***Prize alert. Please read the entire post for information on my blog hop prize***
When it’s this hot, and let me tell you there’s not a lot of places hotter than the Central Valley of California in August, I like to stay cool by staying inside with a good book. My recent release, Matrix Crystal Hunters, is just such a book to help you take your mind off of the summer heat.
Team Alpha Three’s spaceship is out of power after fighting a wormhole, and parked on the primitive world of Zenevieva. With half the team sick from radiation poisoning, the team commander entrust geologist, Maya Gladstone, to find enough matrix crystals to power up their spacecraft, so they can go home to Earth. Vach Namaste of the powerful Clan Namaste, a native of the planet, has desired the lovely Maya since she stepped off the spaceship on that astonishing day a year ago. He’s hounded her every step since. As Hymeneal Night approaches, he makes plans to take her as his bride… willing or not.
“What’s wrong?”
“There’s a bow in the rock wall.” Vach backed up, causing Maya to withdraw. “I’m bigger than the last time I went through here, but that was several years ago when my cousin, Xeno, brought me.”
He handed her the flashlight.
“Is there another way?” She shone the light around, noting how the crevice narrowed overhead.
“Not that I know of.” He grunted, trying to remove his robe, but there wasn’t much room to maneuver.
“Here, let me help you.” Maya pulled the robe off his shoulder. “Surely the ancients didn’t come through here?” She jerked one sleeve down over his hand and then reached to get the other side too, but found herself wedged between the rock wall and his hard body. Fighting the impulse to feel his muscles, she managed to get his other sleeve down.
“If there’s another entrance, it must have been blocked a long time ago.” He started to pull his tunic off, but struggled, thanks to his big arms and the lack of room. “Can you help me with my shirt?”
As Vach lifted his arms over his head, Maya grabbed a handful of cloth so she could lift the material high over his shoulders. “What are you going to do? Strip down and lube yourself with my cooking oil?”
“No.” He chuckled, his voice muffled by the shirt. “But that’s a good idea.”
With his arms up, Maya got a whiff of his spicy, male scent. It always surprised her that the Zeemen didn’t stink after exertion as humans did. I wouldn’t mind rubbing his body down with oil. Warmth spiraled through her middle. She bit her lip. Keep your mind on business and not on being in a tight spot with a handsome Zeeman.
Vach stuck his clothes in the tote and then sidestepped through the narrow opening. Grunting as he pushed past the bow, he finally got through.
Maya approached the bend and realized it was about breast height on her. No wonder Vach had a problem, with his deep chest and heavily muscled back.
Contemplating the aperture, she stood on tiptoe but couldn’t get high enough. Finally, she squatted down but then found she needed to keep her knees bent out sideways. Oh no, not awkward at all.
She managed a few crab steps before she got stuck. Vach grabbed her arm to pull her the rest of the way through. Her hiking boots slid over the loose gravel, while her thighs took the strain. He helped her to stand, leaving his hands placed on her waist as she leaned against the wall, panting. “I don’t know how we’re going to manage that going back.”
“At least we know it’s there.” His breath puffed against her face. It smelled of mint.
He must have used my toothpaste. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”
With an electric jolt, Maya realized her shirt had risen up and Vach’s hands were resting on her bare skin. She became hyperaware of his scent, his closeness and the fact that he wore no shirt.
Moving even closer toward her in the confined space, he whispered in her ear. “I like the smell of your hair.”
His hand slid further under her shirt, gliding over her ribs.
Heat went through her as she rested her hand on his shoulder. “It’s my shampoo.”
“It’s nice.”
“You can borrow it sometime.”
————————————————————————————————-
US, Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FJ10W26
UK, Kindle: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Matrix-Crystal-Hunters-ebook/dp/B00FJ10W26/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1380662336&sr=1-3
US, Trade paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Matrix-Crystal-Hunters-Janice-Seagraves/dp/1492709751/ref=tmm_pap_title_0
UK, Trade paperback: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Matrix-Crystal-Hunters-Janice-Seagraves/dp/1492709751/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_t_1_KKW6
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Matrix Crystal Hunters is now on Smashwords:http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/447796
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’s blog: http://ladyjanice.blogspot.com/
on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Janice-Seagraves-Author/117551164948239
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***Leave a comment about how you cool down during the summer heat along with your email addy***
Contest rules: The prize is an Amethyst Crystal necklace, or if you live outside of the US, a five dollar or similar amount in the winners country’s currency in the form of a gift certificate to Amazon. The prize is valued at no more than five $5.00 USA dollars.
