Sin & Sensuality

Mistletoe Madness Blog Hop

2011-12-18T14:56:00.005-05:00

Hello dear readers!

First, an apology. I set up my blog hop contest post to publish on the day we launched, and apparently it is now lost in the Intarwebz ether. Thank you for letting me know!

Those of you who follow me on Twitter or Facebook probably already know that my awesome, fantastic, wonderful girlfriend had major surgery earlier this month, so it has been a very busy December for me, with work and back and forths to Philadelphia where she was hospitalized. She came home yesterday - at long last! - and I've been at her place ever since. I appreciate your patience as I juggle, and your well wishes for her swift recovery! She is doing well.

Now, on to the good stuff:

The Grand Prize: A Nook Color pre-loaded with tons of awesome books. Enter to win here!*

*Unfortunately, due to shipping constraints, grand prize eligibility is limited to US residents.

Books included in the grand prize:

A Brush of Darkness -Allison Pang
A Hard Habit to Break – KC Kendricks
Angel in the Middle – Marie Dees
Betting on Hope – Kay Keppler
Blood of the Maple – Dana Marie Bell
Cry Wolf – Angela Campbell
Dearly Departed – Lia Habel
Entanglements – PR Mason
Eris – D. Renee Bagby
Golden – Joely Sue Burkhart
Grey’s Lady – Natasha Blackthorne
Her Dark Knight – Sharon Cullen
Hunting Kat – PJ Schnyder
Knight of Runes – Ruth A. Casie
Leading Her To Heaven – Kayleigh Jamison
Love on Cloud Nine – Linda Andrews
Lust on the Rocks – Dianne Venetta
Men of the Sea Anthology – Eliza Knight
Murdering Eve – Kelly Lee
Redaction – Linda Andrews
Relearning the Ropes – DC Juris
Risking Trust – Adrienne Giordano
Shadows & Dust – Yvonne Nicolas
Sloane Wolf – Margay Leah Justice
Snowy Encounters – Clarissa Yip
Soul Catcher – Vivi Andrews
The Alchemist’s Perfect Instrument – AL Davroe
The Demon He Knows – RA Vaughn
The Fallen Queen – Jane Kindred
The Knife’s Edge – Stephanie Draven
Underdead – Liz Jasper
What Not To Fear – Robert C. Roman
White Hot Christmas: Santa’s Claws – Stephanie Burke

For my individual prize, I will give you copies of my entire back list in your choice of e-book or print. Comment below to win. (Note: a few of my titles are e-book only)

How to Find Me at Authors After Dark

2011-08-08T15:48:00.002-05:00

Yes, it's that time of year again: my favorite annual convention, Authors After Dark! This year we will be in Philadelphia August 11-14. Some of the events on Saturday, including the book signing and the Steam Ball (The Steam Ball is a ticketed event; the book signing is free) will be open to the public, so even if you are not attending the convention, you can still come see me if you're in the area.

Your chances are good of simply running into me out and about during the convention, but guaranteed places to find me are as follows:

Thursday:

1:00pm: Panel: Loving Ladies (GLBT romance)
2:00pm: Tease Tea Tasting Party
3:00pm: Panel: Historical Romance
4:00pm: Panel: Erotic Historical Romance

Friday:

7:00pm: Mythos Masquerade Dinner
9:00pm: Mythos Masquerade Ball

Saturday:

10:00am: Panel: Publishing Legalese
2:00pm: Booksigning (Open to the Public!)

See all ya'll this weekend!

Bloody Kiss'mas Is Here!

2010-12-08T19:11:00.002-05:00

13 Days. 13 Prizes. Learn more and sign up here.

Winners!

2010-10-31T18:05:00.003-05:00

Random.org selected April/Psyche as the winner of my Simply Wicked contest!

Because April already has all my books, I used random.org to select a second winner, and even though it continued to pick April for the next six tries, it eventually gave me another name: Julie Shumway!

I'll contact you via Facebook, Julie. Congratulations to both winners! A huge thanks to ALL who entered, and Happy Samhain!

SIMPLY WICKED: Day 8

2010-10-26T00:00:00.003-05:00

Welcome to my blog and Day 8 of the Simply Wicked: 13 Days of Halloween Event, brought to you by the always fabulous JoLynne Valerie and Amy Williamson. If you've been following along, yesterday you visited my very dear friend and sister in the Craft, Psyche Soul Goddess, and the lovely Lily Oak.

Some of you may already know me as author of historical romance (sometimes erotic, sometimes not - sometimes paranormal, sometimes not). Those of you who know me well, are quite aware of my fascination with the occult, the paranormal, all things macabre; my obsession with horror movies, and my lifelong study of the Pagan faiths and Witchcraft. Is it any surprise that this is my favorite time of year?

We are now deep into Autumn, the Season of the Witch, just a few short days from the celebration of Samhain - or Halloween - the Wiccan New Year. Today, Samhain is many things; a time to honor our ancestors, a celebration to mark the end of the "light days" and a transition into the "dark" days of winter, the Feast of the Dead, celebration of the reign of the Queen of the Underworld, the dark Goddess. Mythologically (it's a word - now), this is the time when the God returns to the Underworld to await his rebirth and ascent back to the throne. (Note: Samhain is NOT a celebration of the Celtic God of Death; there is no such thing. The misconception was first stated in the 18th century and persists today) Perhaps most important for the modern child, Halloween is a time to dress up, party with friends, and eat ridiculous amounts of sugar.

But how was Halloween - or the paranormal in general, for that matter - treated in bygone eras, such as the ones that form the backdrop for my books? The Victorians are most frequently credited with the invention of the modern paranormal, thanks to their rabid fascination with all things occult and the literary genius of one Charles Dickens. You don't hear much mention of the paranormal in the Regency era (and admittedly, they were far more skeptical) but it was around.

The first known English astrologer was Mrs. Williams in the 1780s, with Uranus being officially discovered in 1781. Mrs. Williams advertised her services throughout Britain. Vox Stellarum, Moore's astrological almanac, printed nearly 400,000 copies in 1803 and twice that amount ten years later. There were a number of astrological authors, including John Worsdale and Ebenezer Sibley. The artist John Varley was a devout astrologist. Alfred Thomas Story, in his book James Holmes and John Varley, relates a story about Varley, who each morning would meticulously draft his own daily horoscope. One day Varley told his son that he was quite certain something "menacing" was going to happen to him around 12 noon, but he couldn't tell what, or from where. "As the hour of twelve approached he became greatly agitated and walked up and down his studio unable to settle to anything...Just then there was a cry of fire outside He ran out to see what was the matter and found that it was his own house that was in flames. He was so delighted said his son Albert describing the occurrence he was so delighted at having discovered what the astrological effect of Uranus was that he sat down while his house was burning, knowing though he did that he was not insured for a penny, to write an account of his discovery. He had timed the catastrophe to within a few minutes." That's seeing the glass half-full if ever anyone did!

Farmers in the Regency era followed astrological rules related to planting, when planning out their crops for the year. Doctors were trained in the 1700s to use "decumbiture charts," which used astrology to predict the course of a disease.

Let's not forget that Mary Shelley penned Frankenstein in 1816 and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow gave life to the Headless Horseman in 1820. Gothic novels such as The Mysteries of Udolpho popped up in 1797. Jane Austen, our quintessential Regency go-to-girl, most certainly knew a ghost story or two. She even pokes a bit of fun at them in Northanger Abbey.

And now on to what you all really want to know: be there a give-away here? Oh, yes! I have a veritable treasure trove, but here's the thing: the prize depends upon the winner. That's right, you will get a custom prize package tailored to your interests (subject to the limitations of what I have in my arsenal). The possibilities include:

*Autographed copies of Reckless Liaisons, Leading Her to Heaven, and Svetkavista, all by yours truly, along with a copy of Love's Immortal Pantheon Vol. One, an anthology containing my short story, "The Spoils of War."
*A copy of The Witch in Every Woman, by Laurie Cabot
*The Book of Shadows by Lady Sheba
*Herbal Magick by Gerina Dunwich
*The Egyptian Tarot deck (and companion book)
*The Gothic Tarot deck
*one Affection of Aries candle, custom-designed for "The Spoils of War" by Artist JFay.

Here's what you need to do: Comment on this blog and tell me a bit about yourself and what Samhain means to you. The winner will be drawn at random on October 31st!

Check back here for the winner. And in the meantime, continue on the Simply Wicked tour with Day 9 at Intense Whisperer's Blog.

Follow me on Twitter.
Friend me on Facebook.
Visit my Website.

______________________
Reference Material:
The Myth of Samhain: Celtic God of the Dead
Witchcraft: Theory and Practice, Ly de Angeles (Llewellyn, 2001)
The wonderful ladies of The Beau Monde, the Regency chapter of the RWA
John Holmes and James Varley, Alfred Thomas Story
All Hallow's Eve, the Jane Austen Magazine

Coming Soon!

2010-10-05T16:42:00.002-05:00

Contest Time!

2009-09-03T21:00:00.001-05:00

Trick or Treat! The Mystic Castle is having a Halloween Contest. The Grand Prize Winner will win 20 books and a $50.00 Visa Giftcard. Ten Runner-up winners will win a Author Promotional Package full of goodies. http://themysticcastle.com/halloween-contest/

I'm Not Dead.

2009-05-31T22:59:00.002-05:00

It's true.

I've been caught up in "real life," first with finals (which I passed), then graduation (which I graduated!), then moving 800 miles from Florida back to Maryland where I grew up (hi, Mom!), and now preparing to sit for the Bar in two months time.

Those of you who are lawyers yourself understand. Those who aren't, let's just say this is my 14-hour-a-day commitment for the next 8 weeks. I live and breathe the law.

Which means, of course, that things on the writing front have ground to a halt. Alex is waiting patiently, bless his rakish heart, for me to finish his story. I've been very fortunate in that career #1 and career #2 have been able to co-exist the majority of the time. This, however, is not such a time.

I've only emerged from hibernation to tell you I'm not done hibernating yet. Horrible of me, I know.

Take care, ya'll. I'll see you in two months.

~K

Whew!

2009-04-26T14:18:00.004-05:00

Just a quick note that I am back from RT, and goodness, what a whirlwind it was!

I plan on posting a more detailed account of my weekend in a day or two (complete with pictures, of course), but unfortunately for the moment duty calls and I must switch my brain from "author mode" to "law student" mode, STAT. (You do not want to know how much left I have to write for my assignment due tomorrow. It's obscene.)

For those of you I got to meet over the last few days: I had a blast, enjoyed meeting everyone, and hope to keep in touch. I have a list the length of my torso of people I need to email this week to touch base.

For those of you who couldn't make it: We missed you! Don't worry, when I post my wrap-up you can live vicariously, and then start planning for next year.

And if you need something to do whilst you wait:

-Mary over at the Historical Romance Society has written a wonderful review of Liaisons.
-Lilac at Long and Short Romance Reviews wrote an equally wonderful review, and gave the book five stars.
-Romantic Times has reviewed Pantheon and given it four stars!

So, you can distract yourself by reading my new reviews, or you can distract yourself by reading the books themselves if you haven't yet. Or, you could just...do something else. Like sing karaoke to "Hit Me Baby One More Time" but that starts to lose its appeal after a while, doesn't it?

Alright, someone email me and tell me to stop procrastinating and get to drafting. Like, yesterday.

Count Up, Count Down!

2009-04-20T13:13:00.002-05:00

Yes, folks, it has been:

A month and a half since Reckless Liaisons hit the shelves. Sebastian is very pleased!

And it is:

2 days until the Romantic Times Convention in Orlando. If you are attending, please do hunt me down and say hi! I will be handing out goodies at the Expo on Wednesday, handing out goodies at a meet and greet with Stella Price, Larissa Ione, Jacki Frank, Jenna Black, Bianca D'Arc, Robin Slick, and Eliza Gayle on Thursday, and handing out goodies and signing books on Saturday at the Book Fair. (See a recurring theme? Come get goodies!)

26 days until I graduate from law school.

28 days until I move back to Maryland.

3 months until I sit for the Bar.

Perhaps you can see why I've been a bit quite lately!

Two Words: Amazon Rank

2009-04-13T17:11:00.002-05:00

I could recount the entire fiasco. I could renew my request that readers purchase my books through other avenues. I could rant and rave and go on and on. But, really, it's been said so eloquently by so many before me that I only have two words:

Amazon Rank.

Book Giveaway at Goodreads

2009-03-26T00:33:00.002-05:00

Goodreads.com is giving away 3 signed copies of Reckless Liaisons. If you have a Goodreads account, go here to enter. If you don't have an account, create one and then enter (Goodreads is a wonderful site, you won't regret it!). Winners will be selected on April 20th.

Good luck!

March Madness!

2009-03-03T14:39:00.002-05:00

March has definitely come in like a lion for me!

First, the release of Reckless Liaisons, my first new novel in over two years.

Yesterday, I learned that "Caging Kat" won the 2009 FANTASM Award for Best Overall Speculative Romance (Short Story). Additionally, my wonderful bffs Stella and Audra Price won THREE FANTASMS.

And today I discovered that Reckless Liaisons is a Recommended Read at FAR. Sandie says:
"Reckless Liaisons by Kayleigh Jamison is sure to be a favorite with every Regency reader... Ms. Jamison delivers a story that will intrigue and captivate you. Julia and Sebastian's love story sweeps you along from the halls of his stately manor to the theaters of London. The description in each scene carries you back in time to Regency London to horse drawn carriages on cobblestone streets and debutante balls, where the slightest misadventure could ruin a young lady's reputation forever. This is a fantastic read and one that you will want to revisit time and again."

Sebastian is Here!

2009-03-02T00:03:00.002-05:00

RECKLESS LIAISONS

Kayleigh Jamison

Black Lyon Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-934912-13-3

Ebook

(Print is available through most major retailers online, and in select bookstores – if yours doesn’t have it, ask!)

Was she a second chance at love—
or his golden opportunity for revenge?

Sebastian Cade, reclusive Duke of Rutland, has gone to great lengths to withdraw from the London society he’s come to despise. Still reeling from betrayal and tragedy, he finds himself powerfully attracted to his lovely new raven-haired ward—so much so that he begins to question the last five years of his life.

When Julia Deveraux awakens in the Duke’s rose garden, the memories flood back. A betrothal she detests. The great black horse stolen from her father. Her near escape … Now under Sebastian’s care, she sees the rumors of his disfigurement are far from true. But will her secret connection to his sworn enemy tear them apart before love brings them together?

"Kayleigh Jamison has written a Regency romance that is titillating and amusing, fast-paced and well-crafted, luscious and seductive all at once. The characters and story will quickly pull you in and leave you wanting more as you turn each page. The author has written a book that has the reader laughing one moment, and feeling hot and bothered the next. I will eagerly be looking for Ms. Jamison's next book."
Night Owl Romance

"Good read! RECKLESS LIAISONS is a well-constructed story with each character having their own voice and distinctive personality. It is a historical account of London society filled with Dukes, Earls and debutantes that makes you wish you too were a Lady or Gent. Never a dull moment, this story is engaging with its well constructed climaxes and conversational tone. This intriguing story involves all my favorites: gentlemen, galas, power, deceit, handsome faces and of course romance."
Coffee Time Romance

http://www.kayleighjamison.com

Another Great Review for Reckless Liaisons

2009-02-17T19:04:00.003-05:00

Shannon of Coffee Time Romance calls Reckless Liaisons a "good read" and "a well-constructed story with each character having their own voice and distinctive personality. It is a historical account of London society filled with Dukes, Earls and debutantes that makes you wish you too were a Lady or Gent. Never a dull moment, this story is engaging with its well constructed climaxes and conversational tone."

Just 11 days to go until Sebastian hits the shelves!

Countdownr

Help Raise Mulah for Moo

2009-02-16T14:36:00.003-05:00

Meet Moo the Chiuaua. He's the best friend of one of my best friends, author Stella Price. Sadly, Moo is sick and in need of a very costly operation to get him back to his usual, ornery, loud self.

Because of this, I have decided to donate January, February, and March royalties from Leading Her to Heaven, Svetkavista, Caging Kat, and The Spoils of War towards the cost of his surgery.

If you haven't picked up these titles yet, now is a great time to do it, and help a worthy cause: The Moo.

All titles are available in ebook through ARe and in print through Amazon.

Sebastian's First Review!

2009-02-05T16:04:00.004-05:00

Danya at Night Owl Romance has reviewed Reckless Liaisons, and it's good news:

Kayleigh Jamison has written a Regency romance that is titillating and amusing, fast-paced and well-crafted, luscious and seductive all at once. The characters and story will quickly pull you in and leave you wanting more as you turn each page. The author has written a book that has the reader laughing one moment, and feeling hot and bothered the next. I will eagerly be looking for Ms. Jamison’s next book.

The book will be released March 1st. Stay tuned for a great contest to gear up for release, coming soon!

The Spoils of War Now Available!

2009-01-17T18:25:00.000-05:00

Love's Immortal Pantheon: The Spoils of War

By: Kayleigh Jamison | Other books by Kayleigh Jamison
Published By: Tease Publishing LLC
ISBN # 978-1-60767-028-5

Word Count: 6,000
Heat Index

Categories: Paranormal/Horror Historical Regency Short Stories

Available in: Adobe Acrobat

Price: $1.99

Victory always comes with a price.

The Duke of Wellington, hailed as one of the greatest military generals in English history, defeated Napoleon and brought peace back to Europe. But what if he had help? And what if that help was the god of war and manliness? What would a bored immortal ask for in return?

