J. Kenner's Blog, page 81
July 21, 2013
Blogging about those awkward sex scene edits … and giving away a copy of Complete Me at Under The Covers Book Blog!
I’m at the very first stop on my blog tour today as we count down to the release of Complete Me, book 3 of the #StarkTrilogy … coming one week from tomorrow!
Come visit me today at Under The Covers Book Blog where I’m talking about Sex, Choreography and teh Foibles of Editing!
And … bonus! … you can register for a chance to win a copy of Complete Me!
Hope to see you at the blog!
P.S. - We're only days away from the release of book 3 of the Stark Trilogy!! Have you pre-ordered Complete Me yet?
P.P.S. And why not scroll down and share the post? After all, sharing is sexy!
XXOO
--J.K.
July 20, 2013
Thrilled to be in a Favorite Romance Themes™ boxed set! Just 99c each! Snag a deal today!
Deal alert!
I’m excited to announce that I’m part of a tempting new collection of boxed sets that I think you’re going to love:
The Summit Authors Present: Favorite Romance Themes™ is a set of six boxed sets centered around some of your favorite romance themes: marriage of convenience, bodyguards, reunited lovers, bad boys, good guys, and wounded heroes.
Buy all six sets and you’ll get 27 (yes, twenty-seven) bestselling, award-winning romance novels for less than $6.
The first three boxed sets are now available, and I’m excited to be a guest author in the Bodyguards Boxed Set (Favorite Romance Themes™)
When a woman is in danger and a hot guy is assigned to protect her, the stage is set for spellbinding romantic suspense. The bodyguard is supposed to keep things strictly business—but forbidden fruit is always the most tantalizing. Their lives are on the line, their hearts are involved, and rules are made to be broken. This boxed set features five full-length romance novels with “bodyguard” heroes by Julianne MacLean, Kathryn Shay, Shelly Thacker, Patricia Ryan, and special guest author Julie Kenner (aka J. Kenner).
Each set — Bodyguards, Marriage of Convenience, and Reunion – includes four or five full-length novels from some of today’s most exciting authors–all at an irresistible price! They’re just 99c each for a limited time, so grab yours today:
The next three boxed sets will be on sale Aug. 20. Mark your calendar!
Each boxed set is just 99c for a limited time, so grab yours today and look for more next month!
P.S. - We're only days away from the release of book 3 of the Stark Trilogy!! Have you pre-ordered Complete Me yet?
P.P.S. And why not scroll down and share the post? After all, sharing is sexy!
XXOO
--J.K.
#StarkOnSaturday – the penultimate excerpt from Stark Trilogy book 3, Complete Me!
I suppose what follows has some tiny plot spoilers, but I think the back-and-forth is fun … and the spoilers are itty-bitty 
Enjoy!
(And thank to my UK publisher, Eternal Romance, for the fab graphic!)
To the CEO of Stark International —
The CEO of Fairchild Development seeks an appointment this evening to discuss a possible merging of our interests.
As Lisa gets our coffees, I re-read my text and press send. Almost instantaneously, I get a reply.
To the CEO of Fairchild Development —
I look forward to whatever merger you have in mind.
P.S. Congratulations on the office space.
I grin, and am about to ask him how he knows that I got it when the door to the Starbucks opens and a skinny guy wearing earbuds bounces in carrying a vase full of daisies and other wildflowers. My heart flutters because I am absolutely, positively certain those are for me. I don’t know how Damien knew that I took the property any more than he knew where to find me. But this is Damien, and as far as I can tell, he has eyes everywhere.
The delivery guy scans the room, his gaze stopping on me. For that matter, everyone’s eyes are now on me. The delivery guy glances down at a piece of paper, then boogies over. “Nikki Fairchild?” he asks, a little too loudly, presumably so he can hear his own voice over whatever he’s jamming to.
“Thank you,” I say as he puts the flowers down and strolls out, shimmying in time to whatever tunes are blaring through his earbuds. Around me, the other customers flash quick smiles, then return to whatever they were doing. One girl, a few years older than me with a pixie face and fabulous auburn curls, mouths nice before turning back to the screenplay that is open on the table in front of her. I totally agree.
“Wow,” Lisa says, sliding back into her seat.
“Damien is all about the wow-factor,” I say with a grin. I pull out the card, then smile even broader when I read it.
