Friday, April 30, 2010

Visit Me Tomorrow! and Contest


Before I forget, I'll be visiting the amazing author Shelley Munro tomorrow. She's been doing this incredible (and informative) "Author Tips" month and invited me to partake.  Of course I said yes (are you kidding? I'm answering the question along with so many of my peers!) and I hope that someone will reap encouragement from what I've contributed.

So be sure to stop by Taste of Kiwi and say hello!

Back to work.  I'm so deep into edits I can't see straight, I have reviews up the hoo-ha (almost done reading two of the books, so yay me!), and I'm on a writing streak and don't want to lose the muse.  With my wild and crazy two and five-year old running in dizzying circles around me, I'm not sure where to start.

The life of a stay at home mom and writer -- you can't beat it!

P.S. I've decided to do a contest.  When I hit 100 followers, I will be placing all of their names into a hat and drawing one to win a signed copy of Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between.  So if you're not a follower, please click the box to the right and voila! 

The contest is open to international followers.  When I draw a name, I will blog the result and announce it via Twitter.  If you don't have a public ID, please be sure to check back and contact me via a comment so I can get your prize to you.  If it's not claimed within forty-eight hours, another name will be drawn and so on.

Monday, April 26, 2010

The Stages of a Cover

Writing Status - Err...
Mood - A-Okay
Playing on itunes - Nada

Right now, I should be writing.  Instead I'm going to discuss something some readers are unaware of.  Oddly enough, it's the first thing you see when it comes to choosing a book to read (if you like to shelf shop, as I do) yet you probably never really think all that much about it.

I'm talking about the "cover" of a book.

Most of my book art is unique or has images that have been manipulated enough that it's difficult to place them from other books that share a likeness (as a side, I've created all of my cover art with the exception of Crimson Moon, Soft As Moonlight, and my highly anticipated Loose Id story Eternity and a Day).  However, there is one notable exception, and that is the example I'm going to use.

When I started creating the cover for Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between, I took my time looking for the right cover model.  At that time, I hadn't been around the block yet, so I wasn't aware that the model I fell in love with had been displayed elsewhere.  When I found this image, it just fit. 

Here is how she looks from stock images:


Since Rhiannon works in a strip club and one of the major protagonists is named Disco, I figured some sparkly lighting would work.  So I found an image I liked and worked the mojo (and also changed the color and tone, using the reflection from a mirror ball and a red neon light visible over a door, which turned green as I changed the hues). The trouble was, the finished image was just a girl with snazzy lighting.  That meant I had to get creative.  I knew I wanted a beautiful pair of eyes at the top of the cover but all of the ones I found didn't get the job done.  After surfing for hours, I finally decided to make my own.

Here is the original shot (and no, this isn't how Disco looks at all, it's all about the peepers, folks!):

I cut it, trimmed it, folded it and flipped it (I also enhanced the blue so it would stand out and added flecks of gold which sadly, didn't show up in the finished product):

The end result:


The only regret I have about the cover is the fonts used for the title and my name. Back then, I was still learning the ropes and trying to figure out Photoshop and Gimp (a free program that works just as good as the expensive Photoshop, in my opinion).  In the end, I think it turned out okay and I'm happy with it.


 

"So why are you sharing this with us?" You might ask. The answer is simple. All images used to create covers are ones sold by stock image companies.  That means you're going to see repeated ones (especially those "eye-catching" shots) over and over again.  Once the image has been snatched up, it doesn't go away (nor is it owned by the person who purchased the rights to use it).  That means you're bound to see repeats, especially in the e-pub market. 

Today I got a Google alert about Dead and there was a nifty cover comparison (you can see it HERE).  A commenter said, "Boy not even original art protects you," and in this case, there is no original art.  The girl is just one element used for a broader canvas.  That's how it works.  You see, you mold and shape, and you let your creative juices flow.

I'm curious -- have any of you created your own cover art? If not, have you fiddled with the programs?  I'd love to see what you've created on your own if you have.  If you haven't, a word of warning. It can become addictive, so if time is limited you might not want to start until you can clear a spot on the calendar!

Saturday, April 24, 2010

New Look


After much reflection, I decided it was time to change the layout of the blog.  This template is cleaner, easier on the eyes, and the nifty buttons will redirect you to both of my websites and the new blog that was recently started by five fabulous author friends -- one for each day of the week -- which I am so excited about.

I hope you like the change.  I'm still on the look out for something, but so far, this was my favorite.

**Updated the layout.  I had to change it or the bright "yellow" from excerpts and author Ten Questions segments didn't show.  I think this one is just as nice.**

Sunday, April 18, 2010

More Than Words (Rhiannon & Disco Vignette)

As a gift before my departure, I wrote something for all you Disco fans. This scene takes place between the final two chapters of Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between, directly before Rhiannon leaves to go to her apartment.

