Derek Doesn't Date

WeWriWa April 28th 8 Sentence Sunday



From my current work in progress, Danika's Gift.  She finds herself attracted to a hot guy and for the life of her, can't figure out why he'd possibly want to take her out to dinner.  Insecure, shy and trying to hide from the general public, she decides to ask.  Here's his answer:

“Well, let’s see.   I brought you here because I like you.  I brought you to my father’s restaurant because I wanted to be comfortable while I got to know you.  Other places, I have to worry about who sees me and what they’ll say or if they’ll interrupt.  Not here.  No one can even see us and we can just relax and get to know one another.  I don’t date because I have had no interest in doing so.  I chose you because when I first saw you, I wanted to flirt with the new girl.”

Join me over at Weekend Writing Warriors to read more 8 Sentence snippets.  So many great authors with a wide variety of stories to share.  

And, we'd love to see what you're working on!

Hop on over to http://www.wewriwa.com and check out what's going on!

Thanks for visiting my blog today. Comments gratefully appreciated  :)

Happy Reading!

~J~

Book Review: Hook's Pan

O.M.G. I have waited for this book for EVER.  LOL  I did up a book review, which you can find on my other blog HERE.

I gave it 5 stars.  I loved it!!!

And this cover is HOT!!!

All the details are on my other blog...which I am slowly building up as a book blog.  =)

Grab it, love it, share it!

Happy Reading!

~J~

Unplugged

Well, over the weekend, I read a book.  Wow!  No, not really wow, for those that know me.  LOL  I read a few books a week.  But, this was a 611 page hard-cover novel by Stephen King.  That's actually the "wow" part because I read mostly Kindle books lately.


My step-daughter came in to possession of a few hundred books and passed on to me the romance and thriller ones.  So, I sat there, with this HUGE book that ways a million pounds, and even when I went potty, I brought it with me.  It was good and I enjoyed it.  As always, Stephen Kind confused me, intrigued me, had my heart racing and my fingers flipped the pages practically non-stop.

Having a portable book kept me off the computer for a whole day!  I was pretty much UNPLUGGED and although I thought of my friends and fellow authors, and wondered about email, I didn't turn it on.  I don't have a Kindle device, but rather I use the Kindle for PC software, so typically when reading, I am still available on Facebook or by email.  But, it was nice, for one day, to completely kick back and relax wherever I wanted to throughout the day.

Do you "unplug" on occasion? What causes you to walk away from the computer for a day or more?    Would love to hear how you get UNPLUGGED.

This is the book that kept me unplugged for over 24 hours:

Here's the Amazon Synopsis:

No more than a dark pencil line on a blank page. A horizon line, maybe. But also a slot for blackness to pour through...

A terrible construction site accident takes Edgar Freemantle's right arm and scrambles his memory and his mind, leaving him with little but rage as he begins the ordeal of rehabilitation. A marriage that produced two lovely daughters suddenly ends, and Edgar begins to wish he hadn't survived the injuries that could have killed him. He wants out. His psychologist, Dr. Kamen, suggests a "geographic cure," a new life distant from the Twin Cities and the building business Edgar grew from scratch. And Kamen suggests something else.

"Edgar, does anything make you happy?"

"I used to sketch."

"Take it up again. You need hedges... hedges against the night."

Edgar leaves Minnesota for a rented house on Duma Key, a stunningly beautiful, eerily undeveloped splinter of the Florida coast. The sun setting into the Gulf of Mexico and the tidal rattling of shells on the beach call out to him, and Edgar draws. A visit from Ilse, the daughter he dotes on, starts his movement out of solitude. He meets a kindred spirit in Wireman, a man reluctant to reveal his own wounds, and then Elizabeth Eastlake, a sick old woman whose roots are tangled deep in Duma Key. Now Edgar paints, sometimes feverishly, his exploding talent both a wonder and a weapon. Many of his paintings have a power that cannot be controlled. When Elizabeth's past unfolds and the ghosts of her childhood begin to appear, the damage of which they are capable is truly devastating.

