My sixth release of the year might be my favorite. Through My Window came out on September 30th and features Star, a sex worker in Amsterdam. The inspiration for this story came from my trip there last year when I toured the red light district with my husband. (No we did not make any purchases, thank you.) Still, the windows fascinated me and so I wrote this book. A previous blog has a bunch of pictures from the city if you’re interested. The second book in Star’s ongoing saga just came out in December. It’s called Star of Christmas but we’ll chat more about that closer to midnight! I also just typed THE END on Can’t Buy Love. Here’s hoping my editor likes what would be the third installment in this series.
Available at Ellora’s Cave
Available at Amazon
Available at B&N
Available at ARe (PS. I just heard ARe is having a big EC sale which makes this book only $1.19 on their site!!!)
Blurb:
“Through my window, a sea of strangers swirl and retreat like waves in an ocean of humanity. I brush my hair, fix my makeup and flip on the glaring red light in my booth before turning to face my audience on the other side of the glass.”
For Star, this is another night on the job, though no two are ever alike. Adaptable and perceptive, she becomes many things in the course of one evening—whore, lover, nurse, psychologist and friend. But above all, she’s still a woman. Join her, through her window.
Excerpt:
By reading any further, you are stating that you are at least 18 years of age. If you are under the age of 18, it is necessary to exit this site.
An Excerpt From: THROUGH MY WINDOW
Copyright © JAYNE RYLON, 2010
All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.
Dusk
Through my window, a sea of strangers swirl and retreat like waves in an ocean of humanity. I brush my hair, fix my makeup and flip on the glaring red light in my booth before turning to face them on the other side of the glass.
They begin each evening like still waters. Ebbing and flowing past my window. Unaffected by buffeting winds or brewing desires. Eddying in swirls as they gather, peek around our infamous district with downcast eyes then scatter—awkward and unsure yet inquisitive.
Curious couples setting out on tandem adventures, young men high on the moral freedom of Amsterdam and clusters of women indulging in a wild night with friends all dip their toes in the pool.
Later, much later, they will roil and crash against the glass in a typhoon of wanton excess—of food, drink, drugs and sex—that never ceases to amaze me.
Or to infect me with its primal power.
Most women shoot me glances of pity if they look at me at all. I feel sorry for them, that they don’t understand. But some…some grin and nod.
Appreciation.
Respect.
Envy.
A select few go further, seeking my services so they can share in the rush for a brief time.
Men are more likely to notice my sincere yearning to please right away. All manner of them from young to old, rich to poor, thin to fat and virile to impotent appraise me with hungry eyes.
Cynics might say my killer curves, mile-high stilettos or long mane of platinum hair are responsible for their focused attention. I don’t buy that. I’m not the most attractive working girl on the block. But I’m one of the busiest.
Customers can sense I’m different than most. They recognize I’m here not because I have to be but because I want to be. I absorb their stares before returning some of my own. The authority they grant me is intoxicating and addicting.
I love enticing a kindred spirit to my lair for both our enjoyment and my profit.
The hot, red lights of my booth, along the canal slicing through the heart of De Wallen, glint off my silver-sequined costume. What little of it there is anyway. The warm air in the space caresses my bared skin each time my neighbors let someone in or show them out.
Satisfaction guaranteed.
Theirs. And mine. Ours.
Question: Do you enjoy books written in first person (from the main character’s POV)?
I do like books like that if done correctly, I know some books I have read where it leaves you wondering what the other person is feeling and didn’t like it that much. If the first person POV is done good then I love it.
I do like books written in first person (from the main character’s POV) because it makes me feel the main character is talking directly to me. And there are times, I’ll ask..’Well that was dumb, why did YOU do that???”
yes because you can understand what is going on and then you can see it if you and not no one else
If it’s done well then yes but it’s not my preference.
It depends. My gut is to say no–usually I don’t enjoy it as much, and it’s too much! I don’t necessarily WANT to be all up-front to all the action 🙂 On the other hand, Ann Aguirre and you and a few others have written stories that have been the exception, so yes, I’ve not only enjoyed but loved those. So at least I’ve learned to never say never 🙂
Yes, although I think it’s very hard to pull off really well. I love the way Star tells her story and, to me, that’s what makes this book really good. It’s nice to be “in the heads” of all the characters which isn’t necessarily possible in a first-person story, and to me, that’s the benefit of third person story.
I don’t mind first person POV as long as it is done right, but not every author can do it justice
I think it just depends on the book. Sometimes I like third POV so you can feel everyones emotions, but if done well 1st person can be fantastic.
Yea.
As long as the story is good I like it in any person. Lol
Sure gives personal feel to story
agreed as long as it’s written well I love it 🙂
KittyKelly
I tend to prefer third person, but done well, first person can really pack an emotional punch.
A good story wins no matter which POV, but I think it takes more talent/skill to write an excellent 1st person POV story.
I agree with Susan, As long as you can get my attention and keep it- it doesn’t matter who’s POV it is.
Yes if its well written. If it can hold my attention it’s all good.
Lisa B
Yay, a party! I’m only entering the two contests for Star’s books because I own all the others. Yep, I’m a bit of a Jayne Rylon fangirl. 🙂
I love books written in 1st person. It took me awhile to warm up to them, but once I did, I really started to enjoy them. It’s harder, IMO, for an author to write 1st person well but some do an amazing job!
I don’t read first person books. I’d rather read the story than live it if that makes sense.
I’ve got this one already but wanted to answer the question. I do enjoy them if they are done correctly. It really depends on the author.
It depends on the way the story is written, if it’s good and flows easily from the first persons pov then I don’t mind it.
It really does depend! If the story is written really well then I don’t mind and like a lot of the comments I think it kind of gives you a little more “insight” to the main character.
as long as the book is good I don’t care