J. Kenner's Blog, page 69
January 7, 2014
Wanted by J. Kenner – on sale NOW!!
That scream you heard was me shouting from the rooftops that WANTED — book one of my new Most Wanted series — is on shelves now!
I’m so excited about this series, and I can’t wait for readers to meet Evan Black and his best friends, Tyler Sharp and Cole August. These are men who’ve kept me up at night — and though I absolutely love Damien Stark from the Stark Trilogy, I think it is totally safe to say that there is room in my heart for these guys, too!
I hope you dive into the books and swoon a little as well! And be sure to let me know what you think! I’d love to hear from you!
If you’d like a peek at Wanted, I’ve been running excerpts for a few weeks now. You can read them all through the #MostWantedMonday category on my blog.
Amazon print
Amazon Kindle
Random House
Amazon UK print
Amazon UK Kindle
Barnes & Noble/Nook
iTunes
Books-A-Million
Indie Bound
And here’s the blurb for you:
He is everything I crave, all I desperately want—and he is everything I can’t have.
Evan Black embodies my every fantasy. He is brilliant, fierce, and devastatingly handsome. But he is also headstrong, dangerous, and burdened with secrets.
My family warned me to stay away, that I could never handle Evan’s dark dealings or scarred past. Maybe I should have listened. Maybe I should have run. But our desire is undeniable, and some temptations you just can’t fight.
And from the moment we touch—the passion between us consuming us both—I know that I will never be the same.
I’ve got a few events coming up, including a signing in Katy, Texas, this Saturday, and an interview at BookTalk Nation on January 23. I’d love to see you at both or either!
January 6, 2014
Wanted by J. Kenner hits shelves tomorrow!
It’s the final #MostWantedMonday – and Wanted by J. Kenner launches tomorrow (January 7)!It’s book one in the Most Wanted series of erotic romances that wilI be followed by Heated in May and Ignited in September!
Order Wanted!
Amazon print
Amazon Kindle
Random House
Amazon UK print
Amazon UK Kindle
Barnes & Noble/Nook
iTunes
Here’s the snippet! Enjoy!
He met my smile, and this time his own went all the way to his eyes. He leaned over and retrieved my cup from the floor, then handed it back to me. “Drink your cocoa.”
I actually grinned, and it felt nice.
“What?”
“It feels like you’re babysitting me.”
His scarred brow lifted, making him look sexy and arrogant all at the same time. He shifted his weight forward, and before I knew what to expect, he’d caught me in a kiss, hard and deep. I moaned, my body softening with need and thrumming with desire. We touched only in two places—lips and knees—and yet every inch of skin on my body crackled with banked electricity, as if Evan were a storm and I’d been caught unawares.
As swiftly as he’d moved in, he released me and settled back, leaving me gaping breathlessly at him. “You’re not a child, Angie. I’m not sure you were ever a child. And I damn sure know that I wasn’t.”
Since I didn’t have a clue what to say to that, I remained silent, holding my mug and wondering if my mouth was tingling because of the schnapps or because of his kiss.
After a moment, he rose, then held out his hand to me. I left the mug on the floor, put my hand in his, and stood.
Without a word, he led me to my bedroom. He turned me around, then slowly unzipped my dress. Whatever chill had lingered from the evening and the onslaught of memory disappeared, vanquished by the heat of his proximity. I soaked in his warmth, letting it soothe my rough edges even as tiny sparks bounced and fizzed inside me. And yet this simple touch was enough. So much, in fact, that he’d filled me up completely.
Gently, his hands stroked my shoulders. “Slip it off,” he said. “Get under the covers.”
January 5, 2014
Zombies on Sunday – check out Die Trying from Nicholas Ryan!
Check out Die Trying, the new release from Nicholas Ryan, the author of the bestselling Ground Zero.
I just snagged my copy and I’m looking forward to diving in. (I’m way behind on my The Walking Dead viewing … but at least I’ll be getting a zombie fix!)
Here’s a bit of scoop about the book!
Trapped amidst the horror of the zombie apocalypse, three men hear the sound of a helicopter overhead and know it represents their last desperate hope to survive the terror and reach safety.
But survival comes at a cost – and the undead hordes that ravage the world are not the only lurking evil the men must face.
But for Mitch Logan, his brother, Jed, and their friend, Clinton Harrigan, there is no choice.
They must fight to survive – or Die Trying.
