Jessica E. Subject's Blog, page 178

Shameless Summer Giveaway Hop!

Hello, and welcome to my post for the Shameless Summer Giveaway Hop! For those who don’t know, I write mainly science fiction romance, though I do have a contemporary romance story out, and a paranormal erotica story releasing soon.

First of all, I must say a huge thank you to Jen at Red Hot Books, Brie at Romance Around the Corner & Michelle at Michelle’s Book Blog for organizing and hosting this hop. And thanks to you for coming to visit me!

For the hop, I thought I’d share a scene from The Zurian Child where the characters are at the beach. They are Hemera, an alien race that can breathe underwater, but also live on land. They all live on Earth now, and Quinn and Lindsay have only recently learned of their extraterrestrial ancestry. Lindsay is married to Quinn and they have a child together, but her and Bryce are soul mates.

Bryce trudged down to the water following Quinn and his family, with plans for a nap in the afternoon. He dove under the water followed by Quinn to show to Lindsay they could breathe under the water, and assure her Katrina would not drown.

Quinn walked onto the shore and plucked Katrina from her arms. “It’s your turn, Linds. Burly will help you.”

Sauntering toward the water, she kept spinning back toward Quinn. Bryce wanted to escort her farther in, but in his current condition he needed to remain at least waistdeep in the water.

Last year, she had a cast on her leg and could not swim, so he’d never seen her in a bikini before.

The rising sun seemed to form a halo around her body, making her even more appealing. She’d definitely made full use of Quinn’s gym since Katrina’s birth.

On her first plunge, she swallowed water and coughed it back up. Bryce rushed to her. “You’re okay,” he said, reluctant to touch her. He had to maintain her trust. ”Just take deep breaths and try again.”

On the shore, Quinn smiled. “It is possible, Linds. I know you can do it.”

“I don’t know,” she said.

He reached out for her. When close enough, he brushed his fingers across the gills on her neck. “I can feel them there.” He ran his fingers across them once more.

Desire finally beat down all control and a vision passed between them.

He held her close under the moonlight. In the knee deep water, they kissed, his lips warm against hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her body harder against his erection.

She pulled away.

“Shit,” he muttered. He’d worked so hard to gain her trust. And in one moment, he’d ruined everything.

She turned to him and he saw the guilt in her eyes.

She stepped away and immersed herself under the water once more. He followed close to assure himself she adjusted without any problems as she swam away from him, turned and swam back past him. Shit, she’s so mad.

[image error]The Zurian Child:

Lindsay Beckett longed to be reunited with her first love, Quinn Montgomery, until she learns the secret that sent him fleeing from her in the first place. He’s an alien, a Hemera, and she’s half-Hemera herself. As if that wasn’t enough to ruin her dreams of a perfect life, when their child is born, they discover she fulfills a prophesy told twenty light years away and many years ago. Lindsay wants to ignore it, until her husband is murdered and suddenly believing becomes a matter of survival.

Lindsay and her young daughter are forced to rely on another Hemera, her husband’s partner and best friend, Bryce Beuermann as more and more of the Hemera are slaughtered. Bryce will do anything to help his best friend’s widow—including suppressing his own deep feelings for her. But he must prove they can trust him, even pretending he doesn’t want her with all his heart.

Buy Links, Excerpt & more

For your chance to WIN an ebook copy of The Zurian Child, or one of my other releases, please fill out the Rafflecopter entry form.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Interview with author Natalie G. Owens

It is a great pleasure to welcome Natalie G. Owens to the blog, whom I met through Six Sentence Sunday, and our common critique partner, Zee Monodee.

So, Natalie, can you tell us about your new release.

NGO: My latest release is a short story, called Something to Live For – the first book in my Moonlight Dating Series. It’s a story about two people who find uncommon ground in the most unlikely of situations. It’s also explores the element of healing and overcoming trauma through physical intimacy. It’s short, emotional, sweet and hot, and ultimately, it’s a ‘feel good’ type of story .

Here’s the blurb:

Fifteen years ago, one fateful day bound the lives of two perfect strangers…

Melita Saari-Quinn is living the consequences of a traumatizing psychic event that turned her adolescence upside down. Now, disillusioned with her job as a psychotherapist and desiring a change from her lackluster existence, she hopes that something out of her  ordinary sphere of existence – something totally uninhibited and spontaneous – will renew her zest for life.

Alex Moncado seems to have it all – good looks, a successful business, and a fun life in “party central” of the Mediterranean: the island of Malta. Except for one day in the year when he can’t help but remember a tragedy that never should have been. One day he’d rather forget, because if he doesn’t, the guilt will consume him.

