Jessica E. Subject's Blog, page 91
May 21, 2015
An interview with @JonFilipko, narrator of THE STAR PRINCESS #audiobook #NewAdult #scifirom
Hello everyone! As the virtual blog tour for THE STAR PRINCESS Audiobook winds down, I thought I’d bring you an interview with the narrator of the story, Jon Filipko. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to the sample of the audiobook, you can listen below…
How long have you been narrating audiobooks?
JF: I’ve been narrating audiobooks for the last two years. I love adding my own creative input on the already amazing stories that authors have written. I hope to be a working narrator for the rest of my life!
Very cool! How did you get started?
JF: I am a SAG-AFTRA actor and I attended an event that they held about book narration. I didn’t really know too much about it but after hearing the panel of narrators, producers, writers, etc., speak about the audiobook industry I was hooked. I met a few producers that day and I also signed up with ACX that night. I began building my in home studio the next day. I quickly fell in love with this new creative outlet.
What are your favorite types of stories to narrate?
JF: I’m still fairly new to narrating, but so far I have enjoyed reading any type of adventure book the most.
What are your favorite scenes to narrate?
JF: I like scenes when the characters get extremely passionate about something. In these moments I sometimes find myself getting lost in the scene and truly feeling the emotions that the character is feeling. At those points it really bugs me when I make a mistake because I feel there is a sense of realism in those moments and it’s really hard to imitate.
Oh, yes! Those are my favorite scenes to write, read, and listen to. What are your least favorite scenes to narrate?
JF: I don’t really like narrating scenes that are very explanatory, or technical.
I can’t blame you there. In The Star Princess, what was your favorite scene?
JF: I loved the scene where Ro’sa pretended to be drowning to get Prince Deion to “save her”. It was loaded with passion and playfulness. It was very fun to read.
Thank you so much! What format of books do you prefer to read or listen to?
JF: I have become a fan of listening to audiobooks myself, but I still like carrying around a paperback version of whatever book I’m currently invested in. To me, nothing will ever beat a physical, paperback book.
Who is your favorite author?
JF: It’s cliché, but I love Ernest Hemmingway.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
JF: I’m a very creative person. I’m usually keeping pretty busy with creating content for youtube, or trying to find my next well paying acting gig, which can be very hard sometimes! However, when I find myself working too hard I relax and unwind with a night of Netflix.
What projects are you working on next?
JF: I’m not currently narrating any books, but I am working on producing/acting in an upcoming horror movie my crew and I are planning to shoot up in Big Bear this summer.
Fabulous! All the best with this project! Where can readers, listeners, and authors find you?
JF: My Twitter and Instagram is @jonfilipko, my youtube channel is called “beanball productions” and you can also find me on Facebook by searching my name, Jonathan Filipko!
Thank you so much, Jon, for visiting and for the wonderful work you did in narrating THE STAR PRINCESS!
THE STAR PRINCESS
A Beyond Fairytales audio book
By Jessica E. Subject
New Adult Erotic Sci-Fi Romance
In one week, Princess Ro’sa will board a spaceship, leaving her home on Minjet to be with her betrothed on Earth. The only problem is, she detests the prince’s selfish and arrogant ways, preferring to spend time with his personal aide, a man who stirs her desires in ways she never imagined possible with his radiant blue eyes and smouldering lips. And oh, the way he touches her.
Earth’s post-apocalyptic landscape offers little but the alliance offers much and a princess must do her duty, no matter the danger to her person and to her heart.
NOW AN AUDIOBOOK!
Narrated by Jon Filipko
Add The Star Princess to Goodreads
May 20, 2015
A Final Battle for Hope and Survival ~ THE RUIN OF THE WORLD by @NazareaAndrews #zombie #giveaway
THE RUIN OF THE WORLD
by Nazarea Andrews
When the zombies rose, we thought the world ended.
It didn’t—it just broke, in a way we couldn’t fix. And we found ways to continue, reasons to fight.
Faith. Family. Politics. Obsession. The most dangerous of all—hope.
But when all of that is stripped away, and nothing remains but rage and betrayal—that is the true end of the world.
Return to the World Without End, for a final battle for hope and survival in the exciting conclusion to Nazarea Andrews’ phenomenal series.
Available from:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
THE WORLD WITHOUT A FUTURE (book #1)
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
THE HORDE WITHOUT END (book #2)
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
THE FUTURE WITHOUT HOPE (book #3)
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
“What the hell are they doing?” he whispers, and I shake my head. Because I don’t know. I’ve spent years in the East, fighting the war, and years in the Wide Open, moving until I found Haven 8.
I have spent my life watching and killing the infects. I know their speed and rage and hunger. The screams they make and the blessed fucking silence when my sword severs their spinal column and kills the virus that reanimates them.
