(If you’re looking for the October SFRB Showcase, that post is here.)
Here’s the link to the Weekend Writing Warriors central page, so you can visit all the participants sharing excerpts today…a fun way to sample new books and find new authors! (Also welcome to the Sunday Snippet visitors!)
The snippet is from my new novella Star Cruise: Songbird, which is coming out in the EMBRACE THE ROMANCE: PETS IN SPACE 2 anthology on October 10th (but can be pre-ordered). Only a few more days!!! (Can you tell I’m excited?)
I’ve skipped ahead a bit from last week’s excerpt. Grant has taken Karissa to his boss’s office to wait until the coast is clear to get her safely back to her own cabin. The excerpt is edited a bit to fit the rules here.
The excerpt:
Still holding her drink, she rose and made a slow tour of the office, examining the few knickknacks and holos on display. Over her shoulder, she said, “You’re not a fan, I gather?”
“Fan?”
“Of my music,” she laughed, “I must sound conceited but most people would be thrilled to have a one on one session with me – you haven’t even asked for an autograph.”
“I’m sure your music is wonderful. I’ve been downrange for the last few years so I’m not up on popular culture,” He checked the time again and looked up to see her frowning at him. “Means I’ve been outside the Sectors, in places I can’t talk about.”
She nodded, “Am I making you nervous? Or am I keeping you from something, a date maybe?” Karissa pointed at the shiptime indicator on the wall, “You keep checking.”
We’ll find out what Grant is anxious about in the next excerpt. Or if you buy the book, you can read the entire novella on the 10th. I’ll probably only do one more excerpt from this book after it’s been released and then move on to my next planned new release, which is an ancient Egyptian paranormal romance. It’s been too long since I wrote one of those!
The story:
Grant Barton, a Security Officer on the Nebula Zephyr, is less than thrilled with his current assignment to guard an Interstellar singing sensation while she’s on board the ship. It doesn’t help that he and his military war bird Valkyr are dealing with their recent separation from the Sectors Special Forces and uncertainty over their future, with their own planet in ruins.
Karissa Dawnstar is on top of the charts and seemingly has it all – talent, fame, fortune and devoted fans, but behind her brave smile and upbeat lyrics she hides an aching heart. When a publicity stunt goes wrong, Karissa finds herself in the arms of the security officer assigned to protect her – and discovers a mutual attraction she can’t ignore.
Trouble continues to plague the pair, driving a wedge between them and leaving Grant certain that Karissa is in more danger than she realizes, from overzealous fans and her own management. Grant is determined to protect Karissa whether she wants his help or not. Can he discover the truth behind what’s going on before he loses Karissa or is there someone else plotting to keep them apart – permanently?
Blurb for Embrace the Romance: Pets In Space 2:
The pets are back! Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2, featuring twelve of today’s leading Science Fiction Romance authors brings you a dozen original stories written just for you! Join in the fun, from the Dragon Lords of Valdier to a trip aboard award-winning author, Veronica Scott’s Nebula Zephyr to journeying back to Luda where Grim is King, for stories that will take you out of this world! Join New York Times, USA TODAY, and Award-winning authors S.E. Smith, M.K. Eidem, Susan Grant, Michelle Howard, Cara Bristol, Veronica Scott, Pauline Baird Jones, Laurie A. Green, Sabine Priestley, Jessica E. Subject, Carol Van Natta, and Alexis Glynn Latner as they share stories and help out Hero-Dogs.org, a charity that supports our veterans!
10% of the first month’s profits go to Hero-Dogs.org. Hero Dogs raises and trains service dogs and places them free of charge with US Veterans to improve quality of life and restore independence.
Buy Links:
Amazon US Amazon CA Amazon UK Amazon AU Amazon FR Amazon DE
Amazon JP iBooks B&N Kobo Google Play
We have a free coloring book to download while you wait – it’s on our website here!
I’m really looking forward to reading the rest of this when the next ‘Pets In space’ is released. I’ll be looking forward to your planned release too – I love ancient Egypt paranormals!
I like that she asks him straight out. I’m curious what he’ll say. Great snippet.
I love how much is revealed about both characters in such a short snippet! Wonderful! 🙂
Great character building in this snippet. I like how direct she is.
I bet she isn’t used to men checking the clock to see how soon they can get away from her, either.
Maybe she’ll come to appreciate the fact that he isn’t fawning all over her like she’s used to. I wonder what he’s waiting for?
She seems to be fishing a bit in that last paragraph. Just curious, or more? 😉 Great snippet.
It must be a blow to her ego that he isn’t falling at her feet. I suspect that this will add to his attraction for her, somehow. Hope the launch goes well.
She must be curious about his apparent disinterest. But what is he waiting for?
Seems like it would be a relief to be with someone who isn’t fawning over her for a change- and maybe just a little blow to the ego. Great dynamic between them.
I like his smooth answer. I also hope she is making him nervous. It’s always fun when alpha males get nervous! 😉
Thanks for all the comments! I really did have fun writing this story and trying to throw in a few twists. Can’t wait for the book to release on Tuesday! One more excerpt from this story for next week and then, yes we’ll be off to ancient Egypt as far as snippets go.
I can’t wait for the release, too. I like how you revealed both characters. Glad you explained “down range” for her.. I wondered, too.
I imagine his reaction surprises her. He doesn’t know who she is, and he’s in a hurry to leave.
Exactly! But he’s got a good reason and he’s working hard to be respectful to the VIP LOL.
The contrast between everyone around you knowing you–and wanting something from you–and his polite indifference has to be quite jarring for her. But also refreshing, I’d think!
Reality check . . . Not the center of everyone’s universe. At least, not yet!
It’s been a while since I’ve made it here to see you, but, as always, you don’t disappoint. What will happen between Grant and Karissa? Guess I may have to buy a book to find out!