Lacey Wolfe's Blog, page 43
February 15, 2012
Welcome Jane Isaac
1. Tell us a little about yourself.I studied creative writing, and later specialist fiction with the London School of Journalism. My non-fiction articles have appeared in newspapers, magazines and online.
Two of my short stories, Duplicity and Perilous Truths, will appear in Crime Anthologies released in 2012. An Unfamiliar Murder is my first novel.
Apart from my personal blog, Caffeine's Not a crime - http://www.janeisaac.co.uk/blog/ I blog about my writing experience, Diary of a Newbie Novelist - www.newbiewriters.com and am co-author on the Pyjama Club - http://pyjamaclub.blogspot.com/
I currently live in rural Northants, UK with my husband, daughter and dog, Bollo. When I'm not writing, I'm passionate about travel, love to read, walk my dog and spend time with my family. I believe life should be an adventure!
2. What genre do you write?
Psychological Crime Thrillers
3. Please tell us about your latest release, AN UNFAMILIAR MURDER, and how you came up with the idea.Let me share my blurb with you:
What secrets lurk beneath a normal, healthy skin?
Arriving home from a routine day at work, Anna Cottrell has no idea that her life is about to change forever. But discovering the stabbed body of a stranger in her flat, then becoming prime suspect in a murder enquiry is only the beginning. Her persistent claims of innocence start to crumble when new evidence links her irrevocably with the victim...
Leading her first murder enquiry, DCI Helen Lavery unravels a trail of deception, family secrets and betrayal. When people close to the Cottrell family start to disappear, Lavery is forced into a race against time. Can she catch the killer before he executes his ultimate victim?
Ideas pop into my head all over the place, a legacy of an overactive imagination, I guess! I do love to watch and listen to other people's conversations too, and I'm sure snippets seep into my work.
I'm fascinated by what happens when extra-ordinary things happen to ordinary people. How do we react? The book is born out of this fascination and I try to make my characters real, so that we feel their journey.
An Unfamiliar Murder's storyline developed as I wrote, I'm a definite pantser not a plotter, and I literally didn't know how it was going to end when I first started it.
4. Is it part of a series?
Absolutely. I was only part way into this novel when I released that there was so much more I could do with my main character, DCI Helen Lavery. I am currently writing a sequel and enjoying stretching her character further.
5. A must have snack while you write.
Chocolate, always. And plenty of coffee.
6. A fact that someone might not know about you.
I dye my hair and have done since I was sixteen. I have no idea what the natural colour is now!
7. Advice to writers who have yet to be published.
Read everything you can get your hands on in your chosen genre and try to pen something every day. I don't believe in imposing the pressure of word counts on myself, but my book is never far from my mind.
8. Any quirky habits?
I listen to music while I write and sometimes sing along into the headphones. Can be quite annoying for anyone else in the room!
9. What are you currently reading?
Payback by Simon Kernick
10. What are you currently working on?
I'm currently writing 'Murderous Consequences', the sequel to An Unfamiliar Murder. Hopefully this will be out by the end of the year.
What readers are saying:
"The characters are brilliantly crafted.... I can't wait for the sequel!"
"...as fast paced as it is full of twists and turns... "
"...compulsive reading. Brilliantly written, gripping plot."
Buy the book here:
Paperback US:
http://www.amazon.com/Unfamiliar-Murder-Jane-Isaac/dp/1937758060/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326864285&sr=8-1
Paperback UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Unfamiliar-Murder-Jane-Isaac/dp/1937758060/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1328031646&sr=8-2
Kindle US:
http://www.amazon.com/An-Unfamiliar-Murder-ebook/dp/B006YK6U18/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1326864285&sr=8-3
Kindle UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/An-Unfamiliar-Murder-ebook/dp/B006YK6U18/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326868728&sr=8-1
Contact details:
You can contact me on my website at www.janeisaac.co.uk. I love to hear from readers and writers. Sign up to my newsletter for updates on An Unfamiliar Murder and its sequel which should be out by the end of 2013. Alternatively, follow me on Twitter: @JaneIsaacAuthor or on Face Book: Jane Isaac Author.
February 14, 2012
Naughty After Dark H0P
Welcome to the Naughty After Dark blog hop. (Feb 15-22)I'm Lacey Wolfe and I am a romance author who likes to kick up the heat. My stories are sweet romances until the two hit the sheets. Then I like to let my readers know just about every detail.
So as a thank-you for hopping by, I am offering you not 1 but 2 giveaways!
Giveaway 1 - a $5 amazon gift card! Your welcome to use it toward a new naughty book of your choice.Giveaway 2 - A signed PRINT copy (unless you prefer e-copy) of the all new anthology that I am in. Love, Again from Ruby Lioness Press.
Info on the book (will open in new window) How to be entered for either of these? Leave a comment and please include your email address in the comment sections since it doesn't always tell me the email address when you enter it in the form. Happy Hopping!
Be sure to stop by and thank Natasha Blackthorne and Nikki from Close Encounters for putting this blog hop all together.
Wanted: Wife has released! (Part of the Love, Again anthology)
The Love, Again anthology is for sale! It is available in e-book and print format! And my story Wanted: Wife is featured in this anthology. Along with 6 other wonderful authors. So be sure to check it out! You just might find a new favorite author.
Buy Links (E-book): Amazon / Smashwords / Nook
Buy Links (Print): Ruby Lioness Press
Darcy White is between jobs and is about to lose everything she has. She reads the help-wanted ads every morning. Day after day, she fails at finding anything—that is, until one morning when she comes across an ad she finds intriguing. The help-wanted ad in the paper states that a man is looking for a wife. Before she knows what she's doing, Darcy's exchanging emails with him, agreeing to meet him for lunch.