I watched the world end, had a fucking front row seat to the decision to drop a dirty bomb on Atlanta, the tipping point in the war against the dead.
I know zombies. It’s why Omar wanted me to lead the vanguard.
But I’ve never seen this shit, and I whisper the words through numb lips: “Fall back. We’ve gotta fall back.”
“The army is already moving,” Fisher says. I ignore him, looking at the rest of the unit. They’re my people. Not my second—he’s Omar’s. But the others are mine, and I won’t watch them be slaughtered for the fucking agenda of a madman.
“Fall back and radio this shit in,” I snap. “Now.”
Nazarea Andrews is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. She loves chocolate and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, and overgrown dog.
Author Links:
Site | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Street Team | Newsletter
Enter to win a zombie pack including Nazarea’s favorite books, movie, and some candy perfect for a zombie night!
May 19, 2015
Author @TiannaXander Romanced the Capital with IT WAS ALWAYS YOU #RTCOttawa #1NightStand
Hello all! HER ALIEN HERO is my most recent release. And this month, I’m spotlighting all of the other stories in the Romancing the Capital line of the 1Night Stand series.
Every title in the line is set during the Romancing the Capital conference, which all five author attended in April. Today, I’m featuring the last of the stories in this series to release, IT WAS ALWAYS YOU, a BBW and shifter romance by Tianna Xander.
After dreaming of him for months, Candy can’t believe the 1Night Stand dating service has found a man fitting the description of her ideal lover. After all, her dream man is no other than A-list actor, Jared Harwell, and since she’ll never have him, she’ll settle for a close match.
Shapeshifter Jared Harwell is ready to call it quits—his acting career and Hollywood lifestyle—if he can find the mate he’s searching for. But, evidently, his perfect mate is only to be found in his nocturnal dreams and the closest he’ll ever get to her is with the help of Madame Eve’s 1Night Stand service. And even then, it’s only one night with a fantasy lookalike.
Will that be enough time for Candy and Jared to realize dreams truly can come true?
Available from:
Entering the bedroom, he frowned. It’s too quiet. Had she left?
“Candy?” he whispered. If she expected him, the movie star, she would recognize his voice. He had to remember to speak with a Midwestern accent at a low level and not have his brogue give him away. Not yet, anyway. He said her name softly again.
No answer.
“Candy, are you there?” he asked a bit louder. Had his accent bled through? It didn’t matter. His instructions had probably scared her, and she’d left. Shit!
“Huh, wha…?” The sleep-filled voice came from the bed. “Who’s there?”
“It’s just me, darlin’. Your date for the evening.”
“Why are you whispering?” The sheets rustled. She’d turned off the lights as he’d instructed in his letter. With the curtains drawn, the glow from the city below couldn’t penetrate the darkness. That hadn’t been part of his conditions. Had she’d closed them to even the playing field so he couldn’t see her either?
Standing in the doorway, he breathed in her perfume. The scent of peaches wafted up from the bed and gave him a hard-on from hell. The sweet scent filled his lungs. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, the lingering scent bringing up sweet memories of his Candy. Still, it didn’t matter. The only thing he gave a damn about—they get along with each other and have the fantasy they wanted.
“Have you changed your mind?” He hoped not, and pictured the lingerie he’d packed in the case for her. Had she put it on, or was she wearing something of her own?
“No, I haven’t changed my mind. I’m wearing the flimsy nightgown you sent for me, aren’t I?” she asked, dryly.
Here’s a picture of Tianna Xander, my table buddy, just before the book signing.
May 18, 2015
The battle isn’t over ~ NATIVE TONGUE by Lucy Felthouse @cw1985 #erotica #interracial #MMromance
NATIVE TONGUE
by Lucy Felthouse
They may be back on British soil, but the battle isn’t over.
When Captain Hugh Wilkes fell for his Afghan interpreter, Rustam Balkhi, he always knew things would never be easy. After months of complete secrecy, their return to England should have spelt an end to the sneaking around and the insane risks. But it seems there are many obstacles for them to overcome before they can truly be happy together. Can they get past those obstacles, or is this one battle too many for their fledgling relationship?
Author’s note: Although this story does work as a standalone tale, it’s recommended that you read the first instalment of the characters’ journey first—Desert Heat, which is available from all good retailers.
Buy links: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/native-tongue/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25462496-native-tongue
**For those of you that haven’t yet read Desert Heat either, there’s a great value double pack containing both books available exclusively on Amazon (from 14th May), which is available for lending, and for Kindle Unlimited members: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/desert-heat-native-tongue/ **
Enjoy an Excerpt:
Captain Hugh Wilkes drummed enthusiastically on the steering wheel of his car as he drove it up the M3 towards London. He sung loudly and tunelessly along to the song on the radio, too, but it didn’t matter. No one could hear him.
