Jessica E. Subject's Blog, page 186

Another six from An Unexpected Return #sixsunday

Thank you to each and every one of you for reading

and commenting on my excerpts each week.

Today I bring you another six from An Unexpected Return,

a sci-fi romance contracted to Decadent Publishing.

This six might explain the previous six. Enjoy!

Ben though, had always been fond of Madelia. Yet she had never shown any interest in him before tonight. And when she'd been betrothed to Aris, she became a constant thorn in his side. He refused to betray his best friend.

He'd plotted this night ever since his wedding date had been set. For no matter how hard he tried, he could never care for Madelia.

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

Interview with @KaylieNewell – Sizzlin PR blog tour

Welcome Kaylie! It is a pleasure to have you here. Can you tell us how you got started in this industry?

I started writing short stories in elementary school.  I remember attempting to write my first novel with a lined notebook and purple sharpie.  That lasted only a few pages before I had to abandon it for my homework.  About three years ago I decided to try it again, and ended up with A Death That Lingers, my very first book which was released digitally in November of 2011 and will be available in paperback this July.

Do you have any recent or upcoming releases?

My second book, Falling In Danger, was just released on Monday!  It's about a young journalist who stumbles onto an underground dog fighting organization inLos Angeles.  Although the ring is eventually busted, she can't forget what she's seen.  She's driven to do a story on the dogs that were left behind, and the sexy detective who ended up saving them.  In the process, she discovers layers of her heart she never knew existed.

I'm proud to say that my amazing publisher, Beachwalk Press, has agreed to donate 40% of the proceeds from Falling In Danger to The Pixie Project animal rescue in Portland, Oregon.  It's my hope that this gift will end up touching the lives of some very special animals in need of a forever home.

To learn more about The Pixie Project and the wonderful work they do, please visit their website at http://www.pixieproject.org

Who is your favorite character from any of your books? (Can you include an excerpt involving this character?)

I love Jessica Brady.  She's the heroine from Falling In Danger.  I think I love her so much because she's such a great mixture of neurotic, fearful, spunky and brave.  She eventually learns to overcome her issues to be the woman she really wants to be.  Go Jessica!

Here's an excerpt:

Peeling off her clothes, she stepped into the warm torrents of water and tilted her head back until her hair was soaked. She closed her eyes and leaned against the tiled wall, forgetting for a moment where she was, and letting the shower lull her into a kind of stupor. Slowly, the tension in her exhausted muscles began to ease. The water ran from her shoulders, over her breasts, and down her belly in hot little streams, whose miniature currents twisted and turned from the texture of her skin.

She must have fallen asleep, at least for a minute, because when the door opened, she didn't hear it consciously.

"Hey."

She jumped and nearly hit her head on the showerhead. Fitz stood outside the frosted door, holding a towel and averting his gaze.

"Oh my God," she panted, trying to cover her chest and other unmentionables.

"I knocked. You didn't answer," he said matter-of-factly. "Here's your towel." Setting it down on the counter, he didn't make any move to leave. Instead, he stood there, head down, large shoulders hunched, his hand resting on the white terry cloth fabric.

She stayed absolutely still, the water pouring over her body and pooling at her feet before disappearing down the drain. Her heart quickened as she took him in. But not for all the logical reasons it should have. She should have been panicking. After all, she was completely naked. Completely exposed. And he was a deviant. A low life. He kept company with thugs. But it was as if something in her brain had clicked off. All she could wrap her thoughts around at that very moment was how he had looked standing over Albert. And how he'd felt when she'd curled in to him afterward.

"Do you think you can hold on for just a few more hours?" he said, his voice so low she could barely hear it. "I'm going to get you out of here. But you have to trust me."

She stared at the side of his face, unable to make out his exact expression, but sure it was serious. Hard.

Trust him. Two little words, but how complicated they were. How intricate.

She didn't know how, or why, or even when she'd started to change over the last twenty-four hours, but of one thing she was certain—she already did trust him. Completely. God help her.