I hope you enjoy it. Will see you sometime next week! (Vignette is R rated)

More Than Words


The sweet, earthy smell of burning wood and a delicious dash of smoke was the first thing that roused me from a deep, reviving sleep. Having grown accustomed to waking without an alarm, I was also aware the sun had risen. The past four weeks had been an extended break of sorts, time to mend, recoup, and recover. Unfortunately, that break would end in a week. It was time to figure out what I wanted to do, to make some big decisions, which brought me to the second reason I’d woken from a beautiful dream that included my own personal Adonis, a sandy beach, and a sunset to die for.

Disco’s body was wrapped around me, bare skin against bare skin, our heartbeats in perfect harmony. His chest was flush against my back, wider hips snug against my ass, cradling mine. Although he didn’t produce body heat, I was more than capable of warming him up. Right now, he was as balmy as a summer day, toasty warm and comforting.

For several minutes, I remained quiet and content in his arms, listening to the crackle of the wood as it split and withered. It was impossible not to feel the rightness of the moment, of the two of us together. In the past few weeks, the feeling permeating my chest was becoming more and more apparent. This wasn’t just a man I shared my bed with. He was a man that, whether I intended to or not, held my heart in his hands.

What was worse was that he knew it. Living in his home except for the rare occasion when I ventured out to meet Goose, visit the doctor, or go to physical therapy meant we were always with each other. For the most part, my appointments were later in the afternoon, when he could accompany me. However, when the rare occasion arose and I was forced to venture into the sun, he’d watch me go from the shadowed doorway, his displeasure notably apparent. It felt as if I was leaving a piece of myself behind as I crossed the threshold and entered the light he could never safely feel on his skin.

His cool breath caressed my nape, pulling me out of my thoughts, and his arm tightened around me as he whispered huskily, “Good morning, love.”

My heart stuttered at the endearment, just as it had the first time he said it. Love was such a relative term, wasn’t it? On one hand, hearing it could make someone the happiest person in the world. On the other, hearing it might scare the piss out of you. The people I loved always went away, even if they didn’t want to. That made accepting and reciprocating the sentiment far more difficult. Wasn’t it enough that I felt it? Or did I have to pony up, grow a pair, and find some way to force the one, tiny syllable from my mouth.

“Good morning,” I wimped out and whispered, feeling like a god damned pussy.

“Did you sleep well?” He nuzzled my neck and brushed his lips across my throat, intentionally lingering over my mark.

I groaned when his hand flattened over my belly, bringing me back against him. There was no need to answer the question; he was well aware of the answer. The hard ridge that prodded between my thighs and ass told me he’d slept well too. Since he was a constant visitor in my dreams, we found all sorts of creative ways to pass the time. Last night, he’d given me glimpses of the things he wanted to do to me as soon as I opened my eyes and greeted a new day.

“I don’t have the teddy on,” I groaned when his teeth nipped at my shoulder.

“To hell with the teddy,” he growled and rolled his hips, bathing my throat with his tongue.

His hand drifted down and I parted my thighs. His fingers slid over the mound below before they drifted to the folds beneath. I was already excited, my sex both wet and swollen. No matter how often I made love to Disco, I always wanted more -- I always wanted him.

“I love it when you’re like this, Rhiannon. It tells me what you’re afraid to.”

Before I could argue or protest, he had me flat on my back, settling between my legs. Duel, multicolored irises gazed down at me, the shimmering pools of blue so vast and breathtaking I could stare in them endlessly. His expression was one of desire and determination, something I was witnessing more and more of lately. I placed my hands on his chest, fingers lax on his skin.

Slowly, his face descended, until his lips brushed mine and the rest of the world faded away. His taste was a mixture of cinnamon and cloves, addictive and tantalizing. As his tongue slipped past my parted lips, I groaned into his mouth and mirrored the movements. He led the dance and I followed -- rolling, dipping, sucking, and teasing.

Taking my right arm from his chest, I slid it down his body, along the defined muscles of his chest and abdomen. He shifted his pelvis upward as he got hip to where I was going, allowing me to caress the flaxen hair along the way until I took his erection in hand. He was hard yet velvety, a mixture of strength and vulnerability. He was fully engorged, the head of his cock larger and wider than the root below. I stroked him carefully, keeping my grip soft and my movements intentional, and was rewarded with a muffled curse and a throaty groan as he broke our kiss and pulled away.

