Exiled alien prince Jarren Graf has never encountered a scent like Lissa Reyes.
To Desire the Stars
by Venus Campbell
Genre: SciFi Romance
Exiled alien prince Jarren Graf has never encountered a scent like Lissa Reyes’.
Abducted from Earth by Jarren, high-achiever Lissa Reyes discovered something hunted her scent. Both their scents, that is. As the key to reclaiming his throne and ending generations of galactic subjugation, Lissa knew Jarren could not let her go. But as a prince from a world built on olfactory power, Jarren’s passions flared with her close. Every whiff grew their desire. Every touch increased their hunger for each other. By fate or chance, their love would change his civilization.
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“And why should I suffer alone?” He frowned. The question burned in his mind. A few moments with the Subduer off couldn’t feasibly produce enough traceable hormones to endanger anyone. Jarren needed to know she wasn’t a possible mate. Life-mate, true life-mate, no mate at all. It had to be the not knowing that was driving him insane. Jarren pressed his thumb over the Subduer, felt for the little metal catch, and pushed in. Then he stood still a moment. He didn’t feel any different, but something had changed.
He needed to act quickly. Tracing such a small release of his scent from off-planet was impossible, but there was no telling when the mercs would locate Terra and send someone earthside.
Jarren walked out of the bathroom. Melissa stood waiting, itinerary in hand, her gaze expectant. Reaching out, he approached. “I’ll take a look at those now.” His voice shook with controlled tension.
“Yes, sir.” Melissa stepped forward then stopped. The papers in her hand fell with a rustle to the floor as her eyes widened. Her mouth went slack.
Jarren frowned, worried. He hadn’t expected such an abrupt response. “Melissa?”
As if entranced, Melissa walked toward him, her hands reaching until her fingers brushed across his heated skin then under his T-shirt. Jarren shuddered. His body stiffened in anticipation. Her hands blazed a trail up and over his shoulders as she leaned her body into him, coaxing a gasp of want from his suddenly parched mouth. Her breasts’ warm firmness connected with his chest through the material of their clothes, heating the air around them.
Jarren groaned. She might not have been wearing anything at all. He couldn’t resist. He was starving for her. His arms encircled her waist, pulling her closer as his body tingled with need. Jarren grew ready. One skirted leg brushed against him in invitation as all logical thought vanished.
He claimed her mouth, hungry, desperate. The earthy undertones of her natural fragrance, that Egyptian musk with such sweet papaya, swirled around him. His hand came up, weaving into the falling tendrils of her hair to hold her to him. His lips suckled hers, his tongue darting to taste her mouth’s nectar, stroking the warm insides, lapping at her sweet moistness.
She moaned, her breathing erratic, her mouth searing his lips, tasting, teasing.
She pulled his head closer as her tongue danced with his. She caressed the warm walls of his mouth then drew away, letting the air cool the lingering impression of her lips against his. Her eyes blazed. She wanted him. He could smell her desire; potent, heady. It surrounded him. It taunted him.
A breath of Egyptian musk rose like an embracing cloud to envelop them both. His body vibrated with primitive need as realization struck. On a world light-years away from home, he’d discovered a possible life-mate. Jarren let go all control, reclaiming her mouth ardently. He pulled her against him, devouring her soft lips to dominate her. His nose filled with the fragrance of blooming papaya. His body craved to possess her, fill her, bind her to him forever.
She belonged to him and he to her. He wanted to thrust them both over the brink of desire. Pulling away, he placed demanding kisses along the curve of her jaw until he found the sensitive skin of her earlobe and drew the honey-sweet softness into his mouth. She moaned low and pressed closer, her warm breath caressing his skin. In a musk-induced daze, his eyes were drawn to the fullness of her breasts, the arching curve of her hips. He tightened in response, his need rocketing to the hard shaft between his legs.
Her mixture of scents intensified, calling to him, overwhelming him. He ached. His lips moved lower, tracing passion-heated kisses over the curve of her collarbone to her shoulder. Her fingers dug into his skin as her head fell back, the tresses of her hair clinging sensuously to his forearms. She gasped.
He buried his head in the slope of her neck as he was curtained behind the silky locks of her hair. Gods, how he loved her hair. Lifting her up, he inhaled her perfection, nuzzling his face against her full breasts. His blood pulsed as he absorbed the smell of her sweetness. She did belong to him. He belonged to her. His skin dewed with fever, and instinct took over. He would claim her now.
