New Cover Art

Here are my two new covers.

Going for Broke will be available on Oct 30th.

One Tasty Night has been available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords and all the other outlets. I changed the cover for the third time. Third times a charm, right? I believe so.

Welcome Susan Elizabeth Alvis

 

Good Morning Amber, 

I’m stopping by today to share an excerpt from A Killer’s Field, a new fictional novella motivated by the senseless I-45 Texas killings, most of which remain unsolved today.   
A few years ago, I became aware of the overwhelming number of unsolved murders along the I-45 corridor located south of Houston. In an area known as the Texas killing fields, this property has become a dumping ground for some of the country’s most horrific crimes.
Since the early 70s, bodies have been abandoned in these Texas swamps. Many young lives ended too soon and families were devastated as bodies were recovered but never truly laid to rest. Killers seemingly committed the perfect crimes and thanks to the mysteries surrounding so many of the murders, questions were forever left unanswered. 
A Killer’s Field is a short young adult Halloween story available in e-format. Published by Devine Destinies, the novella is fictional but the inspiration behind the story was developed over time by researching some of the true, and quite brutal, unsolved Texas killings.
A Killer’s Field isn’t a true story. However, when I wrote the novella, I tried to write a short story that would appeal to young people and in some small way let the victims’ families know their loved one hasn’t been forgotten. At the same time, this short story includes a warning for all readers with an underlying message in regards to social networks, a tool often used when criminals make their first connection with their future victims. 
I’d like to invite readers to check out A Killer’s Field, on sale now at Devine Destinies. Readers, please leave your comments about the cover, short story, or any aspect of A Killer’s Field. I’ll stop by again today and choose one random winner for a free copy of A Killer’s Field. If you’re posting a comment, please include an email address or check back to see how you can claim your prize.   
Thank you for sharing your blog today, Amber. I’m so glad to be here.

Susan Elizabeth Alvis
“A deadly event turns participants into victims as a Texas killing field becomes ground zero for a Halloween hunt….”A Killer’s Field, Susan Smith Alvis

Blurb:

Kristen McMurray is flabbergasted when her boyfriend decides to take her to the Texas Killing Fields for Halloween.  She’s not at all impressed with his plans for a romantic evening, let alone the idea of frolicking on the very grounds known to harbor the deadliest of secrets. 

Picturing a moonlit sky high above them and a murderer lurking in the shadows, Kristen is convinced her boyfriend has either lost his mind or worse. Perhaps he’s become a quiet lunatic waiting to emerge. 

Reluctantly, Kristen agrees to spend Halloween in the fields. Unbeknownst to her, they enter the heart of a huge Halloween hunt, an organized event and obvious trap used to entice unsuspecting victims to the very place where dozens of bodies have been previously dumped.

One brush with death leads to another, but Kristen keeps her wits about her as her boyfriend turns their Halloween night into an evening she’ll never forget. While the fields live up to their harrowing name, Kristen faces the horrors of the past. Somewhere along the way, she discovers an inner strength and a will to survive, realizing determination and the desire to live are the only elements ensuring she’ll leave the fields alive!

Excerpt:

“Where to?” I ask, giving the door a quick tug and taking my seat. I’m still irked by his lack of manners. Perhaps I’ll find a Texas gentleman while we’re hunting killers. Oh sure, there’s a plan. Like eligible bachelors frequent those fields. There’s an old adage about tempting fate. Right now, I feel as if I’m setting a determined appointment with death.

Denny starts the truck. “You’re in a mood.”

I glance to my left. “Aren’t we all?”

“You are,” he grumbles.

“I am,” I agree. “People everywhere are always in a mood. Some folks are in a good mood. Still others are…”

“Are?”

“Terrified,” I deadpan.

“You’re in a terrified mood?” he asks, turning up the radio a notch.

“Turn that off,” I say, reaching over his outstretched arm and hitting the volume knob.

Denny drops his semi-muscular limb like it is weighted down with barbells. He steps on the brake. “What is wrong with you?”

“I don’t feel like listening to scary movie music.” I look straight ahead. I can’t help but blink repetitively. In the face of danger, this always happens. It’s as if I’m not quite able to fathom what is directly in front of me. “How do I get myself in these situations?”

“What are you babbling about?”

“My life.”

“It’s Halloween,” he says, scanning stations.

The notation isn’t necessary. As we enter the New Orleans French Quarter, the holiday is well understood. Already in costume, business owners are unlocking their storefronts. Festive skeletons hang from hotel balconies while elaborate jack-o-lanterns line private patios.