“You have the softest touch,” he said as he peered down into my face, allowing me to see the pleasure I gave him. The trust that involved -- allowing me truly see him in all ways -- was something I was only becoming accustomed to. Sex was sex, until you added what we had into the mix. Disco left me no place to hide when I wanted to escape the world and forget. With him, I had to remain in the open, fighting my demons where he could watch and, in most circumstances, intervene.

Bowing his back, he dipped his head and took my right nipple into his mouth. I cried out, wrapped my free hand around his blond head, and continued to stroke him. He teased the skin, pebbling the flesh, before he went to work on the other side. Back and forth, he nipped, suckled, and licked, his attentions effectively coating the area between my legs in a scorching wetness.

“Gabriel,” I moaned despite myself, falling into the habit I’d recently acquired. Disco didn’t like his nickname, although he didn’t argue when I used it. During moments like these, however, he had a definite preference.

“Not yet,” he murmured against my skin. “I want to go down on you first.”

He moved down my body, leaving wet kisses along the way, pausing as he nuzzled the area over my left breast that was marred by a lighter area of skin, the scar tissue almost gone but evident if you were looking. He bathed my navel, the scars along my abdomen, and finally stopped in front of the smooth skin below.

“I still can’t believe you did this for me.” His tenor changed, hoarse and deep as he stared at the now hairless valley of skin nestled between my parted legs. I was about to remind him that technically, I was the one gaining the reward after suffering the misery of a Brazilian, when he gave a firm lick from my sex to my clit that made it impossible to think.

He moved his tongue in perfect harmony with his fingers and lips, stroking, petting, and driving me out of my mind. He teased and tormented, knowing it was the trigger that never failed to send me soaring, only to pull away when I neared climax. Eager to experience heaven, I writhed beneath him, eliciting a chuckle as he pressed one hand against my belly to keep me still.

“Please,” I begged, uncaring that I was giving him the power to control my responses and reactions.

The result was exactly what I knew it would be. He took that pearled bundle of nerves and sensation into his mouth and sucked gently, flicking his tongue back and forth as he did, and my body detonated like a fourth of July bottle rocket. My cries echoed off the walls, carrying to the ceiling. Each wave of heat that spread from my stomach to my muscles was too much but not enough. I rode the feeling of bliss until my limbs were quivering and I was limp on the mattress, my forehead sweaty and chest heaving.

Disco blanketed me until we were chest to chest, hip to hip, and entered my body in one expert thrust. I arched my back to take more of him, gloried in the way he felt inside me. Like this, we were not two people. We were whole, unified as one.

He studied me as he began moving, nice and slow. He feathered kisses along my jaw, my chin, my nose and mouth. I wrapped my arms around his waist and drove my nails into his skin. Although my right knee was still awkward to maneuver, the left continued to function just fine and I used it to meet each roll of his hips.

“Christ,” he groaned and I knew he was close.

Doubling my efforts, I ground against him until I found the spot that would send me over for a second time. It didn’t take much to reach the pinnacle, to know that one more solid touch would get the job done. As he slid home -- once, twice -- I quickened and tumbled over, quaking as my body gripped him tightly, tempting him to join me as I spasmed around him.

His thrusts became harder, the hands that were at my sides now used to hold my hips in place. He rose onto his knees, lifting me as he did, and plunged faster and faster. As he came, he threw his head back and shouted to the rafters. The muscles in his abdomen and chest corded, the twin lines running from his pelvis to his groin far more pronounced. Cool wetness jetted into me, tempering the heat where we were connected in the most profound way possible.

Disco released my hips and placed his arms on either side of my head, keeping his semi-hard length in my body. His expression was one that exhilarated and frightened me, so intense it was impossible to turn away. After a moment, he did what I thought he might and buried his face into my neck. He was aware of my hang ups, but after witnessing my shock, and consequent fear, upon hearing his declaration the first time, I knew he wasn’t up for a repeat.

“I love you,” he said, words soft.

The same words surfaced on my lips, hanging on the tip of my tongue. Yet each time I opened my mouth, they refused to formulate. It was as if I was on mute, unable to express verbally what I felt physically and emotionally. Like a fish out of water, I opened my mouth and closed it several times. He must have felt it, because he lifted away and smiled down at me.

“It’s all right.” He kissed me tenderly before pulling away. “You’ll tell me when you’re ready.”

This wasn’t the first time he’d said or done something that made me feel absolutely worthless and undeserving of him, but it was the first time I felt guilty about it. Disco was everything a woman could possibly want. He was gorgeous, he was powerful, and he was the most generous soul I’d ever met. He never expected more than a person was willing to give, not even when he loved them. It said a lot about his character, why I was so torn, and why my feelings had changed so drastically regarding him in the past month.

