Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Happy Halloween!

I do hope it's a Happy Halloween for everyone - following the major storm, I hope everyone is safe and sound.

To commemorate Halloween this year and things that go bump in the night, I've bundled my werewolf series! Wolfsbane, the complete series, is now available.

Here's a peak!



C.C. Ellis of Romance Divas Reviews  had this to say about ASPECT OF THE WOLF: 5 Kisses! The dialogue is crisp and the sexual tension palpable.

And Romance Junkies had this to say about LEADER OF THE PACK: 5 Ribbons!! Ms. Colgan wields a sense of magic into her words then weaves them into a believable tale. 



Here's a short excerpt from ASPECT OF THE WOLF, part one of WOLFSBANE:

“Can’t get your broomstick up! You said that to him?” Charlotte Swanson’s infectious giggle reverberated long-distance. Emilie held the phone away from her ear while her cousin laughed.
“It just came out,” she replied. “This guy really brings out my wicked side.”
“So let’s talk about his broomstick. Give me details.”
Emilie rolled her eyes as she nestled her teakettle onto the front burner of her kitchen stove. “His broomstick didn’t enter the picture, Char. This is the guy who wanted to run me out of town, remember?”
“And he just shows up in your store, looking all hunky and hot?”
“I never said he looked hunky and hot.”
“So what does he look like?”
Emilie rummaged in her grandmother’s antique cookie jar for a chocolate chip ripple to go with her tea. She chewed thoughtfully before answering. “Tall.”
“Compared to you, every guy is tall.”
“Nicely tall. Hunky. Hot. Very intense eyes. Compelling…”
The thought still bothered her that one long look from Daniel Garrison had left her nearly tongue-tied and ready to agree to anything he asked. She pictured him the first time she’d seen him, with his three-piece suit and embossed leather briefcase, addressing the Mayor of Cypress Park at the monthly town meeting—“Chester Creek nearly destroyed this town,” he’d said. “Are we going to allow more of his ilk to run amok here?”
There. That image effectively drove away any warm fuzzies she’d begun to feel for the man who desperately wanted to save his brother.
“Buff?” Charl asked.
“Bodybuilder buff. But not—you know—scary about it. Anyway, that’s not the point. He doesn’t trust magick, and I can’t see how he can trust me.”
“Well, I can understand that, considering you promised not to tell anyone about his problem and you’re on the phone in less than eight hours, yakking to me about it.”
Emilie dangled a bag of oolong into her teacup. “Well, considering you’re a thousand miles away, and I need someone to give me some werewolf advice, I’m not going to let it bother me. I told him this wasn’t a one-person job. I want to call all the girls, but that would freak him out. Can you send me the book I need?”
“I’m wrapping it in plain brown paper as we speak, sweetie.”
“Thanks. I’m going to dig around in Grandma’s old trunks and see if I can find that wolfsbane amulet she had. Do you know what might have happened to it?”
“Ah…if it’s anywhere, it’s with her medicine stones. Be careful if you find it, though. That stuff will give you one hell of a rash.”
“I’ll be careful.”
“And watch out for this guy, too, Em.” Charlotte’s tone sobered, and Emilie braced for the lecture. Too many men had hurt Charlotte over the years for her not to take a moment to warn her cousin about the potential pitfalls of the slightest romantic entanglement. “Maybe he’s all dreamy-eyed now because he wants something from you, but leopards don’t change their spots. He wanted you out of town once. Don’t assume because he wants you to wax his broomstick that he’s gotten over his heebie-jeebies about people like us.”
Emilie’s head fell into her hand. “Char! I’m not going to—ohmyGOD, ‘wax his broomstick.’”
“So you say now. I mean hey—I’m all for mixing it up. You want to have sex with him, go ahead. But that’s all. Don’t let him get to you.”
“I’m absolutely not going to have sex with Daniel Garrison. I don’t even like him.”
“Famous last words.” Charlotte humpfed, and the teakettle whistled. “I’m heading to the post office right now. You’ll get the book tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Char. For everything.”

* * * *

Daniel marked his calendar on Monday morning, as he did every day. Usually he ticked off days until an important meeting with a client or days left for Christmas shopping, but now he ticked off days until the next full moon. He’d heard nothing from Emilie Swanson since Saturday—except for a message on his office machine, thanking him for arranging the plumber.
He told himself he was anxious to finish the hocus-pocus and return Vance to normal, but the truth itched at the back of his brain. He wanted to see Emilie again.
He thought about dropping by her shop today, just to see how things were going, maybe buy a candle or something. She’d probably think he was checking up on her.
He poured himself an industrial strength cup of coffee and stared at the calendar.
“You’re looking pensive this morning,” Vance said, startling him out of his reverie. His brother looked rather well for having woken up naked next to the lily pond three nights earlier.
Daniel poured another cup of java as Vance took a seat at the kitchen table. “Just keeping tabs on the witch.”
“The witch? That sounds ominous.” Vance smirked and waggled his eyebrows as he sipped the hot brew.
“It’s her job description, not a snide remark. We’ve got twenty-three days until you—”
“Shhh!” Vance gave his brother a severe look. “Beth is asleep upstairs.”
“I didn’t hear her come in last night.”
“We got in about 4:00 this morning. Spent the evening by the lake after we finished house-hunting.”
“Is she going to hang around today? We don’t know when Emilie will be coming by.”
“Don’t worry. Beth has plans this afternoon with her grandmother or something. She’ll be gone before noon, but I want to let her sleep in.”
“Too late for that, sweetie.” A head of flaxen-blond hair appeared around the kitchen doorway, followed by Bethany’s slim form wrapped in one of Vance’s gray sweatshirts.
She scrunched up her bare toes as she crossed the terra cotta tiles of the kitchen floor and grabbed a coffee cup from the rack. “What’s all the hush-hush about this morning? Don’t tiptoe around on my account.” She smiled up at Daniel and sidled past him.
Vance pushed back his chair so Bethany could snuggle on his lap. Their faces fused in a kiss that fogged up Vance’s wire-rimmed glasses.
“Morning, Beth,” Daniel said. “Sorry if we woke you.”
“It doesn’t matter what time I go to bed, Daniel. I can’t sleep past eight no matter what.”
Vance gave him a pointed glance over the top of Bethany’s rumpled curls. Point taken. Clam up about Emilie for now.
“Well, those of us who actually have to commute to work better get moving. Have a nice day, you two. Vance, I’ll check in later.”
“Bye, bro. Chill a little, okay? You work too hard.”
Daniel rolled his eyes. Bethany waved then wrapped herself around Vance again. Daniel left the house without a second glance from either of them.
As he walked across the lawn toward his car, he scooped up the morning paper. The headline of the Cypress Express immediately caught his eye—

DANGER LURKING IN OAK HAVEN PARK.
Late night jogger reports encounter with rabid dog.