The tenacity of love, the perils of creativity, the mysteries of memory and the nature of the supernatural -- Stephen King gives us a novel as fascinating as it is gripping and terrifying.

Happy Reading!

~J~

8 Sentence Sunday WeWriWa Danika and Derek

I am currently doing edits on my next book, which is titled "Danika's Gift."  The main character, Danika, has a gift for seeing events before they can happen.  The problem is, whether or not it is truly a gift or a curse.  When she meets Derek, she begins to wonder if she can actually have a normal life and whether or not her gift can be used for good.

Here's a spicy 8 sentence snippet for WeWriWa aka Weekly Writing Warriors.  If you enjoy it, please feel to subscribe for future updates and share with others.

~~~~~

I closed my eyes and threw an arm over my face.  I couldn’t stop smiling.  Derek came up next to me, his hands now tracing patterns along my stomach and chest.  He kissed at my shoulder, nibbling my skin.  Every inch of me was hypersensitive and his touch was making my body tremble.

“That was amazing,” I murmured.

“You are amazing,” Derek whispered in my ear. He licked at my collarbone, sending shivers through my heated body.

~~~~~

If you want to check out more fantastic weekend writing warriors, then go to www.wewriwa.com :)

Book Reviews

Just wanted you to know that I added a tab on this blog, which directs you to a page where you can get YOUR book reviewed.

If you are an author, and would like your book reviewed, simple click on the tab up top and get the details there.  I currently am reading and reviewing books all the time on kindle.  I feel there's a better way to give exposure to others by creating a blog post that wil have it's own way of being shared and spreading the word.

I have found TONS of great books, myself, simply by checking out other book blogs with reviews on them.  I figured that since I am reading AND reviewing the books anyway, why not kill two birds with one stone and blog it too?

Anyway, just wanted to share that with you all and let you know I am here if you need me.  I'd love to help you out.


Happy Reading!

~Jayn~

Free Book The Key to Helmbrooke

I excited to share that today and tomorrow (April 18th and 19th) my book "The Key to Helmbrooke" is available for FREE on Amazon Kindle.  I would really love for you to grab it and then leave an honest review... good, bad, ugly...not only does it help with sales, but helps me as an author to see how I can improve my writing.

You can click on the book cover to grab your copy now.

Thank you and I hope you enjoy this quick read!  Please feel free to tweet, like or "+" this post as I could use all the help I can get, to spread the word.  

~J~

Teaser Tuesday-Danika's Gift-WIP

My latest work-in-progress is titled "Danika's Gift."  A young woman has a gift for seeing the future.  The problem is, she doesn't know how to use it and therefore, has been sheltered much of her life.  When she ventures off to college with her cousin, Samantha, she meets Derek.  Derek is handsome and catches her attention immediately.

Below is a little snippet to tease you a bit!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“What’s your name?”  His voice was deep, husky and warm.  I felt tingling in my stomach.  I knew he had to hear Sam call me Dani.  Logic was trying to diffuse my nerves.  Maybe he wanted me to tell him instead.  Talk to him.

“Dani..er, Danika”

“Very pretty.”  His lips curved in a crooked smile .  Was he shy?  He held out his hand to shake mine.  “I’m Derek.  It is nice to meet you.”

“You too.” There it was again, that electric shock.  I pulled my hand away from his quickly.  I felt my face flame.   I didn’t know what else to say, my brain had jumped ship apparently, leaving me a brainless, weak-kneed, tingling mess.

Derek’s cell phone chirped and his smile dropped.  “Duty calls, more pizzas to deliver.”  He flashed me a sexy grin.  “See you in class tomorrow?”

“Yeah.” I had forgotten I completely changed my schedule.  Like I said, my brain was M.I.A.

“Night  Danika.  Enjoy.” He winked at me, again, then turned and walked away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hope you liked that!  The book is now in the editing phase and my good friend Samantha Holt is helping me with a cover.  I hope to release the book by the end of April.  :)

Thanks for stopping by.  Please leave your comments below and feel free to share this post.

~J~

Isabelle Walks Right In to Danger

Weekend Writing Warriors 8 Sentence Sunday!!