So why couldn’t I get over my mental shit and tell him? Why couldn’t I bestow the three tiny little words he wanted to hear?

God help me, I had no fucking clue.

“Do you still want to go to your apartment?” he asked, breaching the quiet. “Or can I tempt you to stay and put it off for another day?”

“As much as I’d love to stay in bed, I have to go. There is no food in the apartment, I need more of my clothes, and I have to check my messages. I have to decide what I’m going to do about work.”

“You wouldn’t have to if you moved your things here,” he reminded me, his eyes intent, intentionally forgoing the usual conversation about my ancient electronic devices that didn’t allow someone to call and check for messages at another location. “And I thought you said you’d decided to stop working at the club.”

“No, I said I was leaning toward that, not that I had decided.” I started moving from the bed, uncomfortable with where the discussion was going. “One thing at a time, remember?”

“How could I forget?” he growled and moved so quickly I couldn’t see, sweeping me off my feet.

Within seconds, I was in the bathroom and the nozzles inside the shower were turned at full blast. Waking up was a routine -- we made love, we showered, and the rest was open to discussion. Most of the time, Disco could conduct business from his office. Since my near death experience, he sent Paine to take care of the things that required a formal meeting. The significance of that wasn’t lost on me, which was another reason I was determined to put my life back in order. Disco was an important vampire in the area, and his lack of prominence was sure to be noticed. Considering how blood thirsty their kind could be, he couldn’t afford to look weak or disillusioned.

When the water was hot, he opened the door and led me inside. The crystalline beads adorning his skin were too much to resist and before I knew it, I was licking them away, until I went down on my knees before him. His heady groan told me that while it didn’t go as far as the words he wanted to hear, it was more than enough to satisfy him until I was ready.

Rhiannon’s Law #82: Fuck romantics who swear by the power of the “big three.” Sometimes, if you want them to, actions do speak louder than words.


© J.A. Saare 2010

Friday, April 16, 2010

Omega Mine

Writing Status - See Above
Mood - Nervous
Playing on itunes - nada

As you are aware, I'm currently penning Omega Mine. It's a dark paranormal romance and is the first in a series. I really wanted to write something unique in the genre and I hope this fits the bill.

If you're curious, I've put an excerpt below. Have a wonderful weekend!

Omega Mine Excerpt:

“We have to go, Pinkie. Get out and get dressed.”

When she didn’t argue, he found himself grateful for their bond for the first time. Human nature survived by questioning. Animalistic tendencies, on the other hand, took action and pondered later.

Sliding into the robe, she moved past him and hurried into the bedroom. She chose a black set of matching bra and panties and slid them on as he monitored the hall. All of the beasts under his skin answered the call, ready and willing to come forth to protect what they claimed as theirs. It was ironic that the one shifter who held the most power amongst their kind placed Ava in the most danger.

When Shepherds came to town, they started out small before going for the throat. And there was no better way to cut the oxygen supply than to extinguish the omega of the city.

Damn it. Why in the hell were they here? New York was a town the zealots rarely ventured to, a location that bred and endorsed violence, sex, and misery. Religion had no purpose in a city where gay pride, hedonism, and vulgarity were a given.

Ava stepped into her closet, tugged on a cord, and quickly chose a thin, bright blue v-neck sweater. She tugged it over her head and yanked a pair of jeans off an adjoining hanger. Her motions were frantic, her limbs trembling as her fingers jittered on the zipper.

Cursing, Diskant attempted to relax and calm the fuck down. His mate was teetering on the brink of something she didn’t fully understand and had no control over. Already, she felt the instinct to mate, to bring him into her body over and over again until he cemented their union. She would crave him incessantly, needing his touch, his presence. Adding to that by increasing her flight or flight instincts via their connection wasn’t helping.

“Grab the things you might need,” he instructed softly, attempting to remain focused and on alert. “I’m not sure how many days we’ll be gone.”

“Days?” She went still and studied him.

“I don’t have time to explain.” When she started to argue he allowed the importance of what was taking place to slip past, ensuring that at the very least, she was able to perceive the threat. “Please, Ava.”

Her face paled and she gave a jerky nod. She settled the hem of the sweater over her jeans and walked to the back of the closet. The compact duffel she collected was large in comparison to her, not as tall but nearly as wide.

At his questioning look, she explained, “I planned to make a trip to the cabin to unwind.”

“Do you have everything you need?”

“Yes.” She beside a neatly stacked shoe rack and grabbed a pair.

“Good, we need to go.”

