I wanted to talk about my decadent titles today and what things I most enjoyed about writing the story, or what my favorite parts are.

Carnal Desires ~

When Mercedes, the town librarian, enters a place no good girl would dare to tread, she meets a man who says he’s an incubus, who has an offer too tempting to pass. After the encounter with the stranger, sanity returns and Mercedes begins to wonder if she’s lost her mind along with her memory, or if the man in the back of the adult toy store really was who he claimed to be.

Genre: Paranormal, short story, contemporary, erotic romance
Heat level: 5
Word count – 3k

What my favorite part of this story is: I loved writing the inital contact of these two. This Edge series is possibly one of the hotter works of fiction I've written, and making the sparks fly was a bonus.

Carnal Attraction ~

Thousands of years have passed. Azael has returned to Jezebel, and he’s brought her memories with him. Now that Jezebel has them back, she doesn’t intend to lose them again by starving herself of life energies. So, when she encounters a broken heart in the seedy strip club where she works, she knows dinner will be special that night. This time, the feeding will be on her terms, and the man who’s wandered into her snare, shouldn’t miss the small bite of soul she takes. Much.

Genre: Paranormal romance, short story, erotic romance
Heat level: 5
Word count – 3500

What my favorite part of this story is: The evolution of the hero and the heroine.

 

Carnal Denial ~

Game on.

Another lamb for the feast. Not likely. Jezebel knows that taking a bite out of the virgin bait the demon slayers have tossed into the club is a bad idea. But there’s also more than one way to skin a proverbial cat, or in this instance, pop a slayer’s cherry before she causes any problems. There’s nothing in the succubus rule book that says Jezebel has to play fair. After all, she need only suggest. What the slayer does with the nudge is up to her.

Check mate.

Genre: Paranormal, contemporary, erotic romance
Heat level: 4
Word count – 5k

What my favorite part of this story is: The game.

 

Cinderella Wore Combat Boots ~

Sometimes Fairytales come true.

First Sergeant Cori Valentine faces a bleak future. She’s turning forty in three weeks and life as she knows it is over. An injury received while on deployment has earned her an early retirement from the Marine Corps, something she’s not sure she’ll survive. Things get even better when interfering Marines set her up on a blind date for a party she doesn’t want. The guy has to be a total toad to want to go out with her. Right?

When Madame Eve informs Retired SEAL, Sol Keller she’s found his perfect match, he doesn’t believe it, but takes up the challenge. One look at the First Sergeant in a sexy dress and combat boots has him wondering if fairytales really can come true. Madame Eve might be the legendary Fairy Godmother, and Cori his Cinderella. Sol intends to show the Marine beauty a Prince Charming she’ll never forget, and that retirement isn’t the end of her story but merely the beginning.

Genre: Erotic romance, contemporary, military romance
Heat level: 4
Word count – 11k

What my favorite part of this story is: I had to go back to my days when I was a woman in the military. I wanted the readers to experience life from her combat boots. It was fun to bring this to the readers.

Courtesan Boot Camp ~

And courtesan boot camp starts now.

When Shay lands on Elatia, she knows she has one shot to be chosen as courtesan for a king and queen. Mess up—everything she was born to be, all she’s trained her entire life to become—will be lost. The alternative is unthinkable.

What a pampered priss.

Dayne’s first impression isn’t a good one, but he’s determined to turn the spoiled beauty into the next royal courtesan at any cost. As a Dominus, a master of all things sexual, he agrees to help a friend, his sovereign, and promises to do nothing to compromise her future.

Except the promise may cause him to question his loyalty, friendship and honor. All he knows is on the line…when he falls in love with a woman who can never be his.

Genre: Sci-fi romance, erotic romance, fantasy
Heat level: 4
Word count – 29k

What my favorite part of this story is:  This story was so much fun to write. Take a pampered priss, throw her together with a man who is the exact opposite, then watch sparks fly. The push and pull of these two is what I most enjoyed writing.

My Boogie Woogie Bugle Guy ~When Grace Daniels goes to the cemetery to visit the grave of her twin brother, she meets a soldier, there for the same reason, or at least that’s what she believes until he tells her about the blind date her brother arranged before he was killed in combat.

