#24, Zina Lynch. Zina, write to me at bethkery@aol.com in order to claim your prize!

In orther news, Lea is having a contest for RELEASE over at her blog. She did a review for RELEASE, and you can also comment to win a copy of RELEASE. Check it out here.

Up next, the wonderful Julie James visits the Release Your Inhibitions Contest!

Big hug to Fiona Jayde! She’s here to tell us about her upcoming Cold Victory, and she and I share a release date of Feb 2. She just got this gorgeous cover. Fiona has been kind enough to offer an ebook download of Cold Victory to one commenter here today. (The ebook will be sent Feb. 1 to the winner).

Intergalactic warfare has not been kind to humans. Convicted pilot Zoya Scott has the chance to avenge her family, redeem an act of desperation with that of sacrifice. She’ll end this war if she betrays the man whose touch burns through her soul, the man whose ship and crew she must destroy. The man who is her bloodmate.
Commander Galen Stark never expected the convicted pilot on his ship to be anything more then a good looking inconvenience. A small brush of their hands grips him with vicious lust, a need he can’t control. She is his bloodmate ““ a biological reaction burning through his veins.
Except she carries an explosive. And Stark may have to give the order to destroy them all.

Coming Soon from Loose ID.

Fiona’s Interview

Beth: Welcome, Fiona! Congrats on the upcoming release of Cold Victory! Tell us a bit about this space opera/scorcher. (Which I read and loved).

Fi: Thank you for having me! And I’m thrilled you loved Cold Victory! The story is about the human condition ““ how the darkest of situations can be turned around by unconventional thinking and breaking through the “˜labels’ people tend to apply to each other.

I envisioned a future where humans meld technology into their bodies, allowing them to do “superhuman” things and live much longer then the average human lifetime. Because of this, evolution has humans producing less offspring, while at the same time establishing “blood matches” ““ select humans with compatible DNA who when biologically recognizing each other experience an intense hormonal reaction.

I created a word where no matter how much we mess with the natural order of things through technology, nature and our own humanity will always have the upper hand.

In Cold Victory, Commander Galen Stark and Pilot Zoya Scott find themselves in the predicament of being bloodmates ““ something neither of them want to experience. Stark has a ship to lead into intergalactic battle, while Zoya has an opportunity to end the entire war if she finds the strength to blow up the entire BattleCruiser Victory with her bloodmate ““ her lover – aboard.

Beth: Nice. Yeah, it was genius how you mixed the idea of something so primitive, almost animalistic with all that technology. No matter how much you mechanize, you can’t escape lust and love, huh?
You are an experienced graphic artist/artist in addition to being an author. What’s your favorite Fiona Jayde book cover and why?

Hmm… I have to say it’s a tossup between Cold Victory and DragonSlayer and Pas De Deux.

As far as why ““ they all suit the book exceptionally well! In Cold Victory, artist Anne Cain used a cold palette ““ no warm colors. The characters are very close to how I envisioned them, and the design is just awesome. Plus I love the laser beam /ship thingy. 🙂 The whole look matches the book perfectly.

DragonSlayer is actually completely opposite ““ the book is all about fire and heat and a kickass female heroine complete with two swords. My good friend Marteeka Karland helped me with the cover ““ she is great with Daz 3d and was extremely patient with my backseat driving (move her leg here… move her sword there). It was a collaborative effort, and it really represents a kickass fantasy story.
http://fionajayde.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/DragonSlayerFinal300.jpg

Pas De Deux is a very “subtle” book compared to the previous two. Its all about passion hidden underneath ““ and the cover with its purple tone really captures that idea. The cover artist Amanda Kelsey found a photo that exactly captures my hero ““ down to the little cross he wears on his neck. The cover composition is so elegant with hot undercurrents of passion ““ really matching the tone of the book.
http://samhainpublishing.com/coming/pas-de-deux

Beth: The CV cover really does match the tone well. That was one of my first impressions. What’s the best thing you ever heard from a reader?

LOL you’ve heard me say that before, but honestly the best thing I’ve ever heard was a certain someone comparing my writing to Raymond Chandlers. (Who is a stylistic god in my eyes, so that was a HUGE compliment!!)

Beth: (Oh! I just got home from work and realized I didn’t respond to this answer! *Waves hand* That was moi who said that).
What’s your biggest fear?

Snakes. Can’t stand snakes. There’s twosnakes in hubby’s office ““ for visitors to gawk at. They are all in cages, but just thinking about them gives me the heebie-jeebies.

Beth: What would you like people to remember about you as a writer?