Steven McDonald is looking for a wife in order to keep his family business, an apple orchard, as his grandfather told him that he couldn't keep this orchard unless he got married. He gets the crazy idea to put a want ad in the paper. After a lot of nutty women respond, one e-mail comes through with a name that sounds very familiar: Darcy White. He was in love with Darcy in high school, but was too afraid to step away from the popular crowd to talk to her. He spent countless nights just thinking about her. Could this be his second chance?
From the moment they enter each other's lives again, the chemistry is there. Steven believes that Darcy is even better than he remembered her. This is Darcy's dream come true; she hopes that Steven might start to feel the same way about her as she feels for him.
Buy Links (E-book): Amazon / Smashwords / Nook
Buy Links (Print): Ruby Lioness Press
Buy Links (E-book): Amazon / Smashwords / Nook
Buy Links (Print): Ruby Lioness Press
Darcy White is between jobs and is about to lose everything she has. She reads the help-wanted ads every morning. Day after day, she fails at finding anything—that is, until one morning when she comes across an ad she finds intriguing. The help-wanted ad in the paper states that a man is looking for a wife. Before she knows what she's doing, Darcy's exchanging emails with him, agreeing to meet him for lunch.Steven McDonald is looking for a wife in order to keep his family business, an apple orchard, as his grandfather told him that he couldn't keep this orchard unless he got married. He gets the crazy idea to put a want ad in the paper. After a lot of nutty women respond, one e-mail comes through with a name that sounds very familiar: Darcy White. He was in love with Darcy in high school, but was too afraid to step away from the popular crowd to talk to her. He spent countless nights just thinking about her. Could this be his second chance?
From the moment they enter each other's lives again, the chemistry is there. Steven believes that Darcy is even better than he remembered her. This is Darcy's dream come true; she hopes that Steven might start to feel the same way about her as she feels for him.
Buy Links (E-book): Amazon / Smashwords / Nook
Buy Links (Print): Ruby Lioness Press
February 13, 2012
Forget Me Not - Week 5 (Free Read)
Welcome to the next installment. If you missed the other weeks, follow the links.week 1, 2 , 3, 4
Enjoy! A week had passed since she'd seen Nick, but there was no way he was letting her forget him. Every day when she came home from the office, on her door step there was something from him. And tonight, a box of Godiva chocolates and a red rose waited for her. She smiled, and picked up her gift then let herself into her apartment as usual.
Plopping down on the couch, she opened the box and decided to snack on a few of the candies. As she enjoyed the delicious flavor, she wondered if she was being too hard on Nick. He had called several times during the week and of course, she ignored him. She made a point to stay away from the wine. That was one lesson she learned.
Jenny laid the box on the coffee table and then wondered what she was going to do this evening to entertain herself. She typically filled her weekend nights with some date who just passed the time by. But she was through with Jeff. And when she'd told him, he didn't care. Then again, she didn't really expect that he would. Things had really fizzled out between them anyway.
Who did she want to be with? Well that was a no brainer. Nick. But could she really allow him to just waltz right back into her life as though nothing had happened?
A glance around her apartment with all the flowers, teddy bears, and assortment of candy boxes, she supposed she could. But that would just be too easy, wouldn't it? To just forgive him and pick up where they left off?
Jenny headed to her room and changed out of her work clothes and into jeans and a tank top. A walk on the beach was just what she needed. Time to think and let the smell of the ocean clear her thoughts.
Slipping on her tennis shoes, she left through the back sliding door. The sun was starting to set and she knew a cool breeze would start soon. Perfect.
As she walked along the beach, she felt like she was on auto-pilot. She couldn't remember how she got there, but she had walked right to their spot. And to make things more complicated, Nick was there sitting on their rock, watching as the sun set.
February 12, 2012
Welcome Allison Merritt
Today I have Allison Merritt on the blog telling us all about herself and her latest novel. Sit back, grab some popcorn, and enjoy. 
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in the Ozark Mountain region of southwest Missouri. I think that was a major influence on my writing. Harold Bell Wright's The Shepherd of the Hills is set in the Branson area and it was really the first book that attracted me to writing. I think I was about eleven or twelve when I read it. There's no other place in the world I'd rather be than at home in the hills. Walking and hiking is another passion of mine and we have plenty of places to do it, plus a Civil War national battlefield. I love history and you can almost feel it come to life around here.
My husband is a home-grown boy, but he's from the next county over. We both love the area, although he'd high-tail it to the Rockies if I'd let him. We live in the same house I grew up in with our bratty, kid-like dogs.
2. What genre do you write?
My most recent interest is steampunk. Of course, I have to put romance in there because I don't if I've ever written a story without romantic elements. My first love is historical novels and I have two unfinished manuscripts, but since I learned about steampunk, I don't know if I'll go back to them. I've also written a couple of short contemporary stories and I like that genre too.
3. Please tell us about your latest release The Treasure Hunter's Lady and how you came up with the idea.
The Treasure Hunter's Lady is set in 1884 between Boston and what was then Dakota Territory.
Romy Farrington seems to have the perfect life—a world-famous archeologist father, a pretty dowry and an upcoming marriage to a wealthy businessman. But to Romy, her new life among the elitists is like a punishment.
For years, she traveled the world at her father's side, exploring new lands and uncovering ancient secrets. It was everything she ever wanted, until a near-fatal encounter with hostile natives forced her and her father into a life of retirement in Boston and an undesired advance into proper society.
Everything changes again when she's saved from an accident by a brash Texan in a back alley. Abel Courte may act like a care-free cowboy, but he's harboring a secret—he's searching for the Diamond of Uktena, a legendary jewel that can cure any disease known to man. He needs information Romy's father has in order to get to the jewel. When he traces the origin of the Diamond to Dakota Territory, he sets off to claim the treasure, only to find the archaeologist's fiery redheaded daughter stuck to him like a bug in sap.
In a race against time, Romy and Abel must learn to trust each other as they undertake a cross-country journey that will expose them to lands uncharted by white men, a deadly battle against the fearsome creature in possession of the Diamond and a fight to return to civilization where they might make the greatest discovery of all—love.