I wanted to share a small burb from my most recent published book, The Key to Helmbrooke.  If you haven't read it yet, this scene is where Isabelle is traipsing through the darkened woods, determined to make her way to the queen's castle.  Without anyone to guide her or protect her, one wrong step brings her right into the arms of a dangerous stranger:

~~~~
“Please,” a woman’s voice whispered.

Zander let her go and whirled her around to face him, one hand tight on her arm. His eyes widened with surprise, for just a moment.  He had not expected a young girl.  For a split second, he was mesmerized by her eyes, striking at the chords of his heart.  They were filled with fear, wide with surprise.  He gave his head a quick shake breaking the stare.

“What are you doing here?” Zander growled at her. 
~~~~

If you would like to read the entire book, simply head over to Amazon and grab it HERE.

If you'd like a FREE copy, in exchange for an HONEST review, I would greatly appreciate it.  Send me an email at JaynWilde AT gmail. com and I can send it over to you. 

If you want to check out more fantastic weekend writing warriors, then go to www.wewriwa.com :)

New Friends

I haven't been an official author for very long now, just a little over a year.  However, I have been an avid reader since I was old enough to read.  My mom once told me that I struggled to learn to read as a child and I thought she was out of her mind.  But, then she explained my Dad took a lot of time with me and helped me.  Which, is probably why at a very young age (around five or six) I became a book worm.  I even met my lifelong BFF at the library.  I would walk down to the library on a regular basis and borrow as many books as they'd allow.  Then, a few days later, I'd return them and do it again.  Anyway, I love to read because it allows me to learn more, and allows me to go to places I'd never imagine on my own.

There are two things that I absolutely LOVE about being a writer.  First, it is a wonderful form of expression.  I can share things with others that interest me, in the hopes it will interest them as well.  I can share my experiences and give advice if I'd like.  Even in fiction, you share a piece of yourself with your readers and it is liberating.  You are also free to create and explore new worlds, new species, new relationships...all without leaving your writing space.

The other thing is that it opens the door for me to meet so many wonderful people, with common interests.  Whether it is people who read my writing or it is other writers, I seem to make new friends on a regular basis.  As a stay-at-home mom of five (expecting number six in the fall) sometimes it can be tricky making new friends out there in the real world.  Even as an adult, I see "cliques" amongst the other mothers at school and outings and as one who never truly "fit in", it can be a bit frustrating.  But, online, in the writing world, I can easily connect with complete strangers on a whole different level.  We may chat about books and then we start to share our writing with one another and then before you know it, you've found a wonderful & supportive friend.

In the past year, I've made three wonderful friends all because of taking a chance on becoming a writer.  I am in New Jersey and these ladies are in Australia, England and Mexico.  With the internet as it is, it really brings the world to your fingertips.  Being a writer, I have found that there is so much more to explore and so many people out there willing to go with me.  And, I've been blessed that with everyone I have met, it's a true friendship...give and take.  I help them and they help me.  We support one another and encourage each other.

To me, being a writer has been an amazing experience.  I struggle, as anyone does, but I have wonderful people to help me up, brush me off and then tell me to get my a** in gear and get back to doing my thing.  I love it and I am grateful for my new career AND my new friends.  <3

~J~

A Little Bit of Deja Vu

A Little Bit of Deja Vu (Book One of The Return to Redemption Series)
By Laurie Kellogg



FREE on April 8 and 9, 2013


My Review

I grabbed this book during the first of its two day free promo and read it non-stop...then turned around and recommended it to everyone I knew!  Yes, that's how much I liked it.  :)

This particular story gave me my own sense of Deja Vu since I was 17 when I conceived my oldest child AND got married because of it. 

I loved the characters and the two generations coming together the way that they did.   They dealt with a myriad of emotions and situations that kept me engaged the entire time.  I also liked that old wounds had the chance to be healed and that everyone was able to move forward in their lives, despite the series of events that took place.

Wonderfully written...I found myself laughing out loud at some parts, tearing at others and overall going to bed with happy feelings once I had finished.  I read it straight through in one (long) sitting.  :)

If you are hesitant about teenage sex, abortions and the like, this may not be a perfect fit for you. However, I found that it was a very real storyline and liked the way it all came together.

