Susan Grant's Blog, page 2
October 14, 2018
The Pets Are Back!
The Pets are Back! So, PETS IN SPACE 3: EMBRACE THE PASSION released last week (and sneaked by me, so I’m a little late in helping get the word out to you guys.) I’m not participating this time, but many fabulous authors are and so I hope you’ll pick up a copy all the same.
As a military veteran, the mom of two active duty service members, and the proud daughter of a 94 year-old WWll veteran, I’ve always had a special place in my heart for this project. They donate a good chunk of the first month’s profits to HeroDogs.org, which places service dogs with veterans. There’s still time to order a copy and help out. It’s available at all online book retailers. More info is below:
Pets in Space
is back! Join us as we unveil eleven original, never-before-published action-filled romances that will heat your blood and warm your heart! New York Times, USA Today and Award-winning authors S.E. Smith, Anna Hackett, Ruby Lionsdrake, Veronica Scott, Pauline Baird Jones, Carol Van Natta, Tiffany Roberts, Alexis Glynn Latner, E D Walker, JC Hay, and Kyndra Hatch combine their love for Science Fiction Romance and pets to bring readers sexy, action-packed romances while helping our favorite charity. Proud supporters of Hero-Dogs.org, Pets in Space authors have donated over $4,400 in the past two years to help place specially trained dogs with veterans. Open your hearts and grab your limited release copy of Embrace the Passion: Pets in Space 3 today!
September 12, 2018
The Last Flight of the Queen of the Skies
A passenger made this cool video of one of the last flights of the 747 and I’m in it! This was from October 2017, but I only just discovered its existence. I’m so fortunate and honored to have flown the Queen for 20 years. What a magnificent plane. I miss her terribly. Enjoy the video. The passenger did a great job!
July 16, 2018
Mark your calendars–Vegas, baby!
If you’re in the area, stop by and see me, and bring books for me to sign, or grab my new ones. You can also get a book signed by Michael Anderle, Craig Martelle, Dean Wesley Smith, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Michael Cooper, May Sage, and so many more. This will be a who’s who of self-published authors in one place at one time. If you are a fan and are coming to the signing event, please fill out this form to be eligible for a Kindle Paperwhite – three will be given away at the event!
Snacks and drinks will be available. (There is a small fee of $2.50 to attend.)
Book signing
May 31, 2018
Cover Tweaks for Star Books 0-2 (AKA the Clothing Project)
Hey! Thanks for the cover help the other day. I loved brainstorming with y’all. Here are the final before and afters of the 3 Star Series covers that I had tweaked. Custom photo shoots with real models are cost prohibitive and well beyond my financial reach, so like many other authors I settle for stock images found online, artfully put together by someone adept with Photoshop. The model I found for Rom in Star King came pretty close to how I imagined him, but the others just give an “impression” of the characters, which is fine. Rogenna Brewer, my amazing cover artist for the Star Series, is closing shop to focus on her writing (she’s an author too, and a vet like me), so I had to catch her before she goes. (sob…I loved working with her!) Any new covers will have to come from a new artist. It’s not easy to find someone who “gets” your books, but fingers crossed. Anyway, enjoy the Before and Afters…
May 28, 2018
A Cover Cover-up
The Star Series book covers are undergoing an update….
Book covers are supposed to send a signal about what the reader will find between the pages. I always wondered if the half-naked men covers created for the Star Series gave readers the wrong message that my stories (hybrids of science fiction and romance) focused more on erotic content than plot. One day, after seeing more and more covers that have just faces or clothed characters, I decided to hunt for outfits that would work for the first three guys in the first three books (of six) in the series. I do miss Rom’s torso, lol, but I really like his new Han Solo-esque gear. It fits the story better. My cover person added Jas to the Star King cover, I love that she’s there now. (I would have loved Tee on Star Prince too, but that would have required starting from scratch). What do you think as readers of this blended genre? Naked torsos? Females only? Faces? Action covers? As always, I value your feedback! –Susan
**Editing to add another version of Star King–this one with Jas but Rom bare chested, lol **
March 31, 2018
November 24, 2017
Embrace the Romance is a Library Journal Best Book of 2017!
I’m thrilled to learn of this honor. This is a VERY short list, as always, and it’s so gratifying to see Pets in Space 2 there!
Click here to see the other winners: Best of 2017 E-Originals
October 30, 2017
Embrace the Romance is a USA Today Bestseller!
Thank you readers for helping make Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2 a USA Today Bestseller! At #118, baby! :) We authors are donating a portion of our first month’s profits to Hero-Dogs so this is fantastic news. But there’s only a few days left–the donation period ends on Nov 11th, Veteran’s Day. So please spread the word and help our vets–For only $3.99 you can help this great organization plus read some fun short stories–like mine!
