Restraining the Receptionist at Samhain

Did you know that you can pre-order Restraining the Receptionist -- or any other book that catches your eye -- at the Samhain bookstore, and save? Yes, it's a new feature, and a great one in my opinion. Here's the link. Enjoy!

First Review for Restraining the Receptionist

With the release of Restraining the Receptionist less than two weeks away, I'm already getting reviews. (I'm not sure why! I don't usually get reviews before the book comes out.) I especially love this review from Whipped Cream Reviews. Here are a couple snippets and the link to the full review.

If you have read the first book in this series than you must read this latest installment of Dana’s adventures with Simon and Ethan. Restraining the Receptionist takes you on an emotional ride that never slows down. Dana must take a hard look at herself and her feelings for these two men. Will she choose to stay or will she choose to go? ...

Juniper Bell writes an emotional, sexy story full of love and trust. ... This was a wonderful story and I cannot wait to see just what Ethan and Simon have in store for Dana next.

You can read the rest here.

June 14, here we come!

Love, Juniper

New Review and Blog Hop Wrap-up

I'm still recovering from the fabulous Year of the Rabbit Blog Hop. I hope you got a chance to check it out ... there were some great stories and lots of hellacious mancandy. Congratulations to my winner, PATRICIA! And thanks to everyone who voted for my story as their favorite ... I placed second, which is a thrill.

Now, on to something even more thrilling. GO WILD received a wonderful review today from Lea at Blackravens Reviews. I'm posting it here, or you can click over to the site for more.

Lea’s Review:

I will begin by saying that Juniper Bell is one of my personal favorites among the up and coming sensuous romance writers. She writes in a style that is uplifting and enjoyable with both humor and passionate sexual elements interwoven in her books, while also offering an undercurrent of a moral to the story or, at the very least, something to prick your conscience to think about a situation in a new way.

In Go Wild, Lars and Katia are deeply in love. Katia sees their relationship as perfect just as it stands but Lars wants to make their commitment permanent by getting married. Katia refuses, and Lars simply doesn’t understand why Katia doesn’t want to marry him. It takes time and effort to figure things out, but once he understands the reasons behind her hesitancy, his winning competitive spirit as an Olympic athlete comes to the fore and he decides on a plan to show Katia the error in her thinking.

While light and sexy on the surface, there is a deeper side to Go Wild that explores the ways we sometimes allow our past to determine our future; how we permit opinions and perceptions heaped on us by others throughout our lives to wound us and become part of how we define ourselves. In Katia’s case it takes some thoughtful planning on the part of her lover and his friends to help her see the light. It is a powerful message that instead of reacting in anger or dismay over a misunderstanding, with perseverance, trust, an open mind and true love there is way to heal and move on.

In this story, Wild Nights is a festival held in the town in Alaska where Katia and Lars live. It provides the perfect background for this lesson in love. Knowing that Juniper Bell lives in Alaska, I wonder whether there is a Wild Nights festival in her area. If so, I would certainly appreciate an invitation to visit.

Go Wild is sure to be enjoyed by all who appreciate a well told story with wonderful steamy sex scenes with multiple partners and an HEA ending.

Rated 5 Ravens by Lea!

As you can imagine, I'm pretty excited about this review! Thank you to Lea and Blackravens Cafe.

Peace and Love,

Juniper

Year of the Rabbit Blog Hop

Welcome! I'm Juniper Bell. The Year of the Rabbit starts off with a bang at the condo of Komo Brown, the most sought-after man in Chicago. What else can you expect when a picky former archeologist, a horny movie star, and a cantankerous accountant are thrown together? Meet Komo:


Let me also introduce the famous and horny Cherie St. Clair...

and the cantankerous but loyal Tomako.

And, of course, the Rabbit.

And so our story begins...

Bloody footprints. What a way to start the weekend.

Komo drummed his fingers on the glass patio door. It offered a lovely view of the snowy courtyard along with the aforementioned set of bloody prints. Not a typical sight in downtown Chicago, but then again, few sights at the home of Chicago’s most sought-after gigolo could be called typical.

Bloody footprints. What to do?

He could call the police. Unfortunately, a certain world-famous member of the female sex, currently tied up in his bedroom, might object to a sudden invasion by law enforcement.

He could follow the footprints as far as they led. If he found himself in the vicinity of a dead body, well, being dead, it would be in no particular hurry to be discovered. If it was only wounded, the inevitable call to the authorities would be required.

His client had been waiting too long already. She didn’t deserve to be cheated out of her happy ending by the noisy arrival of paramedics.

He let out a low whistle. Instantly his cantankerous servant, who never seemed to sleep, glided to his side. Tomako kept her head bowed, her body in its usual humble stance.

“Yes, sir?”

“Get to the bottom of those, would you?” He gestured to the red marks on his courtyard tiles.

“Yes, sir.”

“If you need my help, you know where I’ll be.”

He saw the dark fans of her eyelashes quiver against her ivory cheeks. For months now, he’d been desperately lusting after her. But how could he despoil someone so tender, so vulnerable? He hadn’t even wanted to hire her, but she’d threatened to take a job as an accountant at a nearby brothel if he turned her away.

Brusquely, he waved his hand in dismissal. He’d been away from the bedroom too long. He’d left Cherie trembling on the edge of orgasm for hours now. She’d paid good money and deserved her satisfaction.

Nice work if you can get it. Though sometimes he thought his previous career as an archeologist might be preferable. As a gigolo, his pickiness tended to keep his income in check.