He’d surprised himself by being so chilled out about the volume of Friday evening traffic. He wasn’t the most patient of people, so the slow progress should probably have been increasing his blood pressure, if not leading to full on road rage. But, although he’d have loved to be actually achieving the speed limit, not bumbling along at a mere fifty miles per hour, Wilkes was just glad the traffic was moving at all. Britain’s roads, the motorways in particular, soon came to a standstill if there was so much as a tiny bump between two vehicles. So any progress was better than none.
Besides, what could he do about it? His only other options to get to London from his base in Wiltshire were a train, or stealing a plane, helicopter or tank. The latter might just cause a little bit of bother, and mean the end of his army career, not to mention criminal charges. The former meant cramming in amongst sweaty, disgruntled commuters. If that wasn’t bad enough, he’d be charged an extortionate amount to do so, probably wouldn’t even get a seat, and would likely be subjected to delays.
At least driving took him from door to door, with plenty of personal space. And if there were delays, well, he could sit them out from the comfort of his own vehicle, with the climate control set to the perfect temperature, and the radio blasting some of his favourite tunes.
The next song was even better, and Wilkes’ tuneless wailing became more enthusiastic, as did the drumming on the steering wheel. He was in one hell of a good mood, and if he was truthful with himself, he knew it wasn’t just the fact the M3 was moving at a nice pace. It wasn’t the Friday feeling, either. Sure, both of those things were contributing to his happiness, but the main reason he was grinning like a buffoon was the thought of what awaited him in the capital. Or rather, who.
Rustam Balkhi. His gorgeous Afghan boyfriend, whom he’d met out in Afghanistan while they were working together for the British Army. Now, with their tour of duty over and the forces’ presence pulled out of the country, the two men had returned to England. Wilkes had gone back to his regular army life in Bulford Camp, near Salisbury. Balkhi was in London, where he’d recommenced the medical training he’d postponed to become an interpreter for the Brits.
The past few weeks had been somewhat of a whirlwind. Wilkes’ return to the UK had been straightforward, but Balkhi had had to jump through some hoops in order to get back onto his medical course. He’d been willing to start from scratch, but it’d seemed like an awful waste of time, so Wilkes had spoken to his superiors, who’d explained to the university what important work Balkhi had been doing. Fortunately, they’d been persuaded of Balkhi’s commitment and character, and allowed him to pick up where he’d left off. That settled, Balkhi had to pack up, travel back to the UK, find somewhere to live, move in… and all before the start of the next academic term.
Wilkes had felt terrible. His return had taken place a few weeks before Balkhi’s, so although he’d been granted some leave for R&R, he hadn’t been able to either spend it with Balkhi, or to use it help him with his relocation. By the time Balkhi had set foot on British soil, Wilkes was back to work. And, given nobody knew about the two of them, or even that Wilkes was gay, he couldn’t exactly ask for more leave in order to help his boyfriend move into his new flat.
Life had conspired against them ever since, so this was the first opportunity they’d had to see each other since saying goodbye in Afghanistan all those weeks ago. They’d communicated via email, text message and phone calls, but it just wasn’t the same. Especially since they’d gone from seeing each other every single day for the best part of six months to not setting eyes on each other for weeks on end.
Wilkes had struggled terribly in the interim. Life had been tough enough while they were still out in the desert. After weeks and weeks of trying desperately to ignore their growing attraction, they’d finally given in to it. It had been stupid and risky, but, having quickly realised there was more to their attraction than the physical, they’d decided to carry on their relationship in secret while they were in Afghanistan, see how it went, and figure things out once Wilkes’ tour of duty was over. Balkhi had always intended to return to the UK for his studies, so they would, at least, be living in the same country.
About the Author:
Lucy Felthouse is a very busy woman! She writes erotica and erotic romance in a variety of subgenres and pairings, and has over 100 publications to her name, with many more in the pipeline. These include several editions of Best Bondage Erotica, Best Women’s Erotica 2013 and Best Erotic Romance 2014. Another string to her bow is editing, and she has edited and co-edited a number of anthologies, and also edits for a small publishing house. She owns Erotica For All, is book editor for Cliterati, and is one eighth of The Brit Babes. Find out more at http://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk. Join her on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gMQb9
May 17, 2015
#SFRMonday: The fate of the world is in his hands ~ DEFENDER by @CLScholey #scifirom
Please welcome CL Scholey with her new release DEFENDER, part of the New World series.
DEFENDERby CL Scholey
Endless destruction defines human life in a world run amok. There are those who will pick the uncertainty of the alien sky, are the Tonans life or are they death? Macey learns first hand a Tonan warrior doesn’t apologize for who or what he is or will do. In an unforgiving new world there is one who battles his heritage. Can Taz be the defender Macey needs, or are his four hundred year old decimating roots buried too deep to refuse?