“But of course it is. And I can’t think of anything more appropriate than listening to doomsday hymns.”

“Would you rather hear some bluegrass?”

“No.”

“Those are your choices.”

“What a nice variety you offer. Behind door number one, we have an arrangement of instruments leaving the listener to believe terror has begun its inevitable march. Behind door number two, an artist with the kind of dreadful voice that makes me want to step into a shallow grave.”

Denny grunts, returns both hands to the wheel and accelerates. “You’re strange. You know that, right?”

“Yes, and you’re the most normal guy in the world.”

He reaches under his seat and retrieves a white plastic mask. “Speaking of which, what do you think?”

I wrinkle my nose as the aroma of Heinz 57 fills the truck. “I think you were out of ketchup.”

“So?”

“So you smell like a steak.”

“I needed to splatter something thick and dark on my mask. I wanted to go in costume.”

“Thanks for telling me. I would’ve dressed up as mustard had I known you wanted to travel as condiments.” 

http://www.devinedestinies.com/a-killers-field

New Cover Art - I Haz It

Coming Dec 27th

More Cover Art

This is the cover art for my next Loose Id release on May 17th. It was originally All or Nothing, but we changed the title to Hit Me.

Snow Day

Today I’m chatting over at Love Romances Café from 1-3pm EST. if you’re around drop in and share some excerpts or just say hello. It’s my first chat of this year. I’ve decided it’s time to put myself out there even a little bit. So this year I’ll have one a quarter at LRC.
The schools are closed again today to give the state more time to clear the roads. I took advantage of the snow day and slept until almost 7:30. Late for me. :o) It felt good though. Truthfully, I’m ready to climb back into bed. Too much to do.
I forgot to fill out my cover art request for All or Nothing, so I’ll be doing that today. I have a short I’m writing that has a 2/1 deadline, so I need to work on that today too. Let’s not forget the day job – which will be full of conference calls. Looking forward to the long weekend.
Off to check things off my to do list!
Happy Thursday!

Cover Art - Gettin' Lucky

Yay it's Friday and I'm not only excited about the fact the weekend is here, but I can show everyone my new cover. I was thrilled when the women of the Cougar Challenge asked me to be part of the series. My story doesn't come out until Nov 17th, but the cover art goddess Syneca has blessed me with yet another one of her great creations.

Happy Friday!

New Cover Art

This is my first Anne Cain cover and I hope it's not the last. I think she did a fabulous job!

Fran Lee's Newest Release

I received my cover art for Adrift. I absolutely love it. There’s only one small issue and I’m waiting to see how it’s handle. Hopefully I’ll be able to show it to you by Tuesday. Only 11 more days until my first release with Loose-Id. I’m very excited. I’ll also be celebrating the release of Book 2 of the Freedom Fantasies series: Spend The Night With Me, the very next day.
Yesterday I didn’t get any writing done, but I managed to capture my dream from the night before. It was a vivid dream of a spaceship coming looking for me. My husband was holding a tiny baby boy on his chest, but it wasn’t my real life husband. It was the guy I based my hero on, from Dante’s Desire. Who cares you ask? Well, I’m writing an alien based story, or will be starting one soon. This dream gave me a glimpse into my story. I’ve heard other writers say they dream their stories all the time and I thought they were crazy – until it happened to me! LOL Go figure right.
Anyway, I’m struggling to finish my second submission to Loose-Id. I’m at 10k and it needs another 15k. I must write this weekend.
In other news, Hurricane Earl was threatening us, but has been downgraded to a Tropical Storm. We are expected to get heavy rains and strong gusts of winds, but not the original weather they predicted. YAY. They also said we shouldn’t be concerned with flooding. Another HUGE YAY. Our state is still recovering from the historic floods in March. We can’t afford any more flooding right now.
I’m going to end today with the newest release from my lovely talented friend Fran Lee. I’ve been waiting for this book to become available and it has today. I say rush over to EC and grab your copy! Here’s a little taste of what you’ll get from Woman On Fire.

Blurb:

Azrael Thunder Horse never thought another Anglo woman could possibly knock him for a loop after leaving Hollywood. Despite the instant shot of lust he feels when he first lays eyes on his new Native American Studies teacher, he’s determined to get rid of her. After all…she misled him with that damn Indian name of hers! But the stubborn redhead has a thing or two to say when he tries to fire her.

