Jessica E. Subject's Blog, page 193

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

Six Sentence Sunday: 12/18/11 ~ Josh wants more in Beneath the Starry Sky #sixsunday

Thank you to everyone who read and comment on my excerpts each week.

Here's what happens after last week's kiss between Josh and Tamara in Beneath the Starry Sky, a contemporary romance, which released this past Friday. (blurb & links here)

He'd tried to resist her, but her sweet vulnerability made him crazy. He ached for her, had to feel her sweet juices around his hard cock.

Adrenaline pumped through his body from chasing after her, and it would continue with every deep thrust inside of her. He yanked her pants down and tore off the thin scrap of material she used as underwear, now damp from her arousal.

"Oh, Josh." She shuddered.

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

Release Day After…Thank yous!!

Wow, even with the second book, release day is still an exciting event. I thank you all for the congratulations and well wishes.

I'd like to thank everyone who contributed to my story.

First of all, here is the dedication:

To Katie Harper, who went out of her way to help me when I started this story.

Katie Harper stepped forward immediately when I had questions about Las Vegas and the surrounding area. For that, I am truly grateful.

And thank you to:

Rebecca Royce, Layna Pimental, and DL Jackson, my awesome critique partners for this story and ladies who stepped up immediately when I found out my release date.

Jenna Jaxon, Jennifer Lane, Lisa Fox, Desiree Holt, Kerrianne Coombes, Carrie Ann Ryan, Sara Brookes, and Emily Cale who also are or have already hosted me on their blogs this month to help promote my new release.

Valerie Mann who saw the potential of another story and through edits helped me to make this one sparkle. She is absolutely lovely and once again, I've learned so much. Thank you also to her and Kate Richards for not only starting the 1Night Stand series, but for allowing me to bounce ideas off of them in the beginning.

Lisa and Heather, the owners of Decadent Publishing.

Fantasia Frog Designs for creating my fabulous cover. You added everything I wanted and still managed to surprise me.

Thank you to all those who have (or will) taken the time to buy, read and/or review Beneath the Starry Sky.

Most of all, thank you to my husband and children who are ever so patient with me. Without your patience and understanding, I would never have made it this far.

You are all fabulous!

Beneath the Starry Sky is available in multiple ebook formats from Decadent Publishing and other ebook retailers. Please note: There are many free apps, such as Adobe Digital Editions that you can download to read ebooks on your computer and phone. Also, the PDF format is great for printing a copy.