We had some lovely hoar frost here last week...
© Lance Thomson Photographic
© Lance Thomson Photographic
The only sound in the room was the hum of Carter’s computer. Carter glanced at the door Jack had closed behind them. His eyes flickered from side to side.
Ally again felt Jack’s startled inquiring gaze on her and turned to him.
“He slept with his boss’s wife?” Jack demanded, his eyes flashing.
She gave a short nod, lips pressed together.
“Is that who you found him with?” Jack’s voice rose with incredulity.
“Yes. That’s who I found him with. Jillian Chipman.” She turned her gaze back to Carter, who tugged at the tie knotted at his throat.
“You’re such an asshole, Carter,” Jack muttered, shaking his head.
“You wouldn’t tell Glenn,” Carter said again.
“Try me,” Ally said. “There’s an innocent little girl’s life at stake here, Carter. She hasn’t done a damn thing to deserve this. You, on the other hand, deserve every bit of karma that’s coming your way. And if I can push that karma along a little...even though I know eventually you’ll get what you deserve, anyway…I have no problem with that.” She paused. “No problem at all.”
He stared at her, then dropped his eyes.
“Carter?”
He stared down at his desk, his face tight.
Ally turned back to Jack. “Do you have the number of the clinic?”
Jack pulled out his cell phone. “Right here.”
Ally reached for the phone on Carter’s desk, and entered the number Jack read out. She handed the receiver to Carter.
He snatched it from her with a glare, then spoke to the nurse in terse tones and made an appointment for that afternoon once he’d explained about whom he was calling.
* * *
Ally and Jack emerged from the office building onto the sunny sidewalk. She burst out laughing and flung her arms around him.
He caught her around the waist and couldn’t resist swinging her around in an exuberant circle, attracting amused glances from business people striding up and down the sidewalk.
Her hair swung around her. Her cheeks flushed pink, her eyes glowed and her smile was so bright he needed to put his shades back on.
“You were incredible in there,” he said. ”I can’t believe he did that.”
“Slept with his boss’s wife?” She gave a crooked little smile. “That’s who I found him in bed with. In our home. Grrr.” She gave a little growl then smiled again. It obviously didn’t bother her too much. “The pig. Jillian is Glenn’s second wife. I thought she was a trophy wife – much younger than him, blonde, gorgeous - but Glenn is really nuts about her. Really. And they have a new baby now. It would kill him to know she’d cheated on him with Carter.”
“And you would have told him? Would you do that to Glenn and Jillian?” He eyed her skeptically.
“I’m not sure.” She grimaced. “I’d hate to do it, of course. But Carter didn’t know that.”
Jack grinned again, adoration for this woman swelling up inside him, making his chest tight and painful. God. How could he live without her? What she’d done for him, for Brittany, for Sarah… He almost choked on his love for her. He grabbed her again, pulled her tight against him and tucked her head under his chin, his eyes stinging.
“I love you, Ally.”
“I love you, too, Jack.”
He lifted his head and cupped her face, then kissed her on the mouth, a deep, soul-touching, mind-melting kiss, right there on the sidewalk in downtown L.A., loving the taste of her, the feel of her against him and he knew he never wanted to let her go.
Three months later
Sarah hugged the big Winnie the Pooh bear and smiled at Jack and Ally.
“Thank you so much,” she said. “I love him.”
They smiled back at her. She wore no cap over her wispy blonde hair, and she still looked tiny and thin, but healthier and stronger than the last time they’d seen her. She’d had her bone marrow transplant about six weeks earlier. The match with Carter’s bone marrow had been reasonably good. She’d developed a mild case of GVHD about a week ago, but the drugs seemed to be preventing it from becoming serious or life threatening. She’d also had some infections, and she wasn’t totally out of the woods yet, but she was doing much better.
Brittany, too, smiled at them, standing beside her daughter’s bedside. “I still can’t thank you enough,” she said, her appreciation shining in her eyes.
“We should go,” Jack said. “Our flight leaves in a few hours.”
“I’ll walk out with you,” Brittany said. They left Sarah’s bedroom and walked down the hall of Brittany’s small home, out onto her front doorstep.
“I still don’t know what you did to Carter to make him agree,” she told them. “But I really appreciate your help.”
Ally smiled back at her. “I think Jack was actually disappointed he wouldn’t be able to help by donating bone marrow,” she told their old friend wryly. “But we’ve both registered now with the National Marrow Donor Program Registry. Who knows, there may be someone else somewhere we can help that way.”
Brittany nodded, eyes glossy. “That’s so awesome.”
“How is Carter doing?” Ally asked. “Have you talked to him since?”
Brittany nodded. “Yes.” She bit her lip. “He’s doing fine. He was sore for a few days, but he really had no problems at all. He actually mentioned meeting Sarah when I talked to him the other day.”
Jack and Ally traded glances. “That’s good,” Jack said cautiously. “Did you...have you got a lawyer?”
Brittany shook her head. “No. I never did. After he agreed to donate, that’s all I cared about. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure I want Sarah to meet him.”
“Oh.” Sadness swept over Ally. “He’s her father...”
“I know, but he’s been such a jerk about this whole thing. Carter has betrayed so many people...and...” Her eyes fell with shame. “I have too. I feel terrible about that. What kind of parents does the poor kid have? Anyway, I don’t want her to be one of Carter’s victims.”
Ally nodded slowly, and looked at Jack. She could tell they were thinking the same thing. “I wish I could say he wouldn’t do that to a helpless little girl, but who knows? We misjudged him so much in the past.”
“The fact that he wants to meet her is a good sign,” Jack said. “Maybe this experience is opening his eyes. Making him realize what’s important.”
“I don’t know if what’s important to Carter will ever be the same as what’s important to you,” Brittany said with a sad smile. “Um...I wanted to say how happy I am that you two are finally together. You two always had some kind of special bond - even in high school.”
Ally and Jack’s eyes met and they smiled.
“Thanks,” Ally said softly.
“And the book you’ve written...” Brittany referred to the children’s book Jack and Ally had collaborated on, inspired by Sarah’s battle. “To donate the profits to the children’s oncology unit - that is so amazing.”
Ally shrugged and made a face. “Who knows. If the book doesn’t sell, it won’t be much of a gesture.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Brittany said. “Just the idea is amazing. I’m glad Sarah had a chance to meet you, as friends.”
“We’ll be back in a couple of months,” Jack said. They were off to Europe that evening, first to Paris, then on to Baghdad. “But you have our e-mail address. Be sure to keep us posted on how Sarah is doing.”
“I will,” Brittany promised.
Jack slid into the driver’s seat of Ally’s car. He’d long since turned in the rental car and settled in at Ally’s home. His home, now, too. Ally climbed in beside him.
“Thanks,” she said.
“For what?”
“For coming here again. I know it was weird at first, but I think we both needed to know she was okay.”
“Yeah. At least I know I’ve done whatever I can for her.” He glanced at her. “What are you smiling about?”
“I love you.” Her heart swelled with love for him so much she almost burst with it.
“I love you too.” He reached for her hand. “Wanna get married in Paris?”
She gaped at him and he smiled back at her.
“What the hell kind of proposal is that?” Her heart danced a wild hip hop rhythm in her chest and her lungs constricted as she stared at him.
His grin broadened and he squeezed her fingers. “You’re right. I should have waited. I had it all planned. The ring is at home, and I know the perfect place in Paris where I planned to go down on one knee. But damn, it just slipped out.”
The corners of her eyes stung and she blinked at him. “You have a ring?”
“Yeah.”
She sniffed and waved a hand. “Okay, I’ll just pretend I didn’t hear that. I can wait. Go ahead and do the romantic thing in Paris.”
And he did.
THE END
I finished Guilty Pleasure by Lora Leigh. This story was okay for me. There were times when all the conflict didn't make a lot of sense to me and I couldn't quite figure out why everyone was so angry at each other. I also didn't feel satisfied by the threesome sex. Shane seems a very sexy dominant man, but I got no sense of Marty's feelings for him. It's clear how much she loves Khalid, but surely she shoud have some feelings for the other man she's having sex with. Of course, this was a very hot Lora Leigh story, as always.
Now I'm reading Back in Black by Lori Foster. I didn't plan to read this next as I have a big list of books queued up on my reader, but I saw it in the bookstore and I bought the paperback. Lori Foster is a long time favorite author of mine, and I'm enjoying the story. Her characters are always so dimensional and interesting.
Now I'm reading Back in Black by Lori Foster. I didn't plan to read this next as I have a big list of books queued up on my reader, but I saw it in the bookstore and I bought the paperback. Lori Foster is a long time favorite author of mine, and I'm enjoying the story. Her characters are always so dimensional and interesting.