He’d just reached to push aside her blouse’s collar when her body stiffened.
Fighting his instinct to mate, Jarren loosened his grip until her feet touched the floor; then he pulled away, his breathing jagged. He struggled to create a thought. Her aroma still tugged at him, drew him like the sweetest nectar. But he was endangering his world and her by revealing his scent. And he could sense she’d refused him. He would never force himself on a woman, not even in the primitive throes of their intermingling essences.
A new awareness crashed into him. The depth of his desire had forced his sanity to temporarily flee. Comprehension slowly re-emerged, and with it, his awareness that the ramifications of his actions could be catastrophic. He looked down at her horrified expression even as the last tendrils of her hair loosed themselves from the static charge between their bodies. discarded itinerary on the floor.
Venus Campbell is the Principal of the Book of Venus publishing and the Winner of the Kroger Award for Excellence in Creative Writing. She has finaled in various writing contests such as the Central Ohio Ignite the Flame and the New England Chapter- RWA First Kiss. Campbell is a member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) and the Authors Guild. Campbell has written professionally since 2006 and has completed five single title manuscripts. To Desire the Stars is her second publication. Campbell focuses on interweaving paranormal elements into romance stories, creating unique worlds which challenge people’s perceptions of self and preconceived notions of human love and relationships.
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What inspired you to write this book?
I wrote my first book when I was 18. It was a tome and required loads of work. Rather than work on that, I decided to write a story with my critique group. I wrote the draft with the direct and weekly feedback of my group (80 folks at any given time were in the group. Twelve were incredibly active) in about six months. I learned so much through that process.
What can we expect from you in the future?
Okay- Venus will release a book or two a year. This fall, I will likely finish drafting the second book in the world of To Desire the Stars. For those who’ve read it, the second book is based around Lissa’s cousin, Manuel. Lissa’s cousin has spina-bifida. He’s almost a genius and stuck in a deteriorating body. But Lissa is now the queen of a world with advanced technology that will fix his body. These kinds of shifts are life-altering and I am looking forward to working through this shift with him. To keep in line with how I tend to write, Lissa’s cousin will find himself in a society that upholds and reinforces species purity, and what could be more impure than a person whose body is completely changed as well as Terran when the gods determined he should rely on machines to function.
Do you have any “side stories” about the characters?
Because of how I wrote this particular book (with constant feedback on each chapter with my critique group), no. I’ve written other books which will release in the next year where I write side stories about the characters on my blog- https://bookofvenus.blogspot.com/. There, my various pen names post mini stories about some of the characters of my worlds. I also post stories in my newsletters on Substack: https://thedrywoodsdispatch.substack.com/ But again you won’t find any stories about TDTS characters there.
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in To Desire the Stars?
Me“Lissa” is an over-achieving executive assistant living in Baltimore and working at an international microfinance nonprofit. Her daughter, her mother, and her cousin (although you don’t meet him in this book) are her entire life. When she was younger, she fell in love at the office and became thoughtless. As a result she found herself in a relationship where her boyfriend really just wanted sex. Her pregnancy and his plans to work at another office out of the country provoked him to become abusive. It only took the one time, but her fear of inter-office romances grew astronomically.
Jarren was the king presumptive of a class of worlds where the hierarchy is based on olfactory scent. Upon his father’s death, his cousin grabs the rare opportunity to claim rulership and sends Jarren’s own soldiers after him. He escapes to Earth with an identity in the easiest field for him: microfinance (his world is far advanced in mathematics- hence the space travel) so he hides on Earth and takes on a persona at Lissa’s office. And he discovers Lissa’s scent is enthralling.
How did you come up with the concept and characters for the book?
I am a pantser. My brain thinks through everything on a subconscious level and I write. When I am done, I have to go back and do a lot of editing to align the story. That said, my subconscious is pretty good with its aim. I’ve only had to trash one story in my life. I also start with a question that feels interesting to me. For TDTS, I asked what if a world’s social construct was based on scent.
Where did you come up with the names in the story?
True to the classical origins of my own name, I searched for a Greek or Roman name related to sweetness. In Greek, Melissa means Bee derived from the word meli for honey. I also know a Latina woman named Melissa, and she was strong. For Jarren, I was looking for a specific sound. The sounds I wanted were in the name Jarren (Jai-rren) although I have never consciously seen that name anywhere. It’s made up.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I enjoyed the action scenes. For physical action- there’s one scene where Lissa is attacked by an unknown foe. My heart really beat as the words played out on the page. For romantic action- in another scene, Jarren is fighting his attraction to Lissa and he wants to touch her. His frustration and attraction is palpable as I refined that scene. I pulled the inspiration for that scene from two places- Battlestar Galactica (the new version) and P. C. Cast’s The Goddess of Spring. In both stories, there is a moment in a scene of true unfulfilled desire. A look that says “I want you but I/we can’t. It’s truly palpable. I tried to recreate that in my first kissing scene. That scene finaled in a writing contest so I think I did okay. I certainly enjoyed writing both scenes.
Tell us about your main characters- what makes them tick?
Lissa is driven by her need to keep her life orderly. For her family to be protected, she must keep her life predictable; she must maintain control. Jarren’s life is about playing the variables. Understanding what affects the running of his life, his ship, his crew, and making choices that encourage the outcome he wants. They are two very controlling people who bump heads despite their palpable attraction to each other. There is a hidden element in Jarren’s olfactory world however. I can’t say what- no spoilers!
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Sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for sharing.
If you liked both the Expanse and The Lucky One, this is a good read for you! I aimed for a mix of science fiction and romance. Both are prominent characters in this story.
Very cool story line.
Thanks Leo- I love delving into the man senses. I once met a man who smelled so divine. I had to write about it. Here we are!
Sounds great; I hope to get a chance to read it.
Hi Lisa- So say we both! We humans need words~
Looks a good read
Hi Valerie- The pacing is tight and the love is there. I hope you all enjoy it. I certainly enjoyed writing it. Navigating my multitude of critique partners was a particular experience- ha!
Looks like a really good book
HI Michele– thanks for taking a look! I believe it will stand out in the genre of science fiction, but of course I am biased :)
looks like a good book.
Hi Jen- Thanks. The field of writing is dense, but I really enjoyed writing this story and I really believe in my happily ever afters with beautiful aliens! Aren’t we all beautiful aliens?
SciFi Romance – I love this genre & the excellent cover!
Thank you for sharing.
I’m thrilled to connect with more of my people! It is simply a great genre to write in. Big props go to Janelle Taylor who showed me it could be exceptionally done. Props also to Kit Foster, book cover artist extraordinaire! He understands the vision.
How long does it take you to write a book?
HI Deborah- I drafted TDTS in six month with a loud bunch of critique partners over at the Romance Writers of America, Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Unit. I generally take about six months to draft an 80k and more book. An alter-ego can draft something shorter and that takes about three months.
This so sounds like a great read and one that will keep me interested for sure!
Hi Heather- That’s great to hear. I have the second book in this world up at bat. If folks enjoy the first in this world, I will prioritize getting the second one out!
this sounds like a great book to read
Hi Wendy- If sci-fi romance is your thing, It will fit nicely on your bookshelf. I hope you will check it out!
Sounds like a good read.
Hi Rita- Thanks! It certainly was a blast to write. I hope you have an opportunity to read it and to let me know what you think. Hearing from readers allows me to prioritize my writing!
Thanks for the great blurb and excerpt. The book sounds fascinating.
Hi Piroska- If you like scent and its influence on behaviors, this would be a fun read for you! My hero, Jarren, is what I call a passive alpha. He will step in when he feels he must protect his people. Unbeknownst to Melissa, he is entirely different with his true love mate. The power dynamic shift was lots of fun to write. I think it will be lots of fun to read!
I like the excerpt and cover. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Susan- I’m glad you like the excerpt. It was a contest “finaler” and a delicious scene. Desire is the stuff of life and unfulfilled desire spurs our humanity for better or for worse.
This sounds like a powerful read.
Hi Wendy! I think it is, Without revealing spoilers, this story turns the traditional power dynamic on its head is a delicious way. And, of course, my heroine, Lissa, is as determined as Doctor Who’s companion, Leela. All the character’s, sans one, are powerful and dynamic. The one character that lacks dimension is a character we learn more about in the next book. Shout if you read and enjoy it. This will help me decide where to prioritize my writing time.
Love the sci fi cover. Looks like a movie poster.
HI Cathy! Thanks. The story is expansive so my cover designer did great! Ultimately, Jarren and Lissa have a galaxy they must both face and save, and it is truly up to them to do it. The poster, I think, relays that story beat.
Nice change of pace to have the attraction based on scent, rather than looks.
Hi Carol- I cannot tell a lie. He is gorgeous, but he smells even better!