Grab your copy here:
Amazon Kindle
Amazon UK
Amazon Canada
Amazon Australia
January 1, 2014
Hump Day books from Erica Ridley, Kathryn Shay, Eve Langlais, Nancy Naigle, Sylvie Fox, Regina Kammer, Beth Yarnall, and Barbara McMahon!
Please enjoy these amazing Hump Day books, including contemporary, erotic, and historical romances, plus a coming out story!
On sale for 99¢!
More at Erica Ridley’s website!
A young boy comes out gay to his family, wreaking havoc with them, his school, his church and his neighborhood.
Don’t forget to visit Kathryn Shay’s website!
Two’s A Couple, Three’s The Law ((MFM Paranormal Romance))
Just released, a new paranormal erotic romance.
Connect with Eve Langlaise at her website!
IN FOR A PENNY (The Granny Series)
Honey, these are not your momma’s grannies!
Find out more at Nancy Naigle’s website!
Unlikely (L.A. Nights)
New Sexy Contemporary Romance!
More at Sylvie Fox’s website!
The Pleasure Device: 1 (Harwell Heirs)
New Victorian historical erotic romance!
Find out more at Regina Kammer’s website!
The secrets they thought would tear them apart could be the ties that bind them together forever.
Don’t forget to visit Beth Yarnall’s website!
Rocky Point Hero (Rocky Point Series)
New release–book 4 of the Rocky Point inspirational series–Rocky Point Hero.
More at Barbara McMahon’s website!
If you would like to submit a Hump Day book please click here and read the instructions!
Where Do You Want To Go Next?
December 30, 2013
The Penultimate #MostWantedMonday before Wanted by J. Kenner hits stores!
Welcome to the penultimate #MostWantedMonday before Wanted by J. Kenner comes to a retailer near you! Just one more excerpt coming on January 6 as we countdown to the January 7 release of Wanted, book one in the Most Wanted series of erotic romances that wilI be followed by Heated in May and Ignited in September!
Pre-order Wanted!
Amazon print
Amazon Kindle
Random House
Amazon UK print
Amazon UK Kindle
Barnes & Noble/Nook
iTunes
more retailers coming soon!
Here’s the snippet! Enjoy!
I swallowed, undone by the ferocity that he was barely holding in. A feral determination that was so raw, so primal, it took my breath away. Our eyes locked, and for a moment I thought I would fall inside of him, both of us tumbling away from reality into some world that was uniquely ours.
Then he pulled me roughly against him, and I knew that we had to stay here. This world. This reality. But with Evan beside me, maybe I could stand it.
“Angie,” he said, then caught my mouth with his. His kiss was rough, in sharp contrast to the tenderness of his touch. I matched him, my need frantic. Intense. I was desperate to get lost in him, to go to that place where reason and memory and fear and regret evaporated. To leave everything behind except the reality of Evan and Angie and heat and need.
Until next week,
Happy reading, y’all!
XXOO
JK
Where Do You Want To Go Next?
December 23, 2013
New snippet from Wanted by J. Kenner on #MostWantedMonday
Welcome to another #MostWantedMonday excerpt as we countdown to the January 7 release of Wanted by J. Kenner, book one in the Most Wanted series of erotic romances that wilI be followed by Heated in May and Ignited in September!
Pre-order Wanted!
Amazon print
Amazon Kindle
Random House
Amazon UK print
Amazon UK Kindle
Barnes & Noble/Nook
iTunes
more retailers coming soon!
Here’s the snippet! Enjoy!
“You called me Lina on the roof the other day,” I said softly. I felt suddenly, unreasonably exposed, and I crossed my arms over my chest.
“Did I? I suppose I thought it suited you.” He stroked his palms down my bare shoulders. “Do you like it?”
I hesitated. I should back off. I should say no; I should be Angie. “Yes,” I whispered as he closed his fingers over mine. “I liked it.”
“Me, too.” He stood up, then held out a hand for me. “Come here, Lina,” he said, gently pulling me to my feet. The robe hung open, and he pushed it off my arms, leaving me naked.
I fought the urge to bend down for the robe, but honestly, it didn’t take much effort. I wanted to be naked with this man. I wanted to be wild with him. I wanted to be Lina.
I could do this; I could take these three weeks. Because surely with Evan keeping me tethered, nothing would go horribly wrong.
“Come with me,” he said, then led me to the bedroom. He sat on the edge of the bed, then guided me on, as well.