Tonight I’ll show you just how much a woman with her own business turns me on. Until then, imagine me, touching you. -D
And if you want more Damien and Nikki, why not pre-order Complete Me from Amazon or from Barnes and Noble! On-sale July 30!
And if you missed Release Me, you can snag your copy from your favorite retailers here:
Random House
Amazon (print)
Amazon (kindle)
Amazon United Kingdom
Barnes and Noble (print or Nook)
Books-A-Million
Kobo
iBooks
Indie BoundAnd, of course, you can get Book 2, Claim Me, from these great retailers:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Books-a-Million
Random House
your favorite independent bookseller
in the U.K. from Amazon
in the U.K. from Waterstones
in the U.K. from WH Smith
More soon,
XXOO
J
July 19, 2013
A #StarkTrilogy excerpt and a chance to win Complete Me!
It’s Stark on FRIDAY!!!
Heroes and Heartbreakers is running a contest whereby you can enter to win a copy of Complete Me, book 3 in the Stark Trilogy of erotic romances!
And I’ve given H&H an exclusive, sexy excerpt! Pop over and check it out!!!
P.S. - We're only days away from the release of book 3 of the Stark Trilogy!! Have you pre-ordered Complete Me yet?
P.P.S. And why not scroll down and share the post? After all, sharing is sexy!
XXOO
--J.K.
Lynda Bailey on Erotic Romance: I want to VERB your NOUN…
Please welcome Lynda Bailey, author of The Erotic Escapades of a Married Couple, to the blog! (And Lynda also loves dark chocolate and wine!)
I want to verb your noun…
I saw that saying on Facebook a while ago and it describes exactly how I, as a devout reader of erotic romance, want love scenes to read. I want graphic verbing of nouns. I want to feel every caress, every pinch and every thrust. I want to experience the buildup to orgasmic delight and then relish in the release. I want my palms to grow sweaty and for my heart to race. I want my noun to verb…
I think you get the idea – as does my husband! LOL
And being an erotic romance writer, it’s my challenge to bring that same connection level to my readers. Which ain’t so easy. I know of authors who’ve decided on a lark to “write a romance.” How hard could it really be? Well, to write a good romance, one that sucks readers into a story to pluck their heartstrings (and other body parts ) it’s tough. Damn tough. Contrary to misguided opinions, it’s not just a matter of writing porn. Of throwing people on a page who have copious amounts of sex with one another. If that were the case, then my newest release, Erotic Escapades of a Married Couple, would have been a waltz in the park. It wasn’t, believe me.
I ventured into totally unchartered territory for Deana and Grif and Vance’s story, exploring not only the dynamics of an M/M sexual relationship, but also the hopes and fears and desires of my three characters as they struggled to find their HEA—together.
Oh, and along the way, there was also some serious verbing of nouns going on. Just so you know.
So what’s your opinion? Are you like me, preferring the explicit verbing of nouns. Or would you rather have the bedroom door close? Share your thoughts and one lucky commenter will win a $10 Amazon gift card so be sure to leave your email.
Thanks again to Julie for hosting me today!
About Me:
I live in Reno, NV with my husband of thirty years (yes, I’m really that old) and two pampered pooches. For me, the only thing better than reading a romance is writing one. That and drinking red wine while eating dark chocolate. My manuscripts have been finalists in major contests, including the 2010 Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart®. You can drop me a line at Lynda@lyndabailey.net or visit me at www.lyndabailey.net. I’d also love for you to *like* me on FB https://www.facebook.com/LyndaBaileyRomanceAuthor and *follow* me on Twitter. https://twitter.com/authorlyndab
Here’s a blurb for Erotic Escapades of a Married Couple
Being a settled, married couple doesn’t have to be boring…
Griffin Jensen has it all. He owns a successful advertising agency, has a great kid, beautiful home and the hottest wife known to man. He and Deana make it their mission to fulfill each other’s every erotic fantasy. So why does he feel like something is missing?
Deana Jensen has been head over heels in love with her husband since they first dated in college. Back then, Grif was a player—with both sexes. Deana never considered his bisexual past a threat, but after twelve years of marriage, she fears she’s no longer enough for him. She’ll do whatever it takes to satisfy her husband, but can she share him with another man?
Vance Korbett swore off women years ago when his fiancée left him at the altar. Now he finds “love” in the arms of different men. It’s simple and easy. Eat. Sleep. Screw. Nothing could be better—other than the marital bliss he sees with his best friends, Deana and Grif.