No more arguments or hesitation. The instincts were growing, her bond with him guiding her reactions and responses. He didn’t have the luxury to reflect on the wrongness of their mating occurring like this, before there was a trust established that wasn’t the result of unavoidable changes taking place inside her mind, body, and soul.

He followed her from the closet and waited as she sat at the end of the bed to put her on her socks and shoes. His senses were sharp now, the shifter in him prepared to change in a hurry if necessary. Directly behind the urge to shift and protect was an undeniable amount of lust, and try as he might, it refused to abate. As natural was it was, the timing was all wrong. He hoped like hell that she’d be receptive to his advances once inside the safe house full of shifters. Sex to them wasn’t anything new, just another of life’s miraculous--and enjoyable--blessings. For her, there was certain to be a period of adjustment.

“I’m ready.”

She stood, retrieved the duffel, and moved closer to him. When he looked down at her, he saw the desire etched in her features. Her eyes were cloudy, her lips were slightly parted, and her cheeks were flushed. Their gazes caught and her breathing increased, her succulent nipples going hard beneath her bra and shirt, informing him she was more than game for another round of anything he wanted to offer her.

Fuck, if the Shepherds didn’t piss him off. He had finally found his mate, the only female who would ever sate him entirely, and he was being forced to leave her bereft and needy.

“Soon, baby,” he vowed and took the duffel from her.

Her eyes widened and she looked away. It was embarrassment, he realized. While natural to his kind, the yearning and need to couple often was foreign to her.

“It’s going to be all right, Ava mine.” Placing a hand at the small of her back, he gave her a gentle nudge. “Trust me.”

After collecting her purse and keys, they locked up and started the trek down the stairs. He kept her directly in front of him, his eyes alert, nose sharp. The blare of televisions in various apartments merged, along with multiple conversations and, in the distance, the sounds of an ecstatic couple nearing sexual bliss. He tamped down his own need as the image of Pinkie on the counter assailed him, mentally cursing his cock as it slowly rose to life. His mate wasn’t the only one that wanted to cement their union. Ever since he’d gotten a taste of the minx between the sheets, he’d been behaving like a teenager that had only recently discovered the new joystick between his legs that could be manipulated by a flick of the wrist and a firm grip.

The distraction was the reason he didn’t immediately scent the dangerous fragrance of incense the moment he opened the glass door to the building. One moment, he and Ava were alone. The next, Shepherds surrounded them, five of them total. Their weapons gleamed bright in the streetlights as they lifted them into the air, the long, polished steel barrels displaying the etched bible reference, “John 10:9.”


I am the door. By me, if any man enter in, he shall be saved.


There was only reason the men in brown dusters and matching Stetsons didn’t fire --
their guns were already out, armed and at the ready -- and it had nothing to do with bringing unnecessary attention. They didn’t want to hit any of the random passersby who froze in alarm and watched silently.

“You know why we’re here,” the largest one addressed Diskant and leveled his obsidian firearm; his arm, hand, and trigger finger nice and steady. “Where is he?”

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Ten Questions with author Jessica Lee


Welcome author and friend Jessica Lee to the blog today! She has a hot new release out, Dark Desires At Midnight, the second in her Warriors of the Enclave series, and let me tell you, it sizzles! She is also giving away a $10 Loose Id Gift Card to a random commenter, so be sure to leave one for the chance to win!!

Thanks for stopping by Jessica. Without further ado, take it away!


1. What is your favorite beverage when you write? Oh, that's an easy one. LOL A Starbucks Iced Vanilla Latte!

2. What is your favorite font to write in? Times New Roman 12font. Maybe not my favorite, but it's sort of required, and I've gotten used to it.

3. What music do you listen to when you write (or do you prefer it quiet)? I like to listen before I start writing, just to get into the mindset of my characters. But when I'm actually writing, I prefer quiet.

4. When it comes to those all important jotted notes, which is it – composition pads or sticky notes? Sticky notes. Jeez, you should see my desk. LOL

5. What’s your favorite snack when pounding away at the keyboard? Hmm… Chocolate.

6. What inspires you when you write? Songs and photos/images before starting. But when I'm writing, I have no clue where the words come from most of the time.

7. What do you turn to when you stumble across a road block in the creative process and need to regroup? For me, it would be who do I turn to, and that would be my critique partners. Naima and Lanna are wonderful to bounce ideas off of, or to go to when I'm not sure where to go with perhaps a certain scene.

8. Where do the ideas and concepts for your work come from? Man, I wish I knew the answer to that question, because I'd visit that place a little more often. LOL

9. What do you wish there was more of in the market? Honestly, I'd have to say that I don't feel like there is something missing in the market.

10. Lastly, what advice would you give to an up and coming writer that hopes to submit their work and become published in the future?

Here are my top five tips for any aspiring writer:


1. Read, read, read in the genre that you write.

2. Never get to the point that you think you know it all. There's alway room for improvement.


3. Get involved in a writing group. Be it RWA or some other. Talking and sharing with other authors is so motivating and super educational about the business.


4. Set a schedule. If you want writing to be a career, you have to treat it like one. (I need to take my own advice sometimes. lol)

5. Never give up. Don't lose sight of your dream. When things get rough sometimes and you want to cry and throw in the towel, don't forget why you wanted to do this in the first place. Because it can be really tough sometimes, but in the end, it's worth all the swollen feet and the aching backs.

Tell us where we can find you on the web. www.jessicaleenovels.com www.facebook.com/jessleenovels www.twitter.com/jessleenovels Or share any upcoming projects with us! Latest release: Dark Desires at Midnight buy link: http://www.loose-id.com/Dark-Desires-at-Midnight.aspx


Dark Desires At Midnight Blurb:


Arran MacLain is a vampire on a suicide mission, driven to kill his former partner who betrayed him and the Enclave they served. But two things stand in his way: Gabrielle, the human female who holds his heart, and the past that won’t let him go. If only death was enough to cleanse his soul.


Gabrielle Steven’s sister is missing. Her hunt for clues brings her face to face with the one vampire she can’t forget. Their missions combine and thrust them into the heart of evil. Will their passion be enough to overcome the pain from their past, or will their dark desires destroy them both?


Dark Desires At Midnight Excerpt:


Arran rolled his Ninja into the parking lot beside Gabrielle’s car and killed the engine. She’d taken the newsflash about Markus and Marguerite pretty much like he’d expected. She’d mumbled an oath of determination right before she’d kicked him out of the car. Gabrielle wasn’t a member of the Enclave in name only. It didn’t matter that she didn’t work patrol. Gabrielle was as much a warrior as any of the males. Life hadn’t dealt her any favors. And she wasn’t one to lie down and let it bulldoze over her. She stood and fought for every inch of ground gained.

He waited for her to get out of the car, then removed his helmet.

“You didn’t need to follow me home,” she said over her shoulder, heading for the front door of her sister’s townhouse. He was surprised when she’d led him here instead of a hotel. The place must have belonged to her sister. He palmed his keys, slid off his bike, and shoved the keys in his pocket.

“I wasn’t going to let you leave alone after the info I just dumped on you,” he said as he came up behind her while she unlocked the door. “I wanted to make sure you got home safe. And I wanted to be sure you actually went home.”

“Oh my God, you can be such an ass sometimes.” Her back was to him, but Arran could almost hear her eyes roll with that statement. She was right. He was an ass. But while he was here, he would be taking care of hers.


Gabrielle flipped on the lights, and he followed her inside. The heels of her boots clicked on the hardwood floor of the foyer, echoing in the open stairwell of the two-story apartment. She couldn’t have been in town long, but the air in the place already carried her scent. He pulled in another slow, deep breath through his nostrils. His heart rate quickened. Honeysuckle. Arran wanted to smile but repressed the grin. Ironic that such a delicate and sweet fragrance emanated from the hellcat with whom he’d just been reacquainted.

Her keys clinked as she dropped them in a bowl on a table near the staircase. Arran’s gaze devoured her provocative profile. He’d never seen her dressed like she was tonight. Living with five male vampires within the Enclave walls, she usually dressed a bit more conservatively. Not matronly, but definitely not this revealing. A short black leather skirt barely covered the lush curves of her ass, and a shirt that couldn’t have been more than a decked-out bra did its best to contain her full breasts. Shiny black leather boots wrapped her legs, highlighting the toned sweep of her calves. This couldn’t happen again. Arran slowly shook his head. He would end up killing someone if she dressed like this again.


She turned her head to the side, facing him. “I don’t need a babysitter. I’m more than capable of taking care of myself.” She shifted and faced him head-on. “You’ve been gone a long time, Arran. Things have changed. I’ve changed.”


“Maybe so. But you’re not taking on that colony alone. I can’t believe Logan let you come here without him.” Gabrielle turned her back, rearranging her purse on the table. Shit. He recognized the body language. “You didn’t tell him, did you?” Arran closed the distance between them.

“No. I didn’t need him here.” Gabrielle looked up, fierce determination written on her face. “I can handle this. Alex needed me. And I’m going to be there for her.” She shifted to face him again, leaning her hip against the table. “I’m smart enough to know if -- and when -- I need help.”


Arran closed in, crowding her personal space, wanting a reaction. Aching for it, actually. Gabrielle straightened and took one step back but stopped and lifted her chin, refusing to cower and give him the reaction he itched for. She caught on quick.