It’s the date of her dreams. Big band, brass and sass, Madame Eve from 1NightStand has set her up for an unforgettable night, a WWII swing dance party. Unfortunately, she’s having trouble letting go of her past and is afraid to take the chance given to her.

Sergeant Frank Winters is an Army trumpet player who travels with the Color Guard, a great dancer, and six feet four inches of eye candy that could make her an addict. He’s also a soldier and soldiers can get killed. Grace doesn’t have the heart to lose someone again, but Frank knows a good thing when he sees it, and he’s determined to show her in one night, she’s got more to lose if she walks away.

Genre: Contemporary, erotic romance, military romance
Heat level: 4
Word count – 13k

What my favorite part of this story is: I often see Special Forces, SEALS and Recon when the military is represented in a romance, and there is nothing wrong with it, but I wanted the reader to see a different kind of soldier, one you don't hear a lot about. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. This is a tale of finding love when and where you least expect it, and squeezing the lemons for all they're worth.

Rebel Souls ~

“Good morning, Duchess.”

Born in the fires of revolution and baptized in the blood of those who fought for a better life, Captain Ava Frost smuggles illegal materials to a war machine that will someday free her people from an oppressive government...until her path crosses with a Regulator commander.

Seth Reynold’s mission is to find the dangerous cargo of fissile materials. When he stops Ava at a wormhole, his ethics and beliefs are compromised. Torn between duty and love, Seth is determined to find out what Ava is hiding, but her fiancé is standing in his way.

Back from the dead, Brodie Mark—a leader of the revolution, a man that challenges Ava’s loyalties in every way imaginable—wants her back and will do whatever it takes to help her realize her heritage.

While falling for the enemy and endangering all that the underground rebels had struggled to achieve, Ava must make a choice between duty and love. But is she ready to sacrifice a freedom in its infancy for a love that comes once in a lifetime?

“No man flies three days to the edge of Nexian space without a reason.”

Genre: Sci fi romance, fantasy, erotic romance
Heat level: 4
Word count – 45k

What my favorite part of this story is: Writing a story of enduring love. My first draft had my heroine and hero reuniting in their eighties, thumbing their nose at the law and running off into the stars together. Same story. They just came to their senses a little earlier.

Seducing Liberty ~

Out of the mists of time, rides a story of espionage, love, and a 1Night Stand.

When Ryann Summers, an actress playing the role of Lady Liberty, an Agent in Washington’s Culper spy ring, asks Madame Eve of 1Night Stand for a date, a night she’ll never forget—where her identity is kept secret—she gets more than she bargained for.

Now she’s caught in the middle of the American Revolution and between two of the sexiest men she’s ever set eyes on. If she can survive the musketballs and the invading British forces, she just might find everything she’s been searching for—sex hot enough to set the sea on fire.

Genre: Paranormal, erotic romance, time travel, historical, fantasy, multiple partners
Heat level: 4
Word count – 12k

What my favorite part of this story is: Stretching my historical knowledge and putting it to use. I enjoyed writing about the Culper Ring so much, that I might just write a novel dedicated to it alone. I adore American History and tales of real heroes, and incorporating the truth with the fiction was a blast.

This Endris Night ~

One night. One party of a lifetime. One secret a century old which could end it all.

Shiya, a Yupik supermodel, travels to Alaska in pretense of attending a party where she’ll find the man of her dreams. But her real intent is to lure the man of her nightmares to where she can finally end a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Gunnar is on Earth for one reason—to recover the wreckage of a Doppelganger crash that is scattered for miles, throughout an Alaskan resort and human settlements. In order to get closer to the ship’s debris, he agrees to a date and finds himself face to face with a Terran woman who doesn’t know her genetics are from his world, or that she’s being tracked by someone whose duty is to eliminate all threats to their secret. Shiya’s heritage has placed her at the top of the killer’s list.

Now the only way to save her, is to claim her, and Shiya isn’t about to make it easy.

Genre: Paranormal romance, sci-fi, fantasy, erotic romance, holiday
Heat level: 4
Word count – 12k

What my favorite part of this story is: Diversity of characters and worlds. I loved writing my dopplegangers and bringing them to life in Alaska. What many don't know, is this is science fiction romance.