A quick scan of the copy confirmed his fears. Someone had seen Vance in wolf form before Daniel reached him. The man hadn’t been injured, but the encounter scared him enough to go to the police. The final paragraph of the article assured residents that the mayor had authorized extra police patrols in the park.
Daniel sighed and climbed into his car, tossing the paper across the front seat. He thought of the windowless basement room where Vance had spent two of his three-night curse this month. The steel padlock had been torn from the hinges, bent with an otherworldly strength. If Daniel hadn’t found his grandfather’s grimoire and hastily fashioned the holding spell for the silver chain, Vance might have hurt someone. And if Emilie Swanson didn’t come up with a cure in twenty-three days or less, he’d have to consider more drastic measures to keep Vance safe during the next full moon.
He definitely needed to stop by Mystikal Excursions and check on her progress, whether she liked it or not.

* * *

You can find WOLFSBANE: UNLEASH THE WOLF at:

All Romance eBooks

Coming soon to other ebook retailers.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Holiday pricing!

From now until January 1st – More Than a Fantasy and Seven Days in Sydney are only $0.99!



Researcher Tess Ronson has been given a golden opportunity. When she agrees to have her consciousness downloaded into a prototype android body, she’s thrilled by the scientific and medical possibilities. The body, nicknamed Sydney by its creator, is physically perfect and stunningly beautiful, two things Tess is not.


For a week she lives a life she’s only dreamed of and learns far more about her own burning sexuality and untamable spirit than she thought possible. But after seven days in Sydney she also discovers the consequences of giving herself over to her every wicked desire.

 

Amazon
Smashwords




When her fantasy man offers her freedom, will Mara pay the price?


Forced into exile on a private Aegean island, Mara Zander longs for freedom. Prince Tiran of Atlantis has watched the red haired beauty from afar for weeks. When he breaks the centuries old law that forbids contact with humans, he discovers he’ll have to compete with his brother, Poseidon, to win Mara’s heart and set her free.




Amazon


And still free to borrow for Amazon Prime Members!



Wednesday, September 05, 2012

Now in Print!

I'm thrilled to announce my full length paranormal romance, INTERVIEW WITH A GARGOYLE, is now available in Print!

The Long and the Short Reviews had this to say about it:

Interview with a Gargoyle is a super amazing story with fascinating characters and a love between two kindred souls. The details were superb, the editing squeaky clean, and the dialogue brisk, entertaining and insightful to the characters. There is nothing I didn't like about this book. It's surprisingly fresh, innovative and just plain fun.









Here's a teaser:

“Run! Get out of here while you can.” Palmer’s strangled command stopped Melodie halfway around the front display counter. She skidded to a halt and glanced back over her shoulder. DeWitt had Palmer by the stretchy collar of his T-shirt and was lifting his linebacker body about a foot off the floor.

Ignoring Palmer’s gasping and his ineffectual kicks, DeWitt turned his predatory gaze on Mel. “I only want the jewel. Don’t make me hurt him to prove how desperate I am.”

And there went her escape plan. In a strange way, Palmer had saved her life, and weird as he was, she couldn’t let him suffer on her account. “Jewel? You’re looking for a jewel?” Why hadn’t he just said so in the first place?

“The Cabochon is a cursed jewel. It will bring you nothing but tragedy. Hand it over to me, and you’ll escape its curse.”

“Ah, okay. I think I know what you’re talking about. The Gogmar gave me something in the alley, right before he…died.”

Tortured eyes searched hers, and she had the distinct impression he could see into her soul. The oddly naked feeling made her shiver.

“It gave you the Cabochon?”

“It gave me a sapphire. Now, put Palmer down gently, and I’ll give it to you if you promise to leave us alone, okay?”

She made a “down boy” gesture with both hands.

“If you give me the Cabochon, I promise, you’ll never see me again.”

That seemed reasonable to Mel, but apparently not to Palmer, who still dangled in midair.
“Don’t do it, Melodie. He’s pure evil. He’ll kill us both if we give him what he wants.”

“Oh, please.” DeWitt dropped Palmer then, totally ignoring the “gently” part of Mel’s request. “Get over yourself, demon hunter. There’s nothing pure about me.”

Clutching his chest, from which DeWitt had likely ripped a handful of hair, Palmer slithered away along the floor. With a lot more bravado than she felt, Mel inched back into the kitchen and put herself between DeWitt and Marty, who still sat grinning like a fool on the very edge of the center workstation.

“Okay. Nice and easy,” she said, holding up her hands like this was an old-fashioned stickup. Since it appeared the only weapon DeWitt possessed was Palmer’s sword, she probably could have made a break for it, but she really was more than willing to part with whatever it was Creature Boy had given her.

“It’s in my pocket.” She reached slowly for the gem that the Gogmar had pressed into her hand. DeWitt’s tawny gaze followed her movements, skeptical but anxious.

Judging by his expression, Mel held all the power. He wanted the cursed jewel just as badly as she wanted to get rid of it. When her cold fingers scraped the crumb-dusted bottom seam of her apron pocket, her heart shriveled a little. With a reassuring smile for DeWitt, she felt to the left, then to the right. Nothing.

