Jessica E. Subject's Blog, page 192

When You're In Space, Nobody Can Hear You Scream … by Marva Dasef

When You're In Space,

Nobody Can Hear You Scream…

Happy Holidays!

Christmas, Hanukkah, and Eid Al-fitr are behind us, at least on the Earth calendar, and almost to New Year's Day. When writing science fiction, dealing with multiple worlds and cultures is common. The question is how do these people coordinate between each other.

In my SFR, "Ultimate Duty," human space is under the power of the monolithic SemCorp. Created when the Semyon-Bratva Cartel merged with Canopis Corporation, SemCorp evolved into the de facto government. Eventually, twenty-three inhabited worlds merged into a massive commercial enterprise. At first, the individual planets maintained separate governments, but over the years, they became superfluous and all but disappeared.

I had to decide how the disparate worlds kept on a schedule. After all, merchant freighters have to know when to make pick ups from one world, and the destination for the merchandise needs to know when it will arrive.

The easiest method, and one enforceable when all the planets are under the thumb of a single entity is to set every planet's "clock" in relation to each other. I settled on using earth time because I found it easier to deal with as a writer, and readers didn't have to figure out some esoteric clock/calendar system.Obviously, those twenty-three worlds will not only have a different clock depending on the rotation of the planet on its axis, but each will also have a different length of year. So different days, different years. How do you keep a calendar so you know when to celebrate New Year's or the Chairman's birthday or whatever?

Feeling the holiday spirit yet?

Another characteristic of the worlds is that each was settled by a particular earth group. My heroine's home world, Acadia, was originally by French speaking people are Canadian, French, and Cajun people of the old (defunct) United States. The hero is from a Brazilian-based planet called Brasilia. New Mecca became home to Muslims. Deutchlund inhabited by Germans, and so on.I thought not, but let me forge ahead anyway.

You'd think that all the settled planets would be a mixture of all kinds of earth races (extraterrestrials haven't made an appearance yet, but who can blame them). And hundreds years after settling, most of the planets are as polyglot as many countries are today.

But people tend to hold to traditions, so it's easy to imagine that the French, Brazilian, and German based planets still celebrated some type of Christmas holiday. The only religion I comment on is the Muslim population of New Mecca. There's a reason for that which you'll discover if you read the book. And to that purpose, I'll be giving away an ebook or two. Just leave a comment with some facsimile of your email address to win a PDF of "Ultimate Duty."

ULTIMATE DUTY

by Marva Dasef http://marvadasef.com/ http://mgddasef.blogspot.com/

Publisher Eternal Press http://www.eternalpress.biz/book.php?isbn=9781615722280

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxaTLrg5c5A

Amazon ebook: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B004ASND8O

Blurb:

Remy Belieux, a woman born into a life of servitude on a repressive factory planet, is desperate for a different life. When she's accepted into the Space Service Academy, run by the organization that enslaves her planet, she discovers the truth behind generations of rebellion. Now, she must decide what to believe, where her ultimate duty lies, and fight for more than her life against impossible odds.

Excerpt:

Remy and Garrett arrived at the outer wall path that led to the dock ports. Remy hoped at least one shuttle was still attached to the station. She dropped to the floor and peered down the slope of the passageway. Two guards stood at the entrance to bay 5. Luckily, they faced the opposite direction. Remy slid back and pointed silently, then held up two fingers. Garrett nodded and pointed left and then at himself. Remy nodded.

With no way to get any closer unseen, they must use speed instead. Both stepped back a couple of paces, so they'd hit the corner at full tilt. A nod from Garrett, and they sprinted through the twenty meters separating them from the guards. One guard turned to look only when Remy and Garrett were close enough to attack. The guard yelled, "Halt!" as he raised the barrel of his blaster. The second guard turned with a confused expression and didn't manage to raise his own weapon before Remy reached him.

Remy felt her mind and body slip into fighting mode. Time slowed for her, and she noted every detail of the guard's stance. She leaped high in the air, her legs coiled like springs. The second guard finally lifted his rifle but never had the chance to fire. Remy drove both feet into his abdomen, slamming him against the wall with the force of her strike. In the low gravity she landed easily on her feet crouched and ready. She crossed her arms against her torso, grabbing the guard's belt with her left hand and prepared to strike with her right. The man's eyes widened when Remy's backhand arced toward him. The force of the blow across his jaw sent him tumbling to the floor.

Founder's Day – An exclusive short from Cathy Pegau & Giveaway!!

Founder's Day by Cathy Pegau

Zia drew in a long, slow breath, letting the warm salt and floral tinged air of Pacifica fill her lungs, and released it with a contented sigh. The cooling pad beneath her provided the perfect barrier between the hot, lavender sand while countering the heat of the sun's rays baking her from above. Optimum comfort was promised and delivered. Somewhere in the distance, she heard shouts and laughter of others, but no one close enough to bother her mid day repose.

She'd never allowed herself time to relax like this back on Nevarro. It was always work work work, stress stress stress. But since coming to the resort planet two months ago, she'd slowly let go of the natural drive that had seen her become VP of Research and Development for one of the top mining companies on Nevarro before she'd reached her thirty-fifth standard year.

Correction: Former Vice President.

Being on Pacifica was the  result of her forced departure from Exeter Mining, but she was so very lucky to be here. And even luckier to be here with the woman she loved. Those last few months on Nevarro had been strenuous, and had nearly killed both her and Liv. They were safe now, taking a short holiday while they figured out where to go next.

Eyes closed, her breathing and heart rate synchronized with the lulling sound of the surf against the soft sand. Zia forced herself not to dwell on the worries of what they'd do to make their living after the visit to Pacifica was over. They'd figure it out soon enough. Right now, she just wanted to soak in the sun while she waited for Liv to join her.

"Happy Founder's Day."