I’d like to be remembered as a writer who told a damned good story. 🙂

Beth: You are not allowed to bow out of this—I can’t believe how modest authors usually are, refusing to do this part!—please give us a paragraph or two from your writing of which you are particularly proud. Why do you like this portion?

LOL Beth, no getting out of this one, eh?
Here’s a taste from Cold Victory. I really like this passage because it really gets to the heart of conflict between duty and emotion and sexual tension.

“Excuse me, Commander.” Those gold eyes flared. “Perhaps you were misled about their skill level. Most of them never had field experience. Their battle skills were taught in hologames.”

Stark had to get away from her before his damned glands forced him into doing something stupid. Like kissing her. Fucking her breathless. Feeling her shuddering around him as she came. “So noted.”

“Right.” A bitter smirk. Those eyes went dull again, as if he were responsible for leeching out the light inside them. “Your job is to give orders and coordinate attacks. You don’t know who is out there dying.”

He couldn’t breathe without taking in her heat, couldn’t think beyond the words she hurled at him. “You’re right, I don’t. I don’t know their names or anything about them. They’re just soldiers. They’re trained to follow orders.”

Before he knew what he was doing, he roughly pulled at the sleeve of his undershirt, exposing neat rows of tattoos. “I don’t know them.” He shook his head, battling arousal, emotion, and frustration. “I just count their deaths.”

Silence. He was an idiot to lose control like this, to share the part of himself which he’d always kept hidden. He was an idiot to need her to understand the only way he could grieve. He was an idiot to feel this raw, sexual pull toward her.

“I’m-I’m sorry.” Her voice thick, her eyes shattered, Zoya lightly touched the dots on his upper arm.

Shock rippled on his skin, pinpricks of heat and vicious, coiled lust. He nearly staggered, fighting the dark urge to cover her lush mouth while his body primed to take, to feast. Her eyes flared wide, yet she didn’t pull her arm away when his fingers closed around her wrist.
“You shouldn’t touch me.” Her pulse beat hard under his fingertips, her skin like warm, smooth silk. He gave her time to back away, to rip her arm away, say something cutting. Yet she did nothing, simply looked up at him with hot, unguarded eyes, her mouth vulnerable and soft, seconds from his.

Flashes of skin, hot gripping palms, moist hungry lips. Stark didn’t know when he pressed her against a bulkhead, when her hands clutched his shoulders, when her ragged breaths became his own. He couldn’t get enough, couldn’t take a breath, couldn’t tear himself away from ravaging her lips, plunging into the sweet depth of her mouth.

Her scent was like a potent drug pumping into his veins. Lips fused, tongues mated, he kissed her like a starving man, as if both their lives depended on it. Cupping her head, he held her steady for his onslaught, fighting himself, fighting against the soft, hitched breaths she made against his mouth. Even as someone screamed inside his head about duty and protocol, the beast inside him wouldn’t let him stop.

Beth: I remember this scene. So Fionaesque.
What project is up next for you?

I’m currently completing a first draft for Shades of Blue – a contemporary erotic romance about two musicians from different disciplines ““ classical music and blues.

I’m also turning gears on Tainted Glory ““ set in the same universe as Cold Victory.

Beth: I really like that contemp theme, since you are a musician yourself and have some experience to bring to the book. And awesome about steaming on a contemp for Cold Victory!

Thank you for joining me at the Release Contest, Fi!

Thanks so much for having me!
*****
Leave Fi a comment and you qualify to win an ebook of Dark Victory on Feb. 1, even before it comes out. Winner will be announced on Monday morning, when the Release Your Inhibitions Contest continues. If you haven’t entered, btw, better get your name in for the $100 Amazon Gift Certificate. Prize drawn on Jan. 30!

Fiona, Juliana Stone and I are all having a HUGE Release Day Eve party at our Total Exposure Yahoo Group, since we all have the same release date of Feb 2. Join the yahoo group below by hitting the link under “Beth’s Stuff”.

#10, Kim H. Kim, write to me at bethkery@aol.com to claim your prize! Many thanks to Megan Hart for her donation of her time and her newest book, Switch!
Up next, Fiona Jayde stops by the Release Your Inhibition Contest to talk about her upcoming Loose ID book, Dark Victory!

Please join me in a big welcome to Megan Hart!

Beth: Welcome Megan! It’s an honor to have you here. For those who don’t know, I think Megan is a prime example that eroticism, emotion and top notch literary writing can be found in the erotic romance arena.

Thanks, Beth. *blush blush*

Beth: In your opinion, what’s the most difficult thing about being an erotic romance author?

