My Debut is Here – Taking Chances by S.J. Maylee

Posted on August 23, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

This is the best Friday ever. My debut has arrived. Today, TAKING CHANCES was published by Evernight Publishing. I’m beyond excited to share my characters and their story with you. Lydia and Jake are very special to me and I hope you’ll enjoy reading their story.

Below you’ll find all the details, blurb, excerpt, and I’ll be adding all the links to where you can find TAKING CHANCES as they become available. Plus, there’s a GIVEAWAY. Today, I’m also at Jessica Jayne’s talking about the setting to my story, at Sandra Bunino’s I’m giving you 10 things to know about TAKING CHANCES, and at Wild Wordy Women I’m talking about where my story ideas come from.

In the weeks ahead, I’ll be visiting lots of friends and sharing more about TAKING CHANCES including: character interviews, what inspired the story, my road to publishing, balancing life and writing, and more.

Until then, take a look at TAKING CHANCES. Enjoy!

Taking Chances

(The Love Projects #1)

by: S.J. Maylee

Erotic Romance with D/s

Length: Novella

Release Date: TODAY!! August 23, 2013

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

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.

Click here to see TAKING CHANCES on Goodreads.

EXCERPT:

Lydia’s boss stared the team down. She squirmed in her seat and worked to contain her fidget. The glower she recognized. Mr. Keller’s fiery gaze swept over every person in the conference room. Praying he would skim right past her, she shrank a smidge in her seat. The transition to their new product management database had bombed. He wanted someone to blame.

The team worked hard, and yet dozens of things had gone wrong, but no one deserved to get chucked under the bus. Politics was never a strong suit for Lydia, and neither was talking in front of a group. Who would enjoy sweating profusely and forgetting all words except ah and um?

The threat of humiliation fired through her, making her eager for a solution. If she could figure out a way to shift the meeting away from the possibility of someone getting fired, she’d relax. An idea rolled about in her head, but not even a drop of courage lingered within her reach.

“Keller, the policies and procedures need strength and substance if we’re going to move forward as a team with our new system.” Jake pushed back from the table.

She needed to add mind-reading to the list of Jake’s gifts. She’d had the exact idea. It wasn’t the first time he offered a solution she’d been contemplating. It often left her with the idea they’d get along well, which was ludicrous. Men like Jake didn’t pay attention to a woman like Lydia. Hesitation was more her style, and it certainly wasn’t Jake’s. As a department director, he made things happen, and along the way he intimidated the heck out of her.

Of course she’d never been alone in a room with Jake, never even had a casual conversation. Fortunately, he never sought her out. Whenever Jake neared, her pulse raced, and naughty ideas filled her mind. Her fascination with him had started on her first day with the company over a year ago.

The sidewalks had been a mess of snow and ice in front of their building that morning. She’d picked style over practicality in shoes and was rewarded with a slip and fall, flat on her butt. Jake had helped her up. He’d placed her purse strap in one hand and held the other while he asked if she was okay. Embarrassment might have flared through her, but his gaze had melted her, and she hadn’t been able to think straight in his presence since.

He made her aware of her body, the way it heated and awakened. It wasn’t the chiseled cheek bones, or his tall lean body that had to be fit as a Navy Seal. Okay, maybe in her fantasies it was heaven to grab onto his thick neck and shoulders. When Jake was around, she either got lost in a fantasy or felt like a teenager worrying about her hair being flat, smudged mascara, or worse things. What if he saw her nipples hardening? Luckily for her they worked in two different departments and didn’t find themselves with the need to talk to each other.

If she could get to know him she wouldn’t suffer so much. Most people had issues, and if she could find his she wouldn’t be so intimidated. She had a long history of finding flaws in people. First with her dad, she had been eight when he left. She led a lonely existence and wore it like an armor, and it stopped her from being let down.

“I think you’re onto something.” Boss man Keller usually agreed with Jake.

Disappointment ticked at her ragged nerves. Once again someone else was getting credit for an idea she couldn’t voice.

For Keller to ever agree with her, she’d have to have the audacity to speak about her own ideas. Until she had the guts to offer her own opinion there would be no recognition, no advancement. Soon it would be time to go back to her familiar little box, a place she usually thought of as comfortable, a place made easy to hold onto her armor.

“I’d like you to head the team on this.” Keller inclined his head toward Jake. “Pick one of the technical writers from this table, lock yourselves in a room, and get it done. I want a report tomorrow, my office, ten o’clock.” He stomped from the room and took another opportunity to sneer at each of them.

The room, without Keller’s presence, grew eerily quiet.

All attention turned to Jake. He towered over them as they waited for the chosen partner to be selected. Whispers bubbled up around her.

A door slammed down the hall, probably Keller letting off some steam. She didn’t want to think about Keller. She desperately wanted to fill her mind with one idea, that she could be the technical writer Jake chose. He could choose her.

She blocked out her surroundings, peeled back her protective layer and allowed herself to feel. She bit her lower lip and sucked it into her mouth. She could be locked in a room with Jake. Her mouth dried, and her heart pounded. She took another look at Jake and drank in his dark features and the muscles she imagined hidden under his blue collared shirt. A fantasy, starring the infamous Jake, filled her imagination.

