Ava James ~ Romance To Last A Lifetime

Get your copy at Siren Bookstrand

http://www.bookstrand.com/product-foronedarkknight-14960-330.html

Obviously it has been far too long since I blogged. The reason?

Well, let's see....
I accepted a job in Alaska so I was moving to Alaska.
I packed everything I own.
I sold my car and alot of my other belongings.
Quit my job.
Then I was offered a job here.
So I was unpacking all of my boxes, finding a new car, taking my house off of the market...

Let's just say I have had an eventful summer of rollercoaster sized twists and turns.

I am taking that leap, packing the suitcase, and the cat. In two weeks, I am heading North to Alaska.

Wish me luck!

I can't wait to leave the 90 degree summer days behind. Then I will whine for warmth in a few months, but oh well. You can't always get what you want. But I am trying this time, I think I have found that I am getting just what I need.

Yes, Alaska is calling again. And this time, the offer is almost too good to resist. If a company offered you double your annual salary and better benefits, would you sell the house and head north?

I've listed the positive, so teh negative?
Well, you guessed it--cold. 19 degrees colder on average per day than my current state (which sounds good when the temp here is 95 with 84% humidity) And did I mention the relocation? 64 hours driving, 3700 miles away. My family is small, and with the job offer I would be off for EVERY holiday for several days and sometimes weeks :) I'd only work 202 days out of the year

Fate threw me the opportunity to head North, to a rural area before. Now fate is offering up a tasty bit of metropolatin in the middle of the mountains.

I will keep you posted on my possible exodus

So the word count has been stagnent for two weeks on my latest novel, Juniper Sky. But today I sat down an dgot 2000 words out so that is a slow start back toward where I want to be.

51370/75000 words complete. Roughly 69%

Hopefully I can get this thing hammered out in the next few weeks. I hate it when a story launches out of your mind and on to the screen in one huge burst adn then faults big time.

I was in Borders yesterday, looking for something new to read, and as I picked up and put back book after book I began to wonder how others decide on what to buy or not. I of course look at the cover, then read the blurb. If one character has a name that turns me off it is back to the shelf for the book. Then, if it the book passes those two tests, I read the first page. On thast page I am looking for two major things--the Author's voice and the time period. That got me thinking, when I purchase an ebook, I don't have that first page to read. Sure the usually is an excerpt or a blurb, but that doesn't satisfy my need for the first page. It may just be me, but I wish we could see the first ebook page as well.

Royal Cargo
by Ava James
Kidnapped on her wedding day, Princess Priya of Caethern has more to worry about than her unwanted groom. The fact that she is taken by a disgusting creature, stripped of her formal attire, and caged, doesn’t sit well either. When she is rescued by a rugged marauder, who is everything her world is not, and all that she wishes she could have, Priya is faced with more danger than any enemy could present.
Hector gets more than he bargains for when he steals one too many freighters from the enemy. The last thing he expected to find was a stolen princess. Traversing through the universe, fleeing multiple enemies, new dangers meet them at every turn. And in the end, the greatest peril may be letting go.

Genre: Science Fiction
Rating: Tangy
Book Length: Novella
Price: $3.99

http://www.freyasbower.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9&products_id=166