Taz needs to make the decision fast. His mentor slash tormenter will come looking for him. Krish will kill Macey. Indecision rules Taz’s life until in a heartbeat he decides his fate, Macey’s fate and Earths fate. Either way—death will follow.
Available from:
Amazon | All Romance | Barnes & Noble | Whiskey Creek Press
Curious, Taz leaned closer to smell the female’s breath, wondering about kindness from females. His shield went wild trying to contain his emotions and so many of hers. The shield didn’t stop the sensations; they filed the numerous scents into a different category. One scent was dominant. One scent was claiming his attention. This female’s scent was…Taz. Taz drew in a deep breath and jumped up. He was in her scent.
Holy fuck. This isn’t good. She’s dead for sure and so am I.
She couldn’t wear his scent. He had to get it off. He couldn’t take her back to Earth until he, his scent, was off of her. Krish would smell her on him when he returned home. Krish could track her anywhere. Taz paced the shuttle swearing, dragging his hands over his face and neck. He couldn’t go home; he couldn’t go back to Earth. There had to be a place he could take her that was both human- and Tonan-free until he could fix this insane mess. How the hell, why the hell, what the hell? The female shouldn’t be wearing his scent.
Taz raced to the monitor. It was a hasty decision, but he needed to plan his course without watchful eyes. It was dangerous to disconnect the shuttle’s communication. Krish might think he was lost in space and search for him. The alternative of being labeled a traitor was far more deadly. He needed to elude everyone.
On the screen in the distance of the galaxy, Taz spotted a small planet. He called it up on the monitor for a closer inspection. He surveyed the specifics in record time. It was uninhabited. The female would be able to breathe and Taz could generate under the single sun. There would be ponds, lakes, waterways. He could rid her of his scent. Or he could leave her there and rid him of her scent.
What if I can’t?
Please call me Connie! It’s been fantastic working with great publishers and following my dream of writing. When I’m not writing, I’m busy looking after my children, husband, grandkids and the family pet, our newest addition, a mastiff pup named Aramis, after the Three Musketeers. I’m currently working on way too much, as normal, but I love every second of it. Please feel free to contact me at . Look me up on my web page www.clscholey.com or join me on Twitter and Facebook. You can also find me on Pinterest. I look forward to hearing from you.
May 15, 2015
Torturing the Alpha in PHOENIX SPANKED #MySexySaturday #lesfic #PNR
Thank you for joining me for week 92 of My Sexy Saturday.
Here are the details: every Saturday, published and unpublished authors will be sharing 7 words, sentences, or paragraphs from a work-in-progress or an already published story.
Today’s theme is…
SEXY FOREVER
Even though I write about aliens, I don’t have many immortal characters. So, I decided to share seven from my story, PHOENIX SPANKED, which is part of the Spank or Treat 2014 anthology. Enjoy!
Set-up: Lucinda is attempting to cast a spell to help the Alpha of the local wolf pack, but she is interrupted.
A breeze swept across Lucinda’s face. The flapping of heavy wings surrounded her, scattering her collection of herbs and spell books across the floor. The candlelight flickered and died.
“In the name of the Mother Goddess.” She stood and faced the source of the commotion, her wife. A phoenix with golden feathers covering her magnificent wings. “How many times have I told you not to fly through the house?”
Marta folded her wings behind her and stared at the floor, her dusty-rose hair falling over her beautiful face. “I’m sorry. It’s just…. My time is coming, and you know how antsy I get right before.” She dug the pointed toe of her heeled black boot into the floor. “I forgot.”
Lucinda stepped forward and tucked her wife’s hair behind her ear. Yes, she knew. With every change, she’d been present. She cupped Marta’s cheek, smiling when her wife met her gaze. No way could she truly be mad, especially when she fought to resist the appeal of her full lips, now in a pout. All frustration faded, replaced by raging desire. Cupping the back of her head, she slipped her fingers into Marta’s hair and kissed her, enjoying the quick gasp in response. Sliding between her parted mouth, she swept inside and claimed her lover. Heat balled low in her belly and her head buzzed with unending lust. Every thrust of her tongue drew moans of pleasure and kept her seeking more.
Lucinda gripped her lover’s hips, drawing her closer. A growl emanated from behind, and she spun around, drawing in a long-needed breath.
Tavo stared at them with deep-brown eyes. Dark, shaggy hair covered his arms and face where they had been bare only moments before. Pointed canines stuck out over his bottom lip. “Why do you torture me?”
~ About SPANK OR TREAT 2014 ~
From sweet witch stories to passionate nights with a demon, the SPANK OR TREAT 2014 ANTHOLOGY offers sixteen sexy spanking stories with a paranormal twist. Inside you’ll find magical cookies, a phoenix in trouble, a husband’s special gift to his wife, and even a snowball fight with a mage. The romantic pairings range: M/F to F/F and M/M. Whether you prefer a paddle, a bare hand, or even a whip, you’re sure to find at least one story sure to please.
