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Thursday, May 31, 2012

Interview with Jessica E. Subject + Contest

I met Jessica E. Subject from a Decadent Publishing Sci-Fi Romance chat party held at The Romance Studio (TRS). I was lucky to have won a book and swag from her. Her books looked so interesting I asked her to come on the blog to talk to me and she said YES!



Jessica Subject started writing to encourage her daughter to read. Now she writes to keep herself grounded. Although she reads many genres, she enjoys writing Science Fiction Romance the most and believes everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after. She lives Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids and loves to hear from anyone who has enjoyed her stories.

Hi Jessica thanks for agreeing to come on and answer some questions for me. I'm a new reader of yours so I have quite a few question, I love to get to know my authors. Please feel free to ask any of me or the followers as well, we are not a very shy group here :)


JES: Thank you so much for having me! I was delighted when you invited me to your blog. I have to admit I’m a little shy, until I get to know you. Then, watch out! LOL
 
Q1: What was the first thing you ever wrote??

JS: The first thing I wrote was the story I’m rewriting now. It’s the second book in my Mark of the Stars series. Yes, I wrote the second book first. But the story has gone through many revisions and rewrites since then. So many. I’m scared to look at the notebook containing my first words, but I keep it for memory sake.
 
Q2:  With some many genres out there why Sci-Fi Romance? Do you write in genres other than Sci-Fi romance?


JES: I’m not sure why. It kind of chose me. The first story I sat down to write was supposed to be a superhero story for my daughter, but the superheroes became aliens, and the plot became much too hot for her to read. It was kind of like therapy for me, as I used to be terrified of aliens, afraid they were hiding in the recesses of my house, waiting to abduct me. I didn’t always think like this. It had a lot to do with watching the movie Signs while we lived out in the country in a house surrounded by corn fields. Needless to say, I’m over it.

Beneath the Starry Sky (1 N...I do have a contemporary romance (Beneath the Starry Sky), and my first paranormal romance (The Power of Three) is coming soon to Decadent Publishing. Most of my stories are M/F stories, but I do have some F/F and ménages.
  
Q3: If you could be any Sci-Fi  character or creature, what would you like to be?

JES: Oh gosh, that’s a hard one, but I think I’d love to be one of the Men In Black, or a Woman In Black, I guess. LOL They get to meet all kinds of aliens, and save the world on a regular basis.

An Unexpected Return
An Elatia Science Fiction M/F Erotic Romance story
 
 Blurb: Looking to experience all the universe has to offer, Prince Aristides escapes from the kingdom of Tyto and travels through space to the Emerald Planet, Elatia. He yearns to partake in the activities the planet is famous for, and fulfill all his sexual desires, but loses his heart and soul to an Adamos apprentice. Unfortunately, she is Terran, and her people are sworn enemies of those from Tyto. If he can convince Xia to give up her dreams of becoming an Adamos, and travel back to Tyto with him, will his parents accept her, or condemn them both?
Abandoned as a toddler on Elatia, and raised by Kalara, an Adamos specializing in erotic massage, Xia decides to follow in her footsteps. But she remains conflicted as to whether she wants to service clients for the rest of her life, or settle down and raise a family. When she meets Aris, he turns the tables on her, and brings her as much pleasure as she gives him.
Will they have their chance to be together, or will their families tear them away from any chance of young love?


Q4: Can you tell us more about this Elatia series? Is it something we need to read in order?


JES: The Elatia series is Decadent Publishing’s new erotic science fiction romance line.  From the website: Elatia is known as “the pleasure planet” located in the center of the Belverian System. With its two suns and single moon, Elatia is not only a peaceful, vacation paradise, but home to the school for the universally admired Adamos, who are expertly trained in the pleasure arts.
From what I’ve heard from each of my fellow launch authors, the stories not only take place on Elatia, but can also take place on other planets, and involve visitors and citizens originating from other planets and solar systems.
The stories do not need to be read in any specific order. They are all separate stories and involve different characters. Though I know I plan to write more stories involving the characters I’ve introduced in An Unexpected Return. However, you may find that some things are referenced in more than one story. But I guess that’s to be expected since we’re writing about the same planet.

