joining me for week 68 of My Sexy Saturday!

Today’s theme is…

I’M TOO SEXY

Here’s another seven from THE STAR PRINCESS,

which is set to release November 18, 2014. Enjoy!

Set-up: Princess Ro’sa is hiding in the bushes with her friend to spy on the prince as he arrives on her planet. They see the prince, and then someone else.

Before Ro’sa had a chance to respond, another man stepped out of the shuttle and slapped the prince’s on the back.

Ka’lyn shifted beside her. “Who’s that?”

“His personal servant?” She’d been told the prince would arrive with his own entourage. “Maybe a friend?” Would a servant be allowed to touch royalty? On Minjet, yes, but she’d been told the line between royalty and commoners was much more defined on Earth. At least before the last war.

“He’s cute, too. A stronger jaw, and look at those full lips. Imagine what they’d be like to kiss, how they’d feel on your breasts and between your legs.”

“Would you stop!” Ro’sa covered her mouth. Her words had come out much louder than she’d intended as she focused on the images her friend had planted in her head.

Ka’lyn poked her arm. “He’s looking this way.” Ro’sa glanced at the shuttle platform and found the man’s gaze fixed on her. He leaned over the railing before racing down the stairs.

Busted. “He saw us. Run!” Ro’sa bolted in a zigzag around the trees, staying off the path. If the prince’s friend had seen her, had her betrothed? Would he still want to marry her if he’d caught her spying? She didn’t want to disappoint her parents, after all they’d done to arrange the union, or delay her meeting with the prince.

~ About THE STAR PRINCESS ~

In one week, Princess Ro’sa will board a spaceship, leaving her home on Minjet to be with her betrothed on Earth. The only problem is, she detests the prince’s selfish and arrogant ways, preferring to spend time with his personal aide, a man who stirs her desires in ways she never imagined possible with his radiant blue eyes and smouldering lips. And oh, the way he touches her.

Earth’s post-apocalyptic landscape offers little but the alliance offers much and a princess must do her duty, no matter the danger to her person and to her heart.

AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 18, 2014!

Pre-order sale! Only 99¢ for a limited time at Amazon.com! 

Also available for pre-order from:

   

Be sure to check out other MY SEXY SATURDAY excerpts!

He can see into the future ~ SNAPSHOTS by Patricia Lynne @plynne_writes #BBFSpecFic #giveaway

Hello, it’s the final day of Blogger Book Fair. All books featured are available for FREE or 99¢. Plus, there is $100 in gift cards to be won. This week has been focused on Speculative Fiction, and for day five, I’m featuring Patricia Lynne. I hope you’ve enjoyed Blogger Book Fair!

~*~*~*~

Snapshots

Science Fiction | Young Adult

It’s said the eyes are the windows to the soul, but that’s a lie. They are snapshots of a time yet to come–the future of the person to which they belong.

Cyclop Blaine stands out in a crowd with his pale skin and mismatched eyes, but it’s his ability to see the future that really sets him apart. The unusual gift makes him an invaluable asset to Tyler, his adoptive father and leader of the Victory Street Gang. It also means Cyclop must hide what he can do from others. Once, a man he knew only as Master controlled him, using him for experiments. Cyclop has no desire to return to that life.

But he may have no choice. A man claiming ownership over him haunts his dreams and waking moments, leaving him no choice but to go back to the past he thought he had escaped. Cyclop must face this man, along with his past, if he wants to reveal his own future.

Only 99¢ from: Amazon | Other Formats

 

The sound of my fists smacking the punching bag echoed through the empty gym. Each blow sent the bag swinging like a pendulum. James Tyson, a hulking mass of muscle who owned the building, circled me, scowling as he watched.

“Back off. You’re going to break it,” he ordered, placing one thick hand against the punching bag and stilling it. He pinned me with a glare not meant to intimidate or scold, but press the importance of his words. He was the only person outside of Tyler’s close circle to know about my ability, as well as my strength and speed. Every day he worked with me, helping me understand my body so I could learn to keep myself in check and not accidentally hurt someone. “You’re slipping. Remember, you are the master of your body. This is your gift. Control it.”