Excerpt from Royal Cargo: A Kiss from the Big Bad Wolf....
Hector traced his hands up her naked flesh and rose to stand before her. Her body hummed and tingled with anticipation of his next move. Of their own accord, her breasts seemed to rise into his palms. When his thumbs brushed over her nipples, Priya thought she would melt.
One hand lingered upon her breast; his other skimmed down the gentle arch of her back to her bare ass and cupped her to him. She savored the delicious contact. Heat radiated off of their bodies, and electricity charged the air between them.
Priya saw her opportunity to kiss him, and although a novice, she took it. His hungry lips met her demanding mouth. Boldly, Priya thrust her tongue into the warmth of his mouth, rewarded by the new sensation and the gruff groan that escaped his throat.
Hector broke the kiss and began to lay gentle siege to her body. Featherlight touches and soft moist kisses assaulted Priya’s senses. Her world lit up with the glow of erotic sensation. His touch swept slowly over her body, lower with each kiss.
Leisurely, he ran his hand along Priya’s inner thigh and urged her legs to part. She willingly obeyed and observed his every movement. Hector ran his tongue down her hip then lower to her knee. The hot sensation of his breath combined with the soft nibbling and sucking made Priya dizzy. Not to mention the thrill of watching him.
A gentle kiss grazed her soft feminine curls, and she held her breath in heady intoxicating expectation. Then Hector placed another kiss firmly on the center of her longing. Priya closed her eyes and let her head roll back. The sensations he created took over her mind and body.
Hector slid his tongue into her warm, wet pussy. The contact was exactly what she craved. The tip of his tongue lingered on her clit while he stroked deliberate circles over her swollen skin.
A jerk of her hips in unison with a sweet gasp was Priya’s reply. Her fingers entwined in the silken curls of Hector’s hair as he drove her wild. She wanted to experience all he offered.
With each flick of his skillful tongue, her ecstasy grew. This was the most erotic and maddening experience of her life. She gazed into his amber eyes while his tongue laved her sensitive flesh. Her body burned and throbbed for what she’d never experienced.
Like the rolling clouds of a building storm, lightning erupted from within. One hand braced on the wall behind her, the other cradled his head. She moaned his name. Her first orgasm rippled down her spine, and her knees shook.
“Ah, you taste as sweet as you look.”

It happend this evening, and I fear I will have thoroughly annoyed many people before I am done with my posts on the subject.

But, this is too cool. So check out the group, and I am also up on another fabulous author's blog. Check me out on http://katskwipsandrants.blogspot.com/

That's all for now folks!

I have been weighed down with the daily goings on of my split life-style, i.e. writer by night, teacher by day. To uphold the wholesome home front and then write the erotic behind closed doors, is a fence it seems many of us straddle.


Like so many other Americans, I have a graduates degree and no job to show for it. The stress of facing yet another year without a "real" job has caused my creativity well to run dry. I have been writing for the past few evenings, a few hundred words here and there. Now that I reread what I wrote, I realize that it is all worthless crap. My writing lacks the life that it showed before. I am sure that some of you have experienced this before. It is a temporary thing that will pass. But the troubles of the daytime seem to bleeding over into my evenings more and more. Why is it that a decent, hardworking, reliable, and well educated individual cannot find employment? Half of the jobs I apply for, I am over qaulified, the other half, I lack the expereince they are searching for--so what is it that I am to do? You know, I passed up a decent job outside of my intended feild to accept a temporary job in order to gain the "experience" necessary, and I feel that all my hard work was an exercise in futality. I have left college (grad. of 08) with a very expensive piece of paper and the student loan statements to prove it. Before now, when I put my mind to something, it worked out. But this past year, nothing has. My paternal grandfather passed away, I did not get a job offer for this school year, my father died, my maternal grandfather and grandmother died, and thus far I still have no job prospects. You know, if my dog ran off I could write a damned good country song here ;P





Here is to better days ahead--b/c I damned tired of feeling like Llyod Dobler holding that boom box over my head while Peter Gabriel sings Your Eyes.

Keta Diablo was kind enough to drop by and leave us a little snip-it of her latest. You can find out more about Ms. Diablo on her blog, http://ketadiablo.blogspot.com

Enjoy! And Thanks Keta for sharing!

CROSSROADS

Phaze Publishing, http://www.phaze.com/index.html
Keta Diablo, http://ketadiablo.blogspot.com
A male/male novella

About the book:

Handsome ex-cop Frank McGuire is on a quest to locate his dead partner's missing son. Rand Brennan has an identity issue, exacerbated since the death of his father. Hoping to find himself, Rand drops out of college, takes to the streets and doesn't realize he's embroiled in duplicity and murder.. In order to save Rand, Frank must confront the nefarious killers and . . .. confront his long-suppressed feelings for Rand.