Excerpt:
The Duke of Wellington was not pleased to be roused in the middle of the night by a visit to his bedchamber. Clad only in his dressing gown and heavy red velvet robe, he sat in the large overstuffed chair by the fireplace, a tumbler of brandy in one hand and a smoking cheroot in the other. Irritation sketched across the hard, battle-weary lines of his face as he regarded his guest. "I wondered when you would come," he grumbled. The visit was not unexpected, nor was the hour. The first time he'd entertained the Greek god of war had been at a similar uncouth time five years before, though then he'd been in his tent, and not sleeping, too consumed with worry over the possibility of defeat at the hands of Napoleon. Of course, then he'd had a pistol and sword nearby; he wished he had them now, though he knew they'd have little effect upon a god. Prior experience had taught him that, as well.
"I've given you time to rest now that you're home," Ares replied calmly. His accent was subtle, unidentifiable, but distinct. "I upheld my end of our bargain. The little Frenchman is defeated, you have your victory, and your glory. Now I want my prize."
"You must, at long last, tell me what it is you desire," the general countered. Victory for you, the spoils of war for me, Ares had proposed. You won't tell me precisely what you want, Wellington had countered, because you think I'm too desperate to care. The god had smiled and simply replied, yes. And he'd been correct.
Ares shrugged his well-muscled shoulders. He was dressed oddly, as he'd been in that first meeting, a linen tunic barely visible beneath a silver and gold breastplate, with large black horses decorating the sculpted pectorals, flame and smoke curling from their nostrils. A cast brass and silver belt circled his waist, and thick leather pteruges hung from waist to knee. The ensemble was topped with a blood red cape, fastened around his shoulders with a gold, jewel-encrusted pendant the size of a fist. On his feet were sandals with straps that wrapped around his feet and ankles, leather styled with more gold. The outfit of a Roman warrior, one who preferred his Greek name. "A simple thing, given your influence and status. I want a woman."

Sharon Cullars Chip In Auction

2009-01-15T22:39:00.002-05:00

Hi all:

Some of you may be familiar with author Sharon Cullars and her recent struggle to keep her home. Emma Peterson, Karen Scott, and others have organized an auction to help raise money. Many authors (including Nalini Singh, Lorelei James, and Shiloh Walker), editors, promoters, designers, and reviewers have donated items to the auction, which will be held January 19th. I have offered up autographed copies of every work of mine in print, as well as an ebook bundle of ALL of my titles in electronic format. Information on each is below.

If you have anything you'd like to donate yourself, there's still time. Visit the auction site for information on how. These are difficult times for everyone. I myself have no steady income other than student loan checks and quarterly royalties. I know many others have lost their homes, their jobs, or both. A very close author friend of mine just moved her family across the country after her husband was laid off from his job, only for him to be laid off again, a month after their arrival.

That's why it's important to help when, where, and how we can. To band together as a community of book lovers and show we DO care about each other.

Leading Her to Heaven

Kayleigh Jamison

ISBN 13: 978-1-934678-45-9

Trade Paperback 224 pages

Ebook

Historical Erotic Romance

As the eldest daughter of an English earl, Lady Susanna Cavendish has led a sheltered life of privilege and leisure. She has been taught that her northern cousins, the Scots, are barbaric heathens with no regard for culture or civilization.

Notorious warrior Blair Ruthven is laird of the fiercest clan in Scotland. Born into a society rife with blood feuds and an engrained hatred for the English, Blair learns at an early age that trust and love do little more than damn and disappoint.

Forced into marriage by feuding kings in order to forge a political union between their countries, Blair and Susanna must learn to find peace between themselves as they battle ages-old prejudices – and vie for one another's hearts.

Svetkavista

Kayleigh Jamison

ISBN 13: 978-1-934678-43-5

Trade Paperback 216 pages

Ebook

Historical Erotic Romance/GLBT Romance

(warning: contains explicit m/f, f/f, and f/f/m)

Trapped within a life where she has always been an outsider, Karina dutifully follows the wishes of her father by day, and secretly pursues her dreams by night. Raised within the strict, patriarchal society of the Rom at a time when discrimination and fear are at their peak, she is forced to hide both her love of music and her passion for those who encourage her dreams.

She seeks comfort in the arms of her dearest friend and mentor, who shows her that love and lust rarely confine themselves to the ill-conceived notions of normalcy.

When a lie, spoken in a moment of desperation, threatens to shatter everything Karina holds dear, she must choose between those she loves and her own reputation. Will the truth set her free or destroy her? Does she have the courage to follow her own heart?

Unspeakable

Kayleigh Jamison

ISBN 13: 978-1604359350

Trade Paperback 70 pages

Ebook

Historical (Regency-set) Erotic Romance

Trevor Caufield has always prided himself on being a consummate rake...until a clandestine meeting with a mysterious, strangely silent woman in a darkened hallway. Setting out to pursue Emma Hatton with purely selfish intentions, he discovers emotions that transcend his formerly uncomplicated existence and teach him that true love has no need for words.

Caging Kat

Kayleigh Jamison

ISBN 13: 978-1-934678-83-1

Ebook Only

Paranormal Erotic Romance

2009 FANTASM Finalist - Best Overall Speculative Romance, Short Story

An infamous art thief, Kaitlin lives a life most can only dream of. There's one problem, though - she's bored. When a mysterious invitation to a masquerade ball appears in her mailbox, she decides to attend on a whim.

Ares, God of War, has had his eyes on the feisty Kat for some time. But can he win her over with only one night to tame her wild heart? Can he get what he's always wanted by fulfilling her deepest desires?

Eyes Like Yours

Kayleigh Jamison

ISBN 13: 978-1-60435-000-5

Ebook Only

Paranormal Erotic Romance

What happens when your dream become a reality or does it?

Each night is the same. A handsome, mysterious stranger visits Catherine in her dreams, never allowing her to see his face, and leaving her body satisfied, but her heart wanting more. With a chance encounter in the smoky confines of a night club puts Caroline face to face with a man whose eyes seem eerily familiar, dreams and reality colliding in a way that frightens and inflames her. Are her dreams real? Is Blake the key to her future – and her past?

And be one of the first to get my upcoming book, the first full-length novel I've put out in over two years, RELEASING MARCH 1:

Reckless Liaisons

Kayleigh Jamison

ISBN 13: 978-1-934912-13-3

Trade Paperback: 204 pages

Ebook

Historical (Regency-set) Romance

Was she a second chance at love—
or his golden opportunity for revenge?

Sebastian Cade, reclusive Duke of Rutland, has gone to great lengths to withdraw from the London society he's come to despise. Still reeling from betrayal and tragedy, he finds himself powerfully attracted to his lovely new raven-haired ward—so much so that he begins to question the last five years of his life.

When Julia Deveraux awakens in the Duke's rose garden, the memories flood back. A betrothal she detests. The great black horse stolen from her father. Her near escape … Now under Sebastian's care, she sees the rumors of his disfigurement are far from true. But will her secret connection to his sworn enemy tear them apart before love brings them together?

Wow!

2009-01-11T18:57:00.003-05:00

I got the news yesterday that "Caging Kat" is a finalist in the 2009 Fantasm Awards, in the category Best Overall Speculative Romance - Short Story/Novella.

Voting on winners begins soon, I'll keep you posted! Thank you to whomever nominated me, what a wonderful surprise!

Three New Print Releases!

2009-01-06T22:43:00.004-05:00

You heard me. Three!

Already available in print through Amazon is Unspeakable.

Coming later this month will be two anthologies from Tease, both with stories by me, and both featuring a certain Greek God we know I love.

"Caging Kat" is a contemporary paranormal short. Kat continues to attract attention and just last month earned a Recommended Read from Joyfully Reviewed. Shayna calls the story "wickedly delightful," and "fast, fun, and hot enough to burn!"

"The Spoils of War" is a Regency-set paranormal short, also featuring Ares as the hero.

Victory always comes with a price. The Duke of Wellington, hailed as one of the greatest military generals in English history, defeated Napoleon and brought peace back to Europe. But what if he had help? And what if that help was the god of war and manliness? What would a bored immortal ask for in return?

Stay tuned here for more info on release dates and possibly a give away or two!

NOTE: These titles can also be purchased in ebook from ARe as stand alone titles.

Caging Kat is Joyfully Recommended!

2008-12-16T05:53:00.003-05:00

My paranormal erotic short story, "Caging Kat," has been named a recommended read at Joyfully Reviewed! Shayna calls it "...fast, fun, and hot enough to burn...Wickedly delightful!"

"Caging Kat" is currently available in ebook format here. If you still haven't joined the e-revolution, have patience, the story will be released in print in a few months time as part of the Festivals anthology from Tease.

Blurb: An infamous art thief, Kaitlin lives a life most can only dream of. There's one problem, though - she's bored. When a mysterious invitation to a masquerade ball appears in her mailbox, she decides to attend on a whim.

Ares, God of War, has had his eyes on the feisty Kat for some time. But can he win her over with only one night to tame her wild heart? Can he get what he's always wanted by fulfilling her deepest desires?

At Long Last!

2008-12-02T01:26:00.002-05:00

I'm very pleased to at last be able to share some news I've been sitting on for a while.

I've signed a contract for Reckless Liaisons with Black Lyon Publishing. My first full-length novel in over two years has found itself a home, and is tentatively due on the shelves in March, 2009. I am thrilled to be part of the Black Lyon family, amongst some very talented authors.

Right now I'm hard at work on the sequel, A Compromising Evening, as well as preparing for final exams.

I look forward to sharing more details about the book as it comes closer to release.

-K

Unspeakable Available Now!

2008-11-06T10:29:00.004-05:00

Now Available from Red Rose Publishing!

UNSPEAKABLE
Kayleigh Jamison

Erotic Romance: Regency, Historical/Period
ISBN: 978-1-60435-262-7
Cover Artist: Shirley Burnett
Editor: WRFG
Word Count: 12,830
Release Date: November 06, 2008

Trevor Caufield has always prided himself on being a consummate rake...until a clandestine meeting with a mysterious, strangely silent woman in a darkened hallway. Setting out to pursue Emma Hatton with purely selfish intentions, he discovers emotions that transcend his formerly uncomplicated existence and teach him that true love has no need for words.

Excerpt

“Ah, silence,” he muttered, rounding a corner and slipped deeper into the house. His steps were unhurried, and the leisurely pace saved him from walking straight into the petite form that blocked his path just after the turn.

The woman stared at him with wide, doe—eyes. She was radiantly beautiful in the dimly lit corridor, the rays of moonlight illuminating the golden tresses of her hair, which spilled over her shoulders in rich, enticing waves. She didn't have the look of a servant girl; her dress, though out—of—date, was far too elegant. Her pixie—like face was soft but refined, with a small, button nose and full, pouty lips that made him, without thinking, lick his own in anticipation. Her eyebrows, the same golden blonde as her hair, were fine and sculpted, arching over eyes that, even in the dim light, he saw were a sparkling, crystalline blue.

“My apologies, Madame, I didn't intend to frighten you,” Trevor soothed, recovering from his momentary shock and offering her a charming half—smile. Where have you been hiding? he wanted to ask instead.

Her eyes widened another fraction, but she said nothing.

“Truly, I thought myself alone,” he continued and flashed another smile. “Had I known I would encounter such an enchanting gem hidden away in this dark hall, I would have brought two glasses.” He lifted the champagne flute to his lips, watching her carefully over the rim.

Still no response from her. Were it not for the slight tremble of her lower lip, Trevor would have begun to wonder if she was a statue – or perhaps a life—sized doll. Yes, she resembled the dolls his little sister had played with as a child, her skin smooth and pale as porcelain, eyelashes almost freakishly long, fanning against the ridge of her eyebrows.

“Am I such a terrifying sight?”

More maddening silence.

He changed tactics. Trevor reached for her hand, half expecting her to jump backwards out of his reach. She didn't, and allowed him to grasp her fingers lightly, giving them a squeeze. Her skin was soft and silky, and he felt a jolt of warmth at the contact. “Are you ill, Madame? Hurt?”

She shook her head just the slightest bit – a minute gesture, the shimmer it stirred amongst her flaxen curls the only indication that she'd moved at all. Her hand remained limp in his much larger palm.

“Damnit, woman, say something, would you? Anything,” he exclaimed.

She shook her head again, this time with more force, and gave his hand a squeeze. Rather than pulling out of his grip, as he expected her to do, she allowed her hand to stay where it was, giving a second squeeze with her fingers.

“Well, good. We've established you're real, and I'm real,” Trevor said. “Now, I really must insist that you…” That she what, Caufield? Exactly what is it you want her to do?

A rustling from around the corner caused him to abandon his thought process. His companion stiffened, and he heard her sharp intake of breath. Before he could stop her she'd pulled her hand free and was running down the hallway.

“Wait!” Trevor called. “At least allow me your name!”

She paused long enough to cast a final, mournful glance over her shoulder, and then disappeared into the shadows.

$1.99

Another Great Review for Leading Her to Heaven

2008-08-31T12:17:00.002-05:00

Romantic Times Bookreviews has a 4 star review of Leading Her to Heaven in their September issue. Faith Smith says "[Jamison's] well-rendered hero and heroine make this a refreshing page-turner."

More updates...later.

Muahahahaha

2008-08-01T06:52:00.002-05:00

Oh my darling boy, I have you now. Frick I'm excited. As some of you know, the Satyr crack Elizabeth Amber writes is my latest obsession (though I admit I'm ready to pee myself in anticipation for Acheron too). I first read Elizabeth's work by judging it for an RWA chapter awards, and absolutely fell in love with Nicholas, so much so that I fangirled Elizabeth almost immediately and preordered the second and third books in the series the same day I finished it. Lyon, the third and youngest brother has been my favorite character since his introduction in book one, and thus far, his book has not disappointed. My only lament is that once I've finished it, I've finished it. I've actually had the book for two days and simply looked at it, fanned the pages, carried it back and forth. Last night I finally cracked it open.

Perhaps the best thing about these books is that I never expected to enjoy them. In fact, when I read the prologue to Nicholas I thought I was going to loathe the book. Amber touches on some subjects that are...well...freakin' weird. She addresses them so seamlessly, though, that before long these issues didn't seem weird anymore, but downright commonplace. That, to me, is the mark of a brilliant writer.

In unrelated news, "Unspeakable," my Regency-set short originally published with Aphrodite's Apples has been contracted with Red Rose Publishing. Not only that, I have a kick ass cover, done by Adra Steia. Check it out!

Signings and Happy Days

2008-07-29T02:14:00.001-05:00

This Saturday past Adra Steia and I had a signing in Daytona Beach. It was a blast, though I confess the best part was after the signing, when we strolled the mall, then went to the beachfront and had a fantastic dinner at Bubba Gumps, right on the ocean. Adra is a camaholic, and documented the occassion fully. Check out everything from our books, to our hot waiter, to our dinners, to a random jellyfish here.

Today is a happy day on an unrelated note. One of my favorite new authors, Elizabeth Amber, has released the third book in her Lords of Satyr series, Lyon. Lyon's been my favorite character throughout the series, and I am thrilled to finally have his book in my hot little hands. If you're looking for something new and unique, I highly recommend Elizabeth's writing - historical, paranormal, hot as hell, it's an all around win!

IMPORTANT: Book Signing Change

2008-07-18T17:47:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone,

Sorry for the last minute notice, but the book signing scheduled for tomorrow afternoon at Volusia Square Mall has been postponed until NEXT Saturday July 26, due to an issue with the book store.

I hope everyone who was planning to attend can make it on the 26th, see you then!

Best,
Kayleigh

What's in a name?

2008-07-08T00:50:00.002-05:00

Written and first published in 2006, Svetkavista was my first novel-lengthed work. It was a book I never expected to write, about a people I never thought I'd explore, but there's a great deal of me in the book nevertheless.

Svetkavista is about a band of Rom, or gypsies, in Hungary in the 1800s, during a time when they were severely persecuted as a people, and horribly misunderstood.

She was Romani, a gypsy, like her mother, and her mother’s mother before her. Her family wandered the land, living outside of society, on the fringe. Some called them vagabonds and vagrants, others called them thieves and heathens, but they were none of these things. They simply…were. Their way of life was misunderstood, their values misconstrued. The nomadic people were viewed with distrust and distain all across Eastern Europe, and lately the movement to convert or enslave them had increased in popularity.

As I began to research for the book, I decided I did not want to portray the Rom in the same stereotypical way most romance novels do; I wanted an honest and realistic depiction of the culture, which was not an easy feat given the secretive nature of the Romany people. Their notions of clean and unclean, or marhime, are a major focus in the book, as the characters face punishments based upon the maintenance of a strict moral code, and the stigma of deep-rooted superstitions.

Much to her family’s dismay, Karina was čhaj, unmarried, despite her age. Her younger sisters had married at twelve and thirteen, and her brother took a wife at fifteen. She was now twenty-three, and still under her parents’ care. None of the young Argintari men of her tribe had ever expressed an interest in her hand, and her father had not, to her knowledge, done much in the way of finding her a husband either. Her family blamed her misfortune on prikàza, a form of karmic backlash. Cosmic bad luck.

Women were inherently marhime, unclean by their very make-up. A man could be declared marhime for a variety of reasons, and once branded as such, no other men were permitted to speak with him. Sex was never ever discussed. To yawn in public was a dirty and offensive act, because it implicated one was thinking about being in bed, where sex occurred.

What would a young woman living in this insular culture feel? How far would she go to explore her innermost desires? As such the book is deeply erotic in nature, a blending of cultural mores and basic human nature. Karina has never quite fit in with her tribe, and it isn't until her best friend teaches her about love that she realizes why.