Too bad three’s a crowd. Or is it?
Enjoy a steamy excerpt from Erotic Escapades of a Married Couple
“How do you envision this working with us?” Vance asked the tinted glass.
Grif ruthlessly crushed the hope budding in his chest at the question. “Since you’ve sold this place I guess that means you’ll move in with us.”
Vance whipped around. “Now I know you’re out of your fucking mind. Move in with you? And what? Share a bedroom with you two? Jesus Christ. What about Janie?”
“We’d set you up in the basement.”
“The basement?” Vance sneered. “I don’t think so. I refused to be the pervert uncle living in the fucking basement.”
Anger flashed through Grif. “That’s not what I meant and you know it. It’s a daylight basement, completely finished with its own bathroom and a separate entrance. We’d have to be discreet around Janie, but she’d love to have you around twenty-four seven. I’m sure.”
“Glad you’re sure.” He stared at the floor, his broad shoulders stooped slightly, like he carried the weight of the world on them. After a long moment, he met Grif’s gaze. “What if you change your mind?”
Grif’s heart twisted painfully at the soft question. He understood his friend’s fear. Christ, he shared it. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t try his damnedest to make this thing work. He took a step. “And what if you change yours or Deanie changes hers? You’re hung like a bear, man. I know. I’ve showered with you. And what if my wife decides she’d rather be with you than me?”
A small curl lifted one side of Vance’s mouth as a roguish spark lit his eyes. Good God. He looked good enough to eat. Literally.
Vance shifted closer. “Guess that means the possibility also exists that you and I could leave…her.”
Anticipation detonated the air. Grif’s chest constricted, making it damn near impossible to breathe. He took another step. “Not likely,” he choked out.
“True. Seems we all have some…skin in the game.”
Grif quirked a grin. “Guess we do. But I wouldn’t call this a game.”
With each advance that he took, Vance matched it until he stood within two inches of the other man, but not touching him. Vance stared at his mouth so hard, his lips tingled. Grif inhaled a shaky breath. “Now what?”
Vance lifted his gaze. The blatant hunger gleaming in his blue, green eyes rushed blood to Grif’s cock.
“Now you kiss me.”
Thank you, Lynda Bailey! Don’t forget to answer Lynda’s question: Do you prefer the explicit verbing of nouns, or would you rather have the bedroom door close? Leave a comment for a chance to win a gift card!
P.S. - We're only days away from the release of book 3 of the Stark Trilogy!! Have you pre-ordered Complete Me yet?
P.P.S. And why not scroll down and share the post? After all, sharing is sexy!
XXOO
--J.K.
July 17, 2013
Hump Day books by Karen Sandler, Lynda Bailey, Lily Everett, Shelly Thacker, Sorcha Grace, Anne Marie Becker, Donna Andrews, and Liz Kelly
We’ve got a great variety of books this week, including a “delectable” book that I had the privilege of reading early for a cover quote! Check out the titles below; you’re sure to find something you love!
Tankborn (Tankborn Trilogy)
Acclaimed young adult science fiction only $1.99 through July 19th.
Learn more at Karen Sandler’s webpage!
Erotic Escapades of a Married Couple
Hot, new release from Lynda Bailey!
Learn more at Lynda Bailey’s website!
The Firefly Cafe: The Billionaire Brothers
Don’t miss this novella leading up to The Billionaire Brothers series!
You can learn more at Lily Everett’s website!
After Sundown (Lawless Nights)
A marshal and his beautiful prisoner are snowbound in Colorado in this RITA Award Finalist for Best Historical Romance of the Year, now available for pre-order at the special discount price of $2.99!
Learn more about After Sundown at Shelly Thacker’s website!
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A Taste of You (The Epicurean Series)
I had the pleasure of getting an early read of A TASTE OF YOU by Sorcha Grace and giving a cover quote. And, yes, it is “Absolutely delectable!”
You can learn more at Sorcha Grace‘s website!
Only Fear (The Mindhunters)
Only Fear by Anne Marie Becker
Book 1 in Mindhunters series on sale for 99 CENTS for July only!
Learn more at Anne Marie Becker’s website!
The Hen of the Baskervilles: A Meg Langslow Mystery (Meg Langslow Mysteries)
The Hen of the Baskervilles — the newest book in the NYT Bestselling Meg Langslow series!
Learn more at author Donna Andrews’ website!