I’m not sure I think there’s anything too difficult about it that isn’t difficult about being any kind of author. Or of any job, really. Things I find difficult are time management, creative drain, that sort of thing. They’re not particularly related to writing erotic romance, just writing in general.

Beth: What are you most afraid of?

Having someone I love be in pain or sick.

Beth: In your opinion, how has the erotic romance readership changed over the past ten years?

I think readers are becoming more used to being able to find hotter material, and they’re not afraid to admit they like reading erotic material, which I think is fantastic.

Beth: What would you like people to remember about you as a writer?

Hmmm. That I did my best. That’s really all I can expect anything to remember.

Beth: You are not allowed to bow out of this—I can’t believe how modest authors usually are, refusing to do this part!—please give us a paragraph or two from your writing of which you are particularly proud. Why do you like this portion?

This is from my work in progress, for COLLIDE:

Silence stretched between us, but it wasn’t quiet. It was full of the beat of my heart, the hitch and shift of my breath. It was strung tight with tension, thrumming like a plucked guitar string. I moved out from behind the table.

Why do I like it? I don’t know. Because I’ve felt that sort of tension, heard that sort of non-silence that’s very quiet.

Beth: I agree. It’s a beautiful bit. What project is up for you next?

I’m working on another book for Spice called COLLIDE and after that will start my next Order of Solace book. It doesn’t have a title yet! I’m also busy with some short stories and a couple of novels for MIRA which will be out in 2011 and 2012.

Beth: Thank you for joining me at the Release Contest, Megan!

Thanks!

Beth: Now, about about Megan’s latest, SWITCH!

Don’t think.
Don’t question.
Just do.

The anonymous note wasn’t for me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not in the habit of reading other people’s mail, but it was just a piece of paper with a few lines scrawled on it, clearly meant for the apartment upstairs. It looked so innocent, but decidedly– deliciously–it was not.

Before replacing the note–and the ones that followed –in its rightful slot, I devoured its contents: suggestions, instructions, summonses, commands. Each was more daring, more intricate and more arousing than the last… and I followed them all to the letter.

Before the notes, if a man had told me what to do, I’d have told him where to go. But submission is an art, and there’s something oddly freeing about doing someone’s bidding…especially when it feels so very, very good.

But I find that the more I surrender, the more powerful I feel–so it’s time to switch up roles.

We play by my rules now.

Learn more about Megan and her books
Read an Excerpt from Switch

****

Megan has been very generous in offering a copy of her latest steamer, SWITCH, to one commenter today. Thanks, Megan! The prize will be given away tomorrow morning, so check back.

And if you haven’t put your name in yet for the Release Your Inhibitions Contest and qualify to win a $100 Amazon gift certificate on January 30th.

#41, Blanche! Congrats, Blanche! Write me at bethkery@aol.com to claim your prize!

Larissa, thanks so much for stopping by in the midst of your very, very busy schedule. We all appreciated it. And big sales for Lore!

Just a quick note that there will be a Saturday guest tomorrow; my friend Fiona Jayde is going to stop by and talk about her upcoming Loose ID book!

Up next, a chat with Megan Hart and a give away of her latest, SWITCH!

I’m thrilled to have Larissa Ione here today. Larissa is a smart, quirky, fun-loving lady who also happens to be a terrific writer. She’s here today talking about her latest Demonica book, Ecstasy Unveiled. If you haven’t tried these sexy, paranormal treats yet, you don’t know what you’re missing.

*****

Beth: Welcome, Larissa! So cool that we are sharing a similar release time.

Larissa: It IS cool! I always think it’s fun to release with friends, because stressing out alone is no fun…

Beth: Tell us about something new you learned last year as a writer.

Larissa: I learned that I’m a slow writer, and no amount of pantsing, speed-writing, or fast-drafting is going to help that. I’ve just got to accept my slowness and find a way to embrace it.

Beth: You are not allowed to bow out of this part—I can’t believe how modest authors usually are, refusing to do this part!—please give us a paragraph or two from your writing of which you are particularly proud. Why do you like this portion?

Larissa: *sobs* Seriously? I can’t bow out of this? I have SUCH a hard time judging my work! I guess I’ll take a paragraph from Passion Unleashed, which I think highlight’s Wraith’s voice really well:

He’d spied the gang members earlier, had scented their aggression, their need to draw blood, and Wraith’s need to do the same stirred. Like any predator, he’d chosen his target with care. But unlike most predators, he didn’t go for the weak or the aged. Screw that. He wanted the strongest, the biggest, the most dangerous.

He liked his pint of blood with an adrenaline chaser.

