CONTEST: Comment either here on on my book review for Guilty as Charged post to be entered to win one of Anna's books. Contest ends Friday at Midnight (EST).
I’m Anna James, author of contemporary romance stories and I invite you come with me and get lost in a world filled with passion, drama and romance.
I have three books currently available. Here is a little taste of my most recent release, Coming Home, to whet your appetite:
Blurb:
Two years ago, Christine Kincaid found her sister, Andrea, in the arms of her fiancé, James Buchanan. This after Andrea confessed to having an affair with James and being pregnant with his child. Distraught and wanting to escape the pain of James’s betrayal, Christine fled her home, just outside of Washington D.C., to London, England, her birthplace.
As startling details of her parents’ tragic romance come to light, Christine now suspects she was deceived by Andrea and is determined to return home and win James back. Only James seems to hate her now. She’d known that it wouldn’t be easy. She’d hurt him deeply by leaving. But she believed that somehow he’d forgive her and they would finally be together. Why did he have such a bad opinion of her? And what was she going to do to make him see that he was wrong?
James Buchanan was devastated when his fiancée deserted him. He had thought they would be together forever. But he’d been wrong. Christine didn’t care about him. She didn’t care about anyone but herself. If she had, she’d never have left him to pursue her career. But what really bothered him was how he’d been so wrong about her. Christine had been sweet and loving to him, but the way she treated her sister was just awful. Andrea, who was alone and pregnant, had needed Christine’s love, understanding and support. All Christine could do was condemn her for her mistakes and leave her to fend for herself. How could he have ever loved someone who could treat her own sister that way? And what was he going to do now that she was back?
Excerpt:
Prologue
The night security man greeted her warmly as Christine entered the building. She felt a pang of regret for not even acknowledging the man as she rushed past him on her way toward the row of elevators located at the far end of the lobby. She stabbed the call button and waited anxiously for the elevator to arrive. I need to speak to James now.I need him to reassure me that things Andrea said today are not true. James lovesyou, she told herself fiercely. Andrea is lying. She has to be.
All right, so things aren’t that great between us right now, she acknowledged ruefully. They haven’t been for a while. Not since they’d had that horrible argument after his trip to California. There was so much tension between them when they were together and James was so distant, downright cold at times. We haven’t made love in weeks, her mind tormented further. It doesn’t mean he’s in love with Andrea, she denied furiously.
The elevator arrived and she stepped in. As it moved upward her mind drifted back to the conversation she’d had with Andrea, her sister, earlier that day. ‘He loves me now’, she’d said. ‘You had your chance but you were too focused on your career... James is a fabulous lover. He made passionate love to me when we were at that conference in California, he couldn’t help himself,’ she had delighted in saying. James is the father of my baby.
No! Her mind screamed again in denial. Until you hear it straight from James you can’t believe anything she says. You know she would do anything to split us up.
The elevator car stopped and the doors opened on the top floor. Christine took a deep breath and stepped out. James’s office was just down the hall to the left.
She could hear muffled sounds coming from his office as she approached and paused just before she reached the door. Who was in there with him at this time of night? It was late; well after ten o’clock.
“It’s okay, Andrea. Don’t worry. Everything is going to be okay,” he said.
Christine stepped into the open doorway and froze in horror. Andrea was in James’s arms, sobbing. He was holding her—so close—she acknowledged painfully as tears welled in her eyes.
“I am not going to let you go through this alone. I’ll be there for you every step of the way. You can count on me, Andrea. I promise.”
“What about Christine?” Andrea cried.
“I will deal with Christine,” James said with chilling finality, and then lifted Andrea’s head from where it rested on his chest and gave her a gentle kiss. “I promise, Andrea. I will be there for you. I won’t let you down.”
Christine gasped. James looked up. Their eyes collided and Christine knew the truth. She turned and ran as if all the demons of hell were chasing her.
Coming Home is now available from Melange-Books. Stop by and pick up your copy today!
Isabella Sheridan has a big problem and his name is Jake McAllister! Jake is now Isabella’s business partner. To make matters worse he owns more of the Sheridan Advertising Agency than she does. He is difficult to work with, has a hostile attitude toward her and makes business decisions without consulting her. So why does she respond with so much passion when he kisses her?
Jake McAllister does not like Isabella Sheridan. As far as he’s concerned she’s shallow and without moral values, both in her personal and professional life. So why is he so attracted to her? You’d think he’d know better based on past experience. And why, after just one passionate kiss, is he ready to give her the benefit of the doubt and become involved.
Will Jake and Isabella resolve their differences and find love or will past perceptions be too much to overcome?
Isabella’s Dilemma is available from Sugar and Spice Press. Stop by and pick up your copy today.
Why don't you start with telling us a little about yourself? What genre do you write in and why?