She opened her mouth to answer, the water streaming down her face, her saturated hair just barely touching her shoulders.

He turned to her, his movements deliberate and measured. Her pulse thumped in her neck, her body heating in areas it shouldn't have. The tops of her breasts swelled over her arm which attempted to cover them, and she was aware of every single inch of exposed skin that he'd be able to see, even through the cloudy glass of the shower door. Still, she didn't move, the words that she wanted to say thick and catching in her throat.

Condensation dripped down the glass, creating jagged lines of clarity where there weren't any before. She could tell his eyes were moving over her. He didn't bother hiding it. They took her in, from her ankles, up the curve of her legs, over her hips, and toward her dripping chest. The knowledge sent a thrill through her. She was painfully self-conscious by nature; never in her life had she stood naked in front of a man. And certainly not one like this, a brooding, dangerous stranger. Yet she could feel the incredibly erotic, feminine power she had over him, simply by standing in one spot and staring right back. It was enough to make her body tremble in places she didn't even know she had.

Just when she couldn't stand the tension one second longer, just when she thought she might actually open the shower door and pull him in with her, he turned away.

"I'll take that as a yes," he said, and walked out the door.

And a great name, too. What is your favorite book that you've read?

Oh, gosh.  I don't know if I can name just one.  There are so many- Some of my favorites are The Help, A Tree Grows In Brooklyn, Pillars Of The Earth, Bag Of Bones, Superstition, The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon…Whoa.  I could go on all day!

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

I love Mike Noonan, the narrator from Bag Of Bones.  He's got the tormented writer thing down pat.  Very sexy.

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?

I have two of the most wonderful critique partners ever!  More than just critique partners, they've become friends.  They've been there to comfort me on the bad days, and are there to celebrate on the great ones.  They've helped me improve my writing and they've also helped me find my voice as a romance novelist.  I think connecting with these ladies was one of the most important things I did for my career early on.  And it's the biggest piece of advice I can offer a new writer.  Find a core group of writer friends early on.  You'll be very glad you did.

Oh, I can completely relate. I love my CPs just as much. Where can my readers find you?

I love to hear from readers!  You can find me on my blog at http://www.kaylienewell.com, Facebook, at http://www.facebook.com/kaylienewell or Twiter, @KaylieNewell

Where can my readers find your books?

A Death That Lingers and Falling In Danger can both be found on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Beachwalk Press.

Thanks, Kaylie! Here's the blurb for Falling In Danger:

A journalist stumbles onto the story of a lifetime. And finds herself falling in danger…

When young, naïve reporter Jessica Brady is kidnapped and held for ransom by the head of an illegal dog fighting organization, undercover police officer Ian Cole realizes he's got his hands full. He's on the verge of busting the ring when he's assigned to babysit her, which isn't an easy feat. She's neurotic, feisty, and also happens to be scared to death of dogs. Now he has to figure out a way to get them both out alive.

Jessica has no idea the thug she's becoming attracted to is actually a cop, but it's clear he's not like the rest of the men in the organization. Particularly Albert Mancini, the disturbed only son of the ring boss, who has an appetite for alcohol and women. Especially Jessica.

When Ian's cover is blown, he's forced to bust the ring early. Weeks later, Jessica can't stop thinking about the experience that has changed her forever. She wonders about the tall, sexy detective who saved her life. And the mobster's prize-winning pit bull, Bruta.

An idea for a story is born. What if these dogs were given a second chance at life?

As Jessica digs deeper into their troubled world, she ends up falling for the police officer who rescued them. And discovers layers of her heart she never knew existed.

But when Albert escapes from jail, her happiness turns to terror. He hasn't forgotten about the detective who put him behind bars. Or the beautiful young woman whose every move has become his obsession.

Want to try science fiction romance?

It's my day over at Backward Momentum, and I have some more science fiction romance recommendations for you. One is a young adult, and the other a menage. Quite the extreme, but still great books.

