Win a copy of Boys Down Under

Head on over to Bitten By Books for your chance to win a copy of Boys Down Under.

Our anthology is the prize for Night 11 of the 15 Naughty Nights of Christmas Contest.

Good luck!!!

Jess

Author Promo: Selena Illyria

A Peek into my Stories

By:

Selena Illyria

Hi Jess! Hi Everyone!

So this blog was supposed to be about Mudslide my new release from Aspen Mountain Press. Then the topic changed to At Drogan’s Command, Out Now at Changeling Press. Well, all that’s gone out the window because things have changed. I just realized that I will have four books releasing this month. Four. I am still in shock, trying to figure out how the heck this happened.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love having books out. It’s great. I’m always excited to see my title in the Coming Soon section, the joy is increased when my brand spanking new cover is added. I giggle like a loon and spend the rest of the day on cloud nine. I go back, like a dork, and look at it.

It always gives me glee. Then comes the promoting of the book or in this case books. I’m excited and nervous. Excited that a new story is coming out and nervous about the reaction. There’s nothing like hearing that a reader liked the book that you wrote, liked the world you created and hopes you write more in that world. I truly do hope readers enjoy the story I’m presenting.

These last few weeks I’ve taken readers to a paranormal bar where the future demon king found his mate and to the stars where a ship’s Captain had his dream woman at his command. And soon, I’ll take you to the future where a few of Earth’s children are given psychic abilities. The Roman God Pluto gets an unexpected offering and two vampyres are trapped in an old in with passion burning between them.

Where do some of these ideas come from? Well, I can tell you from anywhere and everywhere. I could be talking to friends and suddenly, IDEA! Or throwing ideas on a wall with fellow writers. Two story ideas that I love are Mudslide and At Drogan’s Command.

Mudslide took me into the world of demons. I had wanted to do a story for the Del Fantasma line at Aspen Mountain Press but wasn’t sure where to go. After a bit of musing and talking with fellow writers, I decided to try my hand at demons. I had done it for my Friday Flash series (which sorely needs updating) but not for a full length book. The book was fun to write and went quickly. I was nervous and excited once the book was released. I can’t wait to dive back into the world of the demons again.

Drogan was my first foray into Sci-Fi with some BDSM. I was scared, nervous and excited. I adore this story and its hero. The story started out being for a contest but went over the word limit. After some additions and changes it is the story you see today. I had never thought of trying Sci-Fi until this story and now I want to do more. I even want to try writing some cyber punk. *Grin*

Here are some peeks into the stories mentioned above. I hope you enjoy them. Hugs.

Del Fantasma: Mudslide

Blurb:

Pietro, future king of the demons is looking for a mate. He doesn’t expect to find her in mortal, Callisto Monroe. At first he wanted a fling but as be begins to bond with her, he ends up falling in love with her. He claims her as his mate and future queen of the demons.

Callisto Monroe works a negotiator for the paranormal world. When she goes to a friend’s wedding and meets sexy as sin demon, Pietro, sparks fly. She agrees to spend the weekend with him. When she finds out he is the future king of the demons, their growing relationship takes on a whole new dimension.

Can he convince her that they should be together despite the fact that she is mortal and he is a demon?

Buy Link:
http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/del-fantasma-mudslide/prod_192.html

At Drogan’s Command

Blurb:
One little disc . . .

One little disc contains the only evidence of Rena’s wanton weekend where she enacted every sexual fantasies she’s ever had and a few about her crush Drogan Carter, Captain of the Hades’ Helmet. What will she do when the disc falls into the wrong hands?

When Drogan finds the disc and watches the contents, at first he feels guilt but soon that turns to need. He wants the carefree, sexual woman on the disc and in his bed. He forms a plan that will get her right where he wants her . . . at his command.

Buy Link:
http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1034

Excerpt Link:
http://www.changelingpress.com/content.php?utype=note&uid=3248

Spotlight on: Sami Lee

Yes, Sami’s blogged here before. But I am thrilled to have her back. Especially as she is chatting about her incredibly hot new novella, Chasing Sunset.

