Merry Christmas Wishes & Updates

Wowza!! So hard to believe Christmas is here. My kiddos are super happy. We managed to give them an awesome Christmas this year, and I can't thank you enough for making that happen. Due to your support of my work, we were able to do things for them we couldn't last year. So THANK YOU!!

Today I'll be running ragged going from one home to the next. I'm looking forward to spending time with my family. Some of them drive into town once per year and it's the only chance I get to see them. For that reason I adore Christmas. There's nothing like family.

I did want to let you know that next week I'll be gung-ho working. I'm over halfway done with The Ripple Effect and Enemy Mine. I'll wrap those up soon. Until then I do have a few books you can check out if you haven't done so (and are interested), including Make Me Shiver which is now on Kindle! Check out the blurbs and links below. All purchase sites are listed on the webpage, so it's as simple as clicking a button to venture over to the retailers.

Again, Happy Holidays. I'm sending you all tons of hugs and love.

A special excerpt is on the website for Make Me Shiver now. It's rated R, so keep that in mind. You can read the excerpt by clicking HERE. As a side note, the book is 53k words, so it's not a short story. It is a novel.

If you haven't read Omega Mine, now's your chance. It's pretty steamy and not for youngsters. A blurb is also on the website and you can read it by clicking HERE. This book is a novel plus, complete at around 86k words.

This is a short story that will have a full length follow up -- Twisted In Knots. I really enjoyed Zeke and Diane and can't wait to revisit them. You can read a blurb on my website HERE. Keep in mind the story is a Quickie and complete at around 9k words.

On a side, I have received a release date for Crimson Sunrise. It will be available on May 18, 2012. I apologize for the delay but hope the book is worth the wait. Thank you again for your patience. My hope is to return to the series and write the last book sometime next year. And for those who asked, I will be returning to The Desires of the Otherworld series soon. I've also contracted someone to put Eternity and a Day in print, so you should be hearing more about that soon.

Again, Merry Christmas. 2011 was a great year but I'm hoping 2012 is even better. I'm sending you tons of virtual hugs and cookies. Have a wonderful day with your friends and loved ones. I'll be back with another update soon.

All My Best!

Jaime

New Contract at Ellora's Cave!

I wanted to wait until the contract was in the mail to share the news on my blog. I received a contract offer from a press I've always wanted to be a part of for my hot, racy paranormal romance Omega Mine. Ellora's Cave will be the home of my newest work released under my Aline Hunter pen. It's quite different from my other books, offers more heat, and was a blast to write. Here's the (unofficial) blurb:

A bond forged in blood; a fealty given to the one he desires above all others.
 
Graced with the ability to shift into any form, Diskant Black is the absolute authority in the world of shifters and, as the omega of New York City, his word is law. Protecting those who share his lineage is more than a job, it is a predisposition ingrained since birth -- nothing is more important. Until a chance encounter with a tiny female sets fire to his blood, brings him to his knees, and turns his world upside down. Ava Brisbane is more than he bargained for in a mate -- beautiful, fragile…human. If he wants to keep her by his side, he’ll have to sacrifice a portion of his soul in order to establish a bond that can never be broken.

A telepath since birth, Ava uses her ability to ward off the things that go bump in the night. When faced with a powerful, sexy shifter who claims her as his own, she’s not sure if she’s frightened or excited by the prospect. Diskant inspires fantasies and desires she’s never experienced, tempting her to lower her defenses, but mating with a shifter comes with a cost, and the price is danger knocking at her door.

When Shepherds -- the hunters of all shifter races -- arrive in New York searching for a former member of Diskant’s pack, he and Ava up the ante as they turn up the heat. As passions ignite and truths are revealed, they’ll have to rely on each other in order to unite the shifter populace and face those who have come to start a war.

Onto other things...

The edits for Dark Hunger on a Killing Moon (book two in the Desires of the Otherworld series) are coming along nicely, and soon I'll begin editing The Renfield Syndrome. For those of you who have asked, I do not have the exact release date for TRS but the book WILL release in early August. I'm currently working on The Ripple Effect, the third book in the series, which is almost halfway done. After that I'm going to wrap up my UF Company of Wolves novel (as yet untitled), begin the fourth installment of the Rhiannon's Law series, Edge of Darkness, and finish Crimson Sunset. For those who have emailed about Crimson Sunrise, the book is currently under edits. I won't have a precise release date until they are done. As soon as I get the information, I'll share it here and on my website. Thank you again for your interest in the trilogy!

It's really quite astounding. I started writing in June of 2008, and I had no idea I would have so many works published in such a short amount of time. I hope I can continue to write stories that you enjoy. It's difficult to write sometimes, since I have so many ideas floating around in my head, but I'll do my best to get them onto the PC and out to you as soon as I can.

Have a fantastic week!

Crimson Sunrise Cover & Excerpt

I received the cover for Crimson Sunrise. There is no release date yet, but I will tell you this: Crimson Sunrise is shorter (80k versus the 95k of the first book, since I learned longer isn't necessarily better), and it's a bit different. I hope those who enjoyed the first book in the trilogy will enjoy the second. The third and final novel, Crimson Sunset, is roughly 20k written and I'm thinking it will top out at around 80-90k words.

How's about a snippet for the weekend? This one is definitely PG-13. So keep those youthful eyes away. It's also ends on a humorous note, which works considering this is April Fool's Day. ;-)

Crimson Sunrise Excerpt:

The bathroom door opened, closed, and Caleb appeared in the reflection of the mirror. He lifted a finger to his mouth, indigo eyes crinkling mischievously, instructing me to remain quiet. I kept brushing, pulling more than half of the heavy length of my hair over my shoulder to remove any remaining tangles with the tips of the bristles.

Caleb walked behind me and wrapped his large arms around my waist. I let my hair fall to my shoulders and reached for his neck to pull him down. His breath was hot on my throat as he pressed a kiss to the rapidly pounding pulse along the vulnerable jugular vein, creating ripples beneath the surface of my skin. I closed my eyes and exhaled, going limp.

“Just one more day.” He breathed the words, bringing his lips to my ear while increasing his grip, holding me aloft.

“One more day,” I murmured in agreement. Dropping the brush onto the counter, I watched as it slid noisily into the sink.

He turned me in his arms, plush lips coming down hard and demanding against mine. I reached under his arms, fingers plunging into his back, nails scoring the cotton T-shirt protecting his skin. His lips parted and I ran my tongue along the lower one, teasing the seam of his mouth. He growled, pulling me snug against him, and pressed his hips firmly against my belly.

Our tongues touched, pulled apart, and began circling. His hands were rough as he lifted me by that fleshy piece of leg, hip, and thigh. I wrapped my hands around his neck, using my arms to pull myself up. My legs snaked around his waist, ankles locking together just behind his back. He used his free hand to pull my face closer, tender fingers wrapping into the hair at my nape.

When he pulled away he skimmed his lips across my cheek, the stubbly bristles on his face chafing the skin slightly. He kissed my ear, licking at the sensitive outer shell, and blew a steady stream of warm air inside. I gasped as goose bumps bristled below my skin and heat spread throughout my body. The scents of forest and earth filled my nose, causing my muscles to quake and my body to tremble.

I ground my hips against his pelvis wantonly, the familiar wet heat developing between my legs making me crazed. His groan was muffled by my mouth as his hands eagerly guided me lower, then lower, until his very obvious erection pressed against the sensitive bead at the top of my hammering sex...

“Who’s in there?” Derek pounded on the door, making it shake.

Caleb didn’t let go, growling, “Go upstairs, Derek!”

“Unless you two are in the middle of something, and by something I mean in the middle of hot sex,” Derek snapped. “Then you’d better let me in. Sammie’s upstairs and I’ve got to take a shit.”


You've got to love Derek, right? Have a fantastic weekend!

Crimson Sunrise Blurb & Excerpt

Talk about a crazy week. I really wanted to do this vlog style, but since the root canal has left me unable to speak clearly (and I have a blurb and excerpt to share) it's probably for the best that I wait until next week.   On the writing front -- I received word about my erotic BDSM novella, Make Me Shiver, and it's time for some revisions. That means even less time to socialize on the net, so if you don't see me around, that's why.

As for the blurb/excerpt.  I shared this on my author loop but figured now is a good time to share it on my blog as well.  I've turned in all the paperwork for Crimson Sunrise, so now it's just about revising according to my editor's requests, editing, etc.  I hope that everyone who enjoyed Crimson Moon enjoys this story as well. 

Have a fantastic weekend!

Crimson Sunrise Blurb:

There is always calm before the storm…

After eradicating the obstacles between them, Emma Johnson and Caleb Blackney are ready to embrace their future together. They have a lot of decisions to make. There is the issue of Emma's fae heritage, her choice to become a werewolf or remain human, and Caleb's refusal to partake in anything that could cause harm to his mate.

When Caleb's sister goes missing, personal issues are forced aside, and he and Emma are faced with a past threat that has come knocking at their door. As the search for Sammie reveals plans far more sinister than they ever could have imagined, Emma and Caleb will face their fears, confront their enemies, and unite their families to stand against an evil that won't stop until vengeance is served.

Crimson Sunrise Inside Excerpt:

My vision became focused despite it all, allowing me to see everything. I knew these would be my final memories. I felt the warm salt of tears against my mouth and experienced the cruel absolution of saying good-bye.

The water came closer and closer, until I felt the freezing chill of blanketed wetness enveloping me. I gasped without making a sound as they pulled me into the murky water, staring down at the waves that distorted with their frantic movements. They pushed my head toward the surface, revealing the reflection of a terrified girl who was too young to die but was unable to change what loomed ahead.

The cold bite of water inside my nose and mouth silenced any protests. I struggled futilely, attempting to break free of the hands pressing against my shoulders and head. My lungs protested, demanding essential oxygen, burning miserably with the need to breathe. I held my breath, feeling the fire in my chest as my body screamed to take what was necessary to live. But there was no air to be found.

When I inhaled, I knew I would die.

I fought the need until I had no choice but to drag the water into my lungs. Raw and inexplicable pain radiated inside my chest, flooding my throat, nose, and mouth with an ice cold weight. I choked on the liquid, entering some strange, agonizing spasm that I couldn't control.

Images flickered through my mind in those last seconds, my life remembered in frames -- my mother, father, grandmother, Sammie, Trent, Sarah, Derek, Beverly, Chris, and finally, Caleb.

My final thought was of drowning, but not in water. I chose to swim in the deep indigo pools I loved so much, following the swirling currents down into the pupil until there was nothing but complete blackness.

Then the pain was no more.

Eternity on Kindle/Fictionwise and Updates

Just a quick update before I get ready for bed (it's been a long day here).  I recently discovered Eternity and a Day is now available for the Kindle at Amazon: CLICK HERE, as well as at Fictionwise (where it is currently on sale): CLICK HERE.  So if you've been waiting to purchase a copy on Kindle, Nook, etc, now you can.

Today I mailed off the contract for Crimson Sunrise, so it will definitely be published. I made the decision to continue with the series after the amazing response from readers. I'm currently editing the hell out of the manuscript, and as soon as I've finished the book will go to my editor so we can begin the "process" of bringing the story to you. I've also wrapped up all things Omega Mine and have sent query letters/sample chapters to a few different people/places for consideration.

I hope you all enjoy a calm, relaxing weekend.  I've got a ton of work to do, so I'll be multitasking like mad for the next couple of weeks.  I'm also planning another vlog soon, since they are so enjoyable and it appears that people don't mind me acting like a goofball.

Don't forget to enter the swag contest by following the directions in the blog below! I've already purchased three DVD's (I said two, but couldn't help myself) and several goodies for the package. I love Halloween, so this is heaven for me.  I'm thinking I'll also include an additional book or two.

Time to get some sleep so I can be ready for a non-stop day tomorrow.

Crimson Sunrise Excerpt

This morning I've been working on two projects -- The Renfield Syndrome and Crimson Sunrise.  As I was going through them, I realize just how much my writing has changed.  It's a good thing, but also reminds me of all the work I'm going to have to put into Crimson Sunrise to get it where it needs to be (I'm talking weeks and weeks worth of it).

Anyhow, for those of you who asked, here is a snippet of Crimson Sunrise.  It's the prologue of the second installment, so you can see that you should expect something darker than Crimson Moon.  I hope you enjoy it!

Crimson Sunrise
Prologue 

His teeth sank into my neck for a second time, and I cried out, raked my fingers into the freezing ground, and thrashed wildly. His bowed torso settled over my prone form as he gorged, pulling the life from my body to suffice his own. His loud swallows were horrifying in my ears, drowning out the terrified pounding of my heart.

Pushing futilely against his solid chest, I reached for my only defense and pulled his energy into my body for a second time. I allowed the burning and agonizing hum to engulf my muscles, even as my arms became placid, drawing strength from him as mine ebbed. Then, unable to contain the power building within, I projected it from my palms and sent it back out, unable to focus on where the energy released.

His body flew up and to the right. I heard rather than saw him collapse as he connected with trees and branches, and I rolled onto my stomach. The world spun and wobbled, blurry images in the distance too hazy to focus on as I made it to my feet. I stumbled on unsteady legs, unable to run, too weak from the blood loss. Warm wetness trickled from the oozing wounds in my throat and pooled down my neck and shoulder, spreading into a blooming, decorative red stain in my cream colored sweater.

Somehow my worthless, watery legs supported my weight and allowed me to stagger to the fire pit. The black stain left over from numerous bonfires filled me with a sense of dread, the shadows of the trees taunting me as they danced and swayed in the bright light of the moon. Even now, I knew the danger at my back was rising to his feet, prepared to finish what he started.

There was nowhere to run and nowhere to hide.

I didn’t bother bracing myself when I felt the devastating impact of a larger, and significantly more powerful, body connecting with my back. He wrapped his hands around my shoulders, flipped me over, and pulled me into his arms. His savage teeth scored my throat a third time, and the fight left my body.

A deep sigh escaped as he ravaged the skin on my neck, shredding the vulnerable tissue at my throat. His teeth stretched the skin painfully as he gorged on the wounds that would kill me, my blood trailing down my chest and back. One swallow became another, then another, and another.

My gaze flittered to the dark sky above, and I detached from the bitter chill that had settled inside my chest. No longer suffering the cruel bite of the cold as the winter air and the frigid ground sapped my body heat.

Blinking once, twice, I was able to see past the shoulder blocking out the moonlight. The stars were out -- the clouds allowing a reprieve for the night -- twinkling and bursting in the sky.

The blue surrounding them was familiar and comforting somehow...

Caleb.

The sky reminded me of Caleb’s eyes when he was calm and happy. It was the most precious and rare shade of indigo in the color spectrum, and without a doubt, my favorite.

Thoughts of Caleb remained as my attention returned to the man cradling me in his arms. This was the only time I could reciprocate his love without fear of hurting him or the other person I adored. Decimus had been wrong. There was one true gift I could bestow, and it didn’t involve selling my soul.

My logical thoughts were slipping, memories becoming hard to latch on to, but I remembered the night he left, could hear the words he plucked so easily from my mind. He knew I yearned for him. He knew I needed him. And he knew if it weren’t for Caleb that I would have come to him. However, the most important words he glimpsed in my mind were ones that people always want to hear whispered into their ears, shouted from rafters, or spoken at random.

To remind them of just how cherished and important they are.

“I love you,” I mumbled weakly into his chest, grateful for the relief the admission provided, and watched as my breath turned into an icy white frost before fading from sight.

Crimson Sunrise

Writing Status - Final Crimson Moon Galleys
Mood - Tired
Playing on ipod - Rock the Casbah by The Clash


It's not "official" but my Black Rose editor has asked about Crimson Sunrise, the second in the Crimson Trilogy. The story is finished, aside from edits for continuity (from Crimson Moon). All I need to do is get to work and get it cleaned up. It's not as long as CM at 80k, but I think that's okay (95k words is a bit much for any story). I submitted a rough synopsis of Crimson Sunrise and added what will occur in the third story (Crimson Sunset). She asked for me to pass it along when it's done, so I'm taking it as a good sign.

At least I know what I'll be working on now. Hopefully, I can wrap those re-writes up before NaNo. *crosses fingers* If not, I'll be one tired puppy.

P.S. The cover above is not the official Crimson Moon cover...but I still like my version. *grin*