Elements: scenes of intense sexual activity

Excerpt:

From the corner of the candlelit bedroom, an outline of a body beneath the bed sheets flooded Frank’s vision. At a foot-dragging pace, he inched his way forward, praying Rand was alone in that bed. He meant to put the fear of God in him, and his plan would only work if he didn’t have company for the night. Images of the young man behind the bar flooded his brain. He strongly resembled the seventeen year old who stood in front of his father’s casket at the cemetery five years ago. It was Rand all right in that bed. A box had been tucked under his arm on the walk home, and now, Frank intended to find out what was in it.The kid must have sensed a presence. He sat up in bed, rubbed the sleep from his eyes, and glanced around the room. His body tensed and his eyes widened―forest green at the moment and glistening like jack pines after a summer storm.His voice barely a whisper and strained, Rand asked, “Who’s there?”Frank put the gun to his cheek. “Get up.”With trembling arms, he pushed the covers off, dragged his legs over the edge of the bed and stood up. The whites of his eyes gleamed stark against the dark shadows in the room. “What do you want?” Frank had taken the bullets out earlier, but the kid didn’t have to know that. He placed the gun to his forehead and grabbed a shaft of his thick, dark hair. “I’ll ask the questions.” He flicked the switch on a dim lamp beside the bed. “Do you understand?”Rand swallowed hard, nodded and stared at the black hood covering his face. A fleeting moment of recognition passed over his face, but it wasn’t possible he could make out Frank’s features behind the disguise.His lean, well-muscled body sent a shiver down Frank’s spine, every inch taut and smooth, covered only by a pair of blue boxer shorts. His dark hair rested above his shoulders, glossy like his mother’s, and streaked with mahogany. Reflected light caught the angular planes of his face, the carved cheekbones and generous mouth. This was going to be harder than Frank thought. Determined to scare the shit out of him if need be, he had to find out what he was up to and he had to get his hands on that box.Rand’s voice faltered. “I don’t have any money, no jewels, not even a pack of smokes, if that’s―”His head reeled to the side when Frank delivered an open-handed slap to his cheek. “Keep your mouth shut! Unless I tell you to speak, you say nothing, got it?”Another nod.For emphasis, Frank slapped him again on the other side of his face. “Where are the drugs?”“Drugs?” Anger and fear slithered through his voice. “You’ve come to the wrong place if you’re looking for smack or coke.” Frank holstered the gun, grabbed him by the hair again, and shoved him toward the wall, face first. A fine bead of sweat had broken out on his forehead and his hands were clenched tightly at his sides. “You call me sir when you address me.”“Yes, sir.”“What’s in the box you carried home tonight if not drugs?”“You followed me?” Rand cranked his neck around to look at him. Frank pushed his face into the wall and kicked his feet out until his legs were spread wide. “Put your hands on the wall, palms flat. You even twitch, I’ll drop you quicker than butter melting in a pan, got that?”“I ain’t got no drugs, man . . . I mean, sir.”“Such a smart, pretty boy, and a quick learner.” Acutely aware of the smooth, tanned skin of his shoulders and back, mere inches from him, and the sinewy muscles of his forearm stretched out to the wall, Frank sucked in a quiet breath. To heighten the tension, Frank put his hand on his back and snapped the elastic band of his briefs. “You know what they do to little boys in prison?”







Crossroads Decadent Land of Falling
Deceptions Stars

Welcome Ms. Maddie James! Let’s get right into it. Maddie, tells us a bit about how you started writing.


Hi Ava! Thanks so much for having me on your blog. I started writing years ago, before I even conceived that I could be a writer. I’d jot down scenes and exchanges of dialogue, and then I’d fold them away in a notebook or in my underwear drawer. Then I’d tell myself, “You’re not a writer, you’re a teacher,” and off I’d go and do the teacher thing. But before too many years passed, I couldn’t ignore it any longer and it became more than an occasional thing, it became a way of life. I started out writing and publishing non-fiction locally and kept working on the fiction all the while. It took ten years of writing and learning about writing, before I published the first book.