Q5: How do your ideas for stories come to you?

JES: I have a pesky muse who comes up with story ideas at the most inopportune times. Seriously. If I’m busy doing something such as making dinner, picking up the kids from school, or trying to work on another story, she’ll jump up and down, saying Yoo-hoo, I have another story idea for you. If it’s good, I’ll write it down on a piece of paper, and shove it into my idea folder, or even make point form notes on the computer. But sometimes, she won’t let me push the idea aside, and we work the story out in the shower for the next couple days before I sit down to write it. A song, newspaper article, and even two words strung together can inspire ideas. And sometimes, even a joke between my editor and me, which happened recently. Thanks, Kate!

Q6: Would you say there is an element of you in the characters you write? 

JES: Oh, yes. I know some authors hate to admit this, but there is a piece of me in each of them, including the guys. Some characters are more like me than others, while others are inspired by people I know. But like my children, I do have some influence over them. At least for now.

 Satin Sheets in Space  
A 1Night Stand Science Fiction M/F/M Erotic Romance short story 
 
Blurb (unofficial): Due to her appearance, Danyka receives the cold shoulder from any guy she approaches. When she is set up on a date with a larger-than-life, captivating hunk, she thinks she is dreaming. But when she winds up on a spaceship with not one, but two aliens, she believes her dreams have turned into nightmares. Do the extraterrestrials want to experiment on her, or will they give her something more?


Q7: What's your ideal hero? Heroine? 

JES: The hero must be bigger than the heroine, to make her feel safe and secure, no matter how tough she is. Even in my F/F story, I have this situation. I think this is where my influence is seen. LOL  Sometimes my heroes are a bit cocky, but they always have the heroine’s best interest at heart, even if they sometimes do stupid things. 
My heroines vary. Some are tougher than others, but they all have a weakness, something that makes them vulnerable, and more relatable for the reader.

Q8: What can readers look forward to from you in the future?

JES: Sudden Breakaway (a May to December/Interracial/Science Fiction Romance) is coming soon to Decadent’s 1Night Stand line, and The Power of Three (Paranormal Erotica) will release soon as part of The Edge line.
I plan to continue the multiple series that I’ve started, work on some more super short stories, and write a new series and some individual stories. Though I’m not sure how much of that I’ll get done this year. LOL

Now for a lil' quickie -

Boxer, briefs, or commando? 
Commando can be gross, but super sexy as well. In general, I prefer boxer briefs.
Chocolate Syrup, whip cream, handcuffs?
Handcuffs, baby!
Umbrella drink, beer, or champagne?  
 Umbrella drink. LOL
Man-scape or no man-scape?  
 Man-scape. Definitely!
Night out on town, foreign affair, or intergalactic encounter ? 
An intergalactic encounter would be so much fun.
Jewelry, flowers, or sweets ?

Flowers, all the way.


Thanks for stopping by and please don't be a stranger.


Thank you again for having me, Dawn! It’s been a pleasure. 

Jessica has offered up a giveaway as well! Yep only lucky commenter will win a $5 Amazon gift card PLUS a great Swag kit. Winner will be drawn on Monday and announced here in the comments. All you have to do to be entered is answer the question?

Who do you feel is the sexiest Sci-Fi character?



For more information on Jessica E. Subject:


Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/jessicasubject

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

My "Must Have" Release Week Reads

Jennifer Bernard
Hot for Fireman
Release 5/29 
Hot for Fireman (The Bachelor Firemen of San Gabriel, #2)Ryan Blake got suspended from the San Gabriel firefighters a year and a half ago for a daredevil act that nearly killed someone. Now he’s back in San Gabriel, fighting to return to the force. He takes a job at a local dive, the Hair of the Dog, while he studies for the test that will get him his job back.

But the real test comes in the form of Katie Dane, bar manager. Katie got stuck running the family bar when her father had a heart attack. The place is losing money like crazy and the insurance is about to lapse. Her desperate solution? Burn the place down, collect a million dollars. The only problem--little does she know, her new bartender is actually a firefighter.