Contest starts August 1 and ends August 3, 2014. The winner will be notified by email.
By entering your email in the comment section, you are agreeing to the Official Rules and stating that you are older than eighteen (18).
Void were prohibitive.
I live in southwest Florida which means it is really hot in the summer. To get my exercise, I get up as soon as it’s light to take my walk. When I get back, I’m dripping with sweat. Then it’s hop into a cold shower and sit under a fan for awhile. We stay inside a lot with A/C, fans, cold drinks and lots of good books. Hey. Hot outside or not, that’s the only way to live!
Connie Fischer
conniecape@aol.com
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Hi Connie,
Sounds like a plan. 🙂 I do the same here, except I walk at sundown. Still hot though.
Janice~
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I use a couple of fans and close the curtains to keep the sun out! Works like a charm 😉
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Hi Clarissa,
You’re lucky fans are all you need. Have fun beating the heat.
Janice~
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staying cool means hopping in the pool it is only 72 degrees in the water now though. rt1blanchette at yahoo.com
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Hi Tif,
That would seem like heaven here. We’re in the triple digits. Enjoy your pool.
Janice~
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I live in NC… So AC or a trip to the beach those are the ways we cool down.. Cold Ice tea is a good way too 🙂 Thanks for being part of the hop.
j.m.platt83@gmail.com
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Hi Jeanie,
You’re so lucky to live close to the beach. I love sweet tea too. Good way to help you cool down. 😉
Thank you for stopping by.
Janice~
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We have had a cool summer but when it’s hot, I love a cool shower and sitting in my bed letting the droplets dry.
I love this cover!
Melissa
daringzoey at yahoo.com
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Hi Melissa,
Sounds refreshing, but its got to be tough on the mattress.
Thank you. I made it myself.
Janice~
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It rarely gets that hot in the UK, but when it does, I close all the blinds, open the windows wide and wear as few clothes as possible while I’m reading!
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Hi Nicola,
Oh, yeah, same here. Best thing in the world when its hot.
Janice~
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Air Conditioning! I’m in the SE corner of Virginia. It’s not the heat as much as it is the combination of heat and humidity. I just avoid going outside at all costs! When it’s 104F/ 40C here you don’t want to step outside! Even the dog doesn’t want to go out! That also means it’s almost impossible to keep the house cool enough. Ever notice they call it an air conditioner and not an air cooler? There’s a reason for that! Those are the days I just sit and read. Dinner is light salads or tomato sandwiches.
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LOL I forgot my email addy but you have it. edotayersatayersbooksdotcom
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Hi E.,
Great! Got it!
Janice~
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Hi E.,
You know it’s bad when even the dog doesn’t want to go outside. LOL.
Tomato sandwiches sound awesome. I can’t remember the last time I had one.
Thank you for stopping by.
Janice~
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going for a swim in the pool
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Hi Lee,
That sounds wonderful and a great way to cool down.
Janice~
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If at all possible, I get in the pool for a bit. If it’s raining, I pretend the cooler (yep, we have the dreaded swamp cooler) is working and roast. michelle_willms at yahoo dot com
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I try to get in the pool, if at all possible. Otherwise, I whine and pant like a dog,
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Hi Michelle,
LOL That’s cute. 🙂
Janice~
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I stay inside as much as possible and drink a lot of cold water and lemonade.
jmesparza821 at gmail dot com
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Hi JM,
Sometimes when its this hot staying inside is the only option.
Thank you for stopping by. 🙂
Janice~
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I live in Massachusetts & sometime the humidity here is awful, & when it is I relax inside with the AC on lol. If it’s super night, I cool off by having some ice cream & sitting in the shade,… or go swimming. =)
Thanks for the giveaway! =)
Take care, & I hope you have a great weekend! =)
Brandi
BLeigh1130 at yahoo dot com
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Hi Brandi,
I can imagine. Thank goodness for ice cream and a pool.