Isn’t it funny how the writing bug bites you to get working on those budding ideas we all have. I see that you have been published in print and epublished. Do you have any advice for newer writers out there?



Keep writing. Think writing. Do writing. Every single day. Make it a lifestyle. Finish the manuscript, polish it up as pretty as you can, and market it. Then start the next one. Most of all, don’t give up.


Easier said than done, but you are proof that it can be done. I am hoping to enter print in the near future. I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN…
In three words, tell us how your best friend would describe you.


Creative. Witty. Smart.

Hum, those are all polite ways to say opinionated and troublesome—I would know since my friends describe me in much the same terms. Hey, we witty and smart women have to stick together and shine.
Moving on to one of my favorite questions…What do your heroes wear underneath their trousers, faded jeans, or leather pants?


Oh, boxers. Of course! Unless it’s nothing at all.


I agree. Although, I think nothing at all takes away from the suspense. LOL
What genres do you write? Do you have one that is your favorite to read or write? I am a lover of Sci-fi movies, but the writing and reading it is a whole different ballpark.


My friend Jan Scarbrough used to say, “Maddie, focus! Find one genre and stick to it!” I think she’s given up on me and frankly, it’s difficult to pin me down. I write time-travel with a hint of suspense and paranormal and oh, a little erotica thrown in there (how is that for a sub-genre?) I also write romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and erotica. I’ve just come out of the closet with a new pen name for my erotica—Mia Jae. You can read more about her at www.miajae.com


I think the technical term for women like us who float around the genre and subgenres to write whatever comes to mind is genre whore. LOL


Here is a fun question, who is your Favorite and Least Favorite Hollywood Actor/Actress?


My new favorite actor is Nathan Fillion. Sigh. Have you seen him on Castle? ABC, Monday evenings. 9 p.m. Don’t miss it.


Did you see him in Firefly or Serenity? Yummy! I love him as a thieving scoundrel. Honey, I will be watching his new show as faithfully as possible—darn my day job.


As far as actress, I’m a huge Sandra Bullock fan, and Julia Roberts, as well.


Can’t argue with them. They are each fabulous and seem like genuine people, unlike so many in the spotlight. I hate to end this, but why don’t you tell us where we can find you lurking online?


Oh heck. I’m usually bantering about with my SisterWriters (my critique and writing partners) on our own little loop. We also banter about on our SisterWriter blog, http://sisterwriters.blogspot.com. I check in with a few reader loops now and again. I blog (semi) regularly at my own blog, Life, Unedited, www.maddiejameslifeunedited.com and I also blog once a month on the Resplendence Publishing blogsite.
I also have my own yahoogroup, too. Feel free to join us at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/maddiejames_newsandchats/ Oh, and I’m always a www.maddiejames.com LOL

Thanks so much, Ava!

You are more than welcome. It was a pleasure having you and I wish you many more sales in the future Maddie!

Maddie Jameswww.maddiejames.com
The Matchmaking Chef series, Perfectly Matched, Available Now!www.resplendencepublishing.com
See Mia Jae’s Nice & Naughty at www.miajae.com
Check out my Examiner page at http://www..examiner.com/x-4981-Romance-Novel-Examiner

I am personally sick and tired of irresponsible people. They are the reason that so many of us are out of jobs. The reason so many people who work actually make less than the ignorant (meaning lacking knowledge) individuals who are no good at any profession except sloth (and baby making--more welfare money in that don't you know).

This my "Soooo sick and feed up!" moment.

All of you know my usual sarcastic and smiling demeanor. But I am feed up with irresponsible individuals making decisions that ultimately affect every part of my life. Financially, most of us will never have the chance to recover from the nonsensical decisions made by a few with their own interests. Why the hell should my tax money go to better the lives of people who have never paid taxes and completely inept of any discernible skill?