“You think you have it all handled, lass?”


“Yeah, I do.”

“You got it all under control?”

The amber color of her irises had grown near molten. He allowed a small smile to pull at the corner of his mouth, loving the way she got all hot and bothered when he pushed her.


“Yes. I do.” The words had barely left her lips when she attacked, one leg coming out to catch the back of his ankle. Caught off guard, he stumbled.

Before he could regain his balance, she had his wrist locked in her grip. Swinging his arm up, she spun underneath, twisted, and wrenched his arm up the middle of his back, then shoved him face-first into the dank-smelling wall.


Well, damn. Not bad.

“You’ve been training,” he mumbled against the Sheetrock.


“A little.” She sounded quite proud of herself. She was good. He’d give her that. But her heavy breathing told him it was all she could do to contain him, and he hadn’t even come close to tapping into his full abilities. She’d caught him by surprise, but she was human, a woman, and no match for a mature vampire. Especially in a multiple attack.


With a burst of speed, Arran pushed back, forcing Gabrielle to release him instead of falling on her rear. He whirled, catching her before she hit the floor. In less than a second, their positions reversed. Except this time, he’d pinned her back against the wall, her hands imprisoned by his, over her head.


The position pushed her full breasts up, almost spilling them from her top. Nice. He lifted his gaze, prepared for a hard glare. If her eyes were molten earlier, they were near boiling now. He couldn’t have stopped the next words that spilled from his lips if he’d tried.


“I win.”


“You ass!” She squirmed and bucked against him like a feral cat. Instead of gaining her freedom, though, each maneuver jammed her tighter into his hold. Her every inhale shoved her breasts into his chest. Heat radiated off her body, threatening to scramble his brain. Before he knew he’d even moved, his lips hovered over hers. What made him stop, God only knew. Maybe it was the way she’d suddenly grown still? Or maybe it was the moment she’d parted her lips, releasing warm, peppermint-scented bursts of air that seduced his mind. So damn enticing. All he had to do was lean in one more inch, and he’d --


Fire shot up his arm. “Son of a…” Releasing her, he jumped back and flung his gaze to the offending limb. Blood.


A thin line of crimson blossomed along the outside of his bicep. She’d played him. Purposefully distracted him, so she could pull her hand free and reach for a blade that must have been hidden under her skirt and against her thigh. The little minx.


He swiveled his head back in Gabrielle’s direction. Air punched from his lungs. Christ. Blood surged to his cock. The overwhelming urge to stroke the rock-hard length at the sight of her was short-circuiting his brain. Gabrielle stood, one boot in front of the other, palming a short dagger. She was ready to fight.

He was ready to fuck.


Arran rocked from one foot to the other, searching within for the strength not to take what was his. Mentally, he shook his head. No. She’s not yours, asshole. But damn if his cock had the sense to listen.


“I know you weren’t about to kiss me, warrior. Were you?” She raised a delicate brow and tilted her head. “Because last I heard, my kiss was ‘forgettable.’”


Ouch. He’d had a feeling if he ever saw her again, that asinine comment would come back to bite him in the ass.

“Give me the blade, Gabrielle.”


“This?” She twirled the dagger, then palmed the hilt and held it up for display. “You want it?” A devious smile lit her face. With her other hand, she beckoned him with her fingers. “Come and take it.”

Bad, bad challenge, kitten. A tremor started in his gut and worked its way up, until it was a buzz inside his brain. Every cell in his body wanted to take.


Mark.

Claim.


A gasp of air in his ear was the only indicator that he’d grabbed her. He didn’t remember the trip. Arran lifted her feet from the floor, whirled, and gently laid her on the stairs, pressing his hips, his chest into hers. He had to get his body next to hers. Everywhere. The dagger fell from her hand, rolling and thumping its way down the steps, each tumble a hollow thud.


The loud percussions bypassed the noise inside his head and brought him to a dead halt. He lay with his hips between her legs, his groin pressed to hers. His mouth suspended above her lips. He dropped his gaze to her mouth. God, how he loved the delicate line of her lips, a perfect bow. So full and pink. Her tongue darted out and moistened the lower one. He couldn’t stifle the groan that rolled from the back of his throat.


He dragged his gaze back to her eyes. Passion mixed with doubt and fear stared back at him. “I’m sorry.” The whispered words tumbled from his heart.

She blinked, then swallowed. “Why?”


“For hurting you.” Her eyelids shuttered, and her breath hitched. Did she believe him? Was an apology enough for what he’d done? He’d walked away, leaving her to think he’d never wanted her, when the truth was, he wanted her more than his next breath. Sorry sounded so insignificant, compared to how much damage he’d done to her heart.

