Christmas is getting closer and excitement is building. Shoppers are flagging. What better way to relax before that final push to buy that last present than to join a blog hop? Specifically our Stuff Your Stockings Blog Hop. And that’s just what you could do–stuff your stockings with gift cards, books, various author swag, all from the comfort of your home. Come join us and make your Christmas that much more pleasurable!
This weekend I’m giving away several things:
First, my Grand Prize winner (one lucky commenter) will receive a $10.00 gift card to Amazon.
My First Prize winner will receive a copy of my newly released erotic
contemporary Almost Perfect and a copy of my Christmas Collection All Wrapped Up.
Blurb for Almost Perfect:
Pamela Kimball’s birthday present, a 1Night Stand adventure, promises jump-start her life, put a new man in her bed, and help her forget her past. Unfortunately, movie-buff Pam’s Pirates of the Caribbean fantasy takes an alarming wrong turn when she’s abandoned on a not quite deserted island—with ex-husband Roger Ware.
Forced by hunger to accept Roger’s offer of dinner, Pam realizes the geek she married has transformed into one of the most charming, sexiest men she’s ever met. His newfound confidence—and hot body—re-kindles old fires. A simple kiss leads Roger to challenges her to discover how much his lovemaking skills have improved, leaving Pam torn between self-preservation and burning desire.
With time running out before they’re rescued, Pam must decide if her heart can survive the consequences of becoming Roger’s “almost” perfect 1Night Stand.
My second prize winners (three of you lucky guys) will receive a copy of All Wrapped Up.
Four short stories filled with romance at Christmas time.
The Present
A girl has to break the news to her sister’s boyfriend that he’s being dumped–on Christmas Eve– and finds herself a pawn for the boyfriend’s revenge.
Sing A Christmas Carol
A singing group’s decision to drop one member before the big carolling competition leads to an awkward situation.
The Kissing Tree
Two children discover a secret place on Christmas Day–with far-reaching effects.
‘Tis the Season
A Christmas dinner announcement shatters a young girl’s dream of a magical social season until a knight in shining armour proposes an alternate plan.
“Like eating romance M&Ms.”
And to all my readers, I am giving a little holiday story. Below you will find An Almost Perfect Christmas. This tale takes us back to the beginnings of Pam and Roger’s relationship, during their first Christmas together. Merry Christmas and please enjoy!
An Almost Perfect Christmas
Christmas Eve 2004
“Come on, Roger. Christmas Eve is almost over.” Pam sat in front of their small but full Christmas tree, digging through the pile of presents wrapped in festive paper.
“Be there in a second, babe.” The hushed, absent-minded tone carried from the dining room where her husband sat at his computer, eyes glued to the screen as they had been all night.
“That’s what you said an hour ago,” she mumbled then seized the big square package she had been looking for. “Now, Roger. Or you’re going to be sorry!” She added a playful lilt to the last word. This was their first Christmas as a married couple. It had to be perfect.
“I’m here. I’m here. Where’s the fire?” Roger plopped his tall frame down next to her.
“Right here.” She grabbed his face, pulling his lips onto hers. Tingles shot down her arms—always did every time he kissed her. He settled his arms around her, drew her closer. His tongue thrust into her mouth, probing her with bold sweeps. Pam moaned and clutched him, pressing against his chest until he toppled backward onto the carpet with her on top.
He disengaged long enough to say, “We should have started this in the bedroom.”
“Oh, we’re heading there.” She ground her hips against his and was rewarded with a groan from above and from hardness below. “But you need to open a present first.”
“But it’s not Christmas yet.” He ran his hands down her sides, under her jeans to cup her butt. When he squeezed her cheeks, she squealed. “You get to open one present on Christmas Eve and I’m telling you which one.”
“Okay, but you’d better hurry.” He stole another kiss. “You’ve got Little Roger standing at full staff already.”
“Don’t worry. He’s going to get all the attention he deserves tonight.” She sat up and grabbed the present she’d pushed to the side. “Here.” Shoving it into his hand, she glanced toward the television. “Oh, look! This is my favorite part.”
Pam motioned to the screen where Bing Crosby in White Christmas crooned to Rosemary Clooney, “…fall asleep, counting your blessings.”
“That’s so sweet and romantic.”
Roger grasped her chin and turned her head back toward him. “I’m counting my blessings this Christmas for sure.” His lips brushed hers, feather light, teasing her. Promising more.
“Just open the damned present!” Her voice came out husky with her growing desire.
He grabbed the gift, ripping off the red and white paper with one swipe. “It’s awfully light. What did you get me?” He shook the container, listening for a sound. “One of those new USB 2.0 High Speed Flash drives? But in a big box to throw me off?” His gray eyes shone with hope.
“Uhhh, no. That’s not what this one is.” She forced a smile. He’d never said anything about a flash drive before. Damn. After Christmas sales here I come.
Roger snapped the tape on the lid and opened it. His brows furrowed and little lines around his eyes tightened with strain. “It’s empty.”
“I know.” She smiled encouragingly at him. “Because what was inside is now in the other room.”
“Then why—“
“’Cause it’s your present, and you had to unwrap something, but I wanted it…all ready for you.” The worry lines eased. “Come on.” Pam stood then pulled him to his feet. Had he thought she’d played a cruel joke on him? “I would never do that.”
“Do what, babe?”
“Play a joke on you like that.” She put her arms around him, holding tight. “I love you, Roger.”
“I love you to, Pam.” He leaned against her and his tension eased. “So where’s this mystery present?”
“This way.” She grabbed his hand and led him into the bedroom where candlelight flickered. “There.” Motioning to the bed, with the covers turned back, she glanced into his face to gauge his reaction.
He cut his eyes to her. “The bed is new?”
“No! The sheets, Roger, look at the sheets! Feel the sheets!” She dragged him over to the double bed, positioned in the center of the room, headboard against the outside wall. He ran his hands over the glistening material.
“You got satin sheets?”
“Red satin sheets. Very old-style Hollywood. And sexy. Merry Christmas, Roger! Wanna try them out?” Pam had her top and bra off and jeans and panties around her ankles while he still fumbled with his buttons. “Here, let me help, baby.” She made short work of the shirt then shucked his pants off him in nothing flat. After running her hand over his firm chest and down to grasp his still erect member, Pam gently pulled him to her. “I want this to be a Christmas we’ll always remember.” She released him and flung herself, spread-eagle, into the center of the bed.
And ended up on the far edge of the bed, her head hanging over the side. She raised it to see a stunned Roger trying not to laugh.
“Can you do that again?” His lips trembled, but he kept his composure. “I want to savor that memory.” He grabbed her ankles and slid her back toward him.
“That was not funny.” She glared at him, but he simply chuckled and climbed up on the bed, on all fours over top of her.
“Let’s see if we can make the night memorable for something else too.” His tongue traced the shell of her ear and she shivered in anticipation. When his lips found her neck, nothing else mattered. She giggled as he found the right spot halfway down that gave her goose bumps.
“Damn,” he growled, shifting his weight.
“What’s wrong?”
“I keep sliding.”
“Oh. Well, maybe if you—“
“No, I’ve got it handled.”
He swept her legs open wide with his knees and gave one hard thrust.
There was a sensation of flight then Pam’s shoulder crashed into the wall. She shook her head, staring up at the ceiling from an odd angle on the floor. Roger’s face appeared over the edge of the bed, eyes wide, mouth a perfect ‘O.’ “Are you okay?” he whispered.
Pam took a breath, glad to find she could breathe, and nodded.
“I’m so sorry. I never thought it would do that. I mean, we never had a problem before…” His face disappeared and Pam heard choking sobs that quickly turned into outright laughter.
“If it wasn’t Christmas Day, Roger, you would pay for that.” Obviously chivalry was not her husband’s strong suit. Where was Arthur from Camelot when you needed him?
“I’m s…s…sorry.” He could barely get the words out between sniggers.
“No, you’re not. Come help me up.” He slid off the bed and picked her up, cradling her against his chest.
“Are you okay? Really?” His voice had sobered.
“Yes.” She snuggled against his warmth. “Maybe bruised, but intact. And still horny.”
His arms tightened and his lips brushed the top of her head. “I think we can take care of that.” He headed back into the living room where Bing Crosby now sang White Christmas. Roger lay them down in front of the tree, the blinking lights casting twinkles of blue, red and green over their naked bodies. His gaze raked her with a hunger she had never glimpsed in him before. “Do you think under the Christmas tree will be memorable enough?”
Pam pulled him down to her, close enough to whisper, “Perfect.” He sealed her mouth with his as Bing warbled, “And may all your Christmases be ….”
Ahhhhh.
Again, Merry Christmas. To get back to hopping, scroll back up to the top and click on the Stuff Your Stockings button at the top and off you’ll go, faster than a one-horse open sleigh, to your next blog stop. But don’t forget to comment below to enter my contest! Have fun!
10. Jenna’s Journal. This blog, actually started in December 2010, has been my passion throughout 2011. I’ve learned so much both from writing/researching posts and from all the feedback and advice regarding writing and blogging that it’s been one of the best writer’s educational tools at my disposal this year. I get obsessive about it sometimes—I feel bad when I don’t blog every day, but if I do I may not have time to write anything else! LOL Moderation may be one of my New Year’s Resolutions.
Christmas and have been captivated by it ever since. I plan on reading it on the ride home tomorrow—might just finish it! Great book!
7. Breaking Dawn, Part 1. It was a fantastic movie, but the reason it made my top ten list is that it continued my tradition of attending the midnight movie presentation with my two daughters. We’ve been to every midnight premiere of the Twilight series since the original movie. So it’s a bonding thing as well. Truly a highlight of the year.
of Les Mise with one of my daughters was certainly a moving experience. The story and above all the music is a romanticist’s dream. Just thinking about the music gives me chills. And inspiration. I have a story to write inspired by one of the love sub-plots. That gives me chills too.
5. Self-Publishing All Wrapped Up. I had toyed with the idea of self-publishing for much of the year and my foray into that world was overall a good experience. It was not as difficult, technologically, as I anticipated and the sales, while not best seller status, were encouraging for a 16 page book of Christmas short stories. And having the freedoms that self-publishing brings was rewarding as well. I’m already planning a second venture.
Having your first works published has to be a highlight in any author’s year. My two short stories were released within days of each other and I could not have been prouder of them if I had published the Great American Novel. The will always have a special place in my heart.
2. My 20th Wedding Anniversary. This milestone speaks pretty much for itself. Married for 20 years to the man who still challenges me to push beyond my self-imposed boundaries and who is proud to be the husband of a romance writer, I am looking forward to every year we spend together. This anniversary was spent with a special friend of mine (another romance author) and her husband, which made the evening even more perfect.
two highlight, but having put almost two years into the writing, revision, querying and rejection of this manuscript, even my husband would agree that having Only Scandal Will Do accepted by Lyrical Press for publication was the top highlight of 2011 for me. I’ve just received the cover art and am awaiting a release date (sometime in spring or summer 2012 I think) for the novel. I can only hope 2012 brings me as much satisfaction with the actual publication of this work so close to my heart.
Jenna Jaxon Romance--because passion is timeless. 