Reluctant to rouse from her doze, but responding to the familiar voice, Zia opened one eye just wide enough to see Liv standing over her. Liv's short dark hair flittered in the sea breeze, haloing her head. Like Zia, she wore a snug one piece outfit. The strapless garment showed off Liv's lithe body, and Zia smiled in appreciation. "We're not on Nevarro anymore, hon. They don't celebrate Founder's Day here."

Every day was a celebration on the resort planet. How could it not be in a world marketed specifically for its just-hot-enough beaches, placid oceans, and low, rolling hills?

"I know." Liv held out a red and silver box slightly larger than her fist. "Here."

Zia rose to lean on her elbows. She'd assumed that leaving Nevarro meant they wouldn't celebrate. Apparently she'd been wrong. "Sweetness, I didn't think we'd be observing the day. I didn't get you anything—"

"Don't be ridiculous." She shook the box. "Just open it."

Zia sat up and crossed her legs as she gave Liv a reproachful look. They often exchanged gifts—flowers or small tokens—without the expectation of reciprocation, but Founder's Day was a major holiday on Nevarro, with parades and parties scheduled across the planet. Not that she'd participated in many. Work had always come first, and the few times she had someone to share the festivities with, she'd felt a certain amount of resentment if she had projects pending.

But things were different now. She was different now. And it was all because of Liv.

Smiling, Zia took the box and gave it an experimental shake. Neither heavy nor rattling, whatever it was thumped against the sides. Slowly, she ran her finger under the edge of the paper.

Liv bounced on the balls of her feet, sinking deeper into the sand. "You're doing that on purpose."

"What?" Zia asked, widening her eyes in mock innocence. Liv was not the most patient person; in some things, anyway. She finished loosening the paper and set it on the pad. Lifting the top off the box, she stared down at the circle of white fur inside. "Is it alive?"

"No, silly." Liv huffed dramatically and reached in. With a flick of her wrists, she held a furry disc in each hand connected by a springy, flat band wrapped in the same material.

"Ear muffs?"

"Put them on."

The grin on her face made her look like a kid, and Zia couldn't help but smile back despite her confusion. "It's over 34 degrees. Not exactly ear muff weather."

A sly glint lit Liv's brown eyes. "Put them on and come with me."

What was she up to? Zia set the furry head gear over her ears, muffling the sound of the ocean waves. Liv extended a hand to help her up. When Zia was on her feet, she kissed Liv's cheek. "They're great, but—"

Liv covered Zia's mouth with her own, eliciting a moan of desire from Zia as heat flashed from her breasts to her groin. God, she loved kissing this woman. Before Zia could deepen the kiss, Liv broke away and started toward the cottage they shared, tugging Zia along by the hand. "Come on."

Feeling a little silly mincing across the scorching sand while wearing ear muffs, Zia wondered what Liv had in store. The breeze off the ocean tossed her long hair over her shoulders, but the ear muffs kept it out of her face. Another change since being with Liv; she used to wear her hair up and controlled.

The sweet scent of the false hibiscus blooming beside the cottage drifted on the air as they walked to the rear door. Like the other dwellings further along the beach, the white-washed exterior reflected the sun's heat while the blue roof tiles collected and converted its energy for use.

Liv stopped on the slate porch of the rear entrance and let go of Zia's hand. Instead of opening the door, she reached behind the carved stone bench beside it. She turned around, a long, puffy coat the color of putty in each hand.

Zia took a coat from her, one eyebrow cocked in a silent question.

"Humor me," Liv said. She shrugged into the other coat, closed it up to her throat, and withdrew her own ear muffs from the deep pocket. "And hurry up before I melt in this thing."

Zia donned the garment as Liv reached behind the bench again. The coat came down to Zia's shins. It was already getting too hot, and she was grateful for the cool stone beneath her feet.

"These too." Liv handed Zia a pair of fur-lined boots.

She brushed the sand off her feet and did as she was told. The boots felt awkward and alien after weeks of running barefoot on the sand or with the thinnest of sandals when propriety demanded shoes.

Liv put on her own pair, a grin still splitting her face. "All right. Now, close your eyes."

Zia complied. She had an idea what Liv had done, considering the cold weather gear she currently wore on a beach planet, but didn't want to spoil it. Part of a gift was the giver's anticipation. Goodness knows she was just as delighted to give Liv some trinket as Liv was to receive it. She felt Liv's fingers entwine with her own and gently squeezed them. Liv squeezed back.

The door clicked open. A burst of icy air hit Zia's face and she instinctively sucked in a breath. Beneath the coat, her body gave a reactionary shiver, even though it was well protected. Her sudden inhalation brought with it a distinct metallic hint to the air. Just like Nevarro's. How had Liv dropped the temp in the short time Zia had been out of the house? How had she managed the very taste of the air? The enviro controls must be pushed to their limits.

"Don't open your eyes," Liv admonished.

She ushered Zia in and the door closed behind them. In her mind's eye, Zia saw the layout of their little cottage by the sea. They'd entered the enclosed porch with a long, low couch she and Liv often used during their evening meal so they could watch the peach and purple sunsets. From the outside, the one-way windows appeared to be solid walls, giving them complete privacy while enjoying the view. And each other.

Through the arched doorway and to the left was the kitchen where Liv sometimes cooked their meals, but more often than not they had the Compu-Chef whip up something.

Liv led her to the right, into the small living room. After a day in the luscious heat of Pacifica, Zia's cheeks felt frozen even though it was probably only ten degrees C. A trace of some tantalizing scent came to her. Cinnamon? Hard to say with her nose as cold as it was.

"Over this way." They approached the place where a low table sat between two chairs and a short couch. Instinctively, Zia swerved away from what would be the corner of the table.

"Now sit," Liv said, taking her shoulders and easing her down to the couch.

