About S.J. Maylee

S.J. Maylee fell in love with storytelling at a young age and with it came a deep-seated desire for everyone to find their happily ever after. She’s finding the happy endings for her characters one steamy story at a time. When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her caring for her garden, laughing with her two young sons, or dancing to her husband’s music. She’s a PMP (Project Management Professional), Nia instructor, and coffee addict. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together

Inside Look with Erin Leaf author of Mr. Rockstar

Posted on October 22, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

I have a special guest today, fellow Evernight Publishing author, Erin Leaf. She’s answered several questions for me and she’s sharing from her new release, Mr. Rockstar. Enjoy.

Okay, Erin, get comfortable. Picture your favorite place in the world. Now, can you tell us a little bit about the place you’ve pictured?

My favorite place, hmm… When my two boys were little, it used to be an imaginary place called Alone and Quiet. Now it’s a gorgeous lookout on a hiking trail I’ve been going to lately. It’s got great views and, incidentally, happens to be both solitary and silent. Coincidence? I think not…

How lovely. There’s a trail here that I adore. It’s not far from the city, but whenever I’m there I feel at peace. I’m glad you have a spot too. We’ll have to share pictures some time. When you are not writing what are your favorite hobbies?

I love to hike. The more isolated the area the better, though I have to admit, the last hike included a bit more rock scrambling than I expected. I was super sore for a week. My other favorite hobby is ballroom dancing. My husband and I have been doing it for years. It kind of feels like flying with your eyes closed: scary and thrilling at the same time.

I’m impressed, Erin. Those are hobbies to be proud of for sure. My husband and I took waltz lessons before we got married. Our first dance was pretty sweet. Of course, we’ve forgotten all we’ve learned, lol. What turns you on creatively?

Music. A really good movie or a really good book. I’m rather fond of superhero stories and apocalyptic tales, don’t know why. I think it might have been all those years as a girl wishing for the ability to light things on fire with my brain. 😉

What is your greatest fear?

That someone I love will be injured or pass away.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Most people will probably say: “Oh, my car, or that sauna I had installed last year.” When I think about our family budget, though, by far most of the money goes to food. I’m a bit of a foodie. I don’t eat fake anything. I adore a perfect meal and I tend to cook a lot.

I want to come eat at your house. 😀 What is the one thing you do after finishing a story?

Start the next story! Sometimes I drag my husband out for dinner, too.

Tell us a bit about the projects you are working on now?

My latest release is a really fun book about a shy woman who needs a hero to come rescue her from the horror of attending a wedding all by herself. Who is this sexy man? Her brother’s best friend, rocker Vin Clementine. Mr. Rockstar was definitely one of my favorite books to write. It has humor and love and sexy-times as well as some pretty difficult decision making on the part of the heroine.

My latest work-in-progress is Angel’s Power, the second in a book about angel shifters. Angel’s Honor is set to be released in November, so I’d like to get the sequel ready to go so no one has to wait for too long to find out the next part of the story (but don’t worry, I don’t write cliffhangers).

My other work-in-progress is an intense zombie apocalypse story. The three main characters are fighting for their lives right now. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Fascinating! I love your variety, Erin. This was fun. Thank you for playing along. Okay, I want to hear more about Mr. Rockstar.

********

Mr. Rockstar by Erin M. Leaf now available!

Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Rubenesque, MF

Word Count: 42,300

Heat Level 4

Published By: Evernight Publishing

ISBN: 9781771305945

An Evernight Editor’s Pick!

Description:

Isabelle’s best friend is getting married and guess who’s the maid-of-honor?

Going to the wedding alone isn’t an option, so when Isabelle’s brother sends his buddy to her rescue, she can hardly believe who it is: rocker Marvin Clementine! He shows up at her door incognito, but nothing can hide the sexy smile that melts her spine.

At the wedding, he is the perfect gentleman right up until Isabelle’s ex-boyfriend attacks him. When Marvin punches him in the nose, taking him down with one swing, what can Isabelle do except take Mr. Rockstar home and kiss his wounds until he’s better?

Of course, one night of bliss isn’t enough for her to overcome her fears. Marvin’s celebrity lifestyle freaks her out, and it would be crazy to move to L.A., right? Especially for someone as shy as Isabelle. Unfortunately, she’s pretty sure Marvin is her one true love…

Be Warned: anal sex, sex toys, knife play

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Where to Buy:

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Author Details:

Erin M. Leaf is a romance novel devotee, the steamier the better, with a specialty in edgy erotic tension. She also writes romance as Marie E. Blossom.

website: http://erinmleaf.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/erinmleaf

Twitter: @erinmleaf

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4355929.Erin_M_Leaf

Evernight: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/erin-m-leaf/

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Mr. Rockstar Excerpt:

He shrugged off his jacket and hung it from the hook on the back of her door. “I’m fine.”

“I just want to make sure it won’t get infected,” she said, unnerved by how he seemed to dominate her bathroom. She had flowers on the sink in a vase and fluffy pink towels and Marvin was tall, muscular, and very masculine against all the pastels. He flashed her a smile and sat down, unbuttoning his cuffs. The tattoo on his left arm peeked out as he moved, reminding Isabelle that he wasn’t just Marvin. He was also Vin, famous rocker. Bad boy. Suddenly, she felt like she couldn’t get enough air into her lungs.