I’m Xavier, some guy who has managed to carve a crazy career in the adult industry that has lasted over 15 years. I have worked as a female phone sex operator, dungeon master, porn star talent agent, and as the assistant to an infamous Hollywood Madame. Now I write a sex advice column on Examiner.com, work for a leader in sexual technology as a product educator and write for m/m erotica for Silver Publishing. It’s a long way from the cornfields in Connecticut…
Were you an avid reader as a child? What type of books did you enjoy reading?
I was a voracious reader as a child…I am told I pulled books through the bars on my crib! I would simply die if I couldn’t read.
Tell us a bit about your latest book, and what inspired you to write such a story.
My latest book is called “A Valentine for Evrain” and I was inspired to write it truly because I am reading The Mists of Avalon and LOVE Arthurian legend and wanted to write something where my main character had an Arthurian style name, hence the name Evrain.
Did your book require a lot of research? How long does it take to write a book for you?
Can I be honest? I did no research…I actually wrote the entire thing in one sitting, well that’s a lie, I did do a little research into Arthurian names.
If you could have any vice without repercussions, what would it be?
What do you mean? Vices HAVE repercussions? I’m screwed…
If you could have been the servant to any famous person in history, who would that be and why?
Anne Boleyn because she was the ultimate rule-breaker; she loved and lived how she wanted and challenged not only people but government and religion.
What so you see for the future of publishing and e-books?
I think the future IS e-publishing, sadly, as I am a HUGE book lover, but for environmental reasons I see the necessary transition and am slowly but surely coming around to it.
Which of your characters do you love/hate/fear/pity the most and why?
I love all the men I have written since I have started writing Romance/Erotica. They are like friends that are lined up outside my house waiting to come in. I am always surprised when they arrive and always sad when they leave.
Do you get along with your muse? What do you do to placate her/it/him when she/it.he refuses to inspire you?
My muse is temperamental…so we are well suited. She is NOT however above confronting me when I am being wishy washy with the writing. She just says, “write or don’t write…but don’t fuck with me.”
Do you have another book in the works? Would you like to tell readers about your current or future projects
I have completed 2 novels. One is a psychological horror piece called “The Succumbing” and the other is called “The Elementals” which is a Gay-Horror-Romance. I am also working on a “men in uniform” short story and also trying to figure out where to submit this cowboy short story I have begging for attention.
Have you ever experience weird cravings while you write? If so, what kind?
I have cravings ALL the time…writing or not, I am a compulsive craver
For Fun, pick three to five questions to answer:
Which do you prefer:
Irish or Italian accent in a man? Irish
Dark eyes or Light eyes? Dark
Sleeping bag or Bed? Bed
Dinner or Movie for a first date? Dinner
Coffee or Tea? Tea
If you got three wishes from a genie, what would they be? (They can be silly, serious or in between).
1. World Peace
2. Money without consequence
3.More wishes
If you could spend a day with one actor/actress, who would it be and what would you do together?
Sharon Stone and we’d probably shop for ice picks.
What is on your bucket list to do before you pass from this earthly plain?
To go to Sweden and write a bestseller…short list…
There was this assistant principal: sweet-lipped, early thirties, whose unconscious habit of wearing tight pants caught not only the interest of the town’s conservative population but mine as well, both for entirely different reasons. But I knew I'd bend him and, boy did I. He came in searching for something one night after school. He looked wild-eyed, caged; I know what a man wants when he looks that way. He said he was originally from the city, his eyes shifting hungrily, as if consuming the exotic spread of the store. I watched him inhale the sweet caramel smell of chocolate, cinnamon, lavender, and me. He did not know he wanted it, didn't know what it was that made his hands grip the counter, but I knew.
"I'm heading over to see this girl." His eyes scanned the counter top, the various chocolates underneath teasing him. "I thought she'd like something, thought it'd be gentlemanly."
I remember nodding, thinking, yeah, yeah I have heard it before, drop and give me 20. Instead I just smiled, cut two slices of dark-chocolate ginger bark and handed one to him. Ginger makes one think hard about heat, lust, fucking. I ate my piece and watched for his reaction. We both started to sweat. I wiped the back of my neck, and he grabbed a napkin from a stack on the counter and swiped it across his forehead. There is nothing hotter than watching a man submit to the unknown. I have heard that the thrill of skydiving is not so much in the jump, but in the fall.
"You ever skydive?" I asked him, as he began pacing my tiny sugar-infused domain. He didn't answer just kept sucking on the bark, his teeth gnawing at the confection as if it held the answer to the question I had just asked; the tight khakis revealed his erection. I could see the confusion in his face. He didn't know why he was hard. He looked down, betrayed by his body’s reaction. He knew I was staring and turned away; this only gave me a better view of what I wanted most. His ass was round, full, sensual for a man's body. I knew he’d never had anyone do anything to it. I spit a piece of ginger into the trash, reached down, and felt my own stiffening monster. I knew I'd fuck him the minute I laid eyes on him months before. He could pretend, pace, sweat—it was all gonna come down to one fateful moment: one push over the edge, falling, spiraling downward into a delicious oblivion. He would move back to the city, of course. He would learn he could not get what he really wanted from this place. I remember laughing at that moment, and his angry reaction.
"You think it's funny?" He spat, the ginger was working. "You think I like working in this shit hole. Small towns, small-minded backwards…"
"Hey there, this is my home you're talking about," I arched an eyebrow and reached for another piece of the bittersweet, dark-chocolate, ginger bark, "small minds, and all."
Face it; there are a lot of women out there who want to get into Mr. Darcy's pants. There are a few authors out there who have dared to do it. I personally wanted to crawl into the lap of a black-masked Phantom in a certain French opera house and ask him why everyone thinks his mask is white and he has six pack abs...
Crawling into the heads of our characters is challenging enough. Expanding classic literature and diving in the heads of characters not originally ours is a whole other ball game. I have the richly rewarding experience of being contracted to expand Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera in a three book series. (Madrigal, Abendlied and Elegy which is forthcoming).
Many readers are curious as to what this involves and many more want to know why there are such broad interpretations on their favorite characters. Whatever happened to the original author's vision? If you are continuing classic literature, shouldn't your hero or heroine be as they were in original? Fans of Pride and Prejudice or Phantom of the Opera are passionate about the characters in their fandom. My reply is that one must understand the changing shape of canon and works in the public domain.Canon: from the Latin canon or "rule" is a standard of judgment based upon a determined body of text, like the Bible. Works in the public domain are copyright free-allowing an author the ability to shape a story, or character, to their imagination. We have Mr. Darcy as a vampire and zombie out there now, and love affairs between male leads.... the sky is the limit!
Personally, I side with those fans that prefer their characters to remain true to the original book.I adhere to Gaston Leroux's vision with slight changes to suit the limits of my imagination. Partly due to the requests of my publishing house but, for me, I wanted to stick to Leroux because I appreciate what he did with the characters to begin with. I have seen Erik (for those of you unaware, that was the Phantom's name as given by Leroux) in various progeny with killer abs, green eyes, thick hair, only half his face deformed and a sex drive that doesn't end. Quite different from the monster Leroux created. Erik was described as a "living corpse"; a murderously vengeful madman at the center of a Death and the Maiden story, who Leroux wrote, "would have been one of the most distinguished of mankind! He had a heart that could have held the empire of the world; and, in the end, he had to content himself with a cellar."
I started questioning this shift in canon and began wondering what reader expectation would be when this series launched, very early on. A few agents told me a continuation of Leroux's novel may be hard to sell. Why? So many identify with the wildly popular vision of Andrew Lloyd Webber and may not know the roots of the original story. Webbed did an excellent job of introducing his idea of the character and his idea of the canon for the story.
So what do you do when you come across a book that expands your beloved favorite novel? I suppose a reader must have an open mind and the authors must understand that their vision may not be that of everyone else's and opinions will vary. Rejoice in them! So long as the author writes a solid, believable story readers will embrace it-good or bad-thus allowing those classic characters to live on .
MADRIGAL blurb:
Years earlier Erik faked his death and vowed the Phantom would never again haunt the Opera Garnier. But strange packages left by Anna, an unwanted Samaritan turned unlikely friend, cause him to desire the unattainable-love. Battling the nobleman determined to lock him away, Erik must control his demons and tame a heart unexpectedly beating for two opposite women: Christine, who he longs to love, and Anna the woman who saw beyond his bitter soul to the man beneath the mask. In the midst of a brutal manhunt, can he be loved for himself or is he condemned to be The Phantom of the Opera? Murderer, Maestro, Magician, Mastermind.
MADRIGAL excerpt:
Erik's blood coursed so hard the pulse pounded in his throat. He caught himself before he leaned too far out of his shadow. Caressing the velvet of the armchair, he imagined stroking her sensuous form, whispering his adoration into her ear, and proclaiming his love for her in ways he only dreamed.
Yes, I gave you it all, Christine. I would have lassoed the moon for you.
"And you gave nothing in return?" Anna said incredulously. "He loved you."
The memory of how he'd shunned Anna wrapped around his heart like a rope of thorns. The raw passion he felt for her tightened those binds until he swore his heart would puncture. He forced such passion away. He didn't want it. Not now. He clamped his teeth in an attempt to govern the thoughts tumbling drunkenly in his mind. The velvet shredded beneath his fingers.
Damn it, you little minx. Stay out of my mind.
Christine wandered the empty stage staring out across the seats. "There was nothing I could give. Least of all love."
Ridges plowed into Anna's brow. "Why?""He was horrifically deformed. He frightened me. I was put through so much horror."
"Then why did you continue with the lessons?" Anna demanded sharply. "If you knew he loved you and you couldn't give that in return, why torment him?"
"I wanted to know the music for I had never experienced anything like it. I deeply respected the Angel of Music and cared for him, but I could never truly love him. Not in the way he wanted. His affections were so powerful-they frightened me." Christine shook her head. "A woman such as you could never comprehend the situation. He was a distorted soul, a madman. I couldn't be expected to look on that with love. No one could."
No one could? That? Respected? Rejected!
Erik tensed as he shook from head to toe. His hands crushed to his mask. He cursed his ugliness. Looking at the two women, he recognized the confusion Anna had mentioned. With all his being, he tried to control his demons. His inability to do so was not his fault. Man made him this way.
He turned his attention to the woman beside her. Erik leaned forward avoiding the urge to fold himself over the velvet railing and scream to the women below.
Anna, make her understand me
*~*
ABENDLIED Blurb
Desiring normalcy is difficult enough with a price on his head, but when Erik is falsely accused of killing Philippe de Chagny, brother of his nemesis Raoul, he is launched toward madness.
Anna is an unlikely companion, sharing Erik's heart and the bounty on his head. As the manhunt heats, Erik's mysterious relationship with Philippe spurs the campaign against them forward, and exposes her darkest secret: defending her honor ended in murder.
Plagued by his past as The Phantom of the Opera, Erik's memories enslave his heart to Raoul's wife Christine, whose shocking confession brings a ruthless bounty hunter into the fray and blackmail to the Chagny bloodline. Blackmail from a hunter who cares little about the Phantom or Philippe, and everything about the one he has lusted for: Anna.
With the past weeping like an open wound, can love endure or will it take memories of one unlikely man to heal them all?
Memories of Philippe Georges Marie, Comte de Chagny...
ABENDLIED excerpt:
He thought to lean to one side and be done with it. The exhaustion over fighting his desires for Christine, the constant tug of war with madness coupled with fearing he would destroy the one woman who made him feel alive, was unbearable punishment.
"I never believed in Your sincerity of bringing Anna to me. Shocked are we? Surprised for a brief moment I believed?" Erik rolled his head toward the side and pressed his cheek to the stone. His accusatory eyes could have shattered the pinpricks of light across the heavens. "Congratulations, Oh Merciful God, You failed again. Anna can have You and Your Son." He yanked himself upright, his body going rigid with his anger. "I am pleased Philippe is dead!"
Spittle flew from sob soaked lips. His mouth spread upward. He may be alone for now, but not forever. There was to be an heir to his kingdom, a child with his mind and his madness. Erik spoke to the shattered stone below with an unblinking stare.
"I will have my child, in all his hideous imperfections. I will need no one but him and my music. I will need only his love. As for Christine?" Erik leapt to his feet. The wind flapped his cloak behind him. He leaned into the gust and taunted the streets below like a great yellow-eyed bird ready to swoop on unsuspecting prey. "Our character becomes our destiny. Music, like life, is inexpressible silence without its instrument. Am I not its master? I hold the baton. I will conduct what I want. I will have what I want. What is Erik without Christine?" Leaping back to the roof he retrieved his mask and turned to the opera house, his boots drumming a cadence so the ferryman could dutifully follow. A haunting whisper carried his sadness forward on the wind.
"What is Erik without the Phantom?"
REVIEWS
"Ms. Linforth's prose is phenomenally beautiful and hauntingly breathtaking." ~Coffee Time Romance
"... a sumptuous feast for any fan of The Phantom of the Opera." ~ Night Owl Romance
Definitely. Avid everything: reader, TV-watcher, baseball fan. My favorite books as a kid were the Miss Piggle-Wiggle books about kids who misbehave and get sent to stay with a funny old lady named Miss Piggle-Wiggle, who cures them by letting their bad habits run wild till they reform.
Tell us a bit about your latest book, and what inspired you to write such a story.
My novel The Countess de Mondeau is a love story about two people who have to be together, despite all the odds. I enjoy love stories—just a romantic at heart. The book is set in Paris in the tumultuous Romantic era of the 1830s. I’ve always been fascinated by this time. Everything was up for grabs then, from the most intimate ways that women and men relate, to the largest political structures in society. One radical utopian movement predicted the coming of a female messiah, which figures into the book. It was also a time when salons flourished, and reputations were made or destroyed by a witty remark.
How would you describe your creative process while writing this book? Was it stream-of-consciousness writing, or did you first write an outline?
I’ve never been good with outlines. Any time I had to do an outline for school, I froze. I just start writing, and then edit like crazy. I had very good editors at Eirelander Publishing who also helped a lot in shaping the book.
Did your book require a lot of research?
Tons. I read every book I could find on this historical period. I sat in on classes for fashion design students on the clothing of this time. I found an account written by an English lady who traveled to Paris in the 1830s and complained bitterly about the plumbing, though she loved the cafes and restaurants. I even studied the history of birth control in this era.
If you could have any vice without repercussions, what would it be?
The radical utopian group in The Countess de Mondeau says there are two types of people it comes to love, the constant nature and the mobile nature. I’m not sure which I am, but I have moments when I think I might be of the mobile nature.
What is the funniest/most embarrassing/scariest story from one of your books signings or events?
I once took out a big manuscript of work at a reading, and before I could set aside the pages I was going to read, a member of the audience interrupted me and said, “You’re not going to read all of that, are you?” I was pretty bewildered, but managed to recover and say, “Not unless you want me to.”
If you could have been the servant to any famous person in history, who would that be and why?
Maybe Shakespeare. I’d love to see how he actually composed his plays. After Will went to bed, I’d sneak into his study and read what he’d written or edited that day.
What do you see for the future of publishing and ebooks?
I think ebooks are the way of the future, though personally I do love a beautifully printed book, and the texture of paper, especially paper with a high rag content that has the feel of linen.
Which of your characters do you love/hate/fear/pity the most and why?
I like the lovers, Edouard and Amandine, because they care about each other, but also about the people closest to them, and about the world they live in. They are not just interested in their own lives. One of my favorite characters in the book is the Baron de Basse-Rivière, who is a jaded old aristocrat who teaches Edouard about lovemaking. He’s gay, but he ends up helping Edouard in his courtship of the Countess de Mondeau. One of my least favorite characters in the book is Auguste Lepetit, the head of the radical utopian sect. He’s a charismatic and handsome figure, but he ultimately cares more for his own power than for the beautiful ideals he claims to represent.
Do you get along with your muse? What do you do to placate her when she refuses to inspire you?
I really believe in the muse. I like to create a scene and then let the characters take over, just hear them speak and write down their words. So far I’ve been extremely lucky. My muse has never deserted me, knock on wood.
Sneak Peek Excerpt from The Countess de Mondeau by Ben Leyb
"Mademoiselle Kerlec, we are grateful for your visit."
"Her Excellency is kind to invite us." Cecile half-dropped a curtsy.
"We don't use those ridiculous titles here." The countess waved her hand as if to banish such nonsense from her presence. "Call me Amandine. And have one of these delicious tartes aux fruits that my cook made. No, have two." She stopped the heavy-set, blonde serving-woman who was passing around a silver tray and Cecile selected a tiny apricot dessert in a circle of scalloped paper.
Edouard couldn't help but notice that the countess had her blue dress cut low all around, exposing all of her lovely pale neck and shoulders. What looked like a mere suggestion of sleeves barely covered a portion of her thin upper arm. The dress allowed a generous decolletage to peek from her neckline. The countess is not at all deficient in that area, Edouard remarked to himself.
"We'll start the program in a little while," Amandine said, "as soon as people have had dessert and a bit of amaretto to loosen their tongues. I love a good argument, don't you?"
"I suppose I do," Edouard said, admiring her boldness.
"I Want To Know What Love Is" by Eve Summers will hit the Red Rose Publishing shelves on May 27, 2010. Expect the trademark Eve Summers contemporary romance, very naughty yet nice. This one is set in the exotic island of Tahiti, where the food is French, the lovers are dark chocolate French and the kisses are to die for.
STORY BLURB:
Amy doesn't know what it feels like to be in love. Which is pretty sad, when you stop to think about it, and Amy stops to think about it - oh, just about every day. Her fantasies are populated by men who look like movie stars and act like heroes from romance books, while her life is full of men who only think about their careers and who wear stress like a medal for bravery.
Or was, until now. Dan is Amy’s scuba diving buddy and the best-looking bloke in the office. Zorro, their Tahitian diving instructor is every woman’s secret fantasy, the kind you blush about in the darkness of your bedroom and never ever discuss with your girlfriends.
Amy doesn't know what it feels like to be in love. Will she choose the right man?
EXCERPT:
Zorro’s house was filled with Tahitian music and Tahitian festive roast.
“Would you like a lei?” Zorro asked.
Boy, did she ever. But she must have heard wrong. It was that sensual music messing with her head.
“A - a lay?”
“Yep. Here.” Zorro’s grin was both daring and triumphant as he handed her a necklace of chalice-shaped flowers. “Gotcha!”
Amy hid her face in the flowers and inhaled the fragrance of pure heaven.
“Goldilocks?”
She looked up straight at Zorro’s sensuous, full mouth. Double heaven. Without thinking, she leaned into him, her lips grazing his for a crazed split second.
A fever of sudden longing scorched her head, trapped breath in her chest, galloped in her heart. She had to pull away.
Zorro began to dance, right in front of her, barefooted and bare-chested. Every ripple of muscle made Amy’s blood turn to molten lava. She noticed how hard his nipples looked.
Gulp!
He took her hand in his and pulled her into his embrace. Zzzzing! The world stopped.
The rest of the night was a blur. Zorro’s skin pressing against her dress in a slow rhythmic dance. The smell of vanilla and coconut and salt water. The sexual beat of the drums, in, out, in, out, in-out, in-out, in, in, in….
“I love it,” Amy shouted above the music. “Thank you for inviting me.”
Under his hot gaze, she felt her sex appeal grow, like a flower caught on a fast-forward camera, from bud to blossom in three easy seconds.
Instinctively, she reached out and twined thick tresses of her golden hair around Zorro’s neck.
A few weeks ago, I hosted a party on my publisher’s yahoo loop. On it, I had one of the gals interview my husband about military couples and cybersex. Now, as a military wife whose husband has been deployed, I have to say, times can get pretty lean, sexually speaking.
Thank God for the internet. Years ago, we didn’t have that luxury. Mail got crossed and a letter you’d written just a few days ago would be delivered the next week, yet one you wrote a few weeks ago, could be delivered three weeks after the second. This is particularly amusing (that’s the only word I can use in good company) when you are sending updates of family life or whatever. However, another difficulty is trying to be sexy for your man thousands of miles away.
For those of us in that situation, the internet in all its corrupted glory, has been a God-send. I mean, not only can you send emails, but on occasion, you can actually instant message each other. And, not to go into any detail, but those dang cameras can get pretty hot—if you’ve got one. Better than any porn I know for sure. Beyond all that, I’d hate to think that some military person is monitoring this stuff, ‘cause like my husband mentioned, all soldiers do this. They have to in order to stay sane. Well, and to prevent a case of blue balls. (Sorry, there’s no better way to put this.)
What’s funny, though, is some of the stories my husband has told, and some of the difficulties. Guys try to find a private place (as the at-home spouse, it’s a little easier for me and others), but that’s not often possible. Apparently the guys try to give each other as much privacy as they can, but when the need arises, they go for it. Thing is, some forget others can hear them as they often have headphones on and when they get in that erogenous zone, well, I’ll let your imagination take over here. (If you’re wondering, yes, my hubby was careful but a lot of the guys aren’t. And let’s face it, a lot of them are young and either aren’t thinking about it or are more like my husband and don’t give a you-know-what at the time. They are talking/interacting with their significant other, and that’s what’s important to them. It what reminds them of where they are and what they’re doing and why. And quite frankly, it talks to both partners of the sacrifices they make. And know that when a soldier goes to war, their family does sacrifice, too. It’s hard. And one of the hard parts is being a temporary single person. But the internet helps with that in a big way.)
Now, being a writer, it can be doubly interesting. You see, my husband also has other benefits. When he’s gone, I write a LOT of sex scenes. It’s my outlet for the lack of my husband being here. And guess who my first line editor is for these? You got it. It’s my husband. He loves reading this stuff when he’s gone (when he has the time). And I always sent them to him. The funniest part is he takes on the persona of my hero and his responses can be hilarious because he makes believe I’m the heroine. His latest is Rurik, my alien space hero—sexy, strong, and definitely virile. The one before that was Jake Colder, small town sheriff and ex-special forces. So you see, in this, we can still have fun together and enjoy each others company—even though we’re so physically far apart. (And I bet you didn’t realize the other fringe benefits the average romance novel had!)
So there you have it. Cyberspace and marital bliss.
CONTEST: All who comment will be entered to win one free download of two short stories from Kayelle. One is Human Perfect, about spies in the android industry, and the other is Whiskey and Wine, the inspiration for Surrender Love.
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Tell us about the Tarthian Empire. What inspired you to create this place and all the inhabitants there? How many books do you see for it?
The idea for the Tarthian Empire was to create a vast group of worlds with a rich history, and then write books within that setting. I could see no logical reason to create a new world with different life forms and rules every time I wanted to write a story. This was the logical way to go, in my mind. I have various empires and federations all over the galaxy for future works.
If I had to write books only set in the Tarthian Empire for the rest of my life, I would never run out of stories. The empire was founded in their year 4273 Tradestandard when Empress Destine Pietan united thirteen worlds. She also set up a standard of measurement for everything from dates to coins to property, and required all planets in the empire to use it. Known as Tradestandard, it is still in use. Everything is based on what is used on the planet Tarth. The empire has grown to twenty-two worlds by the time the first Tarthian Empire book takes place, in 4659. Until 4645, non-humans had not been discovered. The feline Kin were first, and three of their leaders bartered for a treaty with the empire in return for helping them find another race. The satyr-like Tyrans were next. They had advanced space travel, and often hunted the Kin for sport. They were conquered by Empress Rheyn Destoiya, having been pointed out by the Kin. Shortly after, the planet Ezraki was discovered. Peopled by the Chiasmii, who were all dual-gendered, it was the final non-human world known by the beginning of the first book. I plan to add one more group of non-humans in the not too distant future.
What is the reading order of the Tarthian Empire series? If I was a first time reader of your work, what do you recommend starting with?
First time readers could literally start anywhere and work their way around the overlapping books. However, if you’re a purist who likes to start with book one and work your way forward, then At the Mercy of Her Pleasure is first.
Here is the chronological order of the books based on the empire’s Tradestandard dates, by year.
4659 - Wulf
4662 - At the Mercy of Her Pleasure
4664 - Alitus
4664 - Jawk
4664 - Surrender Love
4664 - Surrender Trust
4664 - Surrender Will
4665 - When I Breathe
Reading order for the Antonello Brothers series (Loose Id)
At the Mercy of Her Pleasure - 3/23/10
For Women Only - 6/1/10
When I Breathe - coming 2011
Reading order for the Tales of the Chosen trilogy: (Liquid Silver Books)
Wulf - available now
Alitus - available now
Jawk - available now
Reading order for the Surrender trilogy: (Loose Id)
Surrender Love - available now
Surrender Trust - coming 2010
Surrender Will - coming 2011
You have an upcoming release in March called At The Mercy Of Her Pleasure from LooseId. Please tell us a little about it and if this is part of the Tarthian Series.
Yes, At the Mercy is part of the series. In fact, it was the first book I wrote, and was released six years ago with a different publisher. The sequel, For Women Only cried out for another story to feature the brother-heroes. Because I wanted to do that without splitting the books across different publishers, I pitched the idea of re-releasing Mercy and Women and following them up with a third book. Here are the tag and blurb.
At the Mercy of Her Pleasure
She steals one kiss and her pheromones addict him. How can he return to his master now that she has him at the mercy of her pleasure?
Senth holds a lofty position in the elite Thieves' Guild. Drugged since puberty to suppress his feral half-feline side, nothing suppresses his daredevil, risk-loving human half. His master offers him a deal. Work with a Better, an enhanced woman with addictive, pleasure-laced pheromones, and he'll buy and free Senth's cruelly enslaved older brother. The job? Grab-and-go. The condition? Remain a virgin. The drug he takes ensures it, no matter how tempting the woman or her pheromones. The problem? Nothing goes right. The job outlasts the drug's effect. All Senth wants is one touch, one kiss, one oh-so-tempting lick of her perfect, lush skin. The downside? With his brother's freedom at stake, how can he risk putting himself at the mercy of her pleasure?
Your work is very popular with readers. Did you ever expect this when you first started out writing? Are you ever nervous when you have a new release out to how they may react?
Thank you, Dawn! I started out believing that people would like the characters if I could reveal them the way I saw them myself. It’s been wonderful to see how well-loved they are. What amazes me is that Pietas is gaining a following. He is the uber villain, but I admit, he does have his soft side. I write three-dimensional characters, so I suppose I shouldn’t be a surprise that there are levels to him that make readers want to know more.
Nervous? Yes and no. I know I’ve written my best, and I have faith in the editors, proofers, and the cover art. When the book is released, it will be as perfect as the publisher and I can make it. I was more nervous at first. Now, I have people waiting for the release date and a lot of excitement surrounds the actual event.
On March 23rd, when At the Mercy releases, I’ll be throwing a party on my yahoo group, Romance Lives Forever. I’ve invited dozens of authors to join me in a two-day free-for-all of excerpts and posting. All genres and heat ratings will be represented, so it really will be a fun bash. How can I be nervous surrounded by friends?
The party is 3/23-24, because on March 24th, The Last Vhalgenn releases as an audiobook from the publisher AudioLark. http://audiolark.com Imagine 48 hours of posting and excerpts… it will be wild. Authors wanting more info should join Romance Lives Forever. I’ll be posting about it there. http://tinyurl.com/rlf4ever
If you could meet any character from your books, who would it be and what would you do together?
It would be Luc and what we would do is none of your business. LOL Actually, I’d try to talk him into taking me back to the Tarthian Empire with him. I’d be happy as his pet, for goodness sake. Anything for Luc. ^_^
Surrender Love has to be my favorite Tarthian book ever though I love the others as well. There is just something about Luc that calls to me and makes me yearn to cuddle with him. What/who inspires this character and do you plan to have more stories that center on Luc and Izzy?
Thank you, Dawn. Absolutely, you will see more of Luc and Rah. The next two books in the Surrender trilogy focus on them, and they will be guest characters in other books that take place in the empire.
Luc was originally a background character in At the Mercy of Her Pleasure. My critique group asked when I was going to do his story, and my first reaction was that he didn’t have one, beyond the basic sketch I do with all characters. After the fourth email from readers asking me the same thing, I realized I had to do some work on his backstory! Once I let him out of the mold I’d fashioned for him, Luc took center stage. He’s been in every book set in the Tarthian Empire.
The actor who is the physical model for Luc is Dennis Haysbert 24, The Unit, Waiting to Exhale). I have an Allstate poster right above and behind my monitor. With all apologies to Allstate, I cut off everything but Dennis (who is their spokesperson) and the background. When I glance up, it’s like Luc is looking at me with a Mona Lisa-esque smile. His eyes seem to stare right at me. I consider him my muse. An autographed photo of Luke Goss (odd coincidence on names, huh?) as Prince Nuada from Hellboy II: The Golden Army is just to the left. Nuada resembles Pietas, another character who is Luc’s nemesis.
Congratulations on your recent award nominations from EPIC and other places. What was it like to see your work nominated? What did you do to celebrate the nominations/wins?
Thank you so much! I wasn’t able to attend EPICon this year *sniff* so I didn’t get to accept the award in person. When I found out that I’d won, after I picked myself up off the floor, I immediately kissed my husband, emailed my editor and publisher, my beta readers, and my family.
LRC’s Best of 2009 Awards honored me with a Runner Up in the SciFi/Futuristic category and a Winner in the Best Cover department. The cover was also in the Top Ten on P&E’s Reader’s Poll for 2009. Anne Cain did an amazing job. She made Luc look tres hot!
How did I celebrate? With food, lol! I changed my eating lifestyle about three and a half years ago, and although I allow myself dark chocolate frequently (it’s good for you), I wanted a little extra. We had chocolate mousse in dark chocolate cups with fresh fruit. It was *almost* too beautiful to eat, but I managed. ^_^
Where can readers go to find more information on your books on the web?
The best place is my own website. I have reviews and excerpts there. http://kayelleallen.com/Books.htmlYou can also tour the empire and find links to book-mentioned sites on Imperinet, a website within a website. http://kayelleallen.com
What can we see coming in 2010 from you?
Lots of things! At the Mercy of Her Pleasure releases on 3/23, and The Last Vhalgenn on 3/24. For Women Only is out 6/1, and Surrender Trust likely in August. I hope to finish Surrender Will in time for an end of year release.
You are world ruler and able to enact three laws, what would they be?
I have no clue. Can I phone a friend on this one? ^_^
If you came back as a spirit, what would you want to say to the world?
Believe.
What was the most recent movie you saw that blew you away and recommend to others to see?
Avatar! Real3D isn’t about things popping out at you. It’s about the movie pulling you inside itself. You are *there* as things happen, able to focus your eyes on every detail as if you were right inside the room or on the world.
At the Mercy of Her Pleasure She steals one kiss and her pheromones addict him. How can he return to his master now that she has him at the mercy of her pleasure?
Senth holds a lofty position in the elite Thieves' Guild. Drugged since puberty to suppress his feral half-feline side, nothing suppresses his daredevil, risk-loving human half. His master offers him a deal. Work with a Better, an enhanced woman with addictive, pleasure-laced pheromones, and he'll buy and free Senth's cruelly enslaved older brother. The job? Grab-and-go. The condition? Remain a virgin. The drug he takes ensures it, no matter how tempting the woman or her pheromones. The problem? Nothing goes right. The job outlasts the drug's effect. All Senth wants is one touch, one kiss, one oh-so-tempting lick of her perfect, lush skin. The downside? With his brother's freedom at stake, how can he risk putting himself at the mercy of her pleasure?
Genre: Erotic Science Fiction Romance, Action Adventure Heat Level: R=graphic sex Warnings: Explicit sex, kidnapping, violence, references to abuse
EXCERPT
Setting up the scene: NarrAy Jorlan has hired professional thief Senth Antonello to steal back an heirloom confiscated by the despotic empress. In itself, the item has only sentimental value, but in it, NarrAy's parents hid a code to finishing the secret technology they were developing before they were murdered. After meeting Senth in person, NarrAy returns to her ship. But she can't get the thief's image out of her mind…
All People's Liberation Army Ship Jalane
Officers' Quarters
NarrAy brought Senth's image to mind, picturing him as he'd looked at the Ghost, minus the overbearing Saint-Cyr and the audience of her aides.
"Mmm, hell-O, Senth." Standing naked before him, she slid one hand up the front of his shirt. "Can I interest you in a sugar-cookie snack?"
He leaned forward, bending down to kiss her, his dark, curly hair a cloak around them. The hesitant brush of his lips against hers made her press up against him, capturing his kiss.
She pulled back enough to speak. "Hold me. Please, Senth, hold me. No one ever touches me. I'm so alone."
Senth drew her fully into his arms and embraced her, fitting the entire length of his body against hers. "I'll touch you anywhere you want, NarrAy. Everywhere you want." He slid his fingers through her hair, his smile revealing fangs. "Let me kiss you again."
NarrAy gripped his jacket with both hands and drew him down.
The wet heat of his mouth against hers brought a crest of pheromones.
Senth slid one hand down her body, cupped one of her breasts, and then bent to suckle her. His rough, catlike tongue against her sensitive skin triggered a line of heat straight to her core. Moisture seeped onto her thighs.
Senth inhaled. "Mmm. You smell so good." He slid his hand down the front of her body and pressed his palm against her outer lips. He slipped one finger between them. "You're wet." He lifted his hand to inhale her fragrance, then licked his finger. "Sweet." He went to his knees before her, his pale blue gaze lifting to hers. "May I taste you?"
She shook her head no, but her mouth said "yes." She leaned back against the wall of her cabin and widened her legs.
He paused, looking up at her as if for permission.
NarrAy touched his face. "Please."
****
The Last Vhalgenn
For centuries, the Vhalgenn have loved the kings or queens they were born to serve. Bedmates, soulmates, companions and friends, the Vhalgenn know no other master, they obey no other lord. Until the final plea of a dying queen commands betrayal by the Last Vhalgenn.
If she takes the newborn prince to the queen's homeland for a ritual blessing in the Old Ways, who--or what--will she bring back?
The Last Vhalgenn is in the 2008 Fantasy EPPIE finalist anthology A Time To...