Cheyenne Red Wolf has never met a more maddening, arrogant, downright irritating man. He hates her on sight. Too bad he’s the hottest thing she’s ever seen…and her new boss. The man tried to fire her because she wasn’t a “real” Indian. Good thing he can’t stand her, because she sure as hell wouldn’t be able to say no to all that sexy, hardheaded, Lakota masculinity.

An Excerpt From: WOMAN ON FIRE
Copyright © FRAN LEE, 2010
All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

“Can I help you?” Her quickly pasted-on smile was polite and pleasant. Probably a parent, checking out the new teacher. Damn. They didn’t build single males like him these days.
Night-dark eyes slid past her, wandered around the classroom slowly, and then returned to her. Eyes that would normally have set her pulse off like a shot, but these held a cold, aloof quality that let her know she was beneath his interest.
“Is Ms. Red Wolf still here?” The dark-chocolate voice held a quiet, tense note.
“I’m Cheyenne Red Wolf.” She repeated the polite smile. “How can I help you?”
The look of shock in those obsidian eyes made her bite back a grin. It wasn’t an unusual reaction to her definitely un-Indian looks attached to a very Indian name. But the desire to grin dissolved the instant those eyes turned angry.
“You are Cheyenne Red Wolf? Our new Native American Studies teacher?” Every word was clipped and reflected a fury that was barely held at bay.
She moved away from the bookshelf and resisted the urge to cross her arms defensively over her chest. The animosity rolling off that man was enough to choke her. It was only through sheer willpower that she didn’t cut and run. He took a step toward her and she had to crane her neck to meet his glare. She drew herself up to her tallest possible height which wasn’t much over five foot six in shoes and lifted her chin slightly in answer to his unspoken but clearly heard challenge. Damn! She wished now that she’d worn heels.
Forcing her voice to remain softly calm wasn’t easy. “I am. And you are…?” she coached gently, refusing to retreat as he invaded her personal space with all that hulking, broad-shouldered menace he exuded.
His eyes moved from the copper-penny red hair she’d dragged back into a bun before her first class, all the way down her fuzzy blue cardigan sweater and travel-wrinkled beige linen slacks to her vintage fifties penny loafers, then back with a disbelieving insolence that was as insulting as it was scary. Every nerve in her body screamed at her to take a few steps back and get a desk between them, but she’d be damned if she’d let him intimidate her.
She had no real reason to fear him, after all—it was broad daylight and they were in a school full of—empty classrooms. Oh, shit. As the realization hit her that regular classes had let out over half an hour ago, and most of the teachers were gone for the day, she inhaled slowly and wondered if maybe it might be wiser if she turned tail and sprinted for the still open door.
But her common sense returned after one panicky moment, and she frowned at her own silliness. What the hell was he gonna do? Attack her? He was understandably shocked to find a non-Native American woman teaching a class that should by all rights be taught by a Native American. There were a lot of Native Americans who resented what she did, simply because she was not one of them. Not really. And being one in spirit didn’t quite cut the mustard.
She made a point of glancing at her watch and lifted her eyes back to his face. “I really can’t take time to go over lesson plans right now. If you’ll just tell me which student is yours, I can give you a call tomorrow—”
“There’s been a mistake, Ms. Red Wolf.” The voice was low and controlled.
“A mistake?” She had to work damn hard to keep a tremor of anger out of her own voice.
Those almost-too-damn-sexy-to-be-real lips twisted into a sneer as he seemed to loom even closer in the suddenly airless classroom. “A big one.”
Her breath caught in her throat and she hated the fact that she was shaking under his glare. “If you have a problem with me teaching this class, you’ll need to take it up with Mr. Wyatt or Ms. Running Deer of the school board. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have someone waiting.” A lie was better than letting him think she had no backup here.
“He can keep on waiting.” The clipped statement startled her, but only because it was coupled with another forward movement of that intimidating body that had somehow moved so close she could feel the heat sizzling off him through her clothes.
This guy had absolutely no friggin’ concept of personal space.
She suddenly decided that retreat was entirely acceptable under such unfriendly fire. She took a quick step backward and felt the bite of a wooden desk on the soft flesh of her fanny. The startled gasp she gave seemed to make those nearly black eyes darken even more, and she blushed hotly to have let him know he frightened her. Her temper rose.
When under attack, counter attack, Frank had always said.
“Excuse me—whoever you are—but if you have a complaint about me teaching your child, like I said, take it up with the school board and the principal, who felt I was very well qualified—”
She gave a yelp of shock as a book that had been too close to the edge of the desk she was nearly sitting on fell to the floor with a resounding smack, and she jumped away from the desk automatically, coming into full frontal contact with her tormentor. And he didn’t miss a beat as he caught her around the waist with a pair of lean, strong hands and glared down at her.
His beautiful lip curled. “Just like a woman—trying to use any weapon at hand to avoid the consequences of her actions.” His voice was scathing and she blinked up at him, not getting his meaning.
“Weapon? Consequences? What the hell are you talking about?” she gasped and shoved at his hands without much success as she twisted to try to get free.
“Those weapons.” He hissed a breath inward through his teeth as her hips twisted against his. Her movements brought her generous chest tight against his. His rasping words instantly halted her movements as she realized what he was talking about and her eyes widened in horror, then narrowed in fury. Damn, but the man was blaming her for his own actions now.
“If you will take your hands off me, I will happily remove my weapons from your vicinity,” she hissed, her temper flaring at his insinuation that she was trying to use sex to escape whatever “consequences” he imagined were due her. It didn’t take a Rhodes Scholar to get his meaning and it didn’t take much imagination to realize their confrontation had produced a hard-on from hell on his part. It was jabbing against her belly quite insistently. It had already grown even larger and more dangerous in the several seconds they’d been plastered together.
For a moment, he didn’t respond, and in that tense moment she sensed that he was considering his next response with extreme care. Her incensed glare met his and she waited with lips compressed and indignant fury in her expression. Dark eyes warred with blue. It became a battle of wills as he remained tautly silent, staring down into her furious face without any change in his expression of angry disdain. His hands remained firmly clamped around her body, making it impossible to move away without a struggle, and she’d be damned if she was going to give him his jollies by wiggling and twisting against him to try to get loose again. His hands were long and powerful. The pads of his fingertips rested firmly on the upper swell of her buttocks. The sensations running rampant inside her traitorous pussy were indescribable.
After what felt like hours of silent, glaring antagonism so thick it could easily be cut with a knife, she irritably decided the only way she was going to get him to let go of her was to say something. She slowly drew a shaky breath and spoke in a low, careful tone like one might use when talking to a suicide jumper on a ledge. “How about you and me calling a truce? You take your hands off me, and we’ll both back away. Then maybe you can calmly tell me what the hell you are so damn bent out of shape over.”