Only 99¢ from:
If you enjoy this anthology, be sure to check out:
Sci Spanks 2014
Love Spanks 2015
And coming soon is Sci Spanks 2015… Click on the button to register as a reader for the event. You can win fabulous prizes!
For more My Sexy Saturday postings, check out the participants’ list here.
May 14, 2015
Fairytales for Grown-ups ~ It’s the #BeyondFairytales blog hop! Enter to WIN!
Hello all! Welcome to my stop on the Beyond Fairytales Blog Hop!
A big thanks to Babs Book Bistro and
Decadent Publishing for organizing it!
My Beyond Fairytales story is The Star Princess, a New Adult Sci-Fi Romance retelling of The Star Money by The Brothers Grimm…
The Star Princess blurb…
In one week, Princess Ro’sa will board a spaceship, leaving her home on Minjet to be with her betrothed on Earth. The only problem is, she detests the prince’s selfish and arrogant ways, preferring to spend time with his personal aide, a man who stirs her desires in ways she never imagined possible with his radiant blue eyes and smouldering lips. And oh, the way he touches her.
Earth’s post-apocalyptic landscape offers little but the alliance offers much and a princess must do her duty, no matter the danger to her person and to her heart.
Now, in many fairy tales, there is a prince and a princess. Well, there is in mine as well. They are from different planets and betrothed to be married though they’ve never met. Here’s an excerpt from the first time Ro’sa sees her prince…
As a figure stepped from the shuttle, Ro’sa gasped at the same time as her friend. The prince. He had to be her betrothed, with the crown of gold on his head reflecting the sunlight. His hair cascaded to his shoulders in dark-brown waves, skin the same rich color of chocolate, her favorite treat from Earth. He wore a finely pressed black suit with a white shirt underneath. His plush cape reached the floor behind him. Pausing on the platform, he smiled, dimples forming in his cheeks.
Thank you, Earth! Excitement bubbled from deep inside her, and something more. She squeezed her thighs together and swallowed her own squeal to keep from giving away their location.
“He’s gorgeous,” Ka’lyn whispered. “Even the color of his skin is sexy. I wonder what he tastes like.”
Ro’sa shoved her friend. “None of your business. He’s mine.”
“And I’m so jealous.” Ka’lyn returned the punch. “I want to lick him from head to toe.”
So did she. “Don’t even think about it. You already have your own man.”
“Yes, but I can dream, can’t I? I mean, I love my sweaty woodsman, but, some days, I wish he was a prince.”
Before Ro’sa had a chance to respond, another man stepped out of the shuttle and slapped the prince’s on the back.
Ka’lyn shifted beside her. “Who’s that?”
“His personal servant?” She’d been told the prince would arrive with his own entourage. “Maybe a friend?” Would a servant be allowed to touch royalty? On Minjet, yes, but she’d been told the line between royalty and commoners was much more defined on Earth. At least before the last war.
“He’s cute, too. A stronger jaw, and look at those full lips. Imagine what they’d be like to kiss, how they’d feel on your breasts and between your legs.”
“Would you stop!” Ro’sa covered her mouth. Her words had come out much louder than she’d intended as she focused on the images her friend had planted in her head.
Ka’lyn poked her arm. “He’s looking this way.” Ro’sa glanced at the shuttle platform and found the man’s gaze fixed on her.
THE STAR PRINCESS is available as an ebook…
An audiobook…
Audible | Amazon | iTunes
And now in a Beyond Fairytales Box Set…
GIVEAWAY!!
Enter to WIN a $5 All Romance or Amazon GC
GRAND PRIZE
Be sure to visit the other participating authors and bloggers…
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COVER REVEAL ~ The Ruins by T.H. Hernandez #youngadult #dystopian
Today is the cover reveal for TH Hernandez’s The Ruins, a dystopian YA from T.H. Hernandez. Be sure to check out the exclusive excerpt below as well.
Title: The Ruins
Author: T.H. Hernandez
Release Day: June 16, 2015
Synopsis
Heartbroken, grief-stricken, and wracked with guilt, seventeen-year-old Evan Taylor returned to the Union, leaving behind the boy she loved.
Now, she and her friends must find a way to do the impossible – warn the citizens of the Union about an impending rebel attack without alerting the government and risking retaliation against her friends in the Ruins.
When every move Evan makes is thwarted, it soon becomes clear she’s being watched. Faced with a daily fight to stay one step ahead of her pursuers, she returns to the Ruins. But life in the Ruins has its own dangers, and soon she’s fighting a different battle – to stay alive long enough to discover the truth.
THE RUINS is the second book in THE UNION series, a young adult romantic adventure set in the near future.