Where to buy these books

So I hope you'll take a chance on some of my stories and you find unusual worlds you want to get lost in. I'm giving away to one lucky commenter a signed tote with my decadent covers and one of the e-titles above (your choice of which). Leave a comment with your email addy, and you've dropped your name in the virtual hat. It's that easy. I'll draw a winner on Saturday next week and announce the winner in my post.
Best of luck!

D L Jackson
 

Aliens: Mission of Peace or Invasion?

I was thinking of all of the science fiction movies that I have involving aliens the other day, and how many of them actually show aliens in a positive light. Some do, but most do not. Here's my list of movies:

Avatar - The people from Pandora are friendly, only wanting to protect their land. Those from Earth are the invaders here, and we didn't go there with the intentions of peace.

Chicken Little - This involves a full-out invasion. But not to take over, just to find little Kirby.

Contact - While the aliens in this movie contact us through mathematical messages, Ellie Arroway is the only one to have any personal contacts with the beings from outer space. I like to believe these extraterrestrials are peaceful.

The Day the Earth Stood Still - These aliens want to restore peace to Earth and believe killing off only the people do so.

I Am Number Four - The aliens come here to hide, but the bounty hunters after them will destroy anything that gets in their way. So, no invasion, but not necessarily peaceful either.

Independence Day - This one is a full-scale invasion, but the world actually unites to protect what is ours.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - The aliens in this movie came here to teach us, but those who aren't worthy, do not survive.

Megamind - While two aliens come to Earth as babies, one grows up to be a superhero, and the other an evil villain. In this movie, they both discover their true destinies. No invasion.

Men In Black - In the first two movies (haven't seen third yet), both types of aliens are here, and the Men In Black keep them under control.

Monsters vs. Aliens - Definitely an invasion, and it is not the army who is sent to defeat them, but the monsters.

I have more, but they tend to include both types of aliens.

In my story Crash Landing, which releases tomorrow, Cael comes to Earth on a mission of peace. But what he experiences comes as a complete surprise.

Here's the blurb:

As his ship plummets toward Earth, Cael believes his life to be over. His last ditch effort to save himself ends in a fiery crash. When he wakes up, he believes he’s entered the afterlife, but his surroundings indicate otherwise. He made it to Earth. But who saved him, and what do they want with him?

Crash Landing will be available from Decadent Publishing, Amazon, and All Romance eBooks later today, and at many other ebook retailers tomorrow. More information and buy links posted here.

And an excerpt:

Cael gripped the cushioned arms of the captain’s chair as his ship tumbled bow over stern. The console flashed a blinding red in front of him. Piercing alarms drilled into his mind and he lost focus. The seconds raced by as he plummeted toward Earth. He’d fucked up this mission of peace. Contact with his home planet had ended months ago. No one from Narien could save him now. His death was imminent.

The water below wouldn’t soften his landing. At its current speed, his ship would disintegrate on splashdown. The planet’s gravity pulled him down faster.

He coughed; the acrid scent of fried electronics stung his nose and the back of his throat. Please let my death be quick. 

A rattling to the left caught his attention above all other noise. The handle on the cabin door shook. Freedom. It wasn’t his time to die, if he could get out.

The altimeter on the dashboard read six thousand meters, high enough to jump and land safely with his chute. Only to land in frigid water and die of exhaustion or hypothermia from treading without any hope of a rescue.

“Shit.” But he’d die if he stayed. He had to take the chance. Yanking off his safety harness, he pulled himself to standing and strained to reach the recess where his pack hung. Stretching up, he fingered the cloth strap. Not close enough to grab hold of it.

The ship jolted and flung him to the stern. He weaved his arm through the straps of the pack on his way past, dislodging it from the hook. Yes. 

His triumph was short-lived as he flew starboard, smashing his shoulder against the wall. He groaned when an electrifying spasm shot down his arm to the tips of his fingers. The ship lurched again, and he tumbled back toward the console. He grabbed the door, his feet dangling in mid air. If he didn’t get out now, he’d forfeit any chance to survive.

The ship righted again. He planted his feet against the bottom of the door and twisted the crank. The latch snapped open, filling him with a sense of hope. Careful to keep at least one hand on the handle at all times, he slung the pack over his shoulders.

All set. Time to jump. Pushing off the floor, he slammed his uninjured shoulder against the door. It blew open and tore away from its hinges, lost to the sky.