Can one passionate night together banish the ghosts of the past and give two lost souls a second chance? 

Only Fate can tell…

You can read an excerpt here: http://www.nataliegowens.com/p/something-to-live-for.html

Love it! Describe the heroine in three words.

NGO: Adventurous, feminine, courageous

And what traits does the hero posses that makes the heroine swoon?

NGO: He’s dark and brooding, physically strong, sensitive, and has the most beautiful deep, brown eyes

What was your inspiration for this story?

NGO: I read an article about sex and intimacy being a healing force. In the story, both characters have been wounded by life and unexplainable circumstances. Their physical closeness helps bring out long buried secrets and gives hope for a fresh start.

Who is your favorite character from this book?

NGO: I really can’t decide! Do I have to? There’s a part I really like though… it makes my pulse beat faster every time

The bedroom was rather small, too. It was decorated in neutral, shabby chic white furniture, which made the large brass bed with the fancy burgundy and white counterpane stick out like the fabled Gulliver in Lilliput.

Melita placed her tray on a nightstand and was suddenly reluctant to look across the bed, where Alex switched on the lamp. A spate of shyness caught her in a firm grip and she found herself defensively crossing her arms and shuttering her gaze.

But Alex stood close to her now. He uncrossed her arms and clasped her chin between his thumb and forefinger. Gently, he made her look straight up at him. He held her, strong and secure. Left her no quarter, no chance to look away.

“Don’t be ashamed to look at me. I want to be able to see your face, to see how my touch makes you feel inside,” he said, a statement that would have had her on the floor, at his feet, were he not holding her up with a powerful arm and his amazing dark gaze.

She squinted a little. “Are your eyes a dark brown?” He was a good half head taller than her. She wasn’t short herself, but she had to stand on tip-toes to get a closer glimpse.

“Hazel,” he responded, “but there are moments when they turn several shades darker, even black. Depends on my mood.”

She smiled and placed a palm against his cheek and jaw. How she loved the masculine feel of day-old stubble that prickled her skin…

“And what mood are you in now?” she teased. Her voice sounded distant to her, almost as though someone else was saying the words, or she was hearing them through a speaker with the volume down low.

“I’m in the mood to love you,” he murmured.

His words, on the other hand, rang in her head like the resounding peal of a giant church bell.

In the mood to love you.

“Yes,” she managed, only that. Her eyes burned and filled with moisture. It was difficult to swallow past the emotion that gathered in her throat.

Yes, even if it’s only for tonight.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Such a sweet excerpt. Now, about you. How long have you been writing with the hopes of publication? How did you get started?

NGO: In 2006, I was laid off from my full-time job and my husband encouraged me – pushed me – to pursue something I always wanted to do. I started to offer freelance editing services as my writing experience goes back a long way. Originally, I wrote poetry which was published in print about a couple of decades ago (does that give away how old I am? Lol). In 2007, I contracted two short stories with an e-publisher, and spent a few years learning the craft of writing. I now have two short stories published, a finished novel to be released as the first in a series, and other projects in the works.

What genres do you write in, and what appeals to you about those genres?

NGO: Romance – contemporary, paranormal/fantasy, suspense and historical. I also dabble in literary horror. I know these are many genres but it’s all about the story to me. My tag line is all about getting out of the box and exploring the wonderful world of writing.

What other titles do you have published? 

NGO: A Kind of Judgment, a literary horror short story about a woman who finds herself half way across the world after a lifetime of abuse. As she reflects on her life and grapples with who she is, more darkness waits for her in the wings…

What are you working on now?

NGO: Final edits and a few rewrites on my novel, An Eternity of Roses, Book 1 in the Valthrean Legacy and a romantic suspense novel titled, After Carmen – on Chapter 2 of that one . I’m also planning a series for next year with my writing pal, Zee Monodee, that I can’t wait to start!

Can you describe your daily writing routine?

NGO: I wake up as early as possible, answer emails, post on Facebook, then stop my surfing and write or edit – do whatever I need to do. Get as much done before the creature awakes (a.k.a., my 3-year-old, lol). Then, it’s all a toss-up from there on.  I go between taking care of my son, cooking, doing errands, to writing or editing. In the evening, I try to do a bit more work after he goes to sleep, but I get more done in the morning .

Sounds like my day. LOL Are you a plotter or a pantser?

NGO: I’ve learned my lesson! Definitely a plotter now.

What genres do you enjoy reading?

NGO: Quite a few, including non-fiction, but mostly romance and mystery novels.

What author(s) have influenced your writing style?