Beth: *Grin* Yeah, good one. That last line is Wraith, but it’s pure Larissa as well.
What would you like people to remember about you as a writer?

Larissa: That I don’t hold back. I don’t pull punches. My writing is gritty, raw, and raunchy at times. But I also don’t take myself that seriously, and in my books you’ll find humor, camp, and over-the-top situations. That’s what makes it fun to write.

Beth: Okay, so you put me on the spot in a recent interview for your newsletter, so I’m going to ask you the same question (Oh, this is cruel to ask a writer). Which Demonica brother is your favorite?

Larissa: Oh, you ARE cruel! (It was funny when I put YOU on the spot!) Gah. Okay…I really can’t decide — I love them all for different reasons. I think Eidolon is the one I’d choose to date in real life, but Wraith is just fun. He was my favorite to write. So I’m just going to go with that for an answer. A non-answer…

Beth: Well, fair enough. An yes, it was very hard for me to choose, so I can imagine how difficult it would be for you. What new projects do you have in store for your readers?

Larissa: Well, I’m currently working on revisions to Sin Undone, which is the fifth Demonica book. I’ll also be starting work on the 6th Sydney Croft book and the first book in my new series, which is a Demonica spinoff about the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse. I can’t wait to get going on that series!

Beth: Thanks so much for joining us here today, Larissa. It’s always a pleasure.

Larissa: Back atcha! Always nice to be here, and thanks for having me! Your interview in my newsletter will be out next week. Looking forward to making fun of, er, having you! 🙂 (Readers, if you want to check out Beth in my newsletter, be sure to sign up! http://larissaione.com/blog/news/)

*****


Ecstasy Unveiled
January 26, 2010
Demonica Book 4
Grand Central Publishing

A Demon Enslaved…

Lore is a Seminus half-breed demon who has been forced to act as his dark master’s assassin. Now to earn his freedom and save his sister’s life, he must complete one last kill. Powerful and ruthless, he’ll stop at nothing to carry out this deadly mission.

An Angel Tempted…

Idess is an earthbound angel with a wild side sworn to protect the human Lore is targeting. She’s determined to thwart her wickedly handsome adversary by any means necessary—even if that means risking her vow of eternal chastity. But what begins as a simple seduction soon turns into a passion that leaves both angel and demon craving complete surrender.

Torn between duty and desire, Lore and Idess must join forces as they battle their attraction for each other. Because an enemy from the past is rising again—hellbent on vengeance and unthinkable destruction.

Read an Excerpt Now
Pre-Order Ecstasy Unveiled

****

What fun she is.

Okay, Larissa has kindly offered to one lucky commenter a choice of one book from her backlist OR a Demonica bag if you have all her books already. The winner will be announced tomorrow morning. And remember to enter the Release Your Inhibitions Contest for a chance at a $100 gift certificate on Jan. 30! Have at it!

A big hug and welcome to Shelli Stevens to the Release Your Inhibitions Contest! Shelli is here talking about her brand new Samhain story, Four Play! Leave Shelli a comment and you qualify to win a copy of it tomorrow morning.

Mikayla knew this day was coming. News has come down from the planetary elders—now that she’s twenty-five, the law requires she pick her lifemate. She may be the planetary secretary, but when it comes to trying out potential mates, she’s inexperienced and nervous.

She only needs one man with whom she can trust her life. Luckily she knows three—all friends since childhood. Even if they’re not thrilled to be her potential lifemate, it’s the only way she can get through this process.

Mikayla couldn’t be more wrong about Cedric, Kyle, and Brett. They’re eager, yet resentful about the situation. Each one would kill to claim her, but they’re not too happy about having to risk their friendship to win her love. Yet, one by one, they set out to do just that.

Mikayla is stunned to learn all three men drive her mad with desire—and make her feel cherished. Loved. Choosing one seems impossible, until the one man she doesn’t want forces her hand…

EXCERPT:

Kyle grinned and sank down next to her, then leaned back on his elbows, crossing one leg over another.
The action drew his shirt taut over his abdomen, highlighting the muscles beneath.

A flutter occurred low in her belly and she bit her lip, shifting her gaze away. What was the matter with her? He was fully clothed and this was hardly the first occasion she’d spent time with him alone.

“Mikayla,” Kyle said softly and caught her hand. “What made you choose us?”

Her cheeks warmed and she shrugged. “Well, basically it was like I said. I suppose I hate the idea of making a strange man my lifemate. I know you three. I adore you and would trust each one of you with my life.” She lifted her gaze and searched his eyes. The unease hit again—was she forcing them into this? She
whispered, “Am I being terribly selfish?”