Trusting her lover, though still not quite sure what to expect, she sat on the edge of the seat. Liv moved away and busied herself in front of Zia. Though she listened hard, she couldn't determine what Liv was doing. A few taps, a muted beep. The urge to peek nearly overwhelmed her, but she didn't want to ruin Liv's surprise. Whatever she had planned was important to her, and that meant it was important to Zia. After a moment, Zia felt a wave of warmth cut through the cold.

"Open your eyes."

Zia opened them and gasped in delight, the cold all but forgotten. The entire living room was lit with strings of tiny white lights. The table had been moved aside, and on the bare floor in front of her was a roaring fire encircled by smooth stones. The hologram looked and felt so real, Zia's nose warmed. Liv stood near the table. On the honey-colored surface waited a platter of pastries, a basket of huskberries, and a colorful coffee pot with two matching mugs.

"I couldn't find a Founder's Day flag here," Liv said, her breath coming out in a silvery puff, "and getting one shipped over was more credits than I could justify."

"It's amazing." Zia's voice caught around the lump in her throat as a surge of love squeezed her chest. "I can't believe you did all of this."

Liv shrugged, but the smile on her beautiful face told Zia she was pleased with Zia's reaction. "I programmed the Chef with a recipe I found for the pastries. They're pretty close. And the cocoa is good. Had to fight to override the temp setting. Seems the Chef couldn't quite understand why I wanted such a hot drink here."

Zia laughed. Leave it to Liv to argue with a kitchen appliance.

Liv's grin faded a little as she continued. "What happened on Nevarro probably isn't stuff either one of us wants to remember." She knelt in front of Zia and grasped her hands. Cool skin warmed quickly when their palms came together. "But it's where we met, and I never want to forget that. By leaving like we did, we never had the chance to share one of my favorite holidays."

She released  Zia's hands and rose to pour cocoa—the Nevarro Founding Father's preferred beverage and a tradition of the holiday—into each of the  mugs. Passing one to Zia, Liv sat beside her. The mug radiated enough heat to warm her hands while the delectable scent of chocolate made her mouth water.

She sipped the rich beverage and smiled. Careful of the hot drinks, Zia kissed Liv's cheek. "I will never forget this. Thank you."

Liv took the mug from her and set both back on the table. "There's one more thing."

She rose, taking Zia's hand again, and led her toward the bedroom.

Zia's smile broadened. This was definitely going to be one of her better Founder's Days.

Liv glanced at her as she pushed the door open and moved aside. Zia stepped into the room and her mouth dropped open. Flames flickered from dozens of white candles that filled every flat surface except the white fur-covered bed. The scent of wax and cinnamon tinged the icy air.

"How?" Was all Zia could manage.

"I've be getting things together for the past two weeks," she said. "It's not easy keeping surprises hidden from you." Liv took Zia's hand and led her to the bed. She ran her fingers under the closure of the coat and pushed the garment off Zia's shoulders. The chill air on her chest made her shiver. "I took advantage of your time down at the beach. Now I'm going to take advantage of you."

Eyeing the promise of the fur on the bed, Zia's nipples tightened from the cold and from the anticipation of what was to come. She covered Liv's mouth with her own as she opened Liv's coat and ran her hands up her lover's arms to her shoulders and neck. She threaded her fingers through Liv's hair and deepened the kiss. Liv's arms came around Zia's waist, one hand at the small of her back, pulling their bodies together, and the other working the closure of her beach frock.

"Hurry," Zia said as she lowered her hands to Liv's clothing and did the same. "I'm freezing."

They peeled each other out of their clothes and kicked off the fur-lined boots. Despite the cold, Zia stopped for a moment to stare at Liv. The Pacifica sun had darkened her skin to a golden brown that glowed in the candlelight. Cold and arousal made her nipples pebble, and Zia couldn't stop herself from reaching out to caress Liv's breast.

Liv sucked in a breath and moved closer, her hands skimming along Zia's sides and up to her chest as their mouths came together. Tongues twined and heat blossomed throughout Zia's body. Liv's scent filled her, increasing Zia's need to have her.

One hand at Zia's breast and the other at her waist, Liv eased her around and guided her backward toward the bed. Zia's legs hit the side. As she lowered herself, still kissing Liv, she reached out and flipped back the fur blanket. They broke the kiss only long enough to get into bed, but kept one hand on each other as they moved, neither willing to lose contact with soft, hot skin even for a moment. Zia realized they both still wore their ear muffs, but didn't care.

Liv covered Zia's body with her own, her weight and they way they fit together giving Zia a sense of contentment she'd relished for the last two months. Breast to breast, stomach to stomach, thighs pressing between legs, she couldn't think of any other place she'd rather be than in the chilled room with the woman she loved.

Liv pulled the fur around the two of them, creating a cocoon of warmth. Only their heads were exposed, and Zia delighted in the contrast of the nip in the air while her body heated beneath Liv's as they kissed. After several breathless moments, Liv lifted herself away, her gaze wandering over Zia's face from brow to eyes to lips.

Zia cocked her head. "What? What are you thinking?"

Their gazes met and Liv smiled. Zia's insides melted. "I'm thinking," Liv said, "how I'm very grateful Carmine Nevarro discovered keracite on that cold rock, otherwise we wouldn't be here. I love you."

Zia ran her fingers through Liv's hair and drew her back down for a kiss. "Love you too. Happy Founder's Day."

**********************************

Liv and Zia met when Liv was on a job to steal from her. Read how theft and betrayal turned into desire and love in Rulebreaker from Carina Press http://tinyurl.com/452do63

Buy at Amazon http://tinyurl.com/3s8hnl5

or B&N http://tinyurl.com/3mocjps

or where ebooks are sold.

Visit Cathy at her website http://www.cathypegau.com, her blog http://cathypebau.blogspot.com, or on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/CathyPegau

Giveaway!

Comment by January 3, 2012 to win a PDF or EPUB copy of Rulebreaker and a $20 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card. One winner will be chosen, at random.

