Ninette Swann's Blog, page 3
March 27, 2013
Direct Contact - RELEASE
My dystopian romance, Direct Combat is now available through Resplendence Publishing.
Julie Gladwell has a secret. Acting as chief attendant for the New Government’s procreation program, she rears girls to carry the emperor’s heir. Only a few are chosen for the program, called “The Special Ones,” and they are given no names, only numbers. They see no one but authorized personnel until their twenty-first birthday. Which is usually when they die. Direct contact is forbidden. As she cares for these girls, no one ever suspects who she actually is. Scientist Malcolm Odin hated his job and hated himself. Put in charge of the entire human engineering program, the experiments and suffering he witnessed made him sick. Still, it paid the bills and kept him living comfortably in Terrecina. He knew of far too many who’d fallen through the cracks, living on the earth below. The Level People, they were called. When he confides his unease to Julie, she lets him in on her secret and into her heart. What starts as fancy ends in revolution, but how will they choose between their fellow man and each other? It's medium heat, science-fiction romance set in a futuristic world. You can grab it here at Resplendence Publishing: And soon it will be available on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble.
Julie Gladwell has a secret. Acting as chief attendant for the New Government’s procreation program, she rears girls to carry the emperor’s heir. Only a few are chosen for the program, called “The Special Ones,” and they are given no names, only numbers. They see no one but authorized personnel until their twenty-first birthday. Which is usually when they die. Direct contact is forbidden. As she cares for these girls, no one ever suspects who she actually is. Scientist Malcolm Odin hated his job and hated himself. Put in charge of the entire human engineering program, the experiments and suffering he witnessed made him sick. Still, it paid the bills and kept him living comfortably in Terrecina. He knew of far too many who’d fallen through the cracks, living on the earth below. The Level People, they were called. When he confides his unease to Julie, she lets him in on her secret and into her heart. What starts as fancy ends in revolution, but how will they choose between their fellow man and each other? It's medium heat, science-fiction romance set in a futuristic world. You can grab it here at Resplendence Publishing: And soon it will be available on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble.
March 22, 2013
Just the Messenger Blog Tour Dates and Schedule
April 1st:
Momma's Books
April 2nd:
Author Ellie Potts
Book Bitches Blog
April 3rd:
Riverina Romantics
April 4th:
Italian Book Brat
April 5th:
Lori's Book Blog
April 8th:
Three Wicked Writers
April 9th:
Mrs. Condit Reads Books
Rednecks and Romance
April 10th:
Tattooed Book Review
April 11th:
n3m3sis42
April 12th:
My Reading is Addiction
April 15th:
Riverina Romantics
April 16th:
Storey Book Reviews
After Dark Online
April 17th:
Storey Book Reviews
Bookworm Brandee
April 18th:
Cocktails and Books
Bookworm Brandee
Talk Supe
April 19th:
Read Your Writes
Hear Romances With a Little Kick
My Book Addiction and More
March 21, 2013
Blood Witch - COVER REVEAL
I am so lucky today to get to be one of a few select to reveal this absolutely gorgeous cover for Ellie Potts!
Welcome to the Opposite Side where monsters really do roam the night, but The Supervisors make sure that the monsters don’t get noticed by the normal humans. Meet Leslie, a Supervisor and a blood witch, one of four in California. Blood witches are said to have powers that rival gods, that’s why they were almost hunted to extinction. Leslie came into her power late, and fell in with the wrong crowd before she became a Supervisor. Nathan is king of the local werebear clan, and he has plans for the future of his pack, the other local shapeshifters, but also has his eyes set on Leslie. She is not your ordinary Blood Witch, and together they can stir up power that the world has never seen. But nothing is as it seems in the Opposite Side, and Leslie’s already different world is going to be shaken as a new case starts a chain of events that can lead to a feud war.
Coming out this Spring from No Boundaries Press.