"Here, please take the money that could pay off debt, and fund more welfare. I mean if we are all on welfare, then we have appropriately socialized and degraded our self worth down into the level of learned helplessness that will support the current idiotic beliefs of this blatantly wasteful system."

I think I'll move to Australia.

Kingdom Of Arnhem Book I: Woman of Honor

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-22/Nicole-Zoltack-Woman-of/Detail.bok


Blurb:

Aislinn of Bairbhe dreams of becoming a lady knight to honor the death of her fallen brother. To her mother's horror, King Patrick grants Aislinn's wish and she begins her long years of training.
Despite the mockery of the other pages, and the disdain of Prince Caelan who also trains to be a knight, Aislinn commits herself to her dreams and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and bravery. Through the years, Aislinn and Caelan grow from sparing classmates to good friends. They both know that someday Caelan will marry for the sake of the kingdom, but even that cannot keep them from falling in love.

The threat of war with the Speicans is a constant threat, and one that grows more frightening as she and Caelan train toward their eventual knighthood. Aislinn has committed herself to serving Arnhem, and has promised herself as King's Champion when Caelan claims the throne. She is willing to give up everything... her childhood, her life, even her heart for Arnhem. No matter the pain it brings.

Excerpt:

Caelan looked down at their hands, turning hers over so his fingertips could brush her palm. A shiver ran down Aislinn’s spine and her cheeks bloomed hot. She knew the effect of his touch had to be evident to him, but felt no embarrassment because it was clear that he was not unaffected. Caelan drew in a long, deep breath and folded his hand over hers.

“I have been trying to save myself.”

“From what?” Aislinn bit her lower lip to stop herself from speaking further. All she’d done was ask him questions.

“Aislinn,” he said softly, and his eyes slid for a moment to look at the bookshelf where they had kissed. “Do you remember our kiss?”

She blushed. “Yes. Of course.”

“I wanted you very badly then. But you weren’t ready to be with me or anyone else.”

“Then…”

He leaned a little closer so their faces were only inches apart. In this part of the library, the way they sat, no one would see them unless they intentionally approached the table. It was late and the library was nearly empty, so Aislinn doubted they would need to explain to anyone why the crown prince and would-be lady knight sat so close together.

“Are you ready now, Aislinn?”

Aislinn closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath. She thought about Catherina, about how much she loved the little girl, about how cruel the world had been to the child. She thought about her parents, about how happy they were, about the love they shared. And she thought about all the times she’d spent with Caelan since coming to the castle. She’d despised him once, but now she couldn’t picture her days without him. She smiled when he came into a room, and she looked forward to dinner just so they could talk. Her heart nearly broke whenever she thought of all the times he’d been hurt, or could have died. Not because he was the prince and would someday rule the kingdom, but because he was Caelan.

She opened her eyes to find him still watching her, waiting for her answer.

“Yes,” she whispered.

Caelan smiled, but the smile didn’t quite reach his sapphire eyes. He raised his hand and laid the back of his fingers against her cheek. His skin was warm and Aislinn leaned into the touch. Caelan turned his hand and laid his palm against her cheek, his thumb brushing her lip. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the soft, gentle touch.

“Nothing will save me now,” he said softly — so softly she almost didn’t hear him — before he moved closer and touched his lips to hers.

Nicole Zoltack
www.nicolezoltack.com

Okay, I have been very lax in my posting b/c my muse has had me writing on this new Western set in Dawson City Alaska c. 1899. See what you think of their first kiss.

Unedited Excerpt:

“Good Evening, Mr. Duke.” Reginald Everett replied when Carolina should have.
Speak up, woman!

“I’m sorry Mr. Duke, evening.” Her gaze fixed on the handsome man beside her.

“I thought I’d join the two of you.” He pulled a chair from the table behind him and scooted it in with a loud screech.

What was he doing here?

“Mr. Duke, I—”

“Now Carolina, we are business partners, call me Clayton.” He smiled and she caught the undercurrent of anger in his voice.