I’m done. I’ve fleshed out the characters. Surprise to me: Jake is not a “Chief” archetype, he’s a “Bad Boy”. He showed me that over and over throughout the story. AND he has a deep emotional childhood wound that I didn’t know about. That’s why he’s such a bad boy and a player. It all makes sense now. Why he was so hurt by rejection and betrayal. But Shelby makes sense, too, now that I know how her parents ignored her so they could fight all the time. Now I know why she was willing to enter into this deal with Jake. Now I know why her career is such a challenge to her at times.
The funny thing is, when I started fleshing out the characters and then went back to add things into my story to make sure they were there - they were already there. To my surprise. Am I in some kind of coma when I write, or something?
Anyway, the good thing is that although at about pages 125 – 175 I felt I was writing boring drivel that nobody would ever want to read, I now feel kind of...excited. Like, maybe this story is okay after all. I mean, I hope it’s more than okay, but how would I know? I just wrote it.
I also have a new title which might be the one that actually sticks: Sweet Deal.
Now my process is to put it away and let it simmer. Let the flavours develop, if you will. The longer the better, but I'll leave it alone for at least a month. Then, deeper editing will happen.
And now..on to something else!
All the way to the thirty-five story glass tower that housed Carter’s law firm, Ally hoped and prayed he was there, because she didn’t want to call ahead and let him know they were coming. She also hoped and prayed she could do this. Confronting Carter had never been easy for her.
She’d dressed carefully in a slim-fitting, knee length dress, the gold color flattering with her auburn hair. High heeled pumps of a similar color made her taller and upped her confidence. She needed every bit of it to pull this off.
She eyed Jack as he drove. He wore his dark glasses, his thick sun-bleached hair shaggy and sexy, face and arms bronzed. Unlike her, he hadn’t dressed up, wearing baggy green cargo pants and a black t-shirt that emphasized his broad shoulders and muscular chest. He looked insanely sexy. She swallowed a sigh of pleasure.
She twisted the strap of her purse between her fingers while Jack found a lucky parking spot on a side street. They walked into the lobby of the building, all gleaming granite, stainless steel and glass. Ally marched right over to the elevator and punched the ‘up’ button, and when they stepped in, she stabbed the button for the thirtieth floor.
“You know where you’re going,” he murmured.
“Yes.” She nibbled her bottom lip, then composed herself to look cool and confident.
Stepping off the elevator, they faced an elegant reception desk of dark wood, the name of the law firm Chipman, Barratt displayed in shiny brass letters. Ally greeted the receptionist. “Hi, Stephanie.”
“Ally!” Stephanie’s eyes widened, then a small crease formed between her brows. Her eyes moved to Jack and recognition lit them. “Hi! Are you here to see Carter?”
“Yes, we are. We have some business. Can we just go on back?” Ally started toward the door to the left of the reception desk without waiting for Stephanie’s somewhat uncertain agreement.
Jack followed behind Ally as she pulled open the door and stepped into the long hallway. She started down the hall, her heels sinking slightly into the plush carpet. She remembered exactly where Carter’s office was.
As they passed by an open door, a man stepped out into the hall, almost bumping into Ally. She stopped. The tall, slightly balding man looked at her face and a broad smile crossed his.
“Ally!”
It was Glenn Chipman, one of the senior partners of the law firm and Carter’s boss. This couldn’t be better.
“Hi Glenn.” She extended a hand to him. He took it and leaned in to kiss her cheek. “How are you?”
“I’m well, thank you.” He studied her. “I haven’t seen you for so long. In fact, not since you and Carter split up. I was so sorry about that.”
She smiled and lifted her shoulders. “Yes, well. I’m fine. How is Jillian? And your new baby?”
His eyes lit up at mention of his wife and child. “They’re doing great. You knew about the baby? He’s nine months old now.”
She nodded, smiling warmly. “Yes, I heard. Congratulations. You must be so proud.”
“I am. The little guy is just amazing. And Jillian is well, too. She’s enjoying being a new mother.”
Ally’s smile felt stretched tight. “That’s great.”
“And you...your book is doing well, I hear.”
“Yes. It is.”
“Congratulations to you, too.”
“Thank you,” she said sincerely, tipping her head. “Well, I’m so glad I ran into you. We’re just here to see Carter on a little business. Glenn, this is my friend Jack Templeton. Jack, Glenn Chipman.”
The two men shook hands and Ally and Jack continued down the hall. She found Carter’s office exactly where she remembered and luck was with them. The door stood open and Carter sat behind his desk, tapping away on the computer keyboard.
She knocked on the open door and stepped in as Carter looked up. His eyes widened, then narrowed, a small crease between his eyebrows.
“Ally!” he exclaimed. “And Jack. What are you doing here?”
Ally smiled and walked across the office. “That’s not much of a greeting.”
Carter’s frown deepened. He didn’t look happy to see them, but that was okay. He was going to be even less happy in a few minutes.
“We wanted to talk to you,” Ally said.
“Oookay.” Carter waved a hand to the chairs in front of his desk and she and Jack sat down.
She took a deep breath. “We came to talk to you about Sarah.”
Carter’s eyes flickered. “There’s nothing to talk about.”
“Sure there is.” She pasted on a smile. “Jack and I both think you need to do the right thing. You need to acknowledge she’s your daughter. And you need to meet with the oncology clinic and find out if you’re a good donor for her.”
Carter just stared back at Ally blankly. “I’m not going to acknowledge I’m her father,” he replied slowly. “I already said that. No way in hell. She’s not getting a penny out of me and she never will.”
“Carter, you know that’s not what this is about. This is about saving that little girl’s life. You may be the only one who can.”
He shook his head. “I said no, Ally. And if that’s what you came to say, you can go now.”
“No.” Now she shook her head, glanced at Jack. He gave her an encouragingly smile, although he looked both disgusted and expectant.
She looked back at Carter. “Brittany is going to get a lawyer.”
He shrugged. “Let her. She’ll need a damn good lawyer to fight me. Technically, she doesn’t have a chance.”
Technically.
Ally lost patience. “Yes. You said that before. And you may be right. I’m not a lawyer, what do I know? But you know, I’m sick of hearing ‘technically’ this and ‘technically’ that from you. It annoyed me when you defended clients who were clearly guilty, getting them off on technicalities just because you could.”
“That’s what a good lawyer does.”
“Maybe so, but I hate it. Technically, you may not owe Brittany or Sarah anything, but Christ, Carter, what kind of monster are you?”
Ally studied the man she’d once thought she loved. He was a monster. A cold, callous monster. She almost shuddered at the thought that she’d been with him, cared about him. She swallowed, forcing herself to remain calm and controlled.
“It’s not that bad, Carter,” Jack put in. “I found out all about the donor thing. If you end up donating, you probably don’t even have to stay in the hospital overnight. You have a sore back for a few days, have to go back for a few follow up appointments. The risks are very small.”
“I don’t care about that.”
Silence expanded in the room, thick and pulsing.
Then Ally asked softly, “What if Glenn found out about all this?”
She sensed Jack’s head swivel and his gaze on her. She just kept staring steadily at Carter. “I just ran into him in the hall,” she continued. “We had a nice chat.”
The corners of Carter’s mouth tightened, then relaxed. “You wouldn’t tell him,” he said. “And even if you did...it’s not that big a deal. The law is on my side here.”
“The law may be, but how about just plain ethics? How about your reputation? Don’t you care about that?”
He considered that, and she hated him for his coldness. “I don’t really think a hysterical woman who kept a child a secret for nine years is going to make people hate me,” he replied. “Besides, there is some doubt about the paternity of the child.” He glanced meaningfully at Jack. “You did have a relationship with her too.”
“It’s already been proven I’m not the father,” Jack reminded Carter quietly.
“But who knows how many other guys she slept with? After all, if she screwed around on you once, she could have screwed around on you more.”
The muscles in Jack’s jaw tightened.
“We all know you’re the father, Carter,” Ally said. “Are you going to get tested, or not?”
“Not.” He leaned back in his chair. “Look, I’m getting bored with this. And I do have to go to a meeting. You can tell Glenn about it if you want, but I don’t think I’m going to lose my job or my reputation over this.”
Ally paused for three slow heartbeats. Then she said, “How about if I tell Glenn you slept with his wife?”
Extreme Close Up Chapter 33
She’d dressed carefully in a slim-fitting, knee length dress, the gold color flattering with her auburn hair. High heeled pumps of a similar color made her taller and upped her confidence. She needed every bit of it to pull this off.
She eyed Jack as he drove. He wore his dark glasses, his thick sun-bleached hair shaggy and sexy, face and arms bronzed. Unlike her, he hadn’t dressed up, wearing baggy green cargo pants and a black t-shirt that emphasized his broad shoulders and muscular chest. He looked insanely sexy. She swallowed a sigh of pleasure.