You can keep an eye out for it and other book news at her blog.
http://authorelliepotts.blogspot.com/
Welcome to the Opposite Side where monsters really do roam the night, but The Supervisors make sure that the monsters don’t get noticed by the normal humans. Meet Leslie, a Supervisor and a blood witch, one of four in California. Blood witches are said to have powers that rival gods, that’s why they were almost hunted to extinction. Leslie came into her power late, and fell in with the wrong crowd before she became a Supervisor. Nathan is king of the local werebear clan, and he has plans for the future of his pack, the other local shapeshifters, but also has his eyes set on Leslie. She is not your ordinary Blood Witch, and together they can stir up power that the world has never seen. But nothing is as it seems in the Opposite Side, and Leslie’s already different world is going to be shaken as a new case starts a chain of events that can lead to a feud war.
Coming out this Spring from No Boundaries Press.
You can keep an eye out for it and other book news at her blog.
http://authorelliepotts.blogspot.com/
March 15, 2013
Lucky in Love Blog Hop
It's the second annual Lucky in Love blog hop!
My love came about in a very lucky way. I had been dating someone else casually, and that man introduced me to my now husband. **Scandalous** Anyway, seven years later, we have twin girls and are living happily ever after. It doesn't get luckier than that! For stopping here, I've got my five-star contemporary romance ebook from Resplendence Publishing up for grabs--Body Combat.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Don't forget to visit the other blogs in the hop! Lots are giving out prizes, lots more are simply great reads to add to your collection, and there are the grand prizes, too!
If you comment here with your email address, you're entered to win the first prize: A $100 gift certificate to Amazon or Barnes and Noble, and the second prize: A swag pack of paperbacks, ebooks, book marks and covers, drink cozies and more.
So, get hopping!
My love came about in a very lucky way. I had been dating someone else casually, and that man introduced me to my now husband. **Scandalous** Anyway, seven years later, we have twin girls and are living happily ever after. It doesn't get luckier than that! For stopping here, I've got my five-star contemporary romance ebook from Resplendence Publishing up for grabs--Body Combat.
a Rafflecopter giveawayDon't forget to visit the other blogs in the hop! Lots are giving out prizes, lots more are simply great reads to add to your collection, and there are the grand prizes, too!
If you comment here with your email address, you're entered to win the first prize: A $100 gift certificate to Amazon or Barnes and Noble, and the second prize: A swag pack of paperbacks, ebooks, book marks and covers, drink cozies and more.
So, get hopping!
March 14, 2013
Author Interview - Ray Sostre
Her Angela and Protector is a new f/f romance I'm looking forward to tucking into when I get the chance. For now, the author, Ray Sostre, graciously allowed me to ask him some questions about his writing and his history, and he even gave us an excerpt of the book.
But first! Here's what it looks like, and a quick synopsis:
When Angela Critelli lets Vivienne Perkins move in to her place, she’d never expect the woman of her dreams. Vivienne’s a wonderful cook and home-maker, a perfect companion, and her best friend since high school; the only problem is her sexuality. Angela knew Vivienne was married to an ungrateful husband that never appreciated her, but she also discovered something questionable about her sexuality. Vivienne’s affection may be leading her on, but does she want to be with her?
1) Tell us about yourself and your writing journey.
Hi, I’m Ray Sostre, I’m an erotic romance author of contemporary m/f, f/f, and ménage stories. I live out in Nevada, and returning to writing happened to me by accident, when I was turned off by the readings of porn-no-plot stories. I’ve been writing erotic romance for three years. In addition, I established a website for people to submit their stories on AfterDark Online, which has been going on for the same time I’ve been writing erotic romance.
2) Which of your books is your favorite and why?
Oh my god, my favorite book I ever written was the one I haven’t published yet – “About The Night Ride Home”. I first wrote the story in 2011 and completed it. I put it off to have it published, because I wanted to make revisions of the work and I wanted to expand the story to where it was much better. What I enjoyed most about this story were the characters – Darla & Tyler. Tyler was the balance,
and Darla was the chaos, and you know what, they’re the perfect couple together – the dream couple.
3) How did you come up with the premise for Her Angela and Protector?