Good Cop: Heroes of Henderson ~ Book 1 (Volume 1)
Heroes of Henderson~ Book 1
A fun and sexy full length contemporary romance
Learn more at Liz Kelly’s website!
If you would like to submit a book to the Hump Day feature, click here!
P.S. - We're only days away from the release of book 3 of the Stark Trilogy!! Have you pre-ordered Complete Me yet?
P.P.S. And why not scroll down and share the post? After all, sharing is sexy!
XXOO
--J.K.
July 16, 2013
Romance Scavenger Hunt Sweepstakes! #HuntforRomance #RWA13
Headed down to Hotlanta for RWA? Make sure to download the “Hunt for Romance” smart phone-based scavenger hunt app that Romance at Random and Loveswept have partnered to create.
The concept is similar to a traditional scavenger hunt- this is just the app based version! The app will encourage you to snap pictures with authors (including me!) take augmented reality photos with virtual hunks, join the conversation online, and will be entered into the sweepstakes to win one of the following prizes:
And check it out …. one of the “tasks” is to take a picture of your room key …. which just happens to have a cover I know and love (that would be Release Me … book one of the Stark Trilogy!)
Grand Prize: iPad Mini
First Runner-Up Prize: Your name included in an upcoming book by RITA nominated author Ruthie Knox! Plus, a bundle of signed books.
10 Additional Winners will receive a bundle of signed books.
The app is available for download now in both the Apple App store and in Google Play. Search “Hunt for Romance” or follow these links.
Apple App store www.socialscavenger.com/iphone/romance
Google Play www.socialscavenger.com/android/romance
For a full list of prizes and official rules visit: www.readloveswept.com or www.romanceatrandom.com
July 15, 2013
Michele Hauf on Killing Vampires
I’m thrilled to have Michele Hauf blogging today about one of my favorite subjects, vampires!
Buffy did it best. You have to admit, when it came to killing vampires, she had style, efficiency, and even excellent banter thrown in to boot. One stab of her stake and the vampire ashed. End of threat. (Unless there were more of his buddies waiting in line. Run, buddies run!) All Buffy needed was a wooden stake, and she was ready to rock.
The methods to killing vampires varies vastly. From author to author, I suspect, you’ll find many similarities, but as well, differences.
In Dracula, Stoker could fend off vampires with garlic and holy water. You had to stake the vampire in the heart (or drive a stake through the heart of a dead vampire) and then you should also cut off his head.
The head-cutting-off part has fallen by the wayside in current vamp-killing methods, though I’m sure some authors still utilize that messy addition to the staking.
In my world of Beautiful Creatures, vampires are a tough kill. And yet, not. It simply requires the stake, but it’s got to pierce the heart (no where else on the body will deliver that killing blow). The heart bursting is key to my vampires’ deaths. You can run a rapier through the longtooth’s heart, pull it out, and he’ll just sneer at you as the tiny cut heals and he lunges for you with his fangs. Make sure the stake (or item used to pierce the heart) is thick enough to rip that organ apart and cause true death. Then the vampire ashes (clothing burning in the process) and falls to a heap at the hunter’s feet. If they are a newer vampire, they won’t ash.
Sunlight may or may not kill a vampire. Again, it varies from author to author. My world follows Stoker’s idea that the vampire could walk during the day but his powers are lesser. My vampires will eventually start to burn under the sun, so they do avoid it. There is a specific strain of the vampire breed in my world that will instantly burn, and ash when touched by sunlight.
These are just a few methods to ending a vampire’s life. What are some other methods you’ve read about and how did you find them to fit into the accepted ‘norms’ for usual vampire deaths?
You can find Michele at:
http://pinterest.com/toastfaery
http://twitter.com/michelehauf
Want to learn more about BEAUTIFUL DANGER? Here’s the blurb:
Could Her Sworn Enemy Lead Her Out of Darkness?
As a member of an ancient order of vampire hunters, Lark has found that eliminating dangerous vampires is about more than duty. It’s personal—a kill for every day her husband was held captive before his death. Staking her prey isn’t a challenge until she confronts Domingos LaRoque. Mad with vengeance and the blood of a powerful phoenix, Domingos tests her skills…and seduces her soul.
Once a talented musician, Domingos can’t escape the constant music in his head…or his need to destroy the werewolf pack that tortured him. Though trusting the hunter ordered to kill him can be his gravest mistake, the dark desires between them can’t be refused. Yet as he and Lark become allies to defeat a mutual threat, loving the enemy may be the ultimate sacrifice.
