Book blast, Giveaway & Interview: Bottle Banished: Dreaming of Genie by @GeniesGalore

 

 

 

Bottle Banished: Dreaming of Genie

Bottle Banished

Book One

C.L. Riley

Genre: Dark Fantasy/Romance

Date of Publication: February 11, 2015

ISBN: ISBN-13: 978-1506170640

ISBN-10: 1506170641

ASIN: B00S1LBSC4

Number of pages: 301

Word Count: 80,500

Cover Artist: Steph’s Cover Design

Book Description:

Genie thought learning how to “do” The Hustle was the worst thing about 1977, right along with strobe lights and disco balls, but she discovers something far worse the day she is bottle banished by an unsanctioned hunter obsessed with her destruction.

Thirty-seven years later, she is awakened from her spellbound slumber by a homeless alcoholic who wants whiskey not a wish. Overwhelmed with shame and keeping secrets from even himself, Reid Romans is the worst master ever.

He stinks. He’s dirty. He’s rude, but even more maddening; he’s sinfully sexy under all the filth and attitude.

When his green-eyed gaze captures Genie for the first time, she’s hooked, and being hooked on a human is not acceptable or allowed according to the genie rule book.

While Reid’s unsavory past bites hard at his heels, and he’s accused of a murder he didn’t commit, a powerful jinn is stalking Genie, intent on adding her to his harem. She has rejected him too many times to count, but he won’t stop until he claims her—body and soul.

Genie and Reid have way more than one love-sick jinn to deal with. A ruthless FBI agent; a cold-blooded cartel; and a hateful hunter, who wants genie back in her bottle, banished forever; keep them fighting for freedom and against the desire flaring between them.

Dark secrets, forbidden love, and simmering suspense take Genie and Reid on an unforgettable journey where the past and future collide and wishes run out.

Please be advised: Bottle Banished is a multiple POV (Point of View) dark fantasy that portrays graphic drug use, violence, language, and sexual situations some may find offensive, including dubious consent, light BDSM, and a Ménage à Trios. There is a Happily Ever After (HEA) for now, but several doors remain open for future installments.

Readers will uncover numerous references to current and past pop culture sprinkled throughout the story. Watch author’s website for contests connected to these references!

Available at Amazon

 

Jinn Kûru POV

Kûru sped to the park bench where he’d first noticed the couple. He thought his eyes were deceiving him when he’d spotted the delicious brunette sauntering over to join two female joggers chatting with a young man. The joggers had left a few minutes later, leaving the genie in tears. He’d been tempted to pursue the females and punish them for whatever they’d said to make such a lovely creature cry. He had refrained, more interested in the dynamic between her and the human male.

After observing them for several minutes, he’d moved closer. If this was his genie, and he felt certain it was, she would likely flee once she recognized him. Hoping to avoid that reaction, he had taken his time approaching.

His caution had failed him.

He’d known, without doubt, the moment she’d identified him. He had smelled her fear even from a distance, but what he’d scented first infuriated him.

Lust.

She desired the human male.

Her ridiculous attraction had just sealed the man’s fate. He would be dead before sunrise. While pondering how he’d destroy his competition, she had managed to vanish.

So she wanted to play games? No problem. He’d play.

Good fortune had brought her to him again after all these years. She was meant to be his. He wouldn’t just play her game. He’d win. Once she tasted the infinite pleasures his caresses offered, she would forget her human suitor, or was it, master? He’d know soon enough.

For close to the last century, she’d always found a way to escape servitude, preferring a life of freedom, but then again, he’d never known her to be attracted to a man, especially a master. She was a genie who followed the rules and placed her own needs aside to help others, yet another trait he found endearing. She was also the first female of any species who had denied his affections. That alone made her worth having.

Sitting on the bench where she’d rested just moments before, he breathed in her exotic fragrance, jasmine and vanilla with a twist of spice he couldn’t quite identify. The magic she had expended with her disappearing act left behind a sweet-smelling marker that only served to torment him further. He found himself remembering the one time he’d almost convinced her to join him. It had been a celebration—his clan and hers.

Shutting out the world around him, the images came alive in his mind:

“May I present my youngest daughter?” the visiting jinn ruler asked formally, making sure not to provide her given name. Something only a jinn or genie could offer themselves.

Bored, I nodded my approval. I despised her father. The only reason for our mutual celebration was the fact his chief security aide had uncovered a group of hunters poised to take out both our clans. We banded together, easily defeating the threat. I could have handled the situation alone with my own resources, but due to the advanced warning, my clan was now indebted to his. Had he wanted to be underhanded, he could have helped the hunters, thus destroying my clan and positioning his own as most powerful.