Holidays in the far future by Ella Drake & Giveaway!!

Holidays in the Far Future

by Ella Drake

My latest release, Braided Silk, is the second Future Tale—futuristic twisted fairytales set in New Castle. Urban sprawl has taken over. Smog is everywhere. And the rich live above it all on floating islands. In Braided Silk, Rapunzel was made to have indestructible hair, but to escape being held against her will, way up high in one of the floating islands, she finds a way to kill it. She's used for her DNA. Happiness is found in living in peace and having a small patch of garden.

In a far future setting that's bleak, where bio-tech has dehumanized so many and class separation takes on new heights, it's intriguing to imagine what would still be held in celebration. What would the holidays look like?

In both stories, Monsieur Bovine is a father figure to Zel and Jaq (Jaq's Harp). I like to imagine that at the end of these two stories, he'd bring Zel and Jaq together as one large extended "adopted" family. Maybe they'd drink their beverages of choice while discussing Bovine's latest bio-tech bean enhancement. Instead of a Christmas tree, they'd have a special bean stalk. Or, perhaps they'd discuss how he claimed Zel as his daughter—something that should be impossible since created beings aren't considered "human" in New Castle.

But I picture this celebration subdued, a close-knit and personal gathering with warm feelings, warm smiles, and large Bovine-style bear hugs.

What kind of celebration would you see happening in a punk-type of world, where society struggles beneath the weight of government or social disparity?

Giveaway!!

I'm giving away copies of both Jaq's Harp and my latest, Braided Silk to a random commenter.

Tell me, is there tinsel in the future?

***

Ella Drake is a dark paranormal and science fiction romance author. You can find her on Twitter, Facebook, & Goodreads.

Her post-apocalyptic romance, Desert Blade is coming soon. Currently available SFR: Silver Bound, Jaq's Harp, & Braided Silk

***

Braided Silk

Futuristic Romance/Twisted Fairytale/Biopunk — Novella (ebook)

Rapunzel was made with technologically advanced hair. As a trained Mother agent, Zel can't escape the DNA that makes her a pawn in corporate espionage. Kidnapped and held in a tower on Gothel Island, she falls to the sexual allure of her captor's son, Langley, a man whose every tantalizing touch makes her forget she wasn't born human.

Langley Gothel protests the existence of creations such as Zel, but when faced with losing her, he sees the truth: Life is precious, whether born, modified, or shaped in a Petri dish. He does the one thing he's thought he'd never do. He has to give up Zel, or become a mod. But will that be enough to get them down from the floating islands and safely to ground?

From Liquid Silver Books

Also available from

All Romance eBooks — Amazon / Kindle

Excerpt available on my website .

Kaye Manro introduces a Medieval Hero. Giveaway included!

TAKE A TRIP INTO THE PAST WITH KAYE MANRO TO MEET A MEDIEVAL HERO!

Usually, as an SFR author you'll find me flying around the galaxies with heroes and heroines from other planets. But this Holiday season I'm delving into the past with a historical tale that really is no time travel.

The hero from my short book, A Medieval Yule has had his share of relationship problems. He's agreed to talk with me. I'm stepping into the pages of A Medieval Yule to visit Marcus of Windom. I can say he is one of the most chivalrous knights I've ever met. So come along and join me on a journey into the 12th century…

Marcus waits in the Great Hall of Castle Windom.

As I enter, the aromas of roasting meats and delectable spices permeate the air. It must be close to a Twelfth Night celebration. The servants have decorated the Great Hall with holly, ivy and mistletoe. I see him standing by the central fire. I walk toward him and the fresh dried rushes covering the floor crunch under my feet. He's dressed in finery, wearing a lengthy emerald green tunic with gold trim. A leather double wrapped belt holds his scabbard and long sword. He's such a handsome sight with his angular face and hair and beard the color of an autumn sunset streaked in gold.

Marcus smiles when he sees me and bids me to sit with him at the High Table.

"So, tell me Marcus, what's castle life like?"

He shrugs. "As you so well know I live in a fortress made for war, what can I say?"

"I do understand that in the 12th century castles were actually built as fortress against warring factions, and not a pretty place to find romance. Since I'm not from here, can you talk a little about what is going on in your century?"

"Of course. This is a turbulent time as we are in the midst of a civil uprising. The pretender Empress Maude is trying to usurp Steven, the rightful King. My knights and I are duty bound to protect him and the sovereign boundaries."

"So you must be gone from Castle Windom frequently?"

"Aye, I am often called away by the king."

"Is it true that Lady Liana left you while you were away on one of the King's errands?"

He looks to the rafters and shakes his head. "'Tis true.  When I returned home with a special gift for her, I found her gone."

"That must have been terrible. What did you do for the Yule season after she left?"

"I celebrated naught. I decreed to all of Castle Windom there would be no Yuletide without Lady Liana."

He pauses and turns to me. Almost as an afterthought or maybe to change the subject, I'm not quite sure. He asks, "Would you like a drink?"

"I would love to try your spicy mulled wine."

He motions for a servant who brings us each a mug.

As I sip the fragrant wine it reminds me of Christmas. "Weren't you and Lady Liana wed during the Yule season?"

"Aye, we wed on Twelfth Night."

"What was it like, your wedding?"

I see him brighten as a faraway look glistens in his brown eyes. "'Twas a celebration to end all celebrations! The Abbot came to Chapel to perform the rites, and even King Steven attended to bless our union. The feasting continued for days and even past Twelfth Night. The food and drink imported from far away lands was bountiful. When I saw Lady Liana standing there in her bejewel emerald green gown and her long flaxen braids entwined with silken ribbons, my breath left me."

"Then would you say it is romantic living in a castle in your time, even when turbulence abounds?"

He laughs low. "Aye, it can be.  But only if it is shared with the love of your life."

Marcus rises from his chair. "I must take my leave from you now."

"Where are you going?"

