Guest Author Pippa Jay Talks SFR, Succubi and TETHERED

Veronica Scott sez: today it's our pleasure to have Author Pippa Jay as our guest, talking about science fiction romance and her new release TETHERED! Love the cover...Take it away, Pip =>

From the age of eight, when a certain Tatooine farmboy captured my imagination (and my heart), I've considered myself a SciFi author. I wrote my own version of Star Wars, a series of scifi stories linked by a bloodline spanning several decades inspired by Anne McCaffrey's writing, some Doctor Who shorts (what would now be called fan fiction, I guess), and finally a Doctor Who novella that was my first ever completed work (rejected, but the fact that I finished was kudos enough for me at age eighteen).

Then I didn't really write anything again until 2009, when I completed my second novel, Keir. It wasn't until attempting to get what became my debut novel published that I discovered what I was writing was actually a little known genre called science fiction romance. And having found what felt like home, I had no intention of leaving. I love heavy tech SF and reading up on technology, but I try not to put too much into my writing. I won't spend pages on technical details for how my characters throw themselves through space or the genetics of an alien species for fear it might slow things down too much. I do have psi talents such as telepathy and telekinesis (though these abilities are mostly alien in nature rather than magical). One of my even WIPs has intelligent griffins in it, though that's not what they call themselves. As I began writing fantasy before I got hooked on SciFi, I guess it's inevitable that there are still elements of my old genre seeping in.

But Tethered started out with the working title of Succubi. So how did I get from SF to writing a being that sits very firmly in the UF/paranormal category? Well...

I'd been chatting to a couple of friends on Twitter about how elves and dragons had cornered more than their fair share of the mythological representation in books. I was looking for some story ideas, and wondering about taking a lesser known mythical being and putting a SF twist on it. And so Succubi in Spaaaaace began. 

Succubi was only the working title though, and a rough summary of my heroine's ability. Because I am (or was - I've written paranormal since) a SF author at heart. And she certainly wasn't a Daughter of Lilith type succubus. No. Tyree was a genetically engineered clone, and an assassin. She could alter her molecular density to either crush an opponent, or become incorporeal to ghost down corridors faster than a human could run, or walk through walls. Her method of assassination...well. 'Succubus' should give you a clue. As Tyree says herself, at least her victims die in ecstasy. :P

While her abilities might appear more magical/paranormal, they have a scientific basis. Her people—the Inc-Su (taken from incubus and succubus—have genetically 'perfected' themselves over the centuries since they divided from humanity. Now living in seclusion from the rest of the human race, they regard themselves as superior, but their limited numbers put them at greater risk, so they still rely on their human neighbours. And as Tyree discovers, she needs a certain human more than she thought, even with her succubus abilities.

Tethered was a lot of fun to write, and I hope it will be fun to read. In the meantime, I'm going to carry on mixing those paranormal and fantasy elements into my SFR, and probably write some more PNR too.

Here's the blurb for TETHERED:

She can kill with a kiss. But can assassin Tyree also heal one man’s grief, and bring peace to a galaxy threatened by war?

For Tyree of the Su, being an assassin isn’t simply something she was trained for. It’s the sole reason for her existence. A genetically enhanced clone—one of many in Refuge—she’s about to learn her secluded lifestyle, and that of all her kind, is under threat by a race capable of neutralizing their special talents to leave them defenseless.

For Zander D’joren, being a diplomat has not only cost him his appearance, but also the love of his life. Scarred, grieving, he must nonetheless continue in his role as co-delegate to the fearsome Tier-vane or risk a conflict that could only end one way.

Now both of them need to keep each other alive and maintain a perilous deception long enough to renegotiate the treaty with the Tier-vane, or throw their people into a war that could wipe out Terrans and Inc-Su alike. But there’s more at stake than humanity, whether true or modified. Can the love growing between them save them both? Or merely hasten their destruction?

Buy links:

Breathless Press -  (and for the whole of August, Breathless Press is offering 50% off to celebrate their 5th birthday!)

Smashwords    Bookstrand    All Romance ebooks     Amazon US     Amazon UK

Suffer the Hunger

Have you ever been so hungry that it was the only thing that occupied your mind?

It's one of our primal drives.

We all have to eat.

What if you didn't just need food to survive? What lengths would you go to live and how would you live with yourself afterwards? These are questions that Pia Blyton suffers through in Ravenous.

Suffer the hunger.

Pia Blyton wants it all. A steady boyfriend, love and her independence. But to ignore her succubus nature is to welcome chaos. Every three days she must orgasm to feed. Bad sex isn’t an option. Stave off the hunger for too long and her demon side peeks out, and its tastes are much less discerning than hers.