NGO: I love the gothic vibe of the 19th century authors (e.g., Charlotte Brontë), and the literary, fluid style of authors such as Elizabeth Kostova and Anne Rice.

Where do your best ideas come from?

NGO: From life, most definitely! Sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction .

So true! What is your favorite book that you’ve read?

NGO: There are so many! Another tough question, lol. I think, however, that On Writing by Stephen King deserves a place of honor on my Kindle shelves.

Who is your favorite character from any of the books you’ve read?

The enigmatic Derek Craven, a creation of historical romance author, Lisa Kleypas. Can you say swoon? I saw once that there’s even an online fan club dedicated to him.

What writing/writer’s organizations are you involved with? Can you explain how they help your writing and/or your writing career?

NGO: I’m a member of RWA and made quite a few friends from there. However, I get most support from various FB groups and Facebook itself, where my author friends post interesting articles about the world of writing and publishing. I also like to ask my friends – veterans in publishing – if I ever need some insight. They’ve never disappointed me, and I’m proud of the writing community I’m a part of. Most importantly, my critique partners and beta readers are my anchors. Without them, it would be so much harder. I just don’t have time to surf and read about the business that much, but I know support is there if I want it – and I also make sure to pay it forward any time I can.

Do you belong to a critique group or have critique partners? If so, what have you learned from them? How has it affected your writing?

NGO: Zee Monodee is my main critique partner, friend, and soul sister. Zee has thought me how to be a better writer. She looks at my work and pushes me harder, cracks that whip – lol – until I get it all out of me. Until I write the best possible scene, the best possible book. That’s what I like. I want to be challenged, not simply praised and told how great my work is. In the end, the story will shine because I drove myself to burn the right words onto the page – to make my voice stand out. That’s what Zee did – she bought out my voice, and told me to use it with pride. She told me to hold on to it, even if it may not be “the trend”. She told me that someone, someday, will notice – and she’s not happy until I show her a scene or chapter that reflects my true voice, to the last word. If not, she’ll call me on it. “Let loose, don’t hold back. Go all the way!” she’ll say. I’ll never forget that. It’s been liberating. Then there are other amazing people who support and encourage me, such as the awesome Rae Lori and Carole Gill, who are so talented, too!

I never mentioned this before but another person who gives me great support is USA Today bestselling author, Renee Bernard. She’s just an amazing human being all around – so wonderful, bubbly and warm, an author who gives her time to offer me advice and love. She encourages me to never give up. Renee rocks!

What is the best piece of advice you would give to aspiring authors?

NGO: Write the best story you can write. Respect your readers, and your community. Forget about marketability and promo, forget sales, forget publishers, forget everything – just write the damn story.

Is there anything else my readers should know about you?

NGO: I love to cook, not only for myself and my family, but also for others. There’s something about making people happy with food. It makes me warm and fuzzy inside! So far, I think, I haven’t killed anyone – phew! Lol.

Where can my readers find you?

NGO: Here goes:

Website / Facebook profile page / Facebook author page / Twitter / Goodreads / Google+

Where can my readers find your books?

NGO: Soon, my books will be available on other sites but for now…

Something to Live for:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007RWCK0W (US)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007RWCK0W (UK)

A Kind of Judgment:

http://www.amazon.com/A-Kind-of-Judgment-ebook/dp/B007N33PL8 (US)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/A-Kind-of-Judgment-ebook/dp/B007N33PL8 (UK)

Thank you so much for being here, Natalie! 

My True Guilty Pleasure – Guest Post by W. Lynn Chantale

Thank you, Jessica for hosting me today.

I will admit I have a love affair with food. But not just any food, baked goods. Those sweet, gooey confections that make one want to horde the dish and never ever share.

One of my favorites is Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake. Pure decadence. The rich, creamy chocolate melts on the tongue and gives the taster a joy-gasm in the mouth. Yeah, I said it. What? You didn’t know food could be erotic?

How about a nice slice of homemade bread. Fresh from the oven, dripping with butter and honey. Delicious. Better yet…warm spple dumplings or apple crisp with french vanilla ice cream. Peach cobbler?

Maybe your tastes are a little more refined and a sexy tiramisu or creme brulee is the order of the day. Or perhaps pie is more to your liking? But my true guilty pleasure is  chocolate chip cookies and here’s the recipe I use.

1 c. unsalted butter

3/4 c. brown sugar

3/4 c. white sugar

2 eggs

2 and 1/4 c. flour

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp baking soda

12 oz. chocolate chips

nuts are optional

Cream butter and sugars until light. Add eggs and mix until fluffy about 5 minutes. Add flour, salt and soda just until mixed. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by rounded teaspoons on cookie sheet. Bake in preheated 375 degree oven 9-11 minutes depending on size of cookies.

Have fun and let the love affair begin.

When I’m not baking cookies, I can be found here:

Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook

Until next time, Indulge Your Inner Romantic

Decadent Seconds by W. Lynn Chantale:

As a caterer, Darling gets to witness some of life’s happiest moments, but yearns for a marriage proposal of her own. After years of waiting on her beloved to pop the question, she gives up ever having a happy ending of her own and severs the relationship. When she learns she’s pregnant, she has no choice but to face her child’s father on a daily basis as well as the love and attraction she has for him.

Darryl Manning always believed Darling would be his forever. After all he didn’t need a piece of paper to show her how much he loved her, but when she leaves him to pursue her dream of owning a catering company and raising his son, he may have to rethink his views marriage. That is if he wants a second chance at family.

Buy Links: Whispers / Amazon

Decadent Seconds Excerpt:

Drunken laughter floated just above the thrumming bass line of Lenny Kravitz’s Are You Gonna Go My Way, competing with the steady buzz of conversation. Soft pastel strobe lights flickered through the muted illumination. Darlene Williams, or “Darling” as she was known to friends and associates, surveyed the banquet hall full of guests.

She heaved a sigh as she glimpsed a swirl of ivory on the dance floor. For one wistful moment, where fairytales glowed bright and rosy, she imagined her own wedding. Her fairytale didn’t have a happy ending. She sighed again. Or a beginning.

A familiar face bobbed in the crowd, and her breath hitched. Twice he tried to take her picture, and she was determined he wouldn’t succeed. His gaze found hers, and her heartbeat matched the pounding bass line. He turned away, and she focused on a set of broad, muscular shoulders. She could spend hours smoothing her hands over his brawn. When he found her again, the corners of his mouth creased, and a familiar tingle crackled through her veins.

Just once she’d like to not react when she saw him. Despite the warmth knocking at the wall of her heart, Darling followed his movements to a group of similarly clad women. When they clustered around him, he raised his Nikon to his rugged face.

She loved his face, all angles and planes, and all that sharpness melted away when he smiled. Sadness and longing wiggled through a crack in her wall and squeezed her heart. They weren’t meant to be. Still she stared after him, envying the way he leaned close to one woman and lowered his camera. He gave a nod before moving away. When he passed beneath a wall sconce, the warm glow gave his smooth brown skin the fine sheen of melted chocolate. He should’ve been out of place in his black polo shirt and khaki slacks as he moved among the tuxedoes and long dresses, but his sexy smirk and camera made things easy.

The discordant clash of a body colliding with cymbals and snare drum drew Darling’s attention toward the dais next to the dance floor. A glassy-eyed young man in a tux tried to untangle his limbs from the instrument without spilling his drink. Succeeding, he then lurched onto the crowded dance floor and crashed into a couple of dancers. She shook her head when he sprawled on the floor, still trying to drink from the glass in his hand.

Not her problem. Darling regarded the decimated buffet, the food reduced to crumbs and half-dried globs of gravy—this was her problem. Swiping sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand, she lifted her gaze again, this time scanning the room for the tall, sexy photographer. He was now taking pictures of the drunk on the floor. Good, she didn’t want to run into him or his camera again. Turning, she hefted the silver chafer by the handles and placed it on the rolling cart behind her.

She reached for the next chafer, moving the serving spoon aside when strong hands seized her shoulders. The spoon slipped from her grasp, splattering white sauce on her black slacks, before settling on the floor. A sensuous chuckle tickled her ear, sending warmth scurrying through her veins, and puckering her nipples. Yanking free, she spun around to glare into dark chocolate eyes. She shoved the owner of those eyes and straightened her clothes. He laughed softly, his gaze drifting leisurely over her white chef’s coat and work pants.

Darryl Manning, the sexy photographer, grabbed her hand and gently tapped the thick bandage wrapped around her index finger. “What did you do to your finger?” She tugged her hand from his grasp, wincing when she smacked the digit on the chafer. “I cut it.” She bent to retrieve the spoon from the floor, straightened, and placed the utensil in a gray plastic tub.

Darling wiped her hands on a towel. Darryl folded well-toned arms across his broad chest, the black knit shirt he wore strained to accommodate the expansion of muscle. She stifled a groan and the urge to run her fingers along the bulging biceps and perfect pecs. Why did her body pick today to rebel? “I don’t have time for this now,” she snapped, “What do you have time for?” His rich baritone conjured nights of hot, steamy sex and decadent morning afters. He lifted his camera, with a sexy smirk. “Maybe a photo or two?”

She resisted the seductive note in his voice and placed her hand on the lens. “I’m working.”

“And I’m not, just finished.” He stepped closer, the heat of his body instantly warming hers. Darling tilted her head back to maintain eye contact.

She studied his face, waiting for the familiar ache and longing to subside. It didn’t. Being this close to him, surrounded by his scent, a little soap and a whole lot of male, made her yearn to be in his arms, to feel his full lips against hers. What was she doing? She couldn’t think about him, about them. She moved away. Not today.

Darling turned as the click-click-click of his camera captured her. Huffing, she stalked toward the kitchen. She caught the attention of Pete, one of her chefs for the evening. “Could you finish breaking down the buffet table while I take care of this?” She jerked a thumb to the hunk at her heels. Light flashed in her face, momentarily blinding her, and she held a hand to her eyes, blinking to clear her vision. “Don’t do that!”

Moving through the kitchen to a narrow staircase, she heaved a sigh as the pulsing rock music faded to a dull roar. Darling entered her office and smiled at the young man seated in a chair. “Thanks, Denny,” she said. He was another employee, and she waited until he closed the door.

Darling knelt next to a car seat and dropped a kiss on the sleeping infant’s cheek. White light zigzagged before her eyes. “Stop it!” she said.

“But you’re so beautiful,” Darryl said.

Her stomach did a slow somersault at the compliment, but he would need more than pretty words and his handsome face to woo her. Straightening, she shoved a diaper bag in his general direction. “I have two more weddings, a funeral, and an awards banquet. You trying to flirt is not on today’s calendar!”

Darryl offered her a smile and her knees turned to jelly. The man would be the death of her. The only reason she still spoke to him was the sleeping toddler. If not for the baby, she’d have kept walking and never looked back.

She brushed a stray curl from her face and planted her hand on her hip when Darryl didn’t move. “I know you may not have anything to do, but I really need to get back downstairs,” she reminded him.

He stepped closer, reaching a hand to tug on the lock of hair she had just swept away. She sucked in a breath, his clean masculine scent beguiling her. Her gaze dropped to the open collar of his shirt. If she pressed her mouth to his warm skin, would he moan? Darling lifted her head, and he met her lips with a kiss. Too stunned to protest, she sank into his kiss, savoring the spicy taste of him and the firmness of his lips. He skimmed the curve of her spine with his hands before resting them at her hips. Drawing her closer, he brought her against the hard line of his arousal. Desire exploded, and she wiggled her hips in hopes of easing the sudden tension at the apex of her thighs. As if sensing her need, he cupped her butt, shifting her slightly until he was wedged between her legs.

Lightning arced through her veins as he settled more firmly against her core. She gasped, and he deepened the kiss, tongues dueling in a fevered dance. Tightening her arms around his neck, Darling relished the sensations vibrating through her system, and decided to enjoy them.

Lifting his head, Darryl stared into her face. For once she didn’t care if he knew how much she wanted him, her fingers stroked the nape of his neck. She regarded him a moment before he brushed his lips across hers one last time before stepping away.

“I like flirting with you.” He trailed his fingers down her arm.

And with those few words he ruined the mood. She drew a ragged breath into her lungs and shoved his hand aside. How could one little kiss leave her so edgy and uncomfortable? She couldn’t give in to the demands of her body. She needed a clear head.

Satin Sheets in Space Virtual Book Tour with Giveaways!

The Virtual Book Tour with CBLS Promotions begins June 10.

Here’s the schedule:

June 10: Close Encounters with the Night Kind (Giveaway/Review)

June 12: Delighted Reader Book Reviews (Giveaway/Review)

June 14: Curse of the Bibliophile (Interview/Review)

June 16: Erotica For All (Guest Post)

June 17: ReadingDiva’s Blog (Giveaway/Review)

Satin Sheets in Space:

Danyka’s unusual height and radiant red hair earn her the cold shoulder from any guy she approaches, unless he wants to experiment with a giant. So when her boss sets up on a one night stand, she hopes for a prince but expects the usual toad.

As a captivating stranger whisks her away from the ball and introduces her to his equally gorgeous brother, she fears her fantasies have become a nightmare. Has she finally given into impulse only to become a lab rat in an unknown world?

Excerpt & Buy Links

Interviews and a giveaway!