Cael teetered on the edge before plunging out of his failing ship. Wind whipped all around him as he twisted to catch his bearing during freefall.

Glancing down, he spied crystal blue lake, much closer than he’d expected. Too close.

He jerked the cord on his chute–several hundred feet lower than he should have. At least. His feet skimmed the cold waves just as his chute caught the current and heaved him back into the air.

The ship splashed into the water beside him, disintegrating into millions of pieces. He raised his hands in front of his face as shrapnel flew at him. Tiny shards sliced into his arms and legs, but the extreme heat from the cloud of steam billowing up at him stung the most.

From the moment his toes touched down in the once frigid water, his skin sizzled. He screamed in agony. His death would have been quicker and less agonizing if he’d remained in the ship.

A hard piece of his spacecraft smashed down on his head, and he welcomed the darkness.

***

So, what do you think? When first contact happens, will they be peaceful, or ready to take over our planet?

***

Jessica Subject started writing to encourage her daughter to read. Now she writes to keep herself grounded. Although she reads many genres, she enjoys writing Science Fiction Romance the most and believes everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after. She lives Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids and loves to hear from anyone who has enjoyed her stories.

Website/Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Amazon

You Have the Power: Guest Post by Author Cynthia Sax

I LOVE reading SciFi romances, especially series (like Jessica E. Subject’s delicious Mark of the Stars series). When I visit a world, I like to stay there for a while, meeting everyone. I wait and wait and wait for the next story in the series.

When I was a reader, that was all I would do – wait. And sometimes that next story never came. The series would hang, remaining unfinished. In TV terms, it would be cancelled. What could I do? I was only one reader. What power did little ol’ me have?

It turns out, I had TREMENDOUS power. I simply didn’t know it.

When I became a writer also (I’ll always be a reader first and foremost), I witnessed the power of the book lover first hand. I was at a writer’s meeting and a New York Times best selling writer brought in a fan email. A fan email. As in a single email from a single reader. She read it to a few of us, glowing. It was obvious that she cherished every word.

Why did she cherish every word? Because although many readers, unfortunately, talk about the books they don’t like, surprisingly few readers talk about the books they love. They certainly don’t send emails to their favorite writers. That means many writers hear negative feedback about their stories and that’s it. It is very challenging to write more stories in a series you think everyone hates.

So by sending Jessica an email saying “I loved The Zurian Child. Please write more stories in this series.”, you’re substantially increasing the chances there WILL be more stories written in the series. I happily wrote Assassin Mine, the next story in my Operation Erotic series at Ellora’s Cave, because two readers, Heidi and Mirian, specifically asked for it.

Then there is the power readers have over sales. Because so few readers share the books they love, a two line post on a reader loop or Facebook or Twitter or taking 30 seconds to press the ‘Like’ button on the Amazon page can substantially increase sales of a book. Sales get publishers excited and excited publishers ask for more stories in a series. When my publishers ask me for stories, I write them.

Yes, it truly IS that simple.

Now that I know this, whenever I want to read another story in a series, I email the writer, I send a message to the reader loops I belong to recommending the story, I post links to the story on Facebook and Twitter, and I press the “Like” button on Amazon. This takes me ten minutes tops. Ten minutes to get more stories in a series I love. That’s a great use of my time!

We have the power to influence what stories are written. Use that power!

Buy Link for Assassin Mine:

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-10317-assassin-mine.aspx

Blurb for Assassin Mine:

Darius, a Balazoid assassin, lives a solitary life structured by rigid rules. Nothing is more forbidden than his sexual attraction to Sabria, a sultry human female. Yet she’s all he thinks about. One kiss, one touch, one heart-stopping encounter in a darkened alleyway isn’t enough to satisfy his unnatural obsession. Breaking every rule on both of their planets, Darius captures Sabria and takes her for his breeder.

Sabria takes one look at Darius and she knows she’ll have him…multiple times, in all sorts of positions. She’ll voyage to the end of the known universes to prove she’s the only breeder he’ll ever desire, blazing his notions of how a female should behave.

Because the only force fiercer than a Balazoid assassin is a woman’s lust.

Connect with Cynthia Sax here:

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Amazon author page

What I'm Working on This Week

Here's and excerpt from my unnamed novel that follows, Last Flight of the Ark.

She stumbled forward and looked back with a glare. “Patience.”

“The commander has no patience.”

Yeah, she got that. At the end of the long corridor, a door on her right dissolved and they pushed her inside the windowless room. She spun around to meet a solid barrier. This was isolation. Why put her in isolation? She opened her mind and began to pat along the wall in the dark, looking for anyway out.

“Don’t bother,” a raspy voice said behind her, followed by a scraping sound on the floor and a groan. “I’ve already looked, at least a hundred times. There are no secret exits.”

Sparrow whipped around and pressed back against the wall, her heart pounding. Who did they toss her in the cell with? “Who’s there?”

“I could ask the same question, but I can see in the dark.”

“Stay back.”

“I assure you, I couldn’t come over and gobble you up if I wanted to. You’re safe.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean your buddy beat the crap out of me, now he’s sent his girl in to interrogate.”

She shook her head. “No. They grabbed me and shoved me in here.”

More shifting sounds and another groan. “In that case, can you give me a hand over to the bunk by the wall?”

"Bunk?”

"Walk about ten steps forward and reach down. Don’t worry, I don’t bite.”

Sparrow’s heart rate rocketed. Could she trust him? She’d never heard his voice but knew who. Images of Dace flitted through her mind. Why would her commander toss her in the cell with him?

“Please. I’m not an animal.”

“I know.” She started shuffling slowly forward until the toes of her boots came in contact with something solid. A hand reached up and grabbed her wrist.

Sparrow yelped and yanked free.

“The idea is that you give me a hand to my feet. I’ve got broken ribs and can’t get up on my own.” She reached down and helped him to his feet. He leaned against her, taking shallow breathes. He sniffed and growled. “It was you, with my brother.”

“I…”

“I can smell him on you.” A low rumble came from his throat. “I don’t like it.”

Oh, God. She was in trouble. She stepped back and her feet were swept from under her. Sparrow landed with a loud oomph on her back. A hard male body rolled on top of her, pinning her to the cold stone floor. His lips were so close his breath washed across her face. Her stomach tumbled. She’d always secretly had a crush on Dace, but never expected to find herself face-to-face in such close proximity. “I thought you said you couldn’t get up on your own.”

Have a great weekend,

D L

The Next Big Thing - Another Night, Another Planet

I was tagged to participate in this blog challenge a while back, and introduced you to Alien Adoration here. I am still working on this story. Both Barbara Elsborg and Jennifer Lane tagged me this week, so I decided to reveal a bit about another work-in-progress.

I present to you...

Another Night, Another Planet

What is the working title of your book?

That would be Another Night, Another Planet.

Where did the idea come from for the book?

I was asked to write a story that combines both the 1Night Stand and Elatia lines from Decadent Publishing. I thought about it for a few days and this is the story that came to mind.

What genre does your book fall under?

It's erotic science fiction romance.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Nate - Adam Rodriguez
Ava - Zooey Deschanel

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Madame Eve brings together two people who have given up on finding a serious releationship, but with the help of the Adamos of Elatia, can she convince them that true love can be found on another planet?

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

This story will be submitted to Decadent Publishing.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

I'm only half-way through the first draft.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I don't like to compare my work with other authors. This story is similar to my other 1Night Stand stories, yet different.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?

I was asked to write it, and I'm not sure where the idea came from before it popped into my head. After reading Dead or Alive by LJ Garland, and many science fiction romance stories by DL Jackson, I was inspired to put a bit more action into this story, so I added a chase scene in the beginning. That was fun to write. :)

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

Even though the characters are futuristic and some live off planet, they experience real world issues like rejection and discrimination due to class and heritage. Ava comes from a low class family, unable to afford to further her education. Stuck in dead-end jobs, she catches a break, finding a housekeeping position on the Mother Traveler. She is left with little time to date on Earth, and any guests on the ship who show an interest are quick to toss her out as soon as she puts out. Nate is a space cowboy, travelling the universe without a planet to call home. No one wanted him as a baby, and with his mixed ancestry, no species will claim him as their own.