The hero of the novel, Brishen, is a violinist. I myself am a trained classical violinist, so writing his character was a real treat for me. I was able to weave my knowledge of music and the violin in particular with his character development.

It was a traditional gypsy dirge that he played, one normally accompanied by a female voice, but no one dared sing. Not when Brishen was playing. The melody began slow, the horse-tail bow drawing across the G and D strings in a leisurely glissando that transitioned into a grating, dissonant chord. He held the notes, drawing them out, tormenting his audience with the unsavory sound before sliding his ring finger up a half-step, reconciling the note with harmony once more. Karina swore she saw him smirk, but his eyes never opened; his expression never changed.

Without warning, the mournful tone disappeared as Brishen’s tempo increased. He played faster with each passing bar until all traces of the mulengi djilia had disappeared, transforming into a fast-paced cante jondo. His fingers danced across the strings, his right arm a blur as he moved the bow in frenzied, staccato strokes. Several members of the informal audience began to clap in time. A few were inspired to stand and dance.

The question I get most frequently about the book, of course, is: What the hell does the title mean? "Svetkavista" is a Romany (gypsy) word meaning "ring" or "circle." The book centers around a love triangle, and by the end many things come full circle. In that regard, the title was perfect. Though there are Romany words interspersed throughout the novel, it is most assuredly written in English.

Svetkavista is available now in both ebook and print.

(All excerpts are from Svetkavista, (c) 2006 Kayleigh M. Jamison)

The Whole Wide World...

2008-06-24T00:34:00.003-05:00

I love to travel. I hope to make it to many more places before I die, but for now, here's some visual representation of where I've been.

Where I've Been

Make yours @ BigHugeLabs.com

Make yours @ BigHugeLabs.com

Patience, Premonitions, and Open Doors

2008-06-03T00:29:00.001-05:00

I love my profession. I really do. But there's one thing I could do without: the waiting.

It's a simple fact that the higher up the "food chain" you move, the slower the process becomes. My first book, Svetkavista, was accepted for publication before it was even finished. I began writing it in February 2006, and it was first published in ebook late July of the same year. Leading Her to Heaven was published a few months later in September.

In 2007, I wrote "A Scandalous Arrangement," specifically for a submissions call at Freya's Bower, for a BDSM anthology. About a week after I submitted my story, I received an acceptance. That was one long week!

This past March, I attended the Southern Lights Conference here in Jacksonville, held by my RWA Chapter. I pitched my latest novel, Reckless Liaisons to a few editors and agents. One agent in particular seemed very excited about the idea, and requested a partial with a synopsis, which I rushed home and promptly sent out. The wait this time was over two months.

She got in touch with me last week and passed. It was disappointing, of course, but honestly I think it was the right thing. While she seemed to like my voice and style, she wasn't sold on some of the plot points, but she did ask me to send over anything else I might be currently working on to look at. Unfortunately, I don't have anything at the moment.

But here's why I'm not upset: every author gets rejections. It's a natural part of being a writer. When I was growing up, I rode horses. My trainer used to tell me, "you're not a horseback rider until you've been thrown off at least three times." You fall down, you get back up. I officially have my first rejection! Rather than being crushed I'm thinking, "phew, now that's over with." Will I get more? Probably. But at least that very first one is now out of the way.

Several months ago, good friend Stella Price was interviewed on a radio show, and for the life of me I can't remember the name of it. The host was a tarot reader, and Stella was talking about her own knowledge of tarot. I called in to say 'hi,' and they did a reading for me. The host (whose name I can't remember either) asked if I was working on a book currently. I was working on Reckless Liaisons and had been for some time. Her prediction, based on the cards, was that my current project would be a big stepping stone for my career, and would help take it to the next level.

Perhaps you don't believe in "that stuff." I do. I also feel in my gut that she is right. So rather than be discouraged by Ms. Agent's rejection, I set to work sending out queries to various publishers and agents that very afternoon.

Within two hours I had a response from a certain NY publishing house (which shall remain nameless for fear of jinxing myself), requesting the full, complete manuscript. I could hardly believe it. That old cliche whispered in my mind: When one door closes, another opens. In this case it was certainly true. I rushed into my office, laptop precariously balanced in hand, and printed out all 200 some pages (I'd just bought a new printer the weekend before. Coincidence?) signed my cover letter, scribbled "Requested Material" on the envelope and away it went.

I have hope. I have confidence. I could probably use a dose more patience. All I have left to do now is more of that blasted waiting.

Rant Post

2008-04-29T00:27:00.004-05:00

First, a disclaimer (kind of). Writing is my profession (ok, one of them). As such I try at all times to be a professional. There are some who claim this includes never saying an unkind word about anyone for any reason or offering any opinions. I disagree. Perhaps that's due to my other profession and my inherently argumentative nature. But to me being a writer is having opinions. It's opening up my brain and throwing it all on paper for anyone to see. I can't not have opinions. Every time you open one of my books you get my opinions. What I think is desirable, what I find attractive, what I find distasteful. You step into my world. Then that my world becomes your world as you bring your own experiences and opinions to the table.

I haven't ranted in a while. And ironically, the last time I did, it was about this very same topic.

The so-called "history gestapo." Okay, so that's a distasteful word, but honestly I can't think of one more appropriate. You know who I mean: those people that think they are an expert on every historical era and take it upon themselves to nitpick things to death. I'm not talking about readers, either, I'm talking about other authors.

The ones who feel the need to tell you your stories aren't up to par. Without ever having read them.

The ones who say "bloody hell" is out of place in a Regency because the phrase wasn't used then. Actually, yes, it was. The thing of it is that "bloody" was a very naughty word. A gentleman would no sooner say "bloody" in front of a lady than he would drop the f-bomb. Unless he was really damn pissed off.

The ones who say, "I'm glad you call your work 'history rewritten' since you don't really write history." It's been months since Author X said that little gem to me and I'm still holding a grudge.

The ones who are flat out rude, overbearing snots.

In short, if I wanted your opinion, Author X, I'd ask for it. I don't, so I haven't, and every time you give it you only come across as jealous, petty, and threatened.

Bloody hell, you do.

The List

2008-04-15T22:57:00.002-05:00

That goofball Stella Price tagged me to give my "Celebrity Shag List," of the top ten celebrity men I'd love to sink my teeth into. She and I have some similar tastes so there's a lot of overlap between my list and hers. Without further ado...

1. Colin Farrell. Also, 'nuff said. Stella and I have observed this particular specimen in detail, including artistic physiological studies and documentary footage. Conclusion: yum.

2. Johnny Depp. Versatile. Talented. Looks really good covered in blood.

3. Matthew McFadyen. I know a lot of people prefer Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. Not me. This is my Mr. Darcy, and how pretty pretty he is. He also looks a bit like Trevor Caufield from my own "Unspeakable."

4. Christian Bale

5. Sean Bean. Sebastian, the hero in my latest novel, Reckless Liaisons, originally bore a resemblance to Sean Bean in my head. As the story has progressed, he's mutated and doesn't really look like anyone anymore, except himself.

6. Ryan Reynolds

7. Gerard Butler

8. Michael Fassbender

9. Hugh Jackman may have influenced Vere Fane, the sexy, dominant Earl in "A Scandalous Arrangement."

10. Adrian Paul. The inspiration for Blair Ruthven in Leading Her to Heaven.

Svetkavista Now in Print!

2008-04-15T10:03:00.002-05:00

SVETKAVISTA

Kayleigh Jamison

Tease Publishing

ISBN: 987-1-934678-42-8 (ebook)

ISBN: 9781934678435 (print)

Ebook

She seeks comfort in the arms of her dearest friend and mentor, who shows her that love and lust rarely confine themselves to the ill-conceived notions of normalcy.

If you are looking for a lyrical voice, superb characters that draw you in, and fascinating out of the ordinary historical adventure with an erotic twist, I cannot recommend Kayleigh Jamison enough.

-Emma Wildes, #1 bestselling author and 2007 Eppie winner

Ms. Jamison has penned an absolutely stunning and adventure tale that drew me in from page one, to the point that I forgot everything but the story unfolding before me.

-Caro, Coffee Time Romance, 5 cups

Svetkavista…is a wonderful novel of love and revenge…grabbed me at the start and wouldn’t let go.

-Amelia, Joyfully Reviewed

Rarely does a novel come along with the ability to capture passion and pain, honesty and love so completely. Sensuous, heartfelt and truly beautiful, Svetkavista is one of the best romance reads of the year.

-Kelly, AORAOG Reviews

…a riveting story; I couldn’t stop reading it and really didn’t want it to end.

-Julianne, TwoLips Reviews, 4 stars

Wow, just one extraordinary, unique story!

-Cathie, Euro Reviews, 5 stars

I don't hesitate to recommend this complex story; it thrilled me with its involved plot lines and kept me reading late into the night.

-Chamomile, Whipped Cream Reviews, 5 Cherries

http://www.kayleighjamison.com

On Writing

2008-04-08T09:33:00.001-05:00

I'm blogging today at Ecata about writing historical romance. Stop by and check it out.

In Case You Missed It...

2008-04-03T13:25:00.003-05:00

And you probably did, since I was so nervous about my first radio show appearance that I didn't tell anyone, you can listen to it here. I spent an hour chatting with Stella Price on Books Beyond the Boundaries about my work, the industry, research, pets, life, and more!

Positive Saturday

2008-03-22T15:57:00.002-05:00

Emily Veinglory put out the request on ERECsite for a Positive Saturday. Amidst all the nastiness and negative that's been floating around epress-romance-bloglandia lately she challenged us to say some good things about our craft. Ironically, I'd already begun to pen this post, and decided to hold off on posting it until today.

I've talked in the past about how much I love to hear from readers, and how I try to let other authors know I enjoy their work, because I would like to hear the same. Still, it always surprises me just how nice so many authors are. Over the last few months, in particular, in my campaign to applaud good books, I've met some ladies who redeem my faith in the romance community, and possibly people in general. So here are some of my favorite authors, who also happen to win at life.

Elizabeth Amber. I read the first in Elizabeth's Lords of Satyr series, Nicholas, a month or so ago. I sent her a message via MySpace letting her know how much I enjoyed the book. A Regency-set paranormal, the series chronicles the stories of three brothers, half-human, half-satyr. Original, masterfully-written, and expertly edited, I was blown away by the book (which in truth I didn't think I was going to like at all). When Raine, book two, was released at the end of February I had already pre-ordered a copy, and when I got it I read it in two sittings. Not only did Elizabeth write me back, we struck up a conversation about writing Regencies, her books, my books, and life in general. This lady just plain rocks.

Gayle Eden. I first started reading Gayle's books (also Regency) about a year ago. I had chance to talk to her directly when a discussion cropped up on EREC about her publisher, Alinar. We took our conversation to email, and she is absolutely one of the sweetest ladies ever. She also carries herself in an impressive manner in public, particularly when being criticized. I think I could learn a thing or two about staying calm in the face of critics from Gayle. A lot of authors could. If you like classical Regency themes with an erotic twist, check out Gayle's work. I highly recommend starting with Whispers in the Dark and A Taste of Temptation.

Marianne LaCroix. Mari and I are both members of First Coast Romance Writers, the RWA Chapter for Jacksonville, FL/northeast Florida/Southeast Georgia. It's at her encouragement that I will be attending my first RWA conference next weekend (with a booksigning, so come by if you're in the area and meet us!). When I emailed her in a panic earlier this week, having no idea what to expect or even what to wear, bless her heart she very patiently and calmly set me at ease. I consider her something of a mentor and can't wait to finally meet her face to face.

Emma Wildes. I've known this fabulous woman since back before my first book hit the eshelves. One of the most talented Regency writers of the day, she's also one of the absolute nicest. Despite putting out books with such startling frequency that I happen to think she's either cloned herself, or set monkeys to work in her basement, she is never too busy to offer a kind word or encouraging advice. We're working on a collaboration right now of Regency stories (along with authors Skyler Grey, Bonnie Clarke, and Cheri Valmont), and we've got big plans. Keep watching for news, and keep your fingers crossed for us too, if you please. You can also thank her for the title of my most popular book, Leading Her to Heaven.

Katrina Strauss. If you pay even the tiniest bit of attention, you already know Katrina is one of my best friends. Regardless, I wouldn't endorse her work if it sucked. We've known each other since back before either of us were published, or even writing original fiction with publishing in mind. She always keeps me on my toes with what she's planning next, and I can't wait to be surprised yet again.

Don't let all the negativity fool you, and don't let a few bad apples spoil the bunch. There are tons of good authors out there, who are also good people. I could go on for days, I think, on this subject. But my Conlaw book is glaring at me like the evil black hole of brain power that it is. Free Speech awaits.

I Must Be Made of Crazy Glue...

2008-03-14T23:47:00.006-05:00

I follow a number of agent's blogs via my Google Reader (great little thing, by the way, if you don't have it). One of them is the blog for Bookends, LLC Literary Agency. I quite like this one in particular, because the agents, Jessica Faust, Jacky Sach, and Kim Lionetti post frequently with lots of helpful advice, tips, and insight for authors. I've done quite well with my career thus far, but I do know that to make it to the top (which I will someday) I'll need an agent. When the time is right for me to find one, I won't be going in with my eyes closed. The Bookends ladies also critique query letters on their blog, and run genre-specific contests wherein authors post the first 100 words of their manuscripts in the comments section; a winner is picked, and that person earns a critique of their query letter, synopsis, and the first chapter of the work. Such things are invaluable, and could make or break an author's chances of getting past that first glance.

So, when they announced the historical romance contest on Thursday I gathered up the opening lines to Reckless Liaisons, took a deep breath, and posted my entry:

The horse’s hooves beat a clamorous tattoo against the cobbled streets, stirring the low fog that had settled like a blanket. Julia dug her heels into the stallion’s taut flesh, urging him faster still. With a grunt and a sharp exhalation of breath, he picked up speed, mane tossing in the wind, droplets of water splashing in his wake. She had no concern for the scandalous picture she painted, streaking through the outskirts of London on the giant black stallion, legs straddling either side of the beast as a man would ride. Haste had been far more important than modesty, and she hoped the cloak of night’s darkness would hide the inconspicuous nature of her dress. Her maid had borrowed the trousers and plain linen shirt from one of the stable hands. Her hair had been pulled back in a simple tie at the nape of her neck, and now strands of it came free, wrapped around her arms in stringy tendrils.

I continued to watch the thread out of curiosity to see if anyone I knew entered, and there were many familiar faces - Candice Gilmer, for instance, whose first novel, Unified Souls, I had the pleasure of editing for Aphrodite's Apples.

I was rather surprised to see my name come up in the comments later on. It started with this comment by Julie Weathers:

"Probably not my place to say so, but I'd like to make a small comment. While the damsel in distress on a raging black stallion makes a dramtic picture, it isn't very practical."

I didn't have to defend myself, an anonymous poster did it for me (actually, it was this post that first caught my eye, then I had to go back and figure out what she was referring to):

Kayleigh Jamison, I disagree with the earlier comments about your entry. Practicality has nothing to do with anything when you're trying to pull in a reader.

You captured my attention, made me feel what she felt with well placed sensory cues, and question her motivation for setting out bareback on a stallion in the throes of a wild storm.

I would read this book. She sounds like a head-strong character that isn't afraid to take chances.

I wasn't going to reply, but then I felt I ought to. Not because I was upset or offended by Ms. Weathers' comments, since I'm not. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I responded as follows:

Thank you for the compliment, Anon.

Practical? Of course not. Foolhardy and silly? Of course! That's the point. What would make her do something so ridiculous? Ah...but there's the question, isn't it?

It's my opinion that there should be elements of the fantasy in any romance novel, because I read them to be swept away into the story, out of my regular, boring life. Practicality doesn't really factor in. Those are my tastes, and since I write what I like, that's how I write.

I do appreciate your comment, Julie, though I am obviously biased against agreeing with it. It's further proof of the diversity of readership that every author faces. I'll never please everyone, nor do I want to because I think that would be quite boring. :)

End of it, I'm thinking. But no. Ms. Weathers' responds to my comments.

Kayleigh;

Of course women galloping wildly away on raging black stallions is nothing new. I'm sure it still cuts a dramatic picture to some.

Unfortunately, a shod horse galloping on cobblestones is like a horse on ice.

As for the other black stallion entry, someone jumping on an unsuspecting horse's back would most likely result in the horse shying and the damsel in more distress.

However, we each have our own path and I wish you well.

Just a small point of interest for anyone who cares. True black horses are very rare.

Juile

Again two anonymous posters come to my defense, one who asks the very same thing I was thinking: Is this a crit session? No, it is not. Julie's reply is a list of her equine credentials, which I suppose was meant to justify her criticisms of my story. Out of 140 or so odd entries, mine is the only one to be singled out for critique. I suppose this is because Ms. Weathers' deems herself a horse expert and what she viewed as an inaccuracy stuck out to her. But I must admit that at this point I'm growing slightly annoyed. I posted the following reply:

Well thank god for me I'm writing fiction and not a compendium on horses, eh? ;)

I, too, have a riding background actually. I rode dressage for a number of years competitively. But that's neither here nor there.

We each have our areas of expertise and our own backgrounds. Clearly my books (or at least this one) are not for you. That's okay!

Hey, what I find great about this is that out of 100+ entries, you zeroed in on mine, for better or for worse, and made others do the same.

I appreciate the well-wishes from others. Feedback is always a good thing.

I meant it. I don't really give a horse's ass (har har) if she dislikes my premise, because I can never please everyone. I don't want to. It is not and will not ever be my goal. The ever fabulous Stella Price was less tactful than I when she stepped in.

