Oct 13 2017

Carol Van Natta on Lions, Tigers and Cybernetic Snow Leopards PETS IN SPACE 2

pets2Large I have cats. More accurately, I’m owned by cats who find me useful because I have opposable thumbs and know how to open doors and work the can opener. I’ve always thought it would be fabulous to legitimately have one of the big cats for a pet, but that’s fraught with difficulties, not the least of which is the ethics. They’re wild animals, not pets, and would be miserable, regardless of how well I cared for them.

In “Pet Trade,” my novella in the Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2 anthology, I took the opportunity to explore a hidden facet of the civilization in my Central Galactic Concordance space opera-action-romance series. Whereas CGC has strict laws and harsh penalties against tinkering with human genetics and DNA, animals aren’t so lucky. Even reputable pet trade researchers, genetic designers, bio-engineers, and dealers put profit over compassion. Shadier, cut-throat companies operate in hidden facilities and smuggle their wares past customs inspectors. Think of the worst of pet traders as a cross between negligent backyard breeders and the ruthless smugglers who sell endangered wild animals to wealthy collectors.

In the CGC, foundation and cornerstone animal species are protected by laws and enforcement. Ordinary companion and domesticated animals—cats, dogs, foxes, birds, cattle, sheep, buffalo, etc.—are protected against pet-trade intellectual property claims. The real money in the pet trade industry is in recreations of extinct species, genetically engineered creatures from imagination and mythology, and enhanced versions of domestic animals. The pet trade likes to take credit as the saviors of endangered species, but the truth is murkier. For example, snow leopards, a protected foundation species, were extinct long before the first successful interstellar flight. So-called “natural” snow leopards on any settled planet in the Concordance trace their lineage to a genetic line recreated in the lab.

carol snow leopard

This is the backdrop for “Pet Trade,” where Bethnee Bakonin, a veterinarian who escaped the worst of the industry, must confront her dark past if she’s to help Axur Tragon, an ex-elite forces Jumper with cybernetic limbs and secrets of his own, fend off greedy mercenaries who are raiding the town. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Pets in Space story without pets. Bethnee, with a high-level mental talent that allows her to connect with and heal mammals and birds, loves all her companions, but her snow leopard, Jynx, holds a special place in her heart. Jynx has a cybernetic front leg, making her a magnet for thieves who recognize her worth to the right researchers. When Jynx gets injured, Bethnee asks Axur, with his training in cybernetic repair, to help fix the problem.

The excerpt:

Axur would bet hard credit that he and Bethnee were the only two people in the galaxy who had ever seen a cybernetic snow leopard and a formidable dire wolf play tag in the deep snow.

Bethnee laughed when Jynx made an astonishing six-meter leap onto a boulder to avoid Serena’s lunge. He snuck a glance at Bethnee, enjoying her happiness. “Are you helping them get along?” He tapped his temple, to indicate her enviable minder talent.

“A little. Mostly Jynx, because this isn’t her territory.”

He checked his internal chrono. “We better start collecting your gear. I’ll send Trouble out to keep an eye on these two.” Axur had yet to be able to crack the encryption on the e-dog’s command processor that Bethnee had told him about, but he kept trying.

Inside, he found Bethnee leaning against the kitchen counter, holding her small veterinary surgical suite . “I’d like to try removing your tracers.”

He blinked in surprise. “Now? Are you sure?”

“Hell, no, but it’ll be worse if I give myself time to think about it.” She searched his face. “Unless you don’t trust me?”

************************************************

Read more in “Pet Trade,” one of twelve stories in the Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2 anthology, out NOW! http://author.carolvannatta.com/news/its-pets-pets-in-spa-a-a-a-a-ce/

Carol Van Natta is a science fiction and fantasy author who is owned by multiple cats in Fort Collins, CO.

Pets In Space website: http://www.petsinspaceantho.com/

Author website: http://Author.CarolVanNatta.com

Carol on Facebook: https://facebook.com/CarolVanNattaAuthor

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

Oct 11 2017

New Releases in #SciFi and #Fantasy for Wednesday October 11

As always, I recommend sampling before you buy! I have not read most of the new releases listed (although I always end up one-clicking a bunch as I prepare these posts LOL).

VS Note: OK I am ALL EXCITED because Pets In Space 2 released this week!!! Pardon me while I squee. My rock star romance is included! And there’s a new GRIM story 🙂 among other treats.

EMBRACE THE ROMANCE: PETS IN SPACE 2 by SE Smith, M K Eidem, Susan Grant & More

he 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! …(more)…

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.