“Gabrielle.” Long, dark eyelashes lifted. Beautiful, near gold eyes shimmered with unshed tears. Please don’t cry. If only he had the power to bring her tears of joy. Instead of the pain he was so damn good at. He wanted to kiss the hurt away. “Remind me.”


Her lips parted first in silence before she asked, “Of what?”


Arran released her arms and cupped her face with his palms. He caressed her lips with his gaze before lifting it back to hers.

“What I walked away from.”


Thanks again for visiting Jessica!! Wishing you many sells and much success. Be sure to check out Dark Desires At Midnight and if you haven't read it, the first in the series, Desire To Die For.

The Renfield Syndrome Excerpt#2


Yes, I'm writing. It's coming along pretty well thus far. For those of you who want a taste while you wait, here is another excerpt from The Renfield Syndrome (unedited, of course) and contains mild spoilers (so be warned!). You can read the first excerpt I shared a couple of weeks ago by clicking HERE.

Goose was the ace in the hole, which meant I had to find some way to get back to the burbs. Swallowing thickly, I eyed the werewolves that looked like they wanted to rip out my throat and say to fuck with it. The scent of water hit and the surface beneath the van told me we were crossing the bridge. As soon as I was under lock down, I’d never get out in time. Zagan had said I had thirteen-days, and that was three days ago. The clock was ticking.

“Shit.”

At first, I thought it was one of my inner ramblings. Then I realized it was from the driver -- a very loud, alarmed, and snarling werewolf.

“We’ve got trouble, Carter.”

The van’s breaks made a horrible screeching sound as they ground together and we shifted inside, bodies veering to the right before wavering to the left.

Carter moved, until he could peer past the headrest of the passenger seat. His grip increased, a steady thrumming growl vibrating against my back.

“What the fuck are they doing out so early?” One of the men to our right asked.

“Shift,” Carter commanded and moved to the back doors. I watched in horror as they ripped off their shirts and their bones contorted, limbs changing as bones cracked and reformed. The muscles along their spine rippled, pressing against the skin with a disturbing popping sound as the vertebrae grew larger and reformed.

Carter didn’t hesitate as he jumped from the back and walked around, facing a line of expensive cars and limousines. They were all newly waved and polished; the rims glistening as streetlamps came on, causing the paint to gleam. Several people stood in front of the vehicles, their stylized clothing as sophisticated and luxurious as their mode of transportation.

Even without my necromancy, their luminous skin and sparkling eyes would have given them away. Vampires stood between us and the path home, efficiently blocking us in. Strangely enough, and for the first time I could recollect, I found myself relieved to see them. I suppose it takes being placed in a shitty fucking circumstance to appreciate what you once took for granted.

A form strode purposely from the center, leather coat snug around his broad shoulders yet loose at his waist, the collar high at his neck. The shirt beneath matched, black as ebony, the buttons open at the throat. Spiffy black slacks clung to his hips, the shiny belt buckle in the center flashing with each long stride.

His hair fell to his shoulders, the lush brown waves untamed and free, framing a face that was breathtaking, even in its fury. Obsidian eyes met mine and didn’t look away as he approached, his fists clenched and jaw ticking.

My heart raced, blood pounding in my ears.

He had always been beautiful, like an avenging angel sent to keep a watchful eye on things. And now, seeing him here, I said thanks to God, Satan, or whatever power it was that enabled him to find me.

“You have something that belongs to me,” Paine said in a soft menacing tone, stopping a mere yard or so away. “I want her back.”

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Remember Ryan White

Twenty years ago today, Ryan White passed away. His battle with AIDS put a face to the disease, humanizing a topic that was once only feared and shunned.

While gone from this world, his spirit is very much alive. Today, we need to remember this remarkable young man, his mother, and say a prayer that soon we'll find a cure.

Friday, April 2, 2010

Writing, Reading, and Everything Else

Writing Status - Reading while waiting for Eternity Edits
Mood - Excited
Playing on itunes - I Won't Hold You Back by Toto

Yesterday didn't get any better... okay, that's not entirely true. I got what could be fantastic news (can't share it yet, but I will soon). Otherwise, I had a migraine and felt pretty crummy for a majority of the day. I'm not sure what is causing them, but I want them to go away already.

I'm currently waiting on the next round of my Eternity edits, so I'll be writing The Renfield Syndrome and going over The Company of Wolves. It's time to get in gear and get back to writing like I once did. No more being a bum!

Hope you all have a great Friday and an even better weekend. Tomorrow I'm going to see The Clash of the Titans. I can't wait!