October 15, 2017
Pet books from my childhood
It’s time to meet another one of the authors in the Pets in Space 2 Anthology with me. Please welcome, Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2 author, Jessica E. Subject. Jessica’s PETS IN SPACE 2 story is Gibb and the Tibbar: A Novella in the Galactic Defenders Series. Today, Jessica shares with us her favorite books from her childhood about pets. :)
Pet books from my childhood
by Jessica E. Subject
I read a lot of books as a child, though not all of them have stuck with me over the years. A few have, including some about pets. Today, I’m going to share some of the books about pets I read during my childhood.
When I first learned to read, the Mr. Mugs stories were a staple in my school. They were a set of easy readers, written by Martha Kambeitz and Carol Roth and published by Ginn and Company, about two children who had an Old English Sheepdog named Mr. Mugs. I don’t remember much about the stories except that Mr. Mugs was always getting into trouble. And they definitely helped to instill a love for reading in me.
Another book I really enjoyed was No Time for Rabbits by Jane McFann. It’s about a group of kids that get stranded at their high school during an ice storm. There is some typical teenage drama, a rabbit on the loose, and a teacher who experiences a medical emergency. It is at this point that the kids must work together. This was definitely a fun book for me, though I never experienced anything like it when I was in high school.
Where the Red Fern Grown by Wilson Rawls is another memorable story I read during my childhood. It’s about a boy who gets a pair of hounds and trains them as hunting dogs. At first I wasn’t sure I would enjoy it, but it was such an effortless read that pulled me into the story and had me crying a couple of times. I love emotional reads like that. If you haven’t read it, I recommend you do, but be sure to have a box of tissues on hand.
What are your favorite reads from your childhood?
Gib and the Tibbar : A Novella in the Galactic Defenders Series
By Jessica E. Subject
A dedicated Defender to the core, Gib is willing to go to any planet the Galactic Alliance sends him. That is, until he’s sent with his squad to Hemera for their Alorama ceremony, far from any threat of Erebus invasion and with no chance for promotion.
Vilarra has lived on Hemera all her life, working hard in the kitchens of the royal palace until she achieved lead hand. But learning of the universe beyond her world reveals her insignificance and shreds her sense of accomplishment and purpose.
With the help of a furry, little tibbar, Gib is determined to win the affection of Vilarra, prove to her how significant she is to him and the people who depend on her. But will his personal mission be cut short before he has the chance to win her heart?
About the anthology:
The pets are back! Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2, featuring twelve of today’s leading Science Fiction Romance authors brings you a dozen original stories written just for you! Join in the fun, from the Dragon Lords of Valdier to a trip aboard award-winning author, Veronica Scott’s Nebula Zephyr to journeying back to Luda where Grim is King, for stories that will take you out of this world! Join New York Times, USA TODAY, and Award-winning authors S.E. Smith, M.K. Eidem, Susan Grant, Michelle Howard, Cara Bristol, Veronica Scott, Pauline Baird Jones, Laurie A. Green, Sabine Priestley, Jessica E. Subject, Carol Van Natta, and Alexis Glynn Latner as they share stories and help out Hero-Dogs.org, a charity that supports our veterans!
10% of the first month’s profits go to Hero-Dogs.org. Hero Dogs raises and trains service dogs and places them free of charge with US Veterans to improve quality of life and restore independence.
EBOOK BUY LINKS:
Amazon http://bit.ly/EmbraceTheRomance
Amazon CA https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B073W5WQBH/
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B073W5WQBH/
Amazon AU https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B073W5WQBH/
Amazon FR https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B073W5WQBH/
Amazon DE https://www.amazon.de/dp/B073W5WQBH/
Amazon JP https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B073W5WQBH/
iBooks http://bit.ly/EmbraceTheRomanceiBooks
B&N https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/embrace-the-romance-se-smith/1126723852
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/embrace-the-romance-pets-in-space-2
Google Play https://play.google.com/store/books/details/S_E_Smith_Embrace_the_Romance_Pets_in_Space_2?id=Jp8rDwAAQBAJ
Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/3L9aYM
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35658092-embrace-the-romance
EXCERPT:
A small, furry white creature scampered between the Defenders and the fire. Gib yanked his feet back and gasped. He tried to follow the path the animal took, and when it disappeared into the grassy field, he relaxed a little. Not that he was afraid, only startled by the sudden appearance of the critter.
But his watch partner reacted differently. The cowardly Defender stood on his bench, reaching for a low branch on the ropral tree as if to lift himself farther off the ground. “What in Gaspra was that? No one told me about any deadly creatures on this planet.”
Gib laughed and slapped his hand on his lap. “I wouldn’t call the fluffy little thing that raced by us a deadly creature.”
