Motherly moments in sci-fi romance

Hello! Since tomorrow is Mother's Day in North America, I thought I would share some mother moments from a couple of my sci-fi romances.

I like writing about families in my series, but the Kaddim Brothers weren't the first family I wrote about. Though the books were published later, the first series I wrote that included a family was Galactic Defenders. Lalia (Bryce) is mother to Katrina (Jager), and their relationship is shown throughout the series. Here's a snippet from BRYCE (Galactic Defenders book one):

“Mom, what’s going on?” Katrina slapped her hands on the table. “What were those ugly things in the backyard? What did they do to Dad?”

Lindsay tucked memories of her first love away. She turned in her chair and gazed across the table to her daughter who had been adopted by Quinn the day of her birth. After the divorce, her ex-husband only showed up on Katrina’s birthdays. And, over all those years, Lindsay had tried to keep her heritage from Katrina. What child wanted to know her mother came from another planet? Or could keep the fact a secret? She refused to have her daughter taken by children’s services because they believed her an unfit mother. But, after today, her daughter needed to know the truth. “The Erebus invaded my home planet of Hemera. I saw my parents murdered, and then, before I could comprehend the loss, the attack on the planet, my handler whisked me away to Earth. She didn’t survive the flight, so I am the last of my kind.”

Another series I wrote about a family is my Alien Next Door series. Rachel (Alien Adoration) is mother to Adam (Alien Admirer) and Angela (Alien Attraction). Also, Sera (Alien Admirer) has two children of her own when she meets Adam. Here's a snippet showing the struggles of dating as a single mom from ALIEN ADMIRER (Alien Next Door book two):

Sera inhaled, catching the musky scent of sex still heavy in the air. That and the desire-inducing smell of masculinity coming from the man whose chest she lay on. She couldn’t help the smile tugging at her lips. Instead of her fantasies to keep her company, she’d spent the night with her dream come true. Adam. Perfect in every way. She hadn’t expected to find a man who both satisfied her, and treated Melody and Zach so well.

Shit! The kids. What time is it?

Seven a.m. glared at her in bright red letters.

She gasped and shot upright. What have I done? Tossing the covers off, she scrambled out of bed. Melody and Zach would be up soon. They couldn’t find her naked, in bed with a man. With Adam, of all people.

Yanking open her pajama drawer, she pulled out a cotton shirt and shorts set and slipped them on. She gazed at the man who’d rocked her world. Her kids didn’t need to know about him spending the night. They already adored Adam and wanted him around more. If they discovered him there, they’d have him and Sera down the aisle after one night of sex—earthmoving, mind-blowing sex. She couldn’t let them get hurt because of her own desires. Heck, she didn’t even know if the previous night was a one-time thing.

To all of the mothers and motherly influences out there, I wish you a day of love and appreciation! Happy Mother's Day!

The short story ~ Something to read when you don't have a lot of time ~ Post by Jessica E. Subject #FreeRead #ReadAnEbookWeek

 

"A short story is a love affair; a novel is a marriage. A short story is a photograph; a novel is a film." ~Lorrie Moore

"My short stories are like soft shadows I have set out in the world, faint footprints I have left. I remember exactly where I set down each and every one of them, and how I felt when I did. Short stories are like guideposts to my heart…" ~Haruki Murakami

THE SHORT STORY

A short story is much shorter than a novel, generally deals with only a handful of characters, and consists of one main story arch. They are perfect when you only have a brief amount of time to read, but want a complete story, or if you want the enjoyment of a happy ending before you go to bed, and don't want to be up all night reading. (Which I'm sure many of us have done.)

As an author, sometimes I find them easy to write, and other times, not so much. When I first started writing, they were a great way for me to learn story structure and development, as well as character development. It can be hard to convey an entire story in a limited amount of words. 

Since today is the beginning of READ AN EBOOK WEEK (March 7-13, 2021), I have made a couple of my short stories available for FREE on Smashwords during this time. Check them out below!

ALIEN LOVER ~ Unconvinced of her fiancé’s demise, Molly combs the galaxy to search for him. As her supplies run low, she is forced to turn around and set a course for Earth, alone. But, a Moloxian Starcruiser halts her retreat, and the single passenger transports onto her ship without permission. Taser in hand to defend herself, she is startled as the form remolds into her fiancé. Has Diego found her or is her tired mind playing tricks?

Alien Lover FREE at Smashwords

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

Crash Landing FREE at Smashwords

THE POWER OF THREE ~ Cursed to live amongst several stone gargoyle statues, Oscar watches a young couple, yearning to participate in their sexual activities. For he has been away from his own lovers for over a year, and longs to touch and be touched again.

When he tumbles off the headboard onto the couple, he is released from the statue but must find a way home. His only thought: a ménage with the man and woman who freed him. But will they try something new to grant him his return passage, or leave him wandering Earth alone?

The Power of Three FREE at Smashwords

Whether you enjoy your stories short. long, or a mixture of them all, I wish you...

HAPPY READING TIME!

~ Jessica