His blue gaze darkened, flickered with heat. “No, kitten. Not selfish at all. Though you’ve put us in one hell of a predicament.”

“Have I? How so?” Her heart skipped and she ran her tongue across her mouth.

Kyle’s gaze dropped to observe the movement.

“Because all three of us would give our souls to possess you,” he said roughly and, with a light tug of his hand, pulled her so that she fell across his chest. He reclined fully onto the blanket and slid his hands up her waist.

“To win your love.”

Surprise rushed through her. Truly? They all wanted more than just friendship from her?

Her pulse quickened and she wondered if she should be feeling guilty for acting so wanton. But dear Gods it felt wonderful to lie across his hard body like this. Across Kyle. How strange…

“All of you? But Brett didn’t seem happy in the least.”

Kyle laughed. “He’s just infuriated that I was chosen to court you first. The man is more competitive than he likes to let on.” He slid his hand down to her ass, cupping her through the thin cotton. “But fortunately I am too, kitten. Do I have your permission to continue?”

Continue. Oh Gods, she could not even begin to comprehend what that entailed, but she wanted it. Not trusting her voice, she gave a slight nod.

Triumph flickered in his gaze as he slid one hand up to cradle the back of her head, pulling her mouth down to his. His mouth was entirely too skilled, coaxing her lips apart before his tongue slipped inside.

She met his commanding touch, hesitantly flicking her tongue against his. Heat bloomed in her body as she let her weight rest fully on him. He threaded his fingers through her hair and tilted her head, deepening the kiss.

Warmth slid through Mikayla’s body, gathering heavily between her legs. She squirmed against him, needing more than the kiss, but not sure how to ask for it.

But Kyle seemed to know exactly what she needed, because he lifted one leg between her thighs so that she straddled him. His knee wedged against her pussy, sending all kinds of sparks of pleasure through her.

She cried out and lifted her head, bracing her hands on either side of his body, rocking back and forth on his knee in search of that ultimate pleasure.

“You need to slow down, kitten,” he murmured and slid his hands up her ribcage to cup her breasts. “This is just the beginning.”

Oh Gods! Mikayla closed her eyes. If this was just the beginning of pleasure, then she was in a heap of trouble.

Shelli’s Interview
Beth: Oh Gods is right! Welcome, Shelli! It was a big year for you last year. Tell us about something new you learned last year as a writer.

Shelli: I really learned to pay it forward. To spread the love and support other authors. Because it can be a lonely and frustrating road. The more support we have, the easier it is.

Beth: Good point. Writing is a very isolating profession by nature. We need support and guidance.
What do you fear the most?

Sheli: In writing? Well, probably that illegal downloading will mean no one buys my books, and I’m essentially writing for free. Which, being a single mom, sorry, can’t do that. LOL. Thankfully I seem to have a good following right now of readers who buy my books—and I’m so thankful to them!

Beth: Yeah, no kidding. The effects of piracy are so subtle and insidious.
How do you want to be remembered as a writer?

Shelli: Someone whose books were fun to read. Where they could make you laugh or make you cry. Make you believe in love. It’s always gotta be about the love for me. Maybe because I’m still looking for it myself 😛

Beth: Well good luck with that, friend. 😉
You are not allowed to bow out of this part—I can’t believe how modest authors usually are, refusing to do this part!—please give us a paragraph or two from your writing of which you are particularly proud. Why do you like this portion? Oh, see I can totally understand why people WOULD bow out. Hmm. Well, I like dialog quit a bit (I’m a dialog whore) so here’s a scene that I’m quite fond of in my book Anybody but Justin.

“Gabby? What am I missing here? Why are you so afraid to take this thing between us to the next
level?”

“Because I can’t trust you!”

Her hoarse words hung in the air—increasing that invisible barrier between them. She could’ve sworn
she saw a flicker of hurt on his face, but then it was gone.

“How can you not trust me? Jesus, Gab, you know me inside and out. I considered you my best
friend—”

“That’s just it,” she said quietly and closed her eyes briefly. She hadn’t wanted to go here with him.
Hadn’t wanted to have to admit it. “I do know you, Justin. I know you entirely too well.”

“Please don’t tell me you’re going to give me some crap line about how sleeping with me would be
like sleeping with your brother?”

“No!” She laughed and some of the tension left her body at his ridiculous question. “I wouldn’t have
been all over you like white on rice a minute ago if I remotely had that brother vibe while kissing you.”

A smug smile flitted across his face before he straightened it and cleared his throat.

“Okay, so what’s the problem? Why don’t you trust me?”

“Because I know how you are with women.” She turned away and walked back into the kitchen.