To Julie Weathers about Ms. Jamison's work and the side note about the black horses:

THIS IS FICTION. If it entices a reader to read on, and as long as she gets the facts of the time period correct who cares if the chick wants to ride naked or bareback or with bunny ears on a "rare" black horse. Its what the story called for and its what works for it. That your jumping in and saying something this ultra critical about details in a fictional story is preposterous for the simple fact that, once again its FICTION and the authors draws the world around their characters. The fantastic is what makes fiction so great. So Black horses are rare? good I'm glad they got a spotlight in a damn good book.

And I think this blog is a great idea and it has a LOT of wonderful and promising authors and stories started. Its people like Ms. Weathers that come in and try to break down those who have done what they are dreaming and destroy the purity of the concept.

And still, after all this, Ms. Weathers' perseveres in perpetuating the debate.

Stella Price and Anon.

Actually, I wasn't putting anyone down. I commented on the practicality and then wished everyone well.

As we all know, bookstores are filled with a wide variety of books and genres so everyone can find what they enjoy. Some authors appreciate feedback, including mine, on things and others don't. Some authors research extensively and others are content to simply tell exciting tales. It doesn't make either method correct.

If my intent was to be disparaging, I probably would have posted anon as I do enjoy this site and don't wish to make enemies.

This is where Ms. Weathers officially pissed me off. I could ignore her condescension in the previous comments, and her dislike of my work. I could digest her critique, and I did. I don't appreciate her implications that I don't like feedback when I quite clearly thanked her for her comments, and meant it. I really don't appreciate the implication that I do not research my books. You can tell me I suck at my craft and I'll shrug it off, but do not tell me I don't bother being historically accurate. I've spent more hours researching for my work than I have writing it. Poor Katrina Strauss has to listen to me blather on about spending six hours researching Ancient Roman armor, or half a day on the chemical make-up of pencils in Regency England. She patiently nods and smiles as I consult a dozen sources to figure out how long it would take to travel from London to Edinburgh in the 16th century, or as I teach myself how to conjugate verbs in Romany.

Simply because I penned an opening sequence that Ms. Weathers viewed as "impractical," she made the leap to the assumption that my work is not researched. That gets under my skin in a big way. Impractical does not automatically equal impossible. Practicalities, I think, can at times be forgone in the interest of an intriguing story. Practicalities have nothing to do with research. Furthermore, the first 100 words of any book is a mere drop in the bucket. Who knows where I take my character later, or how I justify her "not practical" actions? So, for the record, Ms. Weathers, I do not simply tell exciting tales. I invite you to explore my work and learn for yourself. I'll even send you free, autographed copies.

Actually, no, I won't.

UPDATED: The debate rages on today, with more anonymous posters and Ms. Weathers' repeated rebuttals. I'm out of it at this point. It's clear Ms. Weathers' insists upon having the last word, so I'll let her have it. I can't say I didn't find this amusing, though. I've got no problem with the crit circle approach. Truly, I don't. It works for a lot of authors, and I am a big advocate of working in whatever way works for you. Write your best in nothing but panties and bunny ears mouthing the words to Oops, I Did it Again? Go for it. That's the beauty of being a writer. Myself, I don't buy into the critique workshop craze. I have a select group of trusted colleagues that I ask to critique my work. I have my editor, Lori, who is the best thing since candied yams. I have wonderful reviewers that consistently request my work, like Jennifer Ray at Kwips and Kritiques, Cathie at Euro Reviews. Elise at BDSM Reviews was invaluable in providing detailed notes on her impressions of "A Scandalous Arrangement." My best friend, Sara, recently read Leading Her to Heaven and told me she loved the book, but hated my heroine. I laughed, and asked her why. It turns out the things I liked about Susanna were the things that turned Sara off. Either way, I concluded, the book got her to think. I'd rather a negative reaction than no reaction. But I do have to agree with my anonymous defenders that a contest entry forum may not be the best place for a critique session.

Tease At The Romance Room

2008-03-05T17:41:00.001-05:00

The illustrious authors of Tease Publishing and Tease Dark Tarot will be chatting tomorrow all day at The Romance Room.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/theromanceroom/

Stop by and learn more about Tease, its authors, upcoming projects, and more. There may even be a give-away or two.

Kayleigh

Yes, it's true...

2008-02-13T18:04:00.002-05:00

Aphrodite's Apples Press has closed its doors. I echo the sentiments of Katrina Strauss; she and I had many of the same experiences, and were in the same positions within the company before we both stepped down from administrative capacity, me in August and her in September of last year.

My two novels, previously with AA, found new homes last year with Tease Publishing, and Leading Her to Heaven is already in print, available at B&N and Amazon.

"Caging Kat" was previously published with AA in Masquerade, Volume One. It will be rereleased with Tease as part of their Festival line, a standalone in ebook, and within an anthology for print. "Unspeakable," my Regency short which was originally part of AA's Regency Romp, Volume One doesn't have a home yet, but there are big plans in store. Stay tuned, and keep your fingers crossed!

Thanks to everyone for their support and well wishes. This isn't a set-back, it isn't a slammed door. It's a new opportunity, and one I plan to grab onto.

-KJ

The Many Emotions of An Author

2008-02-03T13:15:00.000-05:00

Creativity is a strange thing. A blessing, a curse, a form of insanity... It's a fascinating truth that many creative people are at best odd, and at worst just plain nuts. I spend a lot of time trying to figure out why that is, since a good portion of my life before I found my niche was passed thinking I was cuckoo bananas. After all, normal people don't spend hours, days, weeks, living entirely in their heads, do they? Normal people don't find the stories they create in their minds more interesting than real life. And normal people certainly don't talk to themselves in order to work out bits of dialog amongst their characters. Hell, do normal people even think up characters?

Since I'm not a normal person, I couldn't tell you.

You've heard me talk about "suckitis" before, that crushing fear of failure that often comes following the completion or release of a new book. You'd think I'd feel accomplished, proud, happy. I do - for a while. Then the apprehension sets in.

Case in point: Leading Her to Heaven is now available in print. It's the first book of mine to get to print. When my copies arrived on friday, I went through a range of emotions and activities. I cried. I giggled like a maniac. I sniffed the inside. I flipped through the pages. All expected.

Then the weirdness set in. Looking at my book now, I feel...weird. It's been available in ebook format for over a year now, and has been well received. But the suckitis has hit yet again, and I didn't anticipate it this time.

Another thing I didn't see coming: I'm actually a bit embarrassed by the sex scenes. My gravy, I used the word "cock" a lot in this book. For some reason, it's different to see it in print than on the screen.

Overall, I'm exceedingly happy to finally be in print - there's a sense of accomplishment and vindication - but right now, I just feel...weird.

Leading Her to Heaven Now Available in PRINT!

2008-01-30T13:18:00.000-05:00

LEADING HER TO HEAVEN

Kayleigh Jamison

Tease Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-934678-44-2 (electronic)

ISBN: 978-1-934678-45-9 (print)

www.teasepublishingllc.com

www.kayleighjamison.com

http://allromanceebooks.com/product-leadinghertoheaven-5588-144.html

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ISBN=9781934678459

-Emma Wildes, #1 bestselling author and 2007 Eppie winner

"Jamison carries us through a range of emotions throughout the story, at times inciting laughter and at other times bringing us to tears with the depth of these characters' commitment and sacrifice." -Jennifer, C2KS, 5 Klovers

"This book is a hot and exciting ride!" -Regina, Coffee Time Romance, 5 Cups

"Kayleigh Jamison takes the reader back in time for a fun-filled action adventure…" -Angelica, Erotic Escapades, 4 Stars

"This reader would highly recommend LEADING HER TO HEAVEN for those who enjoy their romances set in Scotland. The author pulls the reader into her story from the get-go. With a charming lead couple, great supporting characters, and an action-packed storyline – this was an all-around winner!" -Susan, Love Romances, 4 Hearts

"...Leading Her To Heaven is sensual, well written, and as a historical romance, one of the best books I have read in a long time." -Talia, Joyfully Reviewed

"Page after page gripped my imagination, and vivid scenes opened up in my minds eye. EXCELLENT!" -Cranberry Kisses, Cocktail Review, 4 Flutes

“I absolutely loved it!” -Brenda, TRS, 5 Hearts

“Exciting action and thrilling suspense joins with the passion of romance to make LEADING HER TO HEAVEN a book a highly recommend.” -Anita, Romance Junkies, 4 Blue Ribbons

http://allromanceebooks.com/product-leadinghertoheaven-5588-144.html

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ISBN=9781934678459

Got Yaoi?

2008-01-17T19:48:00.000-05:00

For those of my readers unfamiliar with the term, yaoi is m/m fiction, but it's more than that. Originating in Japan, yaoi is gaining popularity with English readers, and now some have begun to write it, earning the classification of "Western Yaoi."

The two participants in a yaoi relationship are often referred to as seme ("attacker") and ukemartial arts, they have apparently been used in a sexual context for centuries and do not carry any degrading connotations. Seme derives from the Japanese verb semeru (“to attack”) and uke from the Japanese verb ukeru (“to receive”). Though gay males are often referred to in English as "tops" or "bottoms," seme and uke are more nearly analogous to "pitcher" and "catcher." ("receiver").

The seme is often depicted as the stereotypical male of anime and manga culture: restrained, physically powerful, and/or protective. The seme generally has a stronger chin, shorter hair, smaller eyes, and a more stereotypically masculine demeanor than the uke. The seme usually pursues the uke. The uke usually has softer, youthful features with bigger eyes and a smaller build.^[4] He is usually less experienced with romance or sex and his interactions with the seme often make for his first homosexual experience. The storyline where an uke is reluctant to have anal sex with a seme is considered to be similar to the reader's reluctance to have sex whilst still a virgin.

(taken from Wikipedia)

I've stated time and again that I am not a big fan of m/m erotica (yes, it's a fluid thing). But there is one new book that I have enjoyed parts of greatly, though I haven't yet read the entire thing: Katrina Strauss' Blue Ruin 1: Some Kind of Stranger, now available from Loose ID.

Derek Graves's desire for the perfect sexual "prisoner" has left him with a dark reputation and a string of jilted lovers. He needs a partner who wants the pleasure and the pain he can give. After his search lands him on the wrong end of the fantasy at the hands of ruthless predator, Derek returns to his accustomed hunting ground of Blue Ruin with one purpose in mind: revenge.

He gets it, but he also ends up rescuing the predator's next intended victim, a homeless blue-haired waif who is just Derek's type. He brings the incoherent young man home, needing to find out what he saw, and ensure he won't tell anyone. The scenario couldn't be more perfect to service Derek's dominant fantasies --

Shane "Blue" McGowan wakes up groggy, blindfolded, and chained to a stranger's bed. Upon finding himself in luxurious surroundings, the cunning Blue realizes two things: he has no desire to return to a life on the streets, and his handsome captor stirs strange and unfulfilled longings in him.

Manipulating the terms of his own "imprisonment," Blue swings a place to stay in exchange for his silence about a second stranger left beaten and unconscious behind Blue Ruin. To sweeten the deal, Blue agrees to become Derek's submissive. But as their relationship progresses, Derek finds himself wondering whether Blue is truly at Derek's mercy, or is Derek at his?

Some Good From the Bad

2008-01-17T19:43:00.000-05:00

Out of the ashes of the Cassie Edwards plagiarism shitstorm that rocked Romancelandia emerges a new, perhaps surprising truth.

Romance loves black footed ferrets.

And since I'm a sucker for any animal, I pitched in and adopted my very own. Clover here participates in a plague vaccination program. And isn't she adorable?

Oh My!

2008-01-15T23:41:00.000-05:00

The Rites Awards results are in, and I received Honorable Mention in both categories, Best Historical Author and Best Historical Romance Novel for Leading Her to Heaven. Honorable Mention means I came in second to Emma Wildes, who happens to be one of my favorite authors, so color me tickled pink!

To add to the great news, I found out today that Leading Her to Heaven has been nominated for a Sensual Award over at eCata Sensual Romance. Do go cast your vote.

Plagiarism Continues to Marr the Face of Romance

2008-01-10T14:37:00.001-05:00

But this time, folks, we're not talking about a small e-published author and a fanfiction writer. Not that Amanda's case against JJ Massa is therefore any less important or should be given any less credence. I came out publicly in support of Amanda, and my opinion has not changed. But this time the industry has taken notice and yesterday the Associated Press jumped into the fray.

This time the allegations are against Cassie Edwards. I could summarize the chain of events here, but, to quote (QUOTE, as in provide citations and indications that the words are not mine) from Lewis Carroll, it's best to "Start at the beginning...continue on until the end, then stop."

Head on over to Smart Bitches, where SB Candy first broke the story. Follow the links from there, read the half dozen posts on the subject, and draw your own conclusions.

The Bitches and Jane over at Dear Author have eloquently stated everything that I could wish to say on the subject, so I won't waste time reiterating what they've already said.

I was disturbed by Ms. Edwards' quote to the AP:

A popular romance novelist alleged to have lifted work from other texts acknowledged that she sometimes "takes" her material "from reference books," but added that she didn't know she was supposed to credit her sources.
"When you write historical romances, you're not asked to do that," Cassie Edwards told The Associated Press, speaking earlier this week from her home in Mattoon, Ill.

A poster over at Smart Bitches has come to Ms. Edwards' defense, stating that when any of us have written "a hundred novels, or even one," we'll have cause to criticize her.

Well, I haven't written a hundred novels, but I have written three. I have published 6 works of varying lengths in the last two years, with almost as many slated for release or composition in 2008. And, like Ms. Edwards, I write historical romance. So I know a thing or two about research, and writing. Throw in two years of law school, with a self-imposed focus on entertainment law and copyright. Add a splash of my best friend being plagiarized by another author, and I know a thing or two about plagiarism also.

I do copious amounts of research for my novels. (Whether I always get everything 100% is another story!) The more I write about a certain time period, the less I am required to do for each subsequent book, naturally, because I learn the bulk of what I need to know the first time around. I take great pride in my at-time obsessive research - Katrina Strauss can tell you about the time I spent half a day researching Ancient Roman dress or the afternoon I spent reading up on pencils in Regency England. In addition to the online resources I use, I have an entire shelf in my office filled with books on everything from Scots Gaelic (used for Leading Her to Heaven) to Gypsy law (for Svetkavista).

No, I don't cite my sources. That would certainly be absurd. Depending upon how heavily I rely on a certain source, I will credit it in either the Acknowledgments or my author's note (I love author's notes!). What I do not do is copy passages, verbatim, from references sources and place them in my own work. If you've read Candy's evidence over at Smart Bitches, you'll see that's exactly what Ms. Edwards did.

Typically, I don't use anything so significantly as to justify citing - for "Unspeakable," to give an example, I consulted about a dozen sources to learn about pencils in Regency England. Were they used frequently? What were they made of? What were they called? Would it make sense for my heroine to have them? When I was satisfied, I did indeed give Emma a pencil. Hours of research funneled into this:

On impulse, Emma grabbed a sheet of writing paper and a pencil from her desk as she passed by it, and shoved them into the pocket of her cloak.

That's really it. The result of my research on Roman dress? It was used here:

The man stood some paces away, leaning casually against a tree, one foot propped in front of the other. He was a warrior, dressed for battle in golds, reds, and silvers, and by the finery of his armor, someone of great import. Tight golden ringlets peeked out from beneath his galea, a silver helmet trimmed in gold, which framed the wide square of his jaw and cleft chin. He had a slender, aquiline nose, thin, defined lips, and deep set blue eyes below thick, golden brows.

His breastplate was made of the same silver and gold as his galea, and on each breast were great black horses, rearing up on hind legs, flame and smoke curling from their nostrils. Affixed to the left side of his balteus, which appeared to be made of cast brass, and overlain with silver, was a large gladius, its hilt made entirely of gold, the steel blade etched with intricate patterns. His paenula, fastened around his shoulders with a gold, jewel-encrusted fibula the size of an apple, draped his shoulders and brushed the ground, made of fabric far too delicate to have been wool, the color a deep, rich red the likes of which Rhea had never seen before. His tunic was obstructed by thick leather pteruges, hanging from his waist to his knees. Below that his legs were bare – tanned and muscular, raw power bunched in the clearly defined ridges of his calves.

Even his caligae were elaborately crafted, strips of gold affixed to the leather wrappings around his feet and ankles, they sparkled in the dying light. His figure inspired fear and…something else, that Rhea could not quite define.

And I don't begrudge it one bit. It's a necessary part of my craft, and truth be told, I enjoy research almost as much as I enjoy crafting and composing stories in my head. I'm not going to speculate as to why Cassie Edwards did what she did. It could, indeed, have been ignorance (though I find that justification requires her to be stupid, or to think we are), but the entire affair is disappointing.

Romance writers are already discredited as hacks by authors of other genres, and some readers (had an interesting discussion with my sister over the holiday about romance novels, what they are and what they aren't, but that's another post entirely). In some ways, historical romance authors have an even tougher battle. Miss one single detail, and there will be someone, somewhere, who will catch it and bring it to your attention. You'll be accused of sloppy research or no research at all. I've experienced it, and it sucks. Spend too much time on the little details, and you bore your readers. Don't spend enough, and you haven't built a believable foundation for your characters' story.

Case in point. January Magazine has had this to say about the issue: "A publishing tale this sordid could only spring from romance." It's foolishly untrue, of course, but it's been said all the same.

Release Date News

2008-01-09T16:29:00.001-05:00

Stella just showed me the wrap cover for Leading Her to Heaven.

How made of awesome is that?