Can a professional fireman and a wannabe firebug ever manage to get along? More importantly, can they stay away from each other and/or keep from ruining each other’s careers? Not likely. This is San Gabriel, after all.


Emma Lang
Endless Heart

Release 5/29


She’s learning to live. He’s forgotten how. Love will be their teacher.

Heart, Book 3

Lettie Brown has lived in the shadow of violence. After escaping her brutal past, she’s finally at home in Forestville, Wyoming, where she would live a normal life—if she knew how. She’s content working at The Blue Plate and printing the town newspaper, if not happy. Then a stranger stumbles into her world and turns everything upside down.

Shane Murphy is a shell of a man, destroyed by the aftermath of the war, his personal tragedies and a penchant for cheap whiskey. When he lands, literally, on Lettie’s feet, his future takes a hard right turn.

As they fumble through a relationship that should not have been, a deep love takes root, one that cannot be denied. Together they discover a bond as unbreakable as steel and as undeniable as life itself—until the past rears its ugly head and threatens the happiness they’ve found in each other.

Product Warnings
Get ready for a deep, intense love story that will leave you crying, cheering, shouting, squirming and sighing. Prepare for a hero who needs to be held, a heroine who needs to be loved, and a story that needs to be told.

Jenna Bayley-Burke
Drive Me Crazy

Release 5/29
The quickest way to love isn’t always a straight line.

This was supposed to be Xavier Moreau’s long-awaited vacation. A few precious weeks away from his over-scheduled career to see the America his mother loved and still make it to his best friend’s wedding in time. Instead, he’s ferrying the bridezilla’s sister to the nuptials. The luscious Jaime Cruz makes his mouth water, but her near-frenzy to get to Oregon now would scrape on his last nerve—if he didn’t sense that she needs the break as much as he does.

Fresh off a teaching assignment in D.C., Jaime’s white-knuckling it. She’s got only three weeks to get home, find a job and a place to live, and ensure her sister’s big day comes off without a hitch. Except Xavier tosses her three-days-or-bust itinerary out the window. Even more annoying, Jaime finds herself succumbing to his relentless determination to make sure she enjoys every minute of the trip. And falling under the spell of his sizzling touch.

Three weeks and three thousand miles later, Jaime’s feet are on home ground, but her heart is pulling her in a completely unexpected direction. Toward Xavier and a new journey that will require the ultimate leap of faith.

Product Warnings
Caution! Dangerous curves ahead. Do not enter if you might be spooked by haunted hotels, embarrassed by sex in the great outdoors, or fear you might yield to a devastating Frenchman willing to drive you to distraction.


Mari Carr
Because it's Time
Release 5/29
Because It's TrueSometimes there are only two choices. Love…or leave.

Jacob James falls for Rodney the moment the New York City cop crash lands into his far-too-predictable ranch life. The sexy city slicker is everything a lonely Wyoming cowboy could ever dream of. When Rodney is shot in the line of duty, however, their off-the-charts attraction turns unexpectedly cool. Jacob offers the only thing he has left—friendship.

All Rodney can think about—besides his cowboy lover—is getting back to his job. But what good is a cop who can’t fire a gun? While he’s grateful for Jacob’s support through months of grueling physical therapy, how can he offer anything more when his own future is so uncertain?

When he’s finally cleared to return to work in New York, Rodney thought it would be the happiest day of his life. Except reaching his goal means leaving Jacob behind…and a future he never thought he wanted. Until now… 
 
Product Warnings
New York City cop meets Wyoming cowboy. Come on. You know that’s going to be hot.



WHAT DO YOU HAVE ON YOUR 
"MUST HAVE" LIST THIS WEEK?

Monday, May 28, 2012

Emma Lang and why she loves cowboys + Contest

Living Life by the Code

Many people think I'm a little looney to continue to write (and read) historical western romances. I mean, it's a small genre without the giant sales or big shiny bling in the publishing world, right? Ah, but I have loved western romances from the moment I read my first one, which was Elizabeth Lowell's Only His.I was hooked. HOOKED! The reason why? For many reasons, not the least of which was the fact that western men, cowboys live life by a code of honor. Even the most alpha male has a sense of honor, an ingrained code he abides by.