“Okay, Hemera is infested with vermin, then.” Zair examined the area around him before he dared put a foot on the ground.
A high-pitched squeak sounded, and Gib’s surveillance partner returned to reaching for the branches. The little creature stood on its hind legs below Zair’s bench, peeping as if telling him off.
Gib couldn’t hold in his laughter. Not just at the other Defender’s reaction, but also the thoughts running through Zair’s mind, thoughts he’d failed to block in his fear.
“It’s not going to eat you.” Gib shook his head, wondering how his squad mate could see the creature as dangerous. “Would you please get down from there? Defenders are supposed to be brave and fierce. Right now, you’re neither.”
“Go to Gaspra, Mingot. And stay out of my head.” He yanked his plazer from his hip holster and aimed it at the critter. “If I don’t destroy it, it will bring death to everyone on this planet.”
Stepping into the line of fire, Gib yanked the weapon from his squad mate, thankful the safety remained on. “You’re being ridiculous. Besides, if you fire your weapon, you’ll cause a panic. The Hemera will think Erebus have arrived.”
The frightened Defender shook a foot at the creature. “Fine, then. Kick it into the fire. Or you could stomp on it.”
“Don’t you dare!” A Hemera woman burst from the bushes, storming toward Zair like a mother rehn protecting her young. She shoved him off his bench and shouldered past Gib before scooping the noisy creature into her hand. “This is my tibbar, not some kind of vermin.”
“Tibbar? Try nasty rodent that tried to eat me.” Zair smoothed out his uniform but kept his distance from the creature now perched on the woman’s shoulder.
“You’re both on nehbred.” She kicked dirt at them, her pink lips pursed and her dark eyes set in a deadly stare. “You don’t know what you’re talking about when it comes to my pet or my planet.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jessica E. Subject is the author of science fiction romance, mostly alien romances, ranging from sweet to super hot. Sometimes she dabbles in paranormal and contemporary as well, bringing to life a wide variety of characters. In her stories, you could not only meet a sexy alien or two, but also clones and androids. You may be transported to a dystopian world where rebels are fighting to live and love, or to another planet for a romantic rendezvous.
When Jessica is not reading, writing, or doing dreaded housework, she likes to go to fitness class and walk her Great Pyrenees/Retriever her family adopted from the local animal shelter.
Jessica lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two energetic children. And she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her at jessicasubject.com.
AUTHOR LINKS:
Website – http://jessicasubject.com
Newsletter – http://eepurl.com/eX1Zw
Twitter – http://twitter.com/jsubject
Facebook Page – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-E-Subject-author/205759796126370
Facebook Reader Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/175887792592903/
Pinterest – http://pinterest.com/jessicasubject/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jessicaesubject/
Google+ – https://plus.google.com/u/0/100079570422204018357/posts
Amazon Author Page – http://amazon.com/author/jessicasubject
Goodreads Page – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4959083.Jessica_E_Subject
Authorgraph – http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/jsubject
KEYWORDS: romance, scifi, science fiction, scifi romance, scifirom, sfr, Pets in Space, Embrace the Romance, Gib and the Tibbar, Galactic Defenders, tibbar, pets, Jessica E. Subject, new release #PetsinSpace
October 13, 2017
My Life With Cats: My Favorite Cat Stories
Today, we meet another fab author from the Pets in Space 2 Anthology. Cara Bristol is going to share her life with cats with us. Read to the end to find out more about her Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2 story, Rescued by the Cyborg.
My life with cats: my favorite cat stories
By Cara Bristol
Growing up, I had both cats and dogs as pets (as well as some other critters), and while I enjoy the company of both, I lean toward being a cat person. I presently have only one cat. Her name is Hannah, and I adopted her and her brother Mike from a pet rescue shelter over Thanksgiving in 2003. Mike passed over the rainbow bridge a few years ago, but I still have Hannah. She’s a tabby with ‘tude.
Some of my fondest (funniest) memories of pets involve cats. I’d like to share a few.
When I was nine years old we acquired a Siamese mix I named Charnesky after a character in a book. I was home alone and my mom was at work one day when Charnesky, then a kitten, “got stuck” behind the washing machine. The piteous meows! I coaxed and called, but couldn’t get him to come out. Upset, I called my mom at work.
“Charnesky’s stuck behind the washing machine,” I sobbed.
“I’m sure he’ll come out,” she said.
“He won’t! He’s stuck.”
So my mom left work. It took her maybe half an hour to drive home. As I heard her footsteps on the walk outside the house, the damn cat came out! I’d called her home from work for nothing! I was sure I was going to be in trouble. I grabbed Charnesky and shoved him back behind the washing machine. But he wouldn’t stay.
My mom walked in. There was Charnesky.
“He just came out!” I said.
“Why didn’t you stuff him back?” she asked.
