Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Restraining the Receptionist comes out June 14!


Click here for Samhain's Coming Soon page, with an excerpt. And here's the blurb:

Restraining the Receptionist

Every deal has a loophole.

…the Receptionist, Book 2

Dana Arthur’s new job with the firm of Cowell & Dirk is going well. Translation: the occasionally kinky ménage with her two bosses, Ethan and Simon, has been several months of politically incorrect bliss.

Except the relationship feels unbalanced. While Ethan is the undisputed master, the partners’ iron-clad agreement stipulates that Simon must be present as she performs her “duties”. And she senses there’s a subtle, powerful tug-of-war developing for more than just her body.

Simon had agreed to share the firm’s fiery, sensually daring receptionist…to a point. With Simon out of town, Ethan plans a feast of erotic temptations designed to have Dana begging him to break the deal. He didn’t realize his heart would be a casualty.

Once she surrenders to his wicked demands, Dana realizes there’s no going back. It’s time for a three-way renegotiation…this time, all or nothing.
Product Warnings
NSFW!! Do Not Try This at Your Job. Contains highly inappropriate workplace behavior including m/f/m, m/m, bondage, creative use of office space and a high-stakes trip to Atlantic City.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

News of the Day

So much news to share, where do I start?

First of all, today is the first day of the Sweet 'n Sexy Divas Easter Blog Hop. They were nice enough to let me join in on the fun. All you have to do is locate the glittery Easter Fairy icon somewhere on this page. Sorry, no hints, but I didn't make it difficult. Mark down where it is, then click on the icon and you'll be magically transported to the next stop on the blog tour.

All the instructions will be on the Sweet 'n Sexy Divas blog. So what are you playing for?


Chocolate!!!! And lots of it. So good luck to you all, and have fun checking out all the great authors' blogs and websites.


Next up, the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention in Los Angeles from April 6 - 10. Will you be there? I will! I'd love to meet you and say hi. The Nine Naughty Novelists and I have lots of fun things planned. We'll be joining the Smutketeers for a Naughty Smutty Hollywood Readers' Event on Friday, April 8 from 10 to 11. We'll be joined by a special guest cover model who is yet to be named. We hope he's a good sport, because we have big plans for him. At 11:15 we'll be at Club RT, so be sure to stop by.

I'll also be signing cover flats of Training the Receptionist and My Three Lords at the Ebook Expo on Friday from 4-6. So come on by! I'll have treats and my Romance Trading Card to hand out. And I'll be at as many parties as I can squeeze in. It should be a blast, and I hope to see you there!

Finally, I should have my cover any day now for Restraining the Receptionist. But the blurb is all official and approved, and here it is:

RESTRAINING THE RECEPTIONIST

…the Receptionist, Book 2

Every deal has a loophole.

Dana Arthur’s new job with the firm of Cowell & Dirk is going well. Translation: the occasionally kinky ménage with her two bosses, Ethan and Simon, has been several months of politically incorrect bliss.

Except the relationship feels unbalanced. While Ethan is the undisputed master, the partners’ iron-clad agreement stipulates that Simon must be present as she performs her “duties”. And she senses there’s a subtle, powerful tug-of-war developing for more than just her body.

Simon had agreed to share the firm’s fiery, sensually daring receptionist…to a point. With Simon out of town, Ethan plans a feast of erotic temptations designed to have Dana begging him to break the deal. He didn’t realize his heart would be a casualty.

Once she surrenders to his wicked demands, Dana realizes there’s no going back. It’s time for a three-way renegotiation…this time, all or nothing.

Warning: NSFW!! Do Not Try This at Your Job. Contains highly inappropriate workplace behavior including m/f/m, m/m, bondage, creative use of office space and a high-stakes trip to Atlantic City.


That's it for now! Peace and love,

Juniper

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Guest: Cindy Jacks


The fabulous Cindy Jacks has a new release out with Ellora's Cave -- and it's one of my favorite themes, a sexy Cougar story. Here's a delicious Hump Day sample of WAKING MAGGIE.

BLURB

Maggie’s just decided she’s been stood up when she bumps into hard-bodied guitarist Calvin—literally. Once the shock of their abrupt meeting wears off, Calvin asks Maggie out for a drink and she figures, why not? She’s all dressed up for a date…just not this one.

She enjoys his company, even if he’s only twenty-seven and she’s forty…something. And while witty conversation’s all good, they’re just as compatible in bed. One drink turns into multiple romps between the sheets. He’s old enough to know how to make love to a woman and young enough to look damn fine doing it…and doing it. He even manages to convince Maggie she’s still pretty hot herself.

Now if he would just stop serenading her with that infernal Rod Stewart song.

An Excerpt From: WAKING MAGGIE

Copyright © CINDY JACKS, 2011

All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

The sound of a gently strummed guitar roused Maggie from sleep. Eyelids flickering open, she saw Calvin sitting in the tufted chair next to the bed, his acoustic guitar on his lap. A lazy smile tugged at her lips.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“Good morning, babe.” He shifted his grip on the fretboard to strike a chord and then slid his fingers back to another. “I’m serenading you…obviously.

“Is it after ten?” Maggie sat up, stretched.

“Of course. And there’s coffee on your nightstand.”

With delight, she picked up the steaming mug and inhaled—Viennese roast, her favorite. The first sip slid down her throat, smooth as velvet.

He turned his attention to the guitar again and started singing under his breath.

She rolled her eyes. “You know I hate that song.”

Calvin chuckled, a boyish gleam in his hazel eyes. “But I’m sure Rod Stewart wrote it for you.”

“Contrary to popular belief, I am not that old.”

Continuing to strum the melody, he shook his head. “That’s not what I meant.”

As Maggie’s gaze roamed over the young man’s taut, muscular body, she noticed he was sitting there stark naked, the guitar covering some of his most admirable attributes.

Her eye grew wide. “What have I done to deserve a morning serenade with you au naturel?

“You don’t remember?” he asked, plucking individual notes.

A gust of wind outside the bedroom window drew her attention. The great oak out back danced, shaking loose a few vermillion leaves.

“Of course I remember,” she murmured, setting down her cup and rising from the bed. Smoothing her silk nightie over her ample curves, she padded across the shag carpet and kissed his soft cheek. “Happy anniversary, baby.”

He stopped playing and set aside the guitar, revealing a red ribbon around his cock. “Are you ready for your present?”

Clapping a hand over her mouth, Maggie let out a yelp of amusement. “You’re certifiable, you know that?”

She caught a glimpse of herself in the dresser mirror. Messy blonde curls cascaded down to her shoulders and her eyes looked a little puffy from sleep. Skin not quite as fresh and tight as his—maybe the morning sun really did show her age, as the song stated. Still, not bad for a women of forty-something.

Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her onto his lap. She twined her fingers through his longish bronze hair. A hungry smirk on his face, he brushed his lips over hers. She felt his cock twitch against her thigh.

“We should unwrap you before you cut off your circulation,” she said, pulling one end of the ribbon.

CLICK TO BUY


Happy Wednesday! Soon I'll have some information about an Easter Blog Hop I'll be taking part in. Lots of great authors and prizes. More to come!

Peace and Love,

Juniper

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Guest Interview: Shoshanna Evers

I'm thrilled to welcome fellow Ellora's Cave author Shoshanna Evers to my blog. I bugged her with a whole bunch of questions, which she was kind enough to answer. And when I saw that she's an advice columnist as well as a writer, I got really intrigued!

What inspired you to start writing even though you’ve had a couple other fascinating careers? (Nursing and advice columnist, right?)

Thanks for having me, Juniper! Well, I’m still working as both a nurse and an advice columnist! I work every other weekend as an RN charge nurse on a 52-bed rehab unit, and I have a weekly advice column under my alter-ego’s name. That column is hopefully going into syndication soon, which is exciting.

But I’ve always loved writing fiction. I’ve been writing since I learned to read. My love of books inspires me to write.

In your role as advice columnist, what sorts of things do people ask your advice about?

Usually relationship advice or advice on how to deal with family members or friends. I also answer health questions and use that as an opportunity to teach the community about important health issues, such as taking your blood pressure medicine even though you can’t feel your pressure being high. That sort of thing.

Do you ever get ideas for your writing from advice seekers? If so, can you give an example?

Well, I get ideas for my writing from everything around me, but in general, no, I don’t get writing ideas from advice seekers J

Can you give us a thumbnail sketch of what kind of books you write?

I write erotic romance. Most of my stuff has a bit of a BDSM slant to it, but I’ve also got some manuscripts I’m working on that are more mainstream. I write what my characters tell me to write!

If you wanted to introduce a new reader to your work, which book would you point them to?

It depends on what book length they like. Ginger Snap is a short Quickie. Punishing the Art Thief is a novella, and Hollywood Spank is novel-length. They’re all light BDSM, or in other words, they’ve got a little spanking and bondage mixed in with the love story.

Is there a genre you’re afraid to tackle?

I don’t know if I’d say I’m afraid per se, but I’m a happy camper writing romance, so I plan on sticking with that. Someday I may write a non-fiction advice book based on the column, or a kid’s book so my son can read something I’ve written. But not now. Now I’m focusing my efforts.

What’s the biggest learning curve you’ve faced in your writing career?

When I look back at old manuscripts (like from ten years ago) I am able to easily spot why they didn’t sell. My POV is all over the place and every other sentence has an exclamation point. That’s one thing I’ve had to learn how to reign in.

I'm a little overfond of exclamation points myself? What kind of books do you like to read?

I read everything. If I don’t have a book in front of me at breakfast I’ll read the cereal box. I love romance, especially erotic romance, and especially BDSM erotic romance. I also love How-To books and financial planning books, I love stories of survival, and I love Stephen King. I’m a diverse reader. Oh, and I love books about how to write books, lol.

What do you think of the current state of publishing – what does the future hold for epubbed authors?

I’m just going with the flow and trying to make a living as an author, however that happens. I do have a story in a Berkley Heat (Penguin) anthology coming out December 6th called Agony/Ecstasy, edited by Dear Author’s Jane Litte. So as much as I love epubs, I’m excited to be with a big NY pub too.

What project are you working on at the moment?

I’ve got a few up my sleeve. I’ve written a full length post-apocalyptic erotic romance and I’m testing the waters to see if an agent might want to represent that for me. I’m also writing a novella for Ellora’s Cave for a new series that’s sort of hush-hush right now J Later this year I’ve got Taste of Candy coming out with The Wild Rose Press and Chastity Belt coming out with Ellora’s Cave, and Agony/Ecstasy with Berkley.

Your blog is called "The Writer's Challenge." What is that about?

Write 1000 words a day - that's about 4 manuscript pages - every day, come hell or high water, until your novel is written. Then get an agent. Then get it published.

If you write 1000 words a day, that's 365,000 words a year. Even if you skipped over two months in days, you'd still have written 300,000 words—that's like three 100K novels. If you write one full length novel to sub to an agent, let's say it's about 80 or 90K, and then write some novellas for e-publishers, you can write about six or seven 25K+ novellas in addition to your full length book.

I have tons of info for writers and authors at my blog.

Thank you so much for stopping by today. One last thing. Can you share a favorite excerpt with us?

Absolutely! This is from my new Ellora’s Cave BDSM erotic romance, Hollywood Spank.

An Excerpt From: HOLLYWOOD SPANK © SHOSHANNA EVERS, 2011

Mark stepped quietly into his trailer and placed his script on the little desk. The sight of the slender, beautiful young woman lying on his cot caught him off guard and he swallowed a gasp of surprise. His new personal assistant.

Despite how busy they’d had him in the last couple of hours, Mark had been unable to get Andrea off his mind. He had almost flubbed a line, since his thoughts kept wandering back to his trailer and that amazing ass of hers.

And now, to find her sprawled out on his cot, looking so sweet and…inviting, he could see why she had proved to be so distracting.

His gaze lingered over her long, shapely legs, clad in tight denim jeans, then traveled up her fitted long-sleeve blouse, its deep V-neck revealing just a hint of the swell of her perfect breasts.

He could stare at Andrea like this for hours and never get bored. Mark wanted to pull those tight jeans off her gorgeous legs and ravish her right then and there. His cock thickened at the very thought of having sex with Andrea. Too bad he promised her he wasn’t there to fuck her…and too bad she agreed there would be no fucking.

Andrea crossed her arms over her chest and looked up at him.

“Uncross your arms,” he said. “I want to see your breasts.”

Andrea slowly uncrossed her arms and actually blushed as she did so, even though she was fully dressed.

“You aren’t really experienced as a submissive, are you.” It was a statement, not a question. She had lied. It was obvious now that this was all very new to her.

Andrea gasped and shook her head. “I’m sorry, Sir. I just really, really wanted this job.”

“Enough to let me actually spank you?” he asked, surprised.

“I may have lied about my BDSM experience to get the job, Sir, but I wasn’t lying about my skill as an assistant, and you saw for yourself that…what you did turned me on.”

Mark looked at her thoughtfully. “That’s true. So let me get this straight. You’re a very good assistant and you’re fully willing to explore the idea of me spanking you.”

“Yes.”

“Because it turns you on.”

Andrea blushed again. Man, that was cute. “Yes,” she said softly.

“So even though I said no sex before, if all this really turns you on, are you willing to get a little sexual?” He sat on the edge of the cot next to her and held her chin in his hand, forcing her to meet his eyes.

“I just met you, Sir, and I don’t usually have sex with men I just met,” she said. “I mean, I never do. So, can we get a little sexual without actually having sex, for right now?”

Mark grinned. “Absolutely.”

“So I can stay?”

“Say, ‘Sir, may I stay?’” Mark said.

Andrea didn’t hesitate. “Sir, may I stay?”

“Yeah, you can stay. But I want you over my knee right now for lying to me.”

“Thank you, Sir. For the job, I mean,” Andrea said as she nervously draped herself over his lap.

He locked his legs around hers to keep her from escaping her punishment and raised his hand, relishing that moment right before he brought it down on her ass. “Say thank you for the spanking too.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“My pleasure,” Mark said. “And hopefully, it will be your pleasure as well.”



Sexily *Evers* After… ShoshannaEvers.com Twitter Facebook Blog Titles at Ellora’s Cave

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Romance Trading Cards


Have you heard about the new Romance Trading Cards? A lot of authors are making them to hand out at RT and RWA, as well as Lori Foster's event and other romance hotspots! I'm going to be at RT in Los Angeles -- hope to see you there! -- and I chose to do this card in honor of the Training the Receptionist sequel coming out in June. I hope you like it!

And speaking of the sequel ... hot off the presses, here's the blurb.

RESTRAINING THE RECEPTIONIST

…the Receptionist, Book 2

Every deal has a loophole.

Dana Arthur’s new job with the firm of Cowell & Dirk is going well. Translation: the occasionally kinky ménage with her two bosses, Ethan and Simon, has been several months of politically incorrect bliss.

Except the relationship feels unbalanced. While Ethan is the undisputed master, the partners’ iron-clad agreement stipulates that Simon must be present as she performs her “duties”. And she senses there’s a subtle, powerful tug-of-war developing for more than just her body.

Simon had agreed to share the firm’s fiery, sensually daring receptionist…to a point. With Simon out of town, Ethan plans a feast of erotic temptations designed to have Dana begging him to break the deal. He didn’t realize his heart would be a casualty.

Once she surrenders to his wicked demands, Dana realizes there’s no going back. It’s time for a three-way renegotiation…this time, all or nothing.

Warning: NSFW!! Do Not Try This at Your Job. Contains highly inappropriate workplace behavior including m/f/m, m/m, bondage, creative use of office space and a high-stakes trip to Atlantic City.

The release date is June 14. I can hardly wait!

Peace and Love,

Juniper

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

First Reviews for Go Wild

It's always a relief when you get your first reviews and they're not a disaster. Great reviews are even better, of course! The first reviews of GO WILD are coming in, so I thought I'd share a couple.

Romance Junkies gave it 4 blue ribbons and had some great things to say. Here's a sample:

"a deliciously dirty story ... Juniper Bell weaves a spell binding story that will make you shiver with delight ...While GO WILD is definitely erotic, at its core this is a love story...it was a fantastic read from start to finish!'


Night Owl Reviews calls GO WILD a "smoking hot story" and gave it 4 stars. You can click on the two links to read the complete reviews.

Big thanks to the reviewers who took the time to read GO WILD and share their thoughts. Reviewing books isn't easy -- I sure couldn't do it! But someone has to, and I truly appreciate you guys.

Peace and Love,

Juniper