There was no way she would let him see the vulnerability she knew would be naked on her face. It was an
effort to keep her words light. “You sleep with a woman for a few weeks…maybe even a month or two,
and then it’s over. You move on.”

“Gabby…”

“I don’t want to be one of those women, Justin. I won’t.”

There was no response right away. Was he mad? Disappointed? She stared out the small window in
the kitchen and drew her bottom lip between her teeth.

“I don’t know why you’re casting stones from a glass house,” he finally said. “In the two years we
lived together, you never once had a long-term relationship.”

“Maybe not,” she admitted. “But there were a helluva lot more women passing through the house than
men, Justin.”

“Not that many more.”

She turned, startled at the sudden tightness in his words. When she looked at him again, his
expression had turned surly and his hands were shoved into his pockets.

“What, did you keep track or something?”

He didn’t reply, which sent a wave of butterflies through her stomach. He wouldn’t have kept tabs on
the men she’d dated, would he? By all appearances, he’d barely noticed when she did date different guys.

“We’re more alike than you think. I don’t see how it could hurt to just see where this thing between us
goes.”

Why did he keep pressing? Her pulse sped up and she ran her tongue over her lips. No way. It was
simply too crazy to contemplate.

Twice now Justin had touched her in a way that went beyond platonic. That was two times she’d
gotten swept away on a rush of desire, but more so, had felt the tugging at her heart. Of wanting to let
someone in. Lord, he already had one foot into the door of her heart, having been her best friend.

But Justin was not a man she could fall in love with. She just couldn’t. It wouldn’t end right at all.
The best-case scenario, she’d end up with a broken heart. The worst case…she’d end up like her mother.

Beth: 🙂 Nice one, Shelli.
What new projects do you have in store for your readers?

Shelli: Well, let’s see. I have my second futuristic Aphrodisia book coming out this summer, called Need Me. And then I’ve just sold the first novella, Going Down (cop term of course 😉 , in a series of novellas to Samhain. Kind of a small coastal town, brothers, all in heroic careers type of thing. Then I have my agent (our agent!) with a couple projects she’ll be shopping in the future. Fingers crossed!

Beth: Yep, crossed all around.
Thanks so much for joining us here today, Shelli. It’s always a pleasure.

Shelli: Thank you for having me! Always fun being here!

Learn more about Shelli and her books
Purchase Four Play and start reading now!

If you haven’t entered the Release Your Inhibitions Contest, for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift certificate, make sure you do so now. The drawing is on the 30th, and the odds are looking good! Give it a roll!

Elaing8,#15! Elaine, write to me at bethkery@aol.com to claim your prize in the next 48 hours.

The Kelly Jamieson prize, Rigger, was never claimed, so I had to draw a new name. That is Judy Cox! Judy, write to me to claim your prize.

Up next, the wonderful Shelli Stevens joins us and talks about Four Play!

Beth: Welcome Juniper, to the Release Contest!

Hi Beth! Thanks so much for having me on your blog. I’m a huge fan of your work, and I’m so excited to be here.

Beth: Thanks very much. I’m very interested in hearing more about your writing, as well, and I’m thrilled to have you here.
When did you first become published and how have you changed as a writer since then?

My first book was published in August of 2009, so this is all still new to me! I have two books out right now, and I’d say the biggest change for me is learning to think more professionally. You can’t just write the book, you have to tell people about it. Promotion is fun but it’s time-consuming, so I’m learning how to manage my time so I can still write. It’s been great to see how people react to my books, what works and what doesn’t. I’ve learned an incredible amount in a short time. I’ve learned to keep the story moving, and that nothing beats a great hero.

Beth: I still think of myself as new as well, and I agree one hundred percent: there’s so much to learn.
In your opinion, what’s the most difficult thing about being an erotic romance author?

Great question! There’s the moment when you first explain what you do. That can be awkward. Either people get really interested and start asking embarrassing personal questions, or they change the subject very quickly. In terms of writing, editing sex scenes is hilarious. You get lost in it while you’re writing, but then when you put your editor eyes on to see if it works … well, sometimes I think this has to be the weirdest job in the world. And of course finding new ways to phrase things so you aren’t repeating yourself and pulling readers out of the story.

Beth: LOL. Well put, Juniper.
What’s your favorite Juniper Bell book cover and why?

I love all my covers, but I have a soft spot for the “Doll” cover. It’s so unique and eye-catching, and it creates an instant question. Who is she, and why is she turning her head away, why is she kneeling? I think the artist (Kanaxa) did a brilliant job capturing the mood and theme of the book in one simple, stunning image.