I won’t waste your time, other than to wish Sami congrats on the release of this awesome book, and congrats for hitting the no 2 spot on MBAM’s bestseller list!!!

Heeeeeeeeeere’s Sami:

SAMI LEE:

I’m so happy to be here blogging at Jess’s place. If you all don’t know already (not likely, as I know Jess has made use of every opportunity to tell you ☺), my latest release has been unleashed on the reading public this week. It’s called Chasing Sunset and it’s my first ever ménage themed story.

Something you might not know is that Jess and I shared this experience of being newbie ménage romance writers, and you wouldn’t believe some of the strange email correspondence that went back and forth during the writing process. We weren’t really sure what readers expected in a ménage. We knew some ended in a HEA for all three characters, while some didn’t. I knew how my story was going to end from the first page, but I wasn’t sure if it would work for all readers (that’s for others to judge I suppose). There was also some intriguing discussion about the logistical issues of where everything was supposed to, ah, go, the difference between m/f/m and m/m/f and which fit better with our story and why… you get the drift. In the end I think we both decided that you can only write what you’re comfortable writing, that as the author (or the supreme ruler of my fictional universe as I like to be called) only we can decide how our own individual stories are going to play out. I only hope that readers enjoy Chasing Sunset half as much as I know they’ve loved A Question of Trust.

Here’s a brief description of the story:

Sidney McCall is shocked when her boyfriend Drew arranges a special surprise for their anniversary—a night of no-holds-barred passion with him and his best friend Brody. She’s always harbored a secret desire to take on two men at the same time, and what follows is the most satisfying night Sidney’s ever experienced. When she intimates she wouldn’t mind a repeat performance, she doesn’t realize she’s opening a Pandora’s Box. Now, with two men vying for her affections, what started as nothing more than a harmless sexual dalliance just got a whole lot more serious.

Available now from MBaM @ http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/shop/product.da/chasing-sunset.

You can also read the blurb and an excerpt at MBaM and you get a discount for buying in the week of release, which is a nice bonus for those who just can’t wait to get their hands on it ☺. Which I know is simply ALL of you, he he.

Because I know the blasted financial crises is playing havoc with everyone’s book buying budget, I’d also like to give away a free copy of one of my back titles. To be in the running, all you have to do is email me at sami.lee7@yahoo.com.au before Sunday midnight, tell me your first name and put Sami Lee Freebie in the subject line. I’ll pick a winner at random (it really is random—my daughter picks the names out of a hat), and be in touch. That’s all you’ve got to do and you could be reading a hot romance for free.

Happy reading everyone, and thanks for having me Jess.

Sami
PS. If you don’t know me yet, feel free to stop by my website @ www.samilee.com or blog @ http://sami-lee.blogspot.com to check out my slowly expanding backlist. Hey, with two kids under school age I’m going as fast as I can. Please stay tuned.

Spotlight on: Jambrea Jo Jones

We all know and love Jambrea Jo Jones. JJJ is a reviewer at Joyfully Reviewed, a smiling face at the Samhain Cafe (metaphorically speaking) and a good friend. If ever you’re down, you can rely on JJJ to pick you up with a wittty one liner, or a hawt pic.

And now, I’m thrilled to announce she is a published author as well. Finally we can return all the encouragement and praise she has lavished on us.

Congrats Jambrea, on the release of your first story.  We’re all looking forward to reading many, many more.