In late May of 2012, I was approached by an author of paranormal erotic author – Annalynne Russo, to come out with a story for an anthology call to Evernight Publishing. I love them and I was hoping to get my foot in the door, but I didn’t get considered for acceptance. But I wasn’t sure who to go with. I did consider Secret Cravings Publishing in mid-June and then quickly changed my mind
and sent my manuscript over to No Boundaries Press, where I got accepted for publication in early July.
The title – Her Angela and Protection was originated from a song by 3LW feat Nas “I Cant Take It (No More), respectively, a track dating back in 2000. I heard the verse, which originated by Rakim “Let me be your angel, and I’ll be your protection.” That’s where the character Angela came from also. The characterVivienne wasn’t hard to come across with, but I was thinking of a heroine’s name
that was spunky and light; also attractive.
4) How do people react to an f/f book? Is it an underwritten genre?
To a degree, it is an underwritten genre, because most stories depict a man and a woman, or two men and a woman. Nothing wrong there, but I do like reading and writing stories about women being together. I’ve read a few good stories that are f/f, and I also learned there are straight women that read this genre too. However, I do want to have an LGBT following, both bisexual and lesbian, but I know I’m a guy who writes this genre, and I do worry not being taken seriously as a male author of f/f erotica.
5) Can you give one writer trick you use to get yourself through the pages?
I’m a New Yorker by birth. I just like to get straight to the point. When you overthink your work, you will get frustrated. I write what’s on my mind and play it out on paper. I also like to keep it in a fantasy world, and a realistic minimum. I’m not obsessed like some writers about adding total realism. I want to open peoples’ minds with a world of fantasies.
6) What is your favorite thing to do when you're not writing?
Oh man, I sold my turntables to get out west from the east coast – LOL. I suck at gambling in the casinos – LMAO! But I enjoy spending time with my woman of over eight years. She’s the rock in my life. I also enjoy bouncing the nightclub once a month, and listen to “ranchero music” (Mexicano). I love listening to it.
7) If you could give one of your characters in this book some advice, what would it be?
Good question, don’t be such a trouble-maker, and to the most uptight, life’s too short – enjoy what you’ve got!
8) What's the most important part of writing a book?
Maintaining the interest of reading the book is the most important thing ever to writing a book. I mean, too much realism and it’s boring. But too much fantasy, and you’re not being realistic. Be versatile; throw some comedy, add suspense. Think like a game-changer in your stories!
9) What are your upcoming projects or recent projects?
I’m working on several. I am almost completed with two ménage stores; one is a short story, the other is a novella (FFM). Along with an erotic comedy called Service With A Smile, based on actual events when I worked in the hotel industry. I’m also into writing cougar erotic romance. This one, however, is a story I’m working on called Finding Possibilities, and I’m working on a short
summer story for an event called Erotic Countdown. I also host two weekly events for writers – Thursday Thrills and Saturday’s AfterDark Moments. Thursday Thrills is a place where we provide a picture and the writer writes a short snippet anywhere between100 – 1000 words. And Saturday’s AfterDark Moments is a place where writers write their most naughtiest snippet anywhere between 100 – 500 words. And these events can be found on AfterDark Online, on the Events Page. You’ll find a list of events where writers can participate.
10) Can you give us the links to where people can find you?
Surely, People can find me on my blog The AfterDark World
on my Facebook Fan Page: Author Ray Sostre.
I also have a Twitter Page: @anarchy0029 and
I’m also on Linked In – Ray Sostre.
My website has been known around some readers and writers, it’s a place where you’ll find events, erotic stories, interviews, surveys, articles, and more - AfterDark Online
AfterDark Online also has a Facebook Page and a Twitter Page: @afterdarkonline
Hey, I want to thank you for the opportunity, and everyone for their support. It
means much to me.
And Here is an excerpt to my story: Her Angela & Protection: In The Beginning
Angela was already rubbing herself. Her fingers encircled her nub, giving it a pinch and building her need. She closed her eyes and imagined Vivienne’s hands – soft… firm… slick... She pinched both of her nipples, imagining Viv’s manicured nails. She licked her lips, quietly moaning. Angela thrust her fingers deep inside her folds; she was ready for some satisfaction.