She held open her pocket and glanced inside. There was nothing there but a few shards of antler and a little ball of bright green lint. “Um…”

DeWitt’s accusatory glare made her spine tingle. “You lied to me, lass.” The timbre of his voice brought to mind the windswept hillsides of Scotland and the icy depths of a cold hell. He was not amused.

“I did have it. I swear. It must have fallen out of my pocket in the alley. It’s probably still out there under the…ooze.”

DeWitt wasn’t buying it. His ire wilted her. Under his alluring golden gaze, she felt guilty.
“I swear, I don’t have it.”

“Yes, you do.” The accusation hung in the sweet-scented air of the kitchen for a second; then DeWitt lunged for her.

[Find out what happens next...AMAZON.COM]


Wednesday, August 08, 2012

Two books, two bucks!

To celebrate the re-release of my erotic-romance novella MORE THAN A FANTASY, my short story KEN'JA will be FREE at Amazon.com from today through Saturday August 11th.




When her fantasy man offers her freedom, will Mara pay the price?

Forced into exile on a private Aegean island, Mara Zander longs for freedom. Prince Tiran of Atlantis has watched the red haired beauty from afar for weeks. When he breaks the centuries old law that forbids contact with humans, he discovers he’ll have to compete with his brother, Poseidon, to win Mara’s heart and set her free.


Five Angels! More Than a Fantasy is a wonderful short story with an imaginative plot, a delightful heroine, and two very intoxicating males. Bernadette Gardner has created a unique story centered around the desire to have your fantasy come true and what a wonderful experience it can be when it does. – Shayley, Fallen Angel Reviews



Mate or die! Thal Warrior Tige D’Vron battles the biological imperative of his people. Can Zira, a mere human, withstand the mating frenzy?

When two prisoners of war find themselves unexpectedly freed from their captivity they discover they have no choice but to rely on each other to survive. Tige D’Vron, a Thalian Warrior, and Zira Teynor, a human intelligence courier, set out together across a nameless planet to avoid recapture by their enemies, the reptilian Ketomir.

Soon, however, Tige becomes aware of a growing desire for his human compatriot, a desire he cannot control. Thalians have long battled the Ken’Ja, the biological imperative to mate or die. In an effort to protect Zira from himself, Tige forces her away from him, hoping she will flee to where he cannot find her, because when he does, he will claim her in a mating frenzy too intense for a mere human to withstand.


5 ANGELS! Bernadette Gardner instantly grabs the reader’s attention… Ken’Ja has earned 5 Angels for its imaginative story, passion, and touching romance! – Shayley, Fallen Angel Reviews

Saturday, July 07, 2012

The Liebster Award

Today, my new blog buddy A. Catherine Noon nominated me for a Liebster Award. From the post on her blog I learned that:

The Liebster Blog Award is an award offered to upcoming bloggers. The German word Liebster is a word for favorite, dearest, beloved, sweetest, cutest, nicest, kind, and pleasant.



Here are the rules:

1. post 11 things about yourself

2. answer the questions that the nominator has set for you and create 11 questions for the people you've tagged to answer

3. choose 5 people and link them in your post

4. Go to their blogs and tell them in a comment

REMEMBER, No tag backs!

11 Things About Me

1. I love the aroma of coffee, but I don’t like to drink it.

2. I am also not a morning person, but the older I get, the less I can stay up late, so I guess I’m now a ‘middle of the day’ person.

3. I love to take long walks. Walking is a form of meditation for me.

4. I’m a life-long sci-fi fan.

5. I’m a chocoholic.

6. I spent most of my life despising celery, until about a week ago. Now I love it.

7. I used to consider myself a ‘dog’ person, now I’m a ‘cat’ person.

8. I can’t go into a movie theater late. I need to be there before the previews start.

9. I taught myself to like mustard.

10. I just started Tweeting, but I don’t Facebook.

11. I’m suspicious of Siri. I don’t like electronic devices to talk back.


My nominator didn’t post new questions to me, so I’ll answer the ones from her post:

1. Why did you start blogging?

It seemed like a great way to feed my need to write a little non-fiction now and then.

2. How has blogging affected your life?

I’ve met a lot of great people, but it’s also a huge time-suck.

3. Would you call yourself a 'blog-addict'?

Nope.

4. Which two words describe your personal style perfectly?

Shabby chic.

5. What is your favorite time of the day and why?

9:00 PM That’s when my writing work day ends.

6. What is your inspiration in life?

All kinds of art inspires me.

7. How do you plan to spend the next three years?

I hope to launch a new romance series, and make enough money to pay off my bills and take a decent vacation.

8. What is your favorite time of the day? Why?

See question 5.

9. Which blogger inspires you the most in the blogging world?

I’ll have to get back to you…

10. What is your favorite TV series?

Right now…The Vampire Diaries.

11. What is your favorite electronic gadget?

My Kindle!

My Nominations

1. If you’re reading this and you have a blog, consider yourself nominated. :)
2. Sneaky, aren’t I?



Saturday, June 30, 2012

Knoontime Knitting Interview

Check out my interview over at the Knoontime Knitting Blog. I'm talking about my two favorite things, writing and crafting!

Friday, June 08, 2012

Book Lover's Blowout: Vacation Getaway

Looking for books that will get you through those long summer days lounging on the beach, or sitting in a plane?

The Book Lover's Blowout summer sale is here!

From June 8, 2012 through June 22, 2012 all the books featured at the Blowout are $0.99. Go stock up before summer slips away!

Win Prizes too!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

New re-release!

Now available exclusively from Amazon.com:

Mate or die! Thal Warrior Tige D’Vron battles the biological imperative of his people. Can Zira, a mere human, withstand the mating frenzy?


When two prisoners of war find themselves unexpectedly freed from their captivity they discover they have no choice but to rely on each other to survive. Tige D’Vron, a Thalian Warrior, and Zira Teynor, a human intelligence courier, set out together across a nameless planet to avoid recapture by their enemies, the reptilian Ketomir.