The publisher and I chatted, and they gave me the option of releasing the print of Leading Her to Heaven next month, and Svetkavista in March. Typically, Tease sends books to print three months after their electronic release, but Leading is doing so well that they gave me the option of sending it a month early. I decided to go for it. So, adjust your calendars, Leading is now coming out February 15, and Svetkavista March 15.

New Year News

2008-01-01T23:50:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

I was thrilled to learn today that I have been nominated for Best Historical Author in the 2007 Rites Awards. And to make things every sweeter, Leading Her to Heaven is also nominated for Best Historical Novel.

The nominees are chosen by the reviewers, but the winners are chosen by you, my darlings. If you have a moment, stop by their Yahoo! Group and cast your vote. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RoRRChatters/polls

Have you forgotten that Leading Her to Heaven is available now in ebook through ARe? Well, not everyone has, apparently, since it was the #1 selling title for Tease Publishing in December. Don't cry in your soup, though, you can still go get your copy.

Waiting for the print version? No worries, you can have it in your hot little hands starting March 15th.

Happy New Year,

Kayleigh

A Great Review for A Scandalous Arrangement

2007-12-19T15:14:00.000-05:00

Jennifer from CK2S loved "A Scandalous Arrangement," available now in A Rose Of Any Colour, Book 2: Maledom, from Freya's Bower.

" Kayleigh Jamison is one of those writers who, if her name is listed as the author I know I want the book. No question about it. With A Scandalous Arrangement, she delivers what her fans have come to expect – a sexy and spirited tale roiling with numerous emotions, not the least of which is unbridled love and passion."

Read the entire review, and buy the book!

Leading Her to Heaven Available Now!

2007-12-15T19:19:00.000-05:00

LEADING HER TO HEAVEN

Kayleigh Jamison

Tease Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-934678-44-2 (electronic)

ISBN: 978-1-934678-45-9 (print)

www.teasepublishingllc.com

www.kayleighjamison.com

http://allromanceebooks.com/product-leadinghertoheaven-5588-144.html

-Emma Wildes, #1 bestselling author and 2007 Eppie winner

"This book is a hot and exciting ride!" -Regina, Coffee Time Romance, 5 Cups

"Kayleigh Jamison takes the reader back in time for a fun-filled action adventure…" -Angelica, Erotic Escapades, 4 Stars

"...Leading Her To Heaven is sensual, well written, and as a historical romance, one of the best books I have read in a long time." -Talia, Joyfully Reviewed

"Page after page gripped my imagination, and vivid scenes opened up in my minds eye. EXCELLENT!" -Cranberry Kisses, Cocktail Review, 4 Flutes

“I absolutely loved it!” -Brenda, TRS, 5 Hearts

“Exciting action and thrilling suspense joins with the passion of romance to make LEADING HER TO HEAVEN a book a highly recommend.” -Anita, Romance Junkies, 4 Blue Ribbons

http://allromanceebooks.com/product-leadinghertoheaven-5588-144.html

Sighs...

2007-12-12T00:16:00.000-05:00

This is the e-pub/small press community:

This is the e-pub/small press community off its meds:

And I'm not kidding. The wtfery levels are downright toxic at the moment. Check out Karen Scott's blog to fill yourself in.

2007-12-09T11:49:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, Katrina Strauss!

Not only is Katrina one of my closest friends and a strong influence on my own writing, she's an amazing author in her own right.

Uh-oh, weren't you aware it was her birthday? No? Don't have a present? Well, here's a thought: Buy a present for yourself!

Katrina's dark, epic trilogy The Eldritch Legacy is a must-have for any romance fan. Pick them up here, and enjoy! Also be sure to keep an eye out for Katrina's new yaoi series, Blue Ruin, coming next year from Loose ID.

Chat Tonight!

2007-12-08T18:19:00.001-05:00

Talk to Tease Authors Saturday Dec 8th

at 8pm EST at www.allromanceebooks.com

Be there or be square! LOL
But seriously you never know what you might win!

"A rare glimpse of an insular culture..."

2007-12-06T12:07:00.000-05:00

From Yahoo! News:

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - A dispute between two Gypsy clans over control of the fortunetelling trade in this Southern California city has spilled into court, offering a rare glimpse of an insular culture that has long settled scores according to its own Old World rules of honor.
The turf war in well-to-do Orange County has unfolded like a gangster movie, with allegations of death threats, a graveside scuffle, and nicknames like "White Bob" and "Black Bob" — details revealed in a police report and requests for restraining orders.

"The older Gypsies are pulling out their hair, not wanting the courts in our business because they'll find out too much about us," said Tom Merino, who is distantly related to one of the clans but has spurned his heritage. "Ignorance is the Gypsies' weapon against the outside world."

The Stevens and Merino clans, like other Gypsy families, have run numerous fortunetelling businesses in Southern California for decades.

The trouble started two years ago when Edward Merino and his wife, Sonia, opened fortunetelling parlors in two trendy resort sections of Newport Beach, not far from where the Stevenses did business.

Members of the Stevens clan promptly broke in, stole a credit card machine and threatened to kill the Merinos if they didn't shut the places down, the Merinos claim in court papers. Since then, the bad blood has only gotten worse.

The Stevenses "are very territorial," Merino attorney Tom Quinn said. "This is crazy stuff."

At the root of the conflict lies a delicate system of intermarriage and social customs that has defused tensions among Gypsy clans for generations, said Anne Sutherland, a University of California, Riverside anthropologist who has studied Gypsies.

Gypsies trace their origins to India more than 1,000 years ago. They migrated to Europe in the 1300s. For centuries, Gypsies were enslaved and persecuted in Europe, where they were scorned as nomadic thieves and con artists skilled primarily at palm reading.

Gypsies — also known as Romany — began arriving in the U.S. from Romania toward the end of the 19th century. Experts believe there are now about 1 million in America, one-fifth of them in California, where they dominate the fortunetelling and psychic shops in funky beach communities and other neighborhoods.

The Stevens and Merino clans adopted an Old World custom of uniting families through marriage to cope with intense competition, much as European nobility once did to avert war. A Merino married the Stevens patriarch, George Stevens.

But the family bond did not prevent tensions from flaring when, the Merinos say, the Stevenses demanded they pay $500,000 up front and $5,000 a week to open their fortunetelling businesses in the Stevenses' back yard. The Merinos refused to pay, and went ahead and opened their parlors. The alleged break-in soon followed.

Gypsies have traditionally resolved disputes in front of a secret council of elders that can impose fines, make territorial decisions or order someone shunned. They don't like to involve non-Gypsies, who are considered impure.

The Merinos, though, went to court after the alleged break-in and obtained a restraining order in 2006 requiring George Stevens to stay a safe distance away.

That the dispute wound up in court reflects an erosion of tradition among the Gypsies, said Ian Hancock, an expert on Gypsy language and culture at the University of Texas.

"It used to be that the Romany world was absolutely insulated from the outside world," said Hancock, a Gypsy himself. "But it's very hard to resist the pressures of MTV, and people are beginning to see alternatives."

He cited cases in which Gypsy women in Houston hired lawyers to get their ex-husbands to pay child support — something previously unheard of.

Things were calm for months until the Stevens patriarch died of a heart attack at age 53 last May. Edward "Davie" Merino showed up at the funeral, pulling up at the cemetery in a limo with what was described as a menacingly burly chauffeur.
Merino says members of the Stevens clan attacked him and screamed, "We will make your life a living hell!" But the Stevenses claim that Merino flashed a gun and threatened to "come back and kill all of you." Both sides agree that before speeding off, Merino shouted that he wanted to make sure "the mother-(expletive) was dead."
Merino declined repeated requests for an interview through his attorney and calls to his home were not returned.
After the scrap, someone left ominous phone messages and threatened to kill Sonia Merino and the couple's children, ages 9 and 11, Edward Merino claimed in court papers.
Edward Merino filed for restraining orders against four Stevens men and two Stevens women. Over the summer, a judge granted such an order against just one person, the new Stevens patriarch, Ted Stevens.
Stevens' nephew, the only Gypsy directly involved in the feud who spoke to The Associated Press, said the Merinos concocted the allegations and are using the courts to try to drive their rivals out of Newport Beach.
"They beat themselves up and then they testify that we hired people to come to their house and beat them up," said Steve Stevens, who goes by the nickname "White Bob" to distinguish him from his swarthier cousin, "Black Bob."
Stevens, who owns two fortunetelling parlors and a deli, added: "I feel like they've made me out like a character on `The Sopranos.' I'm a businessman. I'm a family man. That's all I am."

It's true, that the Rom are a very secretive culture; it's what made research for my novel Svetkavista so difficult. If you're curious about what's so interesting, check out the book!

Accusations of Plagiarism Against Well-Known Ebook Author

2007-12-01T17:51:00.000-05:00

Several days ago, a fanfiction author named Amanda posted on reviewer Elisa Rolle's LiveJournal that JJ Massa's book, The Edge, is a plagiarized version of her fanfiction piece, Another Time, Another Place.

Rites of Romance owner Ash Arceneaux was the first to blog the news, and within the last few days more allegations have surfaced regarding Massa borrowing work from other fanfiction authors and even New York Times Bestseller Christine Feehan. Amanda has also posted on Ash's blog.

I may get myself in trouble for this one, but...I have read and compared the fanfiction with Ms. Massa's book. I have spoken with Amanda, the fanfic author. At this point, I believe her. If it's a hoax and I'm wrong, I'll willingly eat crow. But this seems legit to me. And what personal stake do I have in this?

Other than the fact that plagiarism makes my blood boil, and I see it as something that every author should be vigilant about and fight against, nothing. It affects us all, because it could happen to any one of us. In fact, Amanda didn't even know about this until very recently. Someone read her fic and the book and has been trying to reach her for a year to let her know. It could have already happened to me, or you, without us knowing. As writers, our books are more than simple diversions - they are us. My writing is me; my heart, my soul, my blood poured out in black and white. My characters are my happiness and my joy; my sorrow and my pain. They are both a part of me and real to me. I am never more vulnerable to a person than when they are reading my work. Nora Roberts has related her experience of being plagiarized to "mind rape." Katrina Strauss, who was also plagiarized, has said the same thing.

A plagiarist is the lowest of the low. Bottom of the barrel moldy disease-infected pond scum. We as writers have a duty to police ourselves against this creative vampirism, and to stop it when we find it. To ignore it is, in a sense, to condone it.

A few bad apples spoil the bunch, as they say, and I can only hope this doesn't undermine the credibility of the small press industry as a whole. (okay, overreacting? Maybe. Maybe not.)

Not every scene in The Edge was taken from Another Time, Another Place, but some of it is word for word. Some examples are below.

JJ Massa's Book, now pulled from Linden Bay

Amanda's Star Trek AU fic

Philadelphia—the city of brotherly love. Yeah, I feel the love. Tyler winced and slung his backpack over his aching shoulder. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself off the teeming sidewalk and up the battered stairs of the old, red-bricked precinct house.

The inside foyer was even more chaotic than the busy street he'd just left. The room he found himself in was peopled with glowering teens, screaming whores, a few stumbling drunks, and a plethora of independent chemists and their staff.

Tyler dropped his backpack onto the desk letting the noise of its landing grab the attention of a surly looking officer who'd been flicking through a magazine.

"You want something?" he growled, "Just get in line."

Tyler eyed him coldly, nodding his head at the motley mass of human chaos assembled. "I'm not here to sightsee. My name's Tyler Baker."

The cop's lip curled in an outright sneer of contempt. He looked Tyler up and down rudely. "You're late. Lieu expected you a couple hours ago."

"My plane was delayed. I've only been in the city an hour," he began to explain patiently.

"Look deep into my eyes, Baker," he said scornfully. "See any give-a-shit in there?"

Tyler folded his arms across his chest. "You got a problem with me, officer?" he demanded icily.

New York, New York. So good they named it twice.

::Yeah, right::

Tom hoisted his knap-sack higher over his aching shoulder and stared with ill-disguised disgust at the crumbling red-stone exterior of the precinct house until the impatient bustling of passers-by forced him to mount the steps and walk inside.

::Shit::

The foyer was more chaotic than the street he'd left behind. The room was filled with screaming whores, sullen teens, a couple of blood-splattered drunks and someone curled up on the floor in one corner in a puddle of vomit. Tom wasn't sure whether the huddled body was a homeless guy sleeping in the station or a corpse.

At the desk a couple of burly uniforms had some crack-head pinned against the wall while a third cop performed a public strip-search.

He slammed his knap-sack down on the desk and the noise startled a bored-looking cop to belch and frown in his direction.

"What the fuck's your problem? Join the queue."

Tom curled his mouth into a sneer of derision, cocking his head mockingly at the bedlam that purported to be a 'queue'. "I'm not part of the entertainment. My name's Tom Paris."

The cop returned his sneer, sliding his eyes up and down Tom's body with obvious contempt. "You're late. The Cap'n expected you two hours ago."

"My plane got delayed. I only arrived an hour ago and I had to drop off my luggage."

"Tell it to someone who cares, Paris."

AMANDA'S STORY:

Chapter 3 excerpt:

At Chakotay's greeting, Torres straightened up, tore the blood-soiled latex glove off her right hand with a loud snap, and pushed her hair back out of her face.

MASSA'S BOOK

Chap3 Excerpt

At Paytah's greeting, Medical Examiner Lida Amanda straightened up, pulled the bloodstained latext glove off her right hand with a resonating snap, and pushed her abundant hair off of her face.

Moonlight Romance Authors

2007-11-27T13:37:00.000-05:00

There's now a new place to find me! Moonlight Romance Authors is a new blog with a nice cross section of authors from all walks of the genre. Stop on over and see what we've got to say.

The Newest Jamison

2007-11-23T21:43:00.001-05:00

Well, I went away for Thanksgiving, and returned with a new edition to the family.

Shmuckers the rat.

I know what you're thinking. A rat? Yes. Are you insane? Possibly, but hear me out.

I love any and all animals, with one significant exception. I call it the legless exception. If it moves on land and doesn't have legs, I don't like it. Snakes, worms, snakes and worms...I'm deathly afraid of them. My sister and her husband have a pet snake, a ball-nose python named Dino who is, according to them, an idiot. Two weeks ago they put a rat in his cage to feed him. When I was there for Thanksgiving, the rat was alive and well, living in the cage with the snake. In fact, at one point he was sleeping ON the snake. My sister finally started feeding it cat food so it wouldn't starve.

Yes, it's well past time for Dino to eat.
Apparently, he has done this in the past. He won't eat rats that have black or brown spots on them.

He's a racist snake.

My brother in law stated that in another day or two he'd have to take the rat outside and let it go. That or let it be eaten. Me? I couldn't stand any of those options. So this morning I went to the pet store, bought the supplies, and when I drove back home this afternoon it was with Shmuckers the rat packed up in the front seat.

The cats are quite naturally curious, but so far they're taking it in stride.

The Muse is Back!

2007-11-20T15:08:00.001-05:00

There are lots of reasons why the Muse stalls out from time to time. Writer's block, of course, which every author faces is the most commonly cited reason. More often than not for me, though, it's so-called "external factors," like law school stress, life stress, publishing stress. Those are what in turn lead to writer's block. I've had a bit of all three over the last two months or so, and because of that there's been little to no progress on Reckless Liaisons, much to my dismay.

But, I'm pleased to say, the Muse is back. Some of the external stress factors have been resolved, and the ideas are back. I haven't actually written anything yet, but Sebastian is rattling his cage in my mind, bombarding me with what he wants me to let him do.

To get back into the flow of the manuscript, I've been reading back over the chapters I wrote. And, forgive my moment of arrogance/self-confidence:

This book is good.

Really. Aside from an apparent love affair with adverbs in chapter 2, I keep impressing myself with both the story and the writing. Ideas spark from the oddest things. It could be the flash of an image in a movie (which led to Svetkavista), a dream with a bit of dialog and a snippet of a scene (Leading Her to Heaven), a what if question (Unspeakable). Reckless Liaisons started with one line: Sebastian never expected to see an unconscious woman slung across a horse running through his garden. It evolved, became something a bit more sophisticated, but the premise stands. And thus we meet our hero, and our story begins to take shape.

Here's an excerpt from Reckless Liaisons. Enjoy, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Sebastian Cade had seen many things in his two and thirty years. A massive black stallion trotting across the gardens of his estate with an unconscious figure slung across its back was not something he’d ever expected to witness.

Sitting behind the large oak desk in his study, sipping brandy and attempting to chase away the headache that had formed after a seemingly endless day of reviewing accounts and answering correspondence, he had glanced up at the rush of movement in his peripheral vision, highlighted by the light pouring from the kitchen on the opposite side of the manor. He shook his head and looked a second time, expecting the strange vision to have disappeared. But no, there it was again; the horse slowed, lowering his head, and began to nibble with enthusiasm on the perfectly manicured bushes hedging the northernmost garden path. The rider, who had been slumped against the animal’s wide neck, slid forward at the loss of support and toppled, face first, unceremoniously to the ground. Though dressed as a man, he deduced the rider was female from the tangled mass of long black hair, blended almost seamlessly with the nighttime darkness. Her mount seemed unconcerned – after a brief shake of its head in her direction, he returned to his grazing.

“Bloody hell,” Sebastian muttered, rising to his feet and moving to the door of his study. He supposed the situation required investigation. He was exhausted, and in a rather foul mood after seeing how much money his younger brother had spent on gambling last month, but he couldn’t very well leave a comatose girl sprawled in the midst of his roses.

“Milord.” One of the maids met him in the hall. She was new, had only been in his employ a week, and he had yet to learn her name. “Yer not going to believe this,” she said.

“There’s a girl in my garden.”

“Aye, milord. Did ye see ‘er too, then? I’d stepped out o’ the kitchen t’ fetch some wood an’ there she was. We couldn’t find William, so Mrs. Holland said to fetch ye post haste.”

“Tell Mrs. Holland not to fret, I’m going to investigate.”

“She also said to tell ye to be careful, Yer Grace.” The young girl handed him her lantern with a coy smile.

He grinned in spite of himself, rubbed a hand across his face, and took the lantern. His scar throbbed, as it often did when he was frustrated. “Do tell Mrs. Holland that I can take care of a small slip of a girl perfectly fine, especially one that is unconscious.” The older woman who served as his head of household had been his nurse maid as a child, and was the closest he’d had to a mother growing up, his own having died giving birth to Sebastian’s brother. She’d been wildly protective of him in his youth and little had changed now about her opinion of his ability to care for himself.

With a final nod to the serving girl, he turned and headed for the back door of the manor, then out into the gardens and towards the crumpled heap that was barely visible in the milky blackness. The large black stallion lifted its head and snorted at his approach. It was an impressive animal – ridiculously large for such a small girl, clearly bred for racing. He’d have it cared for, as soon as he saw to its rider.

“Well,” Sebastian murmured, crouching down to brush thick black hair from the girl’s – no, woman’s – face, “this makes things interesting.”

She was indeed a woman, he realized as he set down the lantern. Gripping her shoulders, he gently turned her onto her back and a pair of deliciously full breasts swayed into view beneath the torn fragments of her shirt, snared by the rose bush’s thorns. The rest of her figure was slender and girlish but the swell of enticing porcelain flesh which rose and fell with each ragged unsteady breath proved his damsel in distress was certainly not a child. Her clothing was crude, simple tan breeches and the now soiled, torn shirt, but on her feet were dainty women’s slippers embroidered with green and gold. It was almost humorous and had the circumstances been different he surely would have laughed. Her skin was pale and flawless, not the tone or texture of a servant or peasant girl. What the devil was a woman such as her doing face down in his garden dressed as a stable hand, let alone riding unaccompanied across the English countryside?

His eyes came to rest on her face, tilted to the side and resting against one slender shoulder. Fine, sculpted brows arched above eyes protected by lashes so long and full they brushed the apples of her cheeks in a graceful fan. He wondered what color her eyes were, and hoped, irrationally, they would be blue. High cheekbones and a tiny button nose gave way to a full pouty mouth and small chin which lent her face a heart-like shape. Turning her chin, he surveyed the left side of her face, and discovered the source of her unconsciousness. A vivid, purple bruise marred her pale skin, just above her left temple, and a jagged cut had leaked blood down her cheek, now crusted to a dull brown.

Skimming his hands along her form, Sebastian performed a cursory check for broken bones and was relieved to find none. He stood and lifted her into his arms, surprised at how light she felt cradled against his chest.

Mrs. Holland waited for him at the door, worrying her bottom lip and wringing her hands together.

“I need water and bandages,” he ordered. “And clothes. I believe my sister has some night gowns in her old room. Someone locate my wayward valet and have him tend to the horse.”

“Shall I send for the doctor, your Grace?”

“Not yet.” With a shake of his head he started for the back staircase. “Help me tend to the wound, and then we’ll decide how bad it is.”

“Who is she?”

Sebastian paused and again shook his head, glancing down at the bundle in his arms. In the warm light of the kitchen she looked even more beautiful than his initial assessment had deduced, lips slightly parted, the ugly mess on the left side of her face the only indication something was out of sorts. Her chest rose and fell in a gentle rhythm, drawing his attention lower, back to her breasts once more. An angel? He bit back a laugh. Where had such an absurd thought come from? It reminded him of the things he’d once said to… Don’t. “I’ve no idea.”

Thursday Thirteen

2007-11-15T09:35:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Reasons to Buy Svetkavista

1. Remember the scene from that otherwise awful mutilation of a film, The Queen of the Damned, wherein Stuart Townsend as Lestat plays the violin with a pair of gypsies on the beach? Brishen's character was inspired by that one little, memorable, scene.

2. Learn about a new culture. The Rom, more commonly known as gypsies, are complex, fascinating people. Find out why they're not what you think.

3. Like historicals but tired of Regencies and Scottish heros? (You better not be!) Explore something a little different! Set in 1760's Hungary, Svetkavista offers all the fun of an historical novel with none of the cliches.

4. Do you like music? Of course you do. Svetkavista is filled with it, the soulful sounds of the gypsy violin woven through the pages in a way that will make you want to rush to iTunes and buy yourself some Bartok. Which you should do anyway.

5. Kelly from AORAOG reviews called Svetkavista "sensuous, heartfelt, and truly beautiful...one of the best romance reads of the year" in 2006. Julianna from TwoLips "couldn't stop reading it and really didn't want it to end." Caro from Coffee Time Romance calls it "absolutely stunning." Cathie at Euro Reviews found it "extraodrinary" and "unique." Find out why. Do you really want to miss out on that?

6. Learn how to curse like a gypsy. They do it better than sailors.

7. Discover the book that put Kayleigh on the map. Initially published in July 2006, Svetkavista is Kayleigh's first published full-length novel. The buzz was immediate. Hop on the bandwagon and say you knew Kayleigh way back when.

8. Show your support for the new publisher everyone is talking about. You've heard about Tease Publishing, the new, women-run, exclusive publisher that is already developing a name for itself with its quality books, gorgeous covers, and creative marketing strategy. Show your support and satisfy your curiosity.

9. #1 Bestselling author and 2007 EPPIE winner Emma Wildes loved it. You love Emma. Therefore, you will love it too.

10. It's a KJ book. So you know it's gonna get hot.

11. Do you like coffee? How about coffee on the go? Keep your eyes peeled here for how to get your own FREE travel mug, just by answering a question or two.

12. Anyone who emails Kayleigh their receipt of purchase (kayleigh.jamison@gmail.com) by November 30th will receive a press packet from me filled with fun goodies.

13. The first 25 people to email (kayleigh.jamison@gmail.com) their receipts of purchase will be entered into a drawing to win a signed copy of Svetkavista in print when it is released February 15th of next year.

http://allromanceebooks.com/product-svetkavista-5215-144.html

Svetkavista Now Available!

2007-11-14T22:46:00.001-05:00

SVETKAVISTA

Kayleigh Jamison

Tease Publishing

ISBN: 987-1-934678-42-8

Ebook: http://allromanceebooks.com/product-svetkavista-5215-144.html

Print: Coming February 15, 2008

She seeks comfort in the arms of her dearest friend and mentor, who shows her that love and lust rarely confine themselves to the ill-conceived notions of normalcy.

If you are looking for a lyrical voice, superb characters that draw you in, and fascinating out of the ordinary historical adventure with an erotic twist, I cannot recommend Kayleigh Jamison enough.
-Emma Wildes, #1 bestselling author and 2007 Eppie winner

Ms. Jamison has penned an absolutely stunning and adventure tale that drew me in from page one, to the point that I forgot everything but the story unfolding before me.
-Caro, Coffee Time Romance, 5 cups

Svetkavista…is a wonderful novel of love and revenge…grabbed me at the start and wouldn’t let go.”
-Amelia, Joyfully Reviewed

…a riveting story; I couldn’t stop reading it and really didn’t want it to end.
-Julianne, TwoLips Reviews, 4 stars

Wow, just one extraordinary, unique story!
-Cathie, Euro Reviews, 5 stars

http://www.kayleighjamison.com

An Excerpt From Svetkavista

2007-11-14T22:09:00.000-05:00

The night air was damp and cool on her bare arms as she approached the flickering light of the bonfire, a distant beacon lighting her way across the field. A gentle breeze was blowing off the waters of the Tisza, its banks hidden just beyond the swell of small hills at her back. Her feet sank into the moist, soft mud as she gingerly picked her way through the meadow, the ground swamp-like from the foul weather that had lingered for the better part of the week. It had rained throughout the day without reprieve, upsetting the horses and making travel both difficult and exhausting, but Karina was not too tired to engage in her nightly ritual. She paused in her trek to readjust the threadbare wool shawl she had casually looped through her elbows, pulling the material up over her shoulders to guard against the chill. The garment was old and ragged, but not out of place when paired with the rest of her outfit; the entirety of her meager wardrobe consisted of clothes donated, crafted, or stolen from piles of trash left in the streets of the various settlements through which they traveled.

She was Romani, a gypsy, like her mother, and her mother’s mother before her. Her family wandered the land, living outside of society, on the fringe. Some called them vagabonds and vagrants, others called them thieves and heathens, but they were none of these things. They simply…were. Their way of life was misunderstood, their values misconstrued. The nomadic people were viewed with distrust and distain all across Eastern Europe, and lately the movement to convert or enslave them had increased in popularity.

The noose was tightening around Rom across the Kingdom of Hungary. New laws had been enacted by Empress Maria Theresa, requiring all Rom children over the age of five to be removed from their parents’ care and taken to be raised by peasants in the distant, remote villages of the countryside. They were then being forced into the Christian faith, with the relentless diligence of religious dogmatism. Rom were also forbidden to marry amongst each other, and their nomadic way of life was summarily outlawed, though they were not allowed to purchase land, and they were not permitted to own horses. Because of this, the Rom were on the run, avoiding large cities such as Pressburg and Fahlendorf, left with no option but to hide in the hills and the mountains. They were a stubborn people, and would not bend to the will of a sovereign they did not recognize as their own. The Empress, far away in Habsburg, could not impose her will on people she could not find, and political instability with the remaining Turks in Transylvania had required her to dispatch most of the Kingdom’s military forces to control border skirmishes. There was simply not enough manpower to chase the Rom.

Karina’s family was comprised of Argintari—silversmiths by trade. According to tradition, and law, she was expected to marry Argintari, and raise her children to be the same, if she ever married at all. But Karina’s dream was to be Lăutari. She would wait until mashkari rat, long after her family was asleep, and she would sneak across the camp to where the Lăutari stayed up until the early light of dawn, laughing and playing the lavúta, the flyèta, and the tambal. And then Karina would dance, twirling in frantic circles, skirts flaring, bracelets clinking until she was breathless and giggling.

Karina’s father despised the Lăutari. Music was an important part of Rom life, but he viewed the musicians and dancers as lower-class, without any useful, material skills. They were fanciful, frivolous, and at times downright promiscuous. Tales were reaching Hungary that in Russia the nobility were using Rom to form private choirs, which they would display at parties and society events. There were even rumors that such practices were now being adopted in Pressburg. The Lăutari who received special privileges from the Hungarian nobles were thought of as traitors. It was considered worse than being common slaves, to be mere entertainment for outsiders; it was considered, by most, a fate worse than death.

Not so for Karina. Her father called her impractical and foolish, but the Lăutari with whom she spoke in secret called her gifted. She would hum and sing to herself when she was alone, repeating the melodies she’d heard the night before, and would feel her hips start to sway instinctively. It was as if the music overcame her when she danced. She no longer thought, or worried, about anything. She let the song wash over her, closed her eyes, and gave in to the rhythm.

Karina did not have the look of a traditional Roma. Her dark blonde hair and pale skin were evidence that at least one of her ancestors had been gajè, non-Roma. Her sisters used to tell her that her eyes were too close together, her nose too aquiline, and her lips too thin—they said she looked like a hawk that had caught a sick mouse for its meal. Neither her two sisters, nor her brother, all younger than she, shared her gajè characteristics, and they had teased her about it their entire lives. It was a forbidden subject in the presence of her parents, and the one time Karina had broached the topic with her father he’d told her that God had not chosen to be kind to her, in more ways than one. The answer had frightened her so deeply that she’d never asked again.

The music drifted to her across the plain as she drew closer to her destination; the delicate clink of the bells within the tambal, and the deep, sonorous melody of the lavùta. Brishen had the violin tonight, she could tell even from this distance—no one else played quite like him. His flesh seemed to meld with the black, polished fingerboard, to fuse with the catgut strings stretched taut across the bridge. The instrument was an extension of his body—wood of his flesh, of his blood. When he played, he owned the music; he was the music.

The other musicians called him an angel. Karina thought he was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen when he was playing. When he wasn’t, well, that was another matter. Though Karina did not have much interaction with him other than to dance to his music, she’d heard the stories of his arrogance, his insolence, and his frightful temper. He was the epitome of the Lăutari stereotype. In fact, he was precisely the reason her father forbade her from associating with the musicians and dancers of their tribe.

Sometimes, she thought she saw Brishen watching her through slitted eyes as he played. Often, she was certain that she could feel his eyes on her back as she danced or moved about the camp. But each time she turned to face him, his attention was elsewhere.

Finally, she reached the small clearing where a bonfire had been set, the wet grass pressed down by the trample of horses and boots to create a circular stage. Wooden crates had been unloaded from the wagons and placed on the ground as makeshift chairs. Brishen stood atop one of them, violin tucked under his chin, eyes closed, lips slightly parted, body swaying to the rhythm of his song. His shoulder-length hair, rich brown in color, was tied loosely at the nape of his neck with a slip of twine. He had a strong, masculine jaw, angular cheekbones, and a light brown complexion that had been dramatically darkened by the sun’s rays. He was tall and broad-shouldered—larger in stature than most of the other Lăutari men in the tribe—but the violin suited him perfectly, nonetheless.

It was a traditional gypsy dirge that he played, one normally accompanied by a female voice, but no one dared sing. Not when Brishen was playing. The melody began slow, the horse-tail bow drawing across the G and D strings in a leisurely glissando that transitioned into a grating, dissonant chord. He held the notes, drawing them out, tormenting his audience with the unsavory sound before sliding his ring finger up a half-step, reconciling the note with harmony once more. Karina swore she saw him smirk, but his eyes never opened; his expression never changed.

Without warning, the mournful tone disappeared as Brishen’s tempo increased. He played faster with each passing bar until all traces of the mulengi djilia had disappeared, transforming into a fast-paced cante jondo. His fingers danced across the strings, his right arm a blur as he moved the bow in frenzied, staccato strokes. Several members of the informal audience began to clap in time. A few were inspired to stand and dance.

Karina caught sight of her friend, Papusza, on the other side of the clearing, and picked her way through the crowd. Papusza was two years older than Karina, and had been married for nearly ten years before her husband was killed by the Hungarian militia, several months ago. He had resisted them when they’d tried to take away his son. His body had been hung from the gallows in Pressburg as a warning to other Rom, and Papusza’s son was taken anyway.

“Karina, we weren’t certain we’d see you tonight,” Papusza commented, approaching her with a grin. She embraced the younger girl with one arm, and offered up a flask of liquor with the other.

“But we’re glad for it,” one of the older men interjected from his crate, not far away. “Papusza’s dancing isn’t half as entertaining as yers.”

“And your singing, Uncle, is about the worst thing I’ve ever heard!” the tiny woman shot back, but she was still smiling, and so was her tormentor. Her name meant “doll” in Romany, and it suited her perfectly. She had long, raven-colored hair that framed her face in tight corkscrew curls, offsetting full, red lips that reminded Karina of a heart when she pursed them together.

Karina smiled broadly and accepted the proffered flask, taking a tentative swig of the rich, brown liquid before passing it to Papusza’s uncle, Vesh.

“How long have ye been associating with us, shebari, and ye still can’t hold yer liquor?” he grunted, downing a considerable portion.

“If Dat suspects I’ve been to see you, Kako, he’ll have my head,” she explained, shaking her head at his offer of a second draught.

“Li' ha' eer, Karina, we need to find you a husband so that you won’t have to be so frightened of your father anymore!” Papusza exclaimed, earning a sharp glance of reprieval from her uncle. A woman had no place saying such things, certainly not in mixed company.

Karina blushed and dropped her gaze. Papusza was constantly talking about arranging a suitable marriage for her, and the subject was a sore one.

Much to her family’s dismay, Karina was čhaj, unmarried, despite her age. Her younger sisters had married at twelve and thirteen, and her brother took a wife at fifteen. She was now twenty-three, and still under her parents’ care. None of the young Argintari men of her tribe had ever expressed an interest in her hand, and her father had not, to her knowledge, done much in the way of finding her a husband either. Her family blamed her misfortune on prikàza, a form of karmic backlash. Cosmic bad luck. But, in many ways, her unmarried status was fortunate. It kept her safe from the harsh legislation of the Empress.

“Dosta!” Vesh said, raising his hands firmly above his head. “Leave her alone, Papusza, and let her dance. She doesn’t come here for yer scheming.”

The two women smiled at each other, and Karina nodded her head slightly in the direction of the fire, where several women were already dancing, the gold and silver of their jewelry flashing in the reflective light of the flames.

The music’s frenetic pace began to subside; the song winding down, growing softer, fading to a piano, then to a pianissimo, and then…to nothing. Brishen froze, eyes closed, bow poised in midair, fingers curled around the neck of the violin. The crowd paused also, turning to acknowledge him, waiting anxiously for his next song. The performer seemed to savor the temporary silence before lowering the instrument to his side, cradling it under his arm. Then he raised his bow and pointed it directly at Karina, singling her out amongst the dozen or so women that watched him.

“Bring me the rakia!” he bellowed, and his voice was deep and melodious, much like the sound of his violin.

For a moment she simply gaped at him; in part because he’d singled her out, and in part because to give orders to a woman not your daughter or wife was just not permitted.

“Here,” Papusza said, pressing the flask of brandy into her hand and giving her a nudge on the shoulder with the other.

“No, Papusza!” she hissed, digging her heels into the mud.