There was one thing that brought warring clans together: hunters. Too many of our kind had perished. We had to stand as one or face annihilation.

Over the years, he’d introduced me to all ten of his daughters; lovely, each of them. I’d taken two into my harem, but none were good enough to reign at my side as my bride. I’d resigned myself to a palace full of princesses and no queen. That all changed when I laid eyes on the youngest daughter.

“It is an honor,” she said demurely, presenting a delicate hand. She bowed her head as protocol required, but when she looked up through the thickest, darkest lashes I’d ever seen, she made her displeasure known, shooting me a glare filled with defiance and challenge.

I kissed her hand, chuckling under my breath. “The honor is all mine.”

Her eyes narrowed, and she rose to face me.

“Well, yes,” her father mumbled. “I’ll leave you two to get acquainted.”

I realized right then her father was desperate to hand off his headstrong daughter to a jinn more capable of controlling her impetuous nature. I truly was honored he considered me up for the task.

Despite her obvious dislike with the whole matchmaking scenario, she allowed me to pour her glass after glass of wine, and she danced with me all night. As the liquor worked its own magic, I started working mine, sending comforting energy her way while moving my hands seductively down her back, daring her to stop me. This time, when her eyes met mine, they were clouded with desire. I kissed her hard, parting her mouth with my tongue, allowing her to explore mine. I danced her closer to an exit, one that led to my chambers.

The minute we left the music, festivities, and curious stares behind, I lifted her into my arms and carried her down the corridor. My servants stepped aside, heads bowed, and my personal guards swung the massive double doors to my rooms open. I stopped just outside the entrance and placed her back on feet, drawing her closer. Her luscious breasts, nipples tight and hard, pressed against my chest through the sheer fabric of her gown. I groaned into her mouth, and she rocked her pelvis against my groin, surprising me with her unexpected wantonness.

“Oh, Master, I am sorry to intrude, but I thought it was my night to bring you enjoyment,” the sultry voice, belonging to my favorite princess, Darya, purred. “Are we to have a guest?”

The genie in my arms shoved me away with surprising force, her eyes flashing. She scanned Darya before glaring at me. “Am I to understand the rumors are true? A different woman every night? Are my sisters part of your harem, as well?” She didn’t wait for my answer, continuing her tirade. “Let me make something clear, I am no one’s toy to be played with and discarded. And to think I almost succumbed to your charms!”

Darya couldn’t keep her mouth shut. “What did you expect? He is a king, the strongest jinn remaining. You alone could never satisfy his hungers.”

Genie spun away and marched down the hall, head held high and hips swaying. I thought I might explode right there my need for her was so great. She turned a final time. “You will never touch me again. I can promise you that.”

 

Did you always wanted to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?

  Don’t laugh, but when I was little/little I wanted to be a genie. No joke. The desire to be a writer soon followed. I always imagined myself as an author of sorts, writing illustrated stories and using colored paper for the book covers. I use the term “illustrated” very loosely, considering I can barely draw a stick figure. Thank God there are so many talented book cover designers to choose from these days. I’d be doomed without them.  So, I guess you could say, from the time I could read and write, I considered myself, on some level, a writer. I also wanted to marry a rock star, be famous, sing in a band, marry a muscle-bound wrestler, travel, and work as a secret agent. As I got older, I wanted to help others overcome barriers and find success. My career choices have reflected that final desire.

How long did it take to get your first book published?

 First book (under another top-secret name) took me five years to complete, and once it was accepted by a small, independent press, it took another year until publication. I was so thrilled that someone actually wanted to publish my work.

Do you do another job except for writing and can you tell us more about it?

 At this point, I cannot support myself on my writing alone, though the added income is a blessing. I work in the social service field helping others.  In addition, I have enjoyed traveling and serving as an inspirational speaker/motivator for women. 

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?

Bottle Banished: Dreaming of Genie. Barbara Eden’s I Dream of Jeannie meets True Blood, without vampires, in a romantic, dark fantasy thriller, where wishes just might run out.

Who is your publisher? Or do you self-publish?

 Both. Under a different name, I have a paranormal romance series that is with a publisher and another series that is self-published. The second, self-publsihed series was originally released with a smaller, independent press. Bottle Banished: Dreaming of Genie is a self-published title. I chose not to even submit to publishers, as I liked the idea of having complete control over the publishing process. In today’s market, self-publishing is no longer taboo. In fact, many authors do both, some having contracts with larger publishers and also self-publishing. It is a great time to be a writer with so many options. However, with the explosion in Indie Publishing, the competition for readers is fierce.

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?

 Because I work full time and am a single mom, it takes me about a year from start to finish. I always have new book ideas bouncing around in my mind.

What can we expect from you in the future?  ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?

 I am working on book two in the genie series, Bottle Banished: Claiming Cassie. In addition, I caught the bug for biker romances. So…I’m developing a four-part serial-series—The Scorched Souls series, featuring the Soul Scorchers Motorcycle Club—a dark, edgy MC romance that gives a major nod to 1987’s romantic comedy, Overboard, starring Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. The installments are as follows: 1. Firetrap (coming soon!) 2. Fire Fight  3. Firestorm   4. Fireworks. Check out the teaser!

What genre would you place your books into?

 For the genie series, dark fantasy romance; for the biker books I would say, dark, New Adult Romance.

Do you have a favorite character from your books? And why are they your favorite?

 I really like my genie, Genie, from Bottle Banished. She is naïve and innocent in many ways after being trapped in a bottle for almost four decades. She was banished in 1977 and is freed in 2014. Can anyone say baffled by everything? Genie is lost and tends to regress and refer to the decade she remembers. She is a strong heroine who cares about others. She’s always followed the Genie Rule Book, but when she meets Reid Romans, her new master, she is ready to throw caution aside for the pleasure he can provide. Genie is funny, sexy, imperfect, and fights for who and what she believes in. I think you will like her too! The picture below is how I imagine Genie out of her belly dancing garb. The only difference: Genie has dark brown eyes.

Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?

 I typically sit on my living room loveseat, with my feet elevated and all my “stuff” on the seat next to me. I use a very small, lightweight laptop. It’s perfect for my set up. Other times I sit propped up on my huge bed, everything spread out around me. Occasionally I do things the “normal” way and work at a desk or table. I tend to write late at night, at times, I pull all-nighters on the weekend due to my Monday through Friday work schedule. Lunch hours have proven to be good writing times too. I jot down notes in a binder as they pop into my head. I like background music or TV. Complete silence does not do it for me. 

Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?

 I do. It is never fun to discover someone didn’t enjoy my creativity and hard work, but it happens. I’ve had to develop tough skin. Without it, discouragement sets in, preventing me from moving forward at an acceptable rate. Glowing reviews always feel good, like a stranger admiring your baby.  But the less than stellar ones can serve as a catalyst for positive change, especially if more than one reviewer has the same comment. Having an open mind and being willing to change and accept that we’re always learning and growing as writers is important too.  I just have to write no matter what anyone says or doesn’t say. It is always a fantastic feeling and added bonus when readers enjoy what I’ve penned.

Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?

 I usually have a title in mind beforehand, though I have changed titles as the story progresses. One thing some folks might find a bit strange is how I often purchase my cover in advance. Having my book’s cover helps me focus and makes the project real in my mind; meaning, I need to get busy working and writing. The cover, for me, serves as a major procrastination buster! It is also nice to have the cover in order to start the promotional process, using it as a teaser of sorts.

Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?

 Both! I start out with a general list of traits in mind; however, as my characters develop and evolve over the course of the story, there are frequently changes and/or additional character traits that seem to insert themselves into my characters’ profiles. It just happens. Typically, though, I have a solid foundation in mind before I start writing.

Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?

 This should be an easy answer, but it’s not! Let me explain. For fiction, I prefer eBook, though I still love a good trade paperback. Love that paper smell! If I’m reading nonfiction, I have to read hardback or paperback, eBook just doesn’t work for my nonfiction reading. Weird, huh? I’m not sure why, but it is what it is.

Your favorite food is?

 I’m on an ice cream and popcorn kick at the moment. And for February, Dairy Queen has its always yummy Red Velvet Cake Blizzard. I think I will be getting one of those today!

Your favorite color is?

My favorite colors (can’t pick just one!) are purple, pink, and black.

Your favorite Author is?

 Too many to list. I don’t have one favorite author. I tend to go through phases. Some of my favorites are: Anne Rice, Tolkien, Charlaine Harris, Tillie Cole, Shay Savage, Bella Jewel, Tessa Dawn, Carol Van Atta, Madeline Sheehan…that is just the tip of a very large iceberg.

 

 

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C.L. Riley is addicted to books, coffee, and playing around on the Internet where she cyber stalks things she enjoys. She has a passion for reading dark fantasy, biker romance, paranormal romance, erotic thrillers, and everything “genie.” She has four books to her credit under a different name, thus the missing author photo. For now, she is keeping her other identity top secret.

A native of Portland, Oregon, C.L. Riley has a son in college and a teenage daughter that keeps her on her toes at home. Her house is filled with books; something her kids, to her dismay, call clutter. She is working on book two in the Bottle Banished series and the Scorched Souls serial, a four-part, biker romance serial series.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GeniesGalore

Website/Blog: http://clriley.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CL-Riley/1507738442832894

Goodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9874055.C_L_Riley