New Cover Art

Squee!!!! This was how I pictured Freedom Fantasies, the place where women live out their ultimate fantasies. Syneca the cover art goddess totally nailed it! I'm very excited about book 2 and hope everyone enjoys Brooke and Liam's story.

Edits are done for Play With Me, so I should have a release date soon.

In other news:

The DH and I went to see Kid Rock and Bon Jovi on Saturday. We had a blast. I was surprised how good a show Kid Rock put on. Yesterday I was a bit sore from all the jumping up and down and dancing. LOL After being in the car for over 4 hours the day before we had to get back in the car and drive to Boston another hour. We had a nice lunch with the family and got to see the BIL's new house. I personally couldn't live in Boston, but they have a gorgeous house nonetheless. We got home just before 7 and me with a major migraine. I went to bed and didn't wake up til this morning.

Hopefully I'll get to enjoy the pool sometime today. I have to get back to self-edits on the romantic comedy. There's some interest on my editors part. Keep your fingers crossed!

Happy Monday!

Don't forget Christmas In July ends soon!

I’m participating in the Christmas In July contest over at Romance Books R Us. It’s a great contest. You can win lots of goodies including a Sony eReader. BUT…I’m offering a contest of my own too. Two contests. Two chances to win.

Amber’s Contest – July 1st thru July 31st contest closes at midnight EST on the 31st. To win a Talk Dirty to Topaz tote bag full of prizes – hat, t-shirt, mouse pad, key chain, notebook and some other goodies you have to:

1. Follow my blog

2. Sign up for my newsletter (over to the left)

3. Send me an email telling me you’re part of both – amberskyze AT gmail DOT com
This is gift is only open to residents of the US and Canada. If a winner from somewhere else is chosen I'll offer a gift card.

