Friday, December 10, 2010

Get DEAD SEXY and Show a Zombie Some Love! You Can Also Win Big on the Holiday Rush Blog Hop!


Readers often ask me how I come up with ideas for my books, so I thought I'd give you a little behind-the-scenes peek at how I came up with my new release, a paranormal erotic romance from Ellora's Cave called DEAD SEXY.

Before I say anything else though, isn't that cover too hot for words?! When the art department sent it to me, I probably gazed at it for a good ten minutes in mouth-drooling appreciation before I could email them back telling the artist it not only rocked, but totally fit the book. The hero is "Dead Sexy," after all!

Okay, back to the story and how I came up with it. First, to set the stage, I need to share a little something with you about myself. Well, about my hubby and me, actually. We love zombie movies, from the George Romero gems to Shaun of the Dead and everything in between, including "Walking Dead," the new series on AMC. You just can't go wrong with a movie full of walking dead people, can you? Well, if you've ever seen a zombie movie (or even you haven't), then you know the creatures aren't the heroes of the film. I mean, how can they be, right? They're all dead and decayed and downright unattractive, not to mention pretty damn scary. Which was why you can imagine my surprise when my hubby suggested I write an erotic romance about a zombie hero. I was like, you're kidding, right? What woman in her right mind would fall in love with a dead guy? No way could that possibly work, or so I thought.

Turns out, my hubby wasn't kidding. In fact, he started working up ideas for the story.

"The hero didn't have to be a zombie all the time," he told me. "Think outside the box - take a little literary license!"

Okay, I thought. I suppose I could be open minded.

My hubby told me that in his out-of-the-box world, the hunky hero got cursed by an evil Voodoo priestess and only turns into a zombie sometimes.

"I'm listening," I said.

"And when he does go zombie, he doesn't have to be like the kind in the movies," my hubby added. "Well, he has to look like one, you know all dead and stuff, but he doesn't have to be a mindless creature or attack humans or eat anything gross."

So, brains are completely out, thanks goodness!

"Think Jensen Ackles or Jared Padelecki, with a really, really, really dark tan - (yes, my hubby knows I've got a thing for the Supernatural hunks!) - well, maybe more gray and black than tan, but you get the idea."

I thought about that for a minute. "So, the hero's dead, but he's still sexy, is that what you're saying?"

"Exactly," he said, giving me a grin as my eyes lit up with understanding.

By that point, my hubby had pretty much sold me on the idea. Of course, I knew if I ran with it, I was going to have to sell it to a publisher, and I knew that could be tough since the hero is a zombie. But I ran with it anyway and ended up with a full-length novel. And it came out pretty damn good, if I do say so myself! I still had to find a publisher for it, though.

About this same time, It just so happens that several of my other books were in the process of being picked up by Ellora's Cave and I thought what the heck? Why not pitch it to my editor there and see what she thinks? So I did, and she told me to send it to her. She was interested to see how I handled the whole zombie-thing. Well, long story, short, she liked it. A lot! My zombie romance with it's dead-sexy hero had a home! I was thrilled and my hubby walked around for a week with a smug, "I-told-you-so" look on his face.

I've been getting the word out there about DEAD SEXY ever since I signed the contract for it and I'm thrilled with the interest from readers who can't wait to get their hands on it! I can't wait for them to read it, too!

Now that I've revealed the story behind the story, I thought I'd share the blurb and an excerpt just to whet your appetite for more!


Blurb:

Romance author Simone Kent thinks she might just have found the most perfect guy in all of New York City - in bed and out. But Drake Parrish is about as far from perfect as any man can get. Eight years ago, he was cursed by an evil Voodoo priestess to live part of his life as a zombie. Since then, he has lived like a recluse on New York’s Upper East Side, afraid to go out for fear he’ll suddenly turn into one of the walking dead.

The sex is the hottest either of them has ever experienced and Simone discovers just how naughty she can be with Drake, while he finds himself feeling things for her that he hasn’t felt in a very long time. When the Voodoo priestess learns of their relationship, however, she comes after him again. She is determined to make sure he won’t have a future with Simone, even if that means killing both him and the woman he loves.




Excerpt:

As she led him up the steps to the second floor, Drake found himself wondering if she would ask him in. And wondering what he’d say if she did. When they came to a stop outside the door to her apartment, Simone turned to give him a smile.

“I had a great time tonight.”

“Me, too.”

She caught her bottom lip between her perfect white teeth and chewed on it thoughtfully as if unsure what she wanted to say next. It was probably an unconscious gesture, something she did whenever she was thinking, but to him, it was sexy as hell and all he could think about was kissing her.

Surely, one kiss couldn’t hurt. He desperately wanted to. He hadn’t kissed a woman in so long. It would be nice to see if he still remembered how.

Before he could stop himself, Drake tilted Simone’s face up to his and pressed his mouth to hers.

She tasted just as sweet and delicious as he thought she would. Her lips were soft and pliant under his as she kissed him back, her tongue eagerly seeking his out.

