Please welcome Juniper Bell to the blog, author of “Doll”. Thank you for agreeing to answer my nosy questions and share them with everyone visiting today.

Thank you for having me! I’m excited to be here.

Q: To begin, please share which genre(s) you write in…
A: I write contemporary erotic romance, for the most part, although I’m veering in some new directions. I’m working on a Regency ménage that’s a lot of fun.

Q: How long did you write before you received your first contract for publication?
A: I started writing erotic romance about two years before I got my first contract. The day before I got the news, it just so happened I’d crashed my car into a ravine, so I had whiplash and trauma and neck spasms. But I still managed to celebrate!

Q: Out of all the stories you’ve written, which is your favorite?
A: Ohh, what an impossible question! “Doll” is the most intensely emotional, “The Extremist” has a hot, mysterious hero, and my next book, “Training the Receptionist,” is the steamiest. I couldn’t possibly choose between them.

Q: Do you need to be in a specific place or atmosphere before the words flow?
A: If I had to do that, I’d never get anything done! I grab my writing time where and when I can. I’ve learned to tune everything else out so I can write. But I have to say I get my best writing done when I have no Internet access. The Internet is a wonderful thing, I love it for so many reasons, but it’s a huge distraction.

Q: What’s the strangest source of inspiration you’ve found for a story?
A: Well, this is going to sound … actually, I don’t know how it’s going to sound, but I get a lot of ideas during sex. Scenes and images pop into my head, and later on I write them down. Does that make me weird? I really hope I’m not the only one this happens to.

Q: If you could offer one tidbit of information for new writers, what would it be?
A: My best overall advice is to keep writing. But craft-wise, I think it would be to make sure your characters’ actions are properly motivated. If the reader understands why characters are behaving the way they are, you can do almost anything. If the reader stops believing in your character, you’ve lost them. So really look at what your characters do, and why they’re doing it (there should be a reason other than your plot needs them to!)

Q: Do you have an evil day job or do you write full time?
A: I write full time, for now. We live in a cabin in Alaska so our expenses are low. We have no running water, but the luxury of being able to write full time makes it worth it for me. I used to work in local television in Los Angeles, so this is a real lifestyle shift for me!

Q: Name one thing readers would be surprised to learn about you.
A: My writing space is in an old school bus. It’s got a woodstove and Internet and it’s very cozy.

Q: What’s your favorite dirty word?
A: The F word, hands down. I know it’s dirty and offensive, but it says so much with four little letters. And depending on your tone of voice, it can say so many different things.

Q: Do you have any tattoos or piercings?
A: As a matter of fact, I do have a belly ring. I’d get tattoos but I’m freaky about needles. Even the belly ring nearly made me faint.

Q: If you could be intimate with three people (not necessarily all at one time *g*) without getting in trouble with your significant other, who would they be?
A: I’m fascinated by Brad and Angelina’s relationship. I’d like to be in their bed with them just so I know what their sex life is like. It’s got to be hot, but then again, what about all the kids running around? So maybe it’s not as hot as I imagine. Is there such a thing as a celebrity couple-crush? If so, I’ve got one. Besides them, I’m a bit obsessed with Johnny Depp. My sweetie wouldn’t mind at all, but he’d probably want a full report.

Q: If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would you spend the money on?
A: Prada. Just kidding. I’d probably give a lot of it away. I might buy a boat. The only reason I want money is so I can keep writing and not have to back to an EDJ. So maybe I’d buy a million copies of my books and become an instant overnight sensation.

Q: Which household chore do you abhor and why?
A: I detest washing the scrambled egg pan. I love eggs for breakfast, but it takes longer to scrub the pan afterwards than it does to make and eat the eggs! Any tips for getting egg off stainless steel?

Q: What’s your favorite comfort food?
A: Chocolate. Hot chocolate. Truffles. Anything remotely connected to chocolate brightens my day.

Q: Do you have a favorite book or movie?
A: Since I just saw Avatar and was blown away, it came to mind first. But at heart I’m a Jane Austen fangirl, and that includes the movies made from her books. Emma, Sense and Sensibility, all the different versions of Pride and Prejudice, even Clueless are all right up there.

Q: If you don’t mind sharing, would you tell us about your latest work in progress?
A: I’m in edits right now on “Training the Receptionist,” which is a contemporary erotic novella coming out from Samhain in March. Here’s the blurb, if you don’t mind!

It’s her naughty dream job—if they’re satisfied with her performance…Eager to escape her miserable existence in “Low-life, Long Island,” street-wise Dana Arthur jumps at an entry-level position with the consulting firm of Cowell & Dirk. As her training period begins, she quickly discovers she’s required to do more than take messages and order office supplies. Her job description contains some deliciously naughty duties that give receptionist a whole new meaning.

Simon has almost given up on finding the right woman who will please his clients as well as his demanding partner and mentor, Ethan Cowell. No one measures up—until Dana. Her inner fire and fearless nature are perfect for the job. No matter what wicked punishment he devises to chastise her for her on-the-job mistakes, she accepts with a relish that leaves him wondering which one of them is really in control.

The last thing he expects to discover is that she’s a perfect sexual soul mate he can’t bear to share. But share he must—it’s part of his business agreement. Unless he makes Ethan the deal of a lifetime…

Q: In closing, tell us a bit about your latest release (& share a yummy excerpt for those who aren’t yet familiar with your work)
A: My latest release is called “Doll,” also from Samhain. Here’s the blurb for it, and an (somewhat) adult excerpt!

Even a plaything can be pushed too far…

Chloe Barnes thought her marriage to a wealthy politician would be the stuff of fairy tales. Instead, he took advantage of her naiveté and used her as a plaything to fulfill his twisted sexual needs. Ten years is enough. She returns to Bellhaven Island to sell the summer cottage she inherited, hoping the money will buy her freedom—and custody of her daughters.

Fisherman Dustin McDougal never forgot the childhood crush he once had on the fairy-like Chloe. The woman she’s become has a haunted look that brings his feelings back, stronger than ever…with a mature edge. Along with all his protective instincts.

Their passion blows stronger than a Maine nor’easter, awakening Chloe to the joy of true love. Yet it may not be strong enough to free her from the past…

EXCERPT:

“Have you been on your boat?” Chloe asked dreamily, as Dustin ran his hands over her back.

“Had to fix a bearing. That engine’s always making some noise or other. Sometimes I think it just wants my attention.”
“I don’t blame it.” He found the lower edge of her sweater and snaked his hand under it. At the feel of his work-roughened palm on her skin, a shudder went through her. Immediately he stopped.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes! You’re not following the rules. If I want you to stop, I’ll tell you. I don’t want you to stop. As a matter of fact—” She drew away from him. “Let’s take off our clothes. Together. At the same time.”

He looked amused. “On the count of three?”

“One…” Chloe stepped out of her skirt. Underneath, she wore woolly leggings for warmth. “Two…” She started to pull off the leggings.

“Hang on! You’re getting ahead of me.” He unbuttoned his jeans, revealing boxers and a huge erection. She felt the breath leave her body.

It was a good feeling.

She put her hands to the hem of her sweater and slid it over her head. It was quickly followed by her turtleneck. She stood in front of him, wearing only her pink lace underwear, while he unbuttoned his flannel shirt. Under it, he wore a “Save the Whales” T-shirt, which she found so endearing, she laughed.

“Am I that funny-looking?” he asked with a wounded look.

“I didn’t know you were a tree-hugger.”

“Some of my best friends are trees.” There was a twinkle in his deep blue eyes that put her completely at ease. “The rest are whales.”

“I think that might be a whale in your pants.”

He waggled his eyebrows lasciviously, then laughed, an infectious chuckle that made her answer with one of her own. Never before had she laughed during sex, or the buildup to sex. Never before had she even smiled. Or joked. Or teased. If they stopped right now, this would still be a groundbreaking experience for her. But she had no intention of stopping. “You’re still wearing boxers and a T-shirt.”

“And you’ve got the bra and panties. Not that I mind the view.”

For a moment, she stiffened. Fearfully, she raised her eyes to his. Would she see that same calculating hunger she was used to? That greedy look that reduced her to a thing, a possession, a trinket? But no. His expression was the opposite of that. Happy appreciation shone from his eyes. His smile had a touch of the devil in it, and a promise of delicious fun.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Nothing. A ghost. We haven’t said three yet.”

“If we don’t do it soon, I’m going to forget how to count.”

Giggling, she put her hands behind her back, on the fastening of her bra. He grabbed the bottom of his T-shirt, poised for take-off.

“Three!”

Clothes flew into the air, a flurry of underwear. Surrounded by discarded clothing, they stared at each other. Chloe felt her rib cage rise and fall with quick breaths. Without looking down, she knew her nipples were already at attention. As was his erection. It rose from a thick nest of black curls and pointed straight toward her, as if it had eyes only for her.

Suddenly, desperately, she wanted to know what he saw when he looked at her. “Do you think…do I seem like…a…” she whispered, “doll?”

“Oh, no. You’re no doll.”

What did he mean? Did he think she was ugly? Maybe he was used to a different type. She crossed her hands over her breasts.

“No! Don’t hide.” With one quick stride, he was in front of her, holding her face in his hands. “You’re beautiful. Wonderful. But you’re no doll. You’re too alive. Too sensitive. Look, I can feel the pulse beating in your throat. I can feel your skin warming under my hands. You’re a living, passionate being. How could anyone think you were a doll?” He ran his thumbs over her cheeks with a touch that seemed to treasure the very shape of her face. When he bent his mouth to hers, the depth of his kiss brought tears to her eyes. His tongue searched her mouth, as if he wanted to track down whatever sadness remained in her and soothe it away.

She let herself sink into the comfort of that kiss for a long moment. But then she moved restlessly against him. Enough gentleness. She needed heat. Fire. Stepping back, she put her hands on his and drew them to her chest. As those warm palms encircled her breasts, she let out a long moan. Already stiff, her nipples hardened even more as he filled his hands with her flesh. “That feels nice,” she heard herself say. In the past, she’d never said anything during sex. She’d become that mute doll Andrew had demanded. Never once had she asked for anything. “Can you lick my nipples, please?”

“No need to be polite, sweetie. I’ll do anything you ask.”

“Lick them, then. A lot. Don’t stop until I ask you to.”

“I wouldn’t think of it.” He tilted her face up one more time, and smiled into her eyes. Then he bent his head to the rosy nipples begging for attention. As soon as his mouth enclosed her right breast, her head fell back with a groan. Her nipples were used to being tweaked, fondled, squeezed, displayed in provocative lingerie, teased and tormented—but this was what she’d always longed for and never gotten. Long strokes of a loving tongue. Moist nibbling that sent electric jolts to her lower belly. A heated mouth tugging on those sensitive points, pulling moans from her.

And Dustin’s mouth didn’t stop. Not when her nipples had swelled to the size of rose hips. Not when she shuddered from the pleasure. Not when his erection jerked against her thigh. She wasn’t at the mercy of his mouth. No, that mouth was at her service. She could ask it to do whatever she wanted.

“Dustin,” she said in a whisper. “Go lower.”

To buy “Doll,” click here. Come stop by my blog at http://authorjuniper.blogspot.com. I’m also on Facebook (Juniper Bell) and Twitter (@AuthorJuniper.)

Thanks so much for having me, I had a blast!

To learn more about Juniper Bell, please visit JuniperBell.com