He doesn't answer and I watch as he walks away.

I slip quietly from the pages of A Medieval Yule hoping this chivalrous knight will again find his love.

EXCERPT: A MEDIEVAL YULE

As he warmed himself by the central fire, Marcus remembered Christmastides past. Castle Windom fairly bustled with kindled fires and crowded activity. The merriment echoed inside the walls and hid in dark rafters along side the pained memories of his Liana.

Marcus downed a tankard of ale and held back the sentiment threatening to pour forth from him. A lonely Twelfth Night neared. Unbidden thoughts of Liana nudged him. Haunted as he was by the sensuous way her lithe body pressed into his naked skin, the touch of her hand slipping down to caress him, her eyes as they darkened when she opened and took him inside her.

But no more…

When I began research on all things medieval for my SFR/Time Travel books, The Quantum Portal Series, I also wrote A Medieval Yule. Unlike the series, this isn't SFR. It is purely a short historical romance. A Medieval Yule is also from the hero's point of view.

Thank you for journeying with me into the past to meet my medieval hero, Marcus. And thanks to Jessica for inviting me to share in 'Light Up The Holidays!'

Giveaway!!

Leave a comment and tell me where you think Marcus was going and you could win a PDF download of A Medieval Yule.

Buy Link: http://redrosepublishing.com/books/product_info.php?products_id=1146

Kaye's Blog: http://kayemanro.blogspot.com/

Kaye's Website: http://www.kayemanro.com/index.htm

Note: Research says that Twelfth Night is a festival marking the coming of the Epiphany and concludes the Twelve Days of Christmas. It is defined as the evening of January 5th. It is the last day of the Christmas festivities and is observed as a time of merrymaking..

Merry Christmas!

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May you have a wonderful Christmas!

Alien Xmas – An exclusive short from Eve Langlais & Giveaway!!

Alien Xmas by Eve Langlais

Aylia watched the ending of the video, an odd piece full of singing, laughter and garish decorations. She turned to face her friend, Megan, a puzzle expression creasing her face. "This human holiday, Krismass, you celebrate it every year?"

"Yup." Megan bobbed her head. "You probably celebrated one or two with your human parents before you got abducted and given to the Zonians I'll bet. It's the one holiday I miss."

"Because of the gifts?"

Megan smiled widely, "Presents are good, but also because it was the one time of the year people were determined to be happy, or at least fake it."

"Why?"

"Why? Well, because it was Christmas. A time when families got together and ate too much rich food. An excuse for cousins to run wild through Grandma's house while aunts and uncles got drunk on spiked eggnog. Good old fashioned family fun."

Aylia wasn't sure she quite got it, but her friend seemed enamored of the tradition. "If you love this holiday so much, then why not tell Tren. I am sure he would celebrate it for you."

Megan scrunched up her nose. "I could, I guess. I never thought of it. I mean seriously, can you imagine Tren and Jaro decorating a tree or shopping for gifts?"

"No, but then again, I never imagined Jaro doing a lot of things," Aylia replied. "Did you know he picked me a flower yesterday?"

"What's the big deal about that?"

"He climbed down sea the cliff and plucked the bloom from a lukinol nest. He even had the teeth marks to prove it."

A chortle made her friend's very pregnant belly jiggle. "Okay, that is messed up. But cute. Definitely cute. Tren's more likely to punch Jaro out to get the flower than get it himself."

"I resent that. I am more likely to grab the bloom from his fist and push him off the cliff face," Tren boasted striding into the room all six foot something purple feet of him. If Aylia didn't have a purple warrior of her own as mate she might have found him more impressive.

"Aren't you just romantic?" Megan grumbled.

"Actually I am," Tren announced with a pleased grin that showed off his pointed teeth. "Jaro, stop dragging your feet and bring it in."

A curse was the reply followed by an odd scraping and…was that the jingling of bells?

Aylia watched the doorway with interest, her mouth dropping open as Jaro came in pulling something big and green behind him. Adorned in colorful balls, and shiny tinsel it looked an awful lot like a Krismass tree, just like the ones from the film Megan made her watch.

Tren helped his brother hoist and prop the holiday decoration against a wall, then they both stood back to reveal the ugliest, bent branched tree in existence.

"Wait, I forgot something." Tren yanked a box from his pocket and dropped to his knees, rummaging around, a moment later hundreds of little multi colored lights ignited.

Aylia giggled in delight. "It's so ugly it's beautiful," she exclaimed.

Megan burst into noisy tears.

Alarm crossed Tren's face as he crossed the room to sweep his mate into his arms. "What is wrong? Did I not get it right? I specifically told my cousins to get an authentic tree. Do I need to beat them again?"

"The tree is perfect," Megan sniffed.

"Then what is it? There are presents for it too, I swear. Lots of them in that shiny paper just like the videos."

"Oh no," Megan moaned.

Tren looked at Aylia in bafflement and she shrugged. She didn't know what ailed her pregnant friend, but she did know that she certainly didn't want to turn into such an emotional wreck as her pregnancy progressed. She'd hate to have to kill herself for being such an idiot.

Arms wrapped around her from behind as Jaro snuggled into her back, his hands coming to rest over her slightly rounded belly. "What do you think?"

"I think it is a fine gift," she replied turning in his arms. "Even if I don't quite understand the whole holiday idea. Although, I am not averse to the idea of presents. But, I have nothing to give you."

"Oh, I can think of a few things," he said with a leer that made her laugh.

A yell distracted her from that pleasant train of thought, but this time it came from Tren not Megan.

"What the frukx? Why are my feet wet?" Tren bellowed.

"Don't you yell at me," Megan shouted back. "It's all your fault. You made me so damned happy with the Christmas tree that I forget to mention when you walked in that the baby is coming."

"What!" The shouted exclamation from the three of them had Megan smiling smugly.