The Treasure Hunter's Lady has kind of a crazy story behind it. A few years ago after a long break, I decided to start writing again and I was researching a historical romance set in Australia. I fell in love with everything I learned about that country (unfortunately, I've never been) and around the same time I was re-watched The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. I thought, wow, I would love to write a story with crazy paranormal elements and cool technology set in Australia. So the first draft, which is way shorter than the finished MS is set in Australia. When I started pitching and trying to get an agent, they all seemed repulsed by the idea of setting it out of the country and I ended up writing a version set in America.
4. Is it part of a series?
Yes. I'm planning three novels set in this steampunk world. I'm about three quarters of the way through the second one and have a few thousand words done on the third.
5. A must have snack while you write.
Lately I'm into popcorn. I like light butter because popcorn has a sweet taste of its own that I don't like to drown with salt and butter.
6. A fact that someone might not know about you.
This is kind of embarrassing, but I didn't learn how to ride a bike until I was 14. I had a really bad accident on one when I was 7 and I thought, nope, that's not for me. I'm really glad I learned though and I think it's a lesson that while you might have a goal and really want to accomplish something, sometimes you have to do more learning before you reach it.
7. Advice to writers who have yet to be published.
Find a critique group, either local or online. There's nothing better than getting together with people who share a similiar interest and experiencing the support they can give you and all the things they can teach you.
8. Is there a genre you haven't written yet that you want to?
I'd love to write westerns, but I don't think I could ever reach the Louis L'Amour level. And they'd all have romance in them, so I might as well just write historical western romances.
9. What type of hero do you enjoy writing about?
I like my heroes to be funny. They have to have some alpha traits, because I'm just not a beta fan, but I feel like readers can understand them better if they have a sense of humor.
10. What are you currently working on?
Right now I'm working on The Sky Pirate's Wife. It's about the airship captain from The Treasure Hunter's Lady and the airship heiress he tricks into marriage. It's also got a paranomal element to it. I'm really into Native American mythology right now and so far it's been pretty exciting. I 'm hoping to release it this fall.
Buy Links: Amazon / Nook / Smashwords
Visit Allison at her Website
1. Tell us a little about yourself.I grew up in the Ozark Mountain region of southwest Missouri. I think that was a major influence on my writing. Harold Bell Wright's The Shepherd of the Hills is set in the Branson area and it was really the first book that attracted me to writing. I think I was about eleven or twelve when I read it. There's no other place in the world I'd rather be than at home in the hills. Walking and hiking is another passion of mine and we have plenty of places to do it, plus a Civil War national battlefield. I love history and you can almost feel it come to life around here.
My husband is a home-grown boy, but he's from the next county over. We both love the area, although he'd high-tail it to the Rockies if I'd let him. We live in the same house I grew up in with our bratty, kid-like dogs.
2. What genre do you write?
My most recent interest is steampunk. Of course, I have to put romance in there because I don't if I've ever written a story without romantic elements. My first love is historical novels and I have two unfinished manuscripts, but since I learned about steampunk, I don't know if I'll go back to them. I've also written a couple of short contemporary stories and I like that genre too.
3. Please tell us about your latest release The Treasure Hunter's Lady and how you came up with the idea.The Treasure Hunter's Lady is set in 1884 between Boston and what was then Dakota Territory.
Romy Farrington seems to have the perfect life—a world-famous archeologist father, a pretty dowry and an upcoming marriage to a wealthy businessman. But to Romy, her new life among the elitists is like a punishment.
For years, she traveled the world at her father's side, exploring new lands and uncovering ancient secrets. It was everything she ever wanted, until a near-fatal encounter with hostile natives forced her and her father into a life of retirement in Boston and an undesired advance into proper society.
Everything changes again when she's saved from an accident by a brash Texan in a back alley. Abel Courte may act like a care-free cowboy, but he's harboring a secret—he's searching for the Diamond of Uktena, a legendary jewel that can cure any disease known to man. He needs information Romy's father has in order to get to the jewel. When he traces the origin of the Diamond to Dakota Territory, he sets off to claim the treasure, only to find the archaeologist's fiery redheaded daughter stuck to him like a bug in sap.
In a race against time, Romy and Abel must learn to trust each other as they undertake a cross-country journey that will expose them to lands uncharted by white men, a deadly battle against the fearsome creature in possession of the Diamond and a fight to return to civilization where they might make the greatest discovery of all—love.
The Treasure Hunter's Lady has kind of a crazy story behind it. A few years ago after a long break, I decided to start writing again and I was researching a historical romance set in Australia. I fell in love with everything I learned about that country (unfortunately, I've never been) and around the same time I was re-watched The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. I thought, wow, I would love to write a story with crazy paranormal elements and cool technology set in Australia. So the first draft, which is way shorter than the finished MS is set in Australia. When I started pitching and trying to get an agent, they all seemed repulsed by the idea of setting it out of the country and I ended up writing a version set in America.
4. Is it part of a series?
Yes. I'm planning three novels set in this steampunk world. I'm about three quarters of the way through the second one and have a few thousand words done on the third.
5. A must have snack while you write.
Lately I'm into popcorn. I like light butter because popcorn has a sweet taste of its own that I don't like to drown with salt and butter.
6. A fact that someone might not know about you.
This is kind of embarrassing, but I didn't learn how to ride a bike until I was 14. I had a really bad accident on one when I was 7 and I thought, nope, that's not for me. I'm really glad I learned though and I think it's a lesson that while you might have a goal and really want to accomplish something, sometimes you have to do more learning before you reach it.
7. Advice to writers who have yet to be published.
Find a critique group, either local or online. There's nothing better than getting together with people who share a similiar interest and experiencing the support they can give you and all the things they can teach you.
8. Is there a genre you haven't written yet that you want to?
I'd love to write westerns, but I don't think I could ever reach the Louis L'Amour level. And they'd all have romance in them, so I might as well just write historical western romances.
9. What type of hero do you enjoy writing about?
I like my heroes to be funny. They have to have some alpha traits, because I'm just not a beta fan, but I feel like readers can understand them better if they have a sense of humor.
10. What are you currently working on?
Right now I'm working on The Sky Pirate's Wife. It's about the airship captain from The Treasure Hunter's Lady and the airship heiress he tricks into marriage. It's also got a paranomal element to it. I'm really into Native American mythology right now and so far it's been pretty exciting. I 'm hoping to release it this fall.
Buy Links: Amazon / Nook / Smashwords
Visit Allison at her Website
February 6, 2012
Welcome Gabrielle Bisset
Today I have author Gabrielle Bisset on chatting with me from what she likes to snack on while writing, to her latest release. Sit back and enjoy. :) And be sure to leave a comment if you stopped by saying "Hi."
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm a college history teacher in my day job, in addition to being a homeschooling mom. When I'm not teaching my own son or other people's children, I'm an erotic romance author.
2. What genre do you write?
I've written in the historical genre in the past, and since I'm a history prof, history tends to make its way into everything I write. But recently, I've found I'm more at home in the paranormal realm.
3. Please tell us about your latest release, Blood Avenged, and how you came up with the idea.
I wrote a novella last June entitled Vampire Dreams, and the villain in that story was a character named Vasilije. I loved him, but I wasn't sure readers would. Turns out, they did too, and it wasn't long before they were asking about a book for him. I had always intended Vampire Dreams to be sort of an intro to his character, but when I began writing his book, it very quickly became a novel length story.
Whereas Vampire Dreams was set in Victorian times in London, Blood Avenged is set in modern day and much of the action takes place in New Orleans. Here's the blurb for a little taste of the story:
I am everything you desire. I am vampire.
Powerful and manipulative, Vasilije does as he pleases. A vampire beholden to no one, he takes what he desires, drinking deeply the pleasures this life has to offer.
When one of his own is staked, Vasilije must travel to New Orleans to exact his revenge. There he meets Sasa, a beautiful woman who arouses him like no other has for centuries. Vasilije's need for vengeance is equaled only by his passion for her, but what he finds in his revenge is just the beginning...
4. Is it part of a series?
Blood Avenged is the first book in the Sons of Navarus series. The second and third books, Blood Betrayed and Blood Spirit, are scheduled for release later this year.
5. A must have snack while you write.
I love to eat soft pretzels, so I'll always have one when I'm writing.
6. What type of hero do you enjoy writing about?
I love heroes who you fall in love with despite how flawed they are. The more flawed the better is what I find most enjoyable to write. Vasilije in Blood Avenged is a complete hedonist. I had someone mention to me that I must be a good writer to convince readers to care for such a character. That was very nice of her, but I have to say that in my experience, readers love flawed males as much as I do.
7. What are you currently working on?
I'm currently working on the second book in the Sons of Navarus series, Blood Betrayed. For as hedonistic and earthy as Vasilije is in the first book, the hero of the second book, Saint, is darker and more haunted by his past. Vasilije would never think twice about the past, except when it suits him, but Saint is very much a man dealing with loss from years ago.
8. Anything that you'd like to share.
I love to hear from readers, and they can find me all over the web.
Website: Gabrielle Bisset
Blog: Gabrielle Bisset: A Writer's Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Amazon Author Page
Email: gabriellebisset@gmail.com
Thanks for the chance to spend some time at your blog, Lacey. It was great!
Thanks for coming. I love having visitors. :)
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm a college history teacher in my day job, in addition to being a homeschooling mom. When I'm not teaching my own son or other people's children, I'm an erotic romance author.
2. What genre do you write?
I've written in the historical genre in the past, and since I'm a history prof, history tends to make its way into everything I write. But recently, I've found I'm more at home in the paranormal realm.
3. Please tell us about your latest release, Blood Avenged, and how you came up with the idea.I wrote a novella last June entitled Vampire Dreams, and the villain in that story was a character named Vasilije. I loved him, but I wasn't sure readers would. Turns out, they did too, and it wasn't long before they were asking about a book for him. I had always intended Vampire Dreams to be sort of an intro to his character, but when I began writing his book, it very quickly became a novel length story.
Whereas Vampire Dreams was set in Victorian times in London, Blood Avenged is set in modern day and much of the action takes place in New Orleans. Here's the blurb for a little taste of the story:
I am everything you desire. I am vampire.
Powerful and manipulative, Vasilije does as he pleases. A vampire beholden to no one, he takes what he desires, drinking deeply the pleasures this life has to offer.
When one of his own is staked, Vasilije must travel to New Orleans to exact his revenge. There he meets Sasa, a beautiful woman who arouses him like no other has for centuries. Vasilije's need for vengeance is equaled only by his passion for her, but what he finds in his revenge is just the beginning...
4. Is it part of a series?
Blood Avenged is the first book in the Sons of Navarus series. The second and third books, Blood Betrayed and Blood Spirit, are scheduled for release later this year.
5. A must have snack while you write.
I love to eat soft pretzels, so I'll always have one when I'm writing.
6. What type of hero do you enjoy writing about?
I love heroes who you fall in love with despite how flawed they are. The more flawed the better is what I find most enjoyable to write. Vasilije in Blood Avenged is a complete hedonist. I had someone mention to me that I must be a good writer to convince readers to care for such a character. That was very nice of her, but I have to say that in my experience, readers love flawed males as much as I do.
7. What are you currently working on?
I'm currently working on the second book in the Sons of Navarus series, Blood Betrayed. For as hedonistic and earthy as Vasilije is in the first book, the hero of the second book, Saint, is darker and more haunted by his past. Vasilije would never think twice about the past, except when it suits him, but Saint is very much a man dealing with loss from years ago.
8. Anything that you'd like to share.
I love to hear from readers, and they can find me all over the web.
Website: Gabrielle Bisset
Blog: Gabrielle Bisset: A Writer's Blog
Amazon Author Page
Email: gabriellebisset@gmail.com
Thanks for the chance to spend some time at your blog, Lacey. It was great!
Thanks for coming. I love having visitors. :)
February 5, 2012
Forget Me Not - Week 4 (Free Read)
Welcome to the forth installment to my free short story, Forget Me Not. If you've followed along, I hope you've enjoyed it. If this is your first visit, well go back one week HERE and you will find links to all the past weeks. 
Jenny took a step back, she couldn't let him touch her. She would be a goner and the past eight years of hurt would be forgotten. "You couldn't have missed me that much."
Nick raked a hand across his clean shaven head. "You have no idea how wrong you are. There wasn't a day or night that I didn't think of you."
"It's been eight years, Nick. And not once did you write or call me. I'm sure you came home for holidays and saw your family. You never came to see me," she snapped.
He kicked the sand with is feet and then turned to look out over the ocean. Her gaze followed his. It was a beautiful day, that was for sure. Not a cloud out and the sky was that perfect shade of blue. The waves were high, but looked pretty as they rolled in.
Jenny walked closer to the water and Nick. She couldn't really help it, she was drawn to him. And the memories she had tried her to best forget, were creeping back up. Nick was a nice guy, he always had been. He'd treated her better than anyone ever had. She was so sure they would marry and at this point in her life, they might even have a child they would be bringing to just this spot. But that wasn't what happened.
"I don't mean to be so bitter," she said. "But you just left. I had all these plans and you were in each and every one of them. I thought we would take on the world, just you and me. And when we finished conquering everything we could, we would settle down and start a family."
"That's why I left without a word."
He didn't want the same things? Why was her here now and telling her he was sorry. "You could've told me that. You didn't have to just join the army and not even tell me."
"It was what I thought was best."
"Best for who? Best for me or you?"
"Us."
Jenny let out an arrogant laugh. "You left thinking it was the best thing for us? Give me a break. Tell me how it was best?"
Nick reached out for her hand. Knowing she shouldn't let him, but she did, he held his hand in his as he explained. "I wanted each of those with you too. But I didn't want us to settle. I wanted us to see the world and experience life. Chances were you and I would have been that young couple out of high school with all these dreams, moved out, gotten a place, and then life would have started. You never would have done half of what you have if we'd been together."
"I don't care. I just wanted you Nick."
"I know, and like I said, that is why I left. I wanted you to experience everything you could."
Sighing loudly, she asked, "Why couldn't you have discussed that with me?"
Pulling her a little closer, he said, "If you'd asked me to stay, I would've. I love you more than anything in life and I never could have left."
"I just wish you had talked to me," Jenny said.
"I still love you. I want to be with you."
Jenny yanked her hand away. Sure he was saying all the right things, but he was a bit too late. "I'm sorry Nick, I can't do this."
She walked away. The tears soaked her lashed and then made their way down her cheeks. Walking away from Nick was harder then she thought it would be. She imagined what she felt, was ten times worse for him when he left for the Army. But who was he to decide her fate?
****
I'll see you this Friday for the next part.
Jenny took a step back, she couldn't let him touch her. She would be a goner and the past eight years of hurt would be forgotten. "You couldn't have missed me that much."Nick raked a hand across his clean shaven head. "You have no idea how wrong you are. There wasn't a day or night that I didn't think of you."
"It's been eight years, Nick. And not once did you write or call me. I'm sure you came home for holidays and saw your family. You never came to see me," she snapped.
He kicked the sand with is feet and then turned to look out over the ocean. Her gaze followed his. It was a beautiful day, that was for sure. Not a cloud out and the sky was that perfect shade of blue. The waves were high, but looked pretty as they rolled in.
Jenny walked closer to the water and Nick. She couldn't really help it, she was drawn to him. And the memories she had tried her to best forget, were creeping back up. Nick was a nice guy, he always had been. He'd treated her better than anyone ever had. She was so sure they would marry and at this point in her life, they might even have a child they would be bringing to just this spot. But that wasn't what happened.
"I don't mean to be so bitter," she said. "But you just left. I had all these plans and you were in each and every one of them. I thought we would take on the world, just you and me. And when we finished conquering everything we could, we would settle down and start a family."
"That's why I left without a word."
He didn't want the same things? Why was her here now and telling her he was sorry. "You could've told me that. You didn't have to just join the army and not even tell me."
"It was what I thought was best."
"Best for who? Best for me or you?"
"Us."
Jenny let out an arrogant laugh. "You left thinking it was the best thing for us? Give me a break. Tell me how it was best?"
Nick reached out for her hand. Knowing she shouldn't let him, but she did, he held his hand in his as he explained. "I wanted each of those with you too. But I didn't want us to settle. I wanted us to see the world and experience life. Chances were you and I would have been that young couple out of high school with all these dreams, moved out, gotten a place, and then life would have started. You never would have done half of what you have if we'd been together."
"I don't care. I just wanted you Nick."
"I know, and like I said, that is why I left. I wanted you to experience everything you could."
Sighing loudly, she asked, "Why couldn't you have discussed that with me?"
Pulling her a little closer, he said, "If you'd asked me to stay, I would've. I love you more than anything in life and I never could have left."
"I just wish you had talked to me," Jenny said.
"I still love you. I want to be with you."
Jenny yanked her hand away. Sure he was saying all the right things, but he was a bit too late. "I'm sorry Nick, I can't do this."
She walked away. The tears soaked her lashed and then made their way down her cheeks. Walking away from Nick was harder then she thought it would be. She imagined what she felt, was ten times worse for him when he left for the Army. But who was he to decide her fate?
****
I'll see you this Friday for the next part.
February 3, 2012
The Lonely Dominant by Ella Jade - Just released!
In the mood for a spicy read that will leave you satisfied? You don't want to miss this one. Available now on Amazon, Nook, AllERomance, and Noble. 
