Hi everyone, and Happy New Year - I hope 2013 will be everything you're hoping for!
I've got a special guest to help me kick off 2013, Kayla Jameth, who is going to spill the beans about her new release 'From the Ashes' - a m/m version of Cinderella set in 16th century France.
Zara, thank you for agreeing to have me on your blog to talk
about From the Ashes, my Cinderfella (m/m Cinderella story).
You're very welcome Kayla, mind if we have a few quick fire questions and find out a bit more about you and the story?
Where did the idea for FTA come from? It sounds intriguing!
An m/m author (Cinder's first godmother) told me about a
submission call for m/m fairy tales. The only one I could make plausible was a
Cinderfella. I missed the call, but this was the first non-slash I wrote. It
took some urging from the other two ladies I call his godmothers to get me to
rework and submit it.
Why France?
Because the original Cinderella story is a French story. I'm
a bit of a stickler for accuracy so there you have it. Plus I get to use some
French endearments.
Ten words to make my buy it?
Lots of hot sex in a cute story. Oh-la-la!
Would you like to meet Cinder’s and Henri in real life (or
are they based on someone you do know?!)
I'd love to get to know them better.
Cinder is an absolutely wonderful person, mostly sweet, but
a little snarky.
Henri wants to think of himself as a self-made man in an era
when most the notables weren't. He's more down to earth than one would expect
in the French court.
Have you had a good Christmas?
Yes, I have. The family gets together for a good dinner
after opening all the presents.
Do you like to stick to the traditional, or do something we
wouldn’t expect over the festive season?
My hubby says that I'm very traditional.
Any New Year's resolutions?
Nothing in particular. Maybe just hug and tickle the kids
more.
What have you got planned for 2013?
I've got a short story with Alexios and Galen. I'm about 2/3
done with a novel, continuing their story.
I've also got a short story featuring Andreas and Theron
from an upcoming novel called A Spartan Love.
They are all from my Apollo's Men series.
If I get all that done, I have a story titled Fan Service
sitting in the wings.
Thank you for being a wonderful host. I hope you have a
wonderful year.
Thanks Kayla! All the best for 2013 x
BLURB
Cinder never thought that he
could rise from the ashes of his life, but an unexpected encounter with a woman
claiming to be his fairy godmother may be just what he needs. Finding himself
flung into his very own fairy tale, she sends him off to meet his Prince
Charming. But was the gown really necessary?
EXCERPT
Cinder glanced around. Paper
lanterns floated in the trees, lined the walks, and graced the gazebo near the
reflecting pool, giving the grounds a mystical air. Their warm glow caught the
dancing jets of the fountain splashing merrily to his right. The musical,
crystalline tones carried on the night wind’s breath. He was reminded of the
enchanted gardens in the fairy tales his father had read to him when he was a
child. What would happen to him if he dared walk there?
Henri led him toward the gazebo.
Soon he would find out.
The cool breeze caressed his
uncovered neck. Cinder shivered at the ethereal touch. Henri turned to him, the
question clear in his eyes, but he didn’t know how to answer. Instead he
breathed in the tangible scent of rich earth and flowing water, hoping to calm
his bounding heart.
Henri lightly stroked his arm.
Cinder’s breath caught at the silky brush of the other man’s fingers. He drew
another shaky breath. Henri may have meant to soothe him; instead his touch set
Cinder’s wayward body aflame.
They left the last of the courtiers
behind as they entered the dim interior of the fanciful pavilion. Vines climbed
its intricately carved posts, perfuming the air within. The music and voices of
the aristocrats faded away. Only a single intrepid nightingale could be heard
over the cheerful burbling of the fountain. Hidden from the rest of the court,
an unworldly sense of peace filled him. Was his very own fairy tale about to
come true?
Bespelled and bemused, he could feel
the magic in every beat of his heart, in every trembling breath he drew.
Once inside the bower, Henri reached
to cup Cinder's cheek. Unused to being touched, he nearly flinched away but
managed to still, heart pounding, before giving himself away. The older man's
thumb slid across his cheekbone and came to rest lightly on his mouth. Why did
he want to lean into that caress?
The other man's warm, slightly musky
scent filled his nostrils, drowning his senses.
Henri's other hand wrapped around
his waist and drew him close. He leaned closer while tipping Cinder's face
upwards. Cinder's breath left him in a rush, stirring the noble’s hair. Henri
was all that he could see, his mouth slowly, carefully descending toward
Cinder’s. If he allowed this, the other man might discover his deception. He
couldn’t risk that, so why then did he ache to feel Henri’s kiss? Their lips
brushed, light as thistle down.
Surprisingly, Henri's mouth was soft
and warm upon his own. After a moment, it pressed more firmly against his.
Something fluttered in his chest, trying to get out.
Cinder didn't think to pull away
until he felt Henri's tongue seeking entrance. The hand on his face slipped to
his nape and held firm. He froze in shock, not even daring to breathe, as
flames rushed through his body. The very beat of his heart betrayed him.
The questing tongue stroked his lips
and pushed between them. It slid over his teeth, seeking to enter. When he
protested, Henri swept in and began a lazy, sensuous exploration that left him
breathless.
Soon he found himself returning the
caress. Henri responded to his fledgling attempts by pulling him closer and
moaning into his mouth. He had never experienced anything so sensual and
erotic. He fed his own needy pleas to the other man one at a time.
Finally they separated slightly,
Cinder panting heavily, trying to catch his breath. Was Henri as affected by
their kiss as he was? A quick glance confirmed Cinder was not alone in his
arousal. Flushed and gasping, Henri gazed at him with eyes full of wonder and
something unnamed smoldering in their depths.
BUY LINK: http://www.breathlesspress.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A knight and a former princess, Kayla
Jameth now spends her time writing m/m romance. A true Renaissance woman, she
has done everything from cross stitch like a proper lady to welding with the
best of them. An eclectic life has left her with a unique understanding of the
world inhabited by men and an appreciation for the difficulties faced by men in
m/m relationships. It is her devout wish that her experiences translate into a
richer telling of such tales.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KaylaJameth
Hi Zara! Thanks for hosting me today.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome - great to have you here. Hope you've had a great Christmas, and all the best for 2013 :-)
DeleteHappy New Year! Count me in!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
christopherinwonderland@yahoo.com
Lovely excerpt Kayla, I was totally transported to the garden you described. Happy New Year and all the very best with your story.
ReplyDeleteFab interview and excerpt, Kayla and Zara. Happy new year to you both x
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christopher!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed the excerpt, Christy. True praise, indeed.
Thanks for being so kind, Samantha.
I hope everyone has a fabulous new year.