Amazon iBooks Kobo B&N

COSMIC CABARET by Kerry Adrienne & SFR Shooting Stars Authors

VS Note: So far I’ve read 5 of the 13 stories and enjoyed…(Note: For full disclosure, I received an ARC to review the book for Heroes & Heartbreakers). Great fun to have two good SFR anthologies out in one week!

Join us aboard Blue Star Line’s crown jewel, the LS Quantum. Thirteen USA Today, Amazon best-selling, award-winning speculative fiction romance authors deliver their twists on tales set in the dance halls and clubs of this luxury starship as it travels through space and time.

Follow princes, sultans, rock stars, scientists, cirque artists, and dancers as they solve murders, track thieves, fight bullies, plan heists and fall in love.

Amazon iBooks

FREEING THE PRISONER (A KINDRED TALES NOVEL) by Evangeline Anderson

VS Note: One clicked this book ASAP.

Kyron is a Touch Kindred, able to physically touch others with the power of his mind and Touch sense, but he has sworn a solemn vow to use his power only for good. When he is captured and held prisoner on the small planet of Goshan Prime, his resolve is sorely tested. He’s beaten, starved, and kept constantly chained. There’s only one bright spot–a girl who slips into his cell because she’s curious.

Dannella is a Princess of the Blood. Raised to be a proper lady, she knows that one day she will be given in marriage to a male who will act as both her husband and owner. Females aren’t valued in Goshan society and she has little control over her own life. Despite her restrictive upbringing, Dani rebels and finds her way into the cell occupied by the strange new warrior, a Kindred so huge he dwarfs every other male she’s ever known…(more)…

Amazon iBooks

THE INTERSTELLAR RAKE’S IRRESISTIBLE KISS (BLACK HOLE BRIDES #2 INTERGALACTIC DATING AGENCY) by Elsa Jade

Imprisoned on an abandoned space station orbiting a black hole, Trixie Boudreaux prayed for just one chance to escape…and she failed. When she and the other Black Hole Brides are rescued, she’s left adrift between the coward she was and the new universe ahead of her. If only she had a guide she could trust…

Nor irThorkonos paid good galactic credits for his captain’s commission on the flagship dreadnaught, and how many erstwhile interplanetary pirates have come as far? If he has a secret that the Azthrnos nobles mustn’t discover, well, certainly one skittish Earther girl won’t be the one to find him out.

But when interstellar imprisonment can’t hold an old evil, Trixie and Nor must save not only the worlds of Azthronos but each other.

Amazon iBooks

RENALL (REVANT WARRIORS) by Celeste Raye

VS Note: Brought to my attention by reader Merry.

Clara Waters is aboard a supposed brideship headed to a planet far from her home
world, it’s her punishment for being a carder and carrying currency on a world ruled by
an oppressive and dangerous government that often lets its poor citizens starve.

The ship is taken over by wreckers headed up by four brothers, none of whom know
that there are brides aboard as the ship is listed as a mere non-life-form carrying cargo
ship. When the wreckers attack to strip the ship Renall, the eldest, finds himself face to
face with Clara, who is not about to go down without a fight.

Clara does not want to be attracted to Renall…(more)..

Amazon

THE HEART IS A UNIVERSE by Sherry Thomas

VS Note: Author Vivien J made sure on twitter that I saw this one.

On the remote planet of Pax Cara lies the greatest secret of the universe. Once every generation, the inhabitants must offer up an exceptional young person—the Chosen One–who sacrifices his or her own life for the sake of that secret, and the planet itself.

But Vitalis, the current Chosen One, is desperate to break free of the yoke of destiny. An unexpected invitation to an aristocratic courtship summit seems to be the perfect opportunity for her escape. As soon as she arrives, however, she receives a proposal of marriage from the most eligible prince in existence.

Eleian of Terra Illustrata can have any woman he wants. Why has he set his sight on Vitalis, who, unless she manages to flee, will die in sixteen standard days? Is it as simple as he declares, “To know you as I’ve always wanted to, but never had the chance?” Or is he hiding an ulterior motive, one that could put her plans, her life, and her heart in jeopardy?

And can Vitalis truly say no to the man she has secretly loved all her life?

Amazon iBooks

TRIAD (TRIAD SERIES BOOK 6) by Kate Pearce

VS Note: Missed this in September. I love her writing so this went onto my TBR List.

Captain Jay Roberts knows his mission to infiltrate the isolated province of Neveks is dangerous, but the future of Planet Pavlovan depends on his success. As a telepathic super-soldier, he doesn’t expect the banished Neveks female, Rain Datta—his passport into Neveks—to cause him too much trouble. But Rain’s not playing by his rules, and Jay is in for one hell of a life-changing ride.

Amazon iBooks

ALIEN ZOOKEEPER’S ABDUCTION by Zara Zenia and Juno Wells

Jewel is a tomboy who was eventually discharged from the military because she struggled to get along with others and couldn’t adjust to the military’s restricted lifestyle.

After a scandal that disrupted the social order back home, Kay is banished to a zoological research vessel, where he acts as Curator. He struggles to prove himself, trying to earn his place in the order again so that he can end his exile and return to his normal life.

But when it turns out that Jewel was abducted from home and placed in an alien zoo, with Kay as the only other being around, she questions his intentions. He didn’t know that her species was an intelligent life form, and he tries to learn more about her…(more)…

Amazon

BLIND BEAST MATE (DYSTOPIAN ADULT ROMANCE BEAST MATES BOOK 1) by Milana Jacks

Since the day Rey’s defiance earned her a blinding blow to the head, fear has hovered as close as the guide dog that clings to her side. But the terror that grips her now is almost beyond description.

Like her sister before her, Rey has been sold to satisfy the lusts of one of the alien Beasts that now rule the Earth. If the towering, leather-clad Alpha discovers his prize can’t see, he could kill her with a flick of his claw. Or worse, send her home—where the only mercy she’ll get is a bullet.

From the moment the Alpha Beast spotted Rey smiling tenderly at her flowers, his desire to own her, body and soul, roared louder than his bike’s throaty engine. But the only smiles his new pair aims his way are forced—and oddly off target. She is liquid heat in his arms, yet ignores the notes and gifts he leaves for her.

If he can’t win her over, he can’t trust her with his own truth. And the combined weight of their secrets could destroy everything.

Amazon

THE ALIEN’S BACK (UORIA MATES V BOOK 1) by Ruth Anne Scott

When Aubrey comes home with a story from work about a colleague who once explored a factory owned by the Orion Corporation and discovered strange rooms and other odd happenings, Jonah knows that he has to keep digging. A return to the medical ward reveals something that turns everything that he thought he knew upside down and he and Aubrey must decide what is the most important and what they should do next…(much more)…

Amazon

MISADVENTURES WITH A SUPERHERO by Angel Payne

Working the night shift at a five-star hotel in downtown Los Angeles, I get my fair share of weirdos. But none of them prepared me for the night I met Bolt. He saved my life.

Now, he’s my super hero—the hunk I’m yearning to thank in more creative ways than a damn kiss on the cheek. Too bad he’s actually Reece Richards, my full-on nerd of a real-life boss.

He’s got some commitment issues thanks to his evil ex and global empire—and from having to save the city from a maniac out to destroy everything he loves.

But there’s something that just may interfere with all those plans. My heart.

Amazon iBooks

CAROLINA PEARL by Sela Carson

Conn Lucas is the illegitimate son who inherited the family home on the Congaree Swamp in Culford, South Carolina. Now he has to deal with his cousin sabotaging him, his ancestors haunting him, and his gorgeous neighbor distracting him.

Blair Moreau knows Conn is her mate, but he’s proving to be difficult to convince that they’re a fated pair. If only the stubborn man would let her help, all his problems would be solved.

It takes a wild night with a nail gun before they find they work better together than they ever can apart.

Amazon iBooks

THE INCUABRI: TAKEN PART TWO (WOMEN OF DOR NYE BOOK 3) by Poppy Rhys

Captured. Imprisoned. Trapped. When Tosh wakes to a strange room with pieces of the previous night missing from her memory, she’s confused and disoriented.

But she’s not alone.

Caged in an elegant prison with a creature composed of her deepest nightmares, Tosh begins to wonder if something bigger is at play… and if the creature is the only one who can free her.

Amazon

HEXED ON BOURBON STREET by Deanna Chase

Between enjoying her first pregnancy and helping her two besties plan their weddings, Jade Calhoun’s life is just about perfect. But when two novice magical TV stars walk into her life, suddenly her magic goes haywire. Is the pregnancy causing her power to fizzle or is it something else?

Now with her empath abilities on the fritz, a newbie TV witch in need of instruction, and a sinister evil lurking in the background, Jade must find a way to navigate her new and unusual powers, keep her unborn child safe, and somehow save everyone she loves and the city of New Orleans… again.

Amazon iBooks

TALES OF THE DJINN: THE CITY OF THE ENDLESS NIGHT by Emma Holly

When your boyfriend is a real live angel other men can’t compete.

Amateur magician Georgie swears this is true . . . until she and Connor leave everything they know to help the genie world. That’s where she discovers angels don’t have a monopoly on sex appeal.

Sultan Iksander would rather lose his smoke than fall for Georgie, no matter how smart and brave she is. The human race are rivals to genie kind—and angels are just traitors! Rescuing his people is what’s important, not getting tangled up in love triangles.

Only Connor believes in their chances for happiness. This angel knows love is worth fighting for, whatever form it takes.

Amazon iBooks

OUT FOXXE’D (THE ADVENTURES OF ROSIE PEAKS BOOK 5) by Madison Sevier

Markus Foxxe is in Eriewood for one reason. His boss wants Rosie Peaks. He doesn’t know why and he shouldn’t care, but after meeting her, there’s no way Markus will hand her over to the highest bidder.

Rosie Peaks left DuFour, Indiana two years ago and found a safe haven away from all things paranormal. Working at Mulcahy’s Pub has been fairly uneventful. Until Markus Foxxe rolled into town in his silk suits with a primal sex appeal that makes her want to spend every night with him banging like a screen door in a hurricane. The only problem is, Rosie isn’t looking for a commitment and Markus seems as though he’s a one-mate kind of guy.

Amazon iBooks

EVIL SPEAKS SOFTLY by Maureen Bonatch

They were never supposed to meet.

Fame came easy for Liv by following in the footsteps of the female writers in her family. The cycle repeated for decades…until Liv changed the story. Her villain doesn’t like the revision—and he isn’t a fictional character. In his story, the bad guy always wins.

They were never supposed to find love.

Liv never questioned her demanding nocturnal muse, or the strange incidents in her old, family home until she met Gage. His job was to watch her from afar, not reveal the truth about the curse and the stories of the dead.

They’ve broken all the rules.

Together they unravel secrets as they strive to stop the cycle. Liv’s ability to find love, and protect her loved ones, hangs on the fickle whims of the dead—and they’ve got nothing to lose.

Amazon iBooks

THE WITCH’S QUEST (THE DECADENT DAMES) by Michelle Hauf

Kelyn Saint-Pierre always had a bit of a thing for Valor Hearst. But after he makes a harrowing sacrifice to save the tomboyish witch from a gruesome death, Kelyn’s certain that any spark between them is gone forever.

Valor wishes she’d known about Kelyn’s crush before she ruined everything. There may be a way she can repay her smoking-hot champion…but it won’t be easy. Circling the globe on a dangerous mission that pits them against deadly magics and dark creatures, Kelyn and Valor are pushed scorchingly close together. But surrendering to passion may only further bind them in pain.

Amazon iBooks

DAWN OF THE DRAGONS (EXILED DRAGONS BOOK 10) by Sarah J Stone

Times have changed considerably since it was grounds for exile if a dragon shifter took a mate not of their own kind. The small dragon village in the Mourne Mountains where a secluded group of dragon shifters live has changed as well. Now, with dragon shifters, tiger shifters, and even multi-shifters in their midst, one would think a mere half human, half dragon shifter would be the least of their concerns.

It is this very kind – the young Dawn McCord – that begins to rise among the ranks with powers like no one has seen in centuries. By her side, as always, is her friend, Liam Donnelly. As time goes on and their childhood passes into youth and matters of the heart, will they stand the test of time, or will they find themselves on the wrong side of history?

Amazon

MAGIC AND ALPHAS by Scarlett Dawn and Various

Paranormal Romance blazes hot in Magic & Alphas. And it became even sexier… More dangerous… Scandalous. These 8 full-length, first in series books have NEVER BEEN READ BEFORE. Each has brand new content, brand new worlds.
Everything is totally unique and fresh. Perfect for romance and paranormal addicts alike.

Amazon

WOLVES OF WRATH by Quinn Loftus

Long ago, during the Great Purge, the witches that had grown too many in number and too powerful, were destroyed. The high fae council saw that the balance of good and evil had been tipped too far in one direction and it had to be rectified. So they killed all of the witches, and their creator…or so they thought. But they were wrong. Volcan, the high fae, who had once been a member of their council, until he decided he wanted to be all powerful and created the witches, had bided his time, hiding in the Dark Forest.
Now he’s back and hell bent on rebuilding his army of witches…(more)…

Amazon iBooks

FINDING THE DRAGON (STONEFIRE BRITISH DRAGONS BOOK 10) by Jessie Donovan

VS Note: Not a standalone per note on Amazon, author advises to read Book #5 first)

On the day Jane Hartley’s online video series finally launches, she and Kai receive word that his younger half-sister, Delia, is missing. Gaining permission to search for her in Wales, Kai and Jane work together to find the teenage dragon-shifter before she winds up in the hands of the dragon hunters, or worse.

As the danger amps up, Kai and Jane’s relationship is put to the ultimate test. Will Kai and his dragon choose Jane above all? Or, will a ghost from Kai’s past end up tearing them apart?

Amazon iBooks

MIDNIGHT UNLEASHED: A MIDNIGHT BREED NOVELLA by Lara Adrian

For Breed vampire Trygg, a menacing former assassin and the ultimate loner, duty is everything…until his solo mission to destroy a powerful enemy earns him an unwanted partner in the form of Tamisia, a beautiful, ice-hot immortal who ignites a flame in his cold heart, and his blood.

Banished from her Atlantean colony, disgraced immortal Tamisia longs for a chance to redeem herself and return home where she belongs. Her work at a Rome women’s shelter has given Sia purpose, but when a break-in results in a brutal killing, her quest for answers puts her in the middle of the hunt for a dangerous enemy of the Order–and brings her up against one of the deadliest of their Breed warrior members, the Gen One vampire, Trygg….(more)…

Amazon

BOOK OF SWORDS by George R R Martin and Various

VS Note: Not romance but I know we have a lot of Game of Thrones fans in our community.

New epic fantasy in the grand tradition—including a never-before-published Song of Ice and Fire story by George R. R. Martin!

Fantasy fiction has produced some of the most unforgettable heroes ever conjured onto the page: Robert E. Howard’s Conan the Barbarian, Michael Moorcock’s Elric of Melniboné, Fritz Leiber’s Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. Classic characters like these made sword and sorcery a storytelling sensation, a cornerstone of fantasy fiction—and an inspiration for a new generation of writers, spinning their own outsize tales of magic and swashbuckling adventure.

Now, in The Book of Swords, acclaimed editor and bestselling author Gardner Dozois presents an all-new anthology of original epic tales by a stellar cast of award-winning modern masters—many of them set in their authors’ best-loved worlds. Join today’s finest tellers of fantastic tales, including George R. R. Martin, K. J. Parker, Robin Hobb, Scott Lynch, Ken Liu, C. J. Cherryh, Daniel Abraham, Lavie Tidhar, Ellen Kushner, and more on action-packed journeys into the outer realms of dark enchantment and intrepid derring-do, featuring a stunning assortment of fearless swordsmen and warrior women who face down danger and death at every turn with courage, cunning, and cold steel.

Amazon iBooks

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LINKS TO RECENT NEW RELEASES POSTS from Veronica:

*********************************************

My standard Notes and Caveats:

The term “new” is generally plus or minus a week or two. I try to catch up on ones I missed in recent months.

(NOTE: If the author provides me with buy links I insert those; otherwise I default to Amazon and iBooks. Pricing and availability are current as of the day I prepare the post – things can change fast in the ebook world LOL.)

Also, I often include only the beginning of the book blurb…

Oct 9 2017

SE Smith On Writing For Charity EMBRACE THE ROMANCE: PETS IN SPACE 2

The single greatest gift for me is to be able to give to others. I am honored to share my talents to bring joy and offer support through the Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2 Project. ~ Susan

Writing for a charity is perhaps one of the greatest compliments an author can be asked to participate in. I consider being able to use my talents to help others as a way to pay it forward. Not only am I giving something special to help a worthy cause, but so are the readers.

Last year, I was asked to participate in Pets in Space. This very special group of authors came together with a unique focus – to write a themed group of stories focusing on pets in space and give to a special charity called HeroDogs.org. With the success of Pets in Space, came this year’s collection of original stories by twelve of today’s leading Science Fiction Romance authors – Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2.

It is not always easy for an author to fit a story into their already packed schedule. What makes this anthology so special is not only are we writing about pets; not only are they all original stories; but more important the authors are focused as one on providing the best possible stories at the best possible price to make the biggest impact for HeroDogs.org. With over 800 pages of amazing adventures, readers will fly across the star systems and discover worlds, characters, and pets that will make them laugh, cry, and fall in love with Science Fiction Romance while helping a worthy cause.

My story Pearl’s Dragon: A Dragon Lords of Valdier story, gives Pearl St. Claire – aka Grandma Pearl – her story at last. This romantic, adventurous, and humorous story will show that you are never too old to fall in love and find your own Happily Ever After!

Excerpt from Pearl’s Dragon:

Asim held his breath when the woman turned to face him. The moment their eyes connected, his dark golden with her vivid blue ones, he knew he was lost. Her expression quickly turned from surprised interest to a dark scowl. Dread swelled inside Asim and a sense of panic began to rise up, threatening to choke him.

“Who the hell are you?” the woman demanded, gazing back at him with an intense look.

“Asim,” he automatically replied.

She doesn’t like what she sees, he thought in dismay.

You think too much. She like us. She say she love man who make leather look good. You a man and you wearing leather, his dragon sighed in exasperation.

That doesn’t mean she likes the rest of me! Asim snapped in irritation.

****************************************************

S.E. Smith is an Internationally Acclaimed, Award-Winning, New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling author of science fiction, romance, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary works for adults, young adults, and children. She enjoys writing a wide variety of genres that pull her readers into worlds that take them away. Readers can join her at:

http://sesmithfl.com/embrace-the-romance-pets-in-space-2/

http://sesmithfl.com/?s=newsletter

https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5

https://twitter.com/sesmithfl

http://www.pinterest.com/sesmithfl/

http://sesmithfl.com/blog/

http://www.sesmithromance.com/forum/

Blurb for Embrace the Romance: Pets In Space 2:

Buy Links:

Amazon US Amazon CA Amazon UK Amazon AU Amazon FR

Amazon DE Amazon JP iBooks B&N Kobo Google Play

Oct 7 2017

Keeping You From Something Weekend Writing Warriors

(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:

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!

Oct 6 2017

SFR Brigade Presents Star Cruise Songbird Rock Concert

Once a month the SFR Brigade does a blog hop where authors share excerpts, cover reveals or other fun posts related to their scifi romances. Check here for the list of all the participants this month.

We’re about five days away from the release of Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2, so I thought I’d share an excerpt from my novella in the anthology, STAR CRUISE: SONGBIRD. The story blurb and more about the anthology itself are below the excerpt! We’re doing pre-orders this time…

The excerpt:

When the singer emerged from the room where she’d been getting ready, he was astounded. She looked as if she’d stepped straight from a trideo, her sexy costume elaborate and glittering in the lights, her multicolored hair caught up in coils by all manner of elaborate, bejeweled accessories. Even he could tell her shoes were works of art, with heels designed to resemble stacked planets, standing six inches high. She smiled, obviously enjoying his reaction. “Well?”

Pirouetting on those absurd heels, she laughed and held out her hand. “Escort me,” she said like a queen.

He did so, surrounded by her team, including the backup singers and the six dancers, all of whom joined Karissa when she reached the backstage area. Gently she let go of Grant’s arm and stepped away, gathering her team around her for a pep talk. He stayed alert, watching everyone else in the area, ready to challenge anyone acting suspicious.

The show was already going on at full volume. Karissa’s was the final set of the evening and when she ran onstage, her dancers bouncing and doing acrobatics around her, the roar was astounding. Grant stood in the wings, as close to the stage as he could, and watched the performance. Karissa strutted, she danced, she teased, she brought a child on stage for a brief chat, she sang full throated. The crowd loved it all. He had a hard time keeping his eye on the audience, watching for problems, because she was so riveting.

“First time at a show?” asked an older woman standing next to him. “This is nothing compared to what she’ll do at the big concert on Calillia next week. There’ll be multiple costume changes and aerial components. And maybe some new songs, although she’s been quiet about that. She doesn’t want Ted getting the rights to any more of her stuff if she can help it. Things are really sour between them now.” She laughed self-consciously and held out her hand. “I’m Desdusan, by the way, her chief makeup artist. Chief busybody too. I try to look out for her as much as I can. Been with Karissa for nine years, ever since she hit the bigtime with ‘Twisted Comets’. She’ll probably sing that for the encore.”

“I hate to admit it but I’ve never heard her music before—it’s all new to me,” he said as they shook.

The woman did a double take. “Really? You’re probably the only person in the Sectors who hasn’t heard at least one Karissa song.”

“I have now,” he pointed out, annoyed to feel so defensive

As expected, Karissa left the stage briefly at the end of her set and returned to deafening applause to sing the encore. Then she waved to the crowd and danced off. Grant followed her as Desdusan gave her a bottle of water and the two women headed for the dressing room. “Did you like it?” Karissa asked him over her shoulder.

“Full of energy and feeling,” he said. “Clearly I missed a lot while I was on active duty.”

The story:

Blurb for Embrace the Romance: Pets In Space 2:

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Sep 9 2017

Our Passenger Is Alarmed Weekend Writing Warriors

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). Please excuse the creative punctuation here!

The excerpt:

The ship’s AI spoke in his ear, “All Security Officers, I have a situation in the casino observatory level.”

Grant hastened his pace, “I’m right there, responding now – what’s up?”

“There’s an unruly crowd gathering. Passenger Karissa Dawnstar was doing an autograph signing and apparently word has spread.”

“There’s no such event on the calendar for today,” Jake Dilon, head of the ship’s security detail spoke up on the private com.

He sure sounds pissed. Grant paused at the entrance to the casino. The crowd was huge and growing, jostling for position in the line to reach the observatory. The queue snaked around the gaming tables.

“Our passenger and her entourage are alarmed,” the AI said.

The story:

Blurb for Embrace the Romance: Pets In Space 2:

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We have a free coloring book to download while you wait – it’s on our website here!