Successful businessman Alec Carter realizes his life is less than fulfilled when he meets beautiful Princeton University senior Clara Whittaker at a local coffee shop. Alec experiments in the BDSM lifestyle but doesn't consider himself hardcore until he crosses paths with the obviously submissive Clara. The more time Alec spends with young Clara, the more his dominant tendencies push to the surface. She could be what has been missing.
After her grandmother's death, Clara ends up a guest in Alec's home until she can finish school. She quickly learns she's a natural submissive and decides she wants to explore this new side of herself with the man of house. Alec shows her a life she never knew existed as they enter into a world of role playing, fantasy, and desire. Alec may be the Master, but Clara holds the key to his heart.
As the semester comes to an end, so does their arrangement. If Alec doesn't admit his true feelings for Clara, she could walk out of his life forever. But, Alec isn't sure which she craves more . . . his dominance . . . or his love.
To read an excerpt, click the read more below. I broke the kiss and gently stroked her hair. "Thank you for letting me be the first to bring you that pleasure. You don't know how it pleases me."
I continued to stare at her for a few moments, occasionally placing a soft kiss on her lips.
"I want to please you," she said. "I can't explain it, but I have these urges to make you happy."
"What do you mean?" I said, figuring we might as well put it all on the table.
"Ever since I met you, there's just been something about you. It's the way you act, and you always seem to have control over everything. It's really sexy."
I smirked, because she got me completely.
"When I hear you on the phone for work, you just say what needs to be done. You never ask, and you always get results. There are times when I think I want you to talk to me that way. Is there something wrong with me? I can't even believe I'm telling you this."
I laughed, because if there was something wrong with her, then I was certainly a head case.
"Clara," I picked up her shirt from the floor and handed it to her, "there's nothing wrong with you. I think there's a very specific reason we're drawn to one another."
"Why?"
"Do you know what a Dominant is?" Why waste time?
I was never the type to beat around the bush. When I wanted something, I put it out there. This was no different. She may not have realized it, but she was attracted to me because she was submissive. Exactly how submissive? I wasn't sure, but I hoped to find out.
She quickly put her blouse back on and buttoned it up. We'd have to work on her modesty, too. I planned to have her naked quite a bit.
"I think so," she said. "It's when a person takes on the dominant role in a sexual relationship."
I smiled. "Yes, that's part of it, but it's also the Dom's responsibility to teach and help his submissive reach pleasure beyond her wildest dreams. It's a mutually beneficial relationship between two consenting adults."
"Alec, are you dominant?"
"In almost every aspect of my life, especially in the bedroom."
"Oh," she said, as she adjusted her skirt.
"Does that bother you?" I'd give her the opportunity to run screaming from the house.
"Actually," she said, and the blush took over her face again. "It kind of intrigues me."
"Really?"
She nodded.
"Do you know anything about that type of relationship?" I pulled her closer to me. She was so soft and warm, and I couldn't keep my hands off her. I'd touch her all day if I could.
"Not firsthand, obviously." She traced my lips with her fingertip. I liked when she touched me unprovoked. "I had a human sexuality course last semester and we discussed dominant and submissive behaviors, and I realized I could be a submissive. Not extremely submissive. I mean, I don't think I could be someone's slave, or do it twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, but I found it a turn-on."
Is this really happening?
"The more I learned about the subject, the more I realized I wanted to be dominated," she said. "But, it wasn't something I thought I could explore. I wouldn't even know how to go about it."
Surreal was the only way to describe what was happening here. Anytime I'd engaged in this behavior, I'd had to seek out my subs as discreetly as possible. I would go through friends I knew in the community to find a woman who was into the same things I was. I'd always had difficulty finding someone who was only interested in light play. Most subs were looking for long-term, hard play, and as secure as I was, I just wasn't into beating or humiliating anyone. I also liked having the power of being able to play when I wanted to.
"I'm not a hard-core Dom. I've dabbled, but I've never collared a sub, and I've never been in a relationship with one before. I enjoy the lifestyle, but I did it only with a willing partner, and only for brief periods of time. We both took what we needed from the experience, and then we mutually parted ways."
She looked disappointed by my response. Maybe she thought I was more involved in the lifestyle?
"It's a very satisfying experience when both participants are open and honest about their wants and desires. The pleasures I've gained through my past experiences were like none I'd ever experienced before."
"I'd like to try it," she said. "I want to submit to you."
"You're so young." Her age didn't bother me. Rather, I knew she was so inexperienced when it came to sex and relationships. I wasn't certain she could make this kind of decision. "I'd need you to be absolutely sure."
"You said it was consensual. I wouldn't have to do anything I didn't want to, and if I remember correctly, there are safe words we could use."
"I think you know more than you're letting on." I arched a brow at her, but I was impressed by her openness. I was surprised she had the courage to press the matter.
"I may have researched the subject a couple of times."
"You're right about safe words. They are set up to protect not only your physical boundaries, but your emotional limits as well. I would push your limits, but only to show you how much pleasure you could gain. I couldn't do this 24/7 either. We'd have to come up with some sort of agreement, since we live under the same roof." Are we really entertaining this?
"Weekends?" She shrugged. "Maybe we could try it out?"
I smiled and gently kissed her lips. "Yes, I think weekends would work perfectly."
Successful businessman Alec Carter realizes his life is less than fulfilled when he meets beautiful Princeton University senior Clara Whittaker at a local coffee shop. Alec experiments in the BDSM lifestyle but doesn't consider himself hardcore until he crosses paths with the obviously submissive Clara. The more time Alec spends with young Clara, the more his dominant tendencies push to the surface. She could be what has been missing.After her grandmother's death, Clara ends up a guest in Alec's home until she can finish school. She quickly learns she's a natural submissive and decides she wants to explore this new side of herself with the man of house. Alec shows her a life she never knew existed as they enter into a world of role playing, fantasy, and desire. Alec may be the Master, but Clara holds the key to his heart.