She twisted the strap of her purse between her fingers while Jack found a lucky parking spot on a side street. They walked into the lobby of the building, all gleaming granite, stainless steel and glass. Ally marched right over to the elevator and punched the ‘up’ button, and when they stepped in, she stabbed the button for the thirtieth floor.
“You know where you’re going,” he murmured.
“Yes.” She nibbled her bottom lip, then composed herself to look cool and confident.
Stepping off the elevator, they faced an elegant reception desk of dark wood, the name of the law firm Chipman, Barratt displayed in shiny brass letters. Ally greeted the receptionist. “Hi, Stephanie.”
“Ally!” Stephanie’s eyes widened, then a small crease formed between her brows. Her eyes moved to Jack and recognition lit them. “Hi! Are you here to see Carter?”
“Yes, we are. We have some business. Can we just go on back?” Ally started toward the door to the left of the reception desk without waiting for Stephanie’s somewhat uncertain agreement.
Jack followed behind Ally as she pulled open the door and stepped into the long hallway. She started down the hall, her heels sinking slightly into the plush carpet. She remembered exactly where Carter’s office was.
As they passed by an open door, a man stepped out into the hall, almost bumping into Ally. She stopped. The tall, slightly balding man looked at her face and a broad smile crossed his.
“Ally!”
It was Glenn Chipman, one of the senior partners of the law firm and Carter’s boss. This couldn’t be better.
“Hi Glenn.” She extended a hand to him. He took it and leaned in to kiss her cheek. “How are you?”
“I’m well, thank you.” He studied her. “I haven’t seen you for so long. In fact, not since you and Carter split up. I was so sorry about that.”
She smiled and lifted her shoulders. “Yes, well. I’m fine. How is Jillian? And your new baby?”
His eyes lit up at mention of his wife and child. “They’re doing great. You knew about the baby? He’s nine months old now.”
She nodded, smiling warmly. “Yes, I heard. Congratulations. You must be so proud.”
“I am. The little guy is just amazing. And Jillian is well, too. She’s enjoying being a new mother.”
Ally’s smile felt stretched tight. “That’s great.”
“And you...your book is doing well, I hear.”
“Yes. It is.”
“Congratulations to you, too.”
“Thank you,” she said sincerely, tipping her head. “Well, I’m so glad I ran into you. We’re just here to see Carter on a little business. Glenn, this is my friend Jack Templeton. Jack, Glenn Chipman.”
The two men shook hands and Ally and Jack continued down the hall. She found Carter’s office exactly where she remembered and luck was with them. The door stood open and Carter sat behind his desk, tapping away on the computer keyboard.
She knocked on the open door and stepped in as Carter looked up. His eyes widened, then narrowed, a small crease between his eyebrows.
“Ally!” he exclaimed. “And Jack. What are you doing here?”
Ally smiled and walked across the office. “That’s not much of a greeting.”
Carter’s frown deepened. He didn’t look happy to see them, but that was okay. He was going to be even less happy in a few minutes.
“We wanted to talk to you,” Ally said.
“Oookay.” Carter waved a hand to the chairs in front of his desk and she and Jack sat down.
She took a deep breath. “We came to talk to you about Sarah.”
Carter’s eyes flickered. “There’s nothing to talk about.”
“Sure there is.” She pasted on a smile. “Jack and I both think you need to do the right thing. You need to acknowledge she’s your daughter. And you need to meet with the oncology clinic and find out if you’re a good donor for her.”
Carter just stared back at Ally blankly. “I’m not going to acknowledge I’m her father,” he replied slowly. “I already said that. No way in hell. She’s not getting a penny out of me and she never will.”
“Carter, you know that’s not what this is about. This is about saving that little girl’s life. You may be the only one who can.”
He shook his head. “I said no, Ally. And if that’s what you came to say, you can go now.”
“No.” Now she shook her head, glanced at Jack. He gave her an encouragingly smile, although he looked both disgusted and expectant.
She looked back at Carter. “Brittany is going to get a lawyer.”
He shrugged. “Let her. She’ll need a damn good lawyer to fight me. Technically, she doesn’t have a chance.”
Technically.
Ally lost patience. “Yes. You said that before. And you may be right. I’m not a lawyer, what do I know? But you know, I’m sick of hearing ‘technically’ this and ‘technically’ that from you. It annoyed me when you defended clients who were clearly guilty, getting them off on technicalities just because you could.”
“That’s what a good lawyer does.”
“Maybe so, but I hate it. Technically, you may not owe Brittany or Sarah anything, but Christ, Carter, what kind of monster are you?”
Ally studied the man she’d once thought she loved. He was a monster. A cold, callous monster. She almost shuddered at the thought that she’d been with him, cared about him. She swallowed, forcing herself to remain calm and controlled.
“It’s not that bad, Carter,” Jack put in. “I found out all about the donor thing. If you end up donating, you probably don’t even have to stay in the hospital overnight. You have a sore back for a few days, have to go back for a few follow up appointments. The risks are very small.”
“I don’t care about that.”
Silence expanded in the room, thick and pulsing.
Then Ally asked softly, “What if Glenn found out about all this?”
She sensed Jack’s head swivel and his gaze on her. She just kept staring steadily at Carter. “I just ran into him in the hall,” she continued. “We had a nice chat.”
The corners of Carter’s mouth tightened, then relaxed. “You wouldn’t tell him,” he said. “And even if you did...it’s not that big a deal. The law is on my side here.”
“The law may be, but how about just plain ethics? How about your reputation? Don’t you care about that?”
He considered that, and she hated him for his coldness. “I don’t really think a hysterical woman who kept a child a secret for nine years is going to make people hate me,” he replied. “Besides, there is some doubt about the paternity of the child.” He glanced meaningfully at Jack. “You did have a relationship with her too.”
“It’s already been proven I’m not the father,” Jack reminded Carter quietly.
“But who knows how many other guys she slept with? After all, if she screwed around on you once, she could have screwed around on you more.”
The muscles in Jack’s jaw tightened.
“We all know you’re the father, Carter,” Ally said. “Are you going to get tested, or not?”
“Not.” He leaned back in his chair. “Look, I’m getting bored with this. And I do have to go to a meeting. You can tell Glenn about it if you want, but I don’t think I’m going to lose my job or my reputation over this.”
Ally paused for three slow heartbeats. Then she said, “How about if I tell Glenn you slept with his wife?”
Extreme Close Up Chapter 33
I got another review!!
I don't know what's going on but I like it!
Here's the latest for SEXPRESSO NIGHT:
Two Lips Reviews - 4 1/2 LIPS!
Reviewed by Victoria!
I don't know what's going on but I like it!
Here's the latest for SEXPRESSO NIGHT:
Two Lips Reviews - 4 1/2 LIPS!
Reviewed by Victoria!
"After you read Kelly Jamieson’s Sexpresso Night, you’ll never think about a cup of coffee in the same way! It takes a strong Dom to know when his sub’s fears are indeed real, and with abundant tenderness, Carter allows Dayna to overcome her fears and see they are meant for each other. If you like a truly tender BDSM romantic story that will make you lust for your next cup of java, pick up Ms. Jamieson’s Sexpresso Night today."
I am now in the middle of Guilty Pleasure by Lora Leigh. I'm a big fan of Lora's but once again I find myself so distracted by all the editing mistakes. I believe I've counted about six so far. I'm not usually a critical reader that way, but then it's rare to find a big New York published book with those kinds of mistakes - I occasionally notice a typo, but this many really gets my attention. I'll comment on the story next week when I've finished.
Also reading a book called Piracy - The Intellectual Property Wars from Gutenberg to Gates, by Adrian Johns. I've just started but it's quite fascinating.
Also reading a book called Piracy - The Intellectual Property Wars from Gutenberg to Gates, by Adrian Johns. I've just started but it's quite fascinating.
It's February 9 so that means a party with the Nine Naughty Novelists!! Come on by our blog for some fun today AND we're doing something different...
Instead of the usual boring contest, we decided to try to help out Haiti in some small way - so for every comment left at the NNN blog today, we will donate $1 to the Red Cross.
So come help us help Haiti!
I’m done! I actually finished Office Wife! I have to say, I was worried about my ability to actually finish another manuscript. Of course, it’s far from done. My first drafts are really rough.
On to the next part of my process. I know every writer does it differently, does it their own way. With this very rough first draft I will now go through it about a million times with a list of things to work on. The first thing will be my characters. I want to make them strong, sympathetic, memorable. Will I achieve that? I don’t know, but that’s my goal.
I have gathered materials together from a variety of sources about characters. I’ve read books and taken notes, done on-line workshops, read blog articles. I’ve pulled bits and pieces from all of these sources that I find helpful. I’ve created my own character worksheet. Now is the time to go back and look at those worksheets for these characters and make sure I’ve really shown all the qualities these characters have. Or have I shown different ones and I need to re-think the character? I have to make sure the characters have grown and changed through the story. I have to make sure people will actually like them and care about what happens to them. I have to make sure they are multi dimensional. Whew. Like I said, still a lot of work to do!
On to the next part of my process. I know every writer does it differently, does it their own way. With this very rough first draft I will now go through it about a million times with a list of things to work on. The first thing will be my characters. I want to make them strong, sympathetic, memorable. Will I achieve that? I don’t know, but that’s my goal.
I have gathered materials together from a variety of sources about characters. I’ve read books and taken notes, done on-line workshops, read blog articles. I’ve pulled bits and pieces from all of these sources that I find helpful. I’ve created my own character worksheet. Now is the time to go back and look at those worksheets for these characters and make sure I’ve really shown all the qualities these characters have. Or have I shown different ones and I need to re-think the character? I have to make sure the characters have grown and changed through the story. I have to make sure people will actually like them and care about what happens to them. I have to make sure they are multi dimensional. Whew. Like I said, still a lot of work to do!
Here's the latest: Just Erotic Romance Reviews Newsletter gave RIGGER 4.5 STARS -
"I was very pleasantly surprised at the depth of the plot and the very real relationship issues these two had to deal with…The supporting characters… felt believable and meaningfully contributed to the overall plot…I very much enjoyed all the rope bondage scenes as they were well-written and built up the sexual tension… Ms. Jamieson is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors. Pick up Rigger and you’ll see why."
Thank you to Laura Scott of Just Erotic Romance Reviews!
I think I should go write another book now. :-)
"I was very pleasantly surprised at the depth of the plot and the very real relationship issues these two had to deal with…The supporting characters… felt believable and meaningfully contributed to the overall plot…I very much enjoyed all the rope bondage scenes as they were well-written and built up the sexual tension… Ms. Jamieson is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors. Pick up Rigger and you’ll see why."
Thank you to Laura Scott of Just Erotic Romance Reviews!
I think I should go write another book now. :-)
This was so nice to get the week that 2 Hot 2 Handle is out!
Whipped Cream Erotic Reviews gave Love Me More 4 CHERRIES:
"...the work is well written and flows at a super-fast pace. You’ll melt during the intense sexual scenes, while you nod in understanding and sympathy when Gavin and Melina have the ever important lovers spat. If you’re looking for something hot and intense that will leave you with a smile on your face, Love Me More is certain to hit the spot."
Thanks Fern from Whipped Cream for reading and reviewing my book!
AND!!
2 HOT 2 HANDLE is #1 on the bestseller list at My Bookstore and More!
Whipped Cream Erotic Reviews gave Love Me More 4 CHERRIES:
"...the work is well written and flows at a super-fast pace. You’ll melt during the intense sexual scenes, while you nod in understanding and sympathy when Gavin and Melina have the ever important lovers spat. If you’re looking for something hot and intense that will leave you with a smile on your face, Love Me More is certain to hit the spot."
Thanks Fern from Whipped Cream for reading and reviewing my book!
AND!!
2 HOT 2 HANDLE is #1 on the bestseller list at My Bookstore and More!
“Oh, God, Ally.” Jack wrapped his arms around her, pulled her down onto his lap, buried his face against her breast. “Yes. You are. I love you so much.”
Time slowed while they sat like that, their hearts beating together in a hard, steady rhythm. Finally Ally took a big breath and drew back. He smoothed a strand of hair off her face, touched her cheek.
“I can’t leave you,” he said, now sure of that. He’d been struggling with the whole idea of leaving, pulled between his job and his love for his career, and his love for Ally. “I can’t be without you again. I was kidding myself that I could do it. I know that now.”
Her eyes widened more, her mouth open. She blinked, smiled tremulously. “You’re going to give up your job? Stay here?”
“If I have to do that, I will. I have to be with you.”
He met her gaze steadily.
“But you...you can’t do that,” she whispered. “I know you love your job, Jack. And you’re so talented...you’ve won awards. What you’re doing is important. I can’t ask you to give that up.”
“You’re not asking me, I’m offering.” He frowned. “It is important to me, but I’ve come to see there are stories to tell here, too. I can stay here.”
She just gazed at him. Then she shook her head. “No. You can’t.”
He frowned. “Ally...”
“I’d already decided. I’m coming with you,” she said determinedly. “I can do my work anywhere. I can write anywhere. And you know what?” She grabbed his hand and squeezed it. “I’ve realized from hearing you talk that I want to tell those stories too. I want to see the world, not just the nice beautiful places. Although I do want to see those too...maybe sometime we could go to Paris?”
He smiled.
“I’ve never been outside the States, other than a couple of trips to Mazatlan and Cancun. And that doesn’t even count. I want to see more...I need to see more. We can do it together.”
“Ally...” he shook his head. “I don’t know if you realize what you’d be getting into. Sometimes I’m sleeping in tents on the ground, in fleabag hotels. It’s not pretty.”
She nodded. “I know. I’ve seen your pictures, read your stuff. I know what I’m getting into. The thing is...” She looked down briefly, then back up. “I can’t be without you either.”
They sat there, staring into each others eyes. “There’s danger, too,” he muttered. “I don’t want to put you in danger Ally. I can’t do that.”
“You’ve put yourself in that danger all these years,” she said. “How do you think I felt?”
“It’s not the same.”
“It is the same. I may not have realized I was in love with you, but I was, and sometimes I was sick with worry.”
“Then you know how I’d feel with you in that kind of situation.”
“But we’d be together,” she insisted. Her fingers tightened on his.
“How about a compromise?” He looked down at their joined hands. “How about we have a home here in LA and we travel...a little, a lot, whatever we want...wherever we want to go. Paris, the Middle East, wherever the stories take us.”
He looked back up at her. She gave him a luminous smile, her eyes shiny.
“Yes,” she said. “That sounds like a good compromise. As long as we’re together.”
“There’s just one other problem,” Jack said slowly. “What is it?”
“Sarah.” Jack rubbed his forehead. “I thought if Carter and I stayed friends, I’d have a hope of convincing him to donate. Or at least get tested. But I kind of blew that.” He told her about his visit to Carter’s office.
She covered her mouth with her fingers, hiding the smile that tried to break through. It wasn’t funny. Really.
“So...we’ll figure out another way,” she promised him. “Let’s go upstairs.”
Their eyes met and held, the air around them charged with electricity. He nodded. And without another word, he pulled Ally up off the couch and led the way to her bedroom.
In the hall at the top of the stairs he turned, scooped her up into his arms and carried her into the room, then set her down gently on the rug, reached for the lamp beside the bed and flicked it on. Watching her intently, he reached behind his head and pulled off his t-shirt.
* * *
Ally’s mouth grew dry at the sight of his bare chest and she drew the straps of the slip dress she wore down her arms until the bodice fell to her waist. Then she pushed the dress over her hips and off. Slowly, her eyes held captive by his, she unfastened her bra and dropped it onto the nearby chair. At the same time, he stepped out of his jeans. Jack’s underwear went with his jeans, but Ally kept hers on until Jack gestured to them, his eyes warm and admiring, and she shimmied out of the little thong panties.
Then he opened his arms and she was in them, her body crushed to the length of his, skin to s kin, and his mouth covering hers. She wound her arms around his neck and pressed into him. His erection hot and hard between them, his mouth possessed hers, demanding everything. His hands slid down her back and held her hips.
“This feels like the first time we’ve done this,” he whispered against her cheek, nudging her hair aside.
“I know.” She tipped her head to give him access, delicious chills running over her at his touch, his words. “It feels right. Easy.”
“Perfect.”
They kissed again, then moved together to the bed.
Jack’s hands moved over her everywhere, gentle but hard, his touch thrilling her, making her wet, making her ache for him, and she sought his mouth over and over again, kissing him deeply as if trying to draw his soul from his body and meld it with hers.
Emotion rose in her, almost choking her, and she buried her face in Jack’s neck for a moment.
“Ally,” he murmured. “Ally, look at me.”
He gave her hair a little tug and she lifted her head to meet his eyes in the glow of the lamp. “It’s too much,” she cried softly. “I can’t bear it.”
“Yes, you can. You can. I know, I feel it too. We’re together. It’ll be okay.” He kissed her again, and her tears wet their mouths.
“I love you, Jack.”
“I love you, too, Ally,” he whispered. His thumbs stroked over her bottom lip. “I’ve always loved you.”
Something expanded in her chest, made it difficult to breathe.
Time slowed while they sat like that, their hearts beating together in a hard, steady rhythm. Finally Ally took a big breath and drew back. He smoothed a strand of hair off her face, touched her cheek.
“I can’t leave you,” he said, now sure of that. He’d been struggling with the whole idea of leaving, pulled between his job and his love for his career, and his love for Ally. “I can’t be without you again. I was kidding myself that I could do it. I know that now.”
Her eyes widened more, her mouth open. She blinked, smiled tremulously. “You’re going to give up your job? Stay here?”
“If I have to do that, I will. I have to be with you.”
He met her gaze steadily.
“But you...you can’t do that,” she whispered. “I know you love your job, Jack. And you’re so talented...you’ve won awards. What you’re doing is important. I can’t ask you to give that up.”
“You’re not asking me, I’m offering.” He frowned. “It is important to me, but I’ve come to see there are stories to tell here, too. I can stay here.”
She just gazed at him. Then she shook her head. “No. You can’t.”
He frowned. “Ally...”
“I’d already decided. I’m coming with you,” she said determinedly. “I can do my work anywhere. I can write anywhere. And you know what?” She grabbed his hand and squeezed it. “I’ve realized from hearing you talk that I want to tell those stories too. I want to see the world, not just the nice beautiful places. Although I do want to see those too...maybe sometime we could go to Paris?”
He smiled.
“I’ve never been outside the States, other than a couple of trips to Mazatlan and Cancun. And that doesn’t even count. I want to see more...I need to see more. We can do it together.”
“Ally...” he shook his head. “I don’t know if you realize what you’d be getting into. Sometimes I’m sleeping in tents on the ground, in fleabag hotels. It’s not pretty.”
She nodded. “I know. I’ve seen your pictures, read your stuff. I know what I’m getting into. The thing is...” She looked down briefly, then back up. “I can’t be without you either.”
They sat there, staring into each others eyes. “There’s danger, too,” he muttered. “I don’t want to put you in danger Ally. I can’t do that.”
“You’ve put yourself in that danger all these years,” she said. “How do you think I felt?”
“It’s not the same.”
“It is the same. I may not have realized I was in love with you, but I was, and sometimes I was sick with worry.”
“Then you know how I’d feel with you in that kind of situation.”
“But we’d be together,” she insisted. Her fingers tightened on his.
“How about a compromise?” He looked down at their joined hands. “How about we have a home here in LA and we travel...a little, a lot, whatever we want...wherever we want to go. Paris, the Middle East, wherever the stories take us.”
He looked back up at her. She gave him a luminous smile, her eyes shiny.
“Yes,” she said. “That sounds like a good compromise. As long as we’re together.”
“There’s just one other problem,” Jack said slowly. “What is it?”
“Sarah.” Jack rubbed his forehead. “I thought if Carter and I stayed friends, I’d have a hope of convincing him to donate. Or at least get tested. But I kind of blew that.” He told her about his visit to Carter’s office.
She covered her mouth with her fingers, hiding the smile that tried to break through. It wasn’t funny. Really.
“So...we’ll figure out another way,” she promised him. “Let’s go upstairs.”
Their eyes met and held, the air around them charged with electricity. He nodded. And without another word, he pulled Ally up off the couch and led the way to her bedroom.
In the hall at the top of the stairs he turned, scooped her up into his arms and carried her into the room, then set her down gently on the rug, reached for the lamp beside the bed and flicked it on. Watching her intently, he reached behind his head and pulled off his t-shirt.
* * *
Ally’s mouth grew dry at the sight of his bare chest and she drew the straps of the slip dress she wore down her arms until the bodice fell to her waist. Then she pushed the dress over her hips and off. Slowly, her eyes held captive by his, she unfastened her bra and dropped it onto the nearby chair. At the same time, he stepped out of his jeans. Jack’s underwear went with his jeans, but Ally kept hers on until Jack gestured to them, his eyes warm and admiring, and she shimmied out of the little thong panties.
Then he opened his arms and she was in them, her body crushed to the length of his, skin to s kin, and his mouth covering hers. She wound her arms around his neck and pressed into him. His erection hot and hard between them, his mouth possessed hers, demanding everything. His hands slid down her back and held her hips.
“This feels like the first time we’ve done this,” he whispered against her cheek, nudging her hair aside.
“I know.” She tipped her head to give him access, delicious chills running over her at his touch, his words. “It feels right. Easy.”
“Perfect.”
They kissed again, then moved together to the bed.
Jack’s hands moved over her everywhere, gentle but hard, his touch thrilling her, making her wet, making her ache for him, and she sought his mouth over and over again, kissing him deeply as if trying to draw his soul from his body and meld it with hers.
Emotion rose in her, almost choking her, and she buried her face in Jack’s neck for a moment.
“Ally,” he murmured. “Ally, look at me.”
He gave her hair a little tug and she lifted her head to meet his eyes in the glow of the lamp. “It’s too much,” she cried softly. “I can’t bear it.”
“Yes, you can. You can. I know, I feel it too. We’re together. It’ll be okay.” He kissed her again, and her tears wet their mouths.
“I love you, Jack.”
“I love you, too, Ally,” he whispered. His thumbs stroked over her bottom lip. “I’ve always loved you.”
Something expanded in her chest, made it difficult to breathe.
He touched a finger to a tear in the corner of her eye then laid his mouth gently to hers. “It’s the truth. I love you. I loved you five years ago when I left. I would have fought for you, but Carter was my best friend. My second best friend,” he amended with a small smile. “He was the one guy I would never fight with over a woman. Even you.” His smile was pained. “I thought if you wanted him, if that’s what would make both of you happy, then I could never stand in your way. So I got the hell out of the way. But, I told you before, there was no fucking way I could stay around and watch you two together.”
“I’m sorry, Jack,” she whispered, another tear escaping her eye. “I never wanted to hurt you.”
“I know.” He wiped the tear away. “I know, Ally.”
“I want to tell you about what happened with Carter and me.”
His brows lowered. “I don’t know...”
“It’s okay,” she said softly. “The day you were taking my grad pictures I felt really strange. Like I was missing something, wanted something really bad, but I didn’t know what. I knew I was feeling anxious about you and your new job because you’d be traveling so much. Then you were acting funny, too. I didn’t know what it meant.” She paused and he nodded encouragingly. “So Carter took me out for pizza and we went back to my room. We were talking about stuff and he kissed me.”
“I’m sorry, Jack,” she whispered, another tear escaping her eye. “I never wanted to hurt you.”
“I know.” He wiped the tear away. “I know, Ally.”
“I want to tell you about what happened with Carter and me.”
His brows lowered. “I don’t know...”
“It’s okay,” she said softly. “The day you were taking my grad pictures I felt really strange. Like I was missing something, wanted something really bad, but I didn’t know what. I knew I was feeling anxious about you and your new job because you’d be traveling so much. Then you were acting funny, too. I didn’t know what it meant.” She paused and he nodded encouragingly. “So Carter took me out for pizza and we went back to my room. We were talking about stuff and he kissed me.”
Jack’s eyes closed briefly.
“It was nice. I felt weird and it was comforting. Then you came and saw us. I felt bad because I didn’t know what you’d think. Carter said we’d explain later. But I never saw you again. You left the next day.”
He nodded.
Ally’s eyes were wet. “After that, I guess I turned to Carter because you weren’t there. Carter was telling me he cared about me, and without you around, I just went along with it. I cared about Carter, and I suppose it did grow into something more. But then, like I told you, he started changing.”
“Or maybe you were just seeing the real him,” Jack said with an edge of bitterness.
“Maybe.” She touched his face. “But I have to think he did have some good qualities, or else we never would have become such good friends with him. Both of us couldn’t have been that stupid.”
His lips quirked. “Yeah. You’re right.”
“Anyway, he started changing, or I started seeing the real him, and I didn’t really like a lot of what I saw. That didn’t happen overnight, it took a long time. By the time he cheated on me for the second time, I’d had enough.”
She met his eyes. “I think I’ve always loved you too,” she whispered. “I just never knew it. I was stupid.”
“We were young.” He cupped her jaw and kissed her gently, his mouth warm and firm on hers. She kissed him back, wanting to absorb all the hurt she’d caused him, and all the crap he’d just been through.
“Oh, Jack,” she whispered against his lips, suddenly so overcome with longing her eyes filled with tears. Her emotions were close to the surface and raw after everything that had happened. It was all too much.
“It’s okay, Ally.” He dropped soft kisses all over her face, her eyelids, her nose, her forehead. He kissed away a tear that dropped from her lashes. “It’s all okay. I love you.”
He was so beautiful. She touched his face, brushed his mouth with her fingertips, traced a thick, dark gold eyebrow. “I love you, too, Jack.”
She knew now what it meant to be soul mates. When somebody you loved, loved you with the same level of intensity, when the connection between you went deep and far, when somebody knew how you felt and what you thought without words...that was a soul mate.
“Jack.”
“Mmm.”
“I have an idea. Tomorrow we’re going to see Carter.”
“It was nice. I felt weird and it was comforting. Then you came and saw us. I felt bad because I didn’t know what you’d think. Carter said we’d explain later. But I never saw you again. You left the next day.”