One bad day, one wrong decision, and her demon takes control of her libido and kisses all her best intentions goodbye.

Brokenhearted and ashamed, Pia is dragged home to Lake City by Zur-Sin, a vampire her father paid to find her. Caught in a world where mortal desires are seen as a weakness, Pia needs to figure out how to protect her heart from her deepest longings.

Kindle

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Annie Nicholas

Website: www.annienicholas.com

Blog:  www.annienicholas.blogspot.com

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/yt8Kv

EXCERPT

Chapter One

Day seven of my cycle

Cold iron bit into my wrists when I rolled on my side and turned my back toward the door. The insistent knocking drilled into my aching head. I stifled a moan. If I stayed real quiet maybe they’d leave, thinking the motel room was empty. From the searing pain in my abdomen and the weakening demands of my inner demon, I only had a few hours left to live.

The crack of wood splintering replaced the pounding. I jerked at the sharp noise and twisted around. Hanging on the hinges, my door had smashed open. Someone flicked the switch on and the lights burned my sensitive eyes. I tried to shield my face with my hand but the chains holding the manacles around my wrists clanked and held my arm inches from the mattress.

“No.” I yelled. “Get out!” My chains rattled as I lunged at them. They snapped me back against the mattress and my head flopped on the pillow as a surge of sexual frustration flooded my system. My demon nature had quieted to a dull roar since yesterday but the scent of males had awoken the beast. It roared inside my head and clawed to retake control of my body. “Yes, stay,” it whispered.

Two people strode into the room. Light haloed around them so I couldn’t make any details. “Close the door, Cooper.” The shorter one knelt by my bed. “You look terrible for a succubus.”

I blinked my eyes until I could focus, and cleared my throat. “Get the fuck out.” I just wanted to die and take my demon with me.

The young man tilted his head to the side as if confused. Blond with blue eyes the same shade as a tropical sea, he didn’t look much older than nineteen. “I’m here to rescue you, sweetheart.” He caressed my cheek and all thoughts of saving him stopped on a dime.

I leaned into his touch and purred. “Yes, let me go.” My demon fought me for control.

He jumped to his feet and stepped back, his gaze caressing my body as if trying to decide where to start undressing me. “Fuck.”

I’d seen human males react to me this way. The hungrier I grew, the more they would want me. Neither of us could control that reaction. My body would pump fuck-me pheromones in the air until it was fed.

The second man came into my view, a little taller than the blond, with tawny hair down to his muscled shoulders. His thread bare t-shirt and faded jeans clung to all the right places. “What’s wrong?”

“Look at her body. She’s emaciated. Someone left her here to starve.” He watched me as I struggled against my chains.

I could only sit in the back of my head and scream in silence. What I called my demon nature was really a survival instinct. It grew more powerful when I got too hungry. I’d find myself humping some schmuck behind a Dumpster if I didn’t feed every three days. This was day seven.

I shuddered. This drive to orgasm was what ruined my life. All I ever wanted was to be loved. Why could every other creature have it but my kind?

The blond searched the bathroom, the closet and under my bed. “I don’t think it’s a trap. If it was, they would have set her loose on us by now.”

“A trap?” Tawny, gorgeous Cooper retreated to the door. “You said we were here to help her.” He readjusted the crotch of his tight jeans. His gaze wandered back to me and he swallowed hard.

“We are, but I wasn’t expecting this. Her father said she’d run away but this looks more like a kidnapping.”

“Well, unchain her and let’s go.”

The blond grew still and glared at Cooper. Suddenly, he didn’t seem nineteen anymore and the power radiating off him sent my supernatural Richter scale off the chart. So, not human, which explained how he knew my father.

Cooper shrank against the door, his gaze pinned to the cheap carpeting. “Sorry.”

“Sorry, what?”

“Sorry, master.” His voice shook.

“Use your fucking nose and see if you can pick up the scent of whoever chained her to the bed.” The master ran a finger along the sole of my foot.

I rolled my hips, inviting him to take off the yoga pants. I wanted his hands on my skin, not teasing my feet. No, no touching, no feeling. I clawed at the demon. I wouldn’t lose this time.

Cooper had walked around the room sniffing at random areas. “It’s hard to pinpoint scents in motel rooms, Zur-Sin. There’s too much traffic, but hers are the freshest and I don’t pick up anything else as new.”

That name snapped both me and my demon out of our horny trance. Oh, shit. I’d heard of him. If the devil was a rock star, Zur-Sin was his lead guitarist.