As the semester comes to an end, so does their arrangement. If Alec doesn't admit his true feelings for Clara, she could walk out of his life forever. But, Alec isn't sure which she craves more . . . his dominance . . . or his love.
To read an excerpt, click the read more below. I broke the kiss and gently stroked her hair. "Thank you for letting me be the first to bring you that pleasure. You don't know how it pleases me."
I continued to stare at her for a few moments, occasionally placing a soft kiss on her lips.
"I want to please you," she said. "I can't explain it, but I have these urges to make you happy."
"What do you mean?" I said, figuring we might as well put it all on the table.
"Ever since I met you, there's just been something about you. It's the way you act, and you always seem to have control over everything. It's really sexy."
I smirked, because she got me completely.
"When I hear you on the phone for work, you just say what needs to be done. You never ask, and you always get results. There are times when I think I want you to talk to me that way. Is there something wrong with me? I can't even believe I'm telling you this."
I laughed, because if there was something wrong with her, then I was certainly a head case.
"Clara," I picked up her shirt from the floor and handed it to her, "there's nothing wrong with you. I think there's a very specific reason we're drawn to one another."
"Why?"
"Do you know what a Dominant is?" Why waste time?
I was never the type to beat around the bush. When I wanted something, I put it out there. This was no different. She may not have realized it, but she was attracted to me because she was submissive. Exactly how submissive? I wasn't sure, but I hoped to find out.
She quickly put her blouse back on and buttoned it up. We'd have to work on her modesty, too. I planned to have her naked quite a bit.
"I think so," she said. "It's when a person takes on the dominant role in a sexual relationship."
I smiled. "Yes, that's part of it, but it's also the Dom's responsibility to teach and help his submissive reach pleasure beyond her wildest dreams. It's a mutually beneficial relationship between two consenting adults."
"Alec, are you dominant?"
"In almost every aspect of my life, especially in the bedroom."
"Oh," she said, as she adjusted her skirt.
"Does that bother you?" I'd give her the opportunity to run screaming from the house.
"Actually," she said, and the blush took over her face again. "It kind of intrigues me."
"Really?"
She nodded.
"Do you know anything about that type of relationship?" I pulled her closer to me. She was so soft and warm, and I couldn't keep my hands off her. I'd touch her all day if I could.
"Not firsthand, obviously." She traced my lips with her fingertip. I liked when she touched me unprovoked. "I had a human sexuality course last semester and we discussed dominant and submissive behaviors, and I realized I could be a submissive. Not extremely submissive. I mean, I don't think I could be someone's slave, or do it twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, but I found it a turn-on."
Is this really happening?
"The more I learned about the subject, the more I realized I wanted to be dominated," she said. "But, it wasn't something I thought I could explore. I wouldn't even know how to go about it."
Surreal was the only way to describe what was happening here. Anytime I'd engaged in this behavior, I'd had to seek out my subs as discreetly as possible. I would go through friends I knew in the community to find a woman who was into the same things I was. I'd always had difficulty finding someone who was only interested in light play. Most subs were looking for long-term, hard play, and as secure as I was, I just wasn't into beating or humiliating anyone. I also liked having the power of being able to play when I wanted to.
"I'm not a hard-core Dom. I've dabbled, but I've never collared a sub, and I've never been in a relationship with one before. I enjoy the lifestyle, but I did it only with a willing partner, and only for brief periods of time. We both took what we needed from the experience, and then we mutually parted ways."
She looked disappointed by my response. Maybe she thought I was more involved in the lifestyle?
"It's a very satisfying experience when both participants are open and honest about their wants and desires. The pleasures I've gained through my past experiences were like none I'd ever experienced before."
"I'd like to try it," she said. "I want to submit to you."
"You're so young." Her age didn't bother me. Rather, I knew she was so inexperienced when it came to sex and relationships. I wasn't certain she could make this kind of decision. "I'd need you to be absolutely sure."
"You said it was consensual. I wouldn't have to do anything I didn't want to, and if I remember correctly, there are safe words we could use."
"I think you know more than you're letting on." I arched a brow at her, but I was impressed by her openness. I was surprised she had the courage to press the matter.
"I may have researched the subject a couple of times."
"You're right about safe words. They are set up to protect not only your physical boundaries, but your emotional limits as well. I would push your limits, but only to show you how much pleasure you could gain. I couldn't do this 24/7 either. We'd have to come up with some sort of agreement, since we live under the same roof." Are we really entertaining this?
"Weekends?" She shrugged. "Maybe we could try it out?"
I smiled and gently kissed her lips. "Yes, I think weekends would work perfectly."
February 1, 2012
Clearwater Multi-Author Series - Submissions
A new multi-author series is beginning in April and its called The Clearwater Series. This series is going to be published by Ruby Lioness Press.
I have my first non-erotic romance being published in this series and its titled Finding Home. It should be available in May of 2012.
The series is for all heat levels of romance. Another great thing going on is a contest. They want help coming up with a tag line. So if you click HERE you will be taken to a 3 question form to fill out. And if your line is picked, you win a $10 gift card to amazon!
There is also an open pitch session going on. So if you have an idea that just might work for this series, they want to hear your ideas. The session will be February 20-29th.
To learn more about Clearwater, be sure to visit its website and facebook.
I have my first non-erotic romance being published in this series and its titled Finding Home. It should be available in May of 2012.
The series is for all heat levels of romance. Another great thing going on is a contest. They want help coming up with a tag line. So if you click HERE you will be taken to a 3 question form to fill out. And if your line is picked, you win a $10 gift card to amazon!
There is also an open pitch session going on. So if you have an idea that just might work for this series, they want to hear your ideas. The session will be February 20-29th.
To learn more about Clearwater, be sure to visit its website and facebook.
January 31, 2012
Welcome Julie Ann Lindsey!!!
Thank you so much Lacey for having me over today! This is my very first blog tour and I'm ecstatic.
In honor of Honey Creek, I thought I'd tell you why I love writing about small towns.