He sauntered around the table and stopped at her chair. His hand took hold of hers, and he pulled her into his strong arms. Once he settled her bottom on the table, he stepped in between her thighs. As he devoured her mouth in eager kisses, he popped the buttons on her blouse, unclasped her bra, and exposed her. Powerful hands molded her breasts. She let her needy body fall to the table to give him access to every inch of her.

“Lydia.”

The fantasy was in full swing now. Jake shouted her name. Oh, her name sounded sinful on his lips.

“Lydia!” someone shouted.

Something pushed her elbow, and it fell awkwardly from the table, releasing her from her inner thoughts. Everyone at the table stared her way.

“Thanks for rejoining us. Clear your calendar, and meet me back here in a half hour.” Jake locked his gaze with hers.

“Yes, Sir … I mean, okay, I’ll be here.”

She couldn’t handle his powerful expression and dropped her stare to the table. It was too intense, him standing there like an unyielding statue. Had she said something wrong? Before an idea could enter her mind, he stormed from the room. The rest of her department followed him like nothing tremendous happened. Just like that, they went on with their day, talking about lunch plans and other mundane things. Lydia, on the other hand, couldn’t move.

It had been a split second, but his eyes had narrowed in on her and dimmed to a shade darker than black. It was intimidating, but she desperately wanted to see it again. She should slap herself or pinch her arm. She was at work. This wasn’t a time for fantasies.

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate my debut, I’m holding a giveaway for a $10 Amazon Gift Card. I’ll be visiting lots of friends over the next month and I’ll be sharing the Rafflecopter with all of them. For a full listing, you can visit my Appearances Page.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BUY LINKS

Evernight: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/taking-chances-by-s-j-maylee/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Taking-Chances-Love-Projects-ebook/dp/B00EPWDHP4

All Romance Ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-takingchances-1269898-147.html

My First Cover Reveal: Taking Chances by S.J. Maylee

Posted on August 19, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

I have a cover and it’s gorgeous. I’m incredibly excited this week is finally here. Today, I’m sharing the cover. By mid-week, I’ll share some lovely tidbits about my characters, and then on Friday, I’ll celebrate release day. I hope you’ll join me in celebrating my debut.

Taking Chances

(The Love Projects #1)

by: S.J. Maylee

Erotic Romance with D/s

Length: Novella

Release Date: August 23, 2013

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

BLURB:

Click here to add TAKING CHANCES to your Goodreads list.

Weekend Writing Warriors – Taking Chances

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

Click the logo to go to the Weekend Writing Warriors blog

Welcome friends old and new. I’m glad you came. Today, I’m sharing from my soon to be released debut, TAKING CHANCES. It’s releasing this Friday!!

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 is below. Today, I’m sharing 8 from the first chapter. THIS WEEK: While Lydia waits to find out who Jake will select for his project, she gets lost in one of her fantasies starring the man himself. Keep in mind, Lydia’s sitting in a board room surrounded by her colleagues and Jake. We start in her fantasy.

Once he settled her bottom on the table, he stepped in between her thighs. As he devoured her mouth in eager kisses, he popped the buttons on her blouse, unclasped her bra, and exposed her. Powerful hands molded her breasts. She let her needy body fall to the table to give him access to every inch of her.

“Lydia.”

The fantasy was in full swing now. Jake shouted her name. Oh, her name sounded sinful on his lips.

Oh my, he’s not shouting her name from her fantasy, lol. 🙂 Wonder what she’ll say once she realizes Jake’s been watching her. Taking Chances is risky business. <~ You can <tweet that> if you want.

I’ll reveal my cover this week. On Friday, I’ll celebrate the release. I hope you’ll join me.

Click here to add TAKING CHANCES to your Goodreads list

TAKING CHANCES unofficial 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 lovable 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 deserves 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. Together they 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 loved.

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.

Interview: Shyla Colt and Nikki Prince authors of The Bond

Posted on August 16, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

I have not one, but two authors with me today. Shyla Colt and Nikki Prince the authors behind the new release The Bond. I asked these two a bunch of questions and it’s provided a sweet insight into these two talented authors. Plus, they’ve given me a steamy excerpt to share. Enjoy!

The Bond

by Shyla Colt and Nikki Prince

Length: 45 pages

Released: July 3, 2013

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Blurb:

Sanura Bast is willing to risk everything to keep her Pride of Pumas safe from Logan’s scheme to sell their land off to the highest bidder, including masquerading as his fiancée. After almost a year playing a role that disgusts her, she gets the intangible proof she’s been looking for. Desperate to end the charade, she turns to her ally, Rafael.

Banished for losing his control with a human, Rafael’s been looking for a way back to his Pride and to Sanura ever since. The woman set his blood on fire before she was old enough to accept what he wanted from her. Together they plot to stop Logan before he becomes chief, and now she has the proof they need to save her Pride. With that goal in sight, Rafael is ready to take what’s always been his and claim Sanura as his own.

How did you two meet?

Nikki: I met Shyla through Facebook. I’d been reading her books and reviewed them. Shyla is such a sweet person. She was always kind to me and willing to talk to an aspiring writer who happened to be her fan girl.

Will there be more Nikki and Shyla projects in the future?

Nikki: You know that is a possibility. *Grins* Shyla and I are always bouncing off ideas with one another.

Shyla: *mysterious look* I can’t confirm or deny that, but I can say we already had a few in the works before we sent in The Bond. We’ve been excited about the positive response to it.

Have you picked up any good or bad habits from each other?

Nikki: Shyla is a hard and dedicated writer, I like to think we play off one another and add more good than bad habits. 🙂

What turns you guys on creatively?

Nikki: Music, people, pictures…life in general. There is always something out there…that can bring a story out in me.

Shyla: I think I’m most creative when I’m constantly feeding the inspiration machine. So I try to read, get out and walk around, look at people interacting, and pursue interests. A combination of those things really gets my creative juices flowing.

What quality do you most admire in a friend?

Nikki: I admire a friend who has the ability to listen to me vent and understands that I need it. She doesn’t have to agree…but listening is a plus.

Shyla: I love loyalty because I feel with that automatically comes honesty, and integrity.

What is your greatest fear?

Nikki: Hmmm….that is a hard one. I have kids. So I guess I worry most about them being happy.

Shyla: Hmm on a small scare, bees. It sounds crazy, but I’m deathly allergic to the little buggers, and Epi pens are so not fun.

What is your hero or heroine’s greatest fear?

Nikki: Sanura feared losing herself because of pack issues.

Shyla: For Sanura it’d be marrying the man whose destroying her people from the inside out, and being forced to watch their ways and their culture becomes a thing of the past.

If you could choose to be any paranormal being, what would it be?

Nikki: I honestly would love to be a hybrid. There is so much out there. Vampire/Fae.

Shyla: Since I’m on a succubus ala Lost Girl, we’ll go with that. *smiles*

What is your greatest extravagance?

Nikki: Honestly…it would be my iPhone and iPad ohhh and can’t forget my laptop…it’s how I write my stories.

Shyla: Books, only because they’re my guilt free buy I purchase frequently.

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

Nikki: I’m ecletic. I love every genre a little from this and that. But my main is 80s music.

Shyla: I don’t think I could answer that if I wanted to. I just love music in general. I can say right now I’m really feeling Lana Del Ray.

What is your motto?

Nikki: Treat others as you wish to be treated.

Shyla: I have many but the one I say a lot, Family First.

When you’re not writing what are your favorite hobbies?

Nikki: Spending time with the kids.

Shyla: I like to craft, and travel.

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

Nikki: LOL sad I know…but getting on with the next story.

Shyla: Put it aside for a few days, usually read, and just try to get my mind off that particular piece to let it “rest” before I edit it again and send it in.

What’s next for Nikki and Shyla?

Nikki: For me it is the plan to keep writing the best stories I can.

Shyla: Right now I’m currently on tour for my release Cast the Cards.

Excerpt:

Sanura studied herself in the mirror, immediately recognizing the hunger that lurked in the dilated depths of her hazel eyes. She freed her hair from its elastic prison, pleased by the golden highlights brought out in the auburn tresses that fell to her shoulders. A lady wanted to look good for her gentleman, no matter what the circumstances. Blood filled her face. Desire stirred once more at the thought of an able-bodied male. There was no use denying she’d reached the pinnacle of her cycle.

The circumstances that had brought her to this point were daunting, but the meeting she’d set up for the evening would hopefully end all that. It angered her that the archaic tradition of the Pride choosing mates was still in place. If she hadn’t been engaged they would’ve forced her to bond with him. There was a big difference between mating and bonding, sort of like comparing fucking to marriage.

If only she could solve all of this by riding out her cycle, literally if she had anything to say about it, and go back to her Pride a single woman once more in control of her destiny. A soft groan escaped parted lips as her need increased. The intense arousal moved through her body, as if to mock her train of thought.

Bracing her weight against the sink, she gripped the edge of the counter as she fought to tamp down an orgasm. She’d waited as late as she could to get to the hotel, because she was afraid of being trailed. Now the fire that burned inside her needed to be extinguished. Her nipples peaked beneath the comfy black track suit, and her panties grew damp from the abundance of cream she produced. A small moan escaped, and she willed him to arrive and soon.

This was what the Pride’s shaman had warned her about. Unlike the other females in her Pride, her breeding cycle was very unique. As the daughter of their Chief, she was the only alpha female in her Pride. When her cycle came Sanura had to mate with an alpha male to end her heat. This was fine, until the Pride had decided it was time for her to bond and determine the next in line for Chief. Bonding for her people was different from most. For them it was a choice, not a biological response. The sharing of souls was a deeply spiritual experience she refused to have soiled by Pride politics. Her father would be upset. But he loved her. Eventually he’d get over the fact that she’d thwarted his plans to choose her path for her. Especially, when he found out about all of Logan’s lies.

Another wave of desire threatened to buckle her knees, shattering her thought process. I can’t even be out in public like this. Thank God, she was in her room right now. Sanura attempted to redirect her thoughts and failed, biting back a scream as her body shuddered and the wave began to build once more.

Her gaze was drawn to the bed where a night of passion would provide her with freedom she craved. No one else seemed to understand her urgency. Her sensitive nipples rubbed against the fabric of her bra. She gasped, and she sprang into action. Kicking off the black sneakers and socks, she slipped out of the track pants and white tank top, leaving the pieces where they fell. She had to come, even if it was by her own hand. The door opened with a soft click, and her breathing quickened. He was here, moving toward the bathroom by the sound of it. Fuck! There’s no time to get dressed again.

His scent ensnared her, musk and forest pines blended, throwing her heat into overdrive as it tickled her nostrils. Her gaze was drawn to the doorway like a magnet, and she watched him approach, his broad body shrouded in shadows. Anticipation ran rampant. He was about six two with long silky black hair, copper-toned skin, and eyes that mirrored a dark abyss. Rafael looked like his Native American ancestors. An unusual blend of Latin and Native American the man turned heads wherever he went. As he entered the bathroom he held up his hand to show her a red blindfold.

“What’s that for?” she whispered.

“For you, of course. I can see that you almost started the party without me.”

“No, you need to go back into the room. Let me dress so we can talk.”

“We’re not going anywhere until I claim you as I should’ve a long time ago.”

He moved forward, and she could see the intent in his eyes, the blindfold still dangling from his fingers.

“Rafael.”

“No, no excuses. I’m going to show you what it’s been like to wait.”

Pleased she offered him her back, turning away from the mirror. He pressed his body against her. The feel of cloth covering her eyes was so sensual it made her shudder. The red cloth stole away her vision, and her heart thudded in her chest. Her ears twitched, and her nostrils flared as her other senses heightened.

His body was firm and tight beneath his layer of clothing. The bulge in his pants nudged her back, making her wonder if he’d planned this all along. His teeth grazed her neck, and all thoughts fled. A low mewl of pleasure released from her throat. She reveled in the relief from the burning heat that swamped her body.

Buy Links

http://www.evernightpublishing.com/the-bond-by-shyla-colt-and-nikki-prince/

http://www.amazon.com/The-Bond-ebook/dp/B00DRHM36M

http://www.allromanceebooks.com//product-thebond-1228197-168.html

http://www.bookstrand.com/the-bond-mf

Connect with Shyla & Nikki

Nikki’s Website: http://authornikkiprince.com/

Shyla’s Website: http://www.shylacolt.com/

A Blog Takeover by Morgan King Author of With His Handy Man

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

Hi, I’m Morgan and Moving On…With His Handy Man is my first All Male Romance. Surprisingly it’s also my most personal story yet. It was written from a single moment of feeling, in this case: my ex is seeing someone else it’s time to move on, how in hell do I do that? The answer for me was to write this story. For me this means the characters are very real. I hope they feel that way to you too.

Moving on With His Handy Man cover - click to see on Goodreads

With His Handy Man (Moving On…#1)

by Morgan King

Length: Romance on the Go – 35 pages

Released: July 4th 2013

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Blurb:

Tom is gutted when his business partner and ex- boyfriend Liam tells him he is seeing someone else. Tom and Liam’s relationship has been over for more than year, but it is this news that convinces Tom it is time to move on with his own life and he finally finds he courage to do something out of character: ask the handyman out.

Jax hasn’t tried to hide the fact that he’s smitten with Tom and he’s thrilled that Tom has finally put Liam to one side and is showing an interest in him. He’ll grab his chance to date Tom with both hands! However, he likes Tom enough to want to be more than just a rebound fling.

Can Tom truly let go off his feelings for Liam, and will Jax have a chance to win the battered and bruised heart of his boss?

Excerpt:

“I don’t mind being the guy you experiment with, even if it’s rebound, even if it’s tit for tat with Liam for finding someone else, as long as that’s not all it is. I really like you, if that wasn’t obvious enough.” Jax said.

Tom gave a sigh of relief, “I really like you, too, and thank you for saying yes.”

“I’m sure it should be me thanking you. You are my superior after all. I’m just the handy man.”

Flirting, I can do this. “And a very fine handy man you are, too.” If he’d been typing Tom would have added a winking emoticon, but as it was he couldn’t pull the real thing off, so he’d just have to hope Jax got the message.

“Perhaps you’d let me thank you and demonstrate just how handy I am.” Jax walked towards Tom as he spoke, not just right up to the other side of the desk, but all around it, invading Tom’s personal space, so that Tom had to lean back to look up. That was until Jax got down on his knees in front of him.

Was Jax doing what Tom thought he was? Hoped he was? Was this how two people who weren’t dating had sex for the first time? Tom had always wondered how two people went from chatting to more. The first time for him and Liam had been after a great deal of build up. They’d been friends who had decided to take it one step further, and the act itself had been well planned. They’d also never had sex in the office before. Given they owned the building it had always struck Tom as a tragedy.

Tom’s mind might not be up to speed with how quickly Jax was moving, but his cock certainly was. It was pumped up and ready to go, pushing against his slacks and trying to get his attention.

It appeared to have Jax’s attention. He reached one hand out to caress Tom’s cock through the silky material. “A good workman needs good tools, and this one feels like it might just suit me.” With heart-pounding slowness, at least in Tom’s body, Jax pulled down Tom’s zipper. Tom’s cock surged forward for one brief moment, but remained restrained by his cotton underwear.

“Here, wait a minute,” Tom said, and then when Jax instantly shifted back, a look of hurt rejection in his eyes, he went on. “No, I don’t want you to stop, I just thought it’d be easier if I…” He leaned his hips up and shimmied his trousers and trunks over his hips, down to mid-thigh, demonstrating his intention before resting his naked butt back on the cool leather of the seat.

There was no way he wanted Jax to stop.

“Ah well, that does make my job easier.”

Jax grinned up at Tom, flashing his sexier than any one man deserved to have dimples. He knelt just looking at Tom’s cock for what felt like an eternity to Tom, every second marked by the pulse throbbing through the long vein running down the underside of his cock, and an increase in size, centimetre by centimetre. If his penis hadn’t measured just over nine inches from root to tip he might have been getting an inferiority complex.

Where to Buy:

http://www.amazon.com/With-Handy-Moving-On-ebook/dp/B00DRGN6UU

http://www.amazon.co.uk/With-Handy-Moving-On-ebook/dp/B00DRGN6UU

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-withhishandyman-1228196-149.html

http://www.bookstrand.com/with-his-handy-man

http://www.evernightpublishing.com/with-his-handy-man-by-morgan-king/

Where to find out more about me:

http://www.facebook.com/authormorganking

http://www.facebook.com/morgankingauthor

www.authormorganking.wordpress.com

Twitter: Morgan King @EroticWritings

Other Info about me:

Well I like to see myself as an infinitely patient single mother and charity manager by day and reader and writer of erotic romance by night. I love all genres of romance, but have a special tendre for historical stories having been seduced by Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer at a young age. I even named my dog Darcy.

My son is a very imaginative five year old, so when the characters aren’t having conversations in my head I’m voicing the character of a witch, dragon, pirate or possibly knight. Yes, I always get to be the bad guy for some reason! We live in the rural East of England not far from the forest so there are always plenty of opportunities for adventure.

Other Books:

Duty to Love, 5*reader rated, ARe and Bookstrand bestselling erotic regency ménage romance. http://amzn.to/1578Dtb

Her Type of Guy, anthology of erotic short stories, something for everyone. http://amzn.to/12g5Hfs

An Unconditional Courtship, a short sweet regency romance. http://amzn.to/177IKz6

Some questions I’ve answered:

Do you have anything in common with your characters?

I think a writer puts a bit of themselves into every character, male or female. I don’t think I have too much in common with many of my characters, except thinking about it I have a forthcoming story (4^th July) entitled Moving On: With His Handyman and although this is about two men the motivation for the story was the feelings I had in common with one of the characters… (if you read it and want to know more just e-mail me!)

What’s the strangest (bravest, funniest etc) thing you’ve ever done?

There’s actually a few to pick from, the one I’ve chosen is maybe strange, maybe funny, but only if you have a warped sense of humour like me and in this case two of my friends.

For some reason we decided it would be funny to play a prank on the University Chaplain, so I convinced a security guard that I had left my purse in the Chaplain’s office and when allowed back in to look in for it slipped the catch on his window. That night we spent hours blowing up balloons before carrying them across campus in black bin bags, opening the unlatched window from the outside, and pushing them all through. Okay there weren’t so many that he couldn’t walk in, but there was certainly no floor to be seen. The next day we staked out his office till he arrived. His expression: priceless!!!

When did you write your first book (and is it published)?

Not long ago! Duty to Love was my first book and was released with Evernight in February. It’s an erotic regency ménage J

Who are some of your favorite authors?

I read far too much, before I started writing it had got to be a bit of an addiction, seriously, so I could write a very long list, I’ll try to keep it short!

Michel Faber, Ian McEwan, Philippa Gregory, Tracey Chevalier, Jonathon Kellerman, Faye Kellerman, Michael Connolly, Harlen Coben, Jane Austen, Daphne Du Maurier, Lauren Dane, Maya Banks, Christine Feehan, Elizabeth Hoyt, J.R. Ward.

That’s the really short list!

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Yorkshire Puddings filled with cream cheese and blueberries, especially if they are for breakfast, because I’ve run out of milk and bread! (Yes they are frozen batters, as I’ve run out of milk).

Who did you dedicate your first book to?

A few people, but mainly a teacher that meant a lot to me and a group of women that like to talk sex 😉

I am now taking requests; my sister very specifically wants me to dedicate my forthcoming naughty fairytale No Rest for the Prince’s Virgin to her.

How do you come up with inspiration for your books?

I tend to play the What If game in my head all the time and turn the answers into stories.

What’s the hardest part of writing?

Some days just making yourself write, or researching facts, although personally I could never have been a writer before Google and Wikipedia. That and the consequences of writing, waiting to see if anyone likes your stories!

What are your fondest memories of reading?

My whole family loves books, so they were a big part of my childhood growing up. I still remember my mum recording (onto cassette tape!) The Witches, by Roald Dahl, for me to listen to in the car or in bed when she wasn’t available to read to me.

That was fun!

Thank you, Morgan, for taking over for me today. 😀 I love that you interviewed yourself. I’ll have some Yorkshire Puddings too, please. It’s the perfect treat for me while I sit around reading today. Love blog takeovers, lol!

Spotlight Dark Hunter by Shannan Albright

Posted on August 12, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

Dark Hunter

by Shannan Albright

Length: 72 pages

Released: July 17, 2013

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

BLURB:

Vampire Mari Ankamunan struggles to pick up the pieces of her life after her bar The Asp becomes a war zone between the Enforcers and members of the Preservation Society, who want all dark breeds wiped out. The sudden appearance of the only man she ever loved brings her world to a crashing halt, for she witnessed his brutal murder two thousand years ago.

Navar’s spoken oaths to his Sire cost him Mari. Torn from her side by the sidhe queen, he is her Hunter, delivering justice for crimes against the breeds. Now freed he returns to his lovers side only to be caught in a dark plot where Mari is targeted for death.

The stakes are high, can they uncover a deadly plot against the Enforcers or will Navar lose Mari, forever by an assassin’s hand?

EXCERPT:

“I will do everything in my power to protect her, even lay down my life if it comes to that.” Navar’s words rang in the still air, spoken as an oath.

“Marcus will be relieved to find out Mari is well protected. I know after the incident with the Preservation Society, he has been concerned for her safety. Someday you must tell me how you secured your release.”

Mari blinked at the two men, feeling left out of the loop in the XY-chromosome chat. Males. Can’t live without them and can’t kill them. Irritation spiked into the red zone, her patience threadbare for the bullshit. Placing her diminutive self between the two towering males, she gave them both a fearless glare and fisted her hands on her hips.

All conversation stopped as they stared down at her with surprise. Good, now she had their attention. “I’ve been alive since the time of Cleopatra. I didn’t survive all those centuries by being a fucking weak female. I can fight, strategize, and I damn well have enough intellect in this ‘girly’ brain to figure out what I need to do to save my own hide, thank you very much. Now, if you don’t mind talking to me, not about me, it would be appreciated and might save your ball sacs from relocating somewhere north on your body. Are we clear, boys?”

Adrian threw his head back and roared a large rolling laugh that reverberated throughout the room. She blinked in surprise. She’d never once seen any enforcer laugh. Sure, they smiled, chuckled, and even smirked, but never laughed. She found it…disconcerting.

“Point taken. You will have your hands full with this little hellion, hunter. I don’t envy you.”

“Little hellion indeed. Yet well worth the extra trouble,” Navar agreed, his pale eyes darkening with hunger.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BUY LINKS:

Evernight Publishing: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/dark-hunter-by-shannan-albright/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Hunter-Breed-Enforcers-ebook/dp/B00DZ5X89W

All Romance Books: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-darkhunter-1244081-168.html

Book Strand : http://www.bookstrand.com/dark-hunter-mf

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BIO:

Growing up I was called the dreamer of the family, something not always thought of as a positive thing. As a child, I would draw and build stories around my pictures, so writing was a natural extension for me. Recently a family member told me that from now on she would encourage those dreamers she knew. Stating “with hard work and focus dreams can come true. Shannan Albright is proof that dreaming can be a positive thing.”

When not writing I spend my time between oil painting and reading. I love writing paranormal, urban fantasy, historical and fantasy romances because of the world building and rich characters I feel a connection to. I’m drawn to dark, edgy heroes and heroines overcoming impossible odds internal and external.

I’m a “hopeful” Romantic who believes a healthy relationship built on respect and a strong partnership is the key to a happy ever after.

Website: www.shannanalbright.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Shannan-Albright/e/B004VISNC4

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/pub/shannan–albright/23/b90/a0

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShannanAlbright

Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannan.albright

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4484637.Shannan_Albright

Ella’s Turning What? Blog Party

Posted on August 9, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

Welcome to Ella’s turning what? blog party hop. I’m going to share some fun memories and talk a bit about my upcoming first EVER book birthday.

Ella and I are actually the same age which gives me another reason to celebrate. I adore Ella and her books. My birthday celebrations have changed over the years, have yours? I went from parties with the girlfriends, to a night with the boyfriend, then date night with the hubby. This year, my besties and I made it an event to remember. They showed up on my doorstep (a two-hour drive for them) on my birthday and took me out for margaritas, such good times. A couple months later, we spent a night away that included treatments at the spa, shopping, and a bunch of girl talk over coffee. Finally, back in June we went out, like we did back when we were youngins. We had so much fun. Those girls got me before I did anything with my life and they still get me. I love it. Although I enjoy spending the day with my hubby, I loved spending it with my two best girlfriends.

I’m sure it won’t surprise you that my two besties are both mentioned in the dedication to my debut coming out very soon. I cannot wait to see the cover. For now, I have this adorable promise.

It is coming! 😀

I’ve been reading books published by Evernight Publishing for some time. I love them which is one of the reasons I’m so excited. Since my book is not yet released, I’ll be giving away a $5 gift card to Evernight Publishing to one lucky commenter. So, you can get to know them better. I’ll randomly selected my giveaway winner first thing Monday morning.

Plus, there is a GRAND PRIZE for the blog hop: a $100 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) Gift Card. The Grand Prize winner will also be notified Monday morning.

A comment here on my post that includes your email address will enter you in my giveaway AND into the Grand Prize giveaway.

In addition, every blog in the hop has their own prizes. Once you have fun here, there are over 100 other places to hop. The more places you comment, the more chances you’ll have to win.

I hope you’ll consider following me. Thanks for stopping by and party on. 😀

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

Happy Birthday, Ella!!

Spotlight: Healed Hearts by Tamsin Baker

Posted on August 2, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

Healed Hearts (Third Bite # 3)

By Tamsin Baker

Genre: MMMF Vampire Historical
Released: July 12, 2013
Publisher: Evernight Publishing

BLURB:

Lucas and Thomas believed themselves unusually blessed to have found their third mate within only three hundred years of being a vampire. Unfortunately, once they turned Piers, that empty, lonely feeling is still there, within all of them.

Ten years of strained relations lead them to a ball where an old friend helps them track down a woman they have all dreamt of.

Maryanne has been thrown out of London in punishment for allowing her fiancée into her bed. She is travelling to meet her new horrid husband-to-be, when she is accosted by three male vampires, all claiming to want to love her.

What is a shamed lady meant to do? Her duty? To marry the horrible old lord, or risk loving three men who are the answer to her prayers?

EXCERPT

“Tommy, I want you to drain me. I like your bite better.”

Thomas smiled, his eyes, an identical brown to Lucas’s, lighting up at the thought.

Lucas pinched him gently in reprimand.

“And what about me? You don’t love my bite?”

Piers reached out both of his hands, and his mates took one each. A bolt shot through him, pure pleasure. Nothing felt as good to him in this world as being connected to his two men, but it was still there. A loneliness, an ache. Something that did not feel quite right, but tonight they were going to change that.

“I want to drink your blood, Luc. Perhaps I will get some of your strength.” He joked, though they all knew he was partly serious. He hated being so much weaker than his mates.

Lucas leaned forward and dropped the sweetest kiss on his lips, and Piers felt his cock swell. These men aroused him like no others ever had.

“You don’t need some of my strength. You have all of it, Piers. I will love and protect you forever.”

Piers gripped the two hands he held tighter. He was ready.

“Tommy, I love you. Bite me.”

He tilted his head away and waited for the sweet pinch.

Thomas bit gently into Piers’s neck, and his heart sang with happiness. He moaned as Thomas continued to drink, far past the usual stopping point.

Death was nearing. Piers could feel a cold hand gripping his heart.

Lucas pressed his warm wrist to Piers’s open mouth.

“Drink, my love.”

Piers felt the pull of death dragging him down, but the hands that held him, anchored him in the real world. He extended his tongue and tasted sweet, thick blood. Slightly metallic, yet so addictive. He moaned as his body began to regain its strength. He attached more firmly onto Luc’s wrist and drank as much of the blood as he could swallow.

Heat flames licked along his legs and arms, and his chest swelled with power and blood.

He opened his eyes and saw his mates. They looked exactly the same. Well that was all right, he supposed. He gripped their hands tighter and smiled as he searched his feelings.

Oh my God!

“It’s still there!” He jumped off the bed and glared at his mates.

“We don’t understand … how?” Lucas looked at Thomas, who looked equally perplexed.

Anger, pure and unforgiving, poured through Piers. How could they do this to him?

“I will never forgive you for this.”

BIO:

Tamsin Baker is an Aussie girl who only found erotic romance about ten months ago. Before that she read sexy romance, skipping the plot looking for the ‘good bits.’ Since then she have written and obtained 14 contracts of varying lengths with erotic romance and erotica. She absolutely LOVES reading and writing it! She have two other jobs, kids and a hubby too, but writing is a passion that she has to indulge, for fear of insanity.

M/M is a passion of hers so even in her menage stories, there is always M/M. Female domme is a fun one to write too, but she is open to all genres. One step at a time she is learning to read more and write more. Soon she’ll have stories published in every sub genre of erotic romance – or that is her aim anyway.

LINKS:

www.erotictamsinbaker.blogspot.com.au

www.tamsinbakererotic.com

BUY LINKS:

http://www.evernightpublishing.com/healed-hearts-by-tamsin-baker/

http://www.amazon.com/Healed-Hearts-Third-Bite-ebook/dp/B00DVZYV4C

Spotlight Board Stiff – Taking Advantage, Book 1 by Jessica Jayne

Posted on July 29, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

I’ve fallen in love with Evernight Publishing’s Romance on the Go line. These quick yummy reads are perfect for the busy reader. I’m putting my spotlight on another recent release in this line. I’ll definitely be reading this one. Enjoy. Take it away, Jessica. 🙂

I’d like to give a big thanks to S.J. for spotlighting me today and my Evernight Publishing release, Board Stiff. It’s a pleasure to be here. Thank you!

Board Stiff – Taking Advantage, Book 1

by Jessica Jayne

Romance on the Go – Evernight Publishing

SKU:978-1-77130-477-1

ASIN: B00DUPVIWG

Blurb:

John Dorsey’s life is good. He is the owner of Dorsey Construction. He’s the youngest person on the board of directors for Advantage Insurance Company. He lives on the beach. And he knows he can have any woman he wants. John’s got the world at his fingertips… except he’s yet to find a woman that stimulates both his body and mind.

Elizabeth Wright worked hard in a large Tampa law firm making a name for herself, but it came at the expense of her personal life. When Advantage Insurance Company offers her a job as corporate counsel, Elizabeth cannot turn it down. The thought that she can have a successful legal career and a life excites and intimidates her.

But when their worlds collide one day in the Advantage board room, neither Elizabeth nor John knows what’s hit them. All they know is they can’t stay away from each other.

Excerpt:

“Are you seeing anyone? Sleeping with anyone?” he asked further.

“What?” she said, standing up from her chair. Her face was incapable of hiding her shock at his questions. Her green eyes were wide. Her lips parted. “What sort of questions are these?” John’s stride made short use of the distance between them. He stood directly in front of her, cornering her behind her desk. He looked down into her green eyes. They were gorgeous… she was gorgeous. And he had every intention of claiming her.

“Answer my questions, Elizabeth. Are you seeing anyone?” He watched as her eyes widened even further with shock at his determination to get answers to his questions. Nervousness flittered across her face, but her breath came out in short pants as if his close proximity affected her. He watched as her chest rose and fell with each breath. God, he wanted to feel her body against his. He just knew she would feel perfect against him… in his arms.

“Your questions are inappropriate,” she replied sharply. Despite her body giving her attraction away, she held firm. He liked that. He liked a woman that wasn’t too easy of a catch.

“I agree,” he said, impatiently. “They are inappropriate. I need the answers nonetheless.”

“Why?” she asked. Her gaze scanned his face as if looking for the answer to her question.

“Answer me,” he demanded. His hand reached out and caressed her cheek as if to soothe the harshness of his words.

“You are way out of line, Mr. Dorsey,” Elizabeth said.

“Yes, I know,” he said a little softer this time. His fingers tucked a few strands of her hair behind her ear. His gaze dropped to her bared neck. He had to fight the urge to nuzzle the spot just below her ear. “But I need to know if there are any obstacles to making you mine. Are you seeing anyone?”

“No,” she whispered. “I’m not seeing anyone.” Her lips parted for a moment before she bit down on her lower lip. That was almost his undoing.

“Are you fucking anyone?” he asked. She released her bottom lip and sucked in a breath when he asked that question. Her gaze fell from his eyes to his lips and then to her hands. He placed his fingers under her chin and tilted her head up to meet his gaze again. He wanted to see her eyes when she answered him. There was heat in her gaze, and that thrilled him.

“No, Mr. Dorsey, I’m not fucking anyone at the moment,” she said. Her voice was hard, but he heard the desire in it and that snapped his restraint. His hand weaved into her hair until his palm gripped the back of her head, pulling her into him. His mouth slammed down on hers. Her full lips were soft and pliable, and his tongue flicked out over her lips to taste her. She tasted so sweet…like candy.

Buy Links:

http://www.evernightpublishing.com/board-stiff-by-jessica-jayne/

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Board-Stiff-Taking-Advantage-ebook/dp/B00DUPVIWG

http://www.amazon.com/Board-Stiff-Taking-Advantage-ebook/dp/B00DUPVIWG

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-boardstiff-1228873-149.html

http://www.bookstrand.com/board-stiff-mf

Author Bio:

I am a born and raised small town Ohio girl, who moved to the Sunshine State after graduating from college. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English because I could not imagine doing anything else but reading and writing. It is such a pleasure to be able to share all the stories in my head!

In the journey of life, I also became a wife and a mother of three children. So, life is always an adventure. But the love of writing has never died.

My favorites: I love to read and write… obviously! But I also enjoy all sports, especially college football and the Ohio State Buckeyes! Go Steelers! Go Rays! I LOVE to travel… LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to travel. And I love sharing my love to travel with my children. I love to drink Teavana teas! I love a good glass of wine, especially if it comes from a bottle made by the FOOLS wine club… yep, I’m a member of that! I love hanging out with my family and my friends! Big fan of music, but love nothing better than putting on my jean shorts, tank top, cowboy boots and hat and watching Tim McGraw belt it out! I’m a sucker for a cowboy hat!

Where you can find me:

http://www.jessicajayneauthor.com

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6545547.Jessica_Jayne

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Author-Jessica-Jayne/388268367912903

Twitter: @JessicaJayne13

http://pinterest.com/thejessicajayne/boards/

Spotlight: Persuasion Skills by Laurel Cremant

Posted on July 24, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

Persuasion Skills

by Laurel Cremant

Released: July 5, 2013

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

BLURB:

In the aftermath of a major health scare Pepper Holts makes the relief inspired decision to seize the day. Unfortunately most of her “seizing” involves a bit of Merlot and her best friends pants! After a shared night of passion she realizes that her feelings for Jax are a lot more complicated than she ever thought.

Jax has finally realized that his allergy to marriage has nothing to do with the institution itself, and everything to do with the women in his bed—specifically the one woman not in his bed. Her reaction to their one night together has him scrambling to regroup. So he does what he knows best—he disappears and he thinks. The plan?—convince Pepper into staying with him at a secluded cabin for one week. One week pretending to be a happily married couple to show her how great they could be together. After all, what’s a little bondage between friends?

BUY LINKS

Evernight: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/persuasion-skills-by-laurel-cremant/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Persuasion-Skills-Boardroom-Acts-ebook/dp/B00DSHXQWG

All Romance eBooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-persuasionskills-1228259-147.html

BIO:

I’m a romance writer and author, but I will always be foremost a reader and lover of romance. It was my first love (pun intended) and ever since I made the decision to leap into the writing world I’ve fallen even deeper in love.

I write paranormal and contemporary romance and admit to being an out of the closet nerd. I spent years in a science and research lab and am married to an engineer so trust me when I say I can’t seem to avoid adding a bit of “nerdology” or “geek-dom” to all of my books.

However, don’t let the glasses and knowledge of genetics fool you. I grew up and currently live in Miami, Florida where divas are known and expected to strut their stuff. So my Diva Card would be revoked if I didn’t provide my heroines with sexy and kick ass shoes. In Miami, we worship everything strappy, open toed and just plain hot!

Website: http://www.laurelcremant.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurelCremant?fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaurelCremant

@LaurelCremant