Only Scandal Will Do for Horny Hump Day 11/21/12: “A New Ache”

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

WARNING: MATERIAL NOT SUITABLE FOR THOSE UNDER THE AGE OF 18!

NOT SAFE FOR WORK!

Participating authors in Horny Hump Day post three sentences from their published works or WIP, hot like a firecracker! LOL

I’m back another change: three sentences from my first, full-length historical novel,

Only Scandal Will Do!

At long last, Duncan and Katarina are in bed together, making love for the first time:

Katarina marveled at the way her body stretched to receive him as he rocked gently, withdrawing partway only to return deeper and deeper, until she believed they might truly join as one. Tension built within, a new ache she could not name that blotted out all others. “Duncan,” she cried, needing him to assuage the pain that was not pain.

Probably won’t be the last time either. 🙂

Please check out the Horny Hump Day blog site for the other sites on the hop and go visit the other hot authors. The site also gives the details of how to sign up for next week if you’d like to play with us. 🙂

Thanks so much for visiting the Journal once more for Horny Hump Day. Curl up with a good book this Thanksgiving. Only Scandal Will Do is now available for purchase at Amazon, ARe and Barnes & Noble.

Posted in Blog Hops, On Horny Hump Day, On Only Scandal Will Do | Tagged blog hops, Georgian historical romance, historical romance, Horny Hump Day, Jenna Jaxon, Lyrical Press, Only Scandal Will Do | 9 Comments

Christmas is Coming! 12 Books of Christmas Promotion

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

As we begin the week of Thanksgiving, it is not hard to feel the excitement of Christmas begin to build. I’ve been seeing some fantastic looking Christmas stories in promos and in Sweet Saturday Sample and Six Sentence Sunday. A good Christmas story always puts me in the holiday mood.

Because it was so successful last year, I’m running my 12 Books of Christmas promotion on Jenna’s Journal again this year. It’s sort of a one-day, one-stop blog hop because I gather 12 Christmas/holiday themed books together on my blog on December 12. All the authors ask friends and fans to come by and check out the goodies and leave a comment. One lucky commenter will win a copy of all 12 books!

How cool is that! Plus, some authors also offer additional copies or prizes of their own work. So there’s more than one winner of Christmas cheer.

At the moment I have 8 of the 12 slots filled, so if any of you have a Christmas/holiday book or story you’d like to promote with me, please send me an email via my contact page so I can put you down in one of the remaining four slots and send you instructions for joining us.

And since I’m already promoting my Christmas story collection, All Wrapped Up, I’ll give away copies to 3 commenters today! Here’s a short excerpt from the beginning one of the contemporary stories in the collection:

Excerpt from The Present:

“I won’t do it, Janice. You can do your own dirty work.” Tessa Avery turned the vacuum cleaner back on and returned to cleaning the carpet in her sister’s living room. She stared at the noisy thing as she pushed it back and forth so violently she almost took out a small end table. Don’t look her in the eye. It’s all over if you make eye contact.

Sudden silence descended as the vacuum stopped dead. Tessa whirled around to find Janice holding the disconnected plug. “You will do it or I won’t pay you for the month.”

It was a threat Tessa had to respect. Unemployed for six months, she counted heavily on the money she got from cleaning her sister’s apartment. But this was going too far. “It’s not in the job description, Jan.”

“It is now.”

“Look, just call and tell him you don’t want to see him any more.”

“I can’t do that. He’s flying back from California and won’t be in touch until after seven o’clock tonight. At which time I will be dancing with that hunky Kevin at the office

Christmas party. He said he especially wanted to dance with me and rumor has it he’s in line for vice president next month. Who knows where it could lead? So I don’t plan to be home before one o’clock.” Her eyes glittered like cold stars. “If I’m really lucky, I won’t be home at all. So when Hal shows up, you can just tell him I decided we weren’t right for each other.”

“This is low even for you, Jan.”

Her sister stared at her, beady-eyed, as she waggled the cord back and forth. “Up to you, Tess. Stay here, let Hal down for me, and there’ll be a nice bonus in your envelope. Leave and….” Janice’s smile could have wilted the poinsettia. “Well, I can always find another cleaning lady. It’s two days before Christmas. If you want it to be a merry one, I suggest you stay.”

She bent and plugged the vacuum back in, so the sudden noise masked the “Bitch!” that slipped out of Tessa’s mouth. Janice headed to the bedroom, leaving Tess to contemplate the merits of sororicide and starvation. At least they feed you in prison.

Happy Holidays! 🙂 Be sure to leave a comment (and email address) to win a copy of All Wrapped Up! It’s also available for .99 at Smashwords, Amazon and the other popular e-tailers.

Posted in Book Spotlights, Giveaways, On All Wrapped Up, On Holiday Stories, Promotion, Reader's Corner | Tagged 12 Books of Christmas, All Wrapped Up, blog hops, Christmas stories, Jenna Jaxon, promote your Christmas story, romantic Christmas stories | 8 Comments

Six Sentence Sunday–11/18/12 Only Scandal Will Do

Posted on November 18, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

Happy Sunday! For my Six Sentence Sunday post today, I’m celebrating the four month anniversary of the release of Only Scandal Will Do, my first full length historical novel. Man, it doesn’t seem like it’s been that long!

In this snippet, Katarina has just inadvertently revealed to her brother that Duncan compromised her in the brothel. She is livid, accusing Dalbury of setting her up.

“Is this why you came here? To tell him what happened? To try to trap me into a marriage I do not want? Well, you are mistaken, my lord. I don’t care who knows what you did—I will not marry you no matter what. What say you to that?”

Dalbury stared down at her and said simply, “I love you.”

Thanks so much for visiting me today. Only Scandal Will Do is available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, All Romance E-books , and other major e-tailers.

And for another little sneak peek, here’s the fantastic trailer for my book, created by the multi-talented Danielle Fine!

Now pop over to the Six Sentence Sunday list and check out the rest of the snippets. See you there!

Posted in On Only Scandal Will Do, On Six Sentence Sunday | Tagged Georgian historical romance, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Lyrical Press, Only Scandal Will Do, Six Sentence Sunday | 21 Comments

Sweet Saturday Sample: 11/17/12 Time Enough To Love–Betrothal: “Struck Dumb”

Posted on November 17, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Sample! All excerpts here are rated PG-13 or milder. Here’s another post from my new WIP, my medieval trilogy Time Enough To Love.

Part 1 is called Betrothal and we’re getting closer! My fantabulous editor, Danielle Fine, is working hard to get the book back to me ASAP. Now, with the holidays approaching, I’m thinking early December release? Just in time for Christmas! But stay tuned and I will keep you informed.

This series is set in England and France in 1348. Betrothal takes place at the court of King Edward III.

This excerpt is UNEDITED. Please be kind.

Lady Alyse de Courcy is a waiting gentlewoman to Princess Joanna, youngest daughter of King Edward. After receiving the news that the new courtier, Sir Geoffrey Longford, is her betrothed, a dazed Alyse is less than happy with her arranged marriage. I’m skipping ahead to the following night, at dinner, Geoffrey has drawn Alyse over to his table, hoping to talk to her in private. He is met, however, with his group of friends, led by Thomas who think to make sport of the couple. Thomas makes the suggestion (in jest) that Alyse should know him before she is wed. Geoffrey, piqued that Alyse still shows an interest in his friend, gives her leave to answer the lewd statement. But when she acquits herself credibly in wordplay, she draws Geoffrey’s ire–and desire.

I’ve skipped ahead a little. Alyse has maneuvered around Geoffrey’s verbal landmines, and draws him out a little in conversation about their forthcoming departure for Spain.

This sample picks up immediately after last week’s. Alyse has now turned the tables and is playing with Geoffrey. I told you he was in for it! LOL

He fought to retain his stern face, but finally chuckled at her play and joined the game. “You have forgotten my name over soon, my lady. Has my witty conversation so diverted you that you cannot remember it?”

“Oh nay, my lord, I remember it very well, but need to make sure you mean for me to address you with such familiarity on such short an acquaintance. Do remember, my lord, we have only just met.” She straightened on her bench and leaned forward, as if admonishing him.

“Aye, lady, you speak true. ‘Tis scarce a day since first we met.” Geoffrey gave a scant nod of his head. “But we met at the announcement of our betrothal and two weeks hence you will share both my name and my bed.” His blue eyes darkened in that fearful and exciting way that set her heart to racing. “I therefore maintain that it is your duty now, in all obedience to your intended husband, to address me as I command.”

His reminder that soon they would be husband and wife brought Alyse’s high spirits back to earth with a jolt. His eyes said he played no game, and her wit deserted her again.

Noting her silence, Geoffrey cheerfully pressed his attack. “Have you suddenly been struck dumb, madam? Is that the reason you cannot say a good, simple English name?”

Roused from her reverie, Alyse narrowed her eyes but spoke in honeyed tones. “My lord, I am unaccustomed to addressing men of short acquaintance so familiarly. I feared, my lord, that I might not give you the proper respect due you. But I see, my lord, your request is but another great compliment to me, to trust me with that which you hold so dear. Fear not, for you have taught me well, my lord. I acknowledge your great confidence in me, my lord, and in my judgment to use your name well, in its proper time and place.”

Geoffrey’s mouth gaped at this speech. She flashed him a look of triumph as she rose from her bench. Princess Joanna had just risen to retire, releasing her from her duties. Alyse aimed to make good her escape. “I beg you give me leave to go now.” She nodded toward the princess, and moved behind the bench in order to follow.

Alyse calculated that in order to carry the field with flags flying, she must make a well-considered exit. Before she turned to go, she bent close, her soft whisper a mere breath in his ear: “Geoffrey.” At which point she turned her back, though not before seeing Geoffrey’s stunned face reveal that he was the one struck dumb tonight.

I hope you enjoyed this latest sample from Betrothal. And today be sure to click here to visit more Sweet Samples.

Posted in Betrothal, On Sweet Saturday Sample, On Time Enough to Love | Tagged Betrothal, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, medieval romance, Sweet Saturday Sample, Time Enough To Love | 13 Comments

Guest Author Bonnie Bliss–What Makes A Submissive?

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

I’m so excited today to welcome a great author of erotic fiction, Bonnie Bliss. Bonnie, I’m so pleased to have you here with me on Jenna’s Journal. I understand you’re going to be answering a very provocative question today: What makes a submissive?

It is a funny thing—dominance and submission.

Only because it seems like Dominants and submissives seem to have taken on a sort of label. Aside from the typical Top or bottom, I am talking about Strong or doormat.

If we were to go back to the 1950’s a submissive woman would seem normal. Strong women in that time period were a problem, considered ‘fast and loose’, or the type you just stayed away from. Much has changed. If you tell people you are submissive now you get a response like, “Why would you want to be a doormat?” The funny thing is my personality outside of the bedroom is confrontational and aggressive. I avoid it as much as possible. Some of the strongest woman around, love to hand over control in the bedroom. By that time, they are just done. They have been cooking, cleaning, organizing, scheduling, and running Fortune 500 Companies. By the time they get home, all they want to do is hand over the reins to a man who knows what he’s doing, knows your body, and just takes over.

I have to do nothing but—obey in the bedroom, and I love it. It is not just about some deep-seated past trauma. It is not about me being a doormat and under some man’s control, (trust me, I’m controlling him the other 20 hours of the day ;-)) It is simply about my need for release; my need to show him my love, through my submission. Submissive women aren’t just the doe eyed nerd in the corner or the shy meek mouse. Haven’t you heard the term, ‘It’s always the quiet ones.’? That tends to be true. I’m far from quiet, I’m a bit outspoken, and I control my daily life to the point of list making. Yet, getting on my knees and being told what to do sexual is the best part of my day.

Submission isn’t just about an outer picture. It is what is inside that truly shows the world who you are.

Halloween Submission (October 9th)

Halloween has arrived and Tom Newton is stressed with his job as a fireman. His best friend Rob, a submissive’s wet dream, is having a play party on Halloween night. Lucy, a nurse who has secretly been crushing on Tom, has decided to go to the party. Tom has decided that he needs to release some tension, and have some fun during his time off. What Lucy and Tom don’t know is that Rob, his best friend, and Millie, Tom’s sister, have
set this up. Join them as they enjoy a hot night of bondage play. Can it all run smoothly? Will true love blossom? Will the Master get his slave? There is only one way to find out.

A story packed with sultry moments of Dominance and submission. Halloween Submission promises to be the hottest holiday this year.

Warning: This book is intended for readers over the age of 18. It contains, but is not limited to intense bondage play, references of Sadomasochism, impact play, anal play, and one hot night on All Hollow’s Eve, you aren’t soon to forget.

Excerpt for Halloween Submission:

“Such a pretty Kitty you are.”

“I have always wanted to spank Catwoman. You’re not focused are you?” He was shaking his head.

Her body shivered. She wanted this, but not with him. She wanted it with the stranger—with Tom. Lucy knew more than anything she could place her fantasy in the arms of this leather clad Adonis. Robert had been a means to an end all those months ago, a body to suck out the stress and pain through his Sadistic edge.

“On your knees! Crawl to the bench, you know which one, don’t look at me that way.”

She averted her gaze. Her head dropped in respect. The new focus of her attention—it went right to the man at the door. He had gotten closer though, having actually stepped into the room. The heat of his gaze penetrated her to the very core and shot straight to her pussy. The walls of her vagina clenched. Lucy sucked in a deep breath as warm fingers pressed against her chin and lifted her head. Looking at Robert felt wrong somehow. She kept her thoughts on the mystery man in black. It was him. He gave her the mind-set to put Tom in Robert’s place.

“On the bench, Kitty. You know the drill.”

She did. God, did she know the drill. Every hair on her body felt lifted. Her heart pounded and she started to tingle from head to toe. Even her scalp took on the effect. Nipples puckered in the tight confines of the corset; hidden to the riveted gaze of the stranger watching her. This was her test. To show him how beautiful her submission was. That was all she needed now to wash away the stress and exhaustion from the long shift at the hospital. She wanted it so bad to be Tom, but she settled for the fantasy as she laid her body across the padded branch. Her breasts, if they were free, would be dangling
off either side. Robert didn’t bind her. The man knew how to keep a woman bound with the power of his authority and his voice.

In her line of vision came a beautiful paddle. It was thick dark wood, oiled to shine. On one side the word naughty was etched. That was for moments with one good swat; a reminder spanking. This was something else entirely. It was a show, a game. Robert knew, she knew, and the man watching knew this was all for him. Lucy definitely wiggled her ass, still covered in sheer lace.

“How many Kitty?”

“Eight,” said without hesitation.

She could feel his smile as Robert rubbed his suddenly scalding palm against her buttock.

“Such a pretty Kitty you are.”

The hand was gone. Pulses sounded off loud in her ear. It seemed like hours before the shot of pain vibrated through her flesh, exploding out of her in a moan that came out as it was supposed to.

“One.”

Sweet euphoric bliss settled into the heat that now simmered in her ass cheeks. Two and three came quickly, to the top of her thighs. The sting mixed with dull pain made her whimper out the count. The fourth came to a lower spot on her left thigh. Her fingers started to curl up. Her toes were like shriveled things in her high heels. The man was watching. He was now standing in front of her, a few steps away, causing an orgasm to rise to the surface as if she would boil over.

Book Trailer – http://youtu.be/_qWoPkDX0t0

Buy Links: Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / All Romance Ebooks / Smashwords

Twisted Ropes (October 16th)

After D.G. finds herself swept away to a sexual fueled land of horny munchkins, and sexy dildo shoe wearing good witches—all she wants to do is find her way home. After travelling for hours on the yellow brick road, she comes to a four way crossing and soon realizes her journey is just starting. After watching a heated display of slavery with ropes, floggers, whips and double penetration; she is introduced to a seemingly sweet scarecrow named Hayden. Her first sexual foray with the good witch was only the beginning, but now Hayden is about to teach D.G. how a real Master ties up and owns his slave.

Filled with all things you loved about the original story, twisted into a sexual pleasure that fans of the first will enjoy even more. The continuing story of D.G.’s adventures in Oz is
sure to arouse and delight the naughtiest of readers.

Warning: This story is for adult readers, and contains scenes of, but not limited to: forced bondage, double penetration, strong BDSM themes, impact play: floggers, whips, and spankings.

Excerpt for Twisted Ropes:

Two men pulled a slave

“Follow the yellow brick road, follow the yellow brick road, follow, follow, follow, follow…” Where the song came from, she had no fucking clue. She knew that one moment she was humming, spinning in a circle, and trying to figure out a way to go. Then the next she was diving for cover in the corn fields across the way from her.

As she tried to keep herself unnoticed, she backed into a large wooden pole that staked in the ground. D.G. thought nothing of it. It looked like an obstacle that she would have to sort out later—if she needed. Licking her lips, she parted the tall stalks in front of her. Her eyes locked on the forms of three people. Two very large, powerful looking soldiers, and one generously curved blonde woman.

It took several moments for D.G. to realize what she saw.

Two men pulled a slave.

Sucking in a loud breath, she snapped her mouth shut. D.G. clapped a hand over her mouth.

Hunk number one clad in glossy steel armor on his upper body, it was the only thing that made him look ready for battle. A blonde, his legs fully encased in tight black leather that hid nothing. Not even the huge bulge in his pants that seemed to push against the zipper. She noticed he had rope, and a very imposing black leather whip attached to those tight leathers. His arms, biceps were the size of her head. He stood tall. The only other man she knew taller was Bo Davenport.

Home sickness and longing welled up inside her at the mere thought of his name. D.G. always secretly thought she wasn’t good enough for Bo. Just the fact that she wanted to leave, and that Bo clearly needed a good ole’ fashion wife to be his one and only made her unworthy of all that was Bo Davenport. She made a vow to herself right then and there. When she finally made it home, she would shove all of that bullshit aside, hop on him so fast and beg him to keep her forever. All this time away from Aunt Em, Uncle Henry, and the farm made her wish she hadn’t acted so stupid. Putting everything on hold— school, her future, and dating life. All so she could be some actress in New York on Broadway. Looking
back on it now, she realized how silly and immature that sounded.

She would get her life straightened when she returned home.

If, she returned home.

About the Author:

Bonnie Bliss is not just a willing submissive, but she is a wife and a mother. By day, she is a busy, stay at home mother. At night, she is a sultry storyteller. Her tastes go towards the dark and the extreme. She loves to twist up fairy tales and sweet stories we all know and love. Her lust for Dominance and submission has taken her into the dark inner workings of Sadomasochism.

Bonnie is a native of Southern California, and says that everything in the Katy Perry song, California Girls is totally accurate. She has done everything from waitressing, customer service phone rep., Corporate Real Estate, and spent a pretty impressive part of her life working for the Disney Corporation—including as a Disney Princess. When she’s not writing, she is ordering too many custom bows for her daughter, baking the best cupcakes in the world, going to Disneyland, laying on a beach, and sometimes playing hockey for release.

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Posted in Blog Tours, Guest Bloggers, Sizzling PR Blog Tours | Tagged BDSM, bondage and discipline, Bonnie Bliss, Erotic Romance, Halloween Submission, spanking, Twisted Ropes | 6 Comments

“Delicious Fire” in Betrothal for Horny Hump Day 11/14/12

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

WARNING: MATERIAL NOT SUITABLE FOR THOSE UNDER THE AGE OF 18!

NOT SAFE FOR WORK!

Participating authors in Horny Hump Day post three sentences from their published works or WIP, hot like a firecracker! LOL

I’m changing it up this week with three from my soon to be released historical romance Betrothal.

In this scene Geoffrey is attempting to “make-up” with Alyse after a rather serious lovers’ quarrel.

He gazed deeply into her eyes then sank his mouth onto hers, a true, deep

kiss. Her head fell back, his lips on hers so insistent she could find no strength to protest. Persistent, his tongue slid over the contours of her mouth, now burning with a delicious fire.

Thanks so much for visiting the Journal once more for Horny Hump Day. Warm up your cool nights–grab a copy of my hot novella! 7 Days of Seduction is now available for purchase soon at Amazon, ARe and New Dawning Bookfair.

Posted in Betrothal, Blog Hops, On Horny Hump Day, On Time Enough to Love, On Works in Progress | Tagged Betrothal, blog hops, Horny Hump Day, Jenna Jaxon, medieval romance, passionate kisses | 10 Comments

What Will You Find In This Cemetery Plot? An Interview with Alex Granados

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

I’m very excited to have Alex Granados with me today. I’m putting him in the hot seat about his new release Cemetery Plot. It sounds like a very “cool” book! LOL

Alexander, can you tell us a little bit about your Cemetery Plot?

Cemetery Plot is a neo-horror novel about a zombie apocalypse. You like that? Neo-horror? I just made it up. It means horror that incorporates numerous other genre elements, including, in this case, science fiction, mystery and post-modernism. OK, maybe not the last one, but it sounded good.

Anyway, the novel follows Mark Nimocks, his friend Emily, and Vanessa Hawthorne. Vanessa took part in a satanic ritual that she hoped would bring her back as a zombie. Instead she wakes up decades later unchanged. Meanwhile, a cemetery tycoon is after her to find out the secret to her resurrection.

In this future, a plague made cremation impossible, and grave space is scarce. Everything has been replaced by cemeteries. So, the knowledge of how to bring the dead back to life could be a valuable thing.

This story is interspersed with a story from the future of this world. In that story, a zombie apocalypse has taken place, and a living dead medium is trying to eek out a living in the midst of the chaos.

That sounds quite wild and very original! That is fantastic. I’m a die-hard Stephen King fan, so this sounds right up my alley!

Do you only write in this genre? If not, what other genres/sub-genres do you write in?

I write in all sorts of genres. Originally, I wanted to just write science fiction, but somehow, last November, I found myself writing this zombie novel. Probably has something to do with all “The Walking Dead,” I’ve been watching. Anyway, I’ve written horror, science fiction and pseudo-crime novels. I don’t really like to think about genre. I just like to write whatever is in my head.

Which leads me to my next question: what was your inspiration for this story?

I was walking past the Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh, North Carolina. It’s full of dead rich people, and it’s pretty hard to get your body laid to rest there. I started thinking that given enough time, the whole planet could be a cemetery, and I started to think of a story set in that world.

Wow! Inspiration hits at any time and that just proves it! 🙂

Now, titles are one of the most important things to an author. How did you come up with your title? Was this the only title, or did you have a working title as well?

This title was the only one I entertained. I came up with it fairly early on, and I liked it because of its double meaning. It can mean a Cemetery Plot, i.e., a plot in a cemetery, or it can mean a Cemetery Plot, i.e., the plot of a story that takes place in a cemetery. Those are both true, so there you have it.

I totally love a double meaning!

I am also a fanatic about my character names. Are the character names in Cemetery Plot special in any way?

Not really. Mark is named after one of my best friends. The last name Nimocks is shared by one of my neighbors. I’ve dated a few women named Emily in my lifetime, and Vanessa is the name of a crazy woman that one of my friends used to tell me stories about. They were just the first names to come to mind.

Fun! I use names from my own life too. Kind of an in-joke at times.

What was your process for writing this book? Is this different or the same as other books you’ve written?

I wrote this book during National Novel Writing Month last year. I started writing it and, after 25,000 words, decided I didn’t like it anymore. So I started over, and, after 25,000 words, decided I didn’t like that story either. A month later, I decided to put the two together and see if I could make them one. It worked. The writing itself took about a month and a half to two months. The revision took probably six months or so. I try to write 2,000 words a day, and that’s what I did with Cemetery Plot.

I mostly do the same thing with each novel — 2,000 words, every day, until it’s finished. I don’t necessarily try to get it all done in a month though.

How cool is that! And great that this came originally out of NaNoRiMo! And that is awesome that you can adhere to a writing schedule! I wish I had the time…and discipline.

Do you have plans to turn Cemetery Plot into a series? Why or why not?

No. I feel like I’ve told the whole story. The explanation of the zombie apocalypse and how it came to be is pretty well laid out, and I don’t see a whole lot more I want to say about it.

Who is your favorite hero or heroine and why? What qualities do they possess that make them memorable?

Yossarian from Catch-22. He is hilarious and cowardly, and yet, somehow, in his cowardice, he manages to perform more bravely than many of the men around him. Meanwhile, he is privy to the absurd truth about the world that all the others seem to overlook. I think if you’re not cowardly from time to time, then you’re not that smart. And if you’re not brave from time to time, then you’re not really worth much. A contradiction of sorts, I know.

I so love your choice! I loved Catch-22 and I do agree with you about Yossarian. 🙂

What was the first author and book you read in this genre?

The third book in the Xanth series by Piers Anthony. I can’t remember the title. Might have been Castle Roogna. I know it’s not horror exactly, but I think they all fall under the category of fantasy.

Who has been the greatest influence on your writing?

I don’t have the slightest idea. I have many authors that I hold in high esteem, but I don’t think I write like any of them in particular. Maybe Strunk & White. Their book on grammar was a bible to me when I was younger, though I’m sure I ignore many of their rules when I write today.

I still have my Strunk & White from grad school. A fantastic resource or inspiration.

If you could have one wish granted just for you (not world peace, LOL), what would you wish for?

I want to know what this is all about. You know, why we’re here. What the greater plan is. What my purpose is. If there is any truth to anything at all, or if we’re just making it up as we go along. I want to know. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.

Very deep. And there would be so many people who would be knocking on your door if this wish was granted! Excellent request

And finally–and I’m almost afraid to ask–what is the most exciting/daredevil thing you’ve ever done?

Well, I had what you might call a misspent youth, so it was spent doing all sorts of daredevil things that I don’t really want to mention in public. Suffice it to say, I’m lucky to be alive. But in a more conventional way, I would probably have to say bungee jumping, though it wasn’t nearly as cool as you might think if you haven’t done it.

Somehow I think I might have pegged you as a daredevil! LOL I probably don’t want to know what you did in your “misspent youth” if bungee jumping is “conventional.”

You rock, Alex! Thanks so much for coming by today!

Blurb for Cemetery Plot:

The apocalypse isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. When Vanessa Hawthorne woke up at the end of the world, she expected to be one of the undead… and to have company. Instead Vanessa wakes up in a near-future America where graveyards are as plentiful as strip malls and a real-estate tycoon is after her for the technology she doesn’t even know she hides.

Cemetery Plot is a farcical romp through a future where the undead are part of a money-making scheme.

The past and the future collide and bring together an undead medium with the people responsible for the end of the world.

Throw a mad scientist into the mix and you have a time-traveling apocalyptic prophecy for the modern money-obsessed world.

Available at Amazon.

Posted in Author/Character Interviews, Blog Tours, Interviews, Reader's Corner, Sizzling PR Blog Tours | Tagged Alex Granados, author interview, Cemetery Plot, horror, mystery, sci-fi, zombie apocalypse | 8 Comments

Six Sentence Sunday–11/11/12 7 Days of Seduction ~ “A Difference?”

Posted on November 11, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

Happy Sunday! For my Six Sentence Sunday post today, I’m continuing with my contemporary erotic novella, 7 Days of Seduction, which released two weeks ago! Hooray!

Ashley Thompson had a wild time at her party last Friday night. Maybe too wild. She wakes to find a video of her in the middle of a ménage a trois with her ex-boyfriend and a gorgeous stranger. Unable to remember anything about the night, other than the hot sex she sees on the computer screen, Ashley begins a search for Mr. Hunk. She has no luck until he unexpectedly shows up–in her shower.

Hunter Hopewell intends to introduce Ash to a variety of sexual experiences he finds fun and exciting. He proposes a week-long series of “colorful” encounters designed to seduce Ashley out of her kink comfort zone.

As their week of escalating pleasure intensifies, Ashley must choose to let go of her inhibitions or risk losing the best damn lover she’s ever had.

From Day 3: Ashley and Hunter are having dinner for the first time during their week of adventures. Hunter’s telling Ashley when he first saw her and why he’s only now found her.

“Right after exams I went back home to Virginia to clerk at my father’s law firm. If I hadn’t had that gig set up, I’d have propositioned you a hell of a lot sooner.”

Ashley wrinkled her forehead and took a sip of her water. “I was still with Sam, then.”

“Would it have made a difference?”

She choked and her glass wobbled in her hands.

Hunter is outrageous if nothing else! LOL

Thanks so much for visiting me today. 7 Days of Seduction is available now at Amazon, New Dawning Bookfair, and other major e-tailers.

Now pop over to the Six Sentence Sunday list and check out the rest of the snippets. See you there!

Posted in On Seven Days of Seduction, On Six Sentence Sunday | Tagged 7 Days of Seduction, Erotic Romance, Jenna Jaxon, New Dawning International Bookfair, Six Sentence Sunday | 15 Comments

Sweet Saturday Sample: 11/10/12 Time Enough To Love–Betrothal: “A Merry Pastime”

Posted on November 10, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Sample! All excerpts here are rated PG-13 or milder. Here’s another post from my new WIP, my medieval trilogy Time Enough To Love.

Part 1 is called Betrothal and I’m so excited! I’ve sent the revisions to the editor and am now hoping for a mid-November release date. Just stay tuned and I will keep you informed.

The series is set in England and France in 1348. Betrothal takes place at the court of King Edward III.

This excerpt is UNEDITED. Please be kind.

I’ve skipped ahead a little. Alyse has maneuvered around Geoffrey’s verbal landmines, and draws him out a little in conversation about their forthcoming departure for Spain.

This sample picks up immediately after last week’s. Geoffrey is playing with Alyse once more, though she’s not quite as tongue-tied as previously. He could be in for trouble!

“I will be your husband shortly, Alyse. And you must know what my wishes are, demoiselle.” Indeed, he gave her no doubt, as his lips trailed kisses across her palms and sent shivers dancing along her arms.

It took all of her concentration to stutter a reply. “I…I will gladly do as my husband bids, once he is husband indeed.” Somehow she managed to free one of her hands, which she placed boldly on his arm. “‘Til then, my lord, I believe I must help you pass the time in some other merry manner.”

Geoffrey pushed his bench back, and crossed his arms again. His mouth twitched, as if suppressing a smile. “How on earth do you intend make me ‘merry,’ when the one pastime I desire to engage in is forbidden?”

Alyse giggled, more lighthearted now than in the past two days. “I beg you to recall that when you awoke but yesterday morn you had not even seen my face. I am sure there are other pleasant ways to while away the hours.”

One corner of Geoffrey’s mouth turned up and his eyes narrowed. “Perhaps I can amuse myself by instructing you how to say my name, little maid.”

“My lord?”

“My name is Geoffrey, not ‘my lord’. Geoff-rey.” He elongated the syllables, as if teaching a child to speak. “You have known it some time now, but you have yet to use it.”

Her wits returned now that he no longer possessed her hands, and Alyse mulled his request over. Perhaps I can indeed devise a pastime that will lead you a merry chase this evening, Sir Geoffrey. “You would have me call you by your name, my lord?” She frowned and tilted her head from side to side, as if his request were strange or scandalous.

“Aye, madam, I have said as much. Were you again not attending me?” Geoffrey’s amused tone suggested he expected as much.

“Oh no, my lord. I attended closely to your speech.” Alyse focused on his mouth, as though she indeed hung on every word. “I wanted to make quite sure that I heard you correctly. You want me to call you by your first name?”

Geoffrey stared at her as though she was addled, and she had to bite the inside of her cheek to still her laughter. “Aye, lady, by my first name.”

“Your Christian name?”

“Lady Alyse!” Patience gone, his face settled into a scowl, until she allowed her eyes to widen a touch as she gave him a slight smile.

I hope you enjoyed this latest sample from Betrothal. And today be sure to click here to visit more Sweet Samples.

Posted in Betrothal, On Sweet Saturday Sample, On Time Enough to Love | Tagged Betrothal, historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, medieval romance, Sweet Saturday Sample, Time Enough To Love | 11 Comments

Friday Favorites: Favorite Christmas Story

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Jenna Jaxon

I’m doing something a little bit different for my Friday Favorites today. With Christmas just around the corner, I thought it would be nice to get some suggestions for holiday reading.

My personal favorite Christmas book (not mine) is Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Love the book, love the original cartoon with the voice of Boris Karloff. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. 🙂

In my own Christmas collection of short stories, my favorite is The Present, about a girl who has to dump her sister’s boyfriend for her on Christmas Eve. I’m hoping to expand this story to a novella by next Christmas.

And in the spirit of the holiday, my present to you today is a
copy of All Wrapped Up: A Collection of Christmas Stories to five (5) commenters who tell me what your favorite Christmas book or story is. Ho, Ho, Ho!