“Look at her.” There was a touch of awe in Zur-Sin’s voice. “Starved and in desperate need of a shower, yet she’s got me eager enough to cum in my pants like I was fifteen all over again.” He glanced at his erection, then at Cooper’s. “You too. Now that’s power.” He pulled out his phone and took a picture of me. “See? I’m even sending proof to Flynn.”

“No!” I cried out. Fear of hurting my father somehow trumped my demon for a second and gained control again.

“Oops, too late.” He shook his head. “What am I going to do with you, Pia?”

Octopus Mating Games

Releasing September 17th

Believe it or not, I got a story idea watching a documentary on the mating games of octopus.   Link to article. 

The gist to these games is how complicated the rules are to the point where we wonder if there are any rules at all. LOL  We’re talking multiple partner harem-ish behavior with males sneaking into these dens while the guardian male isn’t looking.

O.M.G.  There was a story in this for me but I couldn’t fathom what.

I’d been playing around with idea of a succubus story for years but couldn’t foresee a HEA for a race that needed multiple partners. It didn’t take me long to connect the octopus lifestyle to this problem.

If octopi could figure out a complex system of rules for mating so could my succubi and incubi.  Starved for Love is born.

Thank you researchers of marina biology. :D

Blurb:

After almost dying of starvation to remain faithful to a mortal lover, succubus Pia Blyton now shields her heart by feeding solely on men she won't fall for. The only trick is, to create energy to survive, she must achieve orgasm. At least that rules out bad sex with her three lovers. Too bad she's a sucker for falling in love.

When her demon lover doesn't arrive for their arranged rendezvous, Pia is forced to ask her vampire lover to step in before her energy becomes dangerously low. In return he demands a favor and Pia finds herself in the hotel suite of the mysterious Valerio Hunan, who seduces her with a devastating kiss. Too late Pia learns he's an incubus who wants to lure her into marriage—a marriage without love.

As an incubus used to bedding a variety of succubi, Val doesn't understand Pia's yearning for love. He needs a succubus wife to provide him with a steady source of energy. But he wants Pia for the passion and renewed interest in life she makes him feel. Can Pia convince Val that sex isn't just for survival and love is for more than the weak?

Excerpt:

Day three of my cycle

            Sex and love should come in the same package, but for a succubus, that meant trouble. Sex equaled food and fidelity couldn’t be part of the equation. Humans couldn’t eat the same thing every meal and stay healthy, and neither could we.

I thumped on the steel door of an industrial garage. Most people didn’t know the largest vampire nest in the Northeast was contained in an underground facility below this building. I kept up my third round of pounding. I knew the vampires were in there. The sun had just set. Someone needed to drag his lazy butt out of bed to answer the door. “I’m not going away!” Security cameras and microphones monitored the place 24/7. The jerks knew I was here.

I needed to feed, and to do that, I needed to get laid. Like all succubi, I survived on the energy created in my body during an orgasm. I couldn’t even stay alive on bad sex. Finding attractive, skilled partners wasn’t a problem in Lake City, but I was a sucker for falling in love. I couldn’t handle the guilt of a one-night stand, and if I tried to live off one male forever, I’d starve, which my instincts wouldn’t allow. I’d tried it once and would never allow myself to go down that road again.

Neither would my parents.

Rain plastered my short curls to my head. Normally, they stuck straight out, the different shades of autumn leaves. I’d be lucky if my suitor didn’t slam the door in my face at the sight of my drenched appearance. But I needed him in a bad way.

I added a kick to my knocking. “It’s Pia, damn it. And it’s raining. Let me in.”

The door finally opened. “The Master’s not expecting you for another seven days.”

I pushed past Rat, one of Zur-Sin’s minions, and huddled in the antechamber. “I know. Tell him I have a problem.”

“What trouble are you in now, Pia?” Sin’s voice carried over an intercom by the door leading into the vampire lair.

Pressing the talk button, I stood on tiptoe to speak in the microphone. “John left a note pinned to my door. He left town last night.” I hoped he was okay. Being a low-level demon bites. Someone was always on his ass.

“So?”

“He’s my suitor for today.” I glanced at Rat, who chuckled. “Shut up.”

“Go see Cooper.”

“Cooper’s on a hunting trip with the pack. Won’t be back for another three days when it’s his turn.”

“I can oblige.” Rat stroked a hand down my back.

His touch sent a wave of desire through my body, but I wasn’t so far gone yet that I’d jump anything with a dick. “Fuck off.” I shoved him away. At least, I tried to. Beauty was a succubus power, not muscle. “We made a deal, Sin.”

“Every nine days. You were just here three days ago.”