I nodded, took a deep breath, and resumed my workout. A fine sheen of sweat covered me, my muscles were loose and limber, and my heart pumped steadily. I let myself fall into the sound my fists made, listening only for James’s command. When he finally gave the okay to stop, I pulled my left fist back, letting my strength loose and hitting the punching bag with everything I had. The chain snapped and it flew through the air, landing on the other side of the room.

James’s laughter boomed across the gym. “I expect you to pick that up so I can rehang it. Again.”

I grinned sheepishly.

Twenty minutes later, the punching bag hung from a shiny, new chain and I was free to hit the shower. Jaden was waiting on the gym front steps with his two brothers, Marcel and Terrance. Our gazes danced carefully as I held my hand out to help my cousin to his feet. I wasn’t as lucky when I turned to Marcel. Images rushed over me like a stampede.

Marcel next to a young woman in a hospital bed.

Doctors and nurses surrounding them.

A little being wrapped in blue.

“Cyc, you okay, man?” Marcel’s voice cut into the visions.

I tore my gaze away and pressed my hands to my forehead, Pain buzzed, but it was a tolerable, dull throb. “Yeah, I’m a good. Just a little tired from my workout. Let’s go.”

 

Interesting Information about Snapshots

When I got the mock up for the cover, I walked across the room to make sure the title was readable and the cover just looked creepy! I moved closer and the creepy looked seemed to vanish. It was perfect! In the story, the main character has an odd appearance that gets him stared at, so the creepy look of the cover from afar was an accurate portrayal of my main character.

Interview

When did you start writing?

I forget the date because I wasn’t paying attention. Writing was just a fun thing I started to pass some time. Publishing was the farthest thing from my mind. Then I wrote a story I thought others would enjoy reading and began researching publishing. In 2011, I decided to self publish my first book, Being Human. Haven’t stopped writing since.

What inspires your writing?

I’m not sure. Random ideas pop into my head at the oddest times, but I do know reading motivates me to get the words on the page. I’ve had friends say dreams inspires their writing, but trust me, you don’t want me to write about my dreams. They are crazy!

What is the best part about being a writer?

The creativity. I’ve always been creative, music and art in high school, I make jewelry and knit. I love how writing allows me to express myself, to make new worlds or take common myths and give them a fun twist.

 

My obsession with creativity started with art. Inspired by my grandpa’s oil paintings, I began drawing. Throughout high school, art was my favorite class. In fact, when it came to writing, I didn’t think I was good at it. A college essay seemed to agree.

On a whim and bored one day, I started writing a story bouncing in my head. Riddled with plot holes, I didn’t care. It was for fun. After that story, I began writing more until I came to the idea for Being Human. The story struck me as one other people might enjoy, so I began taking writing seriously, researching how to improve, and editing. My art days are behind me, but that’s okay because a new creative pleasure has consumed my life.

I currently live in Upper Michigan with my husband, enjoy dying my hair the color of the rainbow, and hope to have what resembles a small petting zoo one day. When I’m not writing or at the day job, I’m goofing off on Twitter, or reading about serial killers.

Connect:

Website | Twitter

 

Official Blogger Book Fair Giveaways

 

$50 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

$30 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

$20 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

She lived only for vengeance ~ THE ENCLAVE by @HMClarkeAuthor #BBFSpecFic #giveaway

Hello, it’s day 4 of Blogger Book Fair. All books featured will be available for FREE or 99¢. Plus, there is $100 in gift cards to be won. This week is focused on Speculative Fiction, and today I’m featuring H.M. Clarke. Enjoy!

~*~*~*~

The Enclave
(The Verge #1)

Science Fiction | Adult

Katherine Kirk lived only for vengeance.

Vengeance against the man who destroyed her home, her family and her life.