Jess

Welcome Jambrea Jo Jones

Thank you Jess for letting me blog here today!  I am SO excited, but before I start gushing I wanted to take a minute to thank everyone who helped me get where I am!
Jess Dee – Thank you for helping me with my first story.  If not for you I don’t think I would have actually subbed it!
Joy Roett – Thank you for reading and editing out all my typos, you know I love it and thanks for actually liking my stories.
Valerie Tibbs – Thank you for reading and editing me as well!  Someday soon I WILL have a V. Tibbs cover!
Kensana Darnell – Thank you for keeping me straight and helping me by being my critique partner.  Also congrats on your first contract and publication as well.  (Kensi is in the anthology with me!)
Cindy Jack – My other critique partner.  Thank you for being there to bounce ideas off of.
There are SO many others that I hate naming names, like T from the Samhain café and Essi (Mari Carr) and her yahoo loop!  The ladies on there are SO great and I have a blast.  TA Chase and AJ Llewellyn for inspiring me.  Also Lin Winfree, I want to be her when I grow up!  She is SO great!
Okay there was my Oscar moment.  lol  If I didn’t write your name down, I’m sorry, but I have met so many great people on line and each and every one of you have helped me in some way!
Now…why am I thanking all these people?  Let me tell you!  My first contracted story is now published and people can actually buy it!  Do you know how weird it is to see authors I love buying my book!  I just have so much to take in.  I mean, a year ago I was just THINKING of writing!  Who knows what the next year will bring!

Here is a small taste of my story Forever Guy from the One Touch, One Glance Anthology.

Forever Guy
by Jambrea Jo Jones

Samantha has a crush on Jack. Now that he’s back in town, she needs to convince him he’s her forever guy.

Literally running into Jack yesterday at the bank had to be a sign of the fates shining on her. Her dreams of him still visited her on lonely nights; the fluttering started in her chest, and her heart jumped as his eyes flashed in recognition, a slow grin creeping across his face. To see and speak to him after so long brought back the memories of the last time he walked away from her. Jack had left her no air to breathe and had broken her heart, not once looking back to see the girl she had been crying for him to come back.
Picking up the pieces took time, but to his credit, she never told him how she felt before he joined the military. She needed to grow up, and as Jack left for the Marine Corps, she felt it too soon for her to express her feelings for him. She needed to make sure her emotions weren’t mere puppy love. Sam had no intention of making the same mistake twice. This time, she wouldn’t let him leave because they belonged together in the forever kind of way.
Sam shook off the memories and raced to get ready for her evening. Tonight, her dreams would come true.

Part of the One Touch One, Glance Anthology on sale December 9, 2208
http://www.freyasbower.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19&products_id=149

We have received some great reviews and Dark Diva did an individual review for Forever Guy.  Jaime had this to say:  Another gem. This story has all the elements I love. This story has it all, real characters, real relationships, and true love. What’s not to like? The author paints a vivid picture of small town life and community, and doesn’t sugar-coat the realities of coming home from war, knowing how impossible it is pick up where you left off. Starting fresh just might lead to forever, though.
Can you see why I’m so excited?  I have been so blessed this year and thank you again to all my friends!

New releases today

I’m thrilled to tell you Sami Lee’s book, “Chasing Sunset” was released today at Samhain.

I read the book a few months ago (yeah, brag, brag) and absolutely loved it. Sami  will be here in a couple of days to give you more insight into this steaming hot menage!

Go, run and get your copy:

When the sun goes down on their erotic encounter, who will be left standing?

After an unsettled childhood, Sidney McCall has finally found a home in Graceville. This dream town comes with a dream boyfriend. Drew Buchanan is charming, romantic, completely devoted to her—and he cooks! Now if only the whole commitment thing didn’t give her night sweats…

Drew, a professional chef, wants nothing more than to give Sidney everything she’s ever dreamed of, both in and out of bed. Even if it means serving up her most secret wish complete with a whipped-cream topping: a tryst with two men. His best friend Brody Nash is the missing ingredient, and the only man he trusts with the woman he loves.

What starts out as a little harmless sexual play quickly boils over into something none of them expected. An emotional minefield that could forever change the course of their lives.

Product Warnings

Contains explicit sex scenes including; ménage a trois, oral sex, stripper heels, creative use of whipped-cream deserts, sex in a public place, light bondage, hanky spanky and hunky, bossy men. In short, more than enough naughty business for one little novella!!!

Another new release today is from Jambrea Jo Jones et al.