Beth: What’s the best thing you ever heard from a reader?

One reader emailed me that she stayed up all night to finish “Doll” and cried at the end. I was incredibly moved by that. The story has some intense emotions in it, but you never know how it will affect readers.

Beth: What would you like people to remember about you as a writer?

I’d like people to remember that I wrote my heart out for them. That I offered them a story in which people go through things, good and bad, and come out stronger and happier at the end. And that the story was smokin’ hot. (Smiles.)

Beth: You are not allowed to bow out of this—I can’t believe how modest authors usually are, refusing to do this part!—please give us a paragraph or two from your writing of which you are particularly proud. Why do you like this portion?

You’re right, this is so hard! It feels like boasting, but as long as you know it’s not …
I like this particular part because I love using the world around the characters as a way to convey their emotions. Chloe experiences the wind as a reflection of what she’s going through. Her inner world and the outer world interact here. It’s just a short moment but I like it.

Strange how the wind seemed to be flinging itself at the windows. As if it wanted to get in. To get to her. It sounded like a bitter roar, like Andrew when she’d screwed up every ounce of her courage and told him she wanted a divorce. You’ll never get the kids. You’ll never survive without me. You’ll never find a man who will put up with a frigid ice bitch like you. She shivered. If Andrew really wanted to keep the girls, how would she fight him? She would have to go public with her side of the story, which would bring humiliation not only to her, but also to her kids. Would it be worth it?

A gust of wind rattled the door to the balcony. She rose and went to it. When she turned the knob, the door flew open with a bang. With the salty ocean air full on her face, she stepped onto the balcony, into a world of wild darkness. The wind howled and swirled around her. Instead of attacking her, it filled her with a strange, primal strength. Andrew didn’t have the right to keep her a helpless sex doll her whole life. She’d done enough. Gone along with his strange needs. Until he’d pushed her too far.

Beth: Hmmm….Intriguing 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
What project is up next for you?

My next book is coming out on March 9, it’s called “Training the Receptionist.” It’s an erotic novella about a girl who lands her naughty dream job. It’s really fun and sexy and I can’t wait for it to come out.

Beth: Thank you for joining me at the Release Contest, Juniper!

Thank you so much for having me, and congratulations on the release of “Release!” I can’t wait to read it.

Beth: Thanks very much, Juniper. Best of luck in your writing career.
Juniper has been kind enough to offer to one e-copy of her latest, Doll, to on random commenter here. Prize will be awarded Wednesday morning and must be claimed by the winner.

“Doll” by Juniper Bell

Even a plaything can be pushed too far…

Power.

Chloe Barnes thought her marriage to a wealthy politician would be the stuff of fairy tales. Instead, he took advantage of her naiveté and used her as a plaything to fulfill his twisted sexual needs. Ten years is enough. She returns to Bellhaven Island to sell the summer cottage she inherited, hoping the money will buy her freedom—and custody of her daughters.

Memories.

Fisherman Dustin McDougal never forgot the childhood crush he once had on the fairy-like Chloe. The woman she’s become has a haunted look that brings his feelings back, stronger than ever…with a mature edge. Along with all his protective instincts.

Sexual healing.

Their passion blows stronger than a Maine nor’easter, awakening Chloe to the joy of true love. Yet it may not be strong enough to free her from the past…
Warning: This title contains politicians doing all sorts of nasty things and flashbacks of male domination. It also features hot sex on a boat, hot sex in an attic, hot sex on a work bench…you get the idea.

Excerpt:

“Have you been on your boat?” Chloe asked dreamily, as Dustin ran his hands over her back.
“Had to fix a bearing. That engine’s always making some noise or other. Sometimes I think it just wants my attention.”
“I don’t blame it.” He found the lower edge of her sweater and snaked his hand under it. At the feel of his work-roughened palm on her skin, a shudder went through her. Immediately he stopped.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes! You’re not following the rules. If I want you to stop, I’ll tell you. I don’t want you to stop. As a matter of fact—” She drew away from him. “Let’s take off our clothes. Together. At the same time.”
He looked amused. “On the count of three?”
“One…” Chloe stepped out of her skirt. Underneath, she wore woolly leggings for warmth. “Two…” She started to pull off the leggings.
“Hang on! You’re getting ahead of me.” He unbuttoned his jeans, revealing boxers and a huge erection. She felt the breath leave her body.
It was a good feeling.
She put her hands to the hem of her sweater and slid it over her head. It was quickly followed by her turtleneck. She stood in front of him, wearing only her pink lace underwear, while he unbuttoned his flannel shirt. Under it, he wore a “Save the Whales” T-shirt, which she found so endearing, she laughed.
“Am I that funny-looking?” he asked with a wounded look.
“I didn’t know you were a tree-hugger.”
“Some of my best friends are trees.” There was a twinkle in his deep blue eyes that put her completely at ease. “The rest are whales.”
“I think that might be a whale in your pants.”
He waggled his eyebrows lasciviously, then laughed, an infectious chuckle that made her answer with one of her own. Never before had she laughed during sex, or the buildup to sex. Never before had she even smiled. Or joked. Or teased. If they stopped right now, this would still be a groundbreaking experience for her. But she had no intention of stopping. “You’re still wearing boxers and a T-shirt.”
“And you’ve got the bra and panties. Not that I mind the view.”
For a moment, she stiffened. Fearfully, she raised her eyes to his. Would she see that same calculating hunger she was used to? That greedy look that reduced her to a thing, a possession, a trinket? But no. His expression was the opposite of that. Happy appreciation shone from his eyes. His smile had a touch of the devil in it, and a promise of delicious fun.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing. A ghost. We haven’t said three yet.”
“If we don’t do it soon, I’m going to forget how to count.”
Giggling, she put her hands behind her back, on the fastening of her bra. He grabbed the bottom of his T-shirt, poised for take-off.
“Three!”
Clothes flew into the air, a flurry of underwear. Surrounded by discarded clothing, they stared at each other. Chloe felt her rib cage rise and fall with quick breaths. Without looking down, she knew her nipples were already at attention. As was his erection. It rose from a thick nest of black curls and pointed straight toward her, as if it had eyes only for her.
Suddenly, desperately, she wanted to know what he saw when he looked at her. “Do you think…do I seem like…a…” she whispered, “doll?”
“Oh, no. You’re no doll.”
What did he mean? Did he think she was ugly? Maybe he was used to a different type. She crossed her hands over her breasts.
“No! Don’t hide.” With one quick stride, he was in front of her, holding her face in his hands. “You’re beautiful. Wonderful. But you’re no doll. You’re too alive. Too sensitive. Look, I can feel the pulse beating in your throat. I can feel your skin warming under my hands. You’re a living, passionate being. How could anyone think you were a doll?” He ran his thumbs over her cheeks with a touch that seemed to treasure the very shape of her face. When he bent his mouth to hers, the depth of his kiss brought tears to her eyes. His tongue searched her mouth, as if he wanted to track down whatever sadness remained in her and soothe it away.
She let herself sink into the comfort of that kiss for a long moment. But then she moved restlessly against him. Enough gentleness. She needed heat. Fire. Stepping back, she put her hands on his and drew them to her chest. As those warm palms encircled her breasts, she let out a long moan. Already stiff, her nipples hardened even more as he filled his hands with her flesh. “That feels nice,” she heard herself say. In the past, she’d never said anything during sex. She’d become that mute doll Andrew had demanded. Never once had she asked for anything. “Can you lick my nipples, please?”
“No need to be polite, sweetie. I’ll do anything you ask.”
“Lick them, then. A lot. Don’t stop until I ask you to.”
“I wouldn’t think of it.” He tilted her face up one more time, and smiled into her eyes. Then he bent his head to the rosy nipples begging for attention. As soon as his mouth enclosed her right breast, her head fell back with a groan. Her nipples were used to being tweaked, fondled, squeezed, displayed in provocative lingerie, teased and tormented—but this was what she’d always longed for and never gotten. Long strokes of a loving tongue. Moist nibbling that sent electric jolts to her lower belly. A heated mouth tugging on those sensitive points, pulling moans from her.
And Dustin’s mouth didn’t stop. Not when her nipples had swelled to the size of rose hips. Not when she shuddered from the pleasure. Not when his erection jerked against her thigh. She wasn’t at the mercy of his mouth. No, that mouth was at her service. She could ask it to do whatever she wanted.
“Dustin,” she said in a whisper. “Go lower.”

***

Learn more about Juniper and her books here.
Juniper’s Blog
Order Doll

Is #18, Leni!!

Leni, please write to me at bethkery@aol.com within 48 hours to claim your prize, using your preferred email, and I’ll pass it on to Vivi! Big thanks to Vivi Andrews for sharing some of herself with us. 🙂

Have you signed up yet for the RELEASE Your Inhibitions Contest? A one hundred dollar Amazon gift card will be given away to one random entrant on 1/30, so go ahead and get in!

Up next, talented new author Juniper Bell talks about Doll and gives away an ebook copy of it tomorrow morning to one commenter!