Visit Lark and Domingos’ Pinterest page!
Thanks to Michele Hauf for blogging today!
Be sure to answer Michele’s question about killing vampires! Leave a comment below.
P.S. - We're only days away from the release of book 3 of the Stark Trilogy!! Have you pre-ordered Complete Me yet?
P.P.S. And why not scroll down and share the post? After all, sharing is sexy!
XXOO
--J.K.
July 14, 2013
A Facebook Exclusive #StarkOnSunday – an Excerpt from Stark Trilogy book 3, Complete Me
LOVE these graphics from Eternal Romance!
If you’re looking for a bonus #StarkOnSaturdaySunday … then head over to my J. Kenner Facebook page for an only-on-Facebook bonus excerpt from Complete Me, book 3 of the Stark Trilogy!
I’ve posted one … just because!
Well, just because we’re getting sooooooo close to the July 30 release of Complete Me, book 3 of the Stark Trilogy!
July 13, 2013
A new #StarkOnSaturday excerpt from Complete Me, Stark Trilogy Book 3!
Almost there!!! The release of Complete Me, book 3 of the Stark Trilogy by me (J. Kenner) is just around the corner!! (Sorry for the late posting! After Disney, I seem to be off a day, LOL!)Just a few more #StarkOnSaturday posts until the release of Complete Me, book three in the Stark Trilogy that began with with Release Me, continued with Claim Me, and will conclude with Complete Me! ).
(And the quote above is from Claim Me … I found it on Goodreads with the Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews‘s review and thought it was too pretty not to use!)
Enjoy!
He’s trying to grab control of all that, and it’s just slipping through his fingers. I get it; I do.
But at the end of the day that doesn’t change a thing.
“Do not fight me on this, Nikki.”
“Hell yes, I’m fighting. Why bother to put the gate around my apartment if you’re not going to trust that it will do it’s job? I mean, I don’t like getting nasty mail any more than you do, but for all we know it was mailed from Antarctica.”
He strides to me, all power and control and cool masculinity. He reaches out and his finger brushes my cheek, the shock of his touch sending sparks through me. “I don’t like being defied,” he says.
I suck in air, determined not to melt or back down. “I don’t like being bossed around.” I shift my feet, mentally planting my stance along with my posture. “You’re not winning this one, Damien. Deal with it.”
His finger trails down my neck to the collar of my T-shirt. “Do you have any idea how frustrated I am right now?”
I shudder, the light pressure of his touch sending all sorts of decadent promises swirling through me. “I know what you’re doing.” My words tremble. “It won’t work.”
“Won’t it?”
I close my eyes, shivering as his fingertip follows the curve of my breast. “I’m not giving in.”
He fists his hand around the collar of my shirt and tugs me close. “I’ll have you safe,” he murmurs. As he holds me in place with one hand, with the other he captures my waist.
He eases me backward, and I feel the bed press against the back of my thighs. My body tingles with awareness, but also with something new. This is the Damien I know so well, but there’s a quality to his touch I haven’t felt before. A take-no-prisoners attitude that excites me, making my inner thighs tingle and my cunt throb for his touch.
“I want to cup my hand around you,” he murmurs, sliding his hand over my sex as if in illustration, and then making me gasp when he uses that grip to lift me up onto the bed, the pressure from his thumb on my pubis and his palm over my sex so intense it send tremors though me, like portents of an explosion to come.
He lays me out on the bed, one hand stroking circles on my sex and the other cupping my breast. I moan, my hips gyrating to meet him, my back arching up to increase the pressure of his hand against my painfully sensitive nipple. “That protective bubble you mentioned? I want to keep you locked inside. Whatever it takes,” he says. “You can’t possibly know how much I need you.”
And if you want more Damien and Nikki, why not pre-order Complete Me from Amazon or from Barnes and Noble! On-sale July 30!
And if you missed Release Me, you can snag your copy from your favorite retailers here:
Random House
Amazon (print)
Amazon (kindle)
Amazon United Kingdom
Barnes and Noble (print or Nook)
Books-A-Million
Kobo
iBooks
Indie BoundAnd, of course, you can get Book 2, Claim Me, from these great retailers:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Books-a-Million
Random House
your favorite independent bookseller
in the U.K. from Amazon
in the U.K. from Waterstones
in the U.K. from WH Smith
More soon,
XXOO
J
