Romantic Times gives "Doll" 4 Stars

Erotic Romance, E-book
DOLL
Juniper Bell
* * * *

This dark and riveting novel is about the sexual and emotional liberation of a bruised, yet not totally down, heroine. The character development is very strong, so much so that you can feel the emotions of each character. Readers will definitely enjoy this sensitive tale and its hot and tender love scenes.

SUMMARY: Chloe Barnes has finally had enough of her husband's need to dominate her emotionally and sexually. She returns to Bellhaven Island, where she intends to sell her summer home and start over with her two daughters. Chloe never expects to rekindle an old friendship.

Dustin McDougal remembers the fragile and likable Chloe. Now, the juvenile crush he had has turned into uncontrollable adult desire. Sensing that something is amiss with Chloe, Dustin feels the need to protect her. When danger confronts her, will Chloe turn to Dustin for help, or will she let her past overtake her?

- Keitha Hart (RT reviewer)

Until my New Cover Arrives...

I'm anxiously awaiting the cover of my next release, "Training the Receptionist," coming out March 2 from Samhain. In the meantime, I've got to have something to look at. So please enjoy this temporary replacement.



Whatever it takes to get through an Alaska winter. ;)

Feast your eyes, because the next thing you know ... my fabulous cover will be here!

Peace,

Juniper

Welcome to the Fill Your eReader Blog Tour

Why I love eBooks.

1. Instant gratification.

Sometimes you want it right here, right now.

2. Hot + affordable.

Because sometimes you just can't get enough.

3. No boundaries.

However, wherever, with whomever you like it, there's an eBook for you.

Plus, they save trees.

So if you read eBooks, you're cool, super-smart, you've got great taste, and you look fabulous with that eReader. And because I think you're so swell, I'm offering an eBook -- your choice from my backlist -- to one commenter who says something nice about eBooks.

Thanks for joining us on the blog tour! Don't forget to leave a comment on each blog to be eligible for the grand prize. If you're looking for some hot reads to fill your eReader, check out "Doll" and "The Extremist" and scroll down for an extra-steamy excerpt from my upcoming release, "Training the Receptionist."

Now, off to your next stop on the tour: Saranna DeWylde's blog. And don't forget to stop in at the after-tour chat party ... here. And if you're just popping in and want to start from the beginning of the tour, it starts at Paige Tyler's blog.

Happy Reading!

Juniper Bell

Training the Receptionist: Adult Excerpt

No cover yet for "Training the Receptionist," but I've got a blurb and a hot excerpt to share.

It’s her naughty dream job—if they’re satisfied with her performance…

Eager to escape her miserable existence in Low-Life, Long Island, street-wise Dana Arthur jumps at an entry-level position with the consulting firm Cowell & Dirk. As her training period begins, she quickly discovers she’s required to do more than take messages and order office supplies. Her job description contains some deliciously naughty duties that give receptionist a whole new meaning.

Simon has almost given up on finding the right woman who will please his clients as well as his demanding partner and mentor, Ethan Cowell. No one measures up—until Dana. Her inner fire and fearless nature are perfect for the job. No matter what wicked punishment he devises to chastise her for her on-the-job mistakes, she accepts with a relish that leaves him wondering which one of them is really in control.

The last thing he expects to discover is that she’s a perfect sexual soul mate he can’t bear to share. But share he must—it’s part of his business agreement. Unless he makes Ethan the deal of a lifetime…

Warning: This title contains explicit sex, bondage, ménage, ingenious use of office furniture, lingerie, and the occasional sex toy. Oh, and did I mention the package delivery guy?

ADULT EXCERPT

Simon stood at the wall-to-ceiling picture window that looked out over the depressing downtown. His jacket was off, hands in his pockets. I stopped just inside the door. When I closed it behind me, I felt a strange sense of safety. As if anything could happen inside this beige space and it would be okay.

“You can take off your jacket now,” he said without turning around.

My heart seemed to jump into my throat. Every nerve ending in my body stood at attention. I opened my mouth to say something snappy, but nothing came out. Instead, I slid one arm out of my jacket, then the other. Not sure what to do with it, I dropped it to the floor.

“Good. Now you can put your hands on your nipples.”

I didn’t move. I wasn’t sure I’d heard right. Besides, my heart was beating too fast. There was a long pause while we both stood still, me looking at his back, him looking out the window. Finally, he turned and gave me a mild stare.

“You’re not touching your nipples.”

I cleared my throat. “No.”

“I would imagine they’re in need of some contact right now. How do they feel? Aroused? Irritated?” His expression was one of concerned interest.

He had a point. “Like I want to jump out of my skin,” I admitted.

“Ah, I thought so. That’s why I suggested touching them. I certainly wouldn’t want you to jump out of that beautiful skin. Would you like to try it now?”

In the back of my mind, I wondered why we were talking about my nipples rather than proper phone procedure, or some other job-related issue. But his green eyes flickered over my body, scattering sparks of heat wherever they went, and before I knew it my hands rose to my tits. I put my fingers around my nipples. The heat of them surprised me. My poor nipples were burning up under there. How had he known it was exactly what I needed, to touch myself like that?

“Tighter,” came Simon’s soft, almost hypnotic voice.

I pressed tighter and felt the texture of the lace dig into my flesh. My breath caught and my face flushed. A jolt of heat zinged on a straight line from my nipples to my insides. Moisture sprang between my legs. Startled by my body’s reaction, I snatched my hands away from my nipples.

“Did I ask you to stop?” Simon sounded disappointed. Reproving. My hands jumped back to my breasts. “No, stop,” he said.

I stopped, hands hovering a few inches away from my breasts.

“I want to see what you look like now. Unbutton your blouse.”

What the F? Was my brand new boss really telling me to undo my blouse? And was I really on fire to do whatever he said? It kills me to admit it, but I couldn’t disobey him. Didn’t want to. He was leading me somewhere with that sexy voice. Somewhere I’d never been. Somewhere I wanted to go. I unbuttoned my blouse and drew it off my shoulders. I dropped it onto the floor, on top of my jacket. The stuffy office air felt cool against my skin.

“Beautiful,” said Simon, a note of approval in his voice. “Exactly how I’d pictured it on you. But your hair’s all wrong. It should be piled on your head. Do it.”

That last phrase came out stronger, more like an order. Without thinking, I filled my hands with my hair and pulled it to the top of my head. It felt thick and silky against my hands. I’d never been quite so aware of the feel of my hair before.

Simon walked across the office with deliberate slowness. When he got to my side, he walked around me. From behind, I felt his finger touch lightly on the back of my neck.

“Fascinating tattoo.” He seemed to realize it was still tender back there, because he didn’t linger on the tattoo. Instead he traced his finger along the side of my neck, down the rounded front of my shoulder, into the crevice between my breasts, creating a trail of fire wherever he touched. Then he delved under the lace of the teddy. Unbearable excitement filled me as he lifted my nipple away from the fabric.

“Mm,” he said noncommittally as he examined my nipple. He reached around my back and brought the other one out of its nest. His body, strong and smelling of some kind of jet-set aftershave, pressed against me. In the office window, I saw our reflection. His intent face bent over my shoulder, his hands at my front, tugging at my nipples. Me in a provocative teddy and tight hobble skirt. The sight added to my excitement and I leaned back against him. “You’ve had an interesting morning, haven’t you?” He murmured in my ear. “Look how these juicy little morsels swelled up. I bet that lace teased you hard, didn’t it? Rubbed up against you like a rough little kitten tongue. I thought about you all morning, thought about these breasts stirring under your blouse. Thought about how wet it must be making you. Thought about how your nipples would feel against my hands, all hard and excited and…”

A spasm shook my body. It shocked me. What was happening to me? It was as if he had suddenly acquired ownership of the body that had previously been mine. I was dancing to his tune, singing at his command.

Click here for Samhain's "Coming soon" page.

Thanks for reading!

Juniper

New Year's Author's Resolutions

Here in Homer, we've been having some gorgeous sunrises lately. Here's one. The great thing about our winter sunrises is you don't have to get up early to see them. I took this photo somewhere around 10:00 am. And just a few hours after that, the sun set. But wow, is it beautiful when it's around!

So, any great New Year's resolutions to share? Mine are always pretty much the same: lose weight, write more, do more yoga (I'm a yoga freak, by the way.) This year I'm trying something different. 2010 will be my first full year as a published author, and I've realized that's a huge change. It's something I have to adapt to. So here are some "Author's Resolutions."

1. Don't take things personally. Once your story leaves the nest, other people get to have their opinions. This can hurt. Or it can put you on top of the world. Either way, it's not personal. Everyone sees things differently. If I take people's opinions too much to heart, it's hard to do my thing.

2. Keep getting better. In other words, don't be satisfied with what I've learned so far. Keep learning, keep working, keep playing. Keep an open mind.

3. Be grateful. I love writing, and I need to remember every day to give thanks for the chance to express that part of myself.

4. Read more. I used to think I might forget my own voice by reading other people's books. But it's not true. There are some amazing writers out there and I can learn from every one of them.

5. Enjoy the ride. The writing life has amazing ups and crushing downs. I'll try to remember that none of it is "good" or "bad" ... it's all about the ride!

I'm open to more resolutions, while I'm at it...I'd love some suggestions!

Happy New Year,

Juniper