An Interview with Jasper Jamenson from A Taste for a Mate by @CarrieAnnRyan & Giveaway!!

I'd like to welcome paranormal and contemporary romance author, Carrie Ann Ryan to my blog. After spending too much time behind a lab bench, she decided to dive into the romance world and find her werewolf mate – even if its just in her books. Happy endings are always near – even if you have to get over the challenges of falling in love first.

Her first book, An Alpha's Path, is the first in her Redwood Pack series. She's also an avid reader and lover of romance and fiction novels. She love meeting new authors and new worlds. Any recommendations you have are appreciated. Carrie Ann lives in New England with her husband and two kittens.

Carrie Ann loves hearing from readers. You can find her at:

Website, Blog, Facebook Author Page, Facebook Friend, Goodreads, Twitter

I believe she has brought some guests with her. Take is away Carrie Ann!

~*~

Carrie Ann: Hi Jasper! I'm so happy that you are here with me today and could pull yourself away from Willow.

*blushes*

Jasper: Hi Carrie Ann. I'm glad I can be here to. *looks over his shoulder* But I won't be able to stay too long, I don't like leaving Willow alone.

Carrie Ann: She can take care of herself, ya know.

Jasper: *grins* Oh, I know she can. But that's not why I want to get back.

Carrie Ann: *blushes* *coughs* Okay, then. Well… where was I?

(Door opens, Kade Jameson walks into the room)

Kade: Hi Carrie Ann, nice to see you again. I thought I'd come in and talk with you both.

Jasper: You never let me have time to myself, do you?

Kade: Nope. Plus Mel is with Willow right now. *shrugs* I'm bored.

Carrie Ann: No, it's fine. It's good to see you. So let's get started. Jasper, what is it like being the Beta of the Redwood Pack?

Jasper: Busy. *laughs* My duties are to care for the Pack's daily needs. So I'm usually busy with them. But I don't mind.

Carrie Ann: I would assume you are. Kade, do you help at all.

*both men laugh*

Kade: I try not to. I'm the Heir so I have responsibilities on a different level that take me away from those things. But that's why our system works. We each work towards the whole and we get things done.

Carrie Ann: I understand. Jasper, how is Willow doing? Recovering from her ordeal?

Jasper: *growls* She is much better. Thank you.

Carrie Ann: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be insensitive. I just wanted to make sure.

Kade: *clears his throat* It's okay, Carrie Ann. Jasper understands. It was hard on all of us with what happened. But she's doing amazing now and an asset to the Pack. I'm happy to call her my sister.

Carrie Ann: I know that Willow loves to cook. Are you guys enjoying it.

Jasper: Hell yeah. *laughs* She's amazing. Thank God we all have high metabolisms, because I don't think I'd make it at this point.

Kade: Tell me about it. I'd be about 500 pounds at this point.

Carrie Ann: Okay, so Jasper, what was the first thing you thought when you saw Willow?

Jasper: She needed me.

Carrie Ann: Awww, and what is your favorite thing about her?

Jasper: The fact that she lets me know I need her more than I thought.

Carrie Ann: Oh, and some readers asked me this. What is your deal with the movie Grease?

Jasper: *blushes* I like the movie. It's not a big deal.

Kade: *falls out of his chair laughing* You are crazy.

Carrie Ann: Is there anything you two want to tell me? I know the end of A Taste for a Mate ended with something that needs to be found. Can you tell me?

Jasper: Oh, Carrie Ann. I think you know. But don't worry, all that was lost will be found

Carrie Ann: Thank you boys so much for coming by today!

Jasper: It was an honor to be here. Now I must be off. Willow's waiting. *blinks* *runs out the door*

Carrie Ann: Bye. *blushes*

Kade: Well, since he's leaving. Mel's waiting. *kisses her cheek and runs out the door*

Carrie Ann: *sighs* Oh I wish I had a Jamenson man. Dear Lord.

~*~

Giveaway!