Sent on a babysitting mission to Junter 3, RAN officer Katherine Kirk, finds herself quickly embroiled in the politics between the New Holland Government and the Val Myran refugees claiming asylum.

After an Alliance attack Kirk and her team hunt the enemy down and discover that they have finally found the lair of the man they have been searching for…

And the captive who has been waiting patiently for rescue.

“What would you do to the man who destroyed every important person in your life?”

Available from: Amazon

 

Here is a small Excerpt from my book THE ENCLAVE. I hope you enjoy it.

Gunfire flew from the cars behind and Katherine turned tail and leapt up the stairs. Joshua was crouched waiting at the top of the last tier and had managed to get hold of a pistol. Around them the NHSIO security from the front foyer was now positioned around the portico columns and returning fire to the attackers below. The defenders controlled the high ground and the people in those cars had no hope of getting them now.

So why were they still attacking?

Katherine dragged Josh away from the stairs back into the foyer as more security personnel streamed passed them. No one spared them much of a glance but Katherine did not care. Something was not right. Inexperience (or stupidity), would be the only reason someone would even consider committing to a frontal assault on Federation House. The place was just too well protected.

“Are they Alliance Katherine?” Josh asked as she checked the magazine on her pistol. Thirty HC rounds remaining. Hopefully it would do.

“The Alliance isn’t this stupid,” she shouted over the sound of fresh gunfire. But I would bet a year’s pay that they are involved somehow. “Whoever they are; I think we should retreat back to my brother’s office. At least I can guarantee that we’ll be well defended there if anything untoward happens.”

Joshua nodded. Katherine then noted the ease with which he held his weapon. “You’ve had weapons training?”

“I served with the Alliance Infantry. Every citizen owes three years service.”

Katherine nodded impressed. Leading families were known for finding loopholes to stop their members from meeting their obligations. Nice to see the Val Myrans did not use it. “Then you can cover my back.”

Both entered the stairwell at a run; taking the lifts would have been risky if the power went; and climbed several flights before Katherine was sure they were on the right floor. As they climbed Katherine open a comm link to the Adelaide.

Adelaide do you read me?” no one answered her and Katherine repeated herself another three times. “Come on damn you – somebody talk to me!” she half shouted as they reached the landing she wanted.

‘Skipper?’ A burst of static broke over the comm unit.

“Sue, is that you?” Abruptly the static disappeared and the musical voice of Susan Mayer came over the wire.

‘-interference is shocking, like someone is jamming-‘

“Sue, is Steve on the bridge?” Katherine cut across her.

‘Yes Ma’am.’

There was a click and then Steven Tran’s voice came over the link.

‘Skipper?’

“Steve, I want you and two squads to suit up and get your arses over to Federation House ASAP. We are under heavy fire and I think the idiots outside will break off if they see some extra persuasion coming up behind them.”

There was a pause and then, ‘Yes Ma’am,’ and the link went silent as Steve cut his connection. “Sue, has Tom returned to the ship?” Katherine asked hoping for an affirmative but knowing that not enough time had gone by since he had left from lunch.

‘No ma’am’

‘Katherine?’ A new voice cut into the line.

“Richard? I thought you were taking shore leave – it doesn’t matter. We’ve got an incident here and I’m afraid that it might splash over to the Adelaide. Steve is bringing two squads here to me and I want whatever personnel remaining on board to protect the ship and the port in that order.”

‘How bad is it Kath?’ Richard asked.

“Ask me again in another hour, I might have an answer by then.” She cut the connection and turned to Joshua. She may be overreacting but there was something in her gut telling her that she was right. But first they both had to get back to John’s office.

“Ready?”

“Ready.” Joshua’s voice was firm and there was a look in his eyes that Katherine recognized, she had seen it enough times in her own crew when the situation was tight.

She palmed the stairwell door open and checked that the corridor was clear, then she and Joshua came out, pistols raised to line of sight. They moved down the empty corridors seeing nothing out of place except for the obvious signs of a hurried evacuation of office personnel.