Hi Carol- I cannot tell a lie. He is gorgeous, but he smells even better!
Great cover! Thank you for the giveaway!
Hi Debbi-
Thanks much. I love the book cover artist. Sadly, I don’t think he is working in that field any more. It’s a loss. Also, who doesn’t love giveaways? Not me!
Keep up the excellent work!
Thanks Thomas! Writers don’t have enough cheerleaders.- in part because most of us feel the greatest comfort in a small hole somewhere alone with only our laptops- HA! I appreciate you.
Sounds good
Thanks Terri! I had goob-gobs of critique partners who felt personally invested in the story for a six solid months. They will feel vindicated around the harshness of their opinions- HA!
What are some of your favorite books to read?
I apologize if I sound like a broken record here, but I adore Janelle Taylor’s Moondust and Madness series (NYT Bestseller). It is the perfect mix of science fiction and romance. I reread it every couple of years. I also like Arkady Martine’s A Desolation Called Peace. For the classics, I love Octavia Butler’s Kindred. It is simply beautiful. I have met Janelle Taylor and Octavia Butler. Right now, I am reading J.R. Geraci’s Creator of the Stones. Good pacing and spirited characters! That said, I am always looking for recommendations, so shoot them my way!
Hope it does awesome!
Hi Jon- Me too. From your fingers to God’s ears, eh? Thank you for the support. We writers don’t get to say that enough. I hope every reader enjoys the journey~
This sounds like an interesting book and I also like the cover.
Thanks Ann- This book is dear to my heart. I hope you read and enjoy. Also, reach out. I need feedback to determine my writing priorities!
Sounds like an amazing book!
I look forward to reading this and I love the cover and excerpt.
Looks very exciting Do you write in a daily journal?
Hi Heather- I don’t journal. I should. I would be more peaceful. I used to journal and then I had kids. C’est la vie, n’est pas? Something I do close to journaling is write side stories about my worlds. You can catch them on my blog- https://bookofvenus.blogspot.com/. Check it out! I love sharing those stories.
Sounds like a great book.
Thanks Dale. I hope you get a copy and enjoy the ride! And of course, if you do read it, let me know if you want me to prioritize the next book in that world.
Many thanks to all the readers who came by today. I hope I “see” you again on the next legs of my tour. It’s fantastic hearing from folks about what interests them with the story of To Desire the Stars. I’m excited folks like the premise and, of course, the book cover! May you all have wonderful reading journeys ahead. And to Silver Dagger Tours- you are simply fantastic!
G’night!
Great cover!
Hey There Beyond Comps- Thanks for the compliment. My book cover artist is stellar.
Sounds like a good read.
Hi Nicki- I think it is. The reviews have been great! I hope you have an opportunity to read it.
The excerpt is interesting. Thank you for sharing it.
HI Cynthia- That excerpt finaled in a writing contest. It’s one of my favorite scenes! I’m thrilled you enjoyed it.
The mating part sounds quite akin to going in heat, an uncontrollable urge animals cannot fight.
There is definitely a pheromone component to the olfactory attraction, but it goes much deeper. No spoilers. I loved flipping the power structure on its head.
This looks like a good read
Thanks Beth! The reviews have started coming in and others agree. I’m thrilled. My critique group would be thrilled.
Nice cover.
Thanks Danielle, Cover art by the in-veritable Kit Foster. II think he changed careers. There are books crying because he is no longer working his magic.
This JUST IN from Independent Book Reviews- “To Desire the Stars is a novel to read in a frenzy. The novel’s high-stakes, intriguing setting, emotional intensity, and immediate action give you what you asked for from
the very beginning.
The worldbuilding is superb, from the creation of new alien species all the way down
to human office politics. The characters are three-dimensional with clear motives,
dynamic pasts, and humanizing details. Even the dual point of view is handled with
great care and purpose as Jarren and Lissa engage with one another and their conflicts.
Getting both of their perspectives allows readers to get a better grasp of the wider
world, especially given their species’ different expectations.”
I am so thrilled To Desire the Stars is being well-received!
Looks like a good read
It looks like a good read.
Sci-fi Romance is an interesting genre! The cover caught my eye!
I like the book details.
Do you have any advice for new writers?
This book looks interesting
It sounds like a great book! Thank you for the excerpt & the fun guest post interview! :)
Sounds like a great book.
looks like a fun one.
This book sounds like a really good read.
Sounds interesting.
looks like a great book
cant wait to read it
Sounds like a great book!