Small Towns. Big Trouble.
I love small towns! When I saw the Turquoise Morning Press' call for authors, I stopped to see what it was all about. When I read they were looking to create a new line, I put down my coffee. When I saw the new line would focus on a fictitious small town in rural Ohio, I jumped up and down.
I am all about small towns, and small towns are great for storytelling. I live in a small community and things are different here. In small towns, the values are a little higher and the community keeps the citizens in line. No one wants to be persecuted. SO, if you're living in a place where your neighbor is the pastor and you have to be at church on Sunday or a dozen gray haired ladies will stop by with lunch and start to clean your house, you have to be on your toes! Imagine having a scandalous affair under those conditions LOL My characters have to get creative if they want to get away with anything.
Honey Creek books will come in different genres, but I'm writing sweet romances there. The idea of hiding those first innocent looks and flirtatious encounters from a whole town of onlookers makes me smile. I may have been married a while, but I remember taking interest in my husband and hating how people could see right through me. I didn't want him to know until I was ready but everyone wanted to tell him. How embarrassing. I couldn't imagine if the whole town wanted to hook us up! My little circle was infuriating enough. This got me thinking, what if he heard it from the mailman? What if he had a girlfriend? What if, what if, what if…until my Seeds of Love series was born.
In Honey Creek, I have taken loveable, quirky women, all with a reason to NOT be in search of love, and dropped their perfect match right in front of them. Sure, these guys have their own issues, so the whole process is extra agonizing, but isn't that what makes it fun? Well-meaning neighbors and families and friends add to the mischief and amp up the stakes. I had so much fun writing this series, I wrote a stand- alone for Honey Creek too. Whenever I try to leave this little town, my mind pulls me back to all the possibilities, all the men and women who might give up on romance if I don't intervene and write an epic love into their future! Ahhh the pressure!
I hope you'll visit Honey Creek. It's a beautiful place where anything can happen. Kick off your shoes, relax into that porch swing and cuddle up to a steamy mug of cider. Taking a trip to Honey Creek is as easy as Amazon : ) See you there!
Bloom by Julie Anne Lindsey
In a town filled with her past, she never expected to find her future…
Seven years ago Cynthia left Honey Creek with a broken heart. Three years ago Mitchell arrived with one. Now Cynthia's come home, and these two hardened hearts can't stop arguing. If they'd only take a
break long enough to find some common ground, they might be surprised to find love can grow anywhere.
If they'll let it, love will find a way to Bloom.
*Bloom is book one in my new Seeds of Love series. I'll be planting those seeds all year.
Buy Links : Amazon / AllRomance / TMP / Nook
About Julie:
I am a mother of three, wife to a sane person and Ring Master at the Lindsey Circus. Most days you'll find me online, amped up on caffeine & wielding a book. You can find my blogging about the writer life at Musings from the Slush Pile Tweeting my crazy at @JulieALindsey Reading to soothe my obsession on GoodReads And other books by me on Amazon
In honor of Honey Creek, I thought I'd tell you why I love writing about small towns.
Small Towns. Big Trouble.
I love small towns! When I saw the Turquoise Morning Press' call for authors, I stopped to see what it was all about. When I read they were looking to create a new line, I put down my coffee. When I saw the new line would focus on a fictitious small town in rural Ohio, I jumped up and down.
I am all about small towns, and small towns are great for storytelling. I live in a small community and things are different here. In small towns, the values are a little higher and the community keeps the citizens in line. No one wants to be persecuted. SO, if you're living in a place where your neighbor is the pastor and you have to be at church on Sunday or a dozen gray haired ladies will stop by with lunch and start to clean your house, you have to be on your toes! Imagine having a scandalous affair under those conditions LOL My characters have to get creative if they want to get away with anything.
Honey Creek books will come in different genres, but I'm writing sweet romances there. The idea of hiding those first innocent looks and flirtatious encounters from a whole town of onlookers makes me smile. I may have been married a while, but I remember taking interest in my husband and hating how people could see right through me. I didn't want him to know until I was ready but everyone wanted to tell him. How embarrassing. I couldn't imagine if the whole town wanted to hook us up! My little circle was infuriating enough. This got me thinking, what if he heard it from the mailman? What if he had a girlfriend? What if, what if, what if…until my Seeds of Love series was born.
In Honey Creek, I have taken loveable, quirky women, all with a reason to NOT be in search of love, and dropped their perfect match right in front of them. Sure, these guys have their own issues, so the whole process is extra agonizing, but isn't that what makes it fun? Well-meaning neighbors and families and friends add to the mischief and amp up the stakes. I had so much fun writing this series, I wrote a stand- alone for Honey Creek too. Whenever I try to leave this little town, my mind pulls me back to all the possibilities, all the men and women who might give up on romance if I don't intervene and write an epic love into their future! Ahhh the pressure!
I hope you'll visit Honey Creek. It's a beautiful place where anything can happen. Kick off your shoes, relax into that porch swing and cuddle up to a steamy mug of cider. Taking a trip to Honey Creek is as easy as Amazon : ) See you there!
Bloom by Julie Anne LindseyIn a town filled with her past, she never expected to find her future…
Seven years ago Cynthia left Honey Creek with a broken heart. Three years ago Mitchell arrived with one. Now Cynthia's come home, and these two hardened hearts can't stop arguing. If they'd only take a
break long enough to find some common ground, they might be surprised to find love can grow anywhere.
If they'll let it, love will find a way to Bloom.
*Bloom is book one in my new Seeds of Love series. I'll be planting those seeds all year.
Buy Links : Amazon / AllRomance / TMP / Nook
About Julie:
I am a mother of three, wife to a sane person and Ring Master at the Lindsey Circus. Most days you'll find me online, amped up on caffeine & wielding a book. You can find my blogging about the writer life at Musings from the Slush Pile Tweeting my crazy at @JulieALindsey Reading to soothe my obsession on GoodReads And other books by me on Amazon