I knelt on the mattress, sitting back on my ankles. Then I cocked my head and regarded him playfully. “I’m not sure Lina is quite as compliant as Angie.”
His smile was slow and held a touch of victory. “Is that a fact?”
“Mmm.”
“Well, what would Lina do?” he asked.
“She’d be bold,” I said, as I moved closer. “If she wanted something from a man, she’d just take it.” I reached down, and stroked his cock through his slacks, then sucked in air as I felt it turn to steel in response to my touch. “Or maybe she’d just drive him wild,” I said, as I slid my hand slowly up and down. “Take him to the edge and then push him over, knowing that she was the one who made him fall.”
“ Lina.” He drew in a noisy breath. He reached out for me, but I shook my head.
“No. Lay back. Lina can be very bossy.”
Until next week,
Happy reading, y’all!
XXOO
JK
Where Do You Want To Go Next?
December 18, 2013
Hump Day books from Debra Holland, Erica Ridley, Kelly Boyce, Maggie Marr, Zoe York, Michele Drier, Tawny Weber, and Lisa Ann Verge!
For your pleasure: some sizzling Hump Day titles. Eight books to savor during the holidays, including three seasonal-themed romances!
Sweetwater Springs Christmas: A Montana Sky Short Story Anthology (Montana Sky Series)
New Christmas anthology!
See more at Debra Holland’s website!
Midwinter Magic (Nether-Netherland #1.5)
On sale for 99¢!
For more visit Erica Ridley’s website!
An Invitation to Scandal (The Sins & Scandals Series)
New Historical Romance from Kelly Boyce!
More at Kelly Boyce’s website!
Hollywood Hit (Hollywood Girls Club)
Just published! Hollywood Hit, the latest book in the much loved Hollywood Girls Club Series!
Connect with Maggie Marr at her website!
Where Their Hearts Collide (The Wardham Series)
New Contemp Romance, Latest in Series!
See more at Zoe York’s website!
SNAP: Happily Ever After? (The Kandesky Vampire Chronicles)
New vamp novel!
Don’t forget to visit Michele Drier’s website!
Naughty Christmas Nights (Harlequin Blaze)
A Hot, Sassy Holiday Read!
So much more at Tawny Weber’s website!
Twice Upon A Time (The Celtic Legends Series)
Just Released! The first book in the Celtic Legend Series!
More from Lisa Ann Verge at her website!
Where Do You Want To Go Next?
December 17, 2013
For the 5th day of Christmas, I’m giving a way a copy of Tainted at Francessca’s Romance Reviews today!
Hurry over to the Giveaways Page at Francessca’s Romance Reviews today and enter the giveaway to win a copy of Tainted by Julie Kenner, Book 1 of my urban fantasy trilogy featuring Lily Carlyle and Deacon, a sexy, tortured demon!
Be sure to scroll down to Day Five for instructions!
”A wonderful balance between urban fantasy and paranormal romance. A casual, catchy first-person point of view peppered with slightly more four-letter-words than the genre usually bears, mingled with a kick-ass heroine and a dangerous, smoking-hot hero makes for an excellent read.” The Discriminating Fangirl
Good luck!
Where Do You Want To Go Next?
From screenplay to novel: Aaron de Orive on the creation of Bladesinger.
I want to talk about three of my favorite works of fiction.
The first one is my favorite children’s book, The Wizard of Oz. Now like most kids, I saw the movie with Judy Garland before I read the book. It’s one of my favorite
films as well. In fact, one of my earliest childhood memories is of me cowering in my grandmother’s lap watching the Wicked Witch of the West command her flying monkey into the air. It scared the bejesus out of me. Probably out of a lot of kids. In elementary school, I discovered the movie had been based on a series of books by L. Frank Baum. I read every one I could find in our school library. I love Oz.
The second is The Three Musketeers. Once again, my first exposure to this story was as a movie, the 1973 version with Michael York. The cast in that movie is amazing. Oliver Reed as Athos? Christopher Lee as Rochefort? Faye Dunaway as Milady? Wow! I’ve seen that movie so many times that I’ve memorized every line of dialogue. It instilled in me a love of all things swashbuckling. I was in high school when I finally got around to reading Alexandre Dumas’ amazing novel. To say that most film adaptations have only scratched the surface of that story is an understatement. It’s a must read.