“Clayton, I am not sure that Mr. Everett and I would like you here.”

“Nonsense,” He patted Reginald hard on the shoulder, causing the man to lean forward with the force. “You don’t mind, do you Reggie?” The tense set of his lips and the near growl that came across proved all the more that Clayton was mad.

“No—no, you are welcome to stay Mr. Duke.” Reginald wiped his mouth with his napkin and brought a shaky hand to his wine glass.

“See Carolina, I am more than welcome.” He turned to her and smirked.

He grabbed her glass and took a sip of the rich red wine. A single drop of the liquor hung on his lip and glistened before his tongue swept out to catch it. His gaze fixed on her and her entire body flushed with the heat of him.

Clayton looked around the room and snapped his fingers, “Can I get an extra glass and a plate over here.” He motioned with his hand to signal to their table. Oh, these were the Alaskan manners she was used to.

“On second thought, could you please bring him a trough?” Two could play at his game.

“Carolina, thank you for thinking of my needs, but a plate will serve me well enough.” His smile widened and she wanted to slap him. Clayton leaned close to her and reached for a napkin. “Nice dress.” He commented and proceeded to place the cloth in his lap. Someone brought a plate and glass to the table, and Clayton thanked the unknown man.

“Don’t you think you’d be happier at Juniper Sky?” She asked.

“Funny you should mention our little saloon. I stopped by there with the intent of asking you to dinner, and now here I am. You know, the other night, after I rang Mr. Rich Piss’s bell, no offense,” He turned to Mr. Everett, who sat wide eyed. “We had such an amorous discussion that I thought we could finish it tonight. That is, if you are well enough.”

Carolina rose from her chair and slapped him. She snatched her shawl up in a flourish and stomped out of the stunned silent room.

How could he have said that!

There was no way that she could stay in the room for one more moment. Clayton Duke was the most vile man of her acquaintance! He was a toad, a slimy swamp toad, a wolf in a handsome man’s clothing! “Men!” She grumbled and stomped down the wooden planked walkway.

“Carolina.” Clayton called from behind her.

“Leave me alone Clayton Duke!” She screamed and glared at him from over her shoulder. She pulled her shawl tight around her shoulder when a lone snowflake feel onto her exposed skin. How could it be snowing? This was May! Did nothing make sense in this damned state?
More flakes fell before her, but she ignored them.

“Carolina, wait, I—”

She’d had enough, and it was high time someone knew it. She stopped dead and wheeled around to unleash her venom. “You what, Clayton? You’re sorry? Right! That’s like saying you are a gentleman. No, you come in all ‘piss and pomp’ ready to ruin everything I have. Can’t you leave me be?” She stomped closer to him and poked her index finger at his chest. “Why can’t you and Big Beth be happy in your pig-headed behavior picking on someone else, hum?” She leaned up into his face and bit her lip. The scent of his cologne caught her attention. He smelled of fresh linens, leather, and sage. Why did he have to smell soo good? “I hate you!” She muttered and her gaze fixed on his parted lips.

Then, he did the unexpected and long over due thing—he kissed her.

Clayton wrapped one strong arm around her tense body and took her lips in a passionate kiss that curled her toes. His warm lips massaged hers and she found herself opening to him. Her once accusing fingers slid up his shirt to twine into his hair.

He bent down and held her suspended in his arms, her knees wobbly from the rush of sensations that flooded her system. Cold snowflakes fell on her cheeks and his heated breath chased the chill away. His tongue thrust into her mouth and she pulled him tight to her. She was lost in beautiful hatred.

He pulled back and looked down into her face, his gaze hooded and hot. “I hate you too.”

Did you know that Ava is a qaurter century old today?

Well now you do, consider yourself warned!

I am excited to join this great group of reviewers and cannot wait to get reviewing! My first review was posted today. You can check it out at this link

http://ddrreviews.blogspot.com/2009/02/amazing-grace-by-ginger-simpson.html

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