Highly recommended!

Synopsis

Margie Bradford is picking up the pieces of her shattered life following her husband's death. When her cousin encourages her to make a fresh start with her teenage daughter, unsuspecting Margie takes a reading specialist job in the small town of Redemption, PA. The last person she expects to encounter is Rocket Manion, the ex-NFL quarterback and Dr. Phil wannabe who broke her heart nineteen years ago. Strangling her meddling cousin is now at the top of Margie's to-do list.

Divorced teacher and head football coach Jake Manion experiences an eerie sense of déjà vu when his son announces he's gotten his girlfriend pregnant. The feeling simply grows stronger when Jake learns the girl's mother is Maggie, the same woman on whom he's wasted nearly two decades of bitterness.

While planning their kids' wedding and helping them grow up too soon, Jake attempts to pick up right where he left off--in Margie's bed. But no matter how irresistible his kisses are, she isn't stupid enough to let him hurt her again. Or is she?


Snippets
“You know, Dad, it’s easy for you to lecture me and your classes about abstinence when the only breasts you’ve touched in years were from KFC. I’m not a monk like you. I can’t kiss Emma and not get turned on.”

"She moaned softly into his mouth, her tongue timidly following his in a sensual dance that gave his stomach the same peculiar weightless feeling as the parachute ride at Six Flags. The difference being, at the amusement park, his gut inevitably hit bottom, whereas Maggie’stentative kiss made him feel as if he’d drunk liquid helium instead of beer.

When he reluctantly drew back from sampling her sweetness, her eyes glistened like cut glass. “Ohhh, Jake,” she breathed out his name like a prayer. “Thank you.” “You’re very welcome.” He smiled, amused by her reverent gratitude. He should be thanking her for showing him how much was missing in his relationship with Roxanne. A man should feel this kind of out-of-control passion for the woman he planned to marry, shouldn’t he?"

To Blog or Not To Blog...

Well, I have considered starting a book review blog.  One that showcases the reviews I do for other authors.  Of course, there are TONS already out there, and quite a few that I follow.  I can't imagine it being a bad idea, just because it's even more publicity for authors.  I wonder if it will take from my writing?

I've been in a funk for the past week and have read 5 or 6 books, but haven't touched a single story of my own.  I seem to have yearned to escape real life for a bit.  Thankfully, Spring has Sprung here in NJ (finally!!) so the nice weather will surely boost my spirits a bit.

Anyway, I did start the blog, but am not sure where to go from here.  So,  I am thinking of keeping it low-key, sharing some of the reviews of my favorites from  Kindle (I've done a few hundred reviews there) and see where it takes me.

I figure, at the very least...it will keep these fingers moving and this brain creatively thinking.   That HAS to be good, right?  :)

I will share more when I can.  I'm hoping to get a great blog going in between my own stories.

Happy Reading!

~Jayn~

FREE Paranormal Romance Suspense Series

Over the past few days, I have been "away."  I went to Oregon, Chicago, Vegas and Canada.  I was knee deep in werewolf drama, romance and suspense.  I made some new friends and found a couple of packs to call home.  I saw new relationships form, new packs emerge, secrets unravel, deception amongst friends and allies.  It's been an exciting few days!


In Reality...


I've actually barely left the computer, much to hubby's dismay. One of my Facebook friends posted about the availability of a book series for FREE.  What I didn't know was that the author always keeps the books available for free with just the simple request of submitting a review and, if the reader felt inclined, to donate money to their local animal rescue or food bank.  That is awesome of Nicky Charles, since each book is a full length novel that undoubtedly takes much time to write, edit and then publish.

What hooked me in to this series was the way Nicky Charles writes.  You start to really develop a bond with the characters.  You feel their emotions and you want their happiness...and safety.  I easily became a fan during book one and devoured all five books in the course of three days.  Not only was the writing well done, but it has three of my favorite elements:  Love (and steamy sex scenes), Paranormal characters and Suspense.  I couldn't stop turning the pages, not knowing what would happen next, but desperately needing to.