Then, she exchanged hands, placing one hand in her mouth tasting herself, while touching with the other. Mmm... I wish I was tasting Vivienne right now. My hands spreading apart her legs, my mouth tasting her juices... Mmm!
Angela continued to rub herself. Her moans grew, and her breath quickened as she squirmed in pleasure. She kept her eyes closed, while her head rolled back and forth. She reminded herself not to moan too loud, but she couldn’t help it with strong need rising inside her. She rubbed herself furiously as her fingers drew forth her hot juices. Angie clenched her breasts with her other hand, and her moans grew louder until her hips bucked as she climaxed.
Just as Angela’s body writhed into orgasm, there was a knock on the door. Oh fuck!
No! Not now Vivienne!
“Angela?” she continued to knock.
Angela couldn’t control her orgasm. She had no choice but to let it out, just as Vivienne entered the bedroom, gasping at her.
“Oh, my gosh!”
Angela jumped in mid-orgasm, “Oh fuck Viv! Not now!” as she lost the moment.
Vivienne quickly slammed the door shut, but it was too late. She’d lost her moment, and Vivienne had seen her masturbating. How could she face Vivienne now? Now she wondered if Vivienne would look at her differently because she walked in on her – masturbating. She could stay in bed all day, since it was a Saturday, but she’d have to face Vivienne one way or another. She wished the floor would open up and swallow her.
“Angela?” Vivienne called from the other side of the door.
“Yes?” She replied, this time her tone was calm, with a touch of insecurity.
“I was thinking of making pancakes. Are you hungry?”
But first! Here's what it looks like, and a quick synopsis:
When Angela Critelli lets Vivienne Perkins move in to her place, she’d never expect the woman of her dreams. Vivienne’s a wonderful cook and home-maker, a perfect companion, and her best friend since high school; the only problem is her sexuality. Angela knew Vivienne was married to an ungrateful husband that never appreciated her, but she also discovered something questionable about her sexuality. Vivienne’s affection may be leading her on, but does she want to be with her?
1) Tell us about yourself and your writing journey.
Hi, I’m Ray Sostre, I’m an erotic romance author of contemporary m/f, f/f, and ménage stories. I live out in Nevada, and returning to writing happened to me by accident, when I was turned off by the readings of porn-no-plot stories. I’ve been writing erotic romance for three years. In addition, I established a website for people to submit their stories on AfterDark Online, which has been going on for the same time I’ve been writing erotic romance.
2) Which of your books is your favorite and why?
Oh my god, my favorite book I ever written was the one I haven’t published yet – “About The Night Ride Home”. I first wrote the story in 2011 and completed it. I put it off to have it published, because I wanted to make revisions of the work and I wanted to expand the story to where it was much better. What I enjoyed most about this story were the characters – Darla & Tyler. Tyler was the balance,
and Darla was the chaos, and you know what, they’re the perfect couple together – the dream couple.
3) How did you come up with the premise for Her Angela and Protector?
In late May of 2012, I was approached by an author of paranormal erotic author – Annalynne Russo, to come out with a story for an anthology call to Evernight Publishing. I love them and I was hoping to get my foot in the door, but I didn’t get considered for acceptance. But I wasn’t sure who to go with. I did consider Secret Cravings Publishing in mid-June and then quickly changed my mind
and sent my manuscript over to No Boundaries Press, where I got accepted for publication in early July.
The title – Her Angela and Protection was originated from a song by 3LW feat Nas “I Cant Take It (No More), respectively, a track dating back in 2000. I heard the verse, which originated by Rakim “Let me be your angel, and I’ll be your protection.” That’s where the character Angela came from also. The characterVivienne wasn’t hard to come across with, but I was thinking of a heroine’s name
that was spunky and light; also attractive.
4) How do people react to an f/f book? Is it an underwritten genre?
To a degree, it is an underwritten genre, because most stories depict a man and a woman, or two men and a woman. Nothing wrong there, but I do like reading and writing stories about women being together. I’ve read a few good stories that are f/f, and I also learned there are straight women that read this genre too. However, I do want to have an LGBT following, both bisexual and lesbian, but I know I’m a guy who writes this genre, and I do worry not being taken seriously as a male author of f/f erotica.
