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Wednesday, November 17, 2010

What a Long Strange Trip It's Been


Last Thursday, I achieved one of my big dreams--I published a story with Ellora's Cave. The big EC. An erotic romance writer's Mecca. Okay, you get the picture. As thrilled as I am (and I'm really, really, really thrilled!), I'm not the kind of person who ever rest on her laurels. I'm always pushing to work--as Kanye would say--harder, better, faster, stronger. Still, I look back on the three years since I became involved with digital publishing and I can't help thinking--this time borrowing from the Grateful Dead--What a loooooong strange trip it's been.

A good friend of mine, Denyse Bridger, who also happens to be a wonderfully talented author, told me once that this business is mostly about perseverance. Looking back on what I've endured thus far, I think she's absolutely right. Yes, it takes talent, voice, flow, writing style and emotional depth. You know, all those things that rejection letters tell us our manuscripts lack *grin.* But if I gave up every time I encountered a set back, I wouldn't have the honor of working with my Ellora's Cave sisters nor would I be looking to the future with so much hope.

My advice to aspiring writers? Don't give up. Well, write as much as you can as often as you can AND don't give up :) We all get rejection letters. Take them as an opportunity to strength your writing...and thicken your skin. We've all endured the ups and downs of the emerging epub business. Take it as good experience. We've all seen our share of lackluster sales. Figuring out promo takes a little time. Heck, I'm still learning. What I do know is, that as a writer, when life gives you lemons--make whiskey sours!

So what's next? Well, I'm thoroughly thrilled that the NY Times Bestsellers List will now include digitally published material! NYT Bestsellers List here I come...I hope :) Until then, me and my lemons (and whiskey sours) will keep on keeping on.

Now it's your turn authors, share with me what frustrating, discouraging or just plain odd things you've bounced back from in your career.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Happy Release Day to me! (Belated)

Available now at Ellora's Cave!

Blurb:

Just when Lila has resigned herself to the fact the most exciting chapters of her life are over, a blast from the past walks into her bakery. Six feet of gorgeousness named Gavin drops by as she’s closing up shop. They were once high-school sweethearts and it’s been more than twenty-five years since they’ve seen each other, but time hasn’t diminished the sweet heat between them. Soon enough the sparks—and the frosting—begin to fly.

As they rediscover each other’s bodies, it’s clear Gavin’s no longer a boy as he shows Lila the man and skillful lover he’s become. Though Lila knows this whirlwind romp could be an act of insanity, his touch unleashes the sensual woman she’s forgotten she could be. And she thinks—maybe—she has one more leap in her.



An Excerpt From: LEAP

Copyright © CINDY JACKS, 2010

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

Gavin followed her through the swinging door to the back. With a low whistle, he looked around the kitchen and asked, “Is this place all yours?”

“All mine.”

She walked over to the Purposeless Cake and stared down at it. Pulling a box from beneath the worktable, she started to put it away, but then thought better of it.

“Are you hungry?” asked Lila.

“I could eat.”

“Good.” She pulled a knife from a drawer, cut slabs of cake and served them up on heavy-duty ceramic plates. Gavin grabbed two stainless-steel forks from a gray plastic silverware tub to his right.

She handed him his plate.

“This looks great,” he said.

“Taste it.”

He shoveled a bite into his mouth and moaned. “Oh my God. This is— Damn.”

Lila grinned. “Thanks.” She took a bite of cake. “Not bad, if I do say so myself.”

Pulling up two barstools, she sat and motioned for him to do the same. Lila studied him as he moved to take a seat. Taller, broader. Gavin had become fully a man. Though he was clean-shaven, she wondered what he’d look like with a beard. Could he grow one now? His dark hair led to about an inch or so of well-filled-out sideburns. Yeah, she was sure he could grow out his facial hair and he’d look pretty damn good if he did. Not that he didn’t look great as he was. The cropped, clean-cut look worked for him. A whisper of gray touched each of his temples and he wore that well too.

Her gaze wandered down his frame. No excess flesh or jutting bone. His tight musculature shifted his frame with ease. Clearly he took care of himself, worked out often. A picture of him shirtless in some imaginary gym, sweat dripping down a cut chest and abdomen, appeared in her mind’s eye. She blinked away the thought, trying to focus on his words and ignore the pounding of her heart. Her hand strayed to her matronly bun and the bobby pins holding it in place. She picked them out of her hair, one by one, and shook out her shoulder-length tresses.

“Mom said you’ve been at this location for the past ten years. I can see why,” said Gavin.

She cleared her throat. “Jack helped me set it up after we got divorced.”

“After?”

“It was a pretty amicable split…as divorces go.”

“My ex, Irene, and I went through a pretty rough one a couple years ago.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

He took another bite of cake. “It’s all good now.”