And now to finish. :)

Bio: Jessica Subject started writing to encourage her daughter to read. Now she writes to keep herself grounded. Although she reads many genres, she enjoys writing Science Fiction Romance the most and believes everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after. She lives Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids and loves to hear from anyone who has enjoyed her stories.

Website/Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Amazon

The Space Service - From Celestial Seduction to Sudden Breakaway

I'm very excited about the release of my fifth 1Night Stand story, Sudden Breakaway, tomorrow. At the same time, I am a bit sad, as this story will be my last 1Night Stand that mentions the Space Service. 

Therefore, I am dedicating this post to the Space Service, and sharing excerpts to show how it has evolved over the course of my stories.

From Celestial Seduction:

“What do you mean, you want to stay?”

Frey balled his fists and watched the Mission Commander’s face turn from blue to purple to red. But he refused to step onto the ship. “Exactly that. I don’t want to return to Ginnun. I’ve spent one rotation around the sun here, established myself in their culture, and lived like one of them. And I’ll continue to do so. This is my home now.”

“One rotation is hardly long enough to call this place home. Besides, you’ve sworn your life to the Space Service.” As his MC’s eyes hardened further, Frey noticed all the wrinkles in the man’s once again blue face. His white hair stood up straight on an oversized head. If he remained with the Space Service, the stress of the job would age him exactly the same way.

“This is my last mission. I’ll be discharged when I return.” Frey wouldn’t receive any compensation for this mission, but Space Service credits were of no use on Earth.

“The only way to get out of the Service is to apply for mating. Won’t Tandee be waiting for your return?”

His stomach clenched upon hearing her name. “On the day we left, she confessed to already mating with Brand, my supposed best friend.”

The Commander only raised his eyebrow. Frey didn’t expect any compassion from him. “Ouch! So that’s why you failed to keep your emotions in check on the trip to Earth.”

He looked away. Even after his time on this planet, the memory of that day still stung. She’d flaunted her admission without a hint of regret.

“There are many other females on Ginnun who would take you as a mate.”

Frey looked back to the Mission Commander and shook his head. “I don’t want an emotionless relationship. When I choose a mate, I need to want to be with her. I want a mate for more than just procreation. I want to love.”

“Emotions just get in the way of your life.” His MC slammed his fist against the ship. “You’re our best field informant! If you’re leaving the Service, you could easily find yourself on the High Council. You don’t want to throw away your future for the overly sensitive women here on Earth.”

“It’s not just the women. I have friends here, not just acquaintances, as everyone is to me on Ginnun.” Many people he’d trusted on Ginnun wound up stabbing him in the back, as in his best friend who slept with his intended without any guilt. Returning to a planet of long-dead emotions held no appeal after living on Earth. He refused to hide his feelings again, and there were so many more he wanted to experience.

The Mission Commander signaled to the pilot to start the engines. “Stop this nonsense and get on the ship.”

“No.” He grabbed his sack and without remorse, turned his back on his Ginnunian heritage.

~*~*~

From Unknown Futures:

V stared across the concourse, trying to spot her charges. She’d been told to expect three people through the portal from Earth, two Terran females and a Ginnunian male who might be disguised as a Terran. How would he look? The blue-skinned species had never needed to hide their identity on the space station. Would he still show a hint of his

natural color, or would he resemble his traveling mates?

They’d all be easy to spot. V was only one of five people from Earth who worked at Space Service Headquarters. Every day, she saw thousands of Phanties, a species with large ears and a trunk like an elephant; Pillites, who reminded her of a giant pill bug; Goopers, blue blobs with eight short tentacles as feet, and many other species from

around the universe. But Terrans could only make it out to the space station—perched on the far edge of the Milky Way from their home world—using a portal the government deemed classified.

She’d never dreamed of working off-planet back when she waitressed for a quaint

Italian restaurant in New York while putting herself through grad school. But one

unusually calm night, she’d served a man who’d reminded her of a character from Men in

Black. He’d appeared surprised when she’d understood his order—spoken in German.

While her other customers languished, he’d engaged her in friendly conversation.

Charmed by his witty repartee, she’d revealed she spoke five different languages and was

working two jobs to put herself through school. Along with a generous tip, he’d left his

card—containing only his name and number—with If you’re looking for a job that’s out

of this world, call me written on the back. Thinking he was some kind of quack, she’d

tossed the card in the trash before greeting a new table of customers.