Although the books can easily be stand-alones, because Nicky carefully explains key points in each book, (so the reader isn't lost), at the same time, you don't have to sit there wondering, "What happened to So-and-So" because Nicky has covered them in another book.  And, for me, that is a big deal because as I fall in love with characters, I hate not knowing what happens to them after I close the book.

Here's a basic run-down of the series, in the order that you should read them...

Starting with Bonded, we learn about Lycan Laws and the ways that the Lycans (werewolves) work to integrate the weres in to human society as well as cover up any possible "mistakes" that may cause humans to know of were existence.  The story revolves around Brandi and Reno.

Official  Book  Description on Amazon:  "Reno’s a tough Enforcer for Lycan Link who finds himself drawn to Brandi but duty rules his life. Brandi, just on the edge of starting her career as a Disaster Control officer, falls for Reno at first sight, but are they really meant to be? Is it love or lust and does it really even matter? Enforcers and DCs don't get along...unless fate forces them to."

After Bonded is Betrayed where a rogue were named Damien comes in to contact with a fae named Eve and a man who is part were and part fae, known as Dr. McRae.  The doc happens to be on a sabbatical, but when he's at work, he is a psychotherapist for rogue weres.  In this book, we learn more about Lycan Link and the rift between fae and werewolves.

Official  Book  Description on Amazon:  "His mate killed in a horrific explosion, ex-Enforcer Damien Masterson now lives as a rogue werewolf. Grief stricken and filled with rage, what depths will he sink to in his search for revenge? And who will be caught in the crossfire? Will it be Eve, a Fae just entering the Awakening stage? Or Rafe McRae, part empath and part wolf? It’s been said that a rogue Enforcer is too dangerous to be allowed to roam. A suspense driven story of love, betrayal and revenge, this latest addition to the Law of the Lycans series is the sequel to Bonded."

From Betrayed, we move on to The Mating.  In this book we meet Elise and Kane, who have been mated to form alliances between two Lycan packs.  For some packs, keeping up the old traditions is more important than love.  What starts out as an "arranged marriage" turns to so much more and by the end, the reader will find themselves thick in to the heart of Lycan life with an Alpha and his pack.  And, what started out as an alliance for political reasons, turns in to a love match for our main characters.

Official  Book  Description on Amazon:  "Elise had no idea when she came home that day that she'd end up mated to a complete stranger. A new Alpha and the need for an alliance between packs have made her a pawn Excerpt: She lay beside him, staring blankly at the ceiling. The deed was done. They were mated. It didn't matter that she had no love for him nor he for her. Political alliances were more important than feelings..."

The next book in the series is The Keeping where we learn more about Ryne, who we met in The Mating.  Ryne took a photograph of his brother, Kane, in wolf-form, and when that photograph is bought by an anonymous buyer, a whole chain of events takes place.  The Keeping is a law that prevents humans from finding out about the Lycans.  When a human investigative journalist is hired to find the photographer of the wolf, danger, deception and the possibility of a mass suicide lingers.   

Official  Book  Description on Amazon:  "Ryne Taylor was a sexy bad-ass Alpha set on establishing a new pack. Melody Greene was a journalism student researching his work as a photographer—or so she said. But could Mel really be trusted or had she stumbled upon his secret? And if she knew, could Ryne save himself and the pack he’d left behind without enacting a deadly ancient law known as The Keeping? Sequel to The Mating."

The fifth book is The Finding.  In some places, this is indicated as the third book in the series.  However, the author was compelled to share other story lines that changed the order and so, the order I've listed them here is the order they should be read in to keep it all clear.  Of course, you can read them in any order, but I found that going in the order shown here gives the series a better flow.  

In The Finding, Bryan is tracking a young wolf who was orphaned and is out there on her own without any guidance to her true self.  For awhile, she lives pretty much as a normal human.  However, as a millionaire heiress, there are many people watching out for her, trying to find her, besides Bryan and his pack.  Early on in the story, he finds her fairly easily, but as I pointed out...she is an heiress to millions, she is a werewolf and she has no pack.  More danger, more revelations and an ancient story of true mates adds much to this story.