Carrie Ann Ryan is graciously giving away a $10 Amazon gift certificate as well as a signed bookmark. Simply leave a comment for your chance to WIN!

A Taste for a Mate Blurb

Jasper Jamenson's only responsibility to being the Beta of the Redwood Pack, second son of the Alpha, is to protect the Pack from themselves and the human world. After a century of selfless service, his brother's new found mating forced him into taking a good look into his life. He isn't sure he wants a mate, but fate may have other ideas.

Willow Delton is a skinny, bakery owner – the type most woman love to hate. Being without family, she finds herself alone to the Greek god with green eyes who saunters into her bakery every morning. Her desire to follow him, to be with him, overrides every rational sense she possessed.

Jasper and Willow are drawn together, despite every nuisance that works against them. But evil beyond even Jasper's supernatural compensation will make war against him, by going after the only thing in his eternal life he desires – Willow. Is Willow's heart enough to overcome Jasper's soul to save her life? A fight he cannot win, but to save her life – he must.

Excerpt

The man of Willow's dreams walked out the door, but this time was coming back for her. She had a date with Jasper. Her heart pound in her ears and she felt like jumping up and down like a teenager. She bit her lip, holding back a squeal.

Jasper – the name suited him. Unique yet strong. Closing her eyes to savor the feel of his presence, she tried to recall every word he said, every move he made. The warmth from his fingertips against her cheek still tingled. She took a deep breath of his lingering scent and steadied herself before opening her eyes. An older couple stood staring at her with their lips pursed and brows furrowed. She must have been completely out of it not to hear the bell.

"I'm so sorry. I'm just having one of those days. What can I get for you? I have fresh cinnamon rolls for you if you would like." She couldn't wipe the grin off her face and helped them to begin her day.

Breakfast and lunch flew by. Cleaning the few tables inside her shop, she hummed to herself as she thought about the night to come. She had a date. The small mountain town they lived in had a decent selection of potential matches. But from what she observed, they were players or married. Sometimes both. Not until Jasper walked into her bakery did she noticed a man. And oh did she notice.

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Taste-Mate-Redwood-Pack-ebook/dp/B0073WA12K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328133523&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1108508709?ean=2940014077125&itm=1&usri=a+taste+for+a+mate

The Zurian Child Cover Reveal

I'm so excited to show you the cover for The Zurian Child.

I saw the mock yesterday and couldn't wait to share it. So here it is:

[image error]

Thank you Reese Dante for designing such a beautiful cover!!

Here's the blurb for The Zurian Child which is

tentatively scheduled for release on March 24, 2012:

Lindsay Beckett just wants to live a normal life, to marry Quinn Montgomery – the man of her dreams – and raise a family with him. But fate steps in and dashes her hopes.

Seven years later, she is reunited with Quinn and charmed back into his life. Yet she finds herself undeniably attracted to his best friend.

A startling revelation revealed by both men adds even more turmoil to her life and ultimately puts her and her daughter on the run.

In the end, she must open her heart to both men and trust them in order to keep her and her daughter alive.

SFR recommended reads on Backward Momentum

Today is my day on Backward Momentum, and I'm sharing some science fiction romance reads that I highly recommend.

http://backwardmomentum.blogspot.com/2012/02/science-fiction-romance-recommendations.html

And the Winners are…

Backward Momentum: 

The winner of the $10 ARE gift certificate and choice of my 1Night Stand stories is: Anne

The winners of the With Love blog hop are listed below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

All winners have been notified. Thank you for your support!

~Jessica

It's Valentine's Day! Who wants to WIN books & more??

Today, over at Backward Momentum, is the Love, Lasers and Lightswords Valentine's Bash. There are 14 science fiction romance authors participating, and two hunky hosts. Every hour a new post will go up, each with a chance to WIN some fabulous prizes, including ebooks, print books, and gift certificates. Plus, there is a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift certificate, $10 AllRomanceEbook gift certificate, plus chocolates from Ye Olde Shoppe. So head on over and enter to WIN!!!

