Two exciting bits of news today. First, Ex Factor, my futuristic witch novella in the Sweets promotion for Ellora’s Cave, is out now. Second, I’m part of a large, multi-author contest in February and today is the contest day on my blog. Enter to win a download of one of my books today, plus enter to win the grand prize.
Other news:
In other news, I’m expecting a baby boy this June!
Ex Factor blurb:
Can you go home again? Columbo Balbane still misses his ex, even though he’s far away from her, transporting cargo around the solar system. He’s still in love…and in lust.
Teasy Rose never told Columbo she’s a witch. In the ten months since their relationship ended, she’s decided to stop living without magic. She’s sold her candy shop and founded Ex Factor, a facility where people simulate last meetings with old lovers. Spells help her impersonate other people’s exes and now Columbo has set up an appointment with her, without knowing it’s the real Teasy.
Is she ready for closure? If not, can he live with the consequences of her lifestyle change, particularly in a time when witches are outlaws?
Ex Factor first page:
Chapter One
March, 2310. Terminal 132, Earth
The protesters were out again, the dirty, blue-haired witches demanding equal rights in the free markets. They didn’t realize “free” had no meaning in relation to them. Columbo Balbane ignored the noise from their shouts, his muscles straining, sweat dampening his shirt despite the late winter cold enhanced by the icy air coming off the river where the public dock was located.
The mega-ship where he was enlisted as First Shipper hovered above the river, its only touch point a gangway leaning at a thirty degree angle to link it to the cargo hold. Smoke still hung in the air from the warehouses in the shipping compound that the witches had burnt using fire spells. He pulled his overloaded hand truck backward, its heavy cargo too rare and expensive to trust to the automated system moving most of the edible cargo bound for the Jupiter system. Everything was jury-rigged thanks to the witches destroying their usual docking point.
A creaking noise in his elbow told Columbo he needed to take a short break. He leaned the hand truck back against his belly and caught his breath, his arms wrapped protectively around the topmost box, the one containing fresh cherries for the Europan governor. The other boxes held parts needed for refurbishing oxygen generators.
He spotted a Shipper Assistant at the top of the gangway, his mouth hanging open with shock at the sight of the witch protestors below. Witches were a common sight on this planet but Gort hailed from Mars.
“Take this for me!” Columbo called.
The younger man trotted down the gangway, his eyes wide on his freckled face. “You’re the only one allowed to touch those.”
Columbo glanced at the signs hovering above the blue heads. There must be twenty or more of the cursed mutants, wasting their time demanding rights Earth wouldn’t give them. The protester’s signs shimmered with magic, giving them the effect of neon.
Romancing February Contest
On February 28th, one person will be awarded the grand prize of a $75 WRP gift certificate. All you have to do to enter the grand prize contest is make a list of each author in this blog event and name one title she has available. Submit your list to Christmasrideblog@live.com by midnight CST, February 27, 2009. The winner will be announced on February 28th--just in time to warm up that person's February.
Yesterday:
3 Alisha Paige http://alishapaige.blogspot.com/
Tomorrow:
5 Ashley Ludwig http://ashleyelizabethludwig.blogspot.com/
Since I’m pregnant, please leave me your best advice for surviving the second half! I’m approximately halfway through. Commenters will receive a chance to win a download of their choice from the Heather or Anh backlist. Please include your email addy so I can find you. I’ll announce the winner on February 5th, pacific standard time.
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