Cowboy_tipping_hatWhat does that mean? Why, cowboys are like modern knights. Fierce warriors who carry a weapon, defend those who are defenseless, protect damsels (whether in distress or not), and are just waiting for a strong woman to tame them.
*sigh*

Oh yeah, that's exactly it. I am all about the strong man and the strong woman finding that balance between them, the love that blossoms, and of course, the conflict that arises because of all of it. :)
Cowboys to me are always alpha, whether flamboyantly or just quiet and fierce.

It appeals to me as I have my own ingrained sense of honor, to always make the right decision even if it sucks, and to stand true to what I believe in. I find it incredibly sexy in a man to be hard, unmoving and stubborn. LOL. A cowboy can be tamed if he finds the right woman. ;)
Then of course, it's the whole appeal of a man on a horse. There is just something the sight of a man's behind on a saddle that's just... magic (not to mention the chaps that can frame a nice package ;). They're up high on a horse, thighs gripping the leather saddle, and riding past. It's a thing of beauty, isn't it?
My heroes are usually that hard riding alpha man just simmering with issues and emotional, and sometimes physical, scars. However, they live by the code. Their souls are entwined with honor, even if they're a pain in the ass at first.

I have many favorite cowboys of course, but I'll have to pick Caleb Black in Only His by Elizabeth Lowell. Of my own heroes, I'd have to say that Zeke from Devils on Horseback series is my favorite. But Shane from ENDLESS HEART, he was the one I wanted to love more than any other.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Endless HeartShe’s learning to live. He’s forgotten how. Love will be their teacher.

Heart, Book 3

Lettie Brown has lived in the shadow of violence. After escaping her brutal past, she’s finally at home in Forestville, Wyoming, where she would live a normal life—if she knew how. She’s content working at The Blue Plate and printing the town newspaper, if not happy. Then a stranger stumbles into her world and turns everything upside down.

Shane Murphy is a shell of a man, destroyed by the aftermath of the war, his personal tragedies and a penchant for cheap whiskey. When he lands, literally, on Lettie’s feet, his future takes a hard right turn.

As they fumble through a relationship that should not have been, a deep love takes root, one that cannot be denied. Together they discover a bond as unbreakable as steel and as undeniable as life itself—until the past rears its ugly head and threatens the happiness they’ve found in each other.

Product Warnings
Get ready for a deep, intense love story that will leave you crying, cheering, shouting, squirming and sighing. Prepare for a hero who needs to be held, a heroine who needs to be loved, and a story that needs to be told.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

How about y'all, who's your fav and why?

Answer this question for a chance to win an eBook copy of Endless Heart. Contest open until Sunday 6/3 at 11:59 pm. Winner will be announced on 6/4. Good Luck :)

About the Author~

Beth Williamson, who also writes as Emma Lang, is an award-winning, bestselling author of both historical and contemporary romances. Her books range from sensual to scorching hot. She is a Career Achievement Award Nominee in Erotic Romance by Romantic Times Magazine, in both 2009 and 2010.
Beth has always been a dreamer, never able to escape her imagination. It led her to the craft of writing romance novels. She’s passionate about purple, books, and her family. She has a weakness for shoes and purses, as well as bookstores. Her path in life has taken several right turns, but she’s been with the man of her dreams for more than 20 years.
Beth works full-time and writes romance novels evening, weekends, early mornings and whenever there is a break in the madness. She is compassionate, funny, a bit reserved at times, tenacious and a little quirky. Her cowboys and western romances speak of a bygone era, bringing her readers to an age where men were honest, hard and packing heat. For a change of pace, she also dives into some smokin’ hot contemporaries, bringing you heat, romance and snappy dialogue.
Life might be chaotic, as life usually is, but Beth always keeps a smile on her face, a song in her heart, and a cowboy on her mind. ;)
Beth loves to hear from readers so get to e-mailing her.
Watch an interview with Beth on WRAL-TV, Raleigh.