Goodreads | Amazon Pre-Order
Author Bio:
When not visiting the imaginary worlds inside my head, I live in San Diego, California, with one husband, three children, two cats, and one dog. In addition to my day job as a technical writer and editor, I write young adult fiction. I love the intensity of teen emotions and the way they’re still figuring out life.
When I’m not writing, you can find me with my nose in a book, hanging out with family and friends, hiking, or knitting. I’m obsessed with Facebook, young adult novels, bad lip reading videos, pumpkin spice lattes, microbrewed beers, and the San Diego Chargers.
Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram
Exclusive Excerpt:
Lisa opens the door still in her pajama pants and a tank top. Jack’s behind her in nothing but a pair of sweatpants. I raise an eyebrow in silent judgment. How could she have Jack spend the night with Colin here?
“Where’s Colin?” she asks, looking past me.
“What do you mean, where’s Colin? Isn’t he here?”
“No. He never came home last night. I thought he was with you.”
“You were with me.”
“No, I mean after we separated. I figured he showed up at your place.” Her cheeks turn bright red.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” My hands ball into fists of anger at my sides. “You can’t really be that…” I bite off the words. It’s not my place to share how Colin feels about her.
“He probably left with one of those girls we saw him with,” she says.
I push into her apartment and find Colin’s duffel bag on the floor where it’s been since he began camping out on her couch last week. “So, he just blew off his train?”
“Maybe,” she shrugs.
“Not likely,” I say, stalking back outside, unease gnawing through my stomach. If all this other shit wasn’t going on, I could chalk it up to Colin getting laid, but I can’t shake the feeling something isn’t right. I’m halfway to Bryce’s before I realize that’s where I’m headed. Hopefully he takes me seriously.
My fast walk turns into a jog as I cover the remaining three blocks and two flights of stairs down to the apartment he shares with Jack. I’ve only been here once before, but I think I remember which one it is. I lift my hand and knock on the pale blue door then pace the small empty concrete porch. Thirty seconds pass before I knock again, louder and longer this time. Still no answer. I’m beginning to think he’s not here when the lock clicks and the door cracks open.
Bryce swings the door wider, and my eyes zero in on a bare chest. My gaze drifts from his firm abs and pecs up to meet a pair of gray eyes, squinted against the morning light. Confusion fills his features as he stares at me.
“Colin didn’t come home last night,” I blurt out, my voice breaking.
His gaze rests on my face for a moment before circling the room, reminding me we’re being monitored. “I’m sure he’s fine, but let me get dressed, and we’ll look for him.”
Stepping inside, I close the door and bounce on the balls of my feet while I wait for him. The place is decorated in neo-classic guy. A fireplace and hearth runs the length of the front of the apartment, and opposite that is a solid glass wall overlooking a weedy, overgrown garden. The limited furniture is a jumble of chairs, a couch, and a couple of mismatched tables littered with empty beer bottles.
Bryce dresses in record time and takes my hand, pulling me outside. He leads the way to the depot to catch a train back to the nightclub. “I want to retrace his steps after we left,” he says. “He might’ve just found some company for the evening.”
“That’s what Lisa said, but I think there’s more to it.”
“It’s no secret how he feels about Lisa. He might’ve just wanted to get away for the night.”
“But his bag is still at her place. He would’ve had to come get it before catching his train.”
The nightclub is deserted with the exception of a handful of staff still cleaning up. Bryce walks up to a lanky guy pushing a broom. “Can I talk to the manager?”
A woman in her mid-thirties approaches us a few minutes later, wiping her hands on an apron. She sweeps a chunk of blond hair out of her face with the back of her wrist. “Can I help you?”
“Yeah, I’m Detective Cooper,” Bryce says, flashing his credentials. “We’re looking for a friend. He was here with us last night, but we’re not sure what happened to him.”
She glances between me and Bryce. “Did something happen to him?”
“That’s what we’re trying to find out. Can we take a look at the security feed from last night?”
“Sure,” she says, inclining her head. “Come on back.”
We follow her past the bar and into a small office beyond the kitchen. “Here,” she says, indicating a chair in front of a display screen.
Bryce sits and she shows him how to move through the video files. Bryce locates the one time-stamped from when we were here and forwards through frame-by-frame. I see us leaving for the night and Colin dancing with the girls, getting another drink, dancing some more, then about an hour later, Colin walks toward the exit alone. A guy in a sweatshirt, hood pulled up, hands shoved into his jeans pockets, approaches Colin. They appear to exchange words. Colin nods before following the guy out the front door.
“What the hell?” I ask. “Who was that guy?” Terror sweeps through me, turning my blood to ice. “And where the hell is Colin?”
“I don’t know,” Bryce says, reaching over to squeeze my hand. “But we’ll find him, I promise.”