Lila worked on her piece for a few minutes in comfortable silence and then asked, “Why did you come here tonight, Gavin?”

He glanced around the room and gave a little shake of his head. “To see you.”

“I get that. I mean what were you expecting from me?”

He rubbed his hand on the front of his jeans. “No expectations. It’s—it’s just good to be back. You’re part of my memories of home. I guess. No, I mean you are. Definitely.” He grunted and rolled his eyes. “I’ll stop rambling now.”

She let out an amused huff under her breath. “You’re fine.”

She slid her fork over her plate and scraped up the last of the frosting and crumbs. Her tongue darted over the fork tines and licked them clean.

Gavin reached out his hand. “You got a little chocolate…”

He brushed his thumb over her bottom lip. She let her tongue graze the tip of it. Shocked by her own audacity, she shied away from his touch but he cupped her face in one hand.

Eyelids lowered, Gavin leaned in. Dark lashes rested against his cheek. Warm lips skimmed across hers. The hand under her jaw slipped beneath her hair and cradled her neck. Lila’s body relaxed into the kiss, sliding her tongue over his. For a moment she lost herself in the scent and the taste of him—chocolate richness and the citrus undertones of his cologne, but all too soon, she remembered the shards of glass lodged in her heart. Pain at the memory of Alan’s departure stabbed at her.

“Maybe we shouldn’t be doing this,” she murmured.

“Maybe not.” He gave her a quick, soft kiss and then a longer, more urgent one.

Shouldn’t be doing this, Lila thought. A list of reasons she should rebuff his advances scrolled through her mind. She was still getting over Alan. She hadn’t seen Gavin in over twenty-five years. Jesus Christ, a quarter century. Nothing good ever came from rushing into sex. But who said they had to go that far? Well, she did want to fuck him. No denying that. But the last thing she needed was…was…?

The feel of his heated mouth against hers overrode her common sense. Oh, to hell with it. Why not?

___________________________________________________________

Get your copy today! http://www.jasminejade.com/ps-8822-50-leap.aspx

Monday, November 15, 2010

Happy Release Day to Christie Butler!

Congrats on your *very first book*! YAY, Christie :)

Blurb: Nicole Wood has a great marriage. Love? Undying. Respect? Mutual. Sex? Amazing. Mostly.

Nicole is a free spirit, willing to try almost anything. She and her husband, famous author Cameron Wood, have an active and diverse sex life—kinky even. Her exhibitionism and his voyeurism are a perfect match. But lately, Cam seems a bit less interested. And his latest request has knocked her for a loop. He wants to watch her have sex with another man. Nicole has to admit she is intrigued and…aroused. But she has reservations. She loves Cam and fears it might damage their relationship.

When Cam’s friend Judson Tate shows up at their mountainside home—all smoldering hunkiness and good looks—Cam seems to be pushing Nicole and Jud together. With Jud is snowed in, her defenses are wearing down. Can she do what her husband wants? Have sex with Judson while Cam watches them? What about what she wants? And where will it all end?

Excerpt:

Fresh from her shower, Nicole chose a musky-scented lotion this time. The mountain climate wreaked havoc on her skin, and she felt she was constantly rubbing lotion all over herself. She took great care in blowing her hair dry, ironing it until the long blonde strands were stick-straight. Just how Cam loved it.

After her multi-orgasmic morning, Nicole had spent the afternoon catching up on some reading while Cam tried to write. He was back out in the barn and might be watching her, but Nicole skipped her self-pleasuring ritual. She needed more than that now and she was determined to seduce Cam tonight. No fingers, no mouths, no vibrators—only a big hard cock would do.

Nicole left the bathroom and made her way to the walk-in closet. She tapped her fingers on her chin as she scanned the shelves. What to wear? Nothing too obvious. Of course—her super low-rise skinny jeans that practically showed off the crack of her ass. She’d have to go commando for sure, but that was nothing new.

Nicole pulled them on, shimmying all the while. She examined herself in the mirror. The jeans looked like they were painted on. She turned her back to the mirror and tugged the waistband down slightly until she could see the hint of her crack.

For a top, Nicole chose a cropped V-neck cashmere sweater. It was white and showed a fair amount of cleavage as well as exposing her belly and lower back. The bonus was that when her nipples were erect, the light-colored fine material offered no hiding place. Her sexy voyeur of a husband would go nuts. Maybe she’d be able to make him forget about this other man thing, at least for tonight.

She took a last look in the mirror. Perfect. Watch out, Cameron Wood!

Nicole strolled out of the bedroom and took a quick survey of the house. No Cam. He must still be writing. Huh. Maybe frustration was inspiring him.

In the kitchen, she grabbed a bottle of white wine from the fridge and poured herself a large glass. She was getting ready to take a sip when she heard the doorbell.