With a sigh, he ambled back to the bedroom. Cherie’s pornographically spectacular body lay spread-eagled on his black satin sheets. He estimated that 65% of her was in its original state. The rest had been altered for her movie-going audience. Cherie could get any man she wanted, but she couldn’t be bothered to offer an orgasm in return. So she brought her horny self to him whenever she was in town. He assumed others tended to her needs in the other major metropolitan areas.

Though blindfolded, she sensed his arrival and moaned loudly. She arched her chest, thrusting her plum-sized nipples toward him.

“Now, now. All in good time.” He soothed her with a long stroke of his hand across her breasts, down her perfect, flat stomach, to her pink sex. He palmed her pussy, preparing for her final descent into orgasmic bliss. She writhed like an animal. This was a job, no doubt about it. Cherie left him cold, though of course he managed to fulfill his professional obligations.

Though lately, only by picturing a certain cranky servant had he managed to do the deed. Fantasies of Tomako’s slim, lithe body produced instant arousal. He ought to pay her extra for her unintentional fluffing services.

“Master?”

Tomako stood in the doorway, as if he’d conjured her with his lewd visions. And damn, hadn’t he told her not to call him master? It inspired far too many lusty impulses.

“Yes, what is it?” Then he saw the gun in her little hand. It shook slightly. Her dark eyes were wide with shock, ink blots against her bloodless face.

“I took care of the ... problem.”

“You did?” He made a gesture meant to be calming.

“One of her fans.” She waved the gun wildly at the bed.

“One of my fans was here?” Behind the blindfold, Cherie looked absurdly pleased.

“He went crazy. He had a rabbit.”

“I had a bit part in Fatal Attraction, as a child.” Cherie frowned. “Maybe the rabbit was a tribute.”

“Shut up, you! You nearly got that poor bunny killed.” A sob shook Tomako’s slender frame. “I love rabbits, they’ve always been my favorite animals. I relate to them.”

Komo didn’t like the feel of this. “Tomako, hand me the gun. Why do you have a gun, anyway?”

“It was his. He was going to kill you. I couldn’t let him.” The gun shook like a leaf in a gale.

“Of course you couldn’t. Is, um, is he okay?”

“I left him out in the snow. He’s really mad.”

Relief whooshed through Komo. At least his faithful servant hadn’t killed a man in his defense.

“The blood was fake,” she added. “He wanted to lure you outside, kill you, then have his way with what’s her name.”

“Cherie St. Clair,” said the movie star, sounding irritated. “If no one’s going to get me off, could someone get me out of here? The last thing I need is paparazzi showing up.”

“Shut up!”

Komo stopped in the middle of taking off Cherie’s blindfold. The movie star blinked, adjusting to the light and the strange scene. Komo straightened up and took a step toward Tomako. He had to get that gun from her before she did something crazy.

“Are you coming to kiss me?” God, the wistful look in her eyes.

“No, I’m coming to take the gun away so we can all relax.”

“Oh no. I’m not giving up the gun. You think I’m just a quiet little girl, don’t you? Someone no one ever notices?”

“I never even knew you existed until now,” said Cherie. Komo had to admire her cheek, still tied up but just as snippy as ever. He tossed a pillow over her sex.

Tomako ignored her and pinned her wide dark eyes on Komo. “Is that how you see me? A little nothing? A little scared rabbit?”

“No, of course not.”

“Don’t humor me. Tell me the truth.”

“You want the truth?”

She nodded bravely, but couldn’t hide her fearful wince.

“I think about you all the time. I think about your dark, satiny hair and the way you walk, like silent music. I think about what’s under that coat you wear. Take it off, now.”

A flush of color swept her face. As if transfixed, she took off her coat, transferring the gun from one hand to the other. The body underneath was just as graceful and sensual as he’d dreamed. She wore a simple white t-shirt and black cotton pants, like what a dancer would wear while running errands. He ravished her with his eyes. When he met hers again, the look in them made his heart clench. Hope against hope, exquisite vulnerability.

“Is that what you wanted to hear? That I’d rather lick your little toe than give a movie star one more multiple orgasm?”

“Hey! I will be demanding my money back, FYI.” Cherie wriggled against the silk ties at her wrists. They didn’t give, of course. He was a professional.

Komo ignored her. “That my idea of heaven would be feeding you strawberries in a hot tub, licking a stray drop of juice off your nipple, watching you tremble and sigh? That I wonder all day long what you’re doing here, why you work for me, where you came from? That I want to know everything about you, that I hope you feel something for me…”

“I do,” she said fervently. “I do, I do.”

The universe fell into sweet, singing alignment as their eyes met and clung. Neither moved. Neither breathed. Komo barely noticed that Tomako had dropped the gun. She stood awkwardly, arms dangling, as if unsure what was next.

“Oh for heaven’s sake,” snapped Cherie. “Why don’t you take your shirt off and be done with it?”

Time for her to go. Dragging his eyes away from his lovely Tomako, knowing the two of them had all the time in the world, Komo crossed to the bed to untie Cherie.

The movie star gathered her clothes but didn’t bother to put them on. Naked, she strolled to the door, tossing Tomako a mocking look as she passed.

“It is the Year of the Rabbit, after all. But that’s okay.” She twitched her hips as she made her exit. “At least someone’s getting a happy ending.”

The End.

Thank you so much for reading! Here's the link to get back on the tour bus. I hope you have a great time on the Year of the Rabbit blog hop. Tons of prizes are up for grabs, including a Nook and your choice of ebook from my backlist. My next release is June 14 from Samhain -- "Restraining the Receptionist." If you'd like to check out the blurb, just scroll down. Thanks for stopping by. Happy Easter!

Juniper Bell

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.

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

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