Now on to the RBRU Contest!!!!!Welcome from RBRU MEMBER AUTHORS Marianne Stephens/April Ash, Annie Alvarez, Sandy Sullivan, Paris Brandon, Tina Donahue, Claire Ashgrove, Vicky Burkholder, Linda Kage, Cindy Spencer Pape, Amber Skyze, Fran Lee, Jean Hart Stewart, Molly Daniels/Kenzie Michaels, Renee Vincent, Katalina Leon, Gina Ardito/Katherine Brandon, Donica Covey/Jinger Jackson, Cornelia Amiri/Maeve Alpin, Sandra K. Marshall, Polly McCrillis/Isabel Mere.BIG CHRISTMAS IN JULY CONTEST! Great Prizes: a new Sony Touch eReader, hats, totes, gift cards, tee-shirts, and more!
To enter:
1. Join this yahoo group (Sorry, no authors, only READERS, WRITERS, or INDUSTRY REPS).
2. Become a Follower at our blog: http://romancebooksrus.blogspot.com. Click on FOLLOW and follow directions. Problem? Contact april@aprilash.net.
3. There are 20 RBRU Bloggers' Websites/Blogs listed on the right sidebar at the blog. Click on each one.
Send a list of 20 authors' names and one book title for each one to: contests.rbrus@gmail.com. If an author has two pen names, you only need to click on one. You'll need a total of 20 author names and 20 book titles. Contest ends midnight ET 31 July. Sorry, we only ship prizes to US and Canadian residents. Others may receive an emailed gift card/certificate. Winners announced on our Yahoo group and blog during the first week in August

YAY! It's Friday.

One set of edits are off my desk and today I’ll finish the others. I’m looking forward to the weekend.
I bought the DH awesome seats to Bon Jovi for his b-day. So tomorrow we’ll head to Gillette stadium for the concert. The last time I went to Gillette for a concert was 2003 with my best friend. We rocked out to Metallica, Limp Bizkit, and Linkin Park for the Summer Sanitarium tour. Back then we were New Yorkers and not welcomed by Boston. Though no one would’ve known had my best friend not took it upon herself to tell anyone who’d listen Boston Red Sox suck. She’s a die-hard Yankees fan. I thought we were gonna get in a fight with a group of drunk guys.
Truth be told I’m not a huge fan of Bon Jovi’s new stuff. I loved him back in the 80s and early 90s, but I could take him or leave now. BUT because the DH enjoys his music I’ll go. I hope he plays more older stuff than newer. LOL Kid Rock is the opening act. Should draw an interesting crowd.
Sunday we’ll spend the day out on a boat in Boston with the B/SIL and then off to check out their new house and celebrate the BIL’s b-day. I doubt any writing will get done. I can’t party like I did back 20 years ago. I’m sure Monday I’ll be a vegetable. LOL
Hope everyone has a terrific weekend.

Craziness Magnified

So life is just insane. Yesterday I celebrated the release of Submit With Me, correction, I wanted to celebrate. My only wish was to spend the day promoting this little quickie on all the various loops, only I received edits for Play With Me. Now I’m not complaining because edits means a release date in the near future and with Spend The Night With Me releasing Sept 15th, I’d love for this book to follow shortly thereafter.
Play With Me is the final book in the Freedom Fantasies series. I happened to write this book first so needless to say there are a few edits to be made and loose ends to clean up. It’s more edits than I’ve seen in awhile and for some reason my brain freezes up when I have to make larger changes. I wish I knew why so I could remedy it, but I don’t.
Speaking of the series, Tuesday I received the cover art for Spend The Night With Me. I’m jumping up and down because Syneca nailed it. With Pretend With Me I asked for a manor or mansion on the cover because that’s where all the stories take place. I didn’t get what I asked for, but the cover was still yum worthy. What can I say Syneca is awesome. This time I received my vision. I want to share it with you, but have to wait that darn three days. Tomorrow I’ll happily showcase it! :o)
In other news, if my life couldn’t get any crazier, I received final edits for Adrift this morning. Now I’m working on two sets of edits. It’s a good thing I work from home. I don’t know how people work a full time job outside the home and publish. Personally I’m not sure I could handle it.
I did get a release date for Adrift – November 9th. I’m excited, but not rushing this release. November means winter and as most of you know Amber doesn’t like winter. LOL
I can’t wait to see what the cover artists come up with for Adrift.
So instead of playing today, I’ll be buried in edits. If you don’t hear from me send HELP! *big grins*
Happy Thursday!

Mixed Bag

That’s what I’m giving you today!

One of my publisher’s – Noble Romance, is giving a coupon for 15% off your total order if you sign up for their newsletter. Here’s the info:
Subscribe to the Noble Romance Newsletter by July 22 and use code RXVJW for 15% off when you order ebooks online http://tinyurl.com/o7dkk3

I have new review of Pretend With Me. You can read the review here and purchase the book (if you wanted) here.