As far as she knew, they weren’t expecting anyone. At the door she called out, “Who is it?”

“Judson Tate,” a deep male voice answered.

She recognized the name but couldn’t place it. Then, Oh, Judson Tate. Cam’s editor. She opened the door to find one of the most gorgeous men she’d ever seen in her life. She smiled as she took in the longish dark hair, deep blue eyes, high cheekbones. His face looked like it had been stained with a tan, sparing the area around his eyes. A skier.

She openly ogled the lean form beneath his ski parka. “Can I help you?”

He smiled back, his teeth extra white against his dark skin. “Uh, is Cameron around?”

Nicole saw him checking her out, his eyes definitely pausing for a moment on her chest. She didn’t look down, but her nipples had to be like hard pebbles from the cold air. “Yes, he’s working,” she said, puffing her chest out. She had no shame.

He smiled easily, his eyes flitting back and forth between her face and her breasts. He yanked off a glove and held out his hand. “You must be Nicole. It’s nice to meet you.”

Nicole returned the handshake, wondering why Cam’s editor was knocking on their door, but she was having trouble thinking right now. “I’m sorry. Was Cam expecting you?”

He laughed now. “He didn’t tell you I was coming?”

Nicole sputtered. “Uh, I don’t think…” Then she did remember Cam saying something about his editor stopping by, but she’d forgotten when. “Of course. Yes, yes, he told me.” Nicole slapped her forehead and stepped aside. “I’m so sorry, come in out of the cold and snow.” She caught a whiff of some subtle masculine scent as he passed by her. “Let me take your coat.”

“Thanks.” Judson peeled off his jacket and handed it to her. He also pulled a bottle of wine out of a plain brown sack. “This is for you.”

“Oh, that’s so sweet. Thank you. Come in and sit down.” She led him to the large living area and Judson sat in the leather recliner.

Nicole stood across from him, staring at him. Finally she tore her eyes away and sat.

“Is something wrong?” Judson asked.

“What? No. I mean, uh…yes. You are not like I pictured you.”

“Oh, no? What was I supposed to look like?”

“Well, like an editor. Older, graying, nerdy glasses.”

He grinned. Beautiful white teeth. White teeth and sculpted lips. “I’m so sorry to disappoint.”

“No, no!” Nicole laughed at her sudden vehemence. “No, I’m far from disappointed. I’m sure you’re well aware that you don’t look like a typical book editor.”

Judson frowned. “On behalf of my occupation, I’m going to have to take offense at that.”

“What? No. I didn’t mean…” Her voice trailed as she saw him smile. “You’re teasing me.” What was wrong with her? Relax, Nic.

“It’s nice to finally meet you,” he said. “Cam’s told me so much about you.”

Nicole fidgeted, wondering exactly how detailed her husband had been. She knew that Cam had signed on with Judson Tate two books ago, so they were probably reasonably close. She also knew that Cam liked to brag to his close friends about his habit of “spying” on her. And though she didn’t know for sure, Nicole suspected that Cam kept footage of some of his favorite “sessions”. Cam’s best friend was Max, his agent. A couple of months ago, Nicole had intercepted a text from Max—

Thnx 4 the show. Super hot. U lucky devil!.

Nicole hadn’t confronted Cam about it. In a strange way, she was almost flattered he’d wanted to show it to his good buddy. Max had come out to ski about a week later and he was unusually attentive to her. It had sorta turned her on, thinking he’d watched her masturbate. And so what? Nobody got hurt. She certainly wasn’t.

Nicole smiled brightly. “As you can tell, he’s obviously not told me much about you.”

“Well, we’ll just have to get to know each other better.” Judson winked.

Nicole’s mouth went suddenly dry but she managed to rasp out, “Yes, we will.” She took a sip of her wine. “Oh my goodness. I have no manners. Cam I get you a glass of wine?”

“Sure, thanks.”

Nicole hopped up but he stopped her with a wave of his hand. “And Nicole?” he said.

“Yes?”

“Is Cameron here?”

She laughed. “Well, duh. Yes, Cam’s out in the barn. I’ll call him for you, Judson.” Grabbing her cell phone, she dialed on the way to the kitchen.

“Nicole,” he called to her.

She stopped dead in her tracks and looked over her shoulder at him.

“Call me Jud.”

“Okay, Jud.” She added a little extra wiggle to her walk as she left the room.

“Unfuckingbelievable,” Jud muttered to himself. When Cam had first suggested this whole scene to him, Jud had nearly laughed in his face. Jud wasn’t a prude—far from it. It just seemed crazy, him fucking Nicole while Cam watched. Jud had jokingly asked Cam if he was gay, but Cam quickly set him straight. Then he had given him a disc that contained various scenes of Nicole masturbating and Cam fucking her six ways from Sunday. Nicole Wood wasn’t in-your-face gorgeous, but if the video was any indication, she was sex personified. Watching scene after scene, Jud had lost count of her orgasms. And she hadn’t appeared to be faking it.