He returned the next night and every evening for a week until she consented to sit

down to listen to his job offer. Six months later, after completing rigorous training, she’d

walked through the portal to serve as a concierge for the space station’s interstellar hotel.

She hadn’t returned to Earth since then, her position so top secret she’d been unable to so

much as tell her boss why she’d quit with no notice. Other than spending a few familiar

holidays with her fellow Terrans, she almost never crossed paths with anyone from home.

She continued her education as well, overwhelmed and fascinated by ancient space

history consisting of much more information than that of Earth. Still, she missed her own

kind. Terrans were seen as inferior to those from other planets, governed by cowards who

hid the idea of other life in space, yet took full advantage of the technology. Thankfully,

no one held her accountable for Earth’s deficiencies.

She was drawn back to the present as the crowd parted in front of her, like the Red Sea

to reveal her charges. They walked along with the other new arrivals, oblivious to the

multitude of curious looks they received. The blue, lanky Ginnunian male led his very

pregnant terran wife toward her. Peering past the pair, V caught a glimpse of a darkhaired

woman tucked closely behind them before the crowd closed in once again,

grunting, squeaking, and clicking in communication.

~*~*~

From Satin Sheets in Space:

As she spied the first star in the sky, her phone chimed. Should I even look?

But her curiosity got the better of her.

Tamara again.

If you happen to visit the Space Service space station, be sure to say hello to Carrie for me. I wish you all the best.

Space? How had she known? But a space station? Was that why Tamara’s best friend had been absent from the wedding? She had so much to learn. And the message cleared away any remaining guilt she’d held onto.

~*~*~

From Sudden Breakaway:

Ms. Brown. Everyone knew her by that name, or at least those she tried to recruit for the Space Service did. For once, though, she wanted to be someone else, maybe herself. If she could shed the black designer suit and lose the title, she could simply be Paige.

The moment she’d signed the contract with the top-secret organization, she’d left Paige and the life she knew behind. Living in the shadows had been easy with her husband by her side, until agents destroyed the portal to the space station to keep terrorists from getting their hands on alien technology. Her husband—her only link to her old life—remained trapped there until the powers-that-be deemed it safe to repair the link.

She regretted agreeing to his traveling there for training while she remained on Earth, anxious about his welfare and resentful of the separation.

She continued to recruit for the Space Service, her work all she had to distract her from thinking of her faraway husband and empty bed. It wasn’t until the divorce papers had been forwarded to her communicator, from space, that she’d regretted signing the lifetime contract. Her husband hadn’t waited for her, choosing to bed some extraterrestrial bitch light years away.

She scanned her thumb across the ignition of her luxury sedan—only the best for members of the Space Service. None of it mattered anymore. She’d lost her enthusiasm for fostering relationships between Earth and the many worlds in the universe sustaining intelligent life. No, she wanted to stay on her home planet and find the love and happiness she’d thought she once had with her ex-husband.

She smirked, considering the possibility of her dream if she didn’t find any new recruits soon. The Space Service would revoke her contract. Her last three prospects had turned down her offer of an “out of this world” work environment, not once, but repeatedly. Why hadn’t she found the same strength, all those years ago to turn down the man in black who’d visited her and her husband? Though if she didn’t recruit, what would she do for a living?

~*~*~

And you'll also see the Space Service mentioned in my newly contracted story, Alien Lover, which will release as part of Decadent Publishing's The Edge erotica line.

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Empty Nesting

Yeah, that's got a lot to do with science fiction. Well, actually it does. Two weeks ago my baby left for the Army and now I have an empty nest.

What's that got to do with writing?

Well, I find myself unable to sit still and concentrate to write all the science fiction. I'm so used to all the noise going on around me while I work, my writing and networking have suffered for it.

So what have I been doing? Stripping furniture and refinishing it, going to yard sales, corn roasts and getting out into the world. I'm sure my restlessness will settle and the focus will come back, but right now, it's been about coping.

I can understand why this is one of the most difficult times for marriages. You have to learn to interact with your other half again.

Ah, screw my pity party, check out this sexy video on how to make a Margarita instead.

 

Suddenly, I'm in the mood to party.

 

Have a nice weekend,

 

D L