J. Kenner's Blog, page 107
December 8, 2012
Kindle highlights:
Just saw that 5 folks have highlighted, “My life has so much color I could open a crayon factory,” from Aphrodite’s Kiss! What a fun little Kindle feature!
Saturday teaser: New Release Me excerpt!
Here’s a tasty peek at some early, heated conversation between Nikki and Damien from my upcoming novel, Release Me. I hope you enjoy!
I veer toward one of the free-standing easels and stare blankly at the painting. It depicts a nude woman kneeling on a hard tile floor. Her arms are raised above head, her wrists bound by a red ribbon.
The ribbon is attached to a chain that rises vertically out of the painting, and there is tension in her arms, as if she’s tugging downward, trying to get free. Her stomach is smooth, her back arched so that the lines of her ribcage show. Her breasts are small, and the erect nipples and tight brown areolae glow under the artist’s skill.
Her face is not so prominent. It’s tilted away, shrouded in gray. I’m left with the impression that the model is ashamed of her arousal. That she would break free if she could. But she can’t.
She’s trapped there, her pleasure and her shame on display for all the world.
My own skin prickles and I realize that this girl and I have something in common. I’d felt a sensual power crash over me, and I’d reveled in it.
Then Stark had shut it off, as quickly as if he’d flipped a switch. And like that model I was left feeling awkward and ashamed.
Well, fuck him. That twit on the canvas might be embarrassed, but I wasn’t going to be. I’d seen the heat in his eyes, and it had turned me on. Period. End of story. Time to move on.
I look hard at the woman on the canvas. She’s weak. I don’t like her, and I don’t like the painting.
I start to move away, my own confidence restored—and I collide with none other than Damien Stark himself.
Well, shit.
His hand slides against my waist in an effort to steady me. I back away quickly, but not before my mind processes the feel of him. He’s lean and hard, and I’m uncomfortably aware of the places where my body intersected his. My palm. My breasts. The curve of my waist tingles from the lingering shock of his touch.
“Ms. Fairchild.” He’s looking straight at me, his eyes neither flat nor cold. I realize that I have stopped breathing.
I clear my throat and flash a polite smile. The kind that quietly says, “Fuck off.”
“I owe you an apology.”
Oh.
“Yes,” I say, surprised. “You do.”
I wait, but he says nothing else. Instead, he turns his attention to the painting. “It’s an interesting image. But you would have made a much better model.”
What the…?
“That’s the worst apology I’ve ever heard.”
He indicates the model’s face. “She’s weak,” he says, and I forget all about the apology. I’m too intrigued by the way his words echo my earlier thoughts. “I suppose some people might be drawn to the contrast. Desire and shame. But I prefer something bolder. A more confident sensuality.”
He looks at me as he says this last, and I’m not sure if he’s finally apologizing for snubbing me, complimenting my composure, or being completely inappropriate. I decide to consider his words a compliment and go from there. It may not be the safest approach, but it’s the most flattering.
“I’m delighted you think so,” I say. “But I’m not the model type.”
He takes a step back and with slow deliberation looks me up and down. His inspection seems to last for hours, though it must take only seconds. The air between us crackles, and I want to move toward him, to close the gap between us again. But I stay rooted to the spot.
He lingers for a moment on my lips before finally lifting his head to meet my eyes, and that is when I move. I can’t help it. I’m drawn in by the force and pressure of the tempest building in those damnable eyes.
“No,” he says simply.
At first I’m confused, thinking that he’s protesting my proximity. Then I realize he’s responding to my comment about not being the model type.
“You are,” he continues. “But not like this—splashed across a canvas for all the world to see, belonging to no one and everyone.” His head tilts slightly to the left, as if he’s trying out a new perspective on me. “No,” he murmurs again, but this time he doesn’t elaborate.
I am not prone to blushing, and I’m mortified to realize that my cheeks are burning. For someone who just a few moments ago mentally told this man to fuck off, I am doing a piss-poor job of keeping the upper hand. “I was hoping to have the chance to talk to you this evening,” I say.
His brow lifts ever so slightly, giving him an expression of polite amusement. “Oh?”
“I’m one of your fellowship recipients. I wanted to say thank you.”
He doesn’t say a word.
I soldier on. “I worked my way through college, so the fellowship helped tremendously. I don’t think I could have graduated with two degrees if it hadn’t been for the financial help. So thank you.” I still don’t mention the pageant. As far as I’m concerned, Damien Stark and I are deep in the land of the do-over.
“And what are you doing now that you’ve left the hallowed halls of academia?”
He speaks so formally that I know he’s teasing me. I ignore it and answer the question seriously. “I joined the team at C-Squared,” I say. “I’m Carl Rosenfeld’s new assistant.” Evelyn already told him this, but I assume he hadn’t been paying attention.
“I see.”
The way he says it suggests he doesn’t see at all. “Is that a problem?”
“Two degrees. A straight-A average. Glowing recommendations from all your professors. Acceptance to Ph.D. programs at both MIT and Cal Tech.”
I stare at him, baffled. The Stark International Fellowship Committee awards thirty fellowships each year. How the hell can he possibly know so much about my academic career?
“I merely find it interesting that you ended up not leading a product development team but doing gruntwork as the owner’s assistant.”
“I—“ I don’t know what to say. I’m still spinning from the surreal nature of this inquisition.
“Are you sleeping with your boss, Ms. Fairchild?”
“What?”
“I’m sorry. Was the question unclear? I asked if you were fucking Carl Rosenfeld.”
“I—no.” I blurt the answer out, because I can’t let that image linger for longer than a second. Immediately, though, I regret speaking. What I should have done was slap his face. What the hell kind of question is that?
“Good,” he says, so crisply and firmly and with such intensity that any thought I have of verbally bitch-slapping him vanishes completely. My thoughts, in fact, have taken a sharp left turn and I am undeniably, unwelcomely turned on. I glare at the woman in the portrait, hating her even more, and not particularly pleased with Damien Stark or myself. I suppose we have something in common, though. At the moment, we’re both picturing me out of my little black dress.
Shit.
He doesn’t even try to hide his amusement. “I believe I’ve shocked you, Ms. Fairchild.”
“Hell yes, you’ve shocked me. What did you expect?”
Release Me will hit shelves (and ebook readers) January 1! You can find links to most of the online retailers to pre-order Release Me here!
And don’t forget to enter my holiday contest!
December 7, 2012
A Thought for the Approaching New Year (and a giveaway!!)
Please welcome today’s guest blogger, Dana Marton, whose novel The Third Scroll is an Amazon bestseller in epic fantasy. How cool is that? And if you’ve ever felt like things have gotten a little out of control, this is most definitely the post for you!
Of everything I learned in college, the single most important thing is something another student scribbled on the blackboard when he was giving a motivational seminar to the class as part of a project.
EVENT + RESPONSE = OUTCOME
I remember what a revelation this was to me at the time. Whatever happens to me does not define my life. The outcome is determined by things that happen AND my response to those things. Which means I have control!
What happens to me does not define how my life will be. I get a big say in the matter. How I respond to certain events can and will change everything.
EVENT + RESPONSE = OUTCOME
It’s the single most encouraging equation I can think of.
I just had a book come out, DEATHSCAPE, about an artist who, after a near-death experience, is compelled to paint visions of the dead. Then she paints a man buried alive and, recognizing the surroundings, she rushes to save him. Unfortunately, instead of being grateful to her for rescuing him, Detective Jack Sullivan accuses her of being in league with a serial killer.
She had problems, but so did I.
I started this book maybe five years ago. Agents loved it, editors loved it, but I still couldn’t get a contract for it. The obvious response would have been to put it under the bed in a box and move on. I chose a different response. And as I write this, DEATHSCAPE is #6 on Amazon’s romantic suspense bestseller list.
Do you have any life lessons that you’ve learned over the years and you keep coming back to? Would you share it with me?
I will raffle off a copy of THE THREE COWBOYS, my current release, among those who respond. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!
Wishing you a fun and positive day!
And if you have a minute, come and Like me on Facebook. I do all sorts of fun giveaways there regularly. www.facebook.com/danamarton
Dana
Thanks so much for coming by, Dana!
Readers, be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of The Three Cowboys!
And don’t forget to enter my holiday contest!
December 6, 2012
Oopsie! Here’s the form for the con*test!!
I forgot to put the Rafflecopter form in this morning’s Cows with Guns video post (it really is a hoot if you haven’t seen it). But here you go! Enter here and good luck!
For the rest of this month, you can use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate! (if the widget is wonky, try refreshing the page)
UNWINDing after a hard day
Not that I’d want to unwind like the kids in UNWIND, but reading UNWIND by Neil Schusterman was a lot of fun. It’s our neighborhood bookclub choice, and we’re talking about it tonight at book club! Can’t wait! In fact, I even bought Unwholly and UnStrung, a short story featuring the character of Lev.
Despite the politically charged undertones, the book doesn’t bash you over the head with politics or social issues. It’s a solid story with great characters and unexpected twists and turns. And, yeah, some tear-jerking moments!
Cows with Guns
Well, it’s Thursday, and that means … nothing in particular!
Except that I was trolling the web recently and ran across a site I’d bookmarked ages ago. How can “We will fight for bovine freedom” not amuse?
Seriously, check it out…
December 5, 2012
Happy Holidays Con*test!
#contest #giveaway #giftcard Don’t forget that all my blog posts (not these random status updates!) include a Rafflecopter form for entering my holiday giveaway! Four winners … $25 gift cards. Woot! (That’ll buy quite a few books, LOL!) Enter between now and New Year’s Eve for a drawing New Year’s Day!
Blog Hop! Week 24 of The Next Big Thing
“Ninety-nine percent of the wives and moms in the country will identify with this heroine. I mean, like who hasn’t had to battle demons between car pools and play dates?” Jayne Ann Krentz, New York Times bestselling author
This blog hop is like a game of tag. One author posts and tags a few other authors who link back to their website the next week and tag five new authors. If you follow the blog hop long enough, you’re bound to find some books you’ll love!
I was tagged by Niecey Roy. You can learn more about her book Fender Bender Blues on her website www.nieceyroy.com.
This blog hop includes ten questions to help you learn more about an author’s current book or work in progress:
1: What is the title of your book?
I literally just uploaded the digital re-release of CARPE DEMON to the various sites (Amazon, Nook, Smashwords)!!
(I also have a brand new book, RELEASE ME, coming in January! But this hop is All About Demons)
2: Where did the idea come from for the book?
I don’t usually know the answer to that, but this is one book that has a very specific origination. I was trying to think of an idea for my next romance series, and I wanted to do something paranormal, with alpha males (I know, how unusual, right?). I figured the men could be demon hunters (I wanted non-vamp heroes).
At the same time, I was trying to come up with a chicklit idea … but I was a new mom and wanted to do something other than the struggling 20 something. Like, maybe, a soccer mom.
Ponder, ponder …
And then bam! The two ideas smashed together like a Reese’s Peanut Cup: A demon hunting soccer mom.
And, woot! Kate Connor was born!
3: What genre does your book fall under?
(sub)urban fantasy. Or paranormal mommylit
4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I think Reese Witherspoon or Jennifer Garner or Jennifer Aniston for Kate would be awesome! As for Stuart … dunno. For Allie, Miranda Cosgrove would have been great, but she’s too old now for a 14 year old. Hmmm
5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
A retired demon-hunter turned stay-at-home-mom is called back into action when a demon crashes through her window, disrupting the tidy suburban life she’s built.
6: Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
The book was originally published by The Penguin Group (Berkley for trade paper and Jove for mass market). I’m excited to be doing the digital re-release!
The film and audio rights are still repped by my agency (and the book is in development as a feature film with 1492 Pictures! Heard good news recently, so fingers crossed!
7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
It wrote fast! About three months.
8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
At the time, the book was pretty unique. Folks have said I started the paranormal mommy lit genre (if there is such a thing)! Out there in pop culture land, it’s like Buffy the Vampire Slayer … but grown up!
9: Who or What inspired you to write this book?
See above, about how I came up with the idea. Basically, my life inspired me. New mom … all those parent-related demons!
10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
I’ve been thrilled by the fan and reviewer reactions to the book (and the series). Here are some awesome reviews.
“I LOVED CARPE DEMON. … It was great fun, wonderfully clever.”—Jayne Ann Krentz, New York Times bestselling author
“This book, as crammed with events as any suburban mom’s calendar, shows you what would happen if Buffy got married and kept her past a secret. It’s a hoot.”—Charlaine Harris, New York Times bestselling author
“I welcome the novels that decide to be utterly over-the-top and imagine paranormal and superhero lives for their chick- lit heroines. Take Carpe Demon …” —Detroit Free Press
“Sprightly, fast-paced . . . readers will find spunky Kate hard not to root for in spheres both domestic and demonic.”—Publishers Weekly
“Smart, fast-paced, unique … a blend of sophistication and wit that has you laughing out loud.”—Christine Feehan, New York Times bestselling author
“Tongue-in-cheek . . . fast pacing and in-your-face action. Give it a try. Kate’s a fun character and keeps you on the edge of your seat.”—SFReader
“Ms. Kenner has a style and delivery all her own . . . fun and innovative . . . [Carpe Demon] shouldn’t be missed.”—Fallen Angel Reviews
“You’re gonna love this book! A terrific summer read with lots of humor and crazy situations and action.”—Fresh Fiction
“This book was so much fun to read. I highly recommend this exceedingly entertaining read!”—Midwest Book Review
“A fun netherworld thriller that readers will treasure.”—The Best Reviews
“A+ … I am very ready for the next installment in Kate Connor’s life.”—The Romance Reader’s Connection
“Kenner scores a direct hit with this offbeat and humorous adventure, which has an engaging cast of characters. Car pools and holy water make an unforgettable mix.”—Romantic Times
Here is a list of authors who will be joining the hop for week 25 on December 12th. I hope you’ll visit their blogs next week and learn more about their books. Maybe one of them will become your new favorite author!
Check ‘em out!
And don’t forget about my holiday contest!
For the rest of this month, you can use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate! (if the widget is wonky, try refreshing the page)
December 4, 2012
Fab new YA out today! Happy Release Day to Emily McKay for The Farm
Woot! It’s Release Day for The Farm by Emily McKay! Congrats Emily!! I was lucky enough to snag an early read of this dystopian vampire YA, and trust me when I say you do not want to miss this one!
Are you a fan of dystopian fiction? Vampires? What’s your favorite dystopian YA?
And don’t forget to enter my holiday contest!