Drake groaned and slid his hand into her hair, deepening the kiss. Simone sighed into his mouth, running her hands up the front of his shirt to grasp his shoulders. The feel of her touch was like a tonic to his deprived soul and he let out another groan, deeper this time.

He ran his free hand up her side and around to her breast, cupping it through the soft material of her dress. He couldn’t stop himself and apparently, Simone didn’t want him to. She moaned and arched against him. He could feel the heat of her pussy through their clothes as she pressed up against his hard cock. Damn, she felt good.

Drake drew her bottom lip into his mouth and gently suckled on it before slowly kissing his way along the delicate curve of her jaw. Simone clutched his shoulders and tilted her head back. He eagerly trailed a path of hot kisses down her neck, then back up, his mouth finding hers again. Simone looped her arms around his neck, pulling him in even closer as their tongues met.

Down the hall, a door slammed, reminding him where they were.

Drake dragged his mouth away from hers, his breathing ragged as he tried to regain control. He had to get it together because he was about five seconds away from doing something really stupid. Like taking her to bed. “I should go.”

Her lips curved into a sexy, flirtatious smile. “Or you could stay.”

God, how he wanted to. But as much as he’d love to spend the rest of the night exploring every inch of her body, he couldn’t take the chance he might go zombie on her right in the middle of sex. Talk about coitus interruptus, And it had already been almost four days since he last turned, which meant he was already pushing his luck.

“You don’t know how much I want to,” he groaned. “But I can’t.”

Simone looked up at him with those big, blue eyes. “Why not?”

“Because I…” He hesitated, trying to come up with something that would sound believable. “I have a column due in the morning and I haven’t even started on it yet.” She knew all about deadlines, so she would understand that. Besides, he did have a column to write, it just wasn’t due until next week. “Rain check?”

She looked disappointed, but she smiled anyway. “Absolutely. How does coming over for dinner tomorrow night sound?”

It would be crazy to agree when he could be so close to having an episode, but he couldn’t say no. Not when she asked in that soft, sultry voice. “Sounds great.”

“Good. Be here at seven.”

“Seven it is.”

She pulled him down for another long, slow kiss on the mouth. “Don’t be late.”

His mouth twitched. “I won’t.” He bent his head to kiss her again, then groaned. “If I don’t go now, I’ll be here all night.”

Simone laughed. “Would that be such a bad thing?”

“Not to me, but my editor at Money Issues might not be too understanding when he doesn’t find my column sitting in his inbox tomorrow.”

She sighed. “Deadlines can be a real pain in the butt sometimes. Okay, go home and write your column. I’ll cuddle up with a bowl of ice cream instead.”

He chuckled. “Sounds better than taking a cold shower, which is what I’m going to be doing when I get home.” He closed his mouth over hers once more. “See you tomorrow night, beautiful.”

Resisting the urge to pull her into his arms again, Drake turned and walked down the hallway toward the stairwell. At the top of the steps, he glanced over his shoulder to see Simone standing where he’d left her, a sexy curve to her lips.

It took every ounce of strength he possessed not to go back and pin her against the door for one more long, lingering kiss. God, what he wouldn’t give to spend the night with her. Man, it was going to take more than a cold shower to get her out of his head.




Hope you enjoyed the excerpt and that you can't wait to read more! You can get DEAD SEXY from Ellora's Cave at
http://www.jasminejade.com/ps-8917-50-dead-sexy.aspx

You can also check out the trailer here!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5D_YH6bYrE


If you decide to pick up DEAD SEXY, let me know how you like it!

My fellow Ellora's Cave author has a new release out roday, too, so we're doing some cross promo for each other! Which is good for you, too, because that means you can win!

If you'd like to win a copy of EROTIC EXPOSURE, my very first Ellora's Cave book, you must post a comment on my blog and Lauren Fraser's blog! I'll announce the winner next Wednesday!

Lauren's Blog
http://www.laurenfraser.com/blog


If you'd like to participate in the blog tour, too, then visit http://www.booknibbles.com/



And don't forget to stop by my website at http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com/ to check out SEXY SECRET SANTA my upcoming release from Ellora's Cave! Look for it Dec 22nd, just in time for Christmas!


*hugs*

36 comments:

Paris said...

LOL! I've often wondered how anyone could make a zombie sexy but I think you've managed, beautifully. Sounds like a a great premise and I loved the excerpt!

Unknown said...

That cover is very hot, and I do love my zombies - definitely going to check out this book! It's a briliant idea - your husband was right to be smug (and yum!Jensen Ackles!).

Cathy M said...

Happy Release day, Paige. I love the new tv series, Walking Dead, and thanks to your hubby, we've got a totally wild storyline with a new kind of sexy hero. I can't wait to read it.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

caity_mack at yahoo dot com

Harlie Williams said...

Can not wait for this book! The cover is hot, too!

UteH said...