* * *
Same cat. Still a kitten. We’d taken Charnesky to the vet for his shots. I was sitting in the waiting room with the cat on my lap when someone entered with a large dog. Charnesky leaped to highest point he could get to—the top of my head. I had a kitten on my head, digging his claws into my scalp.
* * *
In high school, I had a friend who, I would learn, was afraid of many, many things: escalators, grass—I’m not kidding. A lot of people don’t like snakes, but we were in a pet store one time, and I spotted some snakes behind the case. “Look, snakes,” I said. Her back was turned. She hadn’t even seen them, but she ran screaming from the pet store.
She was also afraid of cats. We hadn’t known each other very long when she came to my house for the first time. We entered my room. My cat (Puff, not Charnesky) was curled into a ball, asleep on my bed.
My friend screamed. It wasn’t a little yelp, it was a somebody’s-trying-to-kill-me scream. Poor Puff! She shot into the air about three feet and dove under the bed.
Do you have a favorite pet story to share?
Rescued by the Cyborg
A Novella in the Cy-Ops Sci-fi Romance Series
A cyborg’s haunted past and a Faria’s clouded future entwine…
Hostage and sole survivor Solia waits for death at the hands of vicious predatory aliens when Cy-Ops agent Guy Roarke disobeys orders and charges in. A former medic, he initiates emergency medical procedures before rushing her to Cybermed.
Guy is taken with Solia, but the guilt of a past mistake won’t allow him to plan for a future with the delicate, brave beauty. Life is so uncertain, he can’t even keep Mittzi, the kitten his niece gave him. What he can do is see to it Solia gets the help she needs for a full recovery. But when best intentions place her in greater danger, it’s up to a little kitten to make everything all right again.
Rescued by the Cyborg Excerpt
Guy pushed into his cabin. Next to his bags was the gift—a box tied with a big red bow. The carton was moving. And mewing. “Oh, Jessamine, what did you do?”
The box bumped into his foot. Atop the lid, his niece had written: LIVE ANAMUL. OPEN IMED IMID SOON!
He ripped off the bow and peeled back the top. Inside, an angry, frightened kitten hissed. Jessamine’s cat had birthed a litter, and he recognized this baby by its gray coat, four white feet, and a blotch shaped like a star on its button nose.
Sighing, he reached into the carton.
The kitten growled and swiped its claws across his skin.
“Ow!” Guy yanked his hand back. The kitten leaped out and dove under the berth.
Great. Just great. How could his niece have done such a thing? She shouldn’t have boxed up a live animal—even if she did punch air holes in the carton. If she hadn’t contacted him and insisted he open the present, the kitten might have remained inside for quite a while.
In the corner of the container, he spotted a slip of paper, partially shredded. He unfolded it.
Dear Uncle Guy,
I know you are sad, and I want you to be happy. I am giving you one of Fluffy’s kittens so you won’t be lonely. I named her Mittzi becuz she has four wite white mittens. Pleez come home again, soon.
Jessamine
XOXO
His sister worried about him, but Carter, too, and now Jessamine? He hadn’t hidden his feelings well enough if his seven-year-old niece could pick up on them.
Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2
The pets are back! Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2, featuring twelve of today’s leading Science Fiction Romance authors brings you a dozen original stories written just for you! Join in the fun, from the Dragon Lords of Valdier to a trip aboard award-winning author, Veronica Scott’s Nebula Zephyr to journeying back to Luda where Grim is King, for stories that will take you out of this world! Join New York Times, USA TODAY, and Award-winning authors S.E. Smith, M.K. Eidem, Susan Grant, Michelle Howard, Cara Bristol, Veronica Scott, Pauline Baird Jones, Laurie A. Green, Sabine Priestley, Jessica E. Subject, Carol Van Natta, and Alexis Glynn Latner as they share stories and help out Hero-Dogs.org, a charity that supports our veterans!
10% of the first month’s profits go to Hero-Dogs.org. Hero Dogs raises and trains service dogs and places them free of charge with US Veterans to improve quality of life and restore independence.
Cara Bristol Bio
USA Today bestselling author Cara Bristol writes steamy science fiction romance with an emphasis on the characters and their romance, with a little humor, heat, and danger added for fun. She is the author of three science fiction romance series: sexy cyborg Cy-Ops Scifi Romance series, the dark erotic Breeder series, and the new humorous Alien Mate series. She likes to say that she writes science fiction for readers who don’t like sci-fi. Cara lives in Missouri with her alpha hero, her husband, and Hannah, her cat, aka her writing supervisor.
Social media links:
Web site: http://www.carabristol.com
Newsletter: http://carabristol.com/get-your-free-book/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cara.bristol.3
Twitter: @CaraBristol, https://twitter.com/CaraBristol