Cam told Jud that he’d always been a voyeur of sorts, but now it was eating at him. He wanted, no he needed, to see another man fuck Nicole. Cam knew of Jud’s reputation as a ladies’ man and he was sure that Nicole would be attracted to him, that he was the perfect candidate.

When Cam had called him last night, he’d told Jud he was still working on convincing Nicole to cooperate. He thought she was definitely softening and maybe a hunky ski bum-editor would get her juices flowing. Jud chuckled to himself. From what he’d seen, the lady had no trouble in the juicy area.

Then she’d opened the door to him today. Jesus. Nicole had a pretty face, but those tits! They looked high and round and firm, with perpetual nipple erection. He hoped to God they were real and that he’d get a chance to find out. And those fucking jeans! He could see half of her hipbones from the front and definite butt cleavage from behind. She didn’t seem particularly shy about it, either. Cam said she was proud of her body and loved to show it off.

“Here we are.” Nicole handed him a glass of wine.

Their fingers touched on the glass and Jud was surprised the wine didn’t start boiling on the spot. It must have affected Nicole as well, because she quickly snatched back her hand.

She sat on the couch and leaned forward, arms crossed, breasts pushing through the gap in her V-neck sweater. Jud wondered if it was a practiced maneuver or if she was just naturally sexual. Either way, he appreciated the view.

“So where do you live, Jud?” she asked.

He cleared his throat and took a long swallow of wine. “Just outside of Vail.”

“Mmm. Editors must make good money.”

Jud shrugged. “I do a little ski patrol in my spare time.”

Cam came bursting into the house and rushed over to him. “Jud! I’m glad you could make it.”

Jud shook his hand. “I’m afraid your wife wasn’t expecting me.”

Cam whirled to look at Nicole. “What? Honey, I told you last week that Jud was coming.”

“I know, I know. I guess I forgot,” she said.

He turned back to Jud. “Well, you’re here now. And from the looks of the snow, you’ll be staying.”

“Good thing I made reservations at a place in town,” Jud said.

“Aw, bullshit,” Cam said. “You’ll stay here with us. Besides, our road won’t be plowed for a day or two anyway. You’re lucky you made it up here today, even with your SUV. There’s no way I’d let you drive back to town later.”

Jud glanced over at Nicole. “If it’s okay with your lovely wife, then I’ll stay.”

“Of course. It’s fine,” she said. “Absolutely you should stay here.”

Cam rubbed his hands together. “Great, all settled then. Nic, why don’t you thaw out some steaks and we’ll grill for dinner. I’m gonna take Jud out to the barn, show him where the magic happens.”

Nicole and Jud rolled their eyes at each other, laughing.


Out in the barn, Cam asked him, “So, what do you think? Are we gonna make this happen?”

Jud followed as Cam walked over to the video monitors. “I’m ready, willing and able.”

Cam queued up a sequence on the video. “You getting any vibe from her?”

“She’s attracted to me, for sure. I know when a woman is interested.”

Cam tapped on the monitor. “Check it out, new footage from this morning.”

Jud was unable to look away from the sight of a naked Nicole Wood playing with herself. “So what’s the plan?”

“I figure we break her in slowly. I’ll pretend to overindulge and we’ll make the talk at dinner as raw as possible. Dirty talk turns her on.”

Still staring at the screen, Jud asked, “What doesn’t turn her on?”

Cam’s chuckle turned into a long laugh. “So, the evening’s conversation will be verbal foreplay, I’ll be ‘drunk’ and then crash early.”

“And I make my move,” Jud said.

“If it feels right,” Cam replied.

“What if she shuts me down? I don’t want this whole scene to strain my relationship with you.”

“It won’t. She won’t be offended by a pass from you. And remember, if she does shut you down initially, she gets up around midnight or one to have a cup of tea. She has trouble sleeping sometimes.”

“Probably because you aren’t keeping her satisfied,” Jud joked.

Cam looked at him, serious now. “That’s why you’re here, man. I’m trying to change that.”

Jud nodded. “So I meet her for a late-night tea, strip her naked, fuck her senseless, make sure you see it.”

Cam gave him a look. “First of all, she’ll already be naked. Second, I was thinking we could stick with just oral tonight. Third, I will be watching. Then fourth, I’ll fuck her senseless.”

______________________________________________________

Get your scorching hot copy today! http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8856-look-at-me.aspx

More Kayden to Love!

I'd like to thank my guest Kayden. It's been a blast! And don't forget to check out these hot titles by Ms. McLeod as well: