Anyone ready for Sin?

Sinfully Scandalous is NOW AVAILABLE at Liquid Silver Books, Amazon, ARe, and (I'm sure) elsewhere. As I've said on Facebook and Twitter and probably anywhere I'm allowed to speak -- I am nervous about this one. Lost Wages of Sin was mostly well-received, though I know from a few comments on Goodreads the theological relationship (particularly between Lucifer and Big J) touched a few buttons. This one goes even farther -- though not because I aim to offend, rather because that's how the characters told me to write it.

Having said that, I am proud of the book and hope some of the fans of the first will be willing to give the second installment a try. There's a lot of snark, a lot more interaction with Lucifer, an introduction to the other Sin siblings, and a visit from Dante and Ava.

In related news, I received and signed a contract for a new erotic paranormal romantic comedy titled A Friend In Need, which is set within the Sinners and Saints universe but not dependent on any ongoing storyline. Really, this is my way to see how I can play with that universe (since I am in love with it as a writer) after I have exhausted the main plot. My NaNo project was just such an experiment, and it worked for everyone who's read it thus far. So sometime in 2012, interested readers will have a chance to evaluate/judge my success or failure in that regard. Here's the tentative blurb:

As far as birthdays go, university librarian Clarice St. Clair hasn’t had a string of successful celebrations, and her twenty-fifth doesn’t look to be any different. It’s not enough that the sexy subject of her schoolgirl crush walked in on her with her pantyhose around her ankles, but now her mother has dropped possibly the largest bomb in the history of large metaphoric bombs.

Happy birthday. You’re about the become a succubus.

Professor Weston Ryans has known Clarice since her days as one of his students. Though now they are nothing more than friendly colleagues, he clearly recalls her enthusiasm, her wit, and the litany of sinful things he wanted to do with her after hours. After catching her with her nylons around her ankles, he decides to smooth things over, but ends up hearing his favorite former student is the bargaining piece in a demon contract. And Weston knows something about demon contracts—he lost his father to one.

Suddenly everything is thrown into question. Clarice is about to change, but she doesn’t believe it. Weston is determined to help, but he doesn’t know how, and the clock is ticking. Yet when the transformation starts, Clarice finds herself hungry for one thing…and Weston is happy to cater to her needs.

In the meantime, to celebrate the release of Sinfully Scandalous, Sinners and Saints #2, I'm at Kacey Hammell's blog, giving away Sinners and Saints #1, Lost Wages of Sin. Contest runs until Friday!

Sinfully Scandalous Release Date & More

Mark your calendars for January 16, as that's when Sinfully Scandalous will be released!

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

It’s an order that Luxi, Sin of Lust, never saw coming. When you work for Lucifer, though, you tend to lay off the questions. She isn’t comforted when she discovers her assignment is to intern for a preacher-turned-politician, especially when her directive goes no further. As Luxi prepares for a long ride to nowhere, she can’t help but wonder if something else is at play…or what the King of Hell has up his sleeve.

Grayson Bailey’s run for state senate is going nowhere fast. The poll numbers are depressing, his campaign advisor is on the verge of a nervous breakdown, and someone out there has a bullet with his name on it. Yet when temptation herself struts through the door with a sassy smirk and an attitude to match, Grayson finds it very hard to remember which obligations are at the top.

The closer Grayson gets to Luxi, the stranger his life becomes. With Election Day—and a psycho with a gun—just around the corner, he can’t afford any detours. And while Luxi never puts her heart on the line, there’s something about this man that tests her resolve…though it might end up costing her more than she can afford.

If you can't wait until Jan 16, there is a free read from this universe in the Just One Bite Volume 5. A memoir as written by Lucifer, reflecting on his first encounter with his now ex-wife, Lilith.

In the interim, I've been editing up a storm, though I recently did take a break in discovering a new guilty pleasure...that is, Star Wars Old Republic. Did I mention that I'm a nerd?

Still waiting for word on my erotic contemporary romance, though I'm in it for the long haul. I do think it's best to try and forget the fact I sent it anywhere at all when waiting on a response, otherwise I'll drive myself -- and my crit partners -- crazy. I managed to prep my NaNo project for submission (tentatively titled "A Friend in Need"). And for the moment, I am structuring my 2012 writing goals. I want to have Book 3 of the Sinners and Saints series complete by, oh say, August of 2012. I'm also working on revamping Possession -- which I hope to have done by the end of January.

I'm also exceptionally pleased that Know Thine Enemy has received glowing reviews. Honestly, I didn't expect the book to get much attention -- not because I have such little faith in it (it's actually the work of which I am, at the present, the proudest), but because it is vastly different in tone to everything else I have available. The characters are darker, damaged, there's dubious consent and things that are trigger-worthy. But the reception thus far has been amazing. And while I certainly don't expect the trend to continue, this alone is worth the world to me. It has received a 5-Star Review at Rage, Sex, and Teddy Bears, a "You Gotta Read" rating at You Gotta Read Reviews, a 5-Star Review at Scorching Book Reviews, and a 4 Star Review at Maldivian Book Reviewer's Realm. So thank you to the readers and reviewers.

Back to defeating Jedi writing soon!

Going, going, gone

Possession was my second release with Loose Id, published just under two years ago when I was still incredibly wet behind the years. For a number of reasons, I have decided not to renew my contract, which expires in January 2012. There's more I want to do with it, revisions I want to make, scenes I want to add...and I'm toying with turning the hero, Kade, into a werewolf. As for when this newly imagined novella formerly known as Possession will debut, I can't tell you, though I do hope it'll be sometime next year rather than later. Whatever time I don't spend editing during the next couple months will be split between work on Sinners and Saints Book 3 and working on ways to revise, re-imagine, and expand upon Possession.

Until January, Possession remains on sale for those who want to grab it before it's gone.

I had planned on doing this for a while, so it's not entirely out of left field...though it's only been recently I've considered changing Kade from a vampire to something else. A lot has happened in the last two years I did not anticipate, and certain things about me as an author have changed as a result. I want to see what layers I can add, if any. I also want to hear from Kade, as the current narrative doesn't allow for that. I hope existing fans of that story can understand my motives, even if you don't agree.

Hope everyone is having a good month!

Holiday Giveaway!

Enter to win plenty of prizes from myself and
amazing, sweet, and uber!talented Kacey Hammell.

Prizes include:
Author goodies (via snail mail) from Kacey
plus these ebooks...
Know Thine Enemy
Firsts
Lost Wages of Sin (S&S Book 1)
Last Man Standing
Sinful (Follow the Music Book 1)

Enter to win by sending an email to kaceyhammell@gmail.com
with Christmas Contest in the subject line.

ONE Winner will receive all 5 ebooks & goodies.
(using Random.org)

Cheesy Thanksgiving Post -- List of things for which I am thankful

In the spirit of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, I decided to post a list of things I am thankful for -- because apparently, I am this corny. Sorry. The holiday season has a tendency to make me a little sentimental.

Note: these are in no particular order. Just as they come to me.

1) My readers. You make this job fun. Thank you.
2) My crit partners. Not only for their support in writing, but in life in general. I know I can call JA Saare if I need to vent or send something goofy to Sarah Ballance or talk about edits with Kacey Hammell or grumble with Madelyn Ford about anything in particular. They're more than crit partners; they're friends. Thank you.
3) My wonderful Aaron, who provides nothing but love, support, encouragement, and praise.
4) Nikki London for being my BFF of 10+ years, my sister, my employer, and my #1 fan. There is so much I couldn't have accomplished without you.
5) Skyla Dawn Cameron, and she knows why.
6) Positive reviews, for making my bad days better and my good days amazing.
7) Negative reviews, for keeping me grounded.
8) The good health of all my loved ones.
9) My editors.
10) The people I have met and continue to meet who make me endlessly grateful to be a part of this community.

Happy Thanksgiving to all who observe it.

SPOTLIGHT + GIVEAWAY: Kacey Hammell's SINFUL is now available!

SINFUL
first in the Follow the Music Trilogy
is now available at Amazon Kindle & aRe



Blurb

For years, Mikayla Gallan has dreamed of providing a better life for her younger brother, Matthew, and herself. Coming from a family of musicians, Mikayla and Matthew have dreams of someday making it big. But Mikayla's first priority is always ensuring Matthew's future. When Houdini Records comes knocking on her door, offering her everything she's ever wanted, Mikayla's scared to grab onto their offer.

Sinclair "Sin" Devlin, part-owner of Houdini Records has loved and lost and has no intentions of ever going down that path again. He's determined to put his company back on the map and is willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen. Meeting Mikayla Gallan, hearing her sultry and passionate voice on stage, Sin believes he has found the only woman that could save the company. He's even more shocked to realize that perhaps she's also the only woman to save him from himself.

Excerpt

Excerpt:
Copyright(c) Kacey Hammell, 2011


Mikayla hung up her skirt on the clipped hanger, making a mental note to take it home after her meeting with Desmond Ritchie and his brother-in-law so that it could be dry-cleaned.
Anxious to get out front, her hands were shaking and her steps clumsy, as she hurriedly put her things away and rechecked her makeup one last time.

Standing straight, Mikayla looked herself over in the mirror. Normally after work she’d dress in an old, comfortable pair of jeans, sweatshirt and running shoes, but tonight that wasn’t an option.

For her meeting she decided to keep her black halter-top on that she’d worn onstage, and instead of her normal worn jeans, she dressed in pleated black dress slacks that were comfortable, yet professional. On her feet she still wore her heels with straps at the ankles. Though her slacks covered the straps, they were her favourite pair and she felt sexy in them.
Nothing like a pair of ‘fuck me’ shoes to give a girl a boost.

Around her bare shoulders she wore a sheer silk, red shawl that added colour to her outfit and she just couldn’t resist the colour at all. Mikayla felt that red was a ‘power’ colour, exuded confidence in the person wearing it and brought out her blue eyes.

At least that was her opinion and tonight she needed all the confidence she could get. If Desmond Ritchie was for real, then hers and Matthew’s lives could change forever.

Taking a deep breath and resisting the urge to giggle in her excitement, something a woman of thirty just didn’t do, she grabbed her small black purse from the dressing table, spun on her heel and headed to the door.

Throwing open the door, Mikayla didn’t see anything but a large black blur coming at her then she felt herself falling. Her purse fell from her hand as she reached out to grab whatever she could to stay upright.

Landing on her back on the floor, the fluffy grey carpeting at her back cushioning the fall, Mikayla sucked in a breath.

Old Spice and an inebriating masculine scent filled her nostrils and she opened her eyes. Looking into the deepest pair of brown eyes she’d ever seen, she was surprised to realize that a large man was lying on top of her.

A hell of a sexy guy to be exact. Wavy, chestnut brown hair, deep brown eyes and lush, full lips were all she could see. Never in her life had she seen such a god-like, beyond gorgeous Adonis this up close and personal. In many ways, this man reminded her of the actor, Matthew McConaughey, but with darker hair.

Small differences didn’t matter, McConaughey was her favourite actor, the man of many of her dreams and fantasies as she pleasured herself in her own room in the dark. Any man that could come close to Matthew McConaughey in looks and what she believed he’d feel like in her arms, was okay with her.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Gallan. The door opened so quickly, I didn’t have time to…”

Hearing his deep baritone voice, Mikayla’s body felt things it hadn’t felt in years. Desire, pulsating need and wetness between her legs all registered in her passion-filled thoughts as she stared into his brown eyes.

Licking her lips, swallowing to wet her parched throat, hoping to vocalize some outrage or to at least say something, Mikayla watched his eyes darken and stare at her mouth. Heat pooling even hotter in her belly and between her legs, she couldn’t remember where she was or whatever the hell she was about to say.

This man on top of her, her arms around him, Mikayla was certain that all was right with the world. The building around them could have fallen down and she wouldn’t have cared. Within his arms she felt she was where she needed to be.

“Ms. Gallan? Are you all right?” McConaughey look-alike asked, his eyes still watching her lips.
Wetting her lips again, she asked in a still-parched voice, “Who are you?”

“Sin. My name’s Sin.”

Oh my god.

Mikayla couldn’t have asked for a hotter fire to fan the flames but she felt like the temperature had just risen another one hundred degrees. Just his name, said in that deep voice, did things to her that should be illegal.

“Yes, sin you most certainly are.” Mikayla barely had time to register that she’d spoken aloud when he groaned and lowered his head.

His lips met hers in an explosive, wet kiss that would have knocked her on her ass had she not been lying down. Those lush and full lips captured hers and their tongues met.

He tasted of all man and a faint hint of peppermint. His hands held her head in place as if she’d move it at any second and she felt the softness of his palms resting on her cheeks.

Lost in the arousing and powerful sensations of their kiss, Mikayla’s hands roamed his back, feeling his corded muscles, making her shiver. Groaning into his mouth, she opened hers wider, taking more of his taste and his tongue into her mouth, hoping she didn’t have to stop kissing him any time soon.

Available for Purchase at:
Amazon
aRe
Smashwords
Bookstrand


I am giving away a copy of Kacey Hammell's SINFUL! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment to this post with your name and email address. Winner will be chosen virtue of an online randomizer on Wednesday, November 23 at 1pm CST. Please feel free to spread the word!

Halloween Excerpts - 3/3 - Know Thine Enemy -- Adult Rated

Happy Halloween, everyone! I'm leaving you with an extremely naughty final excerpt from Know Thine Enemy.


Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
Warnings: Dubious consent, graphic violence, language, explicit sexual content, hints of child abuse, kidnapping
Length: Novel (75k+)
ISBN: 978-1-60592-548-6


All excerpts come with a warning of bad language. My characters have potty mouths.
No fucking idea where they get that.

DISCLAIMER: THIS EXCERPT CONTAINS ADULT THEMES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO EXPLICIT SEXUAL INTERACTIONS, REFERENCES TO KIDNAP AND DUBIOUS CONSENT.



Excerpt 3

When she opened her eyes there was a mattress in the room.

Izzie wasn't sure how much of the night she'd actually slept. Strange dreams had followed her around every bend, and when she wasn't plagued by the unknown phantoms of her psyche, she twisted and jerked awake only to remember where she was and why she was here. There was no escape—not from the ghostly sight of Harrison in her head nor the unsettling reality to which she woke. The mattress was at least an improvement, though she had no doubt today's tests would up yesterday's ante. Her insides twisted but her mind remained focused. More tests meant more interludes with Ryker. It meant being not alone, and right now she hated alone.

Briggs entered the room a few minutes after she stirred, a plate of toast in one hand and a glass of milk in the other. He flashed her a wide smile. "Good morning, Subject Beta. Did you sleep well?"

Izzie pulled the blanket they'd given her over her shoulders, flinching when her stomach growled. She didn't want him to know how hungry she was, or how little last night's soup had sustained her. Whatever he gave her was tainted and she'd only take what she needed in order to survive. Anything else was a luxury.

"I suggest you eat up," Briggs said, placing her breakfast on the table. "The next test commences in an hour."

Izzie waited until he was gone before leaping to her feet. She knew eating fast wouldn't make matters better, but damn, she was hungry and nothing could stop her from cramming the bread down her throat. She paused only to breathe, then downed the glass of milk in a single gulp.

There was a fat steak with her name on it once she was free. And a huge side order of fries and a vanilla shake.

When she was done picking at crumbs, Izzie turned and retreated to the mattress. Her tired muscles sighed in relief against the cushioning. Hopefully Briggs would let her keep this into the night. There seemed little point in making the human test subject as uncomfortable as possible, but with her lack of clothes and nothing but the floor on which to sleep, he had succeeded in ensuring every nook in her body whined with movement. Sleeping on a mattress would be a godsend.

Time moved neither fast nor slowly, though when her thoughts turned to Ryker her heart skipped a little. Izzie sat under the false security of her blanket until the buzzing outside her room again climbed to a crescendo. She waited for someone to strap her to the table as they had previously, but no one came. Lights flickered inside the observation panel and muffled voices sounded on the other side of the door. She heard Briggs talking steadily, and her skin grew hot once she realized he had to be addressing Ryker.

Then the door opened and her vampire was ushered inside.

He looked much like he had the day before. His dark hair was ruffled, his complexion pale, his chest missing a shirt and his eyes gobbling her up as though they'd been separated much longer than a night. His expression seemed loaded but he didn't say a word. Rather, he studied her with such intent it left her shaking with anticipation.

Izzie pursed her lips but didn't say anything. Somehow, at once, she felt more naked with her coverlet than she had yesterday.

"Good morning," came over the intercom. Izzie turned her attention to the observation panel, where Briggs sat with his two assistants. "This marks day two of our trial study. You will note Subject Beta is not tied up today; after yesterday's performance, we didn't think the restraints were necessary. Please do not abuse this privilege or we will be forced to rescind it."

"How thoughtful," Ryker mused, not looking away from her face.

"061, please approach Subject Beta and prepare her the way you did yesterday."

The vampire tossed an angry glare to the observation panel. "Do I get her permission today?"

"You may ask it, but you will do as ordered regardless."

He snorted. "Figured as much."

"Please," Izzie said softly, startled by the sound of her voice but choosing not to question it.

Ryker went to such lengths to avoid hurting her, be it by word or action, and he had to know by now she couldn't do this with anyone else. Especially after yesterday—after seeing his face and witnessing his torment in doing what they asked, knowing it wasn't what she wanted but having little choice in the matter. Whatever bond they'd forged would outlast these walls, and she wouldn't risk it. Not now. He was the only ally she had.

Ryker shot her a cautious, uncertain glance. "What?"

"If it's not you it'll be someone else," she said. "They've told you that."

"Yes," Briggs agreed cheerfully. "We have."

Izzie nodded, swallowing hard. "Don't leave me alone in here. Please, Ryker."

"I don't want to hurt you," he replied, his voice hoarse.

"You won't." She released a trembling breath and cast off her blanket, laying back on the mattress and lifting her hips in offering. "Please."

"Please?"

She nodded again, her heart thundering. "It has to be you."

Ryker took a hesitant step forward, then another. A few seconds passed before the mattress dipped under his weight; he sat perched between her open legs, his wide eyes roaming her naked body with interest he couldn't counterfeit. He raised a hand and placed it on her belly, right above the scar Harrison had given her, tenderly stroking her skin with his thumb. For the first time in her life, Izzie felt more than aware of her skin's imperfection, and wondered if he viewed the mark as ugly as she did.

The thought dissolved, however, against the stirring arousal he encouraged with his gentle caresses. "This okay?" he asked.

Izzie licked her lips. "Yes."

"Touch her intimately," Briggs prompted.

Ryker huffed. "Fucking perverts."

She gave him an awkward grin and shrugged. "Our fault for being so pretty, I guess."

"Yeah, we were asking for it." He scooted closer, his fingers dancing up her abdomen until he had a breast resting against his palm.

His touch shouldn't feel good but it did—fuck, it felt amazing. He was tender where she would have expected something else—anything else—from a creature with fangs. There was nothing harsh in the way he cradled her flesh, the pad of his thumb brushing her nipple so subtly she would have thought it accidental had she not been watching his face. He looked hungry—starved—and his eyes were on her.

Her self-awareness vanished without warning. Lying naked, legs spread, a vampire exploring her body as a small group of voyeuristic scientists jotted down their reactions, and she didn't feel anything but need. Need for Ryker and his touch. Need for the soothing calm he provided in a world gone mad. His presence was enough to lessen the harshness of silence, to make her feel like she wasn't trapped in hell, rather just a bad dream.

He made her feel less alone. He reminded her she wasn't forgotten, even if he had no way to help aside from doing what he was told.

"Good," Briggs encouraged. "But we need more. We want her prepared for intercourse."

Ryker rolled his eyes. "Of course you do. She's a human female, you moron. How the fuck do you presume I prepare her?"

"However it is you would."

"Figure we do it much the same way you pulsers do." Ryker glanced fleetingly to her pussy, his eyebrows arching and one of his fingers pressing experimentally against her vaginal lips.

Izzie worried a lip between her teeth. She hadn't realized how wet she was, and the shame wrought by that sudden awareness was damn near crushing.

God, was she actually enjoying this? Beyond the need for contact and the thrill of having him near, did she actual derive pleasure from being studied?

Izzie's stomach twisted unpleasantly. No, that couldn't be it. Not unless she was so fucked up in the head that perversion was the only kind of normal she'd ever get.

"Shit," she murmured, blinking hard and looking away.

"You all right?" Ryker asked softly.

"No."

His hand fell away. "No? Did I—"

"No! No, please . . . ."

"Tell me what to do, darling."

How could she? She had no idea what she wanted. Nothing seemed certain anymore.

"Subject 061, please touch Subject Beta," Briggs commanded.

Ryker swore, parting her slick folds with his finger. His eyes remained on her face, and though she knew he looked for a sign—any sign—to stop, she couldn't help but flush under his scrutiny. Shit, she was perverse. Wanting more, needing more, needing to feel him inside. Would they ask him to fuck her today? It was coming, she knew it was coming. If not today certainly within the next few visits. They'd want to watch her bounce on his cock, completing her humiliation. The thought alone was enough to drive her mad.

And make her feel hot in ways she'd never anticipated.