Thank you for coming to my launch party! Yes, every author
gets excited about a new release, but I’m particularly excited about this one.
I delivered Unrestrained to my
publisher at the beginning of 2013, so I’ve had to sit on the story and not
talk about it for most of the year – and I’m terrible at keeping secrets (lol).
Dale, my hero, is a retired Navy SEAL, which is hot enough,
but on top of that he’s a sexual Dominant. Athena, my heroine, is a Southern
steel magnolia widow and influential businesswoman who’s been nursing
submissive cravings for some time. The hitch is, when her husband was alive,
she served as HIS Mistress, because that’s what he needed. It’s Dale who
recognizes that as a deep expression of her service sub identity, and helps her
embrace her own unique sexual needs. In the process, they of course fall in
love. No, that’s not a spoiler – I did mention this is an erotic ROMANCE,
right? If they don’t fall in love, what’s the freaking point?
One of the things I particularly like about this story is
that Dale is 50 and Athena is in her mid-forties. Maybe because I’m in my
mid-forties now, I’m finding 50 year old men can be pretty dang appealing (my
husband is 50 – beaming). Because of his SEAL background as well as his age,
Dale is clear about what he wants and has his baggage sorted out so he can be
the kind of lover and friend a woman needs. Icing on the cake? He has the whole
ruggedly handsome thing nailed, a mix of Mark Harmon, Harrison Ford, John
Schneider…pick your 50-something eye candy (grin).
As a special limited time offering, the FIRST THREE CHAPTERS
of Unrestrained are available as a PDF download. So if you’d like to give Dale
and Athena a preview, here’s the link - http://www.storywitch.com/book-nst-lg.
You can scroll down that page to read the blurb and standard Chapter One
excerpt offering, but at the top, right under the RT Top Pick notation, you’ll
see the three chapter download link.
On that note, it’s time to get this party started. We have
such a wonderful line up – every hour on the hour between now and 7pm CST (when
I’ll do a closing note), a new author will be stopping in to talk about her new
releases and giveaway: Indigo Sin, Alannah Lynne, Kennedy Layne, Monica Burns,
Jennifer Zane, Lexxie Cooper, Jess Dee, Eva LeNoir, Eden Glenn and Liz Borino.
Yea! Thanks for joining me today, ladies!
Please feel free to comment and ask questions of us all
throughout the day. We’re all yours! As far as my giveaway, I’ll be offering a
$100 Amazon Gift Certificate and book-of-the-reader’s choice, so be sure and
enter for the chance to win that. Have fun!
Athena is a widow and an accomplished businesswoman. She's the type of person who exceeds expectations in business, family--life in general. Since the death of her husband, she's had a desire to explore submissive cravings she's had for some time. The hitch is, Athena is known as a Mistress, because that's the role she played to her husband.
Though she knew her submissive nature was strong enough to serve her husband as a Domme, because that's what he needed, it's when she meets Dale, a retired Navy SEAL, that she attempts to discover what her own submissive desires are. But letting go of that control is harder than she expected.
Fortunately, Dale is an accomplished Master who can help her accept the true nature of her submission, rather than how she's tailored it to meet the expectations of others. But in the course of learning what letting go means, both of them will learn a bit more about the nature of love between Dominant and submissive, and how it defies all categories.
Buy Links
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unrestrained-joey-w-hill/1115625186?ean=9780425260685
For more information regarding the blog tour to follow this launch party click HERE
For more information regarding the blog tour to follow this launch party click HERE
To enter to win the gift card, just comment and enter the rafflecopter. If you follow the whole launch party and blog tour, you will have maximum chances to win!
I'm so excited for the release, received my copy last night and I'm absolutely loving it!
ReplyDeleteThere's an excellent line-up of authors here thanks for the chance to win.
P.S. those are some hot 50's guys, I've always been into older men!
Fabulous - so glad to hear that, Pyper! And yes, there are going to be some awesome authors here today. I feel privileged to be in their company. I also envy the giveaways you all will be offered (note -work on my pseudonym so I can sneak in an entry...lol). Oh, and those fifty year old men...sigh. I could just rattle off all day - Liam Neeson, Gary Sinise, Viggo Mortensen...
DeleteJoey, how did you get any writing done using these men on a constant loop for inspiration? Who was your most difficult character in this book?
DeleteWell, they ARE inspiring, even as they can also be distracting. My husband says I'm addicted to NCIS reruns, but I swear watching the show is like revisiting family. The best kind - the ones you can turn off when they get on your nerves (lol).
DeleteBut I digress (I do that a lot). Actually, I'm happy to report there wasn't a difficult character in this book. Dale and Athena had great chemistry from the beginning and, maybe because their ages were close to my own, understanding their motivations and unwrapping their layers was a pleasurable challenge rather than a difficult one. Now the research for Dale took some extra effort. Fortunately, I already had good background on SEALs from writing Willing Sacrifice (where my hero, Max, is a former SEAL, and where Dale is first introduced), but with Dale being a transtibial amputee, I wanted to be sure and handle that in a way that was not only accurate, but meshed with his SEAL attitude toward adversity. Fortunately, I had a wonderful expert resource to handle the realism aspect (she kept me out of bunches of trouble), and the SEAL research helped with the other side of it. And don't worry, I didn't just give you guys a spoiler - you find out about that pretty early on in the book (wink).
Congrats on your awesome release today, Joey! You are the very, very best and we adore you so much. The book is on my Kindle, but I do have a full day of interviews. Hope to be able to start reading it tonight! Have an awesome day and great success.
ReplyDeleteThank you, SM...you're a dear!! Hope the interviews go well, and that Dale and Athena are a good reward at the end of what sounds like a long day!
DeleteThanks, Joey!! I must say that Dale and Athena arrived just in time. I just got done with Ben, Dana and Peter again, and Master Ben is going to pipe down now so I can read Unrestrained. Or I least I hope he will... that man!! Good luck, Joey!
DeleteChuckle - I'm not sure about that, SM - Ben will probably bake you a cake or something to catch your attention...the man can cook some serious desserts!
DeleteHappy Release Day Joey!!!! So excited to hear Dale and Athena's story....even though I am stuck at work and can't actually read it until tonight. :-D. Congrats again.....MrsR
ReplyDeleteThat work stuff can be a pain! I remember when I was finishing Divine Solace, I had Lover At Last sitting on my shelf, and I kept saying NO, not til you finish, not til you finish. Lol - I didn't last - think I gave it to myself as a reward between edit rounds. Thanks for the good wishes, and thank you all for being so wonderful!
DeleteHappy Release Day Joey! Can't wait to read Dale and Athena's story!
ReplyDeletePS: There are some very hot 50 yr old men out there :-)
Oh yeah...see my partial list in my response to Pyper above. I'm particularly partial to Viggo. Love him in about everything, even some of his weirder, darker stuff (The Road, anyone? Sheesh). Fabulous actor and very appealing. Hope you enjoy Dale and Athena!
DeleteHAPPY RELEASE DAY JOEY!!! This book is simply amazing and as a late forty something, I simply love these characters. (OK, Dale has many, many outstanding attributes other than just his age!! ;) ) Most importantly I want to share with anyone reading this post, GO BUY THIS BOOK!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteProudBookworm, thank you!! I've been so pleased with the positive responses to Dale's age, given he's my first 50 year old hero! Now that the book's done and out, I'm goin to reward myself with another 50 year old hero, Kallypso Masters "Adam". Figure he and Dale, both being former military, would enjoy going out for a beer together (lol). They can bring Max and pick on him (wink).
DeleteI can easily picture that outing Joey!
DeleteCongrats on release! I cannot wait to read!
ReplyDeleteAshley, be sure and let me know what you think. You know I welcome feedback, good or critical - it all helps!
DeleteHappy Release Day Joey! *hugs* I am so happy that everyone will now be able to fall in love with Dale and Athena like I have! It is such a beautiful, moving story. And let's not forget the heat! You are bringing sexy back to our middle age group! I'm think you need to start a whole series!! Much love and happiness to you on your special day!
ReplyDeleteDelilah, fingers crossed, I hope most folks love them as much as you have (Delilah wrote an AWESOME review about the book, btw - http://www.riverinaromantics.com/giveaway/heating-up-christmas-arc-review-giveaway-unrestrained-by-joey-w-hill/. And it's about time on the sexy - you've heard my bitching during the Twilight phase when I was having to badger my publisher for covers that didn't look like high school students (lol). Much as I love the Twilight movies, teen youth cannot be slapped on the marketing face of EVERY story. Thanks for the good words!
DeleteThank you so much for your kind words about the review! I am glad you enjoyed it. *smiles* And I KNOW everyone will love Dale and Athena. It is impossible not too!!
DeleteHappy Release Day Joey. Got my signed copy yesterday and read it!!
ReplyDeleteLoved it. Damn woman you are good!!
Yay!! I always pay particular attention to what my long term readers think of a book, because you guys are my barometer to ensure I'm not lapsing into sloppy, formulaic writing. So far, so good. But I'm open to critical feedback as well, of course! :> Thanks for the kind words!
DeleteHow exciting.. Your book sounds Amazing!!
ReplyDeleteTreini, thank you!! Be sure and go check out those first three chapters free if you haven't already and see if you think they're worth the full plunge (wink). Good luck on all the giveaways today!
DeleteCongrats! I've read the first two chapters and I'm excited to see how the relationship between Dale and Athena blooms.
ReplyDeleteExcellent! Let me know if we done good (wink). And thanks for coming out to the Launch Party today. I feel like Bill Murray in Scrooged doing the Party/Hardy dance...
DeleteI can't wait to read it...sounds so good!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Melanie! Be sure and take advantage of that three chapter download mentioned in the post - you can see if it's your cup of tea.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the book and Happy Release Day! I love reading about a hero that's 50! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda!! I'm getting such good responses on that. Think we like our silver foxes! (Though I'm not any more partial to that term than I am cougar - makes it sound somehow like being middle-aged and sexually healthy is something to be snickered at or made into something dirty...our odd society being what it is...!)
DeleteAlannah Lynne sent me and said to read this book! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteBless Alannah - she's a sweetheart! Hope you like her choice (grin).
DeleteI have been waiting for this book. Can't wait to get into the story!
ReplyDeleteHappy Release Day, Joey!
Thank you, Margie - it's been a long wait, hasn't it?! Hope they'll be worth the delay.
DeleteOh, since so many are mentioning their love of the older heroes, I have to bring up something Desiree Holt talked to me about at Romanticon, because it's such an awesome idea. She's working on a new series now called Paradise Ranch. While some of the stories will be BDSM, the first two will definitely be. They're all second chance stories about people 55 and over. She said (and said it was okay for me to use her language here) "Sex is still good if you use your imagination! But I want to convey to the reader that even though adjustments have to be made as your body ages, you can still enjoy D/s play in the bedroom and out if you do it smartly." Can't wait for that series. Beaming...
ReplyDeleteYay Desiree! I think this a fabulous idea for a series! I am so glad you shared this news with us Joey. I will definitely be on the lookout for it when it hits the shelves! You and Desiree now need to have "I'm bringing sexy back" swag! *grin*
DeleteDesiree is so much more promo savvy than me - I'll bet she's already jumped all over that (lol).
DeleteI love all of Joey's books that I've read so far. I need to carve out some time in RL to read the rest. Thanks for the party Joey and congratulations on the new release.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Becki! If you figure out how to do that carving, let the rest of us know how you did it. I contemplate using a chain saw with extreme prejudice some days (lol)
DeleteCongrats Joey on your Release and may it Soar to the Top!!!!! Thank you for the party and the chance to find new Authors and to see Some of my Favorites too!!!! <3
ReplyDeleteAngela, I think it's self-serving, because I'm finding new reads myself (and trying to figure out that carving thing Becki mentioned - grin). Thanks for the good wishes!
DeleteCongratulations on the new release! Put this on my wish list!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Tina!
DeleteCongrats on the release of Unrestrained, Joey! Have so been looking forward to it like everyone else here, waited up last night to download my copy :) Looking forward to spending my day with Dale and Athena!
ReplyDeleteFabulous! Hope it's a worthwhile day (smile).
DeleteWoohoo! Congrats on your newest release. It is going to be a curl up on the couch and do nothing but read afternoon for me.
ReplyDeleteLori, I think there should be official holidays for reading. We have so many holidays that are about running around and exhausting ourselves so much we need a vacation afterward, I think a few days a year dedicated to "sit and read a book day" would be fabulous. :> Hope you have fun with Dale and Athena.
DeleteHappy Release Day!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sheri! So glad you came out to join us!
DeleteCONGRATULATIONS! I enjoyed Dale when I first met him and am looking forward to seeing him get his happily ever after.
ReplyDeleteSassy, thank you! Dale was one of those secondary characters that, the moment he walked on stage in Willing Sacrifice, I knew he'd have his own story. I'm so glad to share him with you all. :>
DeleteCongrats on what looks to be another great book! I am so excited to get started on this one :)
ReplyDeleteStacey, hope you enjoy the journey with Dale and Athena. :> And thanks for coming out to play with us today.
DeleteDidn't spend much time at the party as I was reading Unrestrained
ReplyDeleteDonna, that is TOTALLY okay (laughter). We'll accept that excuse anytime. :>
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your release. I'm sure it's amazing like your others
ReplyDeleteYay for the release! Love Joey's books!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely loved this book, Joey. Happy release day!
ReplyDeleteLooks like another great book by Joey that I will have to read. I love her books, I'm a big fan of her Vampire Queen series.
ReplyDeleteyay it here Happy release day joey
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new release! Excited to red this one.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new release! Cant wait to check it out!!
ReplyDeleteI missed the party yesterday. I'm catching up.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new release Joey
I can't wait until payday so that I can get this book, it's the first book on my list. It's supposed to be cold in Michigan this weekend, so I look forward to keeping warm with this book. :D
ReplyDeleteSounds like an awesome story. Thank you for giving us a story where the hero and heroine are older. Adding this one to my to buy list.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I have been reading your books since 2003 when I did a review for If Wishes Were Horses!
ReplyDeleteLove the blurb and can´t wait for my chance to read this! =)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway & Happy Sunday!
//Linda