My favorite vacation spot is Paris, France. It might be my
favorite place in the world. Being a French teacher by day means I am obsessed
with all things French. Yes, I’m a Francophile!
I have definitely been inspired by
Paris and by the French language and it comes out in my writing. When my
editors let me get away with it, I’ll use the French word when possible. Layla,
the main character in Mostly Innocent,
uses phrases such as “voilà” and “au naturel.”
In Mostly Innocent, Layla mentions some of my favorite places. I
recommend going to Sacré Coeur in Monmarte (Basilica of the Sacred Heart of
Paris.) Its stark white stone is iconic, and Layla, being an artist, mentions
the color in my book. Another place she mentions, is the Musée d’Orsay, where
she claims to have some of her impressionist style paintings hung. Often when
people think of museums in Paris, they only think of the Louvre. Don’t overlook
the Musée d’Orsay, it has paintings by Monet, Manet, Toulouse Lautrec, etc. It
is a must see.
Lastly, when in Paris, I recommend
hanging out and staying in the Latin Quarter. This is the college part of the
city, so nightlife is lively and prices are cheaper. Go to a restaurant with a
“prix fixe” menu and get a three or four course meal for twenty euros each. Don’t
forget the wine. I recommend any Rosé from the Aix-en-Provence region.
With my
best friend in front of Sacré Coeur
With my husband in front of Notre Dame
Drinking Rosé with my then fiancé
(the day after he proposed in front of the Eiffel Tower)
Trying to not get attacked by the pigeons of Notre Dame
***
A Powers That Be Novel
Book One
J.M. Jinks
Genre: Paranormal Romance/ Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Champagne Books
Date of Publication: 10/22/2018
Word Count: 58K
ASIN: B07JMCGNM6
ASIN: B07JMCGNM6
Tagline: If you can’t beat them, seduce them
Book Description:
Meet Layla James, your typical smart-mouthed, witty, and total pain-in-the-butt woman—except for the whole succubus thing. After nearly a millennium on Earth, Layla’s settled down in a boring life in Palm Springs until a smoking-hot hunter comes to arrest her for murder. Layla knows the rules—she'd never commit murder and incite the wrath of The Powers That Be.
Elijah Daines is a hunter, he maintains the balance of good and evil in the mortal realm. Hunters are neutral, but he’s had a hatred of evil instilled in him since birth. His power is stronger than any hunter she’s ever encountered—now he’s accused her of a crime she didn't commit.
In an unlikely pair-up, they investigate together after discovering someone is impersonating Layla in an attempt to frame her. Layla and Elijah race to exonerate her before her reputation is ruined and humans learn of a supernatural presence.
Excerpt:
He approached
the counter. I, or maybe my succubus, decided on a whim I would not be
intimidated by his power. I wasn’t sure where my sudden courage came from. He
had to have felt my succubus signature. We weren’t a violent race when we
controlled our urges. I’m Queen of Control over here. I’m sure he knows I
won’t, hurt him. Right?
But why was he here? Something must have been
wrong.
As I walked
toward him, I got a better look. His dark hair was in slight disarray and his
bright blue eyes scoured my face. He towered over me in every sense of the
word.
He and Jolene
should go back-to-back so I can get an accurate measure of his height.
I shook away my
thoughts of him—it was obvious he came here on a mission. Greek god or not, he
was still a hunter, and I—I was a product of evil, aka something he hunts.
“Succubus,” he
growled. The one little word was filled with eons of unabashed hatred. The word
vibrated through me. All hopes of him wanting a new bathroom paint color
vanished. No, this visit wasn’t going to be pleasant, not at all.
Perhaps I could
seduce him. Hell, he could do me right on the floor of aisle nine next to the
light fixtures, if it kept him from killing me. I bit my lip. But…hunters
weren’t typically susceptible to succubi charms. A failed attempt of Aprhodisia
could earn more problems.
I released a
breath. Some buried deep natural instinct rolled through me again. With that
feeling, I decided to stand my ground. I looked him in the eyes, stood up
straighter, and replied, “Hunter?”
About the Author:
J.M. Jinks was born and raised in Southern California. She lives with her husband, two dogs, and two cats in her hometown. J.M. has a Bachelor’s in French and a Master’s of Education. She is a teacher by day and a writer by night. J.M. and her husband welcomed a baby boy in May 2018.
J.M. has always had a love of reading that progressed into writing. Mostly Innocent is her first completed manuscript.
Great post thanks for sharing it
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