“They wouldn’t be able to penetrate this far into the building?” Joshua flexed his fingers over the grip on his handgun.

“Not from the frontal assault, but I have a bad feel-”

Katherine stopped speaking as the sounds of gunfire echoed down the corridor ahead of them.

 
Interesting Information about The Enclave

The Enclave is a story of Vengeance with a Capital V!

But on a more serious note.

This book was written a decade ago when there was the uproar in Australia about refugees coming into Australia illegally via boat to gain asylum status and how this sensitive issue was twisted to suit political election needs at the time by both major parties.

Because of this I decided to put the issues of refugees as a background story into the Science Fiction manuscript I was writing at the time.  And I think my MS benefited greatly from the addition.

Even thought this story was originally written in 2004, this issue is still a burning topic in Australia, and in most other parts of the world, today.  I do not consider myself a refugee advocate, but I do believe in people’s (and children’s) fundamental human right to be treated as a person and not a criminal.

-HMC

In a former life, H M Clarke has been a Console Operator, an ICT Project Manager, Public Servant, Paper Shuffler and an Accountant (the last being the most exciting.)

She attended Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia, where she studied for a Bachelor of Science (Chem), and also picked up a Diploma in Project Management while working for the South Australian Department of Justice.

In her spare time, she likes to lay on the couch and watch TV, garden, draw, read, and tell ALL her family what wonderful human beings they are.

She keeps threatening to go out and get a real job (Cheesecake Test Taster sounds good) and intends to retire somewhere warm and dry – like the middle of the Simpson Desert. For the time being however, she lives in Ohio and dreams about being warm…

She is also a bit of a video game nerd and, is into Star Trek, Midsomer Murders and Harry Potter, and she absolutely adores the TV show Almost Human.

Connect:
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Nothing will ever be the same ~ FRIENDS WITH WINGS by Michelle Murrain @PearlBear #BBFSpecFic

Hello, welcome to day 3 of Blogger Book Fair. All books featured will be available for FREE or 99¢. Plus, there is $100 in gift cards to be won. This week is focused on Speculative Fiction, and today I’m featuring Michelle Murrain. Enjoy!

~*~*~*~

Friends with Wings

Science Fiction | Adult

The year is 2102, the earth is in crisis, and Trina, a gutsy young woman from a poor family, is forced to sell herself into slavery to pay off her family’s debt. To her surprise, she ends up being sent into space to help colonize a star. Her future seems bright until crisis strikes the colony – leaving Trina the only human being left alive on Planet Johannes. Another spaceship is slated to arrive in a decade, but how will Trina survive alone for ten years? And even if she does, how can she keep the next colony from meeting the same fate? The answers to these questions show up in the form of “friends with wings.” Once Trina meets the Eeriv, nothing will ever be the same.

Only 99¢ from: Amazon | Other Formats

When did you start writing?

In 2006. I had gone back to school, and decided to take a summer off. The novel that had been kicking around in my head for years decided to make its way out into the world.

What inspires your writing?

The past, the present, the possible future.

What is the best part about being a writer?

Getting to tell intriguing, inspiring stories.

Is there something special or unique about you or your book you’d like to tell us about?

I love to write strong diverse characters. I love to explore assumptions of our culture and science. And I love to explore the intersections of science and spirituality.

I have been writing science fiction since 2006, and have been an avid reader and fan of science fiction since I started to read. Since I have been both a scientist and a technologist by trade, and as a polymath, my interests span a wide range of topics, including science, technology, history, culture, politics, race, gender, sexuality, philosophy, spirituality, and religion. I bring all of these to bear in my science fiction writing, which has strong elements of exploration of all of these topics. I specialize in stories of culture clash and/or first contact, and has numerous strong female protagonists and characters, as well as a lot of diverse characters. I have a philosophical approach to publishing my work – everything is licensed via Creative Commons – freely sharable and modifiable. Learn more at http://author.murrain.net

Connect:

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Official Blogger Book Fair Giveaways

$50 Amazon Gift Card

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$30 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

$20 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway