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)

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

Holiday Wishes

Here's wishing everyone around the world a joyous and peaceful holiday, no matter what your religion or beliefs.

Thanks to everyone who helped put "Doll" on the bestseller list at MBaM. I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to write out loud the stories that come to me. Gratitude also to my family, my darling man, and the new family that has accepted me into their lives so sweetly.

Let's meet again in the next book, shall we?

Wishing you a wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year -

Juniper Bell

DOLL - Released

How fun was that Holiday Hottie Blog Tour??!! Congratulations to all the winners! I'm sure we'll be doing more blog tours, so stay tuned...

Meanwhile, back to our regularly scheduled programming. "Doll" is coming out on Tuesday, December 15. I'll be celebrating all over the Internet. Here's a list of upcoming events:

DECEMBER 13 - I'll be featured in a Spotlight Interview at Whispers of the Muse.

DECEMBER 14 - I'll be chatting with Blackraven at Blackraven's Erotic Cafe.

DECEMBER 15 - RELEASE DAY! If you haven't joined the Samhain Cafe Yahoo group, I highly recommend it! It's tons of fun, they hold lots of contests and parties, and I'll be chatting there on release day.

DECEMBER 15 - Guest blogging at Nikki Duncan's blog and Savvy Readers.

DECEMBER 16 - Blogging at The Samhellion.

DECEMBER 17 - I'll be interviewed at I Do Not Want to Wait I Want the Book Now!

DECEMBER 17 - Guest blogging at Three Wicked Writers.

DECEMBER 18 - You'll find me blogging at Romance Junkies.

DECEMBER 20 - I'll be blogging at Midnight Seductions.

DECEMBER 20 - LSB SUNDAY FLASH BLOG TOUR! The tour starts at the SEx blog.

DECEMBE 21 - Nina Pierce is kind enough to host me on Around the Writer's Block.

DECEMBER 27 - I'll be interviewed at Jeanne St. James blog.

I'll be giving away eBooks and, on occasion, chocolate!

More to come in January, but that's probably enough for now. ;) HAPPY HOLIDAYS - And don't forget -- eBooks are an affordable, ecological, enjoyable gift!

I'll leave you with the blurb for "Doll."

Even a plaything can be pushed too far…

Chloe Barnes thought her marriage to a wealthy politician would be the stuff of fairy tales. Instead, he took advantage of her naiveté and used her as a plaything to fulfill his twisted sexual needs. Ten years is enough. She returns to Bellhaven Island to sell the summer cottage she inherited, hoping the money will buy her freedom—and custody of her daughters.

Fisherman Dustin McDougal never forgot the childhood crush he once had on the fairy-like Chloe. The woman she’s become has a haunted look that brings his feelings back, stronger than ever…with a mature edge. Along with all his protective instincts.

Their passion blows stronger than a Maine nor’easter, awakening Chloe to the joy of true love. Yet it may not be strong enough to free her from the past…

BUY NOW - the link is live!

Peace and love, Juniper

DOLL - Adult Excerpt

COMING THIS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15 -- "Doll" from Samhain Publishing.

Even a plaything can be pushed too far…

Power.

Chloe Barnes thought her marriage to a wealthy politician would be the stuff of fairy tales. Instead, he took advantage of her naiveté and used her as a plaything to fulfill his twisted sexual needs. Ten years is enough. She returns to Bellhaven Island to sell the summer cottage she inherited, hoping the money will buy her freedom—and custody of her daughters.

Memories.

Fisherman Dustin McDougal never forgot the childhood crush he once had on the fairy-like Chloe. The woman she’s become has a haunted look that brings his feelings back, stronger than ever…with a mature edge. Along with all his protective instincts.

Sexual healing.

Their passion blows stronger than a Maine nor’easter, awakening Chloe to the joy of true love. Yet it may not be strong enough to free her from the past…

Warning: This title contains politicians doing all sorts of nasty things and flashbacks of male domination. It also features hot sex on a boat, hot sex in an attic, hot sex on a work bench…you get the idea

Excerpt:

“Have you been on your boat?” Chloe asked dreamily, as Dustin ran his hands over her back.

“Had to fix a bearing. That engine’s always making some noise or other. Sometimes I think it just wants my attention.”

“I don’t blame it.” He found the lower edge of her sweater and snaked his hand under it. At the feel of his work-roughened palm on her skin, a shudder went through her. Immediately he stopped.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes! You’re not following the rules. If I want you to stop, I’ll tell you. I don’t want you to stop. As a matter of fact—” She drew away from him. “Let’s take off our clothes. Together. At the same time.”

He looked amused. “On the count of three?”

“One…” Chloe stepped out of her skirt. Underneath, she wore woolly leggings for warmth. “Two…” She started to pull off the leggings.

“Hang on! You’re getting ahead of me.” He unbuttoned his jeans, revealing boxers and a huge erection. She felt the breath leave her body.

It was a good feeling.

She put her hands to the hem of her sweater and slid it over her head. It was quickly followed by her turtleneck. She stood in front of him, wearing only her pink lace underwear, while he unbuttoned his flannel shirt. Under it, he wore a “Save the Whales” T-shirt, which she found so endearing, she laughed.

“Am I that funny-looking?” he asked with a wounded look.

“I didn’t know you were a tree-hugger.”

“Some of my best friends are trees.” There was a twinkle in his deep blue eyes that put her completely at ease. “The rest are whales.”

“I think that might be a whale in your pants.”

He waggled his eyebrows lasciviously, then laughed, an infectious chuckle that made her answer with one of her own. Never before had she laughed during sex, or the buildup to sex. Never before had she even smiled. Or joked. Or teased. If they stopped right now, this would still be a groundbreaking experience for her. But she had no intention of stopping. “You’re still wearing boxers and a T-shirt.”

“And you’ve got the bra and panties. Not that I mind the view.”

For a moment, she stiffened. Fearfully, she raised her eyes to his. Would she see that same calculating hunger she was used to? That greedy look that reduced her to a thing, a possession, a trinket? But no. His expression was the opposite of that. Happy appreciation shone from his eyes. His smile had a touch of the devil in it, and a promise of delicious fun.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Nothing. A ghost. We haven’t said three yet.”

“If we don’t do it soon, I’m going to forget how to count.”

Giggling, she put her hands behind her back, on the fastening of her bra. He grabbed the bottom of his T-shirt, poised for take-off.

“Three!”

Clothes flew into the air, a flurry of underwear. Surrounded by discarded clothing, they stared at each other. Chloe felt her rib cage rise and fall with quick breaths. Without looking down, she knew her nipples were already at attention. As was his erection. It rose from a thick nest of black curls and pointed straight toward her, as if it had eyes only for her.

Suddenly, desperately, she wanted to know what he saw when he looked at her. “Do you think…do I seem like…a…” she whispered, “doll?”

“Oh, no. You’re no doll.”

What did he mean? Did he think she was ugly? Maybe he was used to a different type. She crossed her hands over her breasts.

“No! Don’t hide.” With one quick stride, he was in front of her, holding her face in his hands. “You’re beautiful. Wonderful. But you’re no doll. You’re too alive. Too sensitive. Look, I can feel the pulse beating in your throat. I can feel your skin warming under my hands. You’re a living, passionate being. How could anyone think you were a doll?” He ran his thumbs over her cheeks with a touch that seemed to treasure the very shape of her face. When he bent his mouth to hers, the depth of his kiss brought tears to her eyes. His tongue searched her mouth, as if he wanted to track down whatever sadness remained in her and soothe it away.

She let herself sink into the comfort of that kiss for a long moment. But then she moved restlessly against him. Enough gentleness. She needed heat. Fire. Stepping back, she put her hands on his and drew them to her chest. As those warm palms encircled her breasts, she let out a long moan. Already stiff, her nipples hardened even more as he filled his hands with her flesh. “That feels nice,” she heard herself say. In the past, she’d never said anything during sex. She’d become that mute doll Andrew had demanded. Never once had she asked for anything. “Can you lick my nipples, please?”

“No need to be polite, sweetie. I’ll do anything you ask.”

“Lick them, then. A lot. Don’t stop until I ask you to.”

“I wouldn’t think of it.” He tilted her face up one more time, and smiled into her eyes. Then he bent his head to the rosy nipples begging for attention. As soon as his mouth enclosed her right breast, her head fell back with a groan. Her nipples were used to being tweaked, fondled, squeezed, displayed in provocative lingerie, teased and tormented—but this was what she’d always longed for and never gotten. Long strokes of a loving tongue. Moist nibbling that sent electric jolts to her lower belly. A heated mouth tugging on those sensitive points, pulling moans from her.

And Dustin’s mouth didn’t stop. Not when her nipples had swelled to the size of rose hips. Not when she shuddered from the pleasure. Not when his erection jerked against her thigh. She wasn’t at the mercy of his mouth. No, that mouth was at her service. She could ask it to do whatever she wanted.

“Dustin,” she said in a whisper. “Go lower.”

This BUY LINK will be include "DOLL" on Tuesday, Dec. 15.

Have a wonderful holiday season!

Juniper Bell

News about Doll's Release

DOLL's release is almost here (December 15), and I'm going to be chatting and blogging all over the web. I'd like to share some dates ...

But first of all, I have a Free Read available on the Samhellion website. This story is called "Doll, Interrupted," and it sets the scene for "Doll." Download and enjoy. And let me know what you think!

DECEMBER 4 - Win a free Kindle (International edition)! You have from the 4th to the 10th of December to take part in Samhain's Holiday Decorations Scavenger Hunt. All the instructions will be at the Samhellion site. I'm playing along with other amazing Samhain authors!

DECEMBER 7 - I'll be chatting along with the great PG Forte at the Realms of Love site from 9pm to 10PM EST.

DECEMBER 11 - Join me and some wonderful authors for a Holiday Hottie Blog Tour and an after-tour chat party at Gem Sivad's Place. Everyone's welcome! I'll be giving away a copy of "The Extremist."

DECEMBER 14 - I'll be guest blogging at Blackraven's Erotic Cafe.

RELEASE DAY!!!

DECEMBER 15 - If you haven't joined the Samhain Cafe Yahoo group, I highly recommend it! It's tons of fun, they hold lots of contests and parties, and I'll be chatting there on release day.

DECEMBER 15 - Guest blogging at Nikki Duncan's blog and Savvy Readers.w

DECEMBER 17 - I'll be interviewed at I Do Not Want to Wait I Want the Book Now!

DECEMBER 17 - Guest blogging at Three Wicked Writers.

DECEMBER 18 - You'll find me at Romance Junkies.

DECEMBER 20 - I'll be blogging at Midnight Seductions.

DECEMBER 21 - Nina Pierce is kind enough to host me on Around the Writer's Block.

DECEMBER 27 - I'll be interviewed at Jeanne St. James blog.

More to come in January, but that's probably enough for now. ;)

And don't forget -- eBooks are an affordable, ecological, enjoyable gift!

Peace and love,

Juniper

Discovering the Cover

It's a stunning image, so simple, so unique and such an absolutely perfect representation of my story, DOLL. It captures so many aspects of DOLL -- the mood, the theme, the style. How did the artist -- Kanaxa -- do it?

I'd like to say I worked closely with her, providing her with brilliant suggestions and design elements. Or that I had this genius idea for a black-and-white photo, and she took the concept and ran with it.

Sadly, none of that happened. Here's my personal, particular experience with the cover art process.

At the beginning, I submitted some basic information about the story, characters and setting. I also offered up my suggestions for what the cover should look like. I had all kinds of ideas ... mostly having to do with the Maine island on which DOLL is set. I pictured looming cliffs, moody pine trees and a sexy, bare-chested fisherman. With maybe a doll somewhere in the mix.

Well!

When I saw this cover, I was blown away. There's Chloe, my heroine. In a pose that completely expresses the turning point at which she finds herself in DOLL. Torn between her past and her future. Haunted by memories, struggling to free herself for a new life, a new love. This cover says so much about the story, and yet it's so simple and unique. But would I ever have come up with it? No way.

So I'd like to give a shout-out of gratitude to Kanaxa and to all artists who lend their creativity and skills to writers like me who have absolutely no visual talents.

For more about DOLL, here's the link to Samhain Publishing's "coming soon" page, with the blurb and other details.

And on the Samhellion site I've posted a Free Read called "Doll, Interrupted" which sets the scene for "DOLL." Click here to download it.

Gratefully,

Juniper