Some specifics: this story is not related to the Night Huntress universe, so there’s not a vampire to be found. Instead, it’s a completely new paranormal world featuring fallen angels, demons, and partial demons – three supernatural societies that don’t necessarily get along with each other ;). Again, don’t expect any similarities to the demons in my NH books because none of those rules will apply. It was great to write this story because I’ve had this alternate paranormal world in the back of my mind for a few years now. 

Anyway, I finished the novella yesterday and emailed it off, which doesn’t mean it’s done done since there will still be editorial revisions, but I’m done for now. That’s good enough for me to do the “I’m done!” celebration, which for me consists of going out to dinner with hubby and then planting my ass on the couch. I get serious couch lust when I’m on deadline because that’s the zone I’m not allowed to enter, lol. The couch is where I can relax, watch TV, and read, things I’m not allowed to do while in deadline crunch. So this weekend, I’ll be on the couch, reading galleys of ETERNAL KISS OF DARKNESS and checking for any last-minute corrections. And on Monday, I’ll start back on writing Cat and Bones #5.

To head off any cries of “You stopped writing C&B5 to work on a new novella? Blasphemy!!!!” let me explain. Writing the novella meant absolutely no delay in the release of Cat and Bones 5. I’ve been informed that the release date for Cat and Bones’s fifth book (still untitled as of now, but it’ll have the word “grave” in it) is February 22nd, 2011.  I asked if the the date could be earlier, but my publisher has a lot of books to release and this is what they had available. When I was told the date, I switched from working on C&B5 to the novella because that anthology comes out this year, so the deadline for turning it in was much sooner, obviously. I expect to be finished with C&B5 the end of this month or beginning of April, and then I’m starting on C&B6 right afterward (no idea when that release date is, but I’m told they’re planning for later 2011).

So, here’s my remaining release schedule for 2010:

July 27th        ETERNAL KISS OF DARKNESS, Night Huntress World, book two (Mencheres and Kira)

August 3rd     DEATH’S EXCELLENT VACATION, anthology (Cat and Bones short story, set after the events of Destined for an Early Grave)

October 26th  HAUNTED BY YOUR TOUCH, anthology (new world of fallen angels, demons, and partial demons)

And again, Cat and Bones, book five (title to be determined) comes out February 22^nd, 2011.

Now, I’m off to read galleys, try to catch up on emails, and otherwise reclaim the couch. Come Monday, it’s back to Cat and Bones and all the supernatural mayhem they’re dealing with .

In other news, FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON is still holding strong in its second week. Current rankings are #10 on the New York Times, # 53 on the USA Today, and # 11 on the Publishers Weekly bestseller lists.  Thanks so much, readers! Your support of Spade and Denise’s story has been awesome.

Speaking of Spade and Denise’s story, my fan site is holding a discussion about the book on the evening of the 28th. Link is here if you want to join in the chat: http://www.frostfans.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=815 

Answers to a new interview I did about FIRST DROP, Cat and Bones, Mencheres, and more will be interspersed during the chat, so should be a fun time. I’ll try to pop in as well, word count productivity allowing .

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

But enough talk about that. I have a very special announcement to make. A few weeks ago, Karen from For What It’s Worth blog contacted me because she was trying to raise money for Doctors Without Borders efforts in the aftermath of Haiti’s earthquake. News about Haiti may have faded from the headlines but the need and suffering sadly hasn’t faded. So I was more than happy to join Karen’s efforts to try to raise money by offering up books and some special, never-before-seen deleted scenes from my novels. I’ll also be matching bids up to the first $100.00, if they go that high, with Karen matching bids for the next $50.00 if they exceed $100.00. So every dollar in this auction, up to $150.00,  means two dollars will go toward Doctors Without Borders as they try to save more lives.

Here’s what I’m offering in the auction, copied from Karen’s website:

The Night Huntress Series, Books 1-4 

• Book one - HALFWAY TO THE GRAVE
• Book two - ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE
• Book three - AT GRAVES END
• Book four - DESTINED FOR AN EARLY GRAVE

All 4 books personally signed.
Night Huntress World, Book 1 

• Book one – FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON (Spade and Denise’s story)

Personally signed.

EXCLUSIVE TO THIS AUCTION!

 Printed and signed “sneak peek” at 3 deleted scenes from The Night Huntress Series!! 

• ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE– A deleted scene from the wedding where Cat first sees Bones
• AT GRAVES END – A deleted scene after Cat and Bones visit to the S&M club (it’s Cat & Bones – so you can guess where that’s going……LOL) 
• DESTINED FOR AN EARLY GRAVE – The original beginning
   

All five books retail for $7.99 each so that’s a value of $39.95, plus the scenes, being offered at a starting bid of $20.00. Here’s where you need to go if you’re interested in bidding on these items, plus a breakdown of the rules: http://forwhatitsworth-kea.blogspot.com/2010/02/final-auctionjeaniene-frost.html 

Please help me in trying to help out those devastated by the earthquake by placing a bid, if you can. Again, don’t bid here, but please go here:  http://forwhatitsworth-kea.blogspot.com/2010/02/final-auctionjeaniene-frost.html

And even if you can’t bid, spreading the word by linking to Karen’s auction would be  much appreciated.

Thanks!

Tomorrow (or today, if you’re reading this Thursday), I’m being interviewed about FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON by bestselling author Cathy Maxwell over on Blog Talk Radio. You can call in or email your questions and I’ll be happy to chat with you. Show starts at 1pm Eastern time and lasts half an hour. Here is the link for details:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/romanceradio/2010/02/18/jeaniene-frost-experience-the-first-drop-of-crimson

Hope to see you there, and again, readers, thank you so much. You’re amazing!!

Thank you so much, readers, for allowing me to share my characters and stories with you. Happy reading!

Dame for a Day over at the Deadline Dames, blogging about e-piracy; what is is, and why it hurts more than just authors/publishers: http://www.deadlinedames.com/?p=2700

Interview over at All Things Urban Fantasy, chatting about book covers, who I picture as Spade, and inspiration for character names: http://allthingsurbanfantasy.blogspot.com/2010/02/interview-jeaniene-frost-first-drop-of.html

Interview at Bloody Bookaholic, talking about influences, the supernatural, Bones, and Bruce Campbell’s eyebrows: http://bloodybookaholic.blogspot.com/2010/01/interview-with-jeaniene-frost.html

And I have interviews/guest blogs coming up on The Book Pushers, SciFiGuy, Naughty Editions, The Book Lovers, and Borders True Romance. Will post links once they’re live, because some of them have book giveaways included.

Not posting another snippet from FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON today, but I leave you with something else; a collection of quotes from the book. Over at my fansite forum, readers who’d won early copies of the book have pulled out random quotes or sentences and posted them over the past month, deliberately leaving off who said what or why. Seeing which quotes/sentences were chosen made me laugh, and seeing readers making guesses as to which character was speaking/the context of the sentences cracked me up even more. So here’s the current list of random quotes & sentences from FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON. Have fun seeing if you can guess which characters said what — and maybe even why .

***

I threw some soap, that’s all. 

And angels fly out of my arse when I fart. 

She appeared in the bedroom doorway, blood still staining her neck, her face even paler than his normally was. 

Touch me again and I’ll kill you.

You haven’t come to your senses – you’ve lost them entirely, which is why I’m going to ignore everything you just said. 

I want you to think of something small, something harmless.

Congratulations, you’re officially a Peeping Tom.

Blue bedchamber, purple drapes, bloody what were you thinking with all those peacock feathers everywhere?

He’d never seen such a thing before, not in all his centuries. Then the panicked, horrified expression on her face snapped him into action.

Very good. Are you someone’s property?

Lucifer’s bouncing balls, that’s why you’re acting like a nutter!

If you think I can strap on a parachute and go skydiving, you’re crazy.

Now there’s a subject I like to talk about. 

Aren’t you the pep talker? 

Black boots with crisscrossing chains adorned his legs, the same color as the leather pants that dipped low on his hips. And aside from the studded slave collar ….around his neck and the studs pierced through his nipples, that was all he had on.

Don’t you want to torture me when I’ll be able to heal over and over?

Villains of the world, beware! 

When you put it like that . . . you sound like a sicko.

He didn’t like being threatened; it was clear from the fury that crossed over his expression. But just as quickly, his face smoothed into another smile.

“Are you certain? This will hurt.” / She braced herself even as she met his gaze. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

But then again, when Cat finds out, I hope she sticks something silver in you where the sun doesn’t shine! 

I never tease.

So with all the affection I have for you, Crispin, I say again, this doesn’t concern you.

I’m allergic to cats. 

Get some tuna and a bowl of cream.

You can always watch . . . again.

I’m a crazy human female, you know I’ll do it.

That was going in the opposite direction than she’d intended. Okay, one shallow, uninteresting female, coming up.

Maybe tonight will be our lucky night.

He was handsome even with his normal guarded expression, but when he smiled, he was breathtaking.

Nonsense. That’s just how vampires are. If you want something, it has a price, but then it comes back ’round again.

Look what happened the first night Rachel and Ross were “on a break”.

A sliver of crimson clung to the blade even as the wound closed.

We’ll have to test you before we begin the tattoos.

Wow, you’re good.

That’s not my tale to tell, poppet.

You look like a Dracula porn movie reject.

Isn’t there anything alive around here?

I’ve heard of altered blood being sold on the black market to young, stupid vampires seeking a thrill, but I didn’t realize . . .

Second floor, third door on your left. Springy mattress, too.

Right. Becuase with your world, death is the only choice. No other option exists.

I absolutely never needed to know that *censured for spoilers!* was pierced down there.

Trust me on this.

Why don’t you swim around until you find a shark? Then you can discuss how much the two of you
have in common.

I’m not just your best option; I’m your only option.

It’s my secret shame.

Paybacks.

Bloody hell, Charles, what’s gotten into you? I didn’t believe Ian when he said that you were acting barmy, but now you’ve more than proved him correct.

Where do you put it?

I have a plan for that as a well.

Where’d that bloody statue come from? Er, imitation anyway. I know the scientific names of beings animalculous….

Ask me later, when I’m less overwhelmed.

Whatever happened to Timothy? I don’t think that I ever saw him around Bones or Cat.

Not in a million years.

***

Yesterday, for some quick R&R, I picked up the DVD of Zombieland. If you like Shawn of the Dead, you’ll probably like Zombieland. It’s the same sort of irreverent, campy-but-funny horror movie, and Bill Murray’s cameo is hilarious.

But *grin* most of you probably aren’t reading this post to hear about my week, or what movie I saw last. So without further ado, here’s another snippet from FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON. The last snippet was in Denise’s point of view so I chose one from Spade’s this time to keep it even . Hope you enjoy!

***

            Spade couldn’t stop the memories from thickening his voice. The last time he’d seen his father was in the jailor’s cell, shortly before being sent off to the colonies. His father hadn’t said anything to him. He’d stood there, his once proud frame hunched, and cried. Not in shame at the fate of his only son being transported, but in guilt.

            Denise was silent for another minute. Then she said, “I don’t want to know what that house looked like that you gave to Ian because of me. No wonder you keep telling me you won’t let me pay you back. I probably couldn’t, even if I gave you every cent I had.”

            Spade jerked his memories back from the past. “Will you stop fretting about that? Ian will likely offer it to me in a wager over something in the next few years, then I’ll win it back. Or he’ll want a favor and he’ll swap it in return for my assistance. Its loss isn’t permanent.”

            She gave him a watery smile. “You’d tell me that even if it wasn’t true, wouldn’t you?”

            Yes, he would, not that he’d admit that. “Nonsense. That’s just how vampires are. If you want something, it has a price, but then it comes back ‘round again.”

            Alten stopped the car at the front of the house, leaping out to get their bags from the boot. Denise looked away.

            “You’ve never asked me to pay a price,” she almost whispered.

            Spade felt something tighten in him as he stared at her profile. Oh, I want many things from you, Denise. Too many to tell you about right now.

            “You’re not a vampire,” was all he said.

            Alten opened his door. “If you will?”

            Spade got out and extended his hand to Denise. She took it, then let go self-consciously once she was out of the car.

            He walked her to the front door, which was opened by his smiling housekeeper, Emma. Then he let Denise know the last bit of the plan.

            “I’m leaving now. Alten will stay with you for the next few days.”

            Denise’s mouth dropped. “You’re leaving?” she repeated. “Where? Why?”

            Spade leaned in, lowering his voice. “Don’t leave the house under any circumstances, and no matter what, do not invite anyone in.”

            She still had that look of surprise on her face, but underneath that was something else. Hurt.       

            “Are you coming back?”

            Frustration competed with another, deeper emotion in him. Did she really think he’d flown her all the way here just to abandon her? Didn’t she know him enough by now to realize he wouldn’t do that?

            “Yes, I’m coming back,” he said, his voice rough.

            Then he did what he’d wanted to do for longer than he’d admit. He pulled her close, tilting her head back and covering her mouth with his.