I’m still working on my new website. I’m not sure how I feel about it. Honestly I think it’s too boring for me. I need something sexy and sassy, like me! No, just kidding. Like my writing.

Edits are finished for Spend The Night With Me. Waiting on cover art. Can’t wait to see what the powers that be come up with.

I’m just about finished editing the first three chapters of my romantic comedy. I’m sending them off to my editor to see if its something she wants more of. Hopefully it will be. This is non-erotic and I’ll publish it under my real name. THAT would be sweet.

Other than that I’m totally exhausted from all this writing, editing and work.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Clone Me

The first few days after vacation are always crazy for me. Add to the fact that I received edits for Spend the Night With Me, Cover Art request for Play With Me and other paperwork I’m going insane. I wish I could afford to quit the day job, but seriously, writing will NOT pay the bills.
The funny thing is I’m just about putting in full time hours with writing. I feel like I never sleep anymore. It feels like I’m always missing something. Promo takes up more time than the actual writing. Add in supporting fellow authors, because I HAVE to do that.
I’m not whining seriously. I’m thrilled that I’ve reached this point in my writing career. I’m in the process of building a website too. Geez, I definitely don’t know what I’m doing. But I know it’s a necessity.
I have to work all weekend at the day job. The DH’s family is having a huge family reunion picnic on Sunday. I need to be cloned.
Happy Hump Day Everyone!

Submit With Me

I'm on the coming soon page!!!!! Submit With Me will be available on July 21st. Here's a little sample.

Blurb:

Rena is on a quest to get laid and she’s willing to go to any length to fulfill her need.

Marc has a thirst for a submissive. He longs to find someone he can bring to the edge of ecstasy and rein back in before an orgasm. He wants to tie, tease and torture his submissive, pushing the limits of sexual awareness.

When he offers Rena five hundred dollars to be his sub for the night, he gets more than he bargained for. This spitfire is about to show him a thing or two about submitting.

An Excerpt From: SUBMIT WITH ME
Copyright © AMBER SKYZE, 2010
All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.
Chapter One

Rena had one goal in mind—to get laid. Taking a long drag off the straw nestled in her fruity drink, she scanned the smoke-filled bar for a potential mark. Tonight she didn’t care about getting to know someone. No, tonight she only cared about filling the void in her aching pussy.
“Damn,” she cursed under her breath. Tables were full with happy couples, either enjoying drinks or dinner. Soft jazz played in the background. Normally, Rena enjoyed the lazy tempo, but not tonight. She was too busy looking for someone to fill her need. Her desire. Rena’s pussy ached to be fucked. Glancing around the haze she shook her head. Not one guy in the place looked eligible. She considered going to another bar, but decided against it. Not many bars offered rooms above them for the clients to rent by the hour. No, this was the place where she intended to find the man to make her pussy sing. Besides, the patrons were upper class and the bar had a reputation for only allowing in respectable people. Safe. That was the reason she was here and wouldn’t go any place else.
Staring into the mirror behind the bar she gave the room another scan. Still nothing. She couldn’t believe there wasn’t one man desirable enough to give her the relief she craved.
She emptied the contents of her drink. Maybe it was best if she called it a night. Obviously she wasn’t getting laid tonight.
As she stepped off the barstool Rena’s face came into contact with one broad chest. She glanced up to stare into the most exquisite blue eyes she’d ever seen.
“Leaving so soon?” his husky voice asked.
“Just going to powder my nose,” she lied.
“I didn’t think women did that any longer.”
“I’m not just any woman.” Rena winked. “I’m every man’s wish come true.” Leaving him standing there, mouth agape, she headed towards the bathroom.
He ordered her a new drink when she shimmied onto the stool.
“Thanks for the drink.” She didn’t bother to look at him, but she caught him watching her in the mirror.
“My pleasure.”
Rena couldn’t help herself, she smiled.
He was gorgeous, dressed in tight fitting denims and a painted-on black tee , muscles bulging from under the short sleeves.
“Come here often?” Lame. She hated pick-up lines, so why was she using one on him?
He laughed a hearty laugh.
“Actually the first time.”
Hmm. A first timer.
“So what brings you here tonight?”
“I’m looking for a little action.”
“What kind of action?” Maybe the same kind she was looking for? A “wham bam thank you ma’am” kinda night?
“Nothing you’d be interested in, I’m sure.”
“And what makes you so sure I’m not interested in your kind of action?” Insult dripped from her voice.
“Just a gut feeling.”
“Are you saying I’m too prim and proper for you?”
He shrugged indifferently.
“Try me, I’ll bet I surprise you.”
He shook his head no.
Are you fucking serious? He was turning her down? No fucking way. This was not the way she had planned this night. She was determined to get laid and Mister Muscles fit the bill.
“Let me guess, you’re looking to get laid—no strings attached?”
He didn’t flinch when she blurted out the statement.
Instead he stood, reached deep into his pocket and pulled out a wad of cash.
“You think you can handle my action?”
He slapped a hundred dollar bill on the bar.
“I’m offering you one hundred dollars to be my slut for the night.”
She almost choked on her drink.
“See I knew you wouldn’t be able to handle it.” He sat back down.
She laughed.
“What’s so funny?”
“That you think one hundred dollars is enough. Make it five and I’ll be Mary Fucking Poppins if you want.”

