Showing posts with label Evernight Publishing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Evernight Publishing. Show all posts

Monday, April 29, 2013

Kacey Hammell’s Roller-Coaster Writing Reality…


Hey everyone, please welcome Kacey Hammell to Meet the Author Monday! Kacey, please tell us a little about yourself and your writing. 

Many know I’m a Mom of three – two teens and one pre-teen – wife, daughter, cattle farmer & sometimes a Jane-of-all-trades type gal.
But I run a lot deeper than that, and am open to sharing more about myself, but it’s difficult to be vulnerable. That’s one of my biggest fears to be honest…being vulnerable. Odd thing to say for an author, isn’t it, considering many authors are vulnerable with each new release. And with each new release, the craziness really begins …
IMO, waiting to hear from readers/reviewers about a story is a roller-coaster, and sharing that baby and exposing oneself up to criticism makes an author vulnerable. I like to think I’m calm, cool and collected whenever I send a book out for submission or a new story releases, but to be honest, I feel like I’m standing in front of the classroom back in high school or a room full of peers expected to make a great speech—not a situation I’d ever like to find myself in.
I pace a lot. Even when I know there are going to be no reviews or reader feedback that first day, I still pace and stalk Amazon, Goodreads and other distributors and drive myself—and my husband—crazy. And even when I know in the back of mind I’ll find nothing for a few days at least, then I panic because there are none and think no one likes the story! Yep, a roller-coaster ride on full throttle. And it’s a vicious cycle with every new book! But I can’t seem to help myself, it’s like this self-conscious, paranoid, and nervous-nelly (my Mom’s fave term LOL) takes over me.
And in reality, bad reviews don’t phase me – again it’s odd – but I stalk bookseller sites for reviews and if I receive one and it’s not the greatest, I usually laugh it off and move on. I was a reviewer once, for many years. I understand that every person has their own opinions on what makes a great story, what works for them and what doesn’t, so for me to worry over things like that makes me want to pull my hair out. Reviews are important to our business yes, but for the most part (IMO) they don’t make or break an author/story. A lot of readers don’t spend time reading reviews – personally I don’t unless it is an author I’ve never read before and then again, I pull apart those thoughts/comments a bit in order to decipher what facts I find important – but most readers consider the blurb/excerpt/cover before they consider what a reviewer has to say.
All in all, I dislike being so vulnerable, but it’s the type of business I’m in. I signed up for it, I love it immensely, but the crazy makes my head spin. Sometimes I wish I drank alcohol more than 2-3 times a year. Maybe I should find a nice wine, whiskey or tequila for each new release to indulge in. LOL  Considering I hope to have at least 5-6 more releases this year if all goes well – that seems a bit much to me. Of course, since I drink so rarely, 2-3 glasses of wine make me giggle… ROFL
But with all the craziness comes great satisfaction of a job well done, characters I absolutely love, author peers who give me a shoulder to lean on every now and again, and a wonderful group of loyal readers who fill my heart with so much joy I can’t even begin to describe it exactly. 
So I’ll just ride the roller-coaster of crazy and enjoy every minute of it…

Too funny and too true, Kacey. I am much the same when waiting to hear what readers think. It is a very vulnerable time as I worry and wonder if everyone will love my characters as much as I have grown to. However, with reviews like this, I don't think you need worry ~

"If you're looking for some erotica that has emotional depth, you'll definitely want to check out the book." Carly - Amazon Reader Review: 5 Stars

“Hammell did a masterful job creating a story that was an equal measure of sweet and oh-so-sexy.” 4 Stars, The Book Chick with Kick


  
More
Sweetest Salvation
Contemporary Erotic Romance/Light Bondage
Content Warning: Contains Voyeurism, Spanking, Multiple Partners
ISBN: 978-1-77130-330-9
Available at Evernight Publishing / Amazon.com (and more links below)
*An Evernight Publishing Editor’s Pick*

  
 Excerpt © Kacey Hammell, 2013

“Mr. Sullivan is waiting for you. He said you’d know where to go.” He smiled and winked.
Cheeks on fire, she gave him a small nod and walked ahead. She moved into the bar area and looked around. The place was packed tonight.
There were a few people she recognized, but most were new faces. Hunter’s business was certainly thriving.
Bridget caught sight of her and waved. Andy did the same and turned to the left, down the hall that would take her to room fourteen and Hunter.
Movement caught the corner of her eye, and she looked to her right. At a table in the far corner, Paige and Nolan sat with another couple. She missed a step, but gained her balance again. She hadn’t thought about seeing them again. Paige waved and her husband smiled bright.
The couple’s kindness and understanding arced across the room. Andy smiled and waved back. They’d been there for her the other night. She’d be forever grateful for it.
Reaching the room, she took a deep breath and knocked. Hearing Hunter’s gruff, “Come in,” she turned the knob.
The room, similar to the one she’d used the other night, had a warmer feel to it. The fireplace ablaze, the heat of it welcomed her.
Andy’s gaze swept the room. Furnished with a full living room set, she loved the royal purple and black colors of the furniture and curtains than anything else. This room conveyed privacy and self-indulgence. Her heart rate increased just thinking of all that might have been done in this room.
It was made for sex. Especially with a glass display case that took up the most of wall. Inside were dildos, anal plugs, collars, floggers, cock rings and more toys of pleasure.
Andy’s gaze landed on Hunter where he sat in the center of the couch, arms stretched over the back of it.
“Hi, sweetheart.”
Her gaze narrowed on his and she shut the door behind her. “Don’t you sweetheart me, Hunter. And get that look off your face.”
“What look?”
“That self-righteous look. I might be here, but not for the reasons you think.”
“Then why are you here?” he questioned, his gaze unwavering.
“I wanted to tell you in person that your idea isn’t going to happen. We’ve been… friends too long. You’re Patrick’s best friend. It’s all kinds of wrong.”
He leaned forward, arms resting on his powerful thighs. His red t-shirt molded his shoulders and the cuffs of the arms looked snug around his biceps. Damn him for being in such great shape.
She shivered, nipples tightening. She needed to get away from him.
“There, I’ve said all I have to say. Goodbye,” she muttered, and turned back toward the door.
Hunter was quickly behind her, arms encasing her as his palms pressed against the door and preventing her retreat.
His breath was warm against her ear. Andy wished she’d left her hair down. At least she wouldn’t be able to feel his breath on her neck.
A shudder ran through her. “Let me out, Hunter. I need to leave.”
“Why? You were so desperate to remain a member and be here the other night. I’m simply offering a safer solution. Me instead of strangers,” he rasped against her ear.
“I don’t have to worry about much with strangers. At least they aren’t people I have to see after the sex is over.”
Hunter pressed in closer behind her, which pushed her farther against the door. She’d always been claustrophobic. And right now, being caged in by this man, made it even harder to breathe than if she was locked in a closet. His chest was firm against her, his mouth against her ear, and his hoarse voice soft.
Her thighs rubbed together and her clit chafed against her thong. The string along her ass was snug. All she had to do was turn around and take what he offered. She wanted a cock inside her.
Dear lord, this was Hunter.
Could she step over the invisible line and take what he offered?
He was attractive, always had been to her. Hell, she’d only been married, not dead. She appreciated a gorgeous man when she saw him.
Hunter always treated with her respect and friendship. She didn’t know how much he dated but had heard women at the club mention his prowess in the bedroom. He could probably give her everything she needed. There would be a sense of safety with him at least.
And her body’s reaction to him today, while surprising, knew what it wanted. While she was sure it was a bad idea for them to journey down this path, she was overwhelmed by the sudden realization that not just any cock would do.
She wanted Hunter. Wanted only him inside her.
Her breath hitched and her lungs filled, making it hard to breathe. No, she didn`t have the courage to give into this man.
She needed to get out of this room and away from him. Grabbing the doorknob once more, Andy yanked.
Hunter’s palms never moved from the door, but in her hasty movements, his chest aligned tighter against her back.
Pressed against the door, she turned her head, her right cheek resting on it as her breasts pushed against her bra. The hard surface scraped against her clothing, which abraded her nipples. The urge to purr and rub against the wood was overwhelming.
Hunter’s body pressed against her; the cock cradling her ass told her that he was just as affected as she. His length was hard, solid. His hips dipped and shoved against the crack of her ass.
“Andy,” he whispered in her ear.
She closed her eyes, willed herself to push back against him until he let her go.
Her eyes opened when she realized her hips moved against his. Her pussy quivered and her stomach clenched. There was no sense in fighting a losing battle. She wanted him.

Blurb:
After the deaths of her husband and child, tragedies that she blames herself for, Andrea “Andy” Sheaver has shut herself off from the world. The only place she finds any relief from her shattered heart is Club Splendor, where she and her husband often frequented together.  There, Andy submits to pleasure and pain in situations so her grief is forgotten for a little while.

But Hunter Sullivan won’t stand idly by and watch Andy self-destruct. A friend of her husband, and the owner of Club Splendor, Hunter has kept his love for Andy hidden for years. He refuses to think of her at the club, cold and detached as she’s become, looking for an easy fix to take away the pain in her heart.  Hunter wants her to vibrant in life again and sets out to prove he is exactly who she needs.

 Buy Links:

~~~
Canadian author, Kacey Hammell is a multi-published erotic romance author who writes mainly in the Contemporary Erotic/Romantic Suspense genres.  She is a true romantic at heart.

Where to find Kacey…






Monday, February 25, 2013

Meet CR Moss




 Hi! Thanks for having me here today. :) 

Glad you could drop by, Chris. Can't wait to see what you have to share with us today. 




My name is Chris, and I write under the names C.R. Moss for erotic and mainstream romance and Casey Moss for mainstream dark fiction (horror, suspense, urban fantasy). My professional bio for C.R.: “An eccentric and eclectic writer, C.R. Moss pens stories for the mainstream and erotic romance markets, giving readers Worlds of Possibilities when it comes to love.” 

Basically I write stories from the light and sweet to the dark and deadly with varying degrees of sexual heat. The bio for my other persona: Casey Moss delves into the darker aspects of life in her writing, sometimes basing the stories on reality, sometimes on myth. No matter the path, her stories will take you on a journey from the light-hearted paranormal to dark things unspeakable. What waits around the corner? Come explore…


Today I’m here to tout my latest C.R. Moss release, Lovers and the Fiend. This is a story in Evernight Publishing’s Naughty Fairy Tale line. The characters, Jack and Kristina, appeared in my short story – Chasing Miss Kringle – that’s in an Evernight Publishing anthology – Stockings and Suspenders. This is the first of a handful of stories I have planned for the NFT line that revolve around the world started in CMK and Lovers. You don’t have to read the anthology story to read Lovers, but it’d be nice if you did. ;)



Blurb for Lovers and the Fiend:
Ex-cop turned private investigator, Jack Vorst, learns his elf girlfriend Kristina has been missing for a few days after being invited to an underground vampire club. He, too, is summoned to visit club Hexenringe and is taken captive. Jack finds Kristina bound and gagged in a human sized bird cage. They’re both thrust into a kinky world at the hands of Kol, the club owner. Kol, a vampiric beast, shifts into human form to be with Jack and Kristina and needs them to remember their pasts and to love him so he can return to what he used to be. Can Kol make the pair fall in love with him despite his current situation and the fact he’s keeping them captive or will they leave, making it too late for him to change all their fates?
Warning: ménage a trios, M/M, bondage, anal sex, sex toys, public exhibition

Excerpt:
When the machine stopped, Jack’s gaze fell upon Kristina. She sat in a human sized bronze birdcage. Metal rods that fed through the bars poked into her porcelain skin. Her red hair swept up into a bun gave her a mock facelift. Around her head was a black harness, and a bit rested between her teeth. Kristina’s arms were pulled above her head, and her wrists were clamped within cuffs molded to the top of the cage. Thin chains and leather straps wrapped around her torso. The silver and black only rested above and below her breasts, leaving her chest exposed.
Anger boiled through him seeing her imprisoned in such a way. He wanted to break free from his own bonds and pummel Kol’s head in.
Kristina lifted her face and her gaze caught Jack’s. She winked. Any fears he had in regard to her predicament and comfort, and his ire over her situation, deflated. He studied her again, and this time his cock reacted to the erotic picture she portrayed.
I gather you’re okay? he stretched his thoughts out toward her. Sometimes they were able to communicate telepathically with each other. He hoped this was one of those times, then tried not to snort his disdain. Telepathic thoughts. She was an elf. When he’d first met her, they’d shared a couple of magical, other worldly interactions. And yet, he still didn’t believe in the paranormal. What is wrong with me?
Kristina tittered. Nothing’s wrong with you, darling, and I’m fine now that you’re here. I see you’ve become acquainted with the beast.
Her gaze flickered with caution or perhaps worry. Beast? Jack breathed hard through the hole in the gag. Something about all this didn’t seem right. Why’d she call such a handsome fellow a horrible name like that?
Footsteps fell behind him on the wooden floor. Seconds later Kol’s breath warmed his neck. The dancer’s finger stroked the cleft of his ass, teased the puckered hole. Jack jerked away from his touch and received a stinging slap on his ass.
Hey!
Kol came around him, keeping his hand on Jack’s waist as he did so. The stroking of Kol’s palm on his skin sent a flood of desire through him. Jack did his best to will away the arousal this time.
After trailing a hand down Jack’s thigh, Kol then cupped his balls. “Why are you trying to repress your natural urges?” His fingers toyed with his sac then slid up and rimmed his tight sphincter once more. “Didn’t I tell you to look within? Realize what is true?”
Natural? True? Jack closed his eyes, pondering the dancer’s words. Had his past curiosities been more than what he’d thought them to be?
“And as for the beast comment, this is why.”

Purchase links for Lovers and the Fiend:
EvernightPublishing
Find C.R. Moss here ~
Email
Twitter 

Monday, December 20, 2010

Meet Seleste deLaney

Please welcome Seleste deLaney. She is an outstanding new author with a great deal to share. Leave a response telling Seleste which of her Christmas stories you would like a copy of and why. Best response wins choice of 'Twas a Dark and Delicious Christmas Anthology or The Ghost of Vampire Present. Good luck and thanks for stopping by.


As a new author, you have had many changes in your life, Seleste. If you have to describe your journey to publication in three words what would they be? Wow, only three? Frustrating, exhilarating, and fulfilling. Frustrating because it's a long road filled with rejection. Exhilarating because of the constant state of fear/excitement with every project and every email--knowing this could be the one. Fulfilling is pretty self-explanatory, but the satisfaction with having my work out there and people appreciating it is incredible.

I agree with every one of those words. Writing is certainly all those things, especially frustrating. How many years did you write before you were published?
The easy answer is all my life LOL. However, I got serious about my writing in 2007, so a little over three years of really working at it.


That first book would definitely qualify as the rewarding part. How did you celebrate your first contract?
We're kind of boring about those things. We went out to dinner and had drinks (and dessert), but at dinner it hit that I needed a website and business cards and…So we got home and went right back to work.

What no wild Snoopy dancing? You obviously have more control than I do. So speaking of your personality, what is the one thing about you that you feel is the best/worst part of you and what makes you say that?
My stubbornness is probably both the best and worst aspect of me. Without it, I would have given up on this journey (and many other things in life), but it also gets me into a lot of trouble LOL.

Nothing wrong with being stubborn. Heaven knows if you don’t pursue your dreams no one will do it for you. Speaking of personality and writing, music seems to be a big part of your life. What type of music do you listen to? Is it a part of your creative process or do you need quiet when you write?
I love music. On days when I don't get to listen to any, I will be insanely crabby. It's like food for my soul. Generally, I'm a rock and country girl (I have mad love for music that toes the line between--there is a local guy who's CD should be dropping soon and it's very rock-country. I can't wait to pick it up.) though other stuff does sneak in upon occasion. As far as writing goes, I make playlists for all my longer pieces. There are certain songs that speak to me though, so there tends to be a lot of crossover from one playlist to the next. Listening to music while I write helps me tune out the rest of the world--no more dirty dishes or arguing kids--so I can lose myself in the story.


Nice. Who is your favorite among the characters you have written?
There are so many of my characters that I love, both good and bad, so my favorite changes all the time (usually with my mood). Right now though, my fave has to be a new character from the Blood Kissed novel I finished drafting a couple weeks ago. His name is Remy and every time I get to write him I get all giddy inside because he is just so crazy and complex and fabulous. I absolutely adore him as a character.

Wow, hard not to like a character like that. Can you share what is new or coming soon?
There's actually a lot of news on that front. I just had two holiday releases. The Ghost of Vampire Present (second in my Blood Kissed series) from Decadent Publishing picks up about seven or eight months after Of Course I Try and leads up to the aforementioned novel. Yes, Alana, There Is a Santa Claus is another paranormal short that is one of thirteen stories in the 'Twas a Dark and Delicious Christmas anthology from Evernight Publishing. It's a sweet and sexy tale of a young woman who'd given up believing in anything. Then at the end of February, my steampunk/alt-history romance Badlands is coming from Carina Press. Needless to say, this year has been a bit of a whirlwind (in the best way possible).


Do you have a blurb and an excerpt to tantalize us? Sure, how about two?

Buy Now
The Ghost of Vampire Present 

Blurb: Jocelyn has finally found her knight in shining armor in Chad, and ghosts are the last thing on her mind. Even when one shows up in her bedroom on Christmas Eve, Jocelyn's a bit more concerned about the other guests on the agenda. She'd prefer to never see another vampire, and the ghost tells her to expect not one, but three.


When the one from her past shows up even though he's supposed to be dead, she decides she's dreaming and suffers through the night. By the time dawn breaks, she's not so sure anymore.


But if it's not a dream, that means her nightmare is far from over.


Excerpt: My mouth goes dry and my fingers shake as they reach beneath my pillow. Sure, I know her on sight, but she still shouldn't be here. And that means a weapon isn't the stupidest idea ever. But, if I turn my head to the side at all, she disappears as if she’d never been there in the first place. Only when I look straight at her does she have substance, her body catching enough of the moon’s light coming through the window to be visible against the darkness. And apparently with enough solidity that next time she speaks, her hands grip the covers and jerk them right off me.



“I told you to get dressed! Chop, chop.”


For a long minute, I sit there shivering in my nightie and staring at the blankets in her hands. "But...but...you’re dead.” Please don't say vampire. As I think it, I realize she can't be one. Regardless of whatever else they can do, I'm pretty sure vamps can't disappear without moving.

“As a damn doornail. It doesn’t change the fact you messed with the way of things and the time has come for you to face some hard facts.” Her eyes actually twinkle as she smiles. “And I’ve been waiting a lot of years to help you figure all this out. Now, time’s a-wasting. Get up and put on some damn clothes.”


More Info
Yes, Alana, There Is a Santa Claus

Blurb: Alana stopped believing in Santa Claus and holiday magic a long time ago, and her life hasn't exactly dealt her a hand that's going to change her mind any time soon. Working as one of Santa's elves to barely make ends meet isn't her dream job, but at least the gorgeous Daniel is working behind the camera. And her fellow elf, Brady, is the stuff of holiday movies—charming at every turn.


There's a Christmas miracle in Alana's future, but only if she makes the right choice and remembers how to believe again.

Excerpt: Come on, Allie. You never go out with us.” Jerrica stood in front of the open locker, fluffing her long black waves. “I swear you act like an old woman, sitting at home with your knitting.”

No. I act like someone who almost had her heat shut off last month. “Look, I’m tired.” I kicked my locker shut. “As for the knitting, you didn’t complain when I made you the scarf you wanted. Which you never did pay for like you promised. “

“Whatever. I still say you’re getting old before your time.” Jerri’s hand cupped my shoulder. “Seriously, it’s Christmas, get your party on. The guys are going. I’m sure Dan said something about hoping to see you there.”

Shrugging off her grip, I tugged my boots on, my foot propped on the old wooden bench in the locker room. The paint had chipped off most of it through time and abuse, kind of the same way the shine had worn off my life. “Now I know you’re full of shit. Dan hasn’t given me a second glance—ever.”


“Maybe he would if he saw you in something other than curly shoes and pointed ears. Come on. You’re only going to be young and gorgeous once.”

A snort escaped before I could rein it in. “Yeah, tomorrow I’ll make sure to come to work with my walker and wrinkle cream.”

Those sound really good, Seleste. Anything else you would like to share? I'd like to thank you for having me here today and invite your readers to visit me elsewhere on the internet including:
My website (http://selestedelaney.com/)
Blog (http://selestedelaney.com/wordpress/)
I'm active on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001203081398)
and Twitter (http://twitter.com/SelestedeLaney) as well and love chatting with people.

The Romance Reviews

The Romance Reviews