About the Cover Designer: Mark Sgarbossa is an award-winning artist from San Diego, California. A partial list of his clients include Jason Mraz, Target Stores, Tony Hawk, Franz Ferdinand, Major League Baseball, San Diego State University, Snowboarder Magazine, 3 Doors Down, and AC/DC.
In addition to art, Mark is a talented musician. He played rhythm guitar and sang vocals in the indie band The Shirlies as well as playing synth and singing in the live electro duo ROTATOR.
May 12, 2015
. @KMalcolmAuthor Romanced the Capital with CLAIMING HIS CUB #RTCOttawa #1NightStand
Hello all! HER ALIEN HERO is my most recent release. And this month, I’m spotlighting all of the other stories in the Romancing the Capital line of the 1Night Stand series.
Every title in the line is set during the Romancing the Capital conference, which all five author attended in April. Today, I’m featuring CLAIMING HIS CUB, a M/M shifter romance by Kayleigh Malcolm…
Dary, an officer with the Paranormal / Research / Intelligence / Discipline and Education (PRIDE) department of the RCMP, has little time to pursue his personal interests outside of his job. As a dominent bear shapeshifter in his prime, and a taste for slim, trim boy-toys, his preference has brought him to a crossroad—his desire to find a partner to share his life with is overcast by immature males who don’t share his interests When he learns about the 1Night Stand service and Madame Eve’s incredible track record for successful matches, he utilizes a rare weekend away from his job to indulge in some much-needed fantasy.
Rhudaii is a unique man in every imaginable way. With an unusually youthful appearance and a little known inherent bombshell of his own, he longs for a deeper connection with a man than just instant gratification. Being an avid romance junkie, Rhoo plans a getaway to a book convention in Ottawa, except surrounded by hundreds of women isn’t what he’s looking for. Instead, he arranges a date through the 1Night Stand service.
When the men meet sparks fly and the sexual tension soars. Each of them has a secret that could make or break any potential long-term relationship. But, what if they have more in common than they thought?
Available from:
“Do you have your ID with you?” the barkeep asked.
Dary smirked when Rhoo sighed dramatically while passing over his driver’s license. “I think I’m going to have to carry my ID until I’m fifty.”
The man behind the bar winked at him when he returned the card. “You’ll be the envy of everyone you know with a baby face like yours.”
The hair on Dary’s nape bristled, and he fought the urge to growl at the man when he went to get their beers. It might be some harmless flirting, but he didn’t need another man cutting in on his date. His bear rubbed aggressively against his consciousness, wanting to swipe his claws at what he viewed as a poacher.
“Are you hungry?” Dary asked. “We can get a table or eat here at the bar.” Sitting at a table would get them away from their overly flirtatious bartender.
“I’m good either way, but this is nice sitting here with you. It’s a bit more casual than if we were at a table.”
Rhoo’s hands moved as he spoke, drawing Dary’s attention to his long, delicate fingers. Driven by a need he didn’t want to contemplate, he caught one and turned it over, stroking his thumb along the edge of his palm, feeling the thickened skin on the side. “For a man who says he sits around in his job, you have the calluses of a warrior.”
Color raced from Rhoo’s neck to his cheeks. “I said I have a lot of downtime in my job, not that I sit on my ass.” In a smooth, quickly executed move that spoke of hours of practice, Rhoo slid his hand from Dary’s grasp to clasp his wrist. He angled Dary’s hand so it was palm up. “You’re one to talk.” Rhoo rubbed his thumb over the thick ridge on his trigger finger. “You work with firearms.” His caressed the sensitive skin of Dary’s palm to his inner wrist, brushing the pulse point with his thumb. “Are you made of thick muscle everywhere?”
Here’s a picture of Kayleigh Malcolm just before the book signing.
May 10, 2015
#SFRMonday ~ Will the demon save Quin from the darkness? KEIR by @PippaJayGreen #scifirom
Please welcome Pippa Jay as she celebrates the re-release of KEIR.
KEIRby Pippa Jay
A demon waiting to die…
An outcast reviled for his discolored skin and rumors of black magic, Keirlan de Corizi sees no hope for redemption. Imprisoned beneath the palace that was once his home, the legendary ‘Blue Demon of Adalucien’ waits for death to finally free him of his curse. But salvation comes in an unexpected guise.
A woman determined to save him.
Able to cross space and time with a wave of her hand, Tarquin Secker has spent eternity on a hopeless quest. Drawn by a compulsion she can’t explain, she risks her apparent immortality to save Keir, and offers him sanctuary on her home-world, Lyagnius. But Quin has secrets of her own.
When Keir mistakenly unleashes the dormant alien powers within him and earns exile from Lyagnius, Quin chooses to stand by him. Can he master his newfound abilities in time to save Quin from the darkness that seeks to possess her?