“Just take him the drink, girl,” an anonymous voice yelled. “Or else we’ll not hear another song tonight!”

Karina bit her lip, drawing blood, and closed her fingers around the neck of the flask, shooting her friend a dismayed look before stepping forward. She kept her gaze lowered, studying the ground, and stopped in front of the crate upon which Brishen stood. She raised the flask above her head, waiting for him to take it from her.

Strong fingers closed over her hand and she looked up, startled at the brazenness. Brishen bent down and brought his face close to hers.

“Chindilan?” he asked softly. Are you weary?

She shook her head slightly and mumbled, “No.”

“Then dance for me.” He winked and raised the flask to his lips. “And I’ll play for you.”

“I’ll dance,” she said curtly, suddenly angered by his arrogance.

“For me?” he pressed.

“No, it won’t be for you.”

“I think it will be,” he replied with a grin, before straightening and tossing the flask of liquor into the crowd.

Reader Feedback

2007-11-09T23:20:00.001-05:00

In the last week I've heard from three different readers personally telling me how much they have enjoyed "A Scandalous Arrangement," and my other work. This makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I know some authors are too busy to respond to comments or don't care what readers think. I am not one such author.

I love hearing from readers because ~~I am an attention whore~~ I like knowing that I have some. As a general rule, we authors have large, fragile egos. I try to give other authors feedback when I have enjoyed their work, since I know how important it is to me.

So, next time you read a book and you like it (one of mine, perhaps? ;)) drop the author a note and tell them so! We don't bite, and you will probably make his or her day.

Thursday Thirteen

2007-11-08T00:51:00.000-05:00

Kayleigh's 13 Biggest Pet Peeves

Yes, I admit I'm in a crappy mood. So this is going to be a passive aggressive bitching Thursday Thirteen. Deal.

1. Ignorance

2. Immaturity

3. People who can't voice their opinions

4. People who complain constantly about a situation and then, when given an opportunity to voice their distaste to the very object of their suffering, back down. Goes to #3.

5. Dishonesty. Goes to #3 and 4 as well.

6. Bad table manners.

7. Clueless drivers.

8. Tom Cruise. I didn't like him before he went off his rocker, and I sure as hell don't now.

9. Divas. You know the ones.

10. When people stand over my shoulder. Or, when someone stands in the doorway watching television rather than just sitting down on the sofa.

11. People who have personal, intimate conversations on their cell phones in public. I'm really sorry you were abused as a child, random lady, but I don't see why I've got to hear about. (Yes, when I worked retail I actually heard that one - twice)

12. Passive Aggressive behavior. Except, of course, when I do it. Then it's fine.

13. People who drive the wrong way down one-way lanes in the grocery store parking lot. Seriously, there are big ass arrows telling you which way to go. How hard can it be?

4 Champagne Flutes for "A Scandalous Arrangement"

2007-11-07T14:48:00.000-05:00

Cocktail Reviews had a chance to check out A Rose Of Any Colour Book Two and Lovely Butterfly gave "A Scandalous Arrangement" 4 Flutes!

Anna has been sent to work for a madam. Given the new name of Rose, she is thrust into a whole new way of life. Lily, another girl, has been instructed to get Rose prepared for her first night. An amusing exchange about the removal of pubic hair and the fact that two women could pleasure one another made me smile, for Rose is shocked by Lily’s blasé approach to what she does for a living, and Lily obviously doesn’t see what she does as anything but normal. Hilarious.

Rose is put on display for the gentlemen that visit Madame’s establishment. Uncomfortable and out of her depth, Rose is surprised when one of society’s prominent males, Vere Fane, selects her. He ‘purchases’ her, and Rose is sent to his home, where she is to become his submissive. Though shocked by this turn of events, events out of her control, Rose learns that her predicament isn’t quite as alarming as she first thought. That feelings and emotions that she has kept hidden are encouraged to run free. At last, Rose is able to be the real Rose.

I enjoyed A Scandalous Arrangement because it shows the character arc of Rose very well, that she literally blooms from a bud into a beautiful flower.

From the Desk of Mr. Darcy

2007-11-07T08:41:00.000-05:00

"Bitches. This world is full of them. Unrepentant bitches I tolerate, indeed respect. But protesting bitches - those who deny their nature, I find repugnant."

Happy Halloween and Some Announcements!

2007-10-31T18:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween! My favorite day of the year, in my favorite month of the year, in my favorite season of the year (though here in Florida it's little different from my least favorite season, summer). Unfortunately, I am sick today and unable to enjoy Samhain in all its glory, but I do plan to watch a few scary movies and enjoy the fact that it's Halloween!

On the announcements front:

As you've seen, "A Scandalous Arrangement," a BDSM Regency short is now available in Freya's Bower's A Rose Of Any Colour anthology. I wrote this piece in a mad whirlwind of musely inspiration. The hero, Vere Fane, literally kept me up for three days straight writing his tale. He's very demanding, as you may have guessed, and at the moment he demands you buy his book. Oh, but don't let that be your only motivation, dearies: the fabulous Katrina Strauss also has a story in the book, "Efflorescence." Set in the 1920s, Katrina's tale explores the friendship of a young model and a Russian painter, with a special guest appearance by Anais Nin. It's an excellent story, and for those of you familiar with Katrina's Eldritch Legacy, it shows a softer side to her writing that is no less effective.

Aphrodite's Apples Press has unveiled its new website. To celebrate, all titles are currently 10% off.

And if you really want to scare the pants off yourself this Halloween, then I highly recommend Adra Steia's Swamp Baby. Zombies, cannibalistic swamp-dwelling freaks, and one seriously pissed off spirit, this book creeped the bejesus out of me, and I do not creep easily.

On to more me-centric things...

Svetkavista's 2nd edition will be releasing in electronic format November 15th, that's just two weeks away! Print release is scheduled for February 15th; more info on print as it gets closer. Yes, there will be contests.

Svetkavista's new cover is up for the November New Covey award. Please do get your ass over there some time in November and vote! Stella Price deserves a win for this one!

Leading Her to Heaven 2nd edition will be releasing in electronic format December 15th, and March 15th in print. The new cover is to die for. Again, contests. Many.

For those of you on the lookout for press packs. Yes, I have them. Yes, they're awesome! Wanna know how to get one? Well, here's the first way:

Stella Price will be at the Small Press Expo in NYC December 1st and 2nd. She will have some of my press packs in her hot little hands. T-shirts and coffee mugs are first come first serve, but it's in your best interest to hot foot it on over and pick one up. Why? Because inside one random coffee mug, along with the other press pack materials, is a special hidden prize. I can't tell you what it is, then it wouldn't be special or hidden. But free, signed print books and jewelry are involved.

If you can't make it to the expo, or you don't find Ms. Stella in time, never fear. After each release over the next few months I will offer to mail you your very own goodies first come, first serve. More details on that to come later.

I think that's all for now. Boy, this sounds like a newsletter. Time to take my sniffling self off to the couch and watch some horror movies.

-KJ

Now Available! A Rose of Any Colour Book 2

2007-10-30T08:47:00.000-05:00

Featuring "A Scandalous Arrangement" by Kayleigh Jamison

A well-bred lady and a rakish earl escape the ton and shed their inhibitions in A Scandalous Arrangement...

Sold into the service of a brothel madame to satisfy her brother's gambling debts, Lady Anna Boscawen finds herself catapulted into the scandalous, seedy underbelly of the ton when she is given a new name and her virginity is auctioned off to the highest bidder. Vere Fane, Earl of Westmorland is rich, powerful, and devilishly handsome, known throughout society for his carnal inclination and the pleasure and pain he inflicts upon the women he alternately ravages and worships. Bound together by unusual circumstances, Vere leads Anna through a whirlwind of emotions, teaching her to find the ultimate freedom - in submission.

Excerpt:

Anna heard the riding crop cut through the air a moment before the blow landed on the small of her back. Another struck her, this time lower, followed by a flurry of strikes to her buttocks and the soles of her feet. Her eyes filled with tears and she cried out; the pain radiated outwards from her abused flesh and warmed her skin.

"Why?" she shrieked, the harsh surface of the rope cutting into her wrists as she attempted to twist out of his reach.

"Why?" Vere repeated, slightly out of breath from the exertion.

"I did what you asked, milord!"

"You did," he confirmed as the crop landed with another thwack, "you did very well."

"Then I don't understand!" The tears ran freely now, cooling her flushed cheeks and splashing onto her breasts, her breathing erratic and labored.

"Your job here is what?" he asked patiently, circling around to face her. He removed his shirt and she took in the sight of his strong, muscled arms, the crafted perfection of his chest. Even bound and at his complete mercy, she found him heartbreakingly attractive. The tongue of the crop touched her chin and lifted her head, forcing her to meet his gaze. He traced her jaw with the slip of leather, but paused to brush a strand of hair from her eyes.

"To obey you, milord," she whispered.

"Yes, and what else?"

"To please you, milord."

"Precisely. And it pleases me to see you this way, sweet Rose." This time, the crop dipped lower over the swell of her breasts. He traced one nipple, then the other. The pebbled flesh tightened traitorously, causing her to shiver. "Does it not please you as well?"

"N-no, milord," she stammered. Liar, her heart whispered.

Vere leaned forward and murmured in her ear, "It will."

Thursday Thirteen

2007-10-25T09:21:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Horror Movies Kayleigh Loves

1. Night of the Living Dead

2. The Exorcist

3. Halloween

4. Ringu

5. Suicide Circle (aka Suicide Club)

6. Session 9

7. 28 Days Later

8. Battle Royale

9. The Abandoned

10. Friday the 13th

11. The Hamiltons

12. Rosemary's Baby

13. Infection

Things That Rock. Things That Suck Part 2.

2007-10-16T17:06:00.000-05:00

Things That Rock

1. Jane over at Dear Author posted this blog, which I found thanks to Karen Scott. I typically do not read Dear Author, because a lot of the things Jane says piss me off. (Sidebar: Opinions about Jane seem to be polarizing. My shockingly novel solution, unlike the traditional bitching and moaning about her, is to not read her blog. Imagine that.) I've noticed that a lot of authors are also lawyers, for some reason. But most aren't. Still, I believe there are several areas of the law every author should have at least a working knowledge of. One, of course, is copyright. Another is defamation.

2. I got a new cell phone, FINALLY! It's charging at the moment, but I can't wait to play.

Things That Suck

1. Loop chats. Just in general.

2. Authors who come in and promote at a loop when an author/group/publisher is featured that day. It's just rude, ya'll. Don't do it.

Things That Rock. Things That Suck.

2007-10-15T10:04:00.000-05:00

Things That Rock.

Loose Id, a well-established and respected e-publisher (and home of Katrina Strauss' Blue Ruin series) announced last week that they have bid on the contractual rights to novels tied up in Triskelion's bankruptcy proceedings. If successful, Loose Id will then release all contracts at no cost to the author. According to Treva Harte, some authors will receive offers to contract with Loose Id. If they decline, however, they will also be released with no charge.

Loose Id's intentions in bidding on the contracts are fourfold: (1) to
facilitate the unencumbered acquisition of works offered to the company by
former Triskelion authors; (2) to assist authors in securing release or
reversion of rights to their work; (3) to potentially acquire and
re-publish top flight manuscripts that match Loose Id's publishing
guidelines; and (4) to reassure authors pursuing e-publishing careers of the
sound business practices and corporate ethics of reputable e-publishers.

I applaud Loose Id for this kick ass gesture.

And for another thing that rocks, check out my new cover, for Reckless Liaisons. Adra Steia rocks, and the cover rocks. Oh, and the book rocks too. Yay.

Things That Suck.

This wanker's blog entry about how to write your own novel. Apparently genre novels are easy peasy. Apparently there are also novels that don't have a genre. Apparently all one must do to write one's own book is to read someone else's book, take notes, and emulate. I won't even bother going into why that's a pile of horse crap, since I believe my own readers to be far more intelligent than said wanker apparently does.

Sucky thing no. 2 is the unconfirmed news that Twilight Fantasies, another small and relatively new e-pub, has closed its doors. That makes...well, a bunch so far in 2007: Triskelion, Mardi Gras, Venus (or was that 2006? hell I don't know), Stardust, and at least one other I can't remember at the moment. Plus Lovestruck Books, while it is not closing, is not releasing any new books from what I've heard. This is even more reason to commend Loose Id's maneuver. E-pubs are dropping like flies. I suppose it's unsurprising, considering the ease with which they open. You know what they say about that. Whoever they are, of course. Which is an entirely different blog post all together. But for now, I have to go back to my easy as pie genre novel writing.

Thursday Thirteen

2007-10-11T08:18:00.001-05:00

Thirteen Places Kayleigh Loves to Visit

1. Edinburgh, Scotland

2. Cajamarca, Peru

3. Moscow, Russia

4. London, England

5. Barcelona, Spain

6. Bermuda

7. The Bahamas

8. Bermuda

9. Montana

10. Moab, Utah

11. New Orleans, Louisiana

12. Grand Junction, Colorado

13. Savannah, Georgia

Wedding Pictures!

2007-10-09T14:23:00.000-05:00

My sister is now happily married and she is on her honeymoon in St. Lucia. YaY!

No Thursday Thirteen This Week

2007-10-05T10:22:00.000-05:00

I'm out of town (or rather, in town, since I'm where I grew up and lived until about a year ago...hmm) for my sister's wedding, so there won't be a TT this week. I just can't get my brain to put that much effort into anything.

What I need to be doing is working on my toast. Crap. A writer, and I can't pen a simple wedding toast.

They're Here!

2007-10-03T13:44:00.001-05:00

Want one? There's a way! Stay tuned; I'm not telling just yet.

Red Rose Publishing Now an RWA Recognized Publisher!

2007-10-02T19:17:00.001-05:00

That's right, folks, Red Rose Publishing has been recognized by the RWA!

Taking a Moment to Squee

2007-10-02T10:08:00.000-05:00

"Eyes Like Yours," my contemporary paranormal short from Red Rose Publishing is still in the Top 10 Overall Bestseller list at RRP. It has been on the Bestseller list since its release on July 20th! How awesome is that!

Haven't read it? Go, go now! http://redrosepublishing.com/bookstore/product_info.php?products_id=29

Thursday Thirteen

2007-09-26T20:53:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Reality Shows That Kayleigh Secretly Loves

1. Top Chef

2. Project Runway

3. America's Next Top Model

4. Rock of Love

5. Hell's Kitchen

6. Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares (and the American version, Kitchen Nightmares)

7. I Love New York

8. Flavor of Love

9. The Real World

10. The Hills

11. Mad Mad House - it only ran that one season but I loved that show!

12. Survivor

13. The Bad Girls Club

Wednesdays Words With Mr. Darcy

2007-09-26T13:15:00.001-05:00

"I know. It's the cravat."

2007-09-25T21:34:00.000-05:00

This is pretty cool.

Contest!

2007-09-21T22:12:00.000-05:00

Indulge a wicked fantasy this Fall

A ROSE OF ANY COLOUR: MALEDOM
Stories by Kayleigh Jamison, Katrina Strauss, Emily Ryan-Davis and more
Coming soon from Freya's Bower

A well-bred lady and a rakish earl escape the ton and shed their inhibitions in A Scandalous Arrangement . A Russian painter finds his greatest inspiration in a young model, his creation shaping them both as they discover the freedom and beauty of her Efflorescence. A despairing husband puts his fears aside and rediscovers his submissive wife in Unwrapping Amy.

Let A Rose of Any Colour: Maledom authors Kayleigh Jamison, Katrina Strauss, and Emily Ryan-Davis lead you into a world of dominance, submission, intrigue and desire.

Kayleigh, Katrina and Emily want to help you Unleash your own secret yearnings by offering a chance to win a $30 gift certificate to JT's Stockroom, http://www.stockroom.com . To be entered into the drawing, e-mail the A Rose of Any Colour: Maledom authors at roseanthologies@gmail.com and include the URL to your favorite BDSM resource site.

The lucky winner will be announced October 31, 2007. If you win, what you spend it on is entirely up to your discretion - and imagination.

No purchase necessary to win. The gift certificate will be awarded electronically. Entries must be submitted from a valid e-mail address.

Thursday Thirteen

2007-09-20T09:10:00.001-05:00

The Thirteen Most Recent Books Kayleigh Read

1. Carnally Ever After, Jackie Barbosa

I was pleasantly surprised by this Regency novella. Witty, humorous, and downright sexy, it's a fantastic first effort! 4.5/5

2. The Spying Maid, Lillith Payne - 4/5

3. Whispers In the Dark, Gayle Eden - 5/5

4. An Unexpected Bride, Jennifer Lynn Hoffman - 4.5/5

5. His Unexpected Bride, Jodici Belle - 6/5!

This book freaking rocks.

6. Silk and Steel, Stella and Audra Price - 5/5

7. A Taste of Temptation, Gayle Eden - 4.5/5

8. Winter Heart, Gayle Eden - 5/5

9. His Wicked Ways, Jaide Fox - 4.5/5

10. The Fox, Gayle Eden - 4/5

11. Refuge From the Storm, Gayle Eden - 4/5

12. Traitor Moon, Emma Wildes - 5/5

13. A Most Scandalous Position, Emma Wildes - 5/5

Religious Discrimination In Central Florida Hits Close to Home

2007-09-18T16:41:00.000-05:00

While I typically reserve my "righteous bitchery" to goings on amidst the publishing world, this particular situation warrants awareness and recognition. This week news broke regarding a University of Florida student who was tasered by police during a speech by former US Presidential candidate John Kerry. This incident comes on the heels of another which occurred earlier this month in Oviedo, Florida (near Orlando). First, I suggest reading this article regarding what happened.

I learned about this from a very good friend of mine who knows the student that was arrested. The unidentified woman who complained, Karen Wong (yep, unidentified no longer, Karen Wong - put that in your pipe and smoke it), has reportedly attacked Jewish UCF students attending services in the past, shouted obscenities at them, and called the police numerous times. Now she complains that she was called anti-semitic; to which I say perhaps that's because you are. That's right, bitch, I said it. You're complaining about parking? I wonder if you have ever had a party at your house. I wonder if anyone has ever parked on the street to visit you? Hmmm?

The student arrested was not, at any time, given his Miranda rights. When the Rabbi wanted to call his attorney, the police refused the request. When the Rabbi inquired about bail, he was told that if he asked again, he too would be arrested for bribing a police officer.

The ACLU is now involved and has taken up the case on behalf of the student. I don't just hope they win. I hope they rip Seminole PD a second asshole. And for those who may criticize me for the harsh word choice, I'd like to know where diplomacy was a week ago in central Florida. The Jewish community certainly saw none.

New Regency Writers Blog

2007-09-18T09:18:00.000-05:00

Be sure to add the new Regency Writers Blog to your daily blogroll. We've got a nice collaboration of Regency writers. And if you are interested in joining the cast, drop me a line.

Thursday Thirteen

2007-09-13T09:32:00.001-05:00

Thursday Thirteen
Kayleigh's Thirteen Favorite Books

1. Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen

2. Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte

3. The Sound and the Fury, William Faulkner

4. House of Leaves, Mark Danielewski

5. Lessons Learned, Katrina Strauss

6. Hostage Moon, Emma Wildes

7. Insomnia, Stephen King

8. Lasher, Anne Rice

9. The Moonstone, Wilkie Collins

10. Great Expectations, Charles Dickens

11. Glamour, Stella and Audra Price

12. Outlander, Diana Gabaldon

13. Knight in Shining Armor, Jude Deveraux

Oh my goodness, I've neglected Mr. Darcy

2007-09-10T16:45:00.001-05:00

"I dislike being ignored, Ms. Jamison, by anyone save Miss Bennett, and even then it is difficult, as mostly I would just like to shag her."

Thursday Thirteen

2007-09-06T12:46:00.000-05:00

Kayleigh's Thirteen All Time Favorite Literary Heros

1. Heathcliffe - Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights.

2. Mr. Darcy - Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

3. Lestat de Lioncourt - Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles

4. Stefan Eldritch - Katrina Strauss' Lessons Learned

5. Robbie McCray - Emma Wildes' Hostage Moon and Wicked Moon.

6. Blair Ruthven - From my own Leading Her to Heaven (hey, can't blame a girl).

7. Hamlet.

8. Lord Bane Eldritch - Katrina Strauss' Secrets Revealed

9. Cassiel - Stella and Audra Price's Eververse Series

10. Malcom Frost - Stella and Audra Price's Eververse Series.

11. The Prince of Beauty and the Beast.

12. The Phantom - Gaston Leroux's Phantom of the Opera (and the follow up books by Susan Kay, Phantom, and Colette Gale)

13. Acheron - Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series

Thursday's Thoughts

2007-09-06T11:58:00.000-05:00

"When one chooses to be in one's cups, one must be prepared to accept the consequences of overindulgence. And whilst it is undoubtedly sexy in the eyes of your readers for your hero the Duke of Rutland to get foxed and chase after women, Ms. Jamison, it is less attractive when you do so."

Yes, Mr. Darcy is taking me to task for my rip roaring hangover. Sebastian is equally displeased, as it means I've not written a lick all day. Then again, I've only been up for an hour...

Mr. Darcy Says...

2007-09-05T18:29:00.001-05:00

"My heart is weary today. But I should not be surprised in truth, for idiocy inspires tired minds, and tired minds inspire tired hearts."

From the Desk of Mr. Darcy

2007-09-03T19:30:00.001-05:00

"I find that a stern countenance and sensitive interior always attracts the ladies. I also surround myself with foppish friends."

and:

"Sometimes one must swallow one's pride and do what one detests, to achieve what one desires."

He's feeling generous today, it seems, with the Two for Tuesday advice. I believe that last was directed at me, and my decision to join the RWA, despite my disgust at some of their practices and attitudes. But, well, how badly do I want this writer gig? Badly.

More Thoughts from Mr. Darcy

2007-09-03T11:05:00.001-05:00

Mr. Darcy says, "I find this tomfoolery...unappealing."

And now...

2007-09-02T17:22:00.001-05:00

Mr. Darcy says, "I am quite through with this jackassery."

Nora Roberts, I would have your babies

2007-08-31T13:30:00.000-05:00

Seriously, I would.

Having been called the most confrontational person ever on a number of occasions, I can't deny the allegation that I enjoy controversy. It's the spice of life, after all. It keeps things interesting, and gives me something to write and think about, not to mention ideas for my writing. So yes, I have found the drama of this past week abundantly entertaining. I won't claim otherwise.

Perhaps my favorite part of this week has been interacting with other authors I don't normally encounter. Nora Roberts has been weighing in regularly on the MGP issue, and offering what I consider to be very good advice to new and aspiring authors. I don't read Nora's books; the headhopping drives me batshit. (I realize I headhopped like it was going out of style in Svetkavista, we'll talk about that later) But it's refreshing to know she actually cares about the little guy. In addition to finding her commentary amusing and intelligent, I love this one fact above all others: she wastes time fucking around on the Internet just like the rest of us.

Honestly, given the speed with which she can write a novel, I had always pictured her as sitting in a dark, 5' by 5' room with nothing more than a folding table and metal chair, typing so fast that cartoon smoke rises from the keyboard. Of course this raises the question of how does she write novels so fast when she's online? Katrina Strauss and I think she's got monkeys in the basement.

Anyway, while the excitement was fun for a bit, I'm starting to get tired of the drama. What started out as a constructive dialog about the pros and cons of epublishing has, in the last few days, devolved into a mudslinging insult war. People are taking the opportunity to bash authors or publishers they don't like with no constructive reason behind it. That's when it stopped being fun for me.

So now I go back to writing, which is what I should be doing anyway. Reckless Liaisons is shaping up nicely and I fall more in love with Sebastian Cade each day. His brother, Alex, also makes his presence known and at a cross between Ceallach Ruthven and Trevor Caufield, I guarantee you'll like him. The book is more "traditional Regency" than I have written in the past, and whether that's me growing as an author or not I'll leave to the readers to decide. Best of all - the series will be in print. (insert internal dance of joy here) I'm already compiling fun things, so keep your eyes peeled for info on how to get your very own Scandalous Situations goody bag.

And Nora, I mean it, the offer's open.

And, it seems, the band played on...

2007-08-28T16:49:00.000-05:00

How ironic that just yesterday I finally speak out on this issue, and that very night, more information surfaced regarding the status of Mardi Gras Publishing. Authors are now speaking out - and no, I don't credit myself for this, just think I have damn good timing.

I am reposting below a message that has been circulating the email forums all day. I did request permission to repost the message, and feel it is important to pass on in as many ways as possible, for reasons that should be obvious.

The authors, editors and staff of Mardi Gras Publishing would like
to respond to the information that is spreading quickly through the
various sites. We would like to set OUR record straight.

We were surprised to hear on August 4 that Teresa Jacobs, the
owner "forgot" to sign our royalty checks. We learned that on August
4 she parked a new publishing company called Satin Rouge Publishing
on GoDaddy. Thus far no site has been built, however on the Mardi
Gras submission page she has one particular line going to this new
company she appears to be trying to open. Until August 27 she did
not return any telephone calls and despite logging into her various
Myspace pages, did not log on to our staff/author list to address
our concerns.

The majority of us have not been paid royalties for our books, many
of us were told we sold less than we knew we did, most editors have
not been paid nor has regular staff.

In light of the fact that Teresa Jacobs has abandoned Mardi Gras
Publishing yet continues to sell our books, we request you cease and
desist buying ANY Mardi Gras books, in whatever format from here on
out. Every sale that is made is money going into her pocket and
longer before we can get our rights back.

Thank you.

The Authors, Editors and Staff of Mardi Gras Publishing

Another author has also shown courage today and spoken out against MGP. The very talented (and very dear friend of mine) Katrina Strauss has finally revealed her own experience, which should make any legitimate author or publisher downright nauseous. I encourage you to read her story here.

A Sad State of Affairs

2007-08-27T15:13:00.000-05:00

First of all this will be the first time I have publicly stated that I have resigned from Aphrodite's Apples and am no longer their Editor-in-Chief. There was absolutely no animosity in my decision. Being in law school full time, as well as trying to manage a writing career of my own and battling increasing health problems has prompted me to step down from the position and allow someone to take over who can dedicate more time and attention to the job than I am able to give right now. I do enjoy being busy 24 hours of every day, but there comes a point where one is forced to, as they say, slow down.

I am well aware of my reputation for being opinionated, outspoken, and perhaps even a bit bitchy. What you may not realize is that I have showed restraint on many issues over the last year, so as to avoid any negative associations with Aphrodite's Apples as a result of my opinions. Well, folks, the leash is off now. And you ain't seen nothin' yet.

My first target: the rather dismal state of the epublishing industry at the moment, in the wake of so many publishers closing up shop or simply...fading away. Given the relative ease with which a person can launch their own publishing company (and I'm not talking run it successfully, that's no cake walk, but just open one), it's to be expected that publishers will come and go with some amount of frequency. And perhaps in a way that's good, because it allows for the truly quality houses to stay open, and to shine.

But any time a house closes, it impacts at least a few authors - in the case of Triskelion, many more than that. And in some ways I'm inclined to say that's okay too. Publishers come and publishers go, just like hairstyles and boy bands. Don't misunderstand me, what the Trisk authors are going through right now is awful. I don't wish it on anyone. They have a right to be upset, and they have a right to get back what is theirs and what they are owed.

Yet another publisher seems to have hit the skids this month. No books have been released this month at all (which hey, shit happens), and apparently neither has the publisher made any contact with her authors to let them know what's going on. Word on the street - yes, those rumors all of you have heard and probably passed on - is that certified letters are being returned unopened, phone calls and emails are being ignored, and authors are generally confused, angry, and quite honestly, frightened. What is going on with their lovingly crafted work, they wonder? The books continue to be for sale through the publisher's website, and through third party distributors such as fictionwise. Will they ever see those royalties? Will they ever hear from their publisher again? Is the house closing? What is going on?

Camille Anthony recently went public with her troubles at another small press. Not only does my heart go out to her because she is an enormously talented author whose work I enjoy in my spare time, but I was proud of her for standing up. For broadcasting her cautionary tale to other authors so that they can better avoid falling into a similar trap. And I can't help but wonder, why don't more authors stand up and spread the word? Because let's face it, as long as there continue to be fresh-faced uninformed aspiring authors out there, and there always will be, these houses will continue to pull in contracts.

Yes, there are some very helpful resources out there, WriterBeware, Preditors and Editors, Piers Anthony's personal site, but the complaints lodged there are usually anonymous. And for every negative report Piers provides, there is almost always a positive one in rebuttal. Perhaps what these authors need is real faces and names to put with the experiences, to better give them credibility.

My challenge to you, then, is this: talk about your bad experiences. Don't let others fall into the same traps that you did. Will you gain some enemies from publicly speaking out against certain publishers? Yes, you probably will. I expect at least one or two new adversaries as a result of this post. I couldn't care less. Whisperings and hushed discussions don't change things. And this sad state of affairs definitely needs some changing.

-KJ

Updating on the Updates

2007-08-09T08:23:00.000-05:00

Dear Readers,

Are you wondering why I've not updated my website when I've had a new release last month? Where are the excerpts, you grumble irritably. I'm no more pleased, I promise you! I had a computer crash in July and lost close to everything. The year and a half old laptop, which has broken three times already, may be savable, but tech support has yet to offer any, well, support. (Yes, my "Death to Dell" campaign will be starting up soon) Even better, the external hard drive I'd been using to back up my laptop crashed within days of the computer fiasco. If Dell doesn't come through, I really will have lost a great deal, including 10,000 words of Woman of the Forest, my retelling of the Ancient Roman legend of Rhea Silvia.

But in other news, you heard right, "Eyes Like Yours" is now available from Red Rose Publishing! Curious as to how my chops fare with contemporary romance? Well, at $0.99, you've no excuse to not check it out. Hurry on over to http://www.redrosepublishing.com and grab your copy.

I'm hard at work on Reckless Liasons, book one of my new Scandalous Situations series, exploring my favorite type of hero, the Regency rake. I promise you'll like Sebastian Cade just as much as you enjoy Trevor and Vere. But wait, you haven't met Vere Fane, Earl of Westmorland, yet, have you? Not to worry, "A Scandalous Arrangement" will be released later this month in A Rose Of Any Colour from Freya's Bower. What are your naughtiest fantasies? Vere knows them, and can carry them out all without wrinkling his cravat.

More news soon, darlings.

Eyes Like Yours Now Available for Only $0.99!

2007-07-26T16:57:00.000-05:00

EYES LIKE YOURS

Bound Souls Series

Kayleigh Jamison

Red Rose Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-60435-000-5

http://redrosepublishing.com/bookstore/product_info.php?products_id=29

What happens when your dream become a reality - or does it?

Each night is the same. A handsome, mysterious stranger visits Catherine in her dreams, never allowing her to see his face, and leaving her body satisfied, but her heart wanting more. With a chance encounter in the smoky confines of a night club puts Catherine face to face with a man whose eyes seem eerily familiar, dreams and reality colliding in a way that frightens and inflames her. Are her dreams real? Is Blake the key to her future – and her past?

http://redrosepublishing.com/bookstore/product_info.php?products_id=29

Fabulous!

2007-07-09T15:36:00.000-05:00

God bless that Stella Price, she's done it again. http://doubledarkness.blogspot.com/

The All-Important HEA

2007-07-02T23:20:00.001-05:00

Happily Ever After...love it or hate it, it's a traditional staple of the romance genre. Some review sites will not even read a book that lacks an HEA. To write a romance novel that doesn't end with the hero and heroine riding off into the sunset is considered blasphemy by some. (Technically, books without HEAs are love stories, not romances. But that's a can I don't plan on opening in this post.)

I have been writing nearly all my life. For as long as I can remember, I've told stories. Most of the ones I wrote before the age of 24 will never, ever see the light of day if I have anything to do with it, but I have kept most of them, for amusement, shame, or nostalgia I don't know. In my angst-filled, goth-influenced teenage years I never wrote happy endings. Ever. If anyone was left alive at the end of the story, they were mutilated or incarcerated.

In my early twenties, during which I suffered crippling depression, I didn't write HEAs either. I had started leaning towards romance and erotica then, but things never ended well between my hero and heroine. I believed that real life never ended happily, and so, my stories should not either.

I don't know exactly when I made the transition to being an HEA advocate, but I suppose it was after writing Svetkavista, which has a happy ending for the most part. I had invested so much sweat and tears into my characters that I had to leave them happy. I couldn't stand doing anything else. And from then on I've been an HEA queen. I don't even like reading other people's books if they don't have HEAs any more. To journey with these characters through all their pain and their shit only to walk away knowing they still suffer? Hard to take.

And so now I find myself faced with a dilemma. My current WIP is a piece for Tease's Tarot Series, based on The Empress card. Woman of the Forest is a retelling of the myth of Rhea Silvia, a Vestal Virgin who is seduced by Mars, god of war, and bears his sons. Those sons, Romulus and Remus, go on to become great warriors and, eventually, the founders of Rome. I am taking some minor creative liberties with the story, but I am, on the whole, staying true to the myth. My problem?

The myth doesn't exactly have a happy ending. Depending upon which version you subscribe to, the story is either bittersweet at its close, or downright tragic. And already I am having trouble swallowing that.

So, your thoughts? Is an HEA a must? What about a HFN ("happy for now")? Or a "happy, sorta"?

REC Interview

2007-06-26T09:04:00.000-05:00

The lovely Kendra from REC interviewed me last week, and the interview is now live on their site. It's one of the best interviews I've done, I had a lot of fun with it.

http://www.freewebs.com/romanceconnection/interviews.htm

-KJ

2007-06-20T17:12:00.001-05:00

It's quite easy to get discouraged in this business. It really is. The publishing world is dog eat dog at the best of times. That ever-present need for recognition and success is what drive us - and what breaks us down.

The catch-22 of it all is that to be a good writer, you have to have passion and, dare I say, a bit of insanity. All of the great writers of history have been a little weird, if not downright off their rockers. We are able to tell stories because we see and feel them in everything, because we view the world differently than anybody else. It's the curse, and the blessing, of all creative persons. We're sensitive to the world.

And that means we're sensitive people. We take to heart criticism that others wouldn't. We let things eat away at us that would be best brushed aside. But without that intense connection to the vast array of human emotion, how could we write them down? How could we tell stories where our characters experience pain and loss, love and happiness, without understanding them in our own hearts?

Stella Price blogged today, quite eloquently, about one of the more unsavory aspects of the author community - fakeness. She said it better than I could have, and hit the nail on the head. So I thought that I would try to highlight one of the good things about being an author - some of the amazing friends I have made. There are good people out there, and I'm going to name some of the ones who have had a positive influence on my career and my life. An homage to the crazy people who are brave enough to withstand this crazy person.

There's no way I could list everyone and not forget someone, so I'll just leave it at: you know who you are. I may not express my gratitude every day, but I am thankful for each of you on a daily basis. I look forward to our continuing collective success, as I have no doubt that we will all continue to push forward and follow our dreams.

-KJ