Thank you. You have a great weekend too. 🙂
Janice~
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go to the beach
bn100candg at hotmail dot com
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Hi BN,
Sounds like fun. I wish I lived near the beach like a lot of you people do. 🙂
Janice~
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Staying cool is cranking up the air conditioner and eating ice cream!
ahui89 at hotmail dot com
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Hi Ada,
That would cool you down. 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
Janice~
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I’m in Florida, so could just hang out in the A/c…but I like reading on the beach!
Thanks for the amazing excerpt & giveaway!
elizabeth @ bookattict . com
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Hi Book attict,
You’re so lucky to live close to the beach.
You’re welcome. 🙂
Janice~
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I cool down by drinking lots of ice tea or lemonade and by eating ice cream.
cheryllynne(at)rocketmail(dot)com
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Hi Cheryl,
Tea and lemonade is great. It’ll keep you hydrated on a hot day.
Janice~
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Cool down with the A/C and ice cream! 😀
greenshamrock at cox dot net
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Hi Colleen,
That would cool you down. 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
Janice~
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Staying inside out of the heat with the air blasting on hight
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Hi Cindy,
That’s works too. 🙂
Janice~
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air conditioning im so not a pioneer lol
meandi09@yahoo.com
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Hi Jennifer,
Well, hey, thank god for air conditioners, right?
It must have been so miserable without them.
Janice~
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Staying inside and reading a good book.
samanthahodges64 at yahoo dot com
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Hi Samantha,
Sounds good to me. 🙂
Janice~
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Summer is all about fresh cherries, strawberries and watermelon, crisp and cold out of the fridge!
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Hi Lee,
Yes it is. Yum, I just had some crisp grapes straight from the fridge.
So good. 🙂
Janice~
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Nice excerpt! I put cucumber slices in a jug of water with lime juice and stash it in the fridge. Really hits the spot.
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Hi Tara,
Don’t think I’ve ever heard of that, but it does sound healthy. 🙂
Janice~
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It’s been so hot the last couple of weeks, nothing beats a dip in the pool or staying in the air conditioned comforts of home! Thanks for the chance to win Janice, hope you’re beating the summer heat too! 🙂
thebigbluewall77 (AT) gmail (DOT) com
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Hi Anita,
Both sound like great ways to beat the heat.
I’m trying to stay cool. 😉 You’re right, it has been a very hot year.
Janice~
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summer is all about reading under a tree on a warm summers day
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Hi Paris,
That’s what a author loves to hear. It’s all about the reading. 😀
Janice~
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I live in the Midwest so it’s super hot in the summer! I can usually be found sipping ice cold lemonade with a fan blowing on me while reading a book in a room with the drapes closed to keep the heat out. Thanks for the excerpt above as I’m a big sci-fi fan and for the great giveaway!
Jody Faltys
gogi1_2 AT yahoo DOT com
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Hi Joderjo,
I don’t blame you for that. I tend to hid from the sun too.
Janice~
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I live in the Midwest so the summers are scorching. To cool down I can be found sipping ice cold lemonade with a fan blowing on me in a darkened room with drapes drawn to keep out the heat while reading a good book. Thanks for the exciting excerpt above as I’m a big sci-fi fan!
Jody Faltys
gogi1_2 AT yahoo DOT com
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Lounging by the pool with a cool glass of pear cider is a great way to cool off.
Mel
bournmelissa at hotmail dot com
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Hi Mel,
I’ve never heard of pear cider, but it does sound good. 🙂
Thanks for dropping by.
Janice~
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Stay in the air conditioning with a glass of water or ice tea.
Thanks for the chance!
beckerjo at verizon dot net
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Hi JoAnn,
Good for you. Water or ice tea helps to re-hydrate the body, and you really need it when it’s hot.
Thank you and thanks for dropping by.
Janice~
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Hi JoeAnn,
I can see how that would help. I love ice tea too. 🙂
Your welcome.
Janice~
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Love the excerpt =) I prefer cooling down with a dip in a lake, or a glass of red at night. Or both =D
Thanks for the giveaway & Happy Sunday!
//Linda
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Hi Frilarsson,
You’re so lucky to live close enough to the lake for a swim. Enjoy the red. 🙂
Janice~
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Hi Frllar.
Sounds like a good way to cool down.
Janice~
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I live in Arizona so I cool down in San Diego at the beach.
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Hi Joye,
After being in the Arizona heat the beach much feel really good. 🙂
Janice~
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