***

In keeping with my tradition right before a release, I’ve got interviews, giveaways, and guest blogs set up. Yes, that means a whole lot more of me on the internet, but I hope to make up for that by giving away lots of books and prizes . Example: Bloody Bookaholic has an interview up where I talk about writing, FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON, Bones, and more. Also in that interview is a chance to win a copy of one of my books, so head on over to  http://bloodybookaholic.blogspot.com/2010/01/interview-with-jeaniene-frost.html to check it out.

Next, I’m having a release party over at Bitten By Books. This will be my third release party with BBB and they always do a great job. RSVP there now to get 25 credits toward the contest that will kick off Monday: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=18947 

And now, here’s another snippet from FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON. Some of this was posted a while ago on my fan site, but most of you probably haven’t read it, so here you go .

***

           “How old were you when you died?” Denise asked, going off the path in favor of walking in the snow. Spade followed behind her, his steps sounding so much surer than hers in the dark.

            “Thirty.”

            She sighed. “I’ll be twenty eight on my next birthday.”

            “I’ll be two hundred and fifty seven on my next birthday,” Spade replied, an edge of something she couldn’t name in his voice.

            Giving him another once-over, Denise couldn’t help but laugh.

            “You look pretty good for such an old man.”

            He grinned, his smile a white, wicked flash in the night. “Flattery will get you everywhere, darling.”

            She had to turn away quickly, because if she didn’t, her gaze would linger too long on all the evidence of her statement. Spade did look good. Too good, especially with his shirt blowing behind him, showing a chest that looked like moonlight carved into life. His long black hair also rustled in the breeze, taking turns hiding or revealing his face, but it wasn’t hard for her to see his eyes. Their dark depths glowed with green specks, drawing her gaze even though she knew it was dangerous to keep looking.

            Denise sat down, pretending to draw something in the snow, ignoring the cold seeping in through her long skirt. She had on tights and knee high boots underneath her skirt, but that wasn’t enough to protect her from the freezing earth. Still, better to shiver from contact with the snow than reveal the tremble that had swept through her while she’d stared at Spade. This isn’t you, she reminded herself. It’s just the demon marks.

            The crunching of snow announced that Spade was walking over to her. Denise didn’t glance at him. She felt her heart speeding up and cursed herself for it.

            “Denise.”

            Spade’s voice was lower, and he drew her name out in a way that made her heart speed up even more. Still, she kept her attention on the random pattern she’d drawn, even when she felt him kneel down next to her.

            It’s just the demon marks, just the demon marks…

            His hand slid across her back. Shivers rippled through her that had nothing to do with the cold. Then Spade’s shoulder brushed hers, followed by his leg touching her thigh as he moved even closer.

            Everywhere he grazed her, her flesh felt like it was vibrating. Denise kept her head bent, her hair covering her face, hand quivering as she continued to blindly trace her fingers through the snow.

            It’s just the demon marks, just the demon marks!

            Spade brushed her hair back with a light, caressing stroke. She wished his fingers felt lifeless and cold, but they didn’t. They felt strong, supple, and knowing. Like he realized exactly how she was reacting to his touch.

***

***

     The cab jerked to a stop. Spade handed over a twenty, then was outside opening Denise’s door before she’d finished lowering her hand to tug on the handle.

     “You don’t need to keep doing that, I can get it,” she murmured, looking embarrassed. She tucked a strand of her hair back, the color in her cheeks darkening ever so slightly.

     It was such a lovely, feminine response, without the wariness she normally had with him. Though he would have done the same with any woman – no amount of time could erase the strict etiquette he’d been raised with – Spade found himself enjoying her reaction.

     “Just because a lady can, doesn’t mean she should,” he teased, amused to see her color deepen as she glanced away. Christ, she was lovely.

     He slid his gaze over her, unable to help himself. Under her coat, Denise wore a cowl-necked sweater and a long black skirt, her boots peeking out from under its hem and gloves covering her hands. The only skin visible on her was her face and neck. Spade found himself staring at her pulse with a hunger that had nothing to do with blood. What would she taste like, if he placed his mouth there?

     And what would she taste like everywhere else he put his mouth? 

     Denise shivered, snapping his attention back to the fact that they were standing outside on a sidewalk when they should be inside looking for Nathanial.

     “This way,” he said, extending his arm.

     She placed her hand in it with another shiver, not meeting his gaze. A good thing, too, because his eyes had probably gone green with lust.

     “What’s it like in this place?” she asked, still looking away.

     Spade forced his control back into place. “It’s exactly what you’d think a vampire bar would be like, if you didn’t believe in vampires

     That made her look at him. “Huh?”

     He grunted. “You’ll see.”   

***

-Jeaniene