I won’t say more about the anthology now, as JJJ will be a guest blogger here tomorrow (11th of Dec). She’ll tell you all about it. 🙂

Congrats to both of you for your releases.

Jess

Christmas Contest Info…

No, I don’t write paranormal stories, but yes, there is one in Boys Down Under. Which means Boys Down Under has been included in the 15 Naughty Nights of Christmas Contest. For your chance to win awesome prizes (ie…books), visit Bitten By Books.

Each night for 15 days Bitten By Books will post a new naughty contest for you to enter with a total prize value of over $125.00!! You have to go back each day to see what you could win and what the rules are for entry. Don’t worry they won’t make it too hard for you. Contests end on 12/22 and all winners will be announced on Christmas Eve. You will receive your prize directly from the author, please be aware that it may take them some time to send them out due to the holidays. Please note due to the adult content in every prize, you MUST be 18 to enter. International readers are welcome to enter.

So what are you doing still reading this blog?

Go. Enter the contest. Win a prize.

Good luck!

Jess

Samhain Publishing Announces Expansion Plans

Macon, GA, December 5, 2008

Samhain Publishing Announces Expansion Plans

In a bold move, Samhain Publishing (www.samhainpublishing.com) announced the purchase of Linden Bay Romance (http://lindenbayromance.com/). In light of the downward spiral of the economy and the rapid consolidation of many of the larger publishers, Samhain Publishing has seized their chance to expand their market share by creating a new fiction line under the popular Samhain brand.

“From the beginning one of my goals was to create multiple lines within Samhain,” says Christina Brashear, owner of Samhain Publishing. “With Linden Bay Romances’ excellent reputation, I made the offer in the hopes the owners would see this sale as a mutual benefit to both houses.”

“We hadn’t considered selling Linden Bay and we were slowly making inroads with regards to increasing print distribution, but we’ve found, especially in light of the economy, neither sales teams nor buyers are very open to taking a chance on a smaller, less established press,” says Lori James, part owner of Linden Bay Romances. “Samhain Publishing has the relationships in place that would take us years to develop.” James continues, “The offer came at a time when we realized under the Samhain umbrella, Linden Bay Romances will be stronger and reach its full potential faster.”

“For Samhain, it is a win-win situation,” says Brashear. “We will expand our lines with an established name in the electronic book industry and we’ll acquire an excellent stable of authors, editors and artists.”

Samhain Publishing opened its doors on November 1, 2005 and already they’ve made a splash in the publishing world. From Publisher’s Weekly features to dozens of fiction and cover art awards, this publisher is one to watch.

Menage Mania

Thought I’d let you know…

There’ll be Menage Mania at the Samhain Cafe on the 3rd of December, at 7-9pm US EST.

What do I mean by this? Well, Mari Carr has organised a Menage chat with loads of Samhain authors. If you wanna pop in for some, er, stimulating talk, fun and laughter, super contests and a general good time for all, we would love to see you there.

Jess

2009 EPPIE Finalist!

WAHOOO. Check this out. Angie James, exec editor at Samhain, and editor of our Menage and More/Three’s Company Anthology, just sent this through:

Congratulations, Angela James!

Your entry, Three’s Company, is a finalist in Category 04 – Anthology – Complete (Romance/Erotica) in EPIC’s 2009 EPPIE Competition.

We hope you can join us at EPIC’s conference March 5-8, 2009, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The EPPIE awards shall be presented at the awards banquet. For more information please visit: (http://www.epic-conference.com/index.HTML).

Again, congratulations!

Debi Sullivan
EPIC’s EPPIE Chair

Kat Thompson.
EPIC’s EPPIE Judging Coordinator

I am so excited. The anthology includes A Question of Trust, written by yours truly, Nice and Naughty, by Jayne Rylon and Wicked Garden, by Lorelei James.

If you’re confused about the names of the anthology, don’t be. As three separate e-books, the Anthology was called Menage and More. When it goes to print as a single book containing the three novellas it’ll be called Three’s Company.

Now we have to wait til March to find out the results. Wish us luck.

Jess