5) Can you give one writer trick you use to get yourself through the pages?
I’m a New Yorker by birth. I just like to get straight to the point. When you overthink your work, you will get frustrated. I write what’s on my mind and play it out on paper. I also like to keep it in a fantasy world, and a realistic minimum. I’m not obsessed like some writers about adding total realism. I want to open peoples’ minds with a world of fantasies.
6) What is your favorite thing to do when you're not writing?
Oh man, I sold my turntables to get out west from the east coast – LOL. I suck at gambling in the casinos – LMAO! But I enjoy spending time with my woman of over eight years. She’s the rock in my life. I also enjoy bouncing the nightclub once a month, and listen to “ranchero music” (Mexicano). I love listening to it.
7) If you could give one of your characters in this book some advice, what would it be?
Good question, don’t be such a trouble-maker, and to the most uptight, life’s too short – enjoy what you’ve got!
8) What's the most important part of writing a book?
Maintaining the interest of reading the book is the most important thing ever to writing a book. I mean, too much realism and it’s boring. But too much fantasy, and you’re not being realistic. Be versatile; throw some comedy, add suspense. Think like a game-changer in your stories!
9) What are your upcoming projects or recent projects?
I’m working on several. I am almost completed with two ménage stores; one is a short story, the other is a novella (FFM). Along with an erotic comedy called Service With A Smile, based on actual events when I worked in the hotel industry. I’m also into writing cougar erotic romance. This one, however, is a story I’m working on called Finding Possibilities, and I’m working on a short
summer story for an event called Erotic Countdown. I also host two weekly events for writers – Thursday Thrills and Saturday’s AfterDark Moments. Thursday Thrills is a place where we provide a picture and the writer writes a short snippet anywhere between100 – 1000 words. And Saturday’s AfterDark Moments is a place where writers write their most naughtiest snippet anywhere between 100 – 500 words. And these events can be found on AfterDark Online, on the Events Page. You’ll find a list of events where writers can participate.
10) Can you give us the links to where people can find you?
Surely, People can find me on my blog The AfterDark World
on my Facebook Fan Page: Author Ray Sostre.
I also have a Twitter Page: @anarchy0029 and
I’m also on Linked In – Ray Sostre.
My website has been known around some readers and writers, it’s a place where you’ll find events, erotic stories, interviews, surveys, articles, and more - AfterDark Online
AfterDark Online also has a Facebook Page and a Twitter Page: @afterdarkonline
Hey, I want to thank you for the opportunity, and everyone for their support. It
means much to me.
And Here is an excerpt to my story: Her Angela & Protection: In The Beginning
Angela was already rubbing herself. Her fingers encircled her nub, giving it a pinch and building her need. She closed her eyes and imagined Vivienne’s hands – soft… firm… slick... She pinched both of her nipples, imagining Viv’s manicured nails. She licked her lips, quietly moaning. Angela thrust her fingers deep inside her folds; she was ready for some satisfaction.
Then, she exchanged hands, placing one hand in her mouth tasting herself, while touching with the other. Mmm... I wish I was tasting Vivienne right now. My hands spreading apart her legs, my mouth tasting her juices... Mmm!
Angela continued to rub herself. Her moans grew, and her breath quickened as she squirmed in pleasure. She kept her eyes closed, while her head rolled back and forth. She reminded herself not to moan too loud, but she couldn’t help it with strong need rising inside her. She rubbed herself furiously as her fingers drew forth her hot juices. Angie clenched her breasts with her other hand, and her moans grew louder until her hips bucked as she climaxed.
Just as Angela’s body writhed into orgasm, there was a knock on the door. Oh fuck!
No! Not now Vivienne!
“Angela?” she continued to knock.
Angela couldn’t control her orgasm. She had no choice but to let it out, just as Vivienne entered the bedroom, gasping at her.
“Oh, my gosh!”
Angela jumped in mid-orgasm, “Oh fuck Viv! Not now!” as she lost the moment.