Book One of the Redemption series and part of the Travellers Universe. A science fiction romance novel previously released by Lyrical Press Inc. 7th May 2012, Keir is a Readers Favorite Contest Awards Finalist 2012, HOD RWA Aspen Gold finalist (3rd place), The Kindle Book Review’s 2013 Best Indie Book Awards semi-finalist, and a 2012 SFR Galaxy Award Best May to December Romance winner.
Available from:
Amazon | All Romance eBooks | Kobo | iTunes | B&N
Keir on Goodreads
Book Two of the series, Keir’s Fall
Amidst the noise and flashes, the sound of movement drew his gaze aside. Quin had stepped out onto the adjoining balcony to lean nonchalantly on the ledge and admire the show. The light display forgotten, Keir immersed himself deeper in the shadows and watched her instead. Like his first sight of her in the Adalucien prison cell, it struck him how small she was, and how different to anyone he had ever known. Quin had unbound her hair, which now formed a wild red halo around her face. Her formal robes had been exchanged for a short, black slip that ended mid-thigh, and a long-sleeved robe of black lace. The gentle curves of her slim figure showed through the fabric. His eyes strayed to the white skin of her legs, like fine marble shaped and smoothed. What would it feel like to touch? Cool like stone? Or warm like velvet, soft as silk?
Unease tightened his muscles, and he tried to drag his gaze away. A Salusian woman would never expose herself like that. Never show so much skin and be so uncaring about it.
But then, Quin is not Salusian. And she does not know I am here. I should not be looking.
Even as he thought it, even as he berated himself for it, his gaze drifted back. A smile arched her lips as she watched the skies, as enchanted as a child. A stronger gust of wind brushed the hair back from her face and folded the satin cloth of her outfit around her figure.
So beautiful…
Sudden elation overwhelmed him, combined with the heat T’rill had inspired. Desire wrapped tight arms around his body. The heady mix stole his breath. No. Shame burned his skin. Quin was his friend, the first he had ever had, and the only person to show him kindness in more years than he could count. Yet at that moment he wanted more. For the first time in remembrance, he wanted to touch and be touched in return. To hold her and have her return his embrace freely, with more than a friend’s affection. To feel her white skin under his fingertips. To brush the hair from her face as the breeze did now, and run his fingers through it.
His thoughts dishonored her gift of friendship to him. Disgusted by the yearning that plagued him now, he backed deeper into the alcove, unable to retreat inside without moving from his hiding place.
How would she react if she knew? How could he even think she might feel the same for him? Someone who was not even human, someone descended from the creature that had destroyed everything she had loved—her own words. Bitter disappointment and guilt swamped him at the depth of his desire. What he wanted was impossible and it was madness to think otherwise.
He should leave now. Go back to Lyagnius, or perhaps even farther, instead of tormenting himself by imagining what could never be. But he could not make his legs obey. So he stood in the shadows, and watched, and hated himself for it.
Then they both started as a vivid red star exploded close to their balconies. A second later, Quin laughed as it was followed by a rapid series of smaller percussions and star-bursts. She lifted her chin to gaze up into the sky, the scarlet flare highlighting her elfin face and auburn hair.
Troubled by the noise and his own conflicting reactions, Keir retreated into his room, folding his mixed emotions deep inside where she would not be able to sense them. He sat morosely on the bed before throwing himself backward and thumping his balled fists into the surface, but his childish aggression was wasted on the padded mattress. Closing his eyes as if that would banish the images and thoughts within, he covered his face with his hands before running them viciously through his hair. How could he face her with all this in his head? He should leave. Now.
After spending twelve years working as an Analytical Chemist in a Metals and Minerals laboratory, Pippa Jay is now a stay-at-home mum who writes scifi and the supernatural. Somewhere along the way a touch of romance crept into her work and refused to leave. In between torturing her plethora of characters, she spends the odd free moment playing guitar very badly, punishing herself with freestyle street dance, and studying the Dark Side of the Force. Although happily settled in the historical town of Colchester in the UK with her husband of 21 years and three little monsters, she continues to roam the rest of the Universe in her head.
Pippa Jay is a dedicated member of the Science Fiction Romance Brigade and Broad Universe, blogging at Spacefreighters Lounge, Adventures in Scifi, and Romancing the Genres. Her works include YA and adult stories crossing a multitude of subgenres from scifi to the paranormal, often with romance, and she’s one of eight authors included in a science fiction romance anthology—Tales from the SFR Brigade. She’s also a double SFR Galaxy Award winner, been a finalist in the Heart of Denver RWA Aspen Gold Contest (3rd place), the EPIC eBook awards, and the GCC RWA Silken Sands Star Awards (2nd place).
You can stalk her at her website, or at her blog, but without doubt her favorite place to hang around and chat is on Twitter as @pippajaygreen.