Bogged Down

I hate to use this excuse, but the simple fact is – it’s the truth.
I just finished edits for Sliding Home which is coming from Aspen Mountain on June 4th. I’m in the middle of the cover art request. I have to write TWO synopses. I don’t like writing these!
I’m in the middle of writing my cougar story and still trying to finish up self-edits on book three to send off to my editor. I’m barely coming up for air these days.
I’d like to say sorry to everyone for not posting enough lately. I’m ashamed to say I haven’t been making the rounds too much either. I’ll get back to commenting when life gets a little simpler.
The cold weather has returned to the northeast and I’m not happy. Add in the day job which has picked up…no wonder I’ve had a migraine for three days.
Til I see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Happy Tuesday

New Cover Art

I'm lacking for things to blog about this week. I've been sick and out of it. I do have cover art for Dante's Desire coming in Aug 2010. It's part of the Alluring Arts theme at EC. I just love Angelo. Not only is he sexy, he fits perfectly for the hero. Dante isn't as buff as Angelo, but that's okay too.

And don't forget I have a new release Friday - Research Required from Ellora's Cave http://www.jasminejade.com/

Research Required

I'm very excited about my newest cover. Research Required will be available from http://www.jasminejade.com/ on March 19th! Woo Hoo!

Blurb:

Ethan’s on the run from the mob. He’s in for a surprise when he knocks on the door of his sister’s neighbor. The last thing he needs is a distraction like Bailey. She’s sexy and sassy and dressed in skimpy shorts. He wants to take her where she stands.

Sex with a stranger? Bailey would never think of it. Ethan’s no stranger though. He’s her friend Jenna’s brother, so that makes him a friend too, right? Sex in the kitchen, sex in the bedroom, sex on the couch, it doesn’t matter. Bailey can’t get enough of this hot-blooded stranger.

Will Ethan’s past catch up to him and ruin any hopes for their future?

Excerpt:

“What’s your name?” she demanded.
“Ethan.” He smiled revealing dimples.
Bailey melted under his intense smile.
“I’m sorry, Ethan. I don’t know who you are or what your business with Jenna is, but I’m not going to give out any information about her to some stranger. For all I know you could be some rapist or something.” In fact hadn’t she just read somewhere there was a guy going around posing as a cable guy raping innocent woman. Fear knotted in the pit of her stomach. “I have to go.”
She kicked his foot, hoping he’d move it, but it didn’t budge.
“I’m Jenna’s brother. I’m not going to rape anyone.” He reached behind him and Bailey screamed.
“Whoa! What are you screaming for?” He pulled out his wallet.
“I thought you— I…” What could she say? She thought he might be reaching for a gun or a knife to hurt her with?
“Look,” he said, removing his driver’s license.
It read his name. Ethan King. Same last name as Jenna.
“Okay so you aren’t a murderer, but if Jenna was expecting you why didn’t she leave you a key or something?”
“I don’t know. I’m worried because it’s not like her to be late.”
“Ha! You don’t know your sister too well.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Jenna will be late to her own funeral. She can’t seem to arrive on time for anything.”
“Are we still talking about the same Jenna? Because my sister has been punctual since the day she was born. Our mother jokes about how she even came on her due date and not a minute late.”
Bailey couldn’t help but laugh. He was funny and cute and oh-so-sexy.
Just then Kyle decided to make his arrival.
“Got your pizza, Bailey. Sausage and peppers on one side, pepperoni on the other.”
She could see Ethan looking at her quizzically.
“What? I couldn’t decide what I wanted, so I ordered both.”
“Options. I love options.”
That twinkle in his eye didn’t go undetected. He was flirting with her.
“Thanks Kyle.” She handed him the twenty. “Keep the change.”
“Enjoy the pizza.” He bounced away happy with his tip.
“I’m going to eat my pizza before it gets cold. So if you’ll excuse me.”
“Look, before you go. I’ve traveled twenty-three hours in my cramped little car to get here. I’ve been outside Jenna’s door for another hour and I could use a soft chair to sit on.” His stomach growled.
She was under a tight deadline. She didn’t have time to make small talk with this stranger or share pizza. She had to dive back into her article while she ate. Then a thought hit her.
“I’ll feed you if you’ll answer a few questions for me. I’m working on an article for women. What men find appealing and what they don’t like.”
“I’m your go-to guy. I have a lot of experience in that field.”
Bailey hesitated. “Are you a player?” Because the last thing she needed was a player’s advice for her article.
His stomach growled again.
“Oh just come in,” she relented. She couldn’t leave Jenna’s brother on the doorstep waiting for her to come home, but if he was a player then he wouldn’t work for the article. She needed someone sincere. Someone honest.
She felt his eyes on her as she walked to the coffee table. Her skimpy shorts rode up her ass revealing she wore no panties. He must love the view she was giving him, no matter how unintentional.
“Can I offer you a beer or soda or something?” She placed the pizza on the table and turned practically bumping into his hard chest.
He was close. Dangerously close. If Bailey moved her head forward just a hair their lips would touch and she could find out what those sexy lips tasted like.
As if reading her mind he inched closer, reaching out to graze her lips.
Bailey licked the spot where his lips had met hers. She stood there mesmerized. She wanted more. She needed more. Her pussy lips swelled at the mere touch of his lips. She felt the electricity of his touch run through her down to the tip of her big toe.

Also the latest edition of my monthly newsletter is available. Sign up over to the right if you'd like to read my latest news.

Itching for Spring

Yesterday school was closed…for no good reason. They predicted we’d get 16 inches of snow. We got about 2! The heavy stuff didn’t even start falling until after four. The kids could have gone to school. But see two years ago we got a storm mid-morning, causing the schools to let the children go home early. Well kids were stuck on buses for almost five hours in some places. My daughter wasn’t one of them. It took the DH seven hours to get home from work that day. Normally it’s an hour drive. The city and state officials took so much heat. So instead of facing another fiasco they immediately close the schools. Lucky me… my daughter was home, driving me crazy. I don’t want to hear I’m bored again! LOL
Nothing got accomplished. I haven’t written all week. I’m in a slump. I open a document and stare at it. The words just won’t come. The DH and I are going away for the weekend. It will be nice to have a change of scenery.
Edits for Research Required were waiting in my inbox this morning, so I know what I’ll be doing today. I have to finish my cover art form for Dante’s Desire too.
In other news Ignited received its first review and it’s awesome. You can read it here:
http://seriouslyreviewed.blogspot.com/2010/02/ignited-by-amber-skyze.html

Cleaning

Since I've let the house go I decided to clean today. I couldn't look at the mess anymore. We haven't cleaned in a few weeks so the dust bunnies are taking over. The cleaning has been very therapeutic I must say, but it's very exhausting. The DH is behind me reminding me I had surgery two weeks ago. I need to take it easy. Hmm, maybe he should call a maid service then?? LOL Nah, I need the distraction. So time for me to nap before I start the vacuuming.

I was surprised with my cover art for Wild Lickins this afternoon. I'll be able to share it in a few days. I'm impressed with how they nailed what I asked for. It's rare, though their vision is usually better than mine! :o)

Happy Friday and hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

In a Funk

Today we must start off with a hottie!

My baby started junior high today. She was so nervous. I doubt she slept much last night. I know her mother didn't. lol I got up bright and early (4am). I had cinnamon buns ready for when she woke up. She loves them, so I thought a little comfort food would help. It always does for me. At 7am she walked up the road to the bus stop. All her friends are nervous so she'll find comfort with them. The good thing is the 8th graders don't start until tomorrow. Gives the 7th graders time to acclimate themselves to their new school.

Yesterday I accomplished a lot of work. Still have a cover art form to fill out and finish edits on Heat Waves. The day job will definitely get in the way today. Wednesdays are my extremely busy days.

I'm hoping to get back to Research Required by the weekend. Not much left to write - 3-5k at the most. I miss writing. :(

I'm in a funk and don't know how to get myself out. What do you do to pull yourself out?