Vivienne quickly slammed the door shut, but it was too late. She’d lost her moment, and Vivienne had seen her masturbating. How could she face Vivienne now? Now she wondered if Vivienne would look at her differently because she walked in on her – masturbating. She could stay in bed all day, since it was a Saturday, but she’d have to face Vivienne one way or another. She wished the floor would open up and swallow her.
“Angela?” Vivienne called from the other side of the door.
“Yes?” She replied, this time her tone was calm, with a touch of insecurity.
“I was thinking of making pancakes. Are you hungry?”
March 5, 2013
Just the Messenger RELEASED
Spy thriller and erotic romance Just the Messenger releases today from No Boundaries Press!
When Graciela Merced fumbles a package she’s delivering for her mysterious and sexy boss, Gene Hardy, she finds out he’s more than just a wealthy photographer. Prepared to lose her job, she confronts him…and ends up embroiled in the tricky takedown of a powerful drug cartel pushing cocaine into the heart of New York City. Marco Valencia is an undercover agent, working against time—and against Gene Hardy—to crack Angel’s Drug Cartel before the story makes it to the press. When Hardy’s luscious Venezuelan messenger literally falls at his feet, he has no idea just how well he’ll get to know the beauty or how difficult it will be to drop her.Hardened by experience, Gene Hardy takes his undercover work seriously, and charges a hefty price. When Grace makes a careless mistake and hurls him back into the visage of Marco Valencia, he must either fire her, or involve her in a twisted plot that could kill them all.As the two men battle over their feelings for Graciela—and their attraction to each other—one thing becomes perfectly clear.Grace is much more than just the messenger. You can grab it here: From the publisherFrom AmazonAt Barnes and NobleAt All Romance Ebooks I am really excited about this book. Be warned, though, it's not my typical medium-heat romance. This one is very high heat, and full of action, too.And I'll be doing a book tour for it starting Apr. 1st, with all kinds of posts and goodies galore!
When Graciela Merced fumbles a package she’s delivering for her mysterious and sexy boss, Gene Hardy, she finds out he’s more than just a wealthy photographer. Prepared to lose her job, she confronts him…and ends up embroiled in the tricky takedown of a powerful drug cartel pushing cocaine into the heart of New York City. Marco Valencia is an undercover agent, working against time—and against Gene Hardy—to crack Angel’s Drug Cartel before the story makes it to the press. When Hardy’s luscious Venezuelan messenger literally falls at his feet, he has no idea just how well he’ll get to know the beauty or how difficult it will be to drop her.Hardened by experience, Gene Hardy takes his undercover work seriously, and charges a hefty price. When Grace makes a careless mistake and hurls him back into the visage of Marco Valencia, he must either fire her, or involve her in a twisted plot that could kill them all.As the two men battle over their feelings for Graciela—and their attraction to each other—one thing becomes perfectly clear.Grace is much more than just the messenger. You can grab it here: From the publisherFrom AmazonAt Barnes and NobleAt All Romance Ebooks I am really excited about this book. Be warned, though, it's not my typical medium-heat romance. This one is very high heat, and full of action, too.And I'll be doing a book tour for it starting Apr. 1st, with all kinds of posts and goodies galore!
February 28, 2013
Just the Messenger - COVER REVEAL
I have a thriller romance coming out next week for No Boundaries Press, entitled "Just the Messenger."
It is, without a doubt, the best thing I've ever written.
The menage thriller takes you from New York City to Colombia to unearth the origins of the drug trade that is seeping into the city.
Two men--calm and collected Gene Hardy, a blond-haired, blue-eyed adonis who owns his own "photography business" and the sensitive yet badass Marco Valencia, a dark Latino who calls Colombia home and works for a governmental spy agency--end up working together despite huge misgivings...and attraction. Grace, a Venezuelan firecracker of a woman, is just the messenger. Just the messenger who ends up being the key, not only to bringing down the drug cartel, but also to Gene's and Marco's hearts.
It's a rad book, to be quite honest.
And the cover is so good!
Here's the blurb, too!