He didn’t seem to notice her fascination with his skin as he casually shoved his sleeves up his arms. His tie was already loosened, but he pulled the knot out and undid another button. Isabelle stared for a moment, mesmerized by the soft-looking hair peeking through the open top of his shirt. His arm was exposed enough now that she could see his mourning doves tattoo up close. Their sad eyes stared out at her and she shook herself a little, trying to break the spell his physical presence had cast over her.

“Okay, I’m ready,” he said, voice low and sexy and a little bit amused.

Isabelle opened the medicine cabinet. “Yes. Okay.” She pulled out some gauze and disinfectant. “This may sting a little.” She wet the gauze and brought it to his cheek, blotting at the cut. It was mostly clean, thankfully. He didn’t wince when she patted his skin. Instead, his green eyes stared at her, the pupils dark and mysterious. Her hand began to tremble. The heat from his body made the hair on her arms stand up.

“Belle,” he said. “I’m fine.” He cupped a hand around her wrist delicately, the thumb rubbing gently along her pulse point. “It’s okay.”

And just like that, all the feelings she’d been so desperately suppressing for the past day roared up, like someone had just turned up the volume on the radio. His finger on her wrist made her hyper-aware of him: his size, his strength, his virility as he sat in her girly bathroom without complaint. Her face went hot and she dropped the gauze to the floor. Even with the bruise and cut on his face, he was gorgeous.

“This is crazy,” she whispered as he tugged her down. She tumbled onto his lap, wedged between the tub and the sink, legs akimbo.

“I don’t care,” he murmured against her mouth.

She kissed him, unable to stop herself. He smelled like antiseptic and himself, a potent combination that made no sense. He tugged more strongly and she fell against his chest, magenta tulle foaming around them both. He kissed her and she let him, hopeless to resist when his hands slid up her back and splayed across her bare shoulders.

“Belle, you have the most perfect name,” he said, nipping her collarbone.

She shivered. “You’re crazy.”

He chuckled. “If I’m crazy, so are you.”

She pulled back, confused, but then he very deliberately slid his hands around the front of her dress and dipped the tips of his fingers into her bodice, teasing. It wasn’t enough. It wasn’t nearly enough.

“Let me make love to you,” he said, hands moving, but never where she wanted them to go. Her breasts ached.

She bit her lip, breathing faster. The corner of the bathroom vanity was cutting into her arm and her legs were cramped as they tried to fit into the small space. Was she really considering this? You don’t have to marry the guy, a little voice inside her head said. Marvin kissed her shoulder, smiling coaxingly at her.

“Okay,” she finally said, not sure if she was entirely sane anymore. Arousal and need had taken over her body. She realized she’d felt this way since the beginning, when he’d first appeared on her doorstep yesterday afternoon. Was it only yesterday that I met him for the first time? It seemed like much longer than that. She’d denied her feelings, not wanting to admit her attraction to him. Now that she’d gotten to know him a little, it was impossible to ignore.

“Okay,” he said back to her, smiling. To her dismay, he took his hands out of her dress. Just when she was going to protest, he slid them snugly under her ass and stood up, lifting her with no apparent trouble.

“Oh my God, Marvin! You’re going to hurt yourself,” she cried, hands wrapping around his shoulders. The muscles under her palms bulged, his thin shirt no barrier.

He laughed. “You’re not nearly large enough to give me trouble.” He walked out of the bathroom and into her bedroom. “Wrap your legs around me,” he said. She did as he asked, heart pounding when the position pulled her dress up her thighs.

I shouldn’t be doing this, she told herself as he walked, the excess fabric of her dress bunching up between them. He’s going back to L.A. tomorrow. She didn’t let go, however. I want this, she admitted when he kissed her again, somewhat shocked at herself. I want him. The light near the window lit the bedroom with a soft glow, somewhat disguising the clothes strewn all over the place. Marvin pulled back from her mouth and glanced around, quirking an eyebrow at her.

She blushed, squirming against him, then froze when his erection slotted right up against her pussy. “I didn’t have time to clean up,” she muttered, too embarrassed to look him in the eyes. His cock pressed right against her clit. Every time he shifted his weight, it shoved against her deliciously. She tried to keep still, but couldn’t. He felt so freaking good.

He tilted his face toward her, still seemingly unperturbed to be holding her in midair, and kissed under her ear. “I don’t give a shit about your room.”

Review: Everlasting by Tmonique Stephens

Posted on October 21, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

Everlasting

(Descendants of Ra #2)

by Tmonique Stephens

Published: July 9, 2013

Length: Paperback, 340 pages

BLURB:

Kill the beast.
Save your brother.
Win your freedom.
No problem.
Falling in love with the cop trying arrest you?
Problem.

To save his twin from death, Reign Nicolis will have to bargain with Goddess of the Dead, and once more become what he despises, El Mortem, The Scourge, a killer trained to show mercy to none. But he is haunted by those who have fallen beneath his blade. Their ghostly shapes dog his footsteps, relentless in their torture to make him suffer for what he was put on this earth to do two thousand years ago. Saving his twin ensures Reign’s enslavement to the Goddess. She may own his body, but never his heart.

Detective Alexis Lever’s career is in shambles. Her only chance at redemption is to discover what happened to the body of Daniel Nicolis. To do that she’ll have to thwart two men: Reign Nicolis and Roman Nicolis. Both belong in jail. But one has stolen her heart.

SJ’s Review:

This is the second in the Descendants of Ra series. I really enjoyed the first, Eternity. See my review here. So, I was very excited for Everlasting to release.

The first thing I must say is Ms. Stephens has a talent for crafting a sentence. Her word choices are fabulous. I highlighted numerous lines in Everlasting. She’s a real talent and for that alone, her books are worth reading, but that’s not all she brings.

She brought back my favorite characters from Eternity, love that, and we get to know them even better. The tortured hero, Reign, is scary, brutal, and I’m totally enamored. Here’s one of his lines to his fabulous heroine, Alexis: “… The only peace I find is when I’m within one hundred feet of the one who balances my soul. You are that person.” <– yes, he’s swoon worthy.

Like the first in the series, Everlasting is weaved with Egyptian mythology. It’s another layer in this story and adds all kinds on interesting tidbits. The bad guys are frightening and the good guys are fantabulous. This is a story that will keep you turning the pages. I will be reading the next in this series.

I recommend Everlasting to all paranormal romance readers and give it a 5.0

Tmonique Stephens is definitely an author to watch. I’m definitely looking forward to her next book. You can find out more about her here: Website

note from S.J. : Everlasting was provided to me for an honest and fair review

Don’t Miss The Writers Helping Writers AMAZING RACE!

Posted on October 21, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi at Writers Helping Writers (formerly The Bookshelf Muse) have added two more books to their Descriptive Thesaurus Collection: The Positive Trait Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Attributes and The Negative Trait Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Flaws. To celebrate, they are hosting a race, and not just any old race, either. It’s the…

Writing is hard, isn’t it? Create the perfect hook. Make your first page compelling. Craft an amazing 25 word pitch. Knock out a query that will blow an agent’s mind. On and on it goes. And sometimes, well, you just wish someone would help.

WISH NO MORE!

From October 21st until October 27th, Writers Helping Writers is posting an OPEN CALL for writers. You can fill out a form, requesting help with critiques, book visibility, social media sharing, blog diagnostics, advice and more.

An army of Amazing Racers are standing by (ME INCLUDED!) waiting to help with your submissions. How many people can we help in a week? Let’s find out! Did I mention there are Celebrity Racers too–amazing authors and editors who know their way around a first page. Maybe one of them will pick your submission to help with!

Each day this week, there’s an AMAZING giveaway, too. So stop in at Angela & Becca’s new Writers Helping Writers website and find out how to take advantage of this unique, pay-it-forward event for writers. I’ll see you there!

Weekend Writing Warriors – Familiar Ugliness

Posted on October 20, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

Click the logo for the Weekend Writing Warriors blog

Welcome friends old and new. I’m glad you came. Today, I’m sharing from my debut, TAKING CHANCES.

In Previous Weeks: Jake and Lydia entered the room where they’ll be working together. They’ve shared a few heated moments. LAST WEEK: Lydia reeled from her bold move. THIS WEEK: I’ve skipped just a little bit. Jake has gotten back to work. Let’s see how Lydia’s doing.

The moment dissipated like it had never been. His hand no longer reached for her. His look no longer promised unmentionable things. He ducked his chin to concentrate on something on the table. Then he was back into work like nothing happened. Disappointment dug in and left her feeling unwanted. She brushed her hair behind her shoulders and attempted to shake the familiar ugliness.

She followed his example, though, and dragged her attention back to simpler things, like lunch.

The moment dissipated, but it’s definitely not forgotten <~ You can <tweet that> if you want. So, do you think they’re back to all work and no more heat? Come back next week and find out OR find those buy links below and find out today. 🙂

Click here to add TAKING CHANCES to your Goodreads TBR list

5 Star Review: “Taking Chances, is a must read for anyone who wants a great story, well written, smoking hot smexy scenes and an oh so hot hero.”

5 Star Review: ”Taking Chances is SJ Maylee’s debut novel and she does an excellent job of creating interesting characters searching for connection while providing enough kink and spice to heat things up.”

5 Star Review: “it’s well written, there’s no slw moments and it’s packed full of hot sexual tension”

BLURB:

Lydia’s father walked away from her when she was eight. She’s struggled to not let him affect her, but fears she wasn’t loveable enough to make him stay. Jake wants to love one woman, but after scaring the last woman he met outside of the club, he doubts he has the right. She protects her heart by sticking with her fantasies, and he lives by a set of rules that excludes women who choose a vanilla lifestyle.

The two will be kept in a conference room working together until their special project is complete. If Lydia and Jake hold tight to their bland lives, they’ll always yearn for love that is out of reach. But together they can find common ground, passion, and a reason to take chances. Once they discover the grand possibilities of the love they desire, they find themselves in the very place they tried never to be again, facing unguaranteed love.

BUY LINKS:

Evernight | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

BookStrand | All Romance Ebooks | Kobo | iTunes

Thank you so much for visiting me, it means a lot to me that you took the time to visit my little place on the web. Don’t forget to check out the other Weekend Warriors, the Snippet Sunday Facebook Group, and Saturday Spankings too.

ROW80 Check-in #76 The Future Looks Bright

Posted on October 20, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

The writing challenge that knows you have a life.

The future looks bright. No, I don’t have a crystal ball, but I’m choosing to believe my hard work will pay off. It’s my choice and that’s the beauty of it all.

I may have a little bit of good news that I cannot yet share, but my hard work and persistence definitely have a hand in my progress.

This positive thinking also comes from some strategic planning I’ve been doing. From now on, I won’t just be working hard, I’ll be working towards daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly goals. Oh boy. It took a little bit of time to lay it all out, but now I can see the big picture. I can see why my daily efforts make a difference in the bigger picture.

The plan has me excited. I know things will change along the way. That’s fine. I will adjust. Bumps in the road won’t deter me.

The future looks bright. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. 🙂

The Goals – week-2 results

Spend at least 1-hour a day with my characters- done.
Daily progress in writing craft, word count, editing, and/or plotting- half done. My week started out heavy on the evil day job. I also wasted some time worrying about things. Silly me. By midweek, I got back on track with a plan. I edited three chapters on the current WIP and added 500 words. Progress, I’ll take it.
Take care of and be kind to myself- I’ve been off the healthy journey as of late and I hate it. I don’t like feeling unhealthy. My current goal is to track and increase my water intake. I used to be so good at this. Ugh. Anyways, it’s time to get back on track and make me and not my worries a priority. The strategic planning has definitely helped me gain perspective.

What you might have missed here this week:

Inside Look with Donina Lynn author of Arms of Serenity

Inside Look with Jamallah Bergman author of Renzo

Flash Fiction #50 Dear Dan

Posted on October 18, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

Thanks for stopping. Another picture…another 100 words.

Another sappy love song blared through Rachel’s studio speakers and she still had no idea what to write. For weeks, she’d tried to make a move, to let Dan know she was interested. Her forever friend, the one that was always there, was the one that made her heart pitter-pat, not the jerks she’d been dating.

It was Dan, the gentleman. He’d never hit on her, not unless she made the first move.

With her blood pounding in frustration, she kicked her lighting boom and inspiration struck.

After several clicks, she held her breath, hit send, and began her wait.

~~~

Hope you enjoyed my flash today!! Don’t forget to follow the link to get to the other FFF posts. Flasher Fiction Friday. Or click away on the links below.

Michelle Howard: www.michellehowardwrites.com
AuroraRose Andromeda@yahoo.com: http://rollingmuseintheroses.blogspot.com
Gemma Parkes: http://gemmaparkes.blogspot.com/
Sherri Hayes: http://sherri-hayes.blogspot.com/
Doris O’Connor: http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.co.uk/
Ray Sostre: http://theafterdarkworld.blogspot.com
Davee Jones: http://finless.blogspot.com

Inside Look with Jamallah Bergman author of Renzo

Posted on October 15, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

Please help me welcome Jamallah Bergman, writer of many contemporary, erotica, and interracial romances. I’ve gotten her to open up and share several things with us. Below, you’ll also find details on Renzo, The Ciprianos of Kellington book one and some information on book two as well. Enjoy.

Let’s start with the basics. Tell us about yourself: Who are you and why did you start writing?

Well my name is Jamallah Bergman and I write mainly interracial/multicultural romance, sometimes Contemporary or Erotic. I was born in Jamaica Queens New York but now reside in Atlanta Georgia with my teenage daughter. I started writing because like most writers, I had a story that needed to be told that could be related to what other people are struggling with right now.

Yes, I understand that reasoning. I definitely have stories to tell. 🙂 When you are not writing what are your favorite hobbies?

Well I like to go thrift shopping and I like to find cookbooks or Cobalt Blue glass items that I don’t have just yet. I love collecting those things most of all.

I bet you have a beautiful collection. Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

Well that story is interesting. For a number of years, I had wrote my 1^st book “If…Only You Knew” but of course I would send out query letters to publisher after publisher only to get a rejection letter saying ‘It’s too short’ or that ‘It’s not what we are looking for’. Well I had been going on this website called ‘Hub Pages’ where people who loved to write would showcase their work or their current WIP they were working on. Either that or they would write an article about a current event. This is where I met my good friend Mike Arsuaga, who is a publisher author that writes on his own as well as with his wife Cynthia, well I was telling him about my problem with getting this story I wrote out. He told me that the company he publishes for, which is who I publish with right now Secret Cravings Publishing, that they took submission for ebooks, which was something that I was new to because I had never heard of a ebook before. So he gave me the link to the website to check out and I did just that. After a day or so, I decided to send in my 1^st book for submission…..about a month later, I got a email and contract saying that they loved my story and wanted to publish it. That was how my first book got published and I always make sure to let others know about how I thank Mike daily for helping me getting with my publisher.

Can you tell us about a criticism you’ve received that pushed you into a better writing place?

Well like most authors, I’ve gotten criticism over some of the things I’ve written so far. Most have been good and some have been bad and others have been downright disheartening to even want to read the review that was posted. True not everyone will like what you have written but of course that just makes me want to keep writing even more because for those that don’t like it, there are some that do enjoy my work and for those people that do, I will continue writing no matter what.

You make your fans very happy with that reasoning. 🙂 Which one of your characters would you most like to meet in real life?

I would have to say Brooke Langley from “The Lady of Gladstone Manor” is probably more like me than anything of the characters I’ve written even though most of the female characters are more a part of me than anything. Brooke has lived a sheltered life, which was something like what I had been dealing with for most of my life due to illness and being ashamed of my appearance. Like Brooke she has lived mostly within her family home, not having the love that she had often craved from another man except her own father who had passed away years ago.

Brooke is much like me for I have struggle throughout life to come out on top.

She sounds like a fascinating character. I’d like to meet her too. What turns you on creatively?

For me is finding a topic that peaks my interest and makes me want to write about it. I often come across things that will make me want to write about it. Whether it’s one of my favorite movies (which is how I came up with my book “The Admission”) or just a random topic that I remembered from some other thing I had heard about (which is how “Special Kind of Woman” came about) or a picture of a very handsome man (which is where my current series “The Ciprianos of Kellington” came about) or just something that is part of our daily life that we would never think of happening before (which is how I came up with “Sorry…Wrong Number”). Anything around me or anything that I’ve had to deal with peaks my creative interest.

What is your greatest fear?

My greatest fear….hmmmm…getting writers block that last for a very long time.

Ugh! Don’t even think it, lol. What is your greatest extravagance?

I really don’t have one….except when I get a sweet tooth moment and I have to satisfy the craving 🙂

What is your favorite music (genre/artist/album/song)?

I love music from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s. I play a lot of the songs on Youtube when I am writing so it usually sets the mood for me.

What is the one thing you do after finishing a story?

I make sure everything with it is alright and then afterwards I take a deep sigh of relief and figure out what I plan on writing next.

Tell us a bit about the projects you are working on now?

Right now I am working on the 2^nd book in my ‘Ciprianos of Kellington’ Series called “Simone”. I really love this story because it’s not only beautiful but it’s also sweet and tells the story of the second brother Simone and that of the woman in his life Delia. I won’t go into great detail about this story but it will be something that I know my readers have been waiting for since they have fallen in love with my 1^st book ‘Renzo’.

Now Renzo I had wonderful time writing about. He’s the oldest brother and like most he’s been through a lot in his life. Dealing with the divorce and a crazy ex-wife, also being the owner of two very prosperous restaurants but the one thing he hasn’t been able to find in life is love. He could have any woman he wanted but of course he isn’t into one night stands like he was back when he was younger. Now that he’s older, he only wants to find the love that he thought that he was going to have with his ex. He soon finds it in the owner of the antique shop down the street, Jaslyn Whitman.

I am also working on a WIP that I am keeping totally TOP SECRET as of now. I don’t plan on saying a thing about it until I have things finalized for sure.

BLURB:

Renzo, Simone, Gianni and Federico Cipriano

Each brother was thriving on their own working in what they were best in doing.

But it’s their mother’s wish for her son’s to find love and happiness like she had with their father, since they have not only been well known for their work ethics but also for their sexual conquest.

Watch as the Cipriano brothers of Kellington try and find love in probably some of the most unlikely of places. Along the way you’ll meet some of the women who take their hearts as well as their minds on a whirlwind ride like no other.

Renzo, the oldest Cipriano brother, lives a life that consists of working at his restaurants, dealing with customers as well as with a persistently aggravating ex-wife. He never had the chance to find the one thing that eluded him the most…..love.

That was until he walked into her store that rainy afternoon…..

Jaslyn Whitman, owner of Timeless Treasure Antiques, lives for a sale as well as making other people happy with the things she has in her shop. Being the ‘new girl in town’, she of course has been on the radar of some men. But she mainly tries to put work over dating men whose only intentions are to get her into bed.

Who thought tall dark and handsome would walk through her door?

Once these two meet, sparks immediately fly…for Renzo. Jaslyn however isn’t ready to deal with what would happen if she got involved with a Cipriano man. It’s up to Renzo however to show Jaslyn that there is more to him than just rumors and lies.

STORY EXCERPT:

It had been three days since Renzo sent the flowers to Jaslyn. He had yet to hear one word from her. He thought she would have at least called or come by the restaurant or something. But he got nothing at all and it irked him. Despite being Sunday, he didn’t have much to do before the restaurant opened, so he decided to go by her store. When he walked inside, the first thing he noticed were the flowers sitting on the table where she had sat with his mother. He smiled.

“Hello?”

Looking to where the voice came from, he saw her walking from the back with a clipboard in her hands and a smile on her pretty face. “Why hello there, Mr. Cipriano, how are you today?”

Even her smile made his heart skip a beat. She was strikingly beautiful even wearing a simple, royal purple dress with a wide belt accenting her hips. Her long legs went on for days tucked inside a pair of brown suede boots that went to her knees. Renzo needed to say something before he ended up looking like a goofball in front of this woman. “Please call me Renzo, Ms. Whitman.”

“And you can call me Jaslyn. I’m sorry I haven’t been able to thank you for the flowers. They were lovely.”

“I’m glad you liked them. As long as my mom is happy then I am happy.”

“I’m the same with mine as well. So what can I do you for today?”

Now what Einstein? What are you going to tell her your reason for being here is? You should have thought of something before you walked in here, stupid. Take a deep breath and just figure out something. “I came to find something for my living room.”

“Oh, well are you looking for some type of furniture or just an accent piece?” Those hazel eyes of hers twinkled at him. God, he could stare at them for days. But he could see by the look in her eyes, she was waiting for his answer.

“I’m looking for an accent piece for my living room. Like a new lamp, vase, or something different or maybe something for my office.”

“Well, come with me and I will show you some pieces that you might like.” As he followed her through rows of pieces of furniture, Renzo released a huge sigh of relief. She showed him several pieces, all of which were beautiful, but he hadn’t a clue on what he wanted to pick. “Your mother told me that you weren’t accustomed to shopping for things,” said Jaslyn.

“Yeah, my ex took most of the stuff in the divorce. I ended up getting a designer friend to redo everything in my place. But I would like to get a vase or another lamp for my office.”

“Now a desk lamp, I have some of those around here. Well, I do have one around here somewhere. I had three of them, actually, if I remember. Oh here they are…over on this desk here. I also have one on that table right there and another on that mahogany desk.” She pointed over toward them as he saw the three in question.

They were all beautiful pieces in their own right, yet he still had a hard time figuring out which one he wanted to get. “Pick one.”

“What?”

“Pick one out. I told you I wasn’t good at picking out furniture and stuff. Now anything dealing with food I’m all good. But interior stuff like this, I’m totally clueless.”

She laughed. “It’s unusual I get to pick out a piece. I mean sure I give people my input on certain items we have here, but most of the time my customers know what they want.”

If she only knew what I really wanted, Renzo thought as she picked up a desk lamp with a beautiful blue lampshade. “I like this one because it’s stained glass. This is an antique banker’s desk lamp. I like the pretty flowers and the dragonfly…see. The blue is an unusual color.” She walked over to him with lamp in hand. He should have been looking at the lamp, but Renzo was too busy looking at her beautiful hair. He had a sudden urge to touch it, run his fingers through it and take a deep whiff to see just how it smelled.

Steady, old man, easy before you do something stupid.

“Do you think this will look nice on your desk?” she asked.

“Since it’s as lovely as you, Jaslyn, it will make a nice addition to my office,” he said watching a silly smirk spread across her lips turn into a cute giggle.

“I’m sorry for giggling. Let’s go up front and I’ll write you up a ticket.” She walked away leaving him there as he smacked his own head for saying such an asinine comment. Boy, did he feel like the village idiot while walking back toward the front.

BUY LINK:

http://www.amazon.com/Renzo-Ciprianos-Kellington-1-ebook/dp/B00F2SZFBO

Where you can find Jamallah:

blog: http://jamallahbergmansstoriesoflove.weebly.com/

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamallahbergmanauthor

https://twitter.com/silentbutloud1

Inside Look with Donina Lynn author of Arms of Serenity

Posted on October 14, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

>> Click here for my Evernight Birthday Bash Post <<

I have a debut author today. Just like me, Donina had her debut with Evernight Publishing. Congratulations, Donina!! I got her to answer a bunch of questions and share several things about her debut, Arms of Serenity. Please help me welcome, Donina Lynn.

Thank you so much for having me on your blog today! I’m very excited to be here and to be sharing my debut novel Arms of Serenity.

I’m so glad you’re here. Okay, let’s get you comfortable. Picture your favorite place in the world. Now, can you tell us a little bit about the place you’ve pictured?

That’s a tough question. There are so many amazing and wonderful places to see. If I had to pick just one, I would go for New Zealand. I always wanted to vacation there. Years ago, I first fell in love with the landscape while watching Hercules and Xena. The country is breathtaking and I just gave away how old I am by mentioning those shows, didn’t I? 😉

Lol! I remember those shows. I’d love to go to New Zealand too. Great choice. Tell us about yourself: Who are you and why did you start writing?

I’m a small town girl who works for the local electric company in the warehouse. I get to drive around forklifts! I have a teenage daughter and a German Shepherd. Other than that, I’m quite a boring person. Back in school, I enjoyed writing and have always been a romance novel junkie. So, one day I decided to sit down and try writing one. Honestly, I think it was some part of my mid-life crisis! Instead of going out and getting a shiny car, I decided to write a steamy novel.

I’ve always loved the romances too. It was meant to be, Donina. 🙂 When you are not writing what are your favorite hobbies?

I am the definition of a couch potato! I love, love, love the TV. In fact, it stays on at all times even when we’re not in the living room. When there isn’t anything good on the channels, Netflix and Vudu are my best friends. Nothing like losing yourself in a good kick-butt movie … Oh, I like reading too. Can’t forget that!

I do get plenty of inspiration from TV. Now, I just call my couch potato time research. 😉 Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

Does punctuation count? I’m grammatically challenged and didn’t know it until I saw my first edits. Whatever my editor makes, it wasn’t near enough for all the work she put in on my manuscript!

I’m right there with you, editors can’t possibly make enough. Love my editor. I can’t wait to work with her again. Can you tell us about a criticism you’ve received that pushed you into a better writing place?

I honestly haven’t had any outside criticism. At least, not yet. I’m my own worst enemy when it comes to that, though. I’ve always been harder on myself than most outside influences.

That’s good though. I hope you also patted yourself on the back for getting published. Which one of your characters would you most like to meet in real life?

Oh, I love this question! I want to meet them all! Eva is so full of spunk. I want to bottle her and I love Nick and Becca. But, if there is one that I want to meet over any it would be Todd. Sounds odd wanting to meet one of the secondary characters, but my inspiration for him was Dwayne Johnson and seriously who doesn’t want to meet The Rock? 😉

I do, lol. You love your characters. That’s awesome. What turns you on creatively?

Everything. Inspiration is everywhere. You can find it in someone you might know, hearing a phrase or song, watching people … the list goes on and on.

What is your greatest fear?

I have an extreme fear of snakes. It’s so bad I can’t even really handle the reptile buildings at a zoo. Go figure, I live in the country where they are all over the place. I have a philosophy, though. If they don’t let me know they exist and show themselves, I’ll pretend they aren’t out there and ignore them!!

What is your greatest extravagance?

Wow! I really don’t have one. I think I’m a bit sad over that and have now decided to go get one!

You definitely deserve one, Donina. What is your favorite music (genre/artist/album/song)?

Everything except Rap. I’m a rock fanatic mostly and like anything that I can jam too. Country is my second favorite and will boot scoot whenever I get a chance.

What is the one thing you do after finishing a story?

Relax and go back to being a potato on the couch and enjoy some down time.

Love it. We need to hang out together. 🙂 Tell us a bit about the projects you are working on now?

I started a few novellas. Not sure where they are heading yet, though. I also have the preliminaries for the next story in the Rock Services Series down on paper. There have been so many characters and stories that have been rattling around in my head lately, I’ve been rushing to get them started before losing them. I think I would like to try my hand at a ménage or something paranormal or sci-fi somewhere down the road. So many stories, so little time! I guess I should get writing, huh? 🙂

Yes, get writing. 🙂 Thank you so much, Donia, great answers. Okay, before you share your blurb and excerpt, tell us a bit about your debut, Arms of Serenity and how it all started.

When I first sat down to think about what I wanted to write, the one thing I knew I wanted to incorporate was a message. That being that the events of the past shouldn’t dictate how we live our lives in the future. We should learn from our experiences and look to the future as an opportunity for a new beginning. Simple, right? But when we are unable to move beyond those events and they threaten to determine who we are today, is it ever that easy to forget and find the peace within ourselves to allow happiness into our lives? Life and especially love are never that simple.

In Arms of Serenity, you meet Nick and Becca. Both are emotionally damaged and in desperate need of someone to show them how to let go of their pasts and that love is possible as long as they are willing to let it in. Their story is full of inner struggles, laughs, romance and even a smidgen of danger. Doesn’t every good love story need at least one or two bad guys? 🙂

Arms of Serenity

Rock Services, Book One

by Donina Lynn

Blurb:

Plagued by guilt, Nicholas Hollsten ended his military career in the Special Forces and returned home only to be forced into a life he never wanted. Nick found himself running his father’s company and making good on a promise to his team. Angry and frustrated with the direction his life was taking, he calms his thoughts by filling his evenings and bed with soft distractions. Until one woman captures his interest.

Rebecca Klayton thought she was happy in her small town, running her bakery and avoiding love. That emotion only meant heartache and being left exactly where you started—alone. Lesson learned. But, when the sexy stranger from their hot New Year’s Eve party shows up at her counter, will she be able to ignore the temptation or will she find what she’s been missing in the Arms of Serenity?

Excerpt:

Becca got as far as the curb outside before she heard Nick’s voice calling her name. She closed her eyes and groaned.

Almost made it.

Why was he following her? Couldn’t he just leave her alone? She held up her hand to signal a taxi and hoped ignoring him would work until one stopped.

Becca heard him say her name again. Only this time he was too close to pretend that she didn’t hear him. She turned to find him holding the picture frame.

“You forgot this.”

He just wanted to give her the frame. She sighed in relief and reached to take it from him.

“Thank you.”

He looked at her and put a smug smile on before saying, “You forgot these also.” He reached into his pant pocket and pulled out a glimpse of white lace material.

Becca gasped when she realized it was her forgotten panties. She got closer to put her hand out.

“Thank you for finding them.”

Nick pushed them back in his pocket. “How about that coffee?”

Becca took a step back and crossed her arms. “Are you seriously holding my underwear hostage until I go out on a date with you? Doesn’t that border on blackmail?”

Nick laughed. “Just using whatever means I have at my disposal to get you to say yes.”

Becca would laugh too if she wasn’t so angry. He was being an arrogant pushy ass. She glared at him. From his polished shoes, tailored pants, and what looked like a cashmere sweater, he was head to toe everything that Becca wasn’t. Why was he doing this? Damn him for coming after her. Damn him for wanting more when he could go back into the ballroom and have anyone of those models sitting at the table.

“You’re not my type.” She turned away from him and once again put her hand up in the air.

She stood there not wanting to look back. He hadn’t answered her, and Becca silently hoped that he had walked away. She was a mess. Her insides trembled at the conflicting emotions of anger and longing coursing through her. It would be so easy to give in and go with him.

Becca felt a hand brush against her neck and his voice against her ear.

“I’m going to have to argue that statement. I seem to remember being exactly your type last night as you shook and screamed in pleasure when I was buried deep inside of you.” He kissed the spot behind her ear, and she gasped in response. Shivers cascaded through her, and she leaned back melting into his body.

Becca cursed herself.

Dammit, Becca get some control! He’s just a rich guy who thinks he can get anything he wants.

Becca pulled away and turned around to face him as a taxi finally came to her rescue. Opening the door, she stood behind it to use as a barrier between them and took a breath to steady her trembling legs and gain some courage.

“Nick, last night was great, and thank you for not saying anything back in there.” She nodded her head in the direction of the hotel and continued. “But I’m just not interested.” She got in the cab, closed the door, and stared ahead as she gave the driver her destination. As the taxi pulled away, she could see him in the rearview mirror. For the second time in less than twenty-four hours, she left him just standing and staring after her.

Available at:

Evernight Publishing: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/arms-of-serenity-by-donina-lynn/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Arms-Serenity-Rock-Services-ebook/dp/B00FE686L0

All Romance eBooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-armsofserenity-1304421-149.html

Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/arms-of-serenity-mf

Author Bio:

Hi! I live in a small rural Pennsylvania town on the outskirts of the Poconos. As in small, I mean we don’t even have a traffic light. We do, however, have a DG, a pizzeria and a Chinese restaurant. Thank goodness! Because, I would probably starve without takeout and a microwave. Cooking is something I enjoy during the holidays and for special occasions. But on a normal day, I take full advantage of a supermarket’s frozen section.

Even though I was born and raised a country girl, my idea of communing with nature is gazing out my window while guzzling mass quantities of coffee. Next to the microwave, my Keurig is my prized possession. Seriously, the inventors of that gadget deserve an award and are personal heroes of mine.

When I’m not at my day job, hanging with my family or friends, curled up with my Kindle, or typing away at the computer, you can find me in front of the TV watching anything paranormal, sci-fi or a good action flick. Kudos go to any movie or show that incorporates explosions, big guns, and gratuitous butt shots.

My addiction to romance novels started as soon as I could turn a page and has stayed with me until much later in life when I decided to sit down and give writing one a whirl. Who knew that decision would have brought me here? I am extremely grateful it has and hope you enjoy reading about the characters that have taken up residence in my head. There is a bit of a warning, however. I have a fondness – bordering on obsession – with the military, public service, bad boys, and men with bald heads, goatees or tattoos. Heroes with one or many of these traits might be a reoccurring theme until I can work through these issues. 🙂

You can find me at:

http://www.doninalynn.com

http://www.evernightpublishing.com/donina-lynn/

https://www.facebook.com/donina.lynn

https://twitter.com/DoninaLynn

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7277385.Donina_Lynn

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00FE8T3HY

Weekend Writing Warriors – Endless Possibilities

Posted on October 13, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

>> Click here for my Evernight Birthday Bash Post <<

Click the logo for the Weekend Writing Warriors blog

Welcome friends old and new. I’m glad you came. Today, I’m sharing from my debut, TAKING CHANCES.

Taking Chances is the first in a series of books I’m calling The Love Projects. Taking Chances is the story of Lydia and Jake. The blurb and cover are below. In Previous Weeks: Jake and Lydia entered the room where they’ll be working together. Jake’s already had to take a cold shower break. LAST WEEK: Jake’s finger removed a smudge of barbecue sauce from Lydia’s mouth and Lydia shocked them both by licking his finger clean. THIS WEEK: I’ve skipped nothing.

“I’m sorry, I just…” She stopped talking and turned her gaze to the table. “Thank you,” she said without looking at him. “I hate it when someone sees a way to help and they ignore it instead.”

Her mind reeled at the possible implications of his touch or her bold reaction. Maybe smudges of food bothered him. Maybe he was being considerate. The possibilities sounded right, but his eyes didn’t have the look of a gentleman.

<~ You can <tweet that> last line if you want. There are endless possibilities, but reality is staring her right in the face. Jake wants her. I know she can see it now, but does she believe it? Come back next week and find out what she does next OR find those buy links below and find out today. 🙂

Click here to add TAKING CHANCES to your Goodreads TBR list

5 Star Review: “Taking Chances, is a must read for anyone who wants a great story, well written, smoking hot smexy scenes and an oh so hot hero.”

5 Star Review: “it’s well written, there’s no slw moments and it’s packed full of hot sexual tension”

BLURB:

Lydia’s father walked away from her when she was eight. She’s struggled to not let him affect her, but fears she wasn’t loveable enough to make him stay. Jake wants to love one woman, but after scaring the last woman he met outside of the club, he doubts he has the right. She protects her heart by sticking with her fantasies, and he lives by a set of rules that excludes women who choose a vanilla lifestyle.

The two will be kept in a conference room working together until their special project is complete. If Lydia and Jake hold tight to their bland lives, they’ll always yearn for love that is out of reach. But together they can find common ground, passion, and a reason to take chances. Once they discover the grand possibilities of the love they desire, they find themselves in the very place they tried never to be again, facing unguaranteed love.

BUY LINKS:

Evernight | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookStrand | All Romance Ebooks

ROW80 Round 4 2013 Goals

Posted on October 13, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

>> Click here for my Evernight Birthday Bash Post <<

This will be my eighth round of 80 days. You’d think I’d have a workable plan by now, but nope, I don’t. Each round has been different from the last. Life just keeps changing. That is the constant.

A Round of Words In 80 Days or ROW80 is the writing challenge that knows you have a life. Join in at any time. State your goals and check-in on Wednesdays and or Sundays.

Last round was different from any other because I worked with an editor for the first time, my debut released, and I was promoting my book. While all that was going on, I was also trying to finish/polish a novelette. I did hit send a few weeks ago and while I wait I’ll be working on another novella. I don’t know if I’ll get published again, but I’m going to work my ass off and give it all I’ve got.

It’s really easy to let your writing time get swallowed up by life in general, social media, and all the promotion opportunities. I see now more than ever how important it is to get your name out there, BUT I’m here because I love to write and that needs to remain my biggest focus.

My goals below are in addition to my evil day job, volunteer duties, and my family. I’m keeping the list short and sweet this round. My goal is focus.

The Goals – Round 4 2013