“Yeah, do the math, genius. Today’s day three in my cycle. You want me to do Rat instead? I’m out of options.” I crossed my arms and glared at the vampire lackey. I’d eat my own arm before touching him but Sin didn’t have to know that.

“Bring her down, Ratan.”

Rat’s fanged grin faded. “Yes, Master.” He unlocked the door and opened it for me like a gentleman. “Whores first.”

I pulled my jacket tighter around me and fought the shivers. Half-drowned, my need burned inside my body, the hunger for flesh rubbing on flesh setting my skin to oversensitive. If Sin didn’t take me to his bed then I’d have to find some stranger to screw. Nausea rolled in my stomach. I never should have been born a succubus. To my parent’s shame and concern, I wasn’t amoral enough.

They monitored my every meal. How much worse could my life get when my father interviewed potential lovers for me? For crying out loud, what happened with Pierre was history and they needed to let go of the past. I did. Tried…

Racing down the stairs and across the sub-basement, I strode by other vampires, all of them part of Zur-Sin’s nest. He controlled Lake City at night and my father had it during the day. That’s how I met Sin. My father hooked me up two years ago to keep me from starving.

Twenty-five years old and I still lived with my parents. All four of them.

Most mortals wouldn’t understand my dad being interested in my sex life, but he worried and stressed about my lack of lovers to feed upon since I was so picky. I had three now. That should be more than enough if they would just cooperate.

I waited for Rat to twist his key in the elevator so it would travel into the secured areas below us. The doors slid open and I jumped inside.

“Try not to take too long. He has appointments to keep.” With those lovely instructions, Rat keyed the doors closed and I descended into Sin’s world.

Shaking the excess water from my hair, I tried to poof some life back into my signature curls. They sagged on my forehead. Sighing at my reflection, I hung my head. Nothing was sadder than a disheveled, horny succubus.

The doors slid open and a large pair of bare feet stepped into my view. A finger slipped under my chin and raised my gaze. Zur-Sin, ancient vampire warrior, stared at me with his stern dark eyes. Dressed in only a pair of black silk pajama bottoms, he looked good enough to eat. He brushed the curls from my face and frowned. “You have much to learn about the art of seduction.”

“I dressed up last time I was here. I get panicky when things don’t go my way on day threes.”

“It’s not all about appearance, Pia. You’re beautiful even when left out in the rain.” He bent and placed a gentle kiss on my lips. Sin’s touch always struck a spark—even on my off days he could lure me to his bed. “Grace and tact would be appreciated at times. You can’t barge into my nest making demands. It makes me seem weak.”

“I’m sorry.” I leaned against his solid chest. His pale skin still retained the warmth of his last feed. I didn’t ask about his latest conquest. We had a business deal signed in blood. He gave me an orgasm every nine days and I fed him with my blood. No strings attached. I think I came out on top of that deal because Sin could be a generous lover when in the right mood. And I had learned how to guide him into those moods.

He placed a kiss to the top of my head. “Next time call. I have a human secretary, remember? She’d have made quieter arrangements.”

“She hates me.” I squirmed, pressing my thighs together to help relieve the growing demands between them.

Sin sighed and led me into his apartment, through the living room, past his office and into the bedroom where he sat on the edge of his king-sized bed. He plucked a remote off the mattress and turned on some slow jazz. Leaning back onto his elbows, he ran his gaze over me. “Undress.”

I knew this game. It was his favorite. The command was a comfort, something familiar in a day filled with anxiety, since my scheduled suitor had abandoned me. I had watched the sun move across the sky, feeling my need grow. Unbuttoning my raincoat, I tossed it to the floor. I listened to the music and allowed the beat to pace my movements. Shirt, jeans and socks came off slow and easy. Each stroke of my hand over my skin intensified my yearning.

All the while he watched, his eyes caressing my curves, so intent it made me ache.

I unclasped the front of my bra and stalked toward the edge of the bed. The straps slid from my shoulders and down my arms, releasing my breasts. Cool air brushed over my wet skin and sent a shiver through my limbs.

“You’re cold.” He offered me his hand.

I climbed in his warm bed. Lying next to him, I ran my hand through his short, sunny-blond hair. “What would I do without you?”

He chuckled. “Save those words for your other suitors.” Trailing a sharp fingernail over my breastbone, he drew a path to my belly button and teased the small ring pierced there. “What will you give me in exchange for tonight?”

I blinked and tilted my head to see his face better. “What I always pay, my blood.”

He shook his head. “I already fed and the price went up.”

Kindle: 

Nook:

Annie Nicholas

www.annienicholas.com


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