"When Graciela Merced fumbles a package she’s delivering for her mysterious and sexy boss, Gene Hardy, she finds out he’s more than just a wealthy photographer. Prepared to lose her job, she confronts him…and ends up embroiled in the tricky takedown of a powerful drug cartel pushing cocaine into the heart of New York City.Marco Valencia is an undercover agent, working against time—and against Gene Hardy—to crack Angel’s Drug Cartel before the story makes it to the press. When Hardy’s luscious Venezuelan messenger literally falls at his feet, he has no idea just how well he’ll get to know the beauty or how difficult it will be to drop her.Hardened by experience, Gene Hardy takes his undercover work seriously, and charges a hefty price. When Grace makes a careless mistake and hurls him back into the visage of Marco Valencia, he must either fire her, or involve her in a twisted plot that could kill them all.As the two men battle over their feelings for Graciela—and their attraction to each other—one thing becomes perfectly clear.Grace is much more than just the messenger." It comes out on March 5th! I'm really excited for this one!
It is, without a doubt, the best thing I've ever written.
The menage thriller takes you from New York City to Colombia to unearth the origins of the drug trade that is seeping into the city.
Two men--calm and collected Gene Hardy, a blond-haired, blue-eyed adonis who owns his own "photography business" and the sensitive yet badass Marco Valencia, a dark Latino who calls Colombia home and works for a governmental spy agency--end up working together despite huge misgivings...and attraction. Grace, a Venezuelan firecracker of a woman, is just the messenger. Just the messenger who ends up being the key, not only to bringing down the drug cartel, but also to Gene's and Marco's hearts.
It's a rad book, to be quite honest.
And the cover is so good!
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Here's the blurb, too!
"When Graciela Merced fumbles a package she’s delivering for her mysterious and sexy boss, Gene Hardy, she finds out he’s more than just a wealthy photographer. Prepared to lose her job, she confronts him…and ends up embroiled in the tricky takedown of a powerful drug cartel pushing cocaine into the heart of New York City.Marco Valencia is an undercover agent, working against time—and against Gene Hardy—to crack Angel’s Drug Cartel before the story makes it to the press. When Hardy’s luscious Venezuelan messenger literally falls at his feet, he has no idea just how well he’ll get to know the beauty or how difficult it will be to drop her.Hardened by experience, Gene Hardy takes his undercover work seriously, and charges a hefty price. When Grace makes a careless mistake and hurls him back into the visage of Marco Valencia, he must either fire her, or involve her in a twisted plot that could kill them all.As the two men battle over their feelings for Graciela—and their attraction to each other—one thing becomes perfectly clear.Grace is much more than just the messenger." It comes out on March 5th! I'm really excited for this one!
February 21, 2013
Direct Contact - COVER REVEAL
Well, guys, I have a book coming out next month (provided I can finish it!) and I got the finalized cover, so I wanted to share it.
This is a dystopian romance, more of a romantic science fiction, so it veers away from my previous work a bit, and the cover definitely shows that.
Anyway, here it is!
It's part of a New Reality series put out by Resplendence Publishing and will come out in March.
Here's the blurb:
Julie Gladwell has a secret. Acting as chief attendant for the New Government’s procreation program, she rears girls to carry The Emperor’s heir. Only a few are chosen for the program, called “The Special Ones,” and they are given no names, only numbers. They see no one but authorized personnel until their twenty first birthday. Which is usually when they die. Direct contact is forbidden. As she cares for these girls, no one ever suspects who she actually is.
Scientist Malcolm Odin hated his job and hated himself. Put in charge of the entire human engineering program, the experiments and suffering he witnessed made him sick. Still, it paid the bills and kept him living comfortably in Terrecina. He knew of far too many who’d fallen through the cracks, into the sewers. The Level People, they were called.When he confides his unease to Julie, she lets him in on the her secret and into her heart. What starts as fancy ends in revolution, but how will they choose between their fellow man and each other?
This is a dystopian romance, more of a romantic science fiction, so it veers away from my previous work a bit, and the cover definitely shows that.
Anyway, here it is!
It's part of a New Reality series put out by Resplendence Publishing and will come out in March.