Official  Book  Description on Amazon:  "She discovered a dark secret, witnessed a murder and fled into the night fearing for her life. Three years later, Cassie is still hiding from her past, haunted by a dream lover and fighting to control a terrifying beast that seems to grow stronger each day. When Bryan, pack Beta, appears to claim her, Cassie is forced to face the truth of her existence. Innocence, betrayal, greed and love collide with ancient werewolf laws in... The Finding."

To sum it all up... this an amazing series for those who love Romance, Paranormal and Suspense books.

I do want to make a few more points.  Again, each book can be read stand-alone.  However, since they are all free, why not just grab them all?  Also, the characters are lovable and you won't want to miss all of the various relationships as they build and grow around the challenges that come for them. 

This series doesn't look to be ending any time soon.  With each book, we meet new people, we revisit old friends and we learn more about the Lycan Laws.  Nicky Charles, the author, stated on her facebook page that typically one book per year is released.  The last being released in early 2013 means you may have to wait awhile for the next one.  Oh and again, EACH book is a full novel.

Nicky Charles can be found HERE and on  Facebook HERE 

***NOTE:  Please be sure to head back to Amazon and provide a review for each book! :) ***

Happy Reading!

~J~

Bound Book Series by Tracey Jane Jackson

Bound Book Series, Volume 1 and 2...my Reviews.

Bound By Blood

Right from the beginning, I simple adored Samantha. She is such a down-to-earth, strong, intelligent female that was perfect for this story. Add to that her wonderful friends, such as Pepper, Payton and Fiona and I am hooked! I felt like I was one of the girls as I read through to the end.

Now, for the guys... SWOON... I have always been one to LOVE stories where there are 'mates', as in people meant to be with one another; people that have NO insecurities about the one they are with. There is no doubt, no cheating, no lack of desire and of course, there is TONS of heat, because the two are intended for one another. So, since I adore Sam, of course, I fell for Kade. And his brothers sound like an amazing, handsome, powerful bunch!

Wonderful characters that I really felt like I knew as I went through the book. Now, add to it some mystery and magic. And, I was pleasantly surprised that these mates, or bonded couples, weren't werewolves or vampires (though I've found myself falling for a few of those in the past). I won't tell you how they are different, but the Gunnach family is definitely interesting.

I love the bond between Sam and Kade...there's so much more than just mating. Oh and what small-town girl wouldn't mind becoming a queen one day? Anyway, I really enjoyed how everything played out (so far) and can not wait to get my hands on the next book. Truly wonderful!



Bound By Fire

This is the second book in the series and I truly hope there will be more because I have already come to know and adore many of the characters.  Sam and Kade are now married and the focus of this book is on Sam's best friend, Pepper.

Right from the very beginning, my heart goes out to Pepper.  Her life has been rough and in most recent weeks, as you'll see in the beginning, things haven't gotten quite a bit worse.  She is being stalked by an unknown individual and if that isn't tough enough, she has to keep it all hidden from her best friend, Samantha.  Not only does she suffer through this guy's threats, which he carries out, but the police can't find out who he is and her only help comes from Dalton, Sam's brother and not exactly Pepper's closest friend.

When Collan Gunnach first lays eyes on Pepper, the realization is there.  Pepper is his mate.  However, there are many obstacles.  Not only the stalker,  Dalton's attentions and the fact that going from broke to Princess is a huge leap for someone like Pepper.  Pepper loses a lot along the way and Collan seems too perfect for her.

I love how the story follows up from book one, yet, it can stand alone too.  Ms. Jackson does a great job of sharing the details of the Gunnach clan and Cauld Ane history plus the relationship between each character, so that a new reader isn't lost because they didn't read book one. Just as in book one, I found myself laughing, swooning and all together loving the story.  Towards the end, things do get dangerous, and my heart was racing, but what needs to be resolved is taken care of and I cannot wait to read more!

If you'd like to see MORE from Tracey Jane Jackson, you can visit her blog HERE or her Facebook page HERE.

Happy Reading!!!

~J~