Soon, however, Tige becomes aware of a growing desire for his human compatriot, a desire he cannot control. Thalians have long battled the Ken’Ja, the biological imperative to mate or die. In an effort to protect Zira from himself, Tige forces her away from him, hoping she will flee to where he cannot find her, because when he does, he will claim her in a mating frenzy too intense for a mere human to withstand. [12,000 words]



Note the awesome cover art by Dara England at LFD Designs for Authors.

Ken'Ja is available to purchase or borrow.


Wednesday, May 02, 2012

The Biggest Losers on TV

I try to avoid being too controversial on my blog, but today I just had to link to this fantastic blog post that uncovers some of the horrifying truths about the terrible show The Biggest Loser and why we should discourage people from following the dangerous weight loss techniques put forth by this show and endorsed by our government and its representatives.

There's nothing entertaining, smart, imformative or healthy about The Biggest Loser and the behaviors it encourages. The saddest part is we're being led to believe the contestants should be congratuled for endangering their health in the fruitless pursuit of the so called 'perfect' body weight or shape. Shame on The Biggest Loser, its producers, contestants and advocates for doing more to damage the health of the American people than to preserve it.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

When Science Meets Fiction

I'm over at Killer Chicks today talking about how cool it is when reality finally catches up with your imagination.

Drop by and tell me what you think about the future.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Now Available!

My first 2012 re-re-release is now available!


Something is on the prowl in Pelican Bluff, Minnesota. When the mayor calls in cryptozoologist Laurel Jensen to investigate strange sightings of a winged, demon-like beast roaming the forest, she can’t resist. It’s not her passion for the unknown that draws her, though, but her need to come face to face with the creature that’s been haunting her dreams.

He calls to her, eager to lure her into his clutches and claim her for his own. Certainly not a run-of-the-mill cryptid, more than a clever hoax, the beast is real, and it’s searching for the perfect mate.


Wednesday, April 04, 2012

I'm still here!

I know I haven't posted in a while, but don't worry, it's because I'm busy writing and rewriting and planning my releases and re-releases for 2012 and 2013.

Stay tuned for my first re-release of 2012 -


Will she choose a demon lover over the man of her dreams?


Cryptozoolgist Laurel Jensen is finally on the trail of the winged beast that haunts her dreams. He calls to her, eager to lure her into his clutches and claim her for his own. Will she give herself to the erotic allure or will she deny the Demon of Pelican Bluff?

COMING SOON to major ebook retailers...

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

The bottom line

Today I'm over at Killer Chicks talking about indie income vs. traditional publishing income. Stop by and share some numbers with us.

Tuesday, February 07, 2012

Good news of the day...

"Proposition 8 serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationships and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples," said Judge Stephen Reinhardt in the majority opinion. "The Constitution simply does not allow for 'laws of this sort'."




Wednesday, February 01, 2012

The Zero Draft

I'm at Killer Chicks today talking about how a new approach to writing put over 73,000 words on my page in January. Stop by and talk to me about the Zero Draft.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Meet God (zilla) Today!

I'm thrilled to announce the release of JB Lynn's CONFESSIONS OF A SLIGHTLY NEUROTIC HITWOMAN - available today in electronic format and coming in February in print. If you're looking for a fabulous, funny, frenetic, exciting read, pick up this book!


About CONFESSIONS:

Maggie Lee is not your average hitwoman. For one thing, she’s never killed anyone. For another, after hitting her head in the car accident that killed her sister, her new best friend is a talking lizard—a picky eater, obsessed with Wheel of Fortune, that only Maggie can hear.



Maggie, who can barely take care of herself, is desperate to help her injured and orphaned niece get the best medical care possible, so she reluctantly accepts a mobster’s lucrative job offer: major cash to kill his monstrous son-in-law.

Paired with Patrick Mulligan, a charming murder mentor (who happens to moonlight as a police detective), Maggie stumbles down her new career path, contending with self-doubt, three meddling aunts, a semi-psychic friend predicting her doom, and a day job she hates. Oh, and let’s not forget about Paul Kowalski, the sexy beat cop who could throw her ass in jail if he finds out what she’s up to.


Training has never been so complicated! And, this time, Maggie has to get the job done. Because if she doesn’t … she’s the mob’s next target.



Sunday, January 22, 2012

Deep in the writing cave

I'm still here, just buried in writing, reading, editing and constructing new things for 2013. Mostly, though I'm Zentangling.



Wednesday, January 04, 2012

I'm stopping

No, not writing - stop by Killer Chicks today to find out what I'm going to stop doing RIGHT NOW! I bet you'll want to stop too.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Dare me!

I'm over at Killer Chicks once again, taking about doing forbidden things. Do you dare check it out?

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

The scattershot approach to writing

I have a confession to make. Stop by Killer Chicks today and find out what it is. And tomorrow, find out about JB Lynn's Confessions [of a Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman].

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Thursday, December 01, 2011

Book Lovers Buffet!

A group of dedicated authors have gotten together to provide readers with a smorgasbord of specially priced books for the month of December. [Click on the button or the link below]




At the Book Lovers Buffet, dozens of authors are offering their books at $0.99 each for the entire month.

You can find Contemporary, Erotica, Fantasy, Horror, Sci-Fi, Historical, Inspirational, Mystery, Non-Fiction, Paranormal, Romance, YA, and Women’s Fiction all listed on the gorgeous blog site.

Each book can be found on sale at Amazon.com, BN.com and/or Smashwords and many at all three sites.

So if you’re looking to load up your Kindle, Nook or other e-reader device to treat yourself for the holidays, buy for friends or family or just to feed your need to read, visit Book Lovers Buffet and load up – you won’t gain a pound!

Special thanks to the talented ladies who designed the site and worked tirelessly to bring it all together:Carly Carson, Vivi Anna, Jennette Marie Powell, E. Ayers, Linda Andrews, Deb Hale, JE Hopkins, Jill James, Renee Pace, Barbara Phinney, Nina Pierce, and Stephanie Queen.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Happy Black Friday

Santa's Workshop

I promote retail anarchy each year by refusing to go shopping on Black Friday. I prefer to have Santa's eleves make my holiday gifts for me and deliver them via sleigh so my day after Thanksgiving is usually spent decorating at home and eating turkey leftovers.

How do you spend Black Friday? Are you up at the crack of midnight and off to the mall? Are you celebrating Cyber Monday early by doing your online shopping? Or are you just relaxing with a turkey sandwich and a Christmas movie?

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Contest at Killer Chicks!

Who's your favorite vampire?

Visit my post at Killer Kicks between now and November 23rd and tell me about your favorite vampire for a chance to win a copy [print or ebook] of UNCROSS MY HEART!


Wednesday, November 09, 2011

What's your fantasy dream job?

I'm over at Killer Chicks today talking about what I would be if I could be anything in the universe. Stop by and tell me about your dream job.

Monday, October 31, 2011

Merry Halloween

I've never had to clean snow off of my Halloween decorations before.



I think Mother Nature has her holidays mixed up. It's supposed to know on Christmas Eve, not two days before Halloween. I hope our early Nor'easter is not a harbinger of the bad winter to come.

How are you spending your Halloween? I hope it isn't shoveling snow.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Good editing makes all the difference

This news story about a giant Lego man who washed ashore in Florida caught my attention this morning.

The 100-pound counterfeit statue [it's not really Lego, say spokesman for the company], is emblazoned with the words: NO REAL THAN YOU ARE. Which is good for a laugh if you think about it.

But imagine if someone had edited that to read: NO LESS REAL THAN YOU ARE.

Then it becomes a chilling philosophical comment about life, our perceptions and the nature of reality in general. Don't you think?

A good editor could have made all the difference.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

The hardest part

Today I'm over at Killer Chicks talking about the hardest part of writing a book. Stop by and tell me what your greatest obstacle is to reaching THE END.

Friday, October 21, 2011

World ends at 10:00, Film at 11:00

In case you missed it when it happened "invisibly" back in May, the world will be ending again today according to our favorite crackpot evangelist Harold Camping.

So today would be a good day to buy a lot of books. With no world stuff going on tomorrow, or ever again, we'll all have a lot of time to read.

**Edited on October 22, 2011 to add: Hmm, I guess we missed it again. Darn these invisible endings of the world.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Dark Sins and Desert Sands

Alas, I did not win Book of the Week at the Long and Short Reviews, but kudos go to my fellow Romance Diva Stephanie Draven, who did with her Silhouette Nocturne Book: Dark Sins and Desert Sands.

Read more about Stephanie's book HERE. Congratulations Stephanie!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Book of the Week Nomination

INTERVIEW WITH A GARGOYLE, is up for Book of the Week at the Long and Short Reviews!
I'm in excellent company over there. Check out the list of nominated books and cast your vote for Book of the Week!

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/index.htm

Monday, October 10, 2011

The Long and the Short of It

Five Books!

The Long and Short Reviews gave Interview with a Gargoyle a positively glowing 5-Book review. Here's a snippet:

Interview with a Gargoyle is a super amazing story with fascinating characters and a love between two kindred souls. The details were superb, the editing squeaky clean, and the dialogue brisk, entertaining and insightful to the characters. There is nothing I didn’t like about this book.

Of course, this only means I have to work a lot harder on the sequel. Wish me luck!

** Edited to add - on October 11, 2011 INTERVIEW is #7 on the Samhain Best Seller list in some very prestigious company.

Friday, October 07, 2011

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

Interview with a Gargoyle

It's finally available! I'd like to thank everyone who pre-ordered INTERVIEW WITH A GARGOYLE. I hope you find it worth the wait.

So much work went into this book, it’s hard to believe I finally ended up with a finished product considering how many times I rewrote it, shifted scenes around, added and removed things. At one point, I was literally cutting and pasting – with scissors and tape – scenes in a new order so the narrative would flow better. I thought it was a risk getting into the villian’s head, but since that’s where the hero Blake spends so much of his time, I felt the reader had to be there with him to understand the madness and desperation behind the Witch Hunter’s curse. There are scenes in this book that still bring me to tears, years after they were first written.

Visit Samhain Publishing for an excerpt - and on Wednesday, stop by Killer Chicks to read an interview with the gargoyle himself, my hero, Blake DeWitt.

Monday, October 03, 2011

Twofer

I’m all over the place today – check out my post about hot alien anteater shifters at Lucy Woodhull’s Miss Worded Blog, and later today you can drop by Excerpt Monday for a chance to win a copy of INTERVIEW WITH A GARGOYLE, which releases tomorrow! It’s like getting two for one.


And in case you haven’t noticed, the blog looks a little different. Blogger’s new design template attacked me out of the blue yesterday, so I had to do some last minute updates. I hope to get everything all spiffy again soon, so stay tuned.

Sunday, October 02, 2011

Is this getting ridiculous?

I've been having to jump through hoops lately to post a comment to anyone's blog on Blogger. I've looked up the problem and solving it seems to consist of 'not clicking stay signed in' when you sign into your Google account. Not much of a resolution.

I'm wondering if this is why I get so few comments here and I'm seeing a drop in comments on other blogs.

Well, Blogger? Let's get off our butts and figure out why no one can post comments anymore. Obviously it's a widespread problem since it seems to be the top issue on the Blogger message boards. What's the deal?

What's the point of interactive blogs if people can't post comments to them??

Monday, September 26, 2011

The Devil made me do it!

My first review for Devil's Due is in! Sensual Reads gives it 4.5 stars and says:

"Alex is fantastic, he is cold on the outside but when you begin to understand his feelings he becomes an instant favorite."

Read the rest of the review here:


Wednesday, September 21, 2011

The art {or science} of promotion

I'm over at Killer Chicks today, wondering what types of promo work best. Put on your READER cap and come talk to me.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Guest Blogger-Lucy Woodhull

I'd like to thank my fellow Liquid Silver author Lucy Woodhull for stopping by today to talk about her new sci-fi rom-com release, RAGNAR AND JULIET!

Thank you so much, Jennifer, for allowing me to stop by to chat about my book, RAGNAR AND JULIET, a romantic comedy space opera available now from Liquid Silver Books. "Romantic comedy space opera" is a fancy way of saying "hot alien sexy times on thrusting star ships."





Here's the blurb:

RAGNAR AND JULIET by Lucy Woodhull

Bounty hunting is usually so easy. Flash a little cleavage, mix a roofie cocktail, and Juliet has her man right where she wants him: out cold, ready to be swapped for cash. Her passions are freedom, trashy clothes, and pie -- not necessarily in that order.

Hunky alien ship captain Ragnar doesn't deserve torture at the hands of the psychotic king who hired Juliet; he liberated one of William the Nefarious' illegal concubines. Juliet can't ignore such a noble act. She doesn’t trust men, but this one, with the kindest smile she's ever seen, picks away at her resolve to stay aloof and clothed. He's just so...nice! Crazy she can deal with; sincerity is terrifying.


Before she gives in to her irrational urge to get a timeshare with him (and his cute tail), they're caught by the bad guys. Ragnar disappears and abandons her to her disgusting captors -- so much for togetherness. Perhaps he’s not such a saint. Even worse, Nefarious William (who prefers "Bob") has nominated her for Concubine of the Evening. This dubious honor does not thrill her, and only a few hours remain before the king’s mind-altering drugs obliterate her free will.

Sexual slavery might not be fatal, but Juliet would rather die. Of course, the third option (run away to a beach and hump Ragnar silly) is the best, if they can live that long.


I think witty people are the sexiest, so I tried to give my hero and heroine (you guessed it -- Ragnar and Juliet) witty banter galore. Of course, a smart-mouthed hero is just as likely to get smacked as kissed, and rightly so. They don't teach it Biology 101, but I happen to know that the funny bone leads directly to the lady bits. Maybe we should call it the funny boner? How else to explain my illicit lust for Mel Brooks and Will Ferrell?

I sincerely hope that RAGNAR AND JULIET can give you a chuckle at the end of a long day. Or during a long day. Heck, just call in sick to work, draw a bubble bath, and read romance for eight hours. Dr. Lucy* says it’s okay.


*Not a medical doctor.


You can check out RAGNAR AND JULIET at Liquid Silver Books and read a sample. (http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/books/ragnarandjuliet.htm)


Thanks so much for stopping by!


Lucy Woodhull

http://www.lucywoodhull.com/

Be sure to stop by Lucy's awesome blog, Miss Worded, to find out more about Ragnar and Juliet and Lucy!

Saturday, September 10, 2011

First time for everything!

A pre-release review for INTERVIEW WITH A GARGOYLE [Samhain, October 4th]

Reviews are sometimes hard to come by, with so many books out there and reviewers' time at a premium, so I'm always thrilled to get a review - especially a RECOMMENDED READ!

Rose Nymph at Literary Nymphs had this to say about IWG:

Interview with a Gargoyle is a fantastically engaging story from start to finish. Melodie is a great character, full of spirit and humility. The hidden world that she is thrust into is gradually exposed and the reader travels the same journey into the underworld along with her. The conflict between Blake’s good natured soul and his desperate actions gives his character great depth. There is also a strong supporting cast of characters and the way this story ends makes me hope there could be more in store for some of them in the future. 


You can pre-order your copy for Kindle at Amazon.com or other formats from Samhain Publishing

Thursday, September 08, 2011

Agent as Publisher?

I'm over at Killer Chicks today talking about the new trend of literary agents venturing into publishing. Stop by and tell me what you think.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

One more re-release!

The last of my ‘out of print’ titles is now available!




On a cold December night Abby Shore saved Jake Beaumont’s life when she found him in the park, bleeding from wounds sustained in a mugging.


Now, three years later, she’s saving his life again, this time from a hired assassin. Herself. Abby is a vampire killer and Jake is her latest assignment.


The bonds of love and friendship that have held Jake and Abby together for three years are stretched to the limit when Abby learns the only way to save the man she loves is to give her heart, her soul and her very life blood for him. Together they learn there’s no way to avoid getting burned in the Bonfire of the Vampires.

Pick up your copy for $0.99 at:

Amazon.com

Smashwords

All Romance eBooks

Monday, August 29, 2011

Recasting a hero

Today I'm guest blogging at Paranormal Romantics about how sometimes as great as a hero is, he may not be the right man for the job. Come comment for a chance to win a book!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Rain, rain and more rain...oh...wait...

Evacuation procedures for Hurricane Irene drove us from the shore three days early, so I'm at home again, plugged back in and watchning it pour watching the sun come out.*

To everyone in the storm's path, stay safe and dry.

Here's a picture I took at the beach, showing one of Irene's advanced scouts checking out the territory.


Note the tiny funnel cloud - obviously a harbinger of the doom to come.

*As of 10:30 am maybe we're in the eye of the storm, but everything looks rather benign here. I realize there were places hit hard by the storm, but once again, it seems the media has given itself something to do by going right to reporting gloom and doom rather than sticking to the facts. Sure, storms are unpredictable, but you would think the technology that allowed them to decide 65 million people would be effected by the storm, would also be able to tell them by the time it hit Northern NJ it would be little more than an average rainy day.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Unplugged

I'm on vacation this week!

After seven days of bumming around at the beach, hopefully I'll be raring to start writing again and all ready for fall.

How are you unwinding this summer?

Sunday, August 21, 2011

It goes without saying [but I'll say it anyway]

I’ve been following the Publish America vs. JK Rowling train wreck this week, and I have to admit it boggles my mind that anyone would fall for the claims made by PA and plunk down money for a chance to have anyone who is not an agent or editor read their work.


Think about it – they’re saying for $49, they will ‘bring your book to the attention’ of a famous person. [Ms. Rowling isn’t the first. They’ve apparently done this with others, including the President]. Now, ask yourself, what does ‘bringing to the attention’ mean?

They could simply jot your title down on a cocktail napkin and slip it under the stall the next time she’s in a public restroom. There. Brought to her attention. They could – and I suppose this is what PA clients were thinking – arrive for lunch at her castle in Scotland with a box of books and discuss each work individually for a moment or two over tea and scones. Yeah, because JK Rowling has time for that. She also has time to read a truck load of books and comment on each one [that’s part of the deal – you write her a short note and she’ll comment back.] Think about it. Please.

What busy celebrity or public figure, whether it’s the President of the United States, a well-known actor or a successful author, really has the time or the inclination to sit down and read dozens or hundreds or, heaven forbid, thousands of books and make personal comments on each one? They have lives and jobs and families, and while I’m sure they read for pleasure, they don’t have time to give individual authors bragging rights. ‘JK Rowling read my book and liked it!’ ZOMG!

And even if they did, [which is beyond unlikely], having an author or well-known person read your book is not the path to literary success. Sure, it’s nice to know someone who might be inclined to provide you with a cover quote, but that’s about all they could do for you. If anyone thinks JK Rowling or Stephen King or any author is going to phone their agent or their publisher and even vaguely recommend you get a publishing contract, or worse, SHOW your book to their publisher, you’re sadly mistaken. This is NOT HOW IT’S DONE. It’s just not. It’s a sad cliché perpetuated by movies and television shows. The hopeful author hounding a famous writer, asking them to read their manuscript in hopes of getting it passed along to someone who can actually write them a check – is a plot device, a trope. Maybe it happened once in the history of the industry, but like the Big Bang, it’s not something you see more than once in a gazillion years.

So, though it shouldn’t need to be said, please don’t fall for anyone promising to show your work, published or unpublished, to a celebrity. It’s useless, even if, on the outside chance, they actually do it, you’ll get nothing valuable out of it. If you’re looking for literary success, send your book to a reputable agent, or the appropriate editor at a well-known publishing house, not to JK Rowling, President Obama or, heaven forbid, Publish America.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

HAES and the art of surrender

I’m over at Killer Chicks today talking about knowing when it’s time to quit. Come find out what I quit doing and why.

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

Get some Fresh Blood on your Kindle!

Fresh Blood is now available from Amazon.com!


A desperate call from her missing sister sends Erica Talbot on a dangerous rescue mission. Determined to prevent her twin from becoming a feeder, Erica steps out of her quiet, lonely existence and into a dark underworld where vampires make the rules.

Maxwell Hart is a vampire investigator. Part of his job is to protect humans. The moment he lays eyes on Erica, he knows she doesn’t belong in his world, but that doesn’t stop him from wanting her there.

With Max as her guide, Erica descends into a world where humans willingly give up control to their vampire masters. Posing as Max’s submissive feeder, Erica discovers a strange freedom in relinquishing her hard won self-control to Max.

After just one taste of Erica’s blood, Max finds he hungers for no one else. How can he possess her when drawing her deeper into his dark world will change her forever?

 
Don't forget, if you like Fresh Blood and want follow Elena's story - pick up a copy of La Vida Muerta!
 

Thursday, August 04, 2011

Release day!

Available today!




Who would you sell your soul to save?

For Ceara Landon, the answer to that question is easy. She would do anything for her younger brother Kevin, even if saving his life means shattering his dreams.

On first glance it seems the skyrocketing success of Kevin’s band, Pillars of Stone, is a dream come true, but Ceara sees the truth. His increasing drug use will destroy him and ruin any chance he has for lasting happiness.

Ceara traces the source of Kevin’s dubious rise to fame back to night club owner Alexander Quinn. The gorgeous entrepreneur hides a terrible secret. He buys souls for the Devil, and he purchased Kevin’s in exchange for fame and fortune. In desperation, Ceara offers her own soul in exchange for Kevin’s, and for the first time in his lonely existence, Alex risks everything to refuse. He agrees to help Kevin sober up and guide his band to true success, but the price for Ceara is high. She’ll have to bargain with her heart to save her brother along with the man who wants to possess her body as well as her soul.


To find out more about DEVIL’S DUE visit

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9482-devils-due.aspx


Be sure to stop by Killer Chicks tomorrow to read an exclusive excerpt!

Monday, August 01, 2011

Have you visited Excerpt Monday?

For a sneak peek of the cover art for my August release, Devil's Due, drop by the Excerpt Monday blog today. A comment enters you to win one of two gift baskets, one of which features both a copy of Devil's Due and Seven Days in Sydney.

Stop by and say hello!

Monday, July 25, 2011

Nothing like a good stretch


I wish I could get this comfortable under the dining room table. Or anywhere.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

New Release!

If you could be someone else for a week, would you want to? What if you could be someone else forever?



Researcher Tess Ronson has been given a golden opportunity. When she agrees to have her consciousness downloaded into a prototype android body, she’s thrilled by the scientific and medical possibilities. The body, nicknamed Sydney by its creator, is physically perfect and stunningly beautiful, two things Tess is not.

For a week she lives a life she’s only dreamed of and learns far more about her own burning sexuality and untamable spirit than she thought possible. But after seven days in Sydney she also discovers the consequences of giving herself over to her every wicked desire.



Excerpt:



“She’s stunning.” Tess Ronson adjusted her thick-rimmed glasses and tilted her head as she circled the seven-foot-tall glass cylinder in the center of Gentron Inc.’s Level 4 Security lab.


The naked female form currently suspended by delicate silicon wires within the cylinder was a work of art as well as cutting-edge robotic science.


Long, copper-colored hair swirled around her pale shoulders. Dark pink areolas surrounded her distended nipples, tipping breasts that looked to be perfect D-cups. Her hips flared from a tiny waist, and her flat abs sported a tight slit of a navel. Between her slightly spread thighs sat a triangle of neatly trimmed auburn curls. Long, long legs stretched down to delicate ankles and dainty feet.


Her eyes were open, revealing light blue irises circled by a fringe of burnished lashes. Arched brows gave her a patrician appearance. Her lips were the perfect shade of pink.


Beside Tess stood Dr. Jared Simon, head of Gentron’s robotics division, hands clasped behind his back, preening. This was his triumph, and he looked about to crow.


Behind him, two other members of his top-secret research team lingered, also staring at the body in the cylinder. Melissa Stanz, PhD held a clipboard in front of her. Her dark eyes studied Tess more than the exquisite construction in the sterile tank. Next to her, Marc Roker, MD, more mechanic than physician, gaped likewise at the culmination of Simon’s last ten feverish years of work.


“She’s even more perfect than I envisioned her,” Simon announced. His eyes shimmered a bit in the fluorescent lab lighting. Pride mixed with something akin to worship made his normally stoic features seem to glow.


“Have you completed your checklist?” Melissa asked. She scribbled a few notes on her clipboard. The clinical psychiatrist disdained electronic input devices, so while everyone else employed at Gentron, Inc. walked around with iPads and BlackBerrys, Dr. Stanz carried paper notebooks and ink pens, leaving her overworked assistant the task of typing up all of her daily notes.


Tearing her gaze away from the tank, Tess nodded. “I told all my family and friends that I’m going to a symposium in Detroit for the week. I’ve recorded a couple of voicemails I can send remotely so people will think I’m calling in but missing them. I had my snail mail stopped, but I’ll be keeping up with e-mail since I’d do that anyway. Everyone I know is aware that I’ve got a coworker named Sydney staying in my apartment while I’m gone.”


“You sound excited about it, but I have to be sure you’re ready for this. You can still change your mind.” Melissa met her gaze. They’d been discussing the next phase of Dr. Simon’s experiment for months now, and if Tess had to reassure anyone one more time that she was ready to have her consciousness transferred into the beautiful body in the stasis tank, she’d scream.


This was a dream come true, not only for Jared Simon, who would get to see his most advanced android construction finally walking and talking and interacting with the world, but for Tess who, for the space of seven days, could escape her slightly plump, mousy-haired, nearsighted self and see the world through the robotic eyes of a supermodel.


“I’m one hundred percent ready for this, Dr. Stanz. This research is my life’s work too. All I can think about is how this technology will help burn victims, paraplegics, people with catastrophic injuries who’ll be able to walk around and live and work and communicate with their families while their real bodies heal. If this experiment works—”


“Not if, Tess. There’s no room for if in my work,” Dr. Simon reminded her sternly.


Chastised by his tone, she backtracked. “Of course. I meant when—”


“Once this phase of the research is concluded, we can consider the implications for life extension. No one will ever be trapped in a dying or dysfunctional body again. There will be no incurable illnesses, no irreparable injuries. Maybe even no such thing as death.”


Tess’s entire body tingled at the thought. Sydney represented the ultimate medical intervention, the answer to every disease and disorder known to man. What couldn’t be cured, one day, could simply be discarded, and an ailing person’s mind could be uploaded into a perfect, healthy, strong, disease-free biomechanical casing customized to any desired outward appearance.


The four people in this room stood on the frontier of science and technology so advanced it would transform the world the moment it was revealed to the general population. Tess felt there could be no higher honor. The mere suggestion of backing out made her ill.


Melissa glanced at Dr. Simon. “Then let’s get started.” She backed away from the tank, still making notes.


Tess’s heart rate soared. This was it. She’d dreamed of nothing else for weeks.


While Marc and Dr. Simon opened the stasis tank and began removing the suspension wires from the android body, Tess moved to one of the two diagnostic beds at the far end of the lab. A dozen different monitors and life-support devices surrounded one of the beds. Tubes and wires and electrodes hung from a metal pole along with bags of saline, antibiotics and a concoction of extraordinarily strong drugs that would keep her fragile human body alive for the next seven days while her mind resided inside the supercomputer resting within Sydney’s titanium skull.


By outward appearances, Tess would be in a medically induced coma, but on a deeper level, she’d be functionally dead, her bodily functions controlled by machines. Even coma patients, research had shown, possessed some awareness, if not of the world around them, then of a plane of existence constructed in their own subconscious. They still resided in their bodies even though those bodies were unable to respond to outside stimuli. Tess’s case would be different. Her mind would be gone, not just hiding in a little-used section of her brain.


Tests had determined the human body could only sustain itself in this state without irreparable damage for just over seven days, even with catastrophic medical intervention. So at the end of the week, Tess’s mind would be transferred back into her body...or sooner if they ran into any problems.


Eyeing the equipment around the bed, Tess unbuttoned her lab coat and shrugged out of it. She placed that and each item of her typical working uniform—black slacks, a plain white top, white socks and soft-soled sneakers—on a straight-backed chair next to the bed. She glanced around to make sure Marc and Dr. Simon were occupied before removing her bra and panties and sliding them surreptitiously beneath all of her other clothes, as though no one might suspect she actually wore underwear. She slipped on the surgical gown Melissa had provided for her and climbed into the bed to await the injections that would knock her out and begin to loosen her mind’s hold on her body.





Seven Days in Sydney is my first all-erotica title. To find out more, visit:

Smashwords


All Romance eBooks

Amazon.com

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Unveiling

Today I unveiled my new cover art for my October Samhain release, Interview with a Gargoyle over at Killer Chicks along with some other headline news for July.

Here's the gorgeous cover... but you have to stop by Killer Chicks to find out everything else.


Saturday, July 02, 2011

Get it while it's free!

For the month of July Smashwords is offering Married to the MIB for free!

Just enter the Coupon code SSWSF at checkout to get your copy for a whopping $0.00 - hurry while supplies last. {That's supplies of days in July, by the way}.




Spence is a MIB, a special agent dedicated to protecting Earth from extraterrestrial threats. Three years ago, he fell in love with Dulcie, an alien abductee. Now the fate of an empire rests on Dulcie’s hidden memories of their affair. It’s Spence’s mission to retrieve them. It should be easy, but will Spence be able to remain objective when the love of his life experiences total recall?