He nodded.
Ally’s eyes were wet. “After that, I guess I turned to Carter because you weren’t there. Carter was telling me he cared about me, and without you around, I just went along with it. I cared about Carter, and I suppose it did grow into something more. But then, like I told you, he started changing.”
“Or maybe you were just seeing the real him,” Jack said with an edge of bitterness.
“Maybe.” She touched his face. “But I have to think he did have some good qualities, or else we never would have become such good friends with him. Both of us couldn’t have been that stupid.”
His lips quirked. “Yeah. You’re right.”
“Anyway, he started changing, or I started seeing the real him, and I didn’t really like a lot of what I saw. That didn’t happen overnight, it took a long time. By the time he cheated on me for the second time, I’d had enough.”
She met his eyes. “I think I’ve always loved you too,” she whispered. “I just never knew it. I was stupid.”
“We were young.” He cupped her jaw and kissed her gently, his mouth warm and firm on hers. She kissed him back, wanting to absorb all the hurt she’d caused him, and all the crap he’d just been through.
“Oh, Jack,” she whispered against his lips, suddenly so overcome with longing her eyes filled with tears. Her emotions were close to the surface and raw after everything that had happened. It was all too much.
“It’s okay, Ally.” He dropped soft kisses all over her face, her eyelids, her nose, her forehead. He kissed away a tear that dropped from her lashes. “It’s all okay. I love you.”
He was so beautiful. She touched his face, brushed his mouth with her fingertips, traced a thick, dark gold eyebrow. “I love you, too, Jack.”
She knew now what it meant to be soul mates. When somebody you loved, loved you with the same level of intensity, when the connection between you went deep and far, when somebody knew how you felt and what you thought without words...that was a soul mate.
“Jack.”
“Mmm.”
“I have an idea. Tomorrow we’re going to see Carter.”
I've had a busy with the releases so I haven't read much. I'm in the middle of Primal Attraction by Sydney Somers, and in awe of her imagination!
I did stock up on quite a few reads over the weekend, though, with the big sale at All Romance eBooks! Maybe this weekend will have time for more reading.
I did stock up on quite a few reads over the weekend, though, with the big sale at All Romance eBooks! Maybe this weekend will have time for more reading.
I have 2 releases out today - the print release of Friends With Benefits and the ebook release of 2 Hot 2 Handle. Interested in winning a copy of one of these books? I give away a free book to one lucky newsletter subscriber so come join up!
Click to join KellyJamiesonnewsletter
Here's the gorgeous cover and blurb for 2 Hot 2 Handle:
Two men. Too hot…
Abby Finlay sticks to one simple rule: no commitment. Ever. She’s not a one-man woman—or even a one-woman woman. She likes sex, and she’s not afraid to experiment. The secret to her success is never sticking around long enough to let anyone get past her tough, cynical exterior.
And that’s what’s making her nervous right now. The Look. In other words, the expression on two-months-steady Eric’s face when he looks at her. It’s got “next level” written all over it—and Abby’s on alert to head for the door.
When Abby confesses to the sexual arousal she feels with his roommate, Jett, Eric can hardly believe his luck. He and Jett have been looking for that one perfect woman with whom to share their lives, and Abby is the missing piece who fits perfectly into the empty space.
Confronted with not just one man, but two who offer her the “C” word, Abby’s buried fears come roaring to the surface. There’s only one thing left to do. Run, before she hurts the two men who mean more to her than they should.
Warning: This story contains one commitment-phobic woman, two hot men looking for commitment, sizzling ménage à trois sex and a HEA. Heat alert!!
They agreed: All the fun, no messy emotions. Until their chakras aligned…
Yoga is Kerri Harris’s life, but that doesn’t mean she’s a New Age flake. She’s a successful businesswoman, and it’s about time everyone took her as seriously as her mother-of-two, “real-career” sister. That means adding a new item to her spreadsheet—marriage plan. There’s only one person she trusts to help her check off this task: her best friend Mitch.
Divorce attorney Mitch MacAuley gets the cold shivers at the mere mention of matrimony. After the disasters he’s witnessed from childhood, marriage equals miserable. The last thing he wants is to help Kerri down that road, but he’s never been able to say no to her. He expects to feel pity for her as she goes on one disastrous date after another. The complete surprise? Thinking about Kerri with those other guys makes him crazy.
Her frustration collides with his confusion, leading to a big fight, a hot kiss and a scorching sexual tension that hits them both broadside. Prompting Kerri to propose a new plan…to add the bedroom to their list of BFF benefits.
They quickly find out there’s nothing casual about the heat they generate. In fact, the burn could ruin a perfectly beautiful friendship.
Warning: This story contains a late-night booty call, hot hotel sex and naked yoga!
Beth is a fellow Bradford Bunch author and a newly discovered addition to my must-read list, and she has a new book out tomorrow! She agreed to answer a few questions and she's going to give away a free download of her recent Samhain release, Holiday Bound to one lucky commenter, so be sure to say hi! I'll draw the winner Tuesday morning, so check back then.
RELEASE
Publisher: Berkley Heat
Genre: Contemporary
Release Date: February 2, 2010
His need for her was so absolute, he agreed to share her with another man in order to possess her.
Genny loved her husband Max, but something was missing—a sexual charge that was instead ignited by his business partner, Sean. He was ruggedly handsome, with a heart-stopping smile and a slow, sexy New Orleans drawl that made Genny weak. The more time they spent together, the stronger the attraction between them became and when her husband offered to share her with Sean for one intoxicating night, both Genny and Sean were too tempted to refuse.
That night in the company penthouse, Max and Sean showed Genny the heights of ecstasy. But it was Sean who scored her very spirit, and one-on-one, they were red hot. But as Genny learns, there’s a price to pay for such impulsive pleasure. What began as a night of forbidden desire spirals into a whirlpool of murder, sensual submission, secrets, and a scorching passion that threatens to consume everyone it touches.
Read an Excerpt: http://www.bethkery.com/release/
Order Release: http://www.amazon.com/Release-Beth-Kery/dp/0425232719/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251473722&sr=8-1
Here's the awesome trailer:
Kelly: First I juast have to say, I can't wait to read this book! Tell us a little more about Release and how this story came to be.
Beth: Release started as a surprise phone call from my agent, who said that Berkley had a slot opening, and could I do an emergency proposal? I had this very sketchy idea: what would happen if three people shared an impulsive menage a trois one night, one of the lovers was murdered afterwards, and the remaining man and woman suspected each other of the murder? So from there, I added this whole plot that involved a private intelligence firm and two lovers who are madly in love being reunited after years of separation. Luckily, I have a good friend who is in military intelligence, and he gave me so much invaluable information about the world of espionage and spies. Release is a suspense, but it’s first and foremost a romance about two people who are crazy for each other but have been kept apart by circumstances, conspiracies and secrets. One night during a Chicago blizzard, they are thrown together again. All this incredible passion surfaces, but so does a dangerous threat.
Kelly: Man, I wish I got phone calls like that. :-) Beth, do you have a writing process?
Beth: I do. When I'm working on a deadline, I have a daily word count quota that I have to make. I'm pretty strict on myself about it. I write it down in a book and keep track.
Kelly: Describe the environment where you write. Do you try to create an atmosphere and does that change with different projects?
Beth: It’s embarrassing to admit, but I’m usually writing sitting up in bed with my laptop, surrounded by research books, articles and a dictionary. The atmosphere really doesn’t change much.
Kelly: Writing in bed is just full of awesome. One of the best things to do in bed, besides...okay, well...what’s coming next from you?
Beth: Well, Release is out on February 2. Then I have a new series starting at Samhain, a paranormal erotic romance, called Princes of the Underground. The first in the series is called Velvet Cataclysm, and I’m so excited to be doing my first vampire book. J In December, I have another book coming out from Berkley Heat called Explosive. Excited about it as well, as it’s a psychological suspense as well as being an erotic contemporary. That’s about it for me this year.
Kelly: That sounds great! Congratulations on the new release!
Beth: Thanks for featuring me at your blog, Kelly!
I'll draw the lucky winner of a download of Beth's book HOLIDAY BOUND tomorrow morning, so once again, leave a comment and check back Tuesday morning.
Eight reviews in the month of January! Wow! I don't know why this happened but I am overwhelmed. And since they've all been good reviews, right now I feel like my heart is going to explode!
The latest is 5 HEARTS from Shannon at The Romance Studio
"Ms. Jamieson has created an absolutely amazing story that quickly captures the reader's attention with its fascinating, complex and delicious exploration into a relationship built around an alternative lifestyle of pleasure and pain... Rigger is a unique and powerfully sensual story…There is a degree of edginess, sexiness and out-and-out erotic heat from every sizzling and passionate sexual scene … I am totally intrigued by this very talented author can't wait to read more from her."
The latest is 5 HEARTS from Shannon at The Romance Studio
"Ms. Jamieson has created an absolutely amazing story that quickly captures the reader's attention with its fascinating, complex and delicious exploration into a relationship built around an alternative lifestyle of pleasure and pain... Rigger is a unique and powerfully sensual story…There is a degree of edginess, sexiness and out-and-out erotic heat from every sizzling and passionate sexual scene … I am totally intrigued by this very talented author can't wait to read more from her."
Thank you so so much!
Ally sat in front of her computer, waiting for Jack to get back from Carter’s place. One more glance at the clock told her it was taking way longer than it should have for him to pack his things, make his flight reservations and come back.
He’d said he’d come back. He’d better come back. Even if just to say goodbye. Unless Carter had somehow said something...
Jack’s loyalty to his friends was one of his most endearing traits, but now he had to see Carter was pond scum. It was sad...because they had been such good friends. They’d shared so much, and even though Carter must have had some doubts back when Brittany’d been pregnant, he had supported Jack through all that. It was such a shame.
Her insides still a writhing mass of nerves at the thought of Jack leaving, she tried to focus on her work. But it wasn’t happening.
Her life was a joke. She was stuck on her book, her fluffy magazine pieces disgusted her. She wanted to do something real.
She was not going to let it happen again. Jack had left her once before. She’d been so lost, she’d turned to Carter, pretty much her biggest mistake ever.
So if Jack was leaving, she was going with him.
It was crazy, but not so crazy. It made sense. What would she be leaving here? Nothing at all. She had a few close friends she could keep in touch with; otherwise her life was empty. She could write anywhere, and maybe she’d actually find something inspiring to write about.
Her heart leaped in her chest and adrenaline slid through her veins, making her restless, stomach tight, impatient to see Jack and tell him.
Agitated, suddenly anxious and impatient, Ally gazed around her office. She could pack right now. She could be on that plane with him, when he left. Where was her suitcase? She jumped out of her chair.
Then she stopped. Reality stuck a pin in her bubble of excitement.
She couldn’t just leave her condo. She’d have to make some kind of arrangements...she sank back down. What would she do? Sell the place? Ask her friends to keep an eye on it? How would she pay the bills? Suddenly the enormity of what she was about to do overwhelmed her.
Okay. Okay. It was do-able. Just maybe not immediately. But she’d talk to Jack. Maybe he’d wait for her. If not, she’d follow him. She put her hand over her mouth. Yeah.
Then the sound of her door opening had her head whipping round.
Jack.
Jack stood there in the foyer, his hair mussed, his t-shirt untucked over the most faded, shabbiest jeans she’d ever seen.
She noticed his bags sitting on the tile floor behind him. All packed and ready to go. Her heart lodged painfully in her throat.
“You’re back,” she said softly.
He grinned.
She frowned. “Why are you looking so happy, goddammit?” she snapped at him.
“I don’t know.” And he laughed.
She drew in a shaky breath.
“I’m scared as hell and pissed off and...I don’t know why I’m so happy," he said.
His grin annoyed her. She scowled. “Okay, here’s the deal. I’m coming with you.”
His jaw dropped. “What?”
She plowed on. “I’m coming with you to Iraq. You left me once, and I’m not letting you do it again. So, the only problem is...” she hesitated, bit her lip. “I can’t be ready to go, in like...when does your flight leave?”
“It doesn’t.” Amusement sparkled in his blue eyes.
Her jaw dropped. “What?”
“I cancelled it.”
“You...cancelled it. Why?”
“I’m not leaving.”
She blinked, shook her head. “Like...for how long?”
“Ever.”
Once again, her eyes widened to an eyeball-popping width.
“I...I don’t...” She looked around for something to sit on, afraid her legs were going to give out. She stumbled into her living room and collapsed onto the couch. “I don’t understand.”
“I want you to see something.” Jack followed her with the case holding his laptop, opened it and booted up the computer. He slid a flash drive into the port and in a moment, Ally’s face was on the screen.
“Whoa,” Ally breathed. “When did you take that?” She put her fingers to her mouth. The photograph was utterly sensual, portraying a woman’s raw sexual yearning, a photographer’s adoration.
Jack told her how he he’d been feeling that night he’d taken their graduation photos, seeing something in her, not sure what it was, but wanting to find out. Carter interrupting them. Carter and him, looking at the photographs of Ally, seeing the tender, hungry longing in her eyes, her sexuality that had always been there but which was brought out by the obvious worship the photographer had for his subject.
“It’s...beautiful, Jack,” she said slowly. “I don’t usually like pictures of myself, but that’s amazing.”
“Yeah. Fucking amazing.”
Startled at the bitterness in his voice, she turned her gaze to him.
“He knew,” he ground out. “The son of a bitch knew how I felt. He could see it.”
“Are you talking about Carter?”
“Yes, goddammit.” He slammed a hand down on Carter’s coffee table. “He knew. And he went after you deliberately.”
“What...what are you saying?”
“Carter came to you right after that, didn’t he?”
“Um...God, I can’t remember.” She closed her eyes, thinking back. “Yeah. It was right after that. We went out for pizza.” Silent, she cast her mind back in time. “It was different. He was paying so much attention to me. When I said something about you, he said you probably had plans with some girl you were seeing, which was news to me.”
Jack growled again. “I wasn’t seeing anyone then.”
Ally nodded, met Jack’s eyes. “Then we went back to my room and that’s when...he kissed me. And then you came in.”
“He knew I was coming over to bring the prints. Fuck!”
“Are you saying that he only did that because he thought you and I...what are you saying?”
“We were looking at the photos on the computer and we were both blown away by them. He realized I was nuts about you. So he deliberately went and put the moves on you, just to keep me from having you. And God help me, it worked. I ran like a fucking wounded dog, tail between my legs, because I wouldn’t fight him for you. I was so fucking loyal to him. What an idiot.”
“You are not an idiot,” she said, putting her hands on his chest, staring into his eyes. “Carter was a good friend to both of us. We thought. Your loyalty is what makes you so...you. I love that about you.”
Whoops. That kind of slipped out.
He grimaced, thrust a hand through his hair, not even picking up on her words. “He’d slept with my girlfriend in high school, which I didn’t know about. He let me take the heat for getting her pregnant when it was him, pretending all the while to stand by me like a great friend.” His voice was bitter. “But that wasn’t the worst, because, even though I cared about Brittany, she wasn’t...the one.”
Ally stared at him, heart thudding in slow painful beats.
“The one girl who was the love of my life...he fucking stole her away from me, deliberately. And then he kept us apart for five years.”
“Oh, Jack,” she whispered. “Do you really believe that?”
“I know it,” he said harshly. He met her eyes, held them. “I know he did, Ally. It all makes sense now. All of it.”
She swallowed. Then she whispered, “Am I the love of your life, Jack?”
Extreme Close Up Chapter 31
He’d said he’d come back. He’d better come back. Even if just to say goodbye. Unless Carter had somehow said something...
Jack’s loyalty to his friends was one of his most endearing traits, but now he had to see Carter was pond scum. It was sad...because they had been such good friends. They’d shared so much, and even though Carter must have had some doubts back when Brittany’d been pregnant, he had supported Jack through all that. It was such a shame.
Her insides still a writhing mass of nerves at the thought of Jack leaving, she tried to focus on her work. But it wasn’t happening.
Her life was a joke. She was stuck on her book, her fluffy magazine pieces disgusted her. She wanted to do something real.
She was not going to let it happen again. Jack had left her once before. She’d been so lost, she’d turned to Carter, pretty much her biggest mistake ever.
So if Jack was leaving, she was going with him.
It was crazy, but not so crazy. It made sense. What would she be leaving here? Nothing at all. She had a few close friends she could keep in touch with; otherwise her life was empty. She could write anywhere, and maybe she’d actually find something inspiring to write about.
Her heart leaped in her chest and adrenaline slid through her veins, making her restless, stomach tight, impatient to see Jack and tell him.
Agitated, suddenly anxious and impatient, Ally gazed around her office. She could pack right now. She could be on that plane with him, when he left. Where was her suitcase? She jumped out of her chair.
Then she stopped. Reality stuck a pin in her bubble of excitement.
She couldn’t just leave her condo. She’d have to make some kind of arrangements...she sank back down. What would she do? Sell the place? Ask her friends to keep an eye on it? How would she pay the bills? Suddenly the enormity of what she was about to do overwhelmed her.
Okay. Okay. It was do-able. Just maybe not immediately. But she’d talk to Jack. Maybe he’d wait for her. If not, she’d follow him. She put her hand over her mouth. Yeah.
Then the sound of her door opening had her head whipping round.
Jack.
Jack stood there in the foyer, his hair mussed, his t-shirt untucked over the most faded, shabbiest jeans she’d ever seen.
She noticed his bags sitting on the tile floor behind him. All packed and ready to go. Her heart lodged painfully in her throat.
“You’re back,” she said softly.
He grinned.
She frowned. “Why are you looking so happy, goddammit?” she snapped at him.
“I don’t know.” And he laughed.
She drew in a shaky breath.
“I’m scared as hell and pissed off and...I don’t know why I’m so happy," he said.
His grin annoyed her. She scowled. “Okay, here’s the deal. I’m coming with you.”
His jaw dropped. “What?”
She plowed on. “I’m coming with you to Iraq. You left me once, and I’m not letting you do it again. So, the only problem is...” she hesitated, bit her lip. “I can’t be ready to go, in like...when does your flight leave?”
“It doesn’t.” Amusement sparkled in his blue eyes.
Her jaw dropped. “What?”
“I cancelled it.”
“You...cancelled it. Why?”
“I’m not leaving.”
She blinked, shook her head. “Like...for how long?”
“Ever.”
Once again, her eyes widened to an eyeball-popping width.
“I...I don’t...” She looked around for something to sit on, afraid her legs were going to give out. She stumbled into her living room and collapsed onto the couch. “I don’t understand.”
“I want you to see something.” Jack followed her with the case holding his laptop, opened it and booted up the computer. He slid a flash drive into the port and in a moment, Ally’s face was on the screen.
“Whoa,” Ally breathed. “When did you take that?” She put her fingers to her mouth. The photograph was utterly sensual, portraying a woman’s raw sexual yearning, a photographer’s adoration.
Jack told her how he he’d been feeling that night he’d taken their graduation photos, seeing something in her, not sure what it was, but wanting to find out. Carter interrupting them. Carter and him, looking at the photographs of Ally, seeing the tender, hungry longing in her eyes, her sexuality that had always been there but which was brought out by the obvious worship the photographer had for his subject.
“It’s...beautiful, Jack,” she said slowly. “I don’t usually like pictures of myself, but that’s amazing.”
“Yeah. Fucking amazing.”
Startled at the bitterness in his voice, she turned her gaze to him.
“He knew,” he ground out. “The son of a bitch knew how I felt. He could see it.”
“Are you talking about Carter?”
“Yes, goddammit.” He slammed a hand down on Carter’s coffee table. “He knew. And he went after you deliberately.”
“What...what are you saying?”
“Carter came to you right after that, didn’t he?”
“Um...God, I can’t remember.” She closed her eyes, thinking back. “Yeah. It was right after that. We went out for pizza.” Silent, she cast her mind back in time. “It was different. He was paying so much attention to me. When I said something about you, he said you probably had plans with some girl you were seeing, which was news to me.”
Jack growled again. “I wasn’t seeing anyone then.”
Ally nodded, met Jack’s eyes. “Then we went back to my room and that’s when...he kissed me. And then you came in.”
“He knew I was coming over to bring the prints. Fuck!”
“Are you saying that he only did that because he thought you and I...what are you saying?”
“We were looking at the photos on the computer and we were both blown away by them. He realized I was nuts about you. So he deliberately went and put the moves on you, just to keep me from having you. And God help me, it worked. I ran like a fucking wounded dog, tail between my legs, because I wouldn’t fight him for you. I was so fucking loyal to him. What an idiot.”
“You are not an idiot,” she said, putting her hands on his chest, staring into his eyes. “Carter was a good friend to both of us. We thought. Your loyalty is what makes you so...you. I love that about you.”
Whoops. That kind of slipped out.
He grimaced, thrust a hand through his hair, not even picking up on her words. “He’d slept with my girlfriend in high school, which I didn’t know about. He let me take the heat for getting her pregnant when it was him, pretending all the while to stand by me like a great friend.” His voice was bitter. “But that wasn’t the worst, because, even though I cared about Brittany, she wasn’t...the one.”
Ally stared at him, heart thudding in slow painful beats.
“The one girl who was the love of my life...he fucking stole her away from me, deliberately. And then he kept us apart for five years.”
“Oh, Jack,” she whispered. “Do you really believe that?”
“I know it,” he said harshly. He met her eyes, held them. “I know he did, Ally. It all makes sense now. All of it.”
She swallowed. Then she whispered, “Am I the love of your life, Jack?”
Extreme Close Up Chapter 31
Although I could barely keep my eyes open I stayed up and finished Mating Game by Janice Maynard. This turned out to be a pretty good story. At first a woman with 3 guys in her sights as possible husband candidates had me wondering how this story was going to turn out, but it quickly became evident who the hero material was. That was one minor problem I had with the story - how fast Nola and Tucker fell in love. That was a little hard to buy, but otherwise a pretty good story. And I always like to see someone who breaks the "romance rules"!
Next up on my reader: Primal Attraction by fellow Naught Novelist Sydney Somers!
Next up on my reader: Primal Attraction by fellow Naught Novelist Sydney Somers!
I just have to say, I am blown away by the reviews I've been getting lately! This just rocks my little world.
Night Owl Reviews gave RIGGER 5 stars and a TOP PICK!
"While I don’t always appreciate all the aspects of BDSM, I do appreciate a good love story and this is a good one... What came across was the special relationship between Alek and Shaela and how it was evolving into something new and different. As they explored each other and their limits, you could appreciate the journey they were taking. I thoroughly enjoyed this best friends to lovers story. Excellent job."
and...
Joyfully Reviewed says:
"I...wasn’t able to stop reading the book once I started because I liked each character so much and wanted to see how events would turn out with them. Of course, it would be remiss of me to write about a book called Irish Sex Fairy without mentioning, well, the sex. Ms. Jamieson certainly knows how to heat up the page, blending eroticism with tenderness in ways that made me sigh and – if I may be honest – envy Keara.
Irish Sex Fairy is everything its title suggests and more. It’s warm, sexy, and fun...I absolutely loved Irish Sex Fairy and will definitely be reading more of Ms. Jamieson’s work!"
Night Owl Reviews gave RIGGER 5 stars and a TOP PICK!
"While I don’t always appreciate all the aspects of BDSM, I do appreciate a good love story and this is a good one... What came across was the special relationship between Alek and Shaela and how it was evolving into something new and different. As they explored each other and their limits, you could appreciate the journey they were taking. I thoroughly enjoyed this best friends to lovers story. Excellent job."
and...
Joyfully Reviewed says:
"I...wasn’t able to stop reading the book once I started because I liked each character so much and wanted to see how events would turn out with them. Of course, it would be remiss of me to write about a book called Irish Sex Fairy without mentioning, well, the sex. Ms. Jamieson certainly knows how to heat up the page, blending eroticism with tenderness in ways that made me sigh and – if I may be honest – envy Keara.
Irish Sex Fairy is everything its title suggests and more. It’s warm, sexy, and fun...I absolutely loved Irish Sex Fairy and will definitely be reading more of Ms. Jamieson’s work!"
I’m sticking to Office Wife, even though I have reached that point where I believe I have written 125 pages of utter crap.
I want to make myself finish this story and then I can back to something else, or even start one of those new ideas.
I’m not doing so well on the “not going back and editing every time I open the document” plan. I keep doing it. I’m trying not to.
My fear is that this story is meandering all over the place like a wild pantser plot, and my characters are not acting at all consistent with their motivations. But I’m getting to know them better, and I have gone back a couple of times and added things to the beginning of the story that make them more real and believable and dimensional. And I have other ideas, too. This seemed to work for me before, going back to the beginning after I know the characters more fully, and fleshing out both them and the story. I know there’s not a right way or a wrong way – I’ve read that you should know your characters intimately right down to what kind of toothpaste they like to use before you even start writing, but I’ve also read that it’s okay to get to know them along the journey.
So once again I’m just trying to find my way, trying to find my balance with this. It feels loose and a little vague but I’m going to keep going and hope I can tighten it all up later.
I want to make myself finish this story and then I can back to something else, or even start one of those new ideas.
I’m not doing so well on the “not going back and editing every time I open the document” plan. I keep doing it. I’m trying not to.
My fear is that this story is meandering all over the place like a wild pantser plot, and my characters are not acting at all consistent with their motivations. But I’m getting to know them better, and I have gone back a couple of times and added things to the beginning of the story that make them more real and believable and dimensional. And I have other ideas, too. This seemed to work for me before, going back to the beginning after I know the characters more fully, and fleshing out both them and the story. I know there’s not a right way or a wrong way – I’ve read that you should know your characters intimately right down to what kind of toothpaste they like to use before you even start writing, but I’ve also read that it’s okay to get to know them along the journey.
So once again I’m just trying to find my way, trying to find my balance with this. It feels loose and a little vague but I’m going to keep going and hope I can tighten it all up later.