Catch a copy of Catch Me!

by Jennifer Probst

I adore my brave, plucky heroine from my novella Catch Me – the first in the Steele Brothers series from Decadent. Tara Denton had to face a lot of demons to get where she is today, and I thought it would be fun to interview her. One of my all time favourite questionnaires is from Inside the Actors Studio.

I’m also giving away a FREE BOOK to a random commenter!  Leave me a comment on one of the following questions:

What turns you on??

What turns you off??

Enjoy!

Me:  What turns you on?

Tara: Strength and kindness in a human being.

Me:  What turns you off?

Tara: Violence

Me: What is your favourite word?

Tara:  Hope

Me: What is your least favourite word?

Tara: Own

Me: What sound or noise do you love?

Tara: Birds chirping in the early morning

Me:  What sound or noise do you hate?

Tara: The slap of a belt

Me: What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?

Tara: Elementary school teacher

Me: What profession other than yours would you not want to attempt?

Tara: Stripper

Me: What’s your favourite swear word?

Tara: Crap. That’s a swear word, right?

Me: Yes, that counts. Last question. If Heaven exists, what would you like God to say as you enter the Pearly Gates?

Tara: Please come in. I’ve been expecting you, and saved you a front row seat.

Me: Beautifully done, Tara. It was wonderful to interview you!

Tara: You are so welcome! That was fun!

Here’s an excerpt from Catch Me to whet your appetite!

“Tara Denton?” His question was more of a command.

She had no spit left when she opened her mouth to answer, and managed only a squeak. “Yes.” “Good. I’m Rick Steele.” His green-gold eyes gentled as he pulled back a stool and took a seat. “Don’t you like your drink? I’d be happy to get you another.”

She looked down at her barely touched concoction and shook her head. “This is fine, thank you.” She took a large sip and swallowed, as if proving her point. The sweetness was a bit cloying on her tongue, but the vodka burned hot down her throat. Since she rarely drank, she fought a cough, determined to act cool. The slight curl of his lip told her she’d failed.

He signaled the waiter over and ordered a beer. She forced her gaze upward, away from the large fingers inches from her own. Fingers that looked talented. Her cheeks heated at the sudden image of his hands gripping her hips as he thrust inside of her. She took a deep breath and discreetly wiped her damp palms on her skirt. “Well, Mr. Steele—”

“Rick.” Another quirk of amusement curved his lip. “I think we should at least be on a first name basis, don’t you?”

His drawl reminded her of smoke, sex, and sweat. She folded and refolded the cocktail napkin so she didn’t pick her fingers and ruin her new manicure. “Oh, yes, of course. Well, I just wanted to let you know it will be perfectly acceptable if you’d like to cancel. I’m not sure if you saw my photo or read my requirements, but I understand if you decide to leave after our drinks.”

He took a long pull of his beer, then pushed away from the table and studied her with interest. “You don’t like me?”

She sputtered with embarrassment. “God, no! I mean, you seem fine. You’re attractive, and I’m sure you’re experienced. But this is new to me. I just don’t think I’m the type you expected for this, for a….”

“One-night stand?”

“Yes, that’s right.” She nodded again and cleared her throat. “Please don’t feel bad. I appreciate you meeting me.”

One brow shot up. “That’s quite polite of you. But unnecessary.” A wolfish grin transformed his face. A rush of sexual heat squeezed through her blood and settled between her thighs in an ache. “You see, I’m just counting the minutes until I get you into bed.” 

The Name Game

by Jennifer Probst

Naming characters can be great fun to a novelist...or great pain. Readers may think when they pick up a book that the author has just named a character on a fun fling and not thought too much about it...and sometimes you are right. But most authors name their story babies as carefully as their human babies. Then jump out into the world and hope the reader approves!

When I began my series with the Steele Brothers for Decadent’s  1Night Stand, I envisioned a group of fierce, sexy men who work hard and play harder. Vegas shimmered on the horizon of my imagination, and I knew I’d like to write a series with the mystery and playfulness of the city as my setting.

I didn’t even have to think on the last name – Steele came right to mind. But I played with stringing the names together like a proud mama would and finally came up with the three R’s: Rick, Rome, and Rafe.

YUM.

My goal? An image of a confident, domineering, sexy predator strolling the casinos of Vegas. Cha ching!

Jackpot!

My heroines were quite different and named for their unique individuality. In Catch Me, Tara Denton reminded me of a softer woman on the outside, with strength shimmering in the inside. Easy. Sloane Keller burst onto the scene without a second thought to be the match of Rome in Play Me. I knew I needed an edgy name to match a fiery woman who refused to cower for any man. Good thing I made Rome stubborn enough to be her match! And finally, for Dare Me, my heroine needed to inspire a delicate lightness that would be completely at odds with her personality – a true Dominatrix. Enter Summer Preston and we have the perfect named trilogy.

Do names inspire certain images for you? Do you think about the names of the characters in the stories you read? Come by and share with me! Here’s a sneak peek at my new release, Play Me!

Professional gambler Sloane Keller is tired of dating weak willed men and longs to meet a man who challenges her dominant personality and forces her to submit. As the Queen of Cards, she’s used to making her own rules and craves the excitement of Vegas. But her inner heart cries out for someone who can be her match, both inside the casino and in the bedroom.

