Creating a Feisty Yet Vulnerable Heroine by Guest Siren Allen

Creating a feisty yet vulnerable heroine.

Creating the heroine for Claimed By The Succubus was such fun. I got to watch her grow up and mature into the fine lady she becomes by the end of the book. However, the journey from naïve to confident wasn’t an easy road.

In the beginning of Claimed By The Succubus, you meet sweet Izzie who believes there’s good in everyone. She’s never been treated unfairly or witnessed anyone being treated harshly. It isn’t until she makes a decision to go save her best friends that she realizes not everyone has your best interests at heart, not everyone wants you to succeed.

This realization floors her and causes her to question everything she believes in. Things go from bad to worst once it’s revealed to her that her whole life she’s been living a lie. She’s not who she thought she was, who she was raised to be.

Izzie has two options, she can fall into a state of despair and let anger and rage control her actions. Or, she can embrace the truth, develop a tough skin and learn to tune out the haters and naysayers.

My Izzie chooses option B and becomes a force to be reckoned with. You can learn all about Izzie’s journey in, Claimed By The Succubus, which will be available April 22^nd. Preorder it today for only 0.99 cents.

Claimed By The Succubus

~The Half-Breed~

She is Izeria’Azhul, the long-lost daughter of my king. She was raised away from our people and knows nothing of her heritage. Our kind are a myth to her. She doesn’t believe we exist and there’s no way she’ll believe she’s one of us.

~The Beast~

I am Shun’Uhl, the soldier ordered to return her to my king’s side so she can marry a royal and produce an heir to save our people. To get her to trust me, I shed my beastly form and take on the form of someone she knows. I choose unwisely. The form I’ve selected is a male she despises.

~The Forbidden~

The more time I spend with her, the more she comes to like me. And though I’ve tried to resist, I find myself falling for her also. Her feelings for me will change once she learns of my deception and sees how I really look. Part of me wants to complete my mission and return her to her father. Another part of me wants to remain in this form forever and spend my life with Izeria.

I have a choice to make: be honest with the female I love and risk losing her or lie to her for the rest of our lives. Unfortunately, the choice is made for me when we come under attack and I have to release my beast to protect her.

Now it is she who has to make a choice: Me and my beast or a kingdom?

Excerpt

My beast is trying to take over.

Even now, as I escort Izeria to the dining hall, he’s pushing against the barrier that separates Drahken from dragon. He’s clawing at the barricade that keeps him inside. Moments ago, he came close to breaking free.

Not only did I hear his growl, so did Izeria. She assumed it was my stomach growling in hunger. Luckily, she’s too naïve to think the worst of me. She senses something is wrong, yet, she doesn’t want to believe me capable of deceiving her, of hurting her.

I should feel guilty for what I’m doing. I don’t. I can’t. Too much is riding on me getting her to my territory. My beast snorts his displeasure, unhappy with our current mission. It’s funny how he can kill viciously, yet he frowns upon lying to our half-breed princess.

I can feel him pacing the recesses of my mind. In this form, he cannot speak to me. Right now, that’s a good thing. I don’t want to hear his thoughts on what is happening. He knew what we’d have to do when we found her.

He knew we’d have to lie or maybe even kidnap her to achieve our goal. His feelings for her can’t change that. Nothing can change what has to be done. The lives of our people are more important than Izeria’s opinion of us.

When we arrive in the dining hall, I step to the side so she and her rodent can enter the room before me. I’m glad I did. The look on her face as she walks into the dining hall is priceless. It’s almost like she’s never been on a spacecraft before.

“This is the biggest dining hall I’ve ever been in. Not only on a ship, but on land also.”

She turns to me and smiles. For a moment, I forget how to breathe. I sense my beast’s pleasure, or is that my own? The line between what I want and what he wants is starting to blur.

Preorder price only 0.99 cents.

 

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XDHQ5YL

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XDHQ5YL

CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B06XDHQ5YL

Giveaway

March Madness Giveaway: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/a576fb1c15/

Author Bio

Hi, my name is Siren Allen. I’m a writer and lover of all things supernatural and romantic. I reside in southern Mississippi where I write steamy romances that are guaranteed to make you blush. When I’m not listening to the characters in my head and jotting down their adventures, I am busy working as a Clinical Laboratory Technician.

My hobbies are reading, writing and shopping, though I hate trying on clothing. If I wasn’t a writer or a Laboratory Professional, I would probably be a Secret Agent. But that’s the beauty of being a writer. You can create your own world and be whoever you want to be. In my imaginary world, I am Queen and my siblings are my minions.

~Author Links~

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE – www.amazon.com/Siren-Allen/e/B00ELF795O/

WEBSITE – http://sirenallen.com/

FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/authorsirenallen

TWITTER – https://twitter.com/SirenAllen

PINTEREST – http://www.pinterest.com/sirenallen/

SIREN’S NEWSLETTER: Join to stay updated on my new releases and giveaways:

http://eepurl.com/Wr6Jn

SIREN’S GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/7163788.Siren_Allen

SIREN’S MONTHLY GIVEAWAYS:  https://sirenallen.com/giveaways/

Writing for a Publisher's Established Line - A Foot in the Door

Hello everyone! I hope you are all doing well.

It's been an exciting month for me, after releasing my first indie title, Alien Adoration, and working on edits for two more stories releasing soon from Decadent Publishing. One of the stories is Another Night, Another Planet, an erotic sci-fi romance that is part of both the 1Night Stand and Elatia lines at Decadent.

Now, I've written for several of the lines at Decadent, Elatia, 1Night Stand, The Edge, and The Challenge series. Why? For many reasons. My first story published was Celestial Seduction, a 1Night Stand story. The series had just started, and Rebecca Royce suggested I write a story for it as my foot in the door to being published. And it worked. The story not only increased my confidence in my writing, but exposed me to so many other opportunities, through my publisher, fellow authors, and more. As a newly published author, I also had a book in the same line as several well known authors who already had established readers. Because I had the same editors, readers could expect the same quality of story from me as the other authors.

With any line, there are established parameters that the author must follow in order for their story to qualify for submission. Usually, you can find that information on the publisher's submission page, or by contacting the editor(s) of the line.

For me, the Elatia line had the most guidelines, including a well-written world bible. Depending on the individual author, that can make writing the story easier or harder.

With my upcoming release, it is a hybrid of two lines, so I had to follow two sets of guidelines. And it was much easier than I expected, since I had already written for both of them, and knew them well. I hope you'll check out Another Night, Another Planet when it releases on June 14, 2013.

So, if you are an aspiring author, or looking to broaden your audience, consider writing for an established line at a publisher. Decadent Publishing has so many lines in multiple genres. Musa Publishing has several lines as well, including the Wiccan Haus, which I've heard a lot about lately, and Finally Ever After. There are several more publishers with established lines, too. If you know of any, please share them in the comments section.

Bio:

Jessica Subject is the author of contemporary and science fiction romance, ranging from sweet to erotica. In her stories, you could meet clones, or a sexy alien or two. You may even be transported to another planet for a romantic rendezvous.

When Jessica isn't reading, writing, or doing dreaded housework, she likes to get out and walk. Fast. But she just may slow down if there is a waterfall nearby.

Jessica lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two energetic children. And she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her at jessicasubject.com and on twitter @jsubject.

Website/Blog | Newsletter | Twitter | Facebook
Goodreads | Amazon | Authorgraph

A Hero Ménage

Good day! It's close to the end of the month, and I'm coming down off the buzz of having two releases this month. Two on the same day. Accidental Romance is a new adult contemporary western romance that is part of Decadent Publishing's new The Challenge series, and Made For Her is a science fiction military erotic romance. The two stories couldn't be more opposite. And the same goes for the heroes. Here's a bit about them:

Made For Her


Character Name - D32
Nickname / Alias - Dare
Place of Birth - clone labs in Geneva

Role in the Story - hero
Key Relationships - None. Clones aren't allowed to have "relationships" with anyone
Education - Everything he learned was transferred in terabytes per second at the clone labs.
Work History - Training to be a space pilot for the military
Phobias / Fears - That he is like every other "Daniel clone". That there is nothing different about him.
Quirks - He taps his foot when he's impatient.
Best Quality - His determination.
Worst Quality - When he wants something, he will stop at nothing to get it. (Determination.)

After terrorists murder the love of her life, Colonel Mikayla Jones trains squadron after squadron of the clones he brought to life, to take to the skies. When she discovers a young clone of her husband in her newest class, her world spins out of control. How can she command the look-a-like when she can’t help but yearn for him to fill an ache in her heart?

Dare was created to be the best. As the first Daniel clone to leave Onatria labs, he needs to prove he is more than just a DNA copy. To do that, he must rely on the wife of the man who donated his genes. But when she refuses to train him, Dare faces discharge and returning to the labs. Can he convince Colonel Jones to finish his training and find a way into her bed? Or will long kept secrets unhinge the entire clone project?

Buy Links: 

Amazon (Canada/US/UK) | Decadent Publishing | All Romance | Barnes&Noble | more

Accidental Romance

Character Name - Jake
Nickname / Alias - Ass, Jake-a-roo
Age - 22

Role in the Story - hero
Key Relationships - Brother to four older sisters. Son to parents who are good friends with Leanne's parents. Farmhand at Leanne's parents's farm. Has never had a steady girlfriend as he's always had his sights on Leanne.
Work History - Continues to work as a farmhand.
Phobias / Fears - That the one he wants will never see him as more than a friend.
Goals and Motivations - Plans to stay on as farmhand when Leanne takes over the farm, so he can continue to work side-by-side with her.
Best Quality - A hard worker.
Worst Quality - Can't always voice how he feels.

At twenty-two, Leanne Declan has graduated from college and hopes to take over the family farm until a tragic accident changes her life forever. Unable to do the simplest everyday chores, she must depend on her family and friends as she learns to face life’s challenges. But when her fears threaten to destroy her future, can an unexpected love be strong enough to help her dreams come true?

Buy Links:

Amazon (Canada/US/UK) | Decadent Publishing | All Romance | Barnes&Noble | more

Jessica Subject started writing to encourage her daughter to read. Now she writes to keep herself grounded. Although she reads many genres, she enjoys writing Science Fiction Romance the most and believes everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after. She lives Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids and loves to hear from her readers.

Website/Blog | Newsletter | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Authorgraph

I'm in for a busy December

I don't know about you, but my Decembers keep getting busier and busier. And I'm not talking about the usual buying gifts for the holidays and baking. I'm talking about everything. In my writing, I have so many projects I want to finish up. On the promotion side, I have a bunch of blog tours and blog hops coming up. Plus, I have two stories set to release early next year that need various stages of edits. I'm not complaining. It just seems everything seems to happen in December, whereas some months I have little to nothing going on except writing the next story.

One of the big things to happen to me recently is the print release of Intergalactic Heat, which is a collection of my 1Night Stand stories from Decadent Publishing. Here's a sneak peek:





Plus, my sci-fi erotica short story, Alien Lover, releases December 7, 2012.

So, what do you have planned for December? Are you taking it easy, or going to be just as crazy as me?

Jessica Subject started writing to encourage her daughter to read. Now she writes to keep herself grounded. Although she reads many genres, she enjoys writing Science Fiction Romance the most and believes everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after. She lives Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids and loves to hear from anyone who has enjoyed her stories.

Website/Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Amazon

Do you want some more sci-fi?

Well, then mark your calendars for Friday because my next sci-fi story called Blink will be released! I'm excited because I've been waiting a year and a half for this one to be available for you! In the meanwhile here's the blurb and excerpt for you.

Blurb: Which man is her destiny? Charlotte Jackson knows everything about her small portion of the galaxy but nothing about the secrets of her heart.

Her life is as unstable as a supernova when her ship—the Copernicus—is visited by a blue-haired alien who calls himself Garreth. He tells her he’d like to build an alliance with Earth to improve the dire problems of both their planets. As if intergalactic space negotiations weren’t complicated enough, Charlotte finds herself more than a little attracted to the man who she should be thinking about in only the most professional terms. This does nothing to make her second-in-command—and would-be lover Jax—any more relaxed about the whole cooperation.

When her ship is attacked by the very beings Garreth wants to save them from, Charlotte and Jax will have to put their feelings for the blue-haired alien aside and focus on saving not only themselves but the entire galaxy. What the three find at the end could be the most valuable commodity of all.

Book video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlyrtnup2cY

An excerpt from the beginning of the book:

Andromeda Galaxy, Daridia, High Council Chamber 2050

“Motion to authorize interference with the Earthlings carries. Supreme Commander Garreth Wallace will organize an expedition at the conclusion of this meeting. Do you have anything else to add, Commander?”

Garreth cocked an eyebrow at the formidable dark-skinned man and his shock of blue, frizzy hair. “If it pleases the council, I will make the trip across our galaxy to the next alone. I do not wish to endanger members of our security force as they are sorely needed here. Our people are already taxed to the limit from constantly defending against the Jurikai not to mention the daily struggle to conserve energy resources.”

The Jurikai were a war loving race of hybrid android-reptiles who fought their way through the galaxy, intent to either enslave weaker peoples or destroy the planets for no more reason than because they could. They had accumulated technology like playing cards, not caring that they oftentimes had no idea how to use it properly or adapt it for their own use. That cavalier attitude made them dangerous because they were unpredictable.

Pre-Jurikai days meant long, idyllic stretches of farming or mining. Life was spent in simple pursuits of leisure. Laughter was always in the background, but those times were gone. The Daridians had been taken advantage of and now conducted life differently. No longer would they live to glorify others.

A glance around the sterile room revealed exactly what it had been designed to show—nothing. With the exception of the panel bench, the chamber was devoid of all personal accoutrements or decorations, just dreary gray walls and unremarkable ceiling tiles of the same color. Nothing about the cold place would signify that its occupants represented a culture strongly steeped in pride of science and knowledge. But then, the Daridians did not cater to outward appearances and had no use for external trappings. Knowing they were a superior race was enough.

It was a necessary evil to survival.

“Fair enough, Commander. You may proceed. Time is of the essence, and the Greater Gallaxian Alliance will wait for no one—least of all you. A representative of Earth must agree to join us if our plan to secure an alternative power source will be successful. Your contact for the water planet is Lieutenant Colonel Charlotte Jackson. Currently, she is located on a starship orbiting Earth’s atmosphere. Take the crystals, explain the basics to her, but under no circumstances are you to put the knowledge into play for them. Our directive is to teach, not do. If they want the partnership with our people, they must be willing to work for it.”

An old-fashioned wooden gavel slammed onto an archaic podium. The sound echoed through the small council chamber. Garreth cringed. He wasn’t accustomed to harsh noises and couldn’t help but wonder if this would be the last time he’d stand in the council chambers. The shimmering light from the teleporting adjudicate did not bother him, it was the abrupt dismissal from the gavel that chilled his insides. The mission ahead would be trying at best. The Earthlings were not the most open of races to deal with. They would rather shoot first and ask questions later, which did not make a favorable impression for alliances of any kind. The people of Earth, while bringing with them an unsavory reputation of suspicion and military might, could very well hold the key to the Daridians’ future survival, which made them a prime candidate for trade relations.

With a sigh, he snapped his fingers. Two seconds later, he stood in the utilities outpost at the edge of the settlement. Garreth approached the woman in charge of the facility, and he smiled. His mate often invoked a brief spark of warmth somewhere deep inside his chest when he saw her. Troubling. Why did the sensation project itself whenever she came near?

“Slyka, do you have the Alkarnian crystals ready for transport?”

Surprise registered in the pale blue depths of her almond-shaped eyes. “Garreth. You are not scheduled to be in the lab today.”

“The council has other plans.” He looked at her and frowned. Her dark mahogany-hued skin gleamed with health as if she had just returned from partaking of the nourishment from the dual infant suns the planet circled, and her white hair, bound into a thick braid, hung down her back, swishing about her slim hips. Most of the time she wore it pinned around her shapely head like a crown, but on the days she left the braid to dangle, a rush of longing stirred low in his abdomen. He had been right to select her as his mate. Garreth stifled a groan and wished his personal calendar reflected time alone with her this week. “I am to go to Earth.”

“So soon?” Slyka’s hands stilled. She held his gaze, unblinking. “We were to take the young ones to the Anora Shore in a few days. It is our allotted family togetherness. We will celebrate the tide ceremony.”

“I am aware, but I cannot disobey the council. An alliance with the Earthlings will benefit our people far into the future.” Garreth moved forward to brush her soft cheek with his thumb. “You know this.”

“It is true.” She looked away to focus her gaze on the black tiled floor before her eyes swept the sterile laboratory. “But the next family togetherness will not be scheduled for six months. The young ones will be away at school until then.” She caught her lower lip between small, white teeth. “I am empty inside without them and you.”

For long moments, the only sounds were the slight electronic beeps from the machines scattered around the room. The very lack of other Daridians in the area emphasized the fact that his people didn’t waste time in idle togetherness. He often wondered what background chatter between acquaintances would sound like. “The council says time spent in emotions is wasted. If we are not learning, we are not evolving.” Garreth smiled. “We cannot save our people by indulging in emotional angst.”

“I do not believe that is true anymore. Emotions can allow our people to attain greater depths of understanding and interact with each other on a different level. Some Daridians have expressed interest in leaving this planet to live elsewhere. They don’t like the rigid schedules and time constraints we have imposed on ourselves for the sake of advancement.”

“It is a hard way of life, and not one for the younger generations, but we must be strong and remember our brethren on the outposts the Jurikai destroyed. It is for them we fight.” Garreth moved away from her, wondering why the old emotion of anxiety swirled through his chest. He had banished those years ago, and he did not relish attending a tamping class again. “Regardless of what you and I want, the trip to Earth will be completed.”

On sale Friday at Eirelander Publishing, Amazon, All Romance E-books and many other outlets. I hope you'll pick up a copy. I'm also promoting this book around the web this month so stayed tuned to Twitter and Facebook for contest announcements and hotter excerpts.