I'm in one line with Paris, couldn't imagine sexy zombies either, but you proved me wrong.

It's on my TBR list now.

Bookwyrm369 said...

Happy release day! I'm looking forward to reading both these books :-) I love zombie movies too and have really enjoyed the new show on AMC - "The Walking Dead." It's a great show!

smaccall @ comcast.net

bluestocking87 said...

You sure get inspired from interesting sources,Paige!And your husband is so right!I am so looking forward to reading this particular book,the cover just made it all the more intriguing.

Unknown said...

Well, thats a first. Did not think anyone could make a zombie sexy. Can not wait to read it...

Lady Gina Kincade said...

Now I wouldn't miss this day would I?

So happy for you hunny! Got it up on the naughtynightspress.blogspot.com

And of course, hoping, praying and wishing like mad to win a copy of "Erotic Exposure".

What could be easier then to "just leave a comment" for my chance at it...lol

*kisses*
Gina

Elena Gray said...

Where are all the hot guys that are featured on the covers? They definitely don't go to the beaches that I frequent. Only hairy men in speedos with a beer belly!! I'm very curious as to how you are able to get around the fact that zombies are nasty. Can't wait to check it out!!

Fedora said...

I wouldn't have thought you could make a zombie sexy, but I'm glad to see I'm WRONG! Happy release day, Paige! Can't wait to read this!

Jen B. said...

Zombies! Ha! How can you go wrong! Love it!

Sasha Devlin said...

You had me at Jared and Jensen! I've been wondering how a zombie romance would work, but this seems feasible. Congrats on your release.

The Scarf Princess said...

This sounds like an amazing story! I too love Shaun of the Dead, super fun movie and the two buddies are perfectly hilarious together. I'll definitely add this to my wishlist, especially since it will give me something to drool over whenever I'm down and need a perk-me-up.

Caffey said...

Hi Paige! He so looks alive and yummy for me :) Its a cover you want to reach out and touch your screen with to get close!

I've never saw a zombie movie! (I am so a wimp when it comes to horror movies) but love the reads, cuz they sizzle too, LOL. You're hubby sounds like alot of fun to work stories together! Drake is so good!!! Do you think you can make this a series and write more, LOL. I love this all!

You have a great weekend Paige!

cathiecaffey @ gmail.com

Unknown said...

Congrats on the new release! That is a awesome cover! I had a feeling zombies would be the next thing in paranormals. lol. Dead Sexy sounds great!

amysmith98 @ gmail.com

Sherry said...

I like how you wrote your zombie. When I heard about zombies in romance stories I couldn't ever see myself reading one but after reading your post I know that I would love your book.

sstrode@scrtc.com

JoAnna said...

That sounds like a very interesting book!
And I have to say that I can't wait for The Walking Dead to start back up again.
Congrats on your release!

Unknown said...

I think I'm slowly warming to this story.....zombies and all! You make it sound so fun.

Sandra Sookoo said...

Your new books sounds really good! I just love to bounce ideas off my husband. He comes up with some awesome twists :-)
sandra.sookoo@comcast.net

Fedora said...

Thanks for the amazing excerpt, Paige! Happy holiday weekend!

f dot chen at comcast dot net

Anonymous said...

I really want to read Dead Sexy but have to wait until after the holidays before I can buy any new books.

nmreviews@gmail.com

Ashley L said...

A wonderful excerpt! Congrats on the release!

Ashley L said...

Very nice excerpt and congrats on the release!

Jenn said...

I Love this cover and it sounds so good I can't wait to go buy a copy . Congrats on the new release and Happy Holidays to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I coulda swore I already commented but since the bus brought me back I'll try again. I really want to get a copy of Dead Sexy, probably after the holidays. I love zombie movies and I'm interested to see how you made this work.

JeanMP said...

Great looking cover, loved the excerpt. Congrats on the release.

Jolene and Family said...

ok, so I commented on one of your other psts when I meant to comment on this one, I should pay more attention :) You probably don't want to hear me repeat myself, but I am intrigued with this book, it sounds really good and sexy hot. I've never read a zombie book and I steer clear from the movies, but I would love nothing more than to get ahold of this book. Tell your husband he has great intuition, I must read this :)

june111@att.net

Judy said...

I really enjoyed the excerpt. Your book really looks good. Fantastic cover!!!Woot!!!

sonya said...

awesome excerpt
the hoilday rush blog hop is fantastic

Beth said...

Happy Holidays!

wanda f said...

Congratulations on your new release,I love the cover .This book is at the top of my must get list .
flanagan@mebtel.net

wanda f said...

Congratulations on your new release,thats a great cover I cannot wait to read it its at the top of my must buy list .
flanagan@mebtel.net

rougebolo said...

like the web site and your stories

Gabrielle Lee said...

Great cover can't wait to check the book out.

Tamsyn said...

Congrats on your release! That is certainly a whole new look at a zombie. You have a great husband!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

tamsyn5@yahoo.com
international