"Ha, you might have gotten me a tree and presents, but even you can't beat me giving you a son," she said triumphantly. "Oh, and by the way, I think you'd better wash your hands quick because this baby is dying to get out."

And then the most amazing thing happened. The renown assassin, a male who terrified whole galaxies, who could torture alien slavers while eating, dropped to the floor in a dead faint.

Megan howled with laughter and Aylia joined her, a laughter that increased tenfold when Jaro's face creased in disgust when he had to step through the wet puddle to slap his brother awake.

In the end, the baby was born—the normal way through the vulva—which personally Aylia found more terrifying than the idea the child would chew its way through the abdomen like Megan feared. Things the size of Kewla fruits should not come out of holes that small. But she did have to admit she found the wrinkly creature with lavender skin, shockingly blue eyes and a pair of lungs to deafen even the most stalwart, kind of cute.

Although, not as cute as Jaro holding the little bundle with awe on his face. She slid her arms around his waist as they stared into their nephew's face.

"What a fine son," he said before handing it back to the beaming parents. The ferocious love in Tren's eyes for both his mate and child made Aylia warm inside. And that's when she blurted it out.

"We're having girls."

"Excuse me? What did you say?" Jaro's voice emerged faint.

"We're having girls, as in two of them. Isn't that exciting?"

And for the second time that day, a big purple warrior crashed to the ground while Aylia gaped on in disbelief. Then giggled.

"Merry Krismas to me," she chortled. "I am going to have so much fun with this now."

"Merry Christmas to us all," Megan added. "Now where's my presents?"

~ Eve Langlais http://www.evelanglais.com/

Intentional Abduction

She intentionally abducted him because of his prowess, so, when the chance arose, he stole her for revenge–and to relieve his lust. 

Aylia is on a quest to get pregnant, and in the time-honored tradition of her people, she must kidnap a suitable male for the task. Seducing a reluctant warrior is harder than she expected, especially when her body turns traitor and melts at his touch. When he flips the situation around and takes her prisoner, he doesn't just steal her body, he also takes her heart. And she might just have to kill him to get it back.

Being the scourge of the galaxy comes with consequences, like women wanting his body, but Jaro's never had someone kidnap him for his seed. Fighting the female's allure, the captive becomes the captor, and he learns that not all battles are fought using fists and knives. Although, the sword between his legs gives her its best shot.

Through the vastness of space, brothels and unmentionable places in between, can this stubborn pair overlook their pride and past to come together? Or will they forever abduct and pleasurably torture each other?

Giveaway!!

Eve Langlais is offering an ebook copy of Intentional Abduction. Simply leave a comment here for your chance to win!

Holiday Interview with Ellecia Lightmaiden and Azura Ice & Wintergreen Christmas Fudge recipe

Hello and merry Christmas to all sci-fi and romance fans! I'm Azura Ice, author of several sci-fi/futuristic romances (http://ablueice.wordpress.com).

Today we have Ellecia Lightmaiden with us, a very special Christmas guest. Ellecia is from another planet, but she was transported to Earth by mistake when she called lightning to her for the energy she craves. Nine years later, her friend and boss, set her up with 1 Night Stand's dating services, and Madame Eve found Ellecia four very handsome Vyzani men.

Now Ellecia lives on yet another new, unusual planet, but she misses Christmas on Earth, so she's decided to chat with me a for a few moments. She hates the way she has to travel back and forth from Earth and Vyzani, so she's only here for a few minutes. However, when she leaves, she has promised to share her special Christmas fudge recipe, the same one she made for her four men. They loved it so much she said they wouldn't let her out of bed for three days! More on that in a few seconds—Hubba! Hubba! [waggles eyebrows]

Azura: So how's life on Vyzani?

Ellecia: Fantastic! The storms there feed my need for raw energy. However, my men had to set up a special bedroom in our house with a ceiling that retracts so we don't burn the house down.

Azura: Are you happy with Judge, Staten, Rydder, and Cavenno?

Ellecia: Oh, yes! The sex is incredible, and for the first time, I've found partners who can actually keep up with my appetites. Judge is a sweet alpha who we all follow. He looks out for us and keeps us safe, happy.

Azura: What's your favorite part of Vyzani?

Ellecia: The power of lightning aside? It would have to be the colored rains. I never know if the rainfall will be purple, pink, turquoise or a variation. I love to sit and watch the storms and rainfalls. They're incredibly beautiful.

Azura: What do you miss the most about Christmastime?

Ellecia: The atmosphere, I guess. My home planet never had holidays, so when Alexandra, my boss, took me Christmas shopping that first year I was stuck on Earth, I couldn't get over the air of celebration and happiness. Alexandra always delivered a truckload of gifts to the local shelter in our town. Seeing the reactions and gratitude of those down on their luck as they received a good meal and a nice gift left me very humbled. It made me realize that regardless of being a stranger on a new world, I still had so much to be thankful for.

Azura: Indeed. We all need to be mindful of all our blessings. [nods and smiles] So, tell me what happened with your Christmas fudge when you made it for your four new men.

Ellecia: [laughs] Oh, my goodness! The sugar gave them such a high they kept me in bed for three days! We had to replace the bedding since the four of us melted it from all the lightning strikes, but it was certainly worth it! Vyzani doesn't have snow, so the only way I could really describe it to my men was to make my wintergreen fudge and put it in the cooling unit. Now they beg me to make it for them all the time, but I keep explaining it's a treat. Besides, I like the new bedding ensemble I created with Vyzani's beautiful textiles, so I really don't want to set it on fire or melt it like the last one.

Azura: Are you going to share the fudge recipe with my readers today?

Ellecia: Absolutely! And then I must be going. Traveling via cyberspace as an avatar is still disconcerting, so I want to get it over with so I can return to my men.

Azura: Thanks for coming back to Earth so I could catch up with you, Ellecia. You were a great character to write, and your men are not only sexy but a lot of fun.

Ellecia: My pleasure, Azura. Maybe we can reconnect again sometime. Enjoy the fudge!

Wintergreen Christmas Fudge

2/3 c. undiluted evaporated milk
2 tbsp. butter
1 2/3 c. sugar
2 c. mini marshmallows
½ c. chopped nuts (or omit)
1 ½ c. semi vanilla cookie chips stir
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. wintergreen candy flavoring (add ½ tsp more if stronger flavor preferred)

Combine milk, butter, and sugar in saucepan. Heat to boiling. Cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add marshmallows, nuts (or leave out), vanilla chips, vanilla, and wintergreen flavoring. Stir until marshmallows are melted. Pour into a buttered 8″ x 9″ square pan. Cool. Cut into squares.

***This recipe is white like snow and contrasts beautifully in goodie boxes full of cookies and candies. You can also sprinkle green or red sugar crystals on top of the fudge when it's still hot.

Want to find out more about Ellecia and her four Vyzani Men?

When Jagger Castillo sees Ellecia Lightmaiden trying to call lightning from a clear night sky, he knows she's a perfect candidate to experience the Castillos' new resort on Planet Vyzani. Stuck on Earth, Ellecia has never been able to find a man who sates her sexual appetite to generate the power she craves. Goaded into going on a date her boss has paid for, she relents once she learns Madame Evangeline has chosen four younger men for her.

However, the method in which Ellecia must travel to Vyzani is terrifying. Can she trust science to send her through cyberspace without losing her body or reassembling it wrong? And if she does make it to her waiting men, will they be compatible and quench her need for incredible sex?

Perhaps Madame Evangeline's perceptiveness has sent Ellecia across a galaxy to love.

Excerpt:

Ellecia opened her eyes to find her face pressed against a fuzzy pillow. Suddenly remembering where she was supposed to be, she sat up straight. The only light stemmed from two round things that, upon closer inspection, looked almost like jellyfish. Hesitantly, she touched the one hovering next to the bed. Its sponginess felt warm to her fingertips, and the creature issued a soft squeak. Intrigued, she touched the other one over the headboard, and it reacted the same way.

Living lights. How incredible! She smiled and then inspected her body. Everything seemed to be as it should be and in perfect working order. Relieved, she picked small pieces of silicone from her skin as she allowed her attention to shift to her surroundings. Gloom shrouded the quarters.

A rustle reached her. She froze, turning in the direction of the noise. "Hello? Anyone there?"

From the shadows opposite the bed, a voice rumbled, "Our apologies. It is not our intention to frighten you."

Her heart rate jumped several notches. "Who are you?"

"We are your lovers for the night."

"Let me see you," she demanded.

Footsteps traveled across the room, and the silhouette of a very large, tall man appeared by the window. He pushed the panels out, and half a dozen more of the light creatures floated into the chamber. Golden illumination flooded the room.

She gasped. The man was exotic yet exuded so much sex appeal, blood rushed straight to her pussy. He stood facing her, his shoulders and chest impressively wide. What appeared to be feather down fell from his head in a soft mane of black threaded with silver, complimenting eyes as dark as sin. The garment he wore appeared woven from soft grass fibers and beaded with green and silver stones that glittered with his every movement. A wide strap curved around his neck and crossed his torso where it attached to the waistband of a kilt-like skirt reaching his knees. She leaned forward and looked at his sandals composed of heavy leather. The same odd grass fibers as his garment were woven in an unusual design that covered the tops of his feet, ankles, and included shin grieves. More of the same sparkling stones studded the grieves, too. The apparel reminded Ellecia of the Roman style Alexandra had shown her in books.

"My name is Judge Silverblack," he said. "The three standing in the shadows over there are my life brothers, the same as what humans call best friends." He motioned, and a trio of large, extremely handsome men moved into the soft light. "The first one on your left is Cavenno Tanenred, then Staten Darkdown and Rydder Palefeather."

ARe.com Buy Link: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-lacelightningandmultipleorgasms-598751-143.html

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Multiple-Orgasms-Night-ebook/dp/B005JTAGU6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1317669984&sr=1-1

Why did you do that to your heroine? I'm guest blogging at Sara Brookes's

Continuing with my Beneath the Starry Sky release tour, I'm over at Sara Brookes's blog. Stop by for your chance to win a copy of Beneath the Starry Sky.

If you missed it, on Monday I was at Carrie Ann Ryan's blog, where I'm giving away a copy of Beneath the Starry Sky as well.

And yesterday, I was at Rebecca Royce's blog, where I'm giving away a $5 Amazon gift certificate.

Tomorrow, I will be interviewed on Emily Cale's blog, where I'm giving away another $5 Amazon gift certificate.

In The Year Twenty Five – An exclusive short from Diane Dooley & Giveaway!!

In The Year Twenty Five

by Diane Dooley

The rumor spread through the settlement quick as a flame. "Is it true?' they asked each other, with furrowed brows and hopeful eyes. The man who started the rumor shrugged his shoulders. It had been so long since he'd heard the sound. He couldn't say for sure. His hands shook; his eyes watered. He'd been out hunting in the next valley, had been close to their cottage when he'd heard it. But he couldn't say for sure.

No one said the words. No one person decided. They all returned to their cottages and cabins. Trunks were opened and searched, boxes dragged out from under beds. They put on their heaviest coats, donned hats and gloves. Together they walked the path over the hill to the next valley, the younger adults helping the elders in the increasing snow.

It was the oldest woman who knocked on the door to the cabin. The dark-eyed man opened the door, gazing out into the moonlit night at the gathered people. "Is it true?" the old woman asked. The man turned his head and looked back into the cabin.

A woman spoke from inside. "Let them in."

The man opened the door wider, smiling. "Maybe not all at once."

Three women bustled to the front, their faces tight with anxiety. "Oh, please let it be true," one of them whispered. They entered and approached the woman. She lay back in a large bed in the one room cabin. On the bed next to her was a baby, its eyes wide open, little legs kicking.

"A girl," the woman said, kissing the infant's fuzzy dark head. The women stared at the child through their tears.

One laid a book on the bed. "I've been saving this for a very long time. Everything you need to know about the first year."

Another laid a small, soft blanket next to it. "This kept all my babies warm."

The oldest woman spoke. "I have nothing to give you except my advice. I was once the mother of seven."

The others filed through, each leaving a gift. "A rabbit I caught this morning. The mother will need her strength."

One left a small carved wooden rattle. "I didn't know why I made this. Until tonight."

The last to enter was the man who had once been a priest. "May I bless your child?"

The woman nodded.

The priest blessed the child through choked sobs, then staggered outside and fell to his knees in the snow, his head bent in silent prayer.

The people helped him to his feet, then started the long trek back to the settlement. The youngest woman held tight to her husband's hand, giving him quick, hopeful glances. He smiled at her and kissed her hand. "Maybe. We can hope."

The oldest woman announced her intention not to die any time soon. "Not until I've heard a child laugh again."

They arrived back at their settlement laughing and talking excitedly, eventually returning to their warm fires, where they smiled and cried and talked long into the night.

The priest was still awake at dawn, his fire burned down to embers. He stood and pulled the huge bible from the shelf and turned to the first page. He read the names of all the people who had died, all the names he'd listed over the past twenty-five years. So many in the first years after the war, gradually tapering off to the occasional entry. He continued reading the pages, touching his fingers gently to the handful of marriages he had performed. He turned to a fresh page, smoothed it, picked up his pen with trembling fingers. He forced his hand to stillness and wrote.

In the winter of the Year Twenty Five, to Jose and Maria, a daughter. Her name is Esperanza.

He stared at the page, baptizing her name with his tears.

* * * * *

Falling in love is easy; staying alive long enough to enjoy it just might be impossible.

Javan Rhodes, the hard-drinking, disreputable captain of space freighter The Kypris, took a mission to save himself from hitting the bottom of the food chain. Transporting Sola, a beautiful young aristocrat, from Earth to an unknown destination on the outer rim of the colonies is lucrative, but also highly illegal.

As tough as it is to evade both the law and the lawless, the hardest part of the job is not falling in love with his irresistible cargo. Just as he decides that he will never be able to hand her over to the warlord she must marry, he discovers that Sola has been playing a very dangerous game—one that could not only cost them their lives, but could also affect the balance of power in an increasingly dangerous universe.

Diane Dooley writes science fiction, romance and horror – sometimes all in the same story.

You can find her on her blog, her group blog, on Facebook and on Twitter. She is the author of Blue Galaxy from Carina Press, the forthcoming Mako's Bounty from Decadent Publishing and several short stories.

Giveaway!!

Diane Dooley is offering an ebook copy of Blue Galaxy. Simply leave a comment for your chance to win.

Sophie Starlander's Diary by Melisse Aires & Giveaway!!

Sophie Starlander's Diary
Yule Eve, Starlander's Green,
Yr. of Our Lord and Lady 4045
We arrived this morning at the Starlander Lodge, which is packed with cousins from near and far. Jack and I are sharing the room adjacent the big nursery where we spent such delightful times last year awaiting our wedding. Flora, little Lila, and two small Starlander cousins are asleep next door, under the watchful eye of Bob and Jim. The robots will alert us to any thing other than peaceful sleep and are really doing quite well with their nursery responsibilities. Jack says child care is far more demanding than mining because the possibilities of situations are endless. On that we agree!
Jack is sound asleep. There was so much to do at our place for our move back to the mainland, seal up the house, transport all the animals, the household goods, ferry our skimships back across the channel. Jack wanted to get it all done by Yule, which he did.
We are relocating to the Lodge for the near future, as I am expecting an addition to the Starlander clan come spring! Also, my parents are traveling now, and we can have some communication with them here on the mainland—we don't have space worthy communication equipment on the island. While we will miss our snug cabin, this move makes the most sense. Flora will be starting kinderschool in the summer, and Jack and his cousins are set to launch Starlander Mining Company after the New Year.
Someday Flora or another child will read this and think, "How dull Mama's life was. Moving, kinderschool, all so ordinary!" "We thought she was gryphon shifter, why is her life so boring!"
I think I will record our journey here, and tidbits of the life Flora and I lived before we met Jack. How hard won this ordinary little life was!
I must get to bed, but I am quite excited for the holiday. I am helping Mama Starlander oversee the mountain of food for the week. We will be making a favorite from my childhood, Pluckit.

 

Pluckit:

·       1 Tb. dry yeast
·       1 1/2 cup lukewarm water
·       2 eggs (beaten)
·       1/2 cup vegetable oil
·       5 to 6 cups hot roll mix
·       Topping: 3 tsp. cinnamon, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter or margarine
·       Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water. Add eggs, oil and hot roll mix. Knead for 5 minutes and let rise until double (about 1 hour). Punch down and roll into balls the size of a walnut. Dip in the melted butter and then sugar and cinnamon topping mix. Pile into a tube pan and let rise until double (about 30 minutes). Pour any additional topping over the top. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes and then lower temp to 350 degrees and continue baking for 30 minutes.
Oh! I almost forgot the most exciting thing! Jellica Rose informed me that Maudette has a beau! I can hardly wait to meet him! We have hardly seen them since they chose to sell their space freighter to Jack's mining company and stay in town. Little Lila seems no different at all, still tiny and graceful and such an infant. Why she makes Flora seem like such a big girl now! Now I must be off to bed so I will be rested for all the festivities!







Sophie  is the heroine in my steampunk romance: 
The Starlander Frontier: Starlander's Myth

*Excerpt*

*Buy*

*Kindle*

Graphic from http://antiqueclipart.com

Melisse Aires  http://www.melisseaires.com