Sep 1 2017

SFR Brigade Presents STAR CRUISE SONGBIRD

SFRB Showcase Once a month the SFR Brigade does a blog hop where authors share excerpts, cover reveals or other fun posts related to their scifi romances. Check here for the list of all the participants this month.

We’re about one month away from the release of Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2, so I thought I’d share an excerpt from my story in the anthology, STAR CRUISE: SONGBIRD. The story blurb and more about the anthology itself are below the excerpt! We’re doing pre-orders this time…

The excerpt:

Emerging from the concealed door at the far end, Grant found himself behind the singer and her entourage, who were backed against the bulkhead by a clamoring crowd, only a small table separating them from the fans. The singer herself was easy to identify, clad in a sparkling, short blue and green dress, lavender boots to the knees and her towering pink hair ornamented with silver braids. He shouldered his way through the crowd and touched her arm. Startled, she turned to him, her blue eyes wide with fear.

“Ship’s security, Miss Dawnstar, here to get you out.” Grant took her elbow in a firm grip and towed her sideways, away from her entourage.

A cry went up from the front row of fans. A stocky individual Grant recognized from the briefing earlier in the day as Karissa’s manager, turned to glare at him. “What the seven hells do you think you’re doing, pal?”

“Removing this lady from a bad situation before anyone gets hurt,” Grant said. “You’ll be hearing from my boss later about this unauthorized event.”

“It’s fine, Ted,” Karissa said, keeping pace with Grant. “This is out of control, we’ve got kids here and someone might get trampled. I’ll catch up with you later.”

Surprised but relieved she was so sensible; Grant got them both into the gravlift and sealed the portal in the other man’s face.

“Do you mind letting go?” Karissa raised her eyebrows and glanced at his hand on her arm. “Unless I’m under arrest?”

“Sorry.” He released her and allowed himself to drift a little away from her in the silvery antigrav stream. “Someone’s going to be in trouble for this stunt, but not you, unless it was your idea.” He keyed his com to report in. “I’ve got Karissa and we’re on the move.”

“Good work. We’re clearing the casino now,” Jake answered. “A Level is congested, can you take her to my office on level 13 until the situation clears? Then you can escort her to her suite.”

“Will do.” Raising his voice from the nearly inaudible tones that were all the AI required for private communications, he addressed his companion. “We’ll have to hang out in my boss’s office for a bit.”

“So I’m in detention?” Tilting her head, she smiled.

“No, of course not, Miss Dawnstar.” Very important passenger, keep the tone congenial. He might not relish this job but it was his employment for now and he couldn’t afford to blow it off over annoyance with a pop star. “This was for your safety and the safety of the other passengers.”

The story:

Blurb for Embrace the Romance: Pets In Space 2:

Buy Links:

We have a free coloring book to download while you wait – it’s on our website here!

Nov 5 2016

We Run A Tight Ship Weekend Writing Warriors

One final excerpt from my story ‘Star Cruise: Stowaway’ in the PETS IN SPACE anthology, which is still doing pretty well in sales – thanks again for the support This is the last week to get a copy and have a portion of the proceeds go to Hero Dogs Inc. Next week I’ll move on to another book.

Edited a bit from the published version.

Owen has gone to visit the stowaway in sickbay and finds the pets are keeping her company.

Midorri chirruped and slithered to the floor, going to the portal, where she scratched at the door with two of her six feet.

Owen rose to let her out.

Moby promptly entered, jumping to the bed and rubbing Tyrelle’s face, arching her spine and purring loudly.

“When one leaves, the other arrives. You’re the keeper of the animals?” she asked.

“Moby’s mine. I rescued her from kids in a rough port town as a kitten a few years ago and brought her with me to the Zephyr. Midorri belongs to the entire ship, but she spends a lot of time in the cargo bay, with Moby, hunting vermin.” He sat, trapped in the small chair, “The Zephyr’s not infested or anything, we run a tight ship, but there’s always a few space rats.” I can’t believe I’m talking to this beautiful woman about rats.

Here’s the blurb for the anthology, followed by the blurb for my story:

The blurb for Pets In Space:

Even an alien needs a pet…

PETS_In_Space_cover_art Join the adventure as nine pet loving sci-fi romance authors take you out of this world and pull you into their action-packed stories filled with suspense, laughter, and romance. The alien pets have an agenda that will capture the hearts of those they touch. Follow along as they work side by side to help stop a genetically-engineered creature from destroying the Earth to finding a lost dragon; life is never the same after their pets decide to get involved. Can the animals win the day or will the stars shine just a little less brightly?

New York Times, USA TODAY, Award Winning, and Best selling authors have eight original, never-released stories and one expanded story giving readers eight amazing new adventures and one expanded story that will capture your imagination and help a worthy charity. Come join us as we take you on nine amazing adventures that will change the way you look at your pet!

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.

And the blurb for Star Cruise: Stowaway:

Cargo Master Owen Embersson is shocked when the Nebula Zephyr’s ship’s cat and her alien sidekick, Midorri, alert him to the presence of a stowaway. He has no idea of the dangerous complications to come – nor does he anticipate falling hard for the woman whose life he now holds in his hands. Life aboard the Nebula Zephyr has just become more interesting – and deadly.

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Nov 1 2016

Don’t Miss My Pets In Space Guest Posts

miss-baker I thought it might be fun to gather the links to my various guest posts with my fellow authors for the Pets In Space anthology in one place, in case you wanted to read any that you might have missed! I talked about scifi pets in movies and TV, my own childhood pets and various other topics.

First, a post about a ‘pet’ who actually went to space – Miss Baker, the monkey. I did get a chance to see her several times as a kid…I was on Carysa Locke’s blog. miss-baker-at-space-center

I talked a little about my inspiration for writing cats in space on Alexis Glynn Latner’s blog…

playful_little_dog_wonderbook_veronica “Pets are no trouble at all…” as my grandfather used to say. Talked about this and Boston Terriers a bit on Susan E. Smith’s blog...

Of course I paid my friend Pauline B. Jones a visit to talk about Why I Wrote Star Cruise: Stowaway for the anthology…Pauline and I are the “Mothers” of this whole idea and it was so much fun to put the collection together!

Laurie Green had me as a guest on Spacefreighter’s Lounge, talking about “When the Turtles Took Over.”

I talked about my family’s pets on Pat Preston’s blog…

At Susan Grant’s blog, I talked a bit about pets on scifi TV shows of the past…

boxey-and-muffit-bsg And more about Muffit the Daggit in the old Battlestar Galactica TV show on Cara Bristol’s blog…

For Lea Kirk I discussed First Pet, First Book and Fire Lizards…

Even an alien needs a pet…

New York Times, USA TODAY, Award Winning, and Best selling authors have eight original, never-released stories and one expanded story giving readers nine amazing adventures that will capture your imagination and help a worthy charity. Come join us as we take you on nine amazing adventures that will change the way you look at your pet!

10% of profits from the first month 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.

The blurb for Star Cruise: Stowaway: Cargo Master Owen Embersson is shocked when the Nebula Zephyr’s ship’s cat and her alien sidekick, Midorri, alert him to the presence of a stowaway. He has no idea of the dangerous complications to come – nor does he anticipate falling hard for the woman whose life he now holds in his hands. Life aboard the Nebula Zephyr has just become more interesting – and deadly.

iBooks Amazon ARe Nook GooglePlay Kobo

Oct 29 2016

In the Middle of Big Trouble STAR CRUISE STOWAWAY SciFi Romance Snippet

‘Star Cruise: Stowaway’

Discussion after the stowaway has been taken to sickbay, and the captain reveals his concerns there’s an organized crime ring involved. Jake is the ship’s Security Officer. Owen is the Cargo Master, who found the woman in his hold.

“I want to be there if you mess with the explosive collar,” Owen said, snagging Jake by the elbow as he followed the captain toward the gravlift.

“Why?”

Doggedly he insisted, despite his friend’s astonishment, “I found her in my cargo hold, I saved her life. She’s got no one on her side right now.”

“If you think Emily would let anyone harm a patient in her care—”

“I didn’t mean to insult the doc, expressed myself badly. The girl needs a friend, ok? She’s obviously in the middle of big trouble, one way or the other.”

Jake studied him for a moment before nodding, “All right, I’ll give the order you can see her.” He held up one hand, “Unless the captain or the SCIA issues a countermanding order.”

Artist Nyssa Juneau The Ship’s two pets who helped Owen find the slowaway

STAR CRUISE A NOVELLA: STOWAWAY with Star Cruise Rescue and Golden Token Short Stories.

In this volume I’ve gathered three stories set in the Sectors which have previously only been available in anthologies (which are no longer on sale), plus a bonus Sectors short holiday story that I originally wrote for my blog.

Star Cruise: Stowaway: A novella of 22K words, previously in the first Pets in Space™ anthology.

Cargo Master Owen Embersson is shocked when the Nebula Zephyr’s ship’s cat and her alien sidekick, Midorri, alert him to the presence of a stowaway. He has no idea of the dangerous complications to come nor does he anticipate falling hard for the woman whose life he now holds in his hands. Life aboard the Nebula Zephyr has just become more interesting – and deadly.

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