[image error]Over on Backward Momentum, I’m interviewing Sarah J. Carr about her new release, Revealing Hamilton.

http://backwardmomentum.blogspot.ca/2012/06/revealing-hamilton-blog-tour-interview.html

And today is the last stop in my new releases blog tour. Stop by Laura Kaye’s blog where I’m interviewed, and for your chance to WIN an Amazon.com gift certificate.

http://laurakayeauthor.blogspot.ca/2012/06/come-celebrate-jessica-subjects-2-new.html

Six Sentence Sunday – Danyka is not on Earth anymore in SATIN SHEETS IN SPACE #sixsunday

Phew! It’s been an exhausting week with the releases of

SATIN SHEETS IN SPACE and AN UNEXPECTED RETURN.

Here’s another six from Satin Sheets in Space.

Thank you for coming to ready my Six Sentence Sunday post! Enjoy!

Danyka’s date just told her his name and that they were on his spaceship.

Here’s Danyka’s reaction:

At least she now knew his name, but wait…. Spaceship? She stared at the man, disillusioned. She could think of no other explanation for how they had traveled to a new location with the press of a button. Oh God, she’d been abducted by an alien. How would she get out of this situation? The first time she’d done something spur-of-the-moment, and she’d ended up being finger-fucked by an extraterrestrial.

Visit http://www.sixsunday.com/ to find out who’s participating in Six Sentence Sunday this week or follow the #sixsunday hashtag on twitter.

The new release celebration continues with more giveaways!

I’m still celebrating the release of Satin Sheets in Space and An Unexpected Return. Today I’m at Daily Dose of Decadence, talking about erotic massage and the Adamos of Elatia. Over there, I’m giving away one of my backlist titles from Decadent Publishing.

http://decadentpublishing.blogspot.ca/2012/06/erotic-massage-on-elatia.html

AND, I’m visiting my good friend Layna Pimentel, discussing how to write a memorable scene. You can WIN an Amazon gift certificate over there.

http://laynapimentel.com/2012/06/01/writing-a-memorable-scene-by-jessica-subject/

Don’t forget to stop by the Day Dreaming blog to read an interview, and another chance to WIN an Amazon gift certificate.

http://daydrmzzz.blogspot.ca/2012/05/jessica-e-subject.html

Have a great weekend!

Interview with romance author, Kerrianne Coombes

I’m very excited to welcome one of my writing buds, Kerrianne Coombes to my blog today.  Her first book, Running Home, debuted in February, and she’s had two more releases since then.

Kerrianne, can you tell us how long you’ve been writing with the hopes of publication? 

KC: About four years. Four really difficult—oh my gosh, what am I doing–years.

How did you get started?

KC: I just thought of an idea, and started writing. Firstly, it was just a way for me to blow off steam, or relax. And after a while I thought I might try to get good at it, so I put more and more time into writing—until I was addicted.

Sounds like how I started. What genres do you write in, and what appeals to you about those genres?

KC: I write whatever I feel. Sometimes that is contemporary, sometimes its paranormal. I don’t have a set genre, I am way too fickle for that

What titles do you have published?

KC: My first book is called Running Home, and it is a contemporary Romance about a guy who is an injured ex-soldier. He is trying his hardest to be a recluse—scarred and bitter—when Jo, literally falls on his doorstep in need of help.

Then I have The One That Got Away. This book is about second chance love, and all of the pain involved. It is a very heartfelt story, and I loved writing it.

Then, I have a paranormal Romance, called Beauty and the Beast. Demon Tales. Which is a dark, and somewhat messed up version of the old classic.

Do you have any recent or upcoming releases?

KC: I have another book out in July, called Inevitable—another contemporary Romance. And the sequel to Beauty and the Beast—Cinderella The Demon Tale—will be out in August.

Wow, look at you go. Congratulations! What are you working on now?

KC: Currently, I have four WIP’s open—which I regret sorely—But I cant seem to stop from starting a new story. LOL Two Contemporary, one paranormal, and one Urban Fantasy.

Can you describe your daily writing routine?

KC: The kids are my first priority every day. I have to get them ready for school and all that involves—Mainly me following them asking the same questions over and over ‘Have you brushed your teeth?’ LOL Then I have a million other things I do, but I try to devote a couple of hours a day to writing.

I can totally relate. Are you a plotter or a pantser?

KC: Pantser. But I wish I could plot, my muse hates it. She leads me away from the plot on purpose, I am sure. I usually have a beginning, a middle and an end—and I go from there. Usually the end changes completely, but I don’t mind, it makes it interesting for me.

What genres do you enjoy reading?

KC: ALL, and any. I am a greedy reader. The more the merrier. As long as the story is strong, characters are clear, I will read it. BUT If I had to choose one genre only, it would be paranormal.

Who is your favorite character from any of your books?

KC: Okay, in Beauty and the Beast, there is a character called Sam. He is a Ram Demon, who is friends with Torc—Briggs brother—and he will have his own book. I love him, already I sense how tormented he is, I just want to hug him.

“Why are you taunting me, Ram? Do you like having the shit beaten out of you?” Brigg’s temper was surging through his blood. His muscles bunched and itched for action. But he didn’t want to fight a demon who was his friend—a demon who was so clearly goading him.

Sam shrugged. “I’m just trying to show you that you care for her, spell or no spell.” Sam slumped in the leather chair with a freshly poured drink, held it up to the light and watched the dark liquid with a sad expression. “Don’t let anyone tell you what to feel, Brigg—because it fucking kills you when you realize they were wrong.” Brigg watched Sam drain his glass. He turned back to the window just in time to see the carriage roll away.

Where do your best ideas come from?

KC: I have no idea. LOL Sometimes my dreams, sometimes just by hearing a saying—a sentence—it is always when I least expect it x

What is your favorite book that you’ve read?

KC: SO. Many. Anything by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Nalini Singh, Maya Banks, Lara Adrian, Larissa Ione. I could not name a favorite.

Who is your favorite character from any of the books you’ve read?

KC: Again, so many. I adore so many book characters, and all of them are such complicated characters, that I would have to say. I love the complicated characters—instead of naming just one. But, maybe Acheron from the Dark hunter books, if I had to. And Simi, and Nick, and Faith from The psy/changeling books…see! I cant just name one! LOL

What writing/writer’s organizations are you involved with? Can you explain how they help your writing and/or your writing career?

KC: I am involved with the Kelley Armstrong writers group, the OWG, and it has helped me so much. I haven’t been there for a little while *Guilt stab* But I rely on their feedback so totally.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to aspiring authors?

KC: READ!!!!!

Oh, yes, I agree. Is there anything else my readers should know about you?

KC: That I intend to write until I cant write no more! LOL

Thank you so much, Kerrianne! I hope your year continues to be a fabulous one!

Find Kerrianne Coombes here:

Blog / Twitter / Facebook 

And find her books here:

Secret Cravings Publishing / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / All Romance & more

Dead To Rights blog tour: Interview with author Cate Masters

I’d like to welcome fellow Decadent Publishing author, Cate Masters to my blog today. Her novel Dead To Rights released this past March.

Cate, how long have you been writing with the hopes of publication?

CM: Decades, really. I’ve always written for myself, but in my thirties, I began querying both book and magazine pubs.

How did you get started?

CM: One of my crit partners had an acceptance from The Wild Rose Press, and encouraged me to submit there. At that time, online publishers were very new, so I spent some time researching a few. I had such a backlog of stories, I had many acceptances at once. An overwhelming experience with a huge learning curve, and I still think I’m at the bottom of that curve!

What titles do you have published? 

CM: Contemporary

Design for Life, Top Ten Finisher in 2011 Preditors & Editors poll

Going With Gravity, a 2011 EPIC finalist

Just the Right Amount of Wrong, interracial erotic romance

Picture This, a 2011 EPIC finalist

Rock Bottom, a rocking romance novel

Tonight You Belong to Me, 1NS short

Wilderness Girl, a 2011 EPIC finalist in erotic romance

Writing Off the Past

Fantasy/Paranormal

A Hard Day’s Knight, 1NS short Arthurian-themed fantasy

Clio’s Choice, midlength dark paranormal

Dancing With the Devil, Book 2 of The Goddess Connection, erotic romance novel

Dead to Rights, dark paranormal

Death Is A Bitch, dark paranormal novella with erotic/romantic and humorous elements

The Duende and The Muse, short fantasy

Ground Rules, Christmas fantasy

The Magic of Lavender, Book 1 of The Goddess Connection, sensual romance novel

Romancing the Hero, short fantasy

Soul for Sale, 2011 EPIC finalist, dark paranormal novella

Surfacing, fantasy novel about a mermaid and a rock singer

Historical

A Midwest Summer Night’s Dream – Western historical with Shakespearean twist

Angels, Sinners and Madmen – set in 1850s Key West, Florida and Top Ten Finisher in 2011 Preditors & Editors poll

Cinderella Dreams (Are Tough to Shake) – Vintage 80s freebie short

Follow the Stars Home – 1870s Native American historical about the opening of the Carlisle Industrial Indian School and Top Ten Finisher in 2011 Preditors & Editors poll

San Francisco Dreams – set around the 1906 San Francisco earthquake

Seventh Heaven – 2012 EPIC finalist set in 1960s in my hometown of Lambertville, NJ

Mainstream

The Bridge Between – dramatic novel also set in my hometown of Lambertville, NJ

Winning – short mainstream/speculative

Freebies and Indie Shorts

Visit my blog for more!

Definitely something for everyone. Do you have any recent or upcoming releases?

CM: It’s been a crazy busy year already! Decadent released two shorts as part of their very cool 1NS series – an Arthurian-themed fantasy, A Hard Day’s Knight, and a contemporary, Tonight You Belong to Me.  Dancing With The Devil, a dark paranormal erotic romance, released in March as Book 2 of The Goddess Connection series. Book Strand released a Western historical with a Shakespeare twist, A Midwest Summer Night’s Dream, in April. At this writing, another dark paranormal with humorous and erotic/romantic elements, Death Is A Bitch, is in edits with Decadent. I have two subs I’m waiting to hear about – a literary short story collection and another dark paranormal novella set in nearby Gettysburg.

Yes, you are busy. Are you a plotter or a pantser?

CM: Mostly a pantser, although I occasionally outline ahead. More often, I outline as I go along to keep track of where I’ve been.

Where do your best ideas come from?

CM:I think my lifelong writing pursuits rewired my brain. Everything becomes story fodder, and my mind’s constantly poking at ideas to see whether they’re viable or just bubbles that are too thin and will burst.

Do you belong to a critique group or have critique partners? If so, what have you learned from them? How has it affected your writing?

CM: I’d be lost without my crit partners. They’re detail-oriented, not afraid to tell me what doesn’t work, and the best support system ever.

I feel the same about my CPs. Is there anything else my readers should know about you?

CM: Yes. The rumors aren’t true. I flatly deny them! *tee hee* No, seriously, I spend all my spare time locked in my office writing. I’m extremely boring.

LOL. Where can my readers find you?

CM: In all sorts of strange nooks around the web. Most often, my blog: http://catemasters.blogspot.com, but I also haunt Facebook and Goodreads.  I do have a Twitter account, linked to my FB page, but rarely actually tweet. Twitter gives me hives.

Thanks so much for having me at your blog, Jessica! It’s been a real pleasure.

The pleasure is all mine, Cate.  

Author Bio:

Cate Masters loves stories with a dash of magic, mayhem and romance! Multipublished in contemporary to historical, sweet to erotic, fantasy/dark fantasy to speculative, she sometimes mashes genres. Reviewers have described her stories as “so compelling, I did not want to put it down,” and “such romantic tales that really touch your soul.”

When not spending time with her family, she can be found in her lair, concocting a magical brew of contemporary, historical, and fantasy/paranormal stories with her cat Chairman Maiow and dog Lily as company. Look for her at http://catemasters.blogspot.com and in strange nooks and far-flung corners of the web.

Cate loves to hear from readers! Friend her on Facebook or Goodreads, or email her at: cate.masters AT gmail.com

Dead to Rights – dark paranormal/urban fantasy

Available from Decadent Publishing

Blurb:

Identity theft sucks. But it’s worse when someone steals your life—body included. All memory of her life before waking up in a mental facility has vanished. Or was erased. Now she has to figure out how to get it all back….

Her only hope of learning the truth lies with one man. Problem is, he’s the leader of a cult. Her only choice is to follow him into his sordid world, where a darker evil lurks.

With a little help from an archangel hellbent on revenge, she may have a chance to learn the truth. But will it force her to make the hardest decision of her life…or death?

Book video

Thank you, thank you, thank you…

 

It is a crazy and exciting time for me this week with two new releases, and even though I am the author, I could never have gotten this far without the help of so many people.

First of all, I have to thank my family. They put up with a lot so that I can live this dream.

Huge hugs and thanks to my critique partners, DL Jackson, Layna Pimentel, Rebecca Royce, and Zee Monodee. These ladies are the first to see my raw stories and help me make them so much better. They also help me to work out problems in my stories when I’m ready to delete the file completely.

Thank you as well to all of my editors: Kate Richards, Rie Langdon, Meredith T. Cole, and all of the others who helped to make these stories shine. I learn so much from you every time.

Thank you to Valerie Mann, Kate Richards, and Olivia Starke who started the 1Night Stand line, of which I now have four stories included, and one more on the way.

Thank you Heather Bennett (co-owner of Decadent Publishing) for inviting me to write a story for Decadent’s new science fiction romance line. It was a true honor. And thanks to Lisa Omstead (co-owner of Decadent Publishing) as well. You two make Decadent a privilege to write for.

Thank you to all of the authors and bloggers who agreed to host me and interview me on their blogs. You’re truly amazing, and I appreciate all of your support.

And HUGE thanks to all of my readers. Without you, this dream wouldn’t be possible.