Here's the blurb:
Julie Gladwell has a secret. Acting as chief attendant for the New Government’s procreation program, she rears girls to carry The Emperor’s heir. Only a few are chosen for the program, called “The Special Ones,” and they are given no names, only numbers. They see no one but authorized personnel until their twenty first birthday. Which is usually when they die. Direct contact is forbidden. As she cares for these girls, no one ever suspects who she actually is.
Scientist Malcolm Odin hated his job and hated himself. Put in charge of the entire human engineering program, the experiments and suffering he witnessed made him sick. Still, it paid the bills and kept him living comfortably in Terrecina. He knew of far too many who’d fallen through the cracks, into the sewers. The Level People, they were called.When he confides his unease to Julie, she lets him in on the her secret and into her heart. What starts as fancy ends in revolution, but how will they choose between their fellow man and each other?
January 31, 2013
Book Review - Here I Go Again, Jen Lancaster
Here I Go Again by Jen LancasterMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
As a story, Here I Go Again sucked. Wait! Keep reading! (Even you, Jen, if you do things like read Goodread Reviews.)
It was a smarmy, unrealistic mishmash of It's a Wonderful Life and Mean Girls.
I know, you're thinking, um, it's about a time-travelling jerkface, it's obviously not meant to be realistic.
And I know. I know. But, for me, even my unrealistic stories need to tie up their loose ends, and make sense in the alternate reality they've forced into existence. And Here I Go Again doesn't do that.
There are a lot of inconsistencies, and plot points that weren't thought out, weren't followed through. (Okay, here's where the review gets good, I promise.)
But Here I Go Again ISN'T a story. It's a parable. And as a parable, it's fantastic. Right up there with the New Testament, and much more relevant to me at my current place in life.
The point of the book is pretty much exactly what the book SHOUTS at you (not exactly subtle, really, this book). Small motions create huge results.
And this is a truth. Even those of us without little vials of magic potion know that. But sometimes we forget.
The sub-theme is that kindness, true kindness--not the kind with any self-serving purpose--wins out in the end. That karma (even though it's NOT karma, but that's a semantics argument for another day) will get you. That you reap what you plant.
These lessons are some that I really needed to remember right now. Not that I'm being cruel to anyone, or experiencing anything near as extreme as the protagonist here, but that I could stand to be a little kinder, a little gentler, a little more loving as I go through my day-to-day life. I do a fairly good job, but I can get so caught up in what I need to succeed, and what I need to do physically for others to make them happy, that I forget, sometimes, to sit back and love and appreciate.
I was already making amends in this way, and Here I Go Again was excellent supplement reading for my journey.
So, yeah, the story? Not so much. The parable?
Aces.
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January 29, 2013
Book Review - Touch and Go by Lisa Gardner
Touch & Go by Lisa GardnerMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Don't let the stars deceive you, this thriller by Lisa Gardner is good! It had me in tears several times as the author went through the private lives of the victims, perpetrators and investigators of a kidnapping in the Boston area.
I really enjoyed the use of first person for Libby Denbe's character. As the wife of Justin Denbe, she gave the reader a very personalized view of the family's home life before the abduction. Gardner's choice of voice was strong throughout, using accounts from private investigator Tessa Leoni, NH Detective Wyatt, and the kidnappers themselves, to wind the story around.
I was utterly ensnared not only by the action and motives of each suspect and character, but also by the relations between them. I really loved Z, his whole character development. The killer with no morals yet high respect for how the game is played and high regard for those who stand up in the face of danger. Radar, too, with his subtle helping, here and there. However, the plot had some major holes for me.
First, the prison in which the family is kept. Really? The state of New Hampshire is going to build a prison and not use it (which I could believe) but then have it completely electrically hooked up and ready to go? The thermostat always set at 77 degrees? Really? That's a lot of money to waste, isn't it? And at first, I thought the lights were always on, but at the end, the kidnappers shut the lights off. The power company isn't going to notice a huge spike in output from that location? I think they just might.
The rest of my problems involve SPOILERS, OMG, SPOILERS, FOR REAL I WILL GIVE AWAY THE WHOLE FREAKING BOOK RIGHT HERE SO STOP READING, JUST KNOW IT HAS HOLES, OKAY?!
Go here for spoilers
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