PLUS, today is the LAST DAY to enter the With Love blog hop. Visit my post for your chance to WIN 1 of 3 ebook copies of Never Gonna Let You Go. And be sure to visit over 200 other authors and bloggers participating!

Images of Love – Guest Post by author @EmilyCale & Giveaway!!

Click here for the With Love Blog Hop

[image error]I grew up watching only the television my mom liked. This mainly consisted of sitcoms from the 1960s and 1970s that were on Nick-at-Night or another similar channel. The Waltons, MASH, Little House on the Prairie, and Happy Days were on from the start of dinner until bedtime. What that mainly meant for me is that I knew a bunch of references that rest of my friends never understood. Say "Night Jim Bob" one time at a slumber party and you'll get weird looks for weeks (points for anyone who got that).

[image error]What you also might have gotten from that list of shows is that we mostly watched "wholesome TV" at my house. Friends, Sex and the City, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer were all things that I managed to watch quietly in my room while clutching the remote so I could quickly switch it off if someone came downstairs. I didn't get brave enough to try any of this until high school. Prior to that, I stayed up late to sneak in episodes of the Mary Tyler Moore Show, I Love Lucy, or (my favorite) The Dick van Dyke show. What all of these have in common is that they show a vision of one man and one woman falling in love and raising a happy family.

One look at the cover of my newest release, Public Display of Affection, and you know that isn't the story I've told. There are two women on the cover. This isn't the look of love that I grew up with. It is, however, the same story. Two people, a little hurt from their past experiences, who go looking to find the thing they know has been missing from their life. Sure, an online dating program is a new thing, but people have been being setup by their friends and relatives for as long as anyone can remember. Maybe they're a little reluctant at first. Maybe they aren't sure they can make things work. They kiss, they fight, they make up and live happily ever after. It's the exact same story, with the same feelings and the same ending.

That's what I think about when I write. Whether I'm writing about a sexy cowboy and the city girl who manages to tame him or the two women who hook up through an online organization, my process is the same. I let the characters tell me who they are and what they want, and then it is my job to go out and find them the perfect person to complement them. I hope that's what I've done with this book. My characters certainly seem happy in the end.

*Giveaway—I'll pick one commenter to receive a

$10 All Romance Ebooks giftcard*
Public Display of Affection Blurb:

After a heartbreaking end to her relationship with her girlfriend, Lucy Stark is looking to try something more adventurous. She turns to Madame Eve's 1Night Stand service to help her find the perfect woman to push her boundaries and introduce her to the more daring side of a sexual encounter.

Samantha Taylor's helped more than one woman explore her sexuality, but Lucy's the first to really get to her. Keeping her walls up and the women she dates from getting inside is a skill she's managed to master. After one night of unbridled passion, she has to decide whether to give up her hard exterior or let the woman of her dreams slip away.

Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/A7f0792Cv9o

Buy Links

Publisher: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_188&products_id=448&osCsid=4j58524pp1s1cb4k6cb52lunl7

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Public-Display-Affection-Night-ebook/dp/B006ZIHUBS/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1329019368&sr=1-4

Six Sentence Sunday: 02/12/12 – Six from An Unexpected Return

Click here for the With Love Blog Hop

Thank you to each and every one of you for reading

and commenting on my excerpts each week.

Today I bring you six from An Unexpected Return, a sci-fi romance

which I contracted to Decadent Publishing on Tuesday.

This six comes from the first page. Enjoy!

 Aristides placed his hand on his friend's shoulders. "I give you permission to deflower my betrothed. She will be yours as it should have always been. Just be sure she is on top when we come into the room."

He slid open the door to his grand suite, a place he would not return to any time soon, not without experiencing more of what the universe had to offer. "She waits for you."

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

And I will not be participating next week as it is the Family Day long weekend in my neck of the woods, so I'll be taking a break. See you again on the 26th!