As the new dealer in town, Roman Steele is burnt out on women looking for a quick penny and a man to follow. He craves a woman with fire in her soul and a keen intellect who can challenge him. When his brother recruits Madame Eve to help, Rome is amazed at the complicated woman he gets to spend the night with. But when the evening is over, will she be gutsy enough to offer him forever?

Stalking is highly encouraged. For real.

Website and Blog: http://www.jenniferprobst.com

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/jenniferprobst

Get Ready To Play...

 

by Jennifer Probst

Exploring different careers for my heroes and heroines in stories is exciting for both the reader and writer.

In my upcoming release, Play Me, the second in the Steele Brothers series for 1Night Stand, Sloane Keller is a professional gambler in Vegas. She won the World Series of Poker and is termed the Queen of Cards.

Having a career in the limelight, and being a woman in a male dominated scene has given my heroine some distinct characteristics. She is a woman who loves control. Problem is, she secretly longs for a man to break that famous control and allow her to surrender to her deeper physical desires. But she has no idea how to do it.

Hmmm, good thing I created Rome Steele, a man worthy of her. He’s a dealer in Vegas and understands Sloane’s need for control. He also craves a woman strong enough to play some delicious games.

I think Madame Eve has made a perfect match!

Using a career to build certain personality aspects is a great tool, and gives readers a deeper look into character. In Catch Me, the first book in the Steele Brother series, Tara worked at a woman’s shelter and did accounting work. She is a softer personality, driven to help others, and craves the feeling of everything coming together in a tidy package with numbers.

As a writer, using a character’s life work is key in building up personality and providing a deeper understanding of what motivates our hero and heroine.

Here’s a quick blurb from Play Me, releasing on March 30th:

Professional gambler Sloane Keller is tired of dating weak willed men and longs to meet a man who challenges her dominant personality and forces her to submit. As the Queen of Cards, she’s used to making her own rules, and craves the excitement of Vegas. But her inner heart cries out for someone who can be her match, both inside the casino and in the bedroom. 

As the new dealer in town, Roman Steele is burnt out on women looking for a quick penny and a man to follow. He craves a woman with fire in her soul and a keen intellect who can challenge him. When his brother recruits Madame Eve to help, Rome is amazed at the complicated woman he gets to spend the night with. But when the evening is over, will she be gutsy enough to offer him forever?

What type of occupations do you like to read about? Do you have any favorites?

Do you agree occupation helps deepen a character? Stop by and comment!

STALKING IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED!

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WELCOME TO VEGAS

by Jennifer Probst

Setting is the backdrop of a story, and writers use location as an important tool to draw readers in. Setting can actually become an integral part of a series, such as small towns that become almost like a character.

So, when I envisioned my gorgeous heroes – The Steele Brothers – for my Decadent 1NSseries, I knew immediately there was no other place to tell my story than Vegas.

Why?

Ah, where to start? First, my heroes come from a long line of casino dealers so it’s in the blood. Each of them gets transported from Atlantic City to Vegas to work and deal cards. Where else can the sights and sounds of a casino and the dealer lifestyle be sketched out so vividly? Vegas also gave me a unique opportunity to bring the reader into certain establishments that can be glimpsed nowhere else. Secret nightclubs, themed restaurants, strip clubs, lush Penthouse suites where every fantasy can be played out...where day bleeds into night and time stops...the city is rich with opportunities to explore my characters.

In Catch Me, my heroine Tara is running from a brutal past, and still struggles with some demons. Here’s a quick snippet of dialogue to show how setting can be pulled in to make a scene richer and even bring depth to a character.

“Do you live in Vegas now?” He stroked her hair.

“Yes. I knew I’d have a new start here. Get lost. Find my own way.” A glimmer

of a smile ghosted her lips. “I like the idea of a tarnished city being my home. I

can paint myself up with makeup and glitter and clothes, but in the light of day, I

always felt lacking.

I hope you will join me in the journey and watch how each brother’s story plays out in the city of secrets and dreams. Here’s a quick blurb from the first book, Catch Me:

Meet the Steele Brothers. They work hard. Play harder. And they’re about to face the biggest obstacle of all…love.

Rick Steele has avoided women since he caught his fiancée cheating, but when he’s talked into spending a one night stand through Madame Eve, he’s not prepared for his emotional and physical reaction to his date. For the first time, he wants more than one night..but he needs to catch her first…

Tara Denton escaped a brutal past and needs one night with a stranger to break down her sexual and emotional limitations. On the brink of recovering her strength and independence, she wants nothing to do with a relationship. But Rick Steele does more than rock her body…he rocks her heart. Tara has to make a choice, and she’s not ready to get caught…

Come share your experience and thoughts on setting in a book. What are your favorites?

Win it Before You Can Buy it!

Leave a comment today only for a chance to win a copy of Catch Me by Jennifer Probst!

Tell us what a man (or woman!) has to do to Catch You!

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**CONGRATULATIONS TO SHADOW KOHLER, WINNER OF CATCH ME!**