And finally, there’s Oliver Twist. True to my pattern, my first experience with this classic was the 1968 musical Oliver. Now oddly enough, I’m not a fan of musicals at all. But there was something about that particular one that I found incredibly compelling. It was the characters and the story, of course. I didn’t get around to reading Charles Dickens’ novel until I was in college. What an amazing work of literature. It’s one of my favorites and, in my opinion, Dickens’ best novel.
Given that information, it’s not surprising that the first incarnation of my novel Blade Singer was as a screenplay. My background is in film production and screenwriting, which I studied at the University of Texas at Austin. (Julie and I share an alma mater.)
(The craft of screenwriting, btw, is invaluable to storytellers. If you’re a novelist who’s never written a screenplay, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s ideal for helping you think in terms of scenes and beats, for understanding the spine of a story and the flow of a narrative, and for achieving the maximum amount of drama with the fewest words possible.)
So anyway, I wrote Blade Singer after graduating from U.T. It got me my first Hollywood manager and my first professional writing gig in the video game industry. When I decided to try my hand at writing novels, I knew that would be the story I would tell. I was incredibly fortunate that one of my friends and favorite authors, Martha Wells, not only encouraged me in this endeavor, she also agreed to help me undertake the task. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor or collaborator. Martha is amazing and I love her oodles.
When the novel was finished, I was very proud of what we had created and was determined to share it with an audience exactly as envisioned. In this case, that meant self-publishing. And so we decided to Kickstart the novel, to cover the many costs that would insure a professional level of quality.
Blade Singer is a middle-grade fantasy novel that features a young protagonist transplanted to a strange magical world filled with swashbuckling faeries, legendary monsters, a band of sinister thieves, and, of course, a terrifying wicked witch. It’s thrilling, suspenseful, scary, action-packed, and a whole lot of fun. I’m confident that 
if you check it out for yourselves, you’ll agree.
Who knows, maybe someday it’ll become some new writer’s favorite work of fiction. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?
Aaron de Orive is a fantasist (he loves that word) who has helped create tabletop role-playing games and popular video games. He enjoys writing screenplays and fantasy novels with a variety of amazing collaborators. He lives in Austin with his wife, daughter, and two very spoiled dogs.
Connect with Aaron at Facebook and Twitter! Contribute to the campaign at Bladesinger’s Kickstarter page!
Thank you so much, Aaron!
Aaron listed his three favorite works of fiction. What are yours! Let us know in the comments section!
Where Do You Want To Go Next?
December 16, 2013
Meet My Nikon
I spent some of this weekend playing with my new toy, a Nikon D7100 digital SLR camera. (Merry Christmas to me!)
I’ve been wanting a new camera for a while, as I haven’t owned a “real” camera since college, a hundred million years ago. Back in the day (when my undergrad was film and I took photography classes on the side) I actually spoke the f-stop and shutter speed language. But I’ve managed to forget all of that. So I feel like I’m starting fresh, especially since the only digital images I’ve ever taken have been with a point-and-shoot compact camera or an iPhone.
It was the iPhone that started all this. The iPhone and my kids, that is. It’s been on my mind for a while (I was having camera-lust while watching Veronica Mars. Of course, that also involved the fantasy of being a private detective, but that isn’t going to happen) but what really kicked my desire into gear was realizing that I’m missing out on great family moments because I just can’t get the images I want with my phone (hello, crappy pics and video from Isabella’s first public school Christmas pageant!).
So off we went to the camera store. And I’m in serious lust with this puppy!
Bear with me, as I’m going to blog about learning all this stuff. So far, I’ve pretty much learned how to point-and-shoot. Ahem. But I plan to get better!
(Actually, as you can see from the gallery below, I’ve been playing with the 18-270 Tamron lens that I bought with the camera. I really loved the folks at Precision Camera in Austin, and the guy who helped me was fabulous (thank you, Ian!). I explained that I am doing a ton of traveling this year, including Europe, and I wanted a reasonably priced lens that would let me get both vacation pics and arty pics without having to do a lot of lens-schlepping or changing. So far, I’m pleased! And in addition to zooming and getting close in, I’ve played with the camera’s “scene” capability, setting it for pet portraits … and being pleasantly surprised that there was no red-eye effect!)
Here’s a gallery of some images I’ve done so far. None of them are re-touched, though I did crop two of them to squares and add text because I figure if I have a camera I need to hang more on Pinterest and Instagram!
