Black Friday: Kate Douglas

Black FridayBlack Friday is here and we’re discussing the season with Kate’s MacArthur Dugan from her novella Dream Catcher which can be found in the Nightshift anthology.

“Dream Catcher” by Kate Douglas: She comes to him at night in dreams of carnal pleasure. Real or imagined, Mac doesn’t know and doesn’t care. For his body throbs with a need that only his mystery lover can satisfy…”Taken Between” by Crystal Jordan: Kira lives to protect her queen, but the king’s brother is the one who commands her desire. She longs for him with a feral sexuality and ferocious passion she can barely control…”The Right Number” by Lynn LaFleur: Jay may have dialled the wrong number but the right woman answers. She is the mate he’s been looking for all his life. And when he hears the sexy purr of her voice, it arouses the hungry wolf inside…

Make sure you stick around to the end. We’ll be giving away a copy of the Nightshift anthology.
_____________________________________________

Antho-NightShiftI tend to totally immerse myself in an ongoing series, which can be nerve-wracking when I’m getting to know an entirely new set of characters. I mean, let’s face it—I write for Kensington’s Aphrodisia line, which means no boundaries, no limits, and a lot of very hot sex. It’s one thing after you’ve been writing those stories for a while, and another altogether when you’re just starting out and digging into the truly intimate, “up close and personal” details on guys you barely know.

I’m not the kind of girl who just leaps into bed with the first sexy hero who shows up on my screen, so the first thing I do is sit down with my heroes and ask them about themselves—and that’s what I did with MacArthur Dugan, my hero from Dream Catcher, the novella in the Nightshift anthology that introduces my new Dream Catchers series.

So, I’m going to turn this over to Mac, who was trying to explain his relationship with Zianne. She’s an absolutely beautiful woman—in her human form. Except she’s not human. Zianne is an alien—a Nyrian, a creature whose natural form is pure energy, and a rather stunning column of blue light.

“So,” Mac says, leaning back in his chair and sipping a from a shot glass filled to the brim with Jack Daniels, “it’s 1992, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and Zianne’s reading the local newspaper and she sees all these ads. Tons of ads for Black Friday specials the day after Thanksgiving, and of course she wonders what the hell Black Friday is. I was still trying to explain Thanksgiving, which wasn’t easy because her sympathies are all with the bird. Anyway, I try to explain, but there’s no way to describe the chaos of everyone trying to get in on the big sales that officially launch the Christmas shopping season.”

“Zianne says, ‘Mac. I want to go. You need to take me to one of these sales. It’s a good way to learn about human behavior.’”

“‘Yeah, right,’” I’m thinking. “Human behavior at its worst. So I call Dink—he’s my best buddy and he and Zianne and I sort of have a thing going—a threesome, if you want the truth, though Zianne prefers the term ‘ménage.’ Says it sounds sexier. Like we need sexier?”

Grinning about whatever he’s thinking Mac takes another sip of the Jack. I looked at my watch. It was pretty early in the day for hard liquor, but you know how it goes—it’s got to be cocktail time somewhere.

“So, I decide the mall’s out. Too big, too overwhelming, too many chances for trouble. There’s a Kmart not far from my apartment and it’s supposed to open at six in the morning, so Dink and Zianne and I crawl out of bed—and yeah, it was the same bed, okay?—get dressed and head for Kmart before the sun’s even thinking about coming up.

“Dink was not happy. He’s definitely not a morning person, but Zianne was all decked out in human form with a snappy outfit and ready to go before we’d even finished our coffee. Next thing I know, we’re jammed into the middle of a crush of anxious women ready to start their Christmas shopping, and I’m looking over Zianne’s head at Dink, who’s looking a little green around the gills. Neither one of us likes crowds—I’m a computer geek and Dink’s a newbie newscaster for a station in the Bay Area—and Zianne’s never been in a situation like this in her life, only I didn’t realize just how nervous all the jostling was making her.

“Now remember, this was in 1992. Kmart used to have these things called Blue Light Specials, but they’d ended them the year before. I think they’re doing them again—not sure—but not in 1992. And Zianne’s a Nyrian…remember the tower of blue energy? Yep…you’re laughing. You can see where this is going, right?”

At this point, Mac chuckled softly, staring into his almost empty glass. I was really wishing I could read his mind about now, but his shields were up and his thoughts blocked.

“So, this skinny little pimply-faced clerk comes to the door with the keys and unlocks it. He doesn’t even have time to get out of the way before the crowd surges through and Dink, Zianne and I are caught in the middle. I don’t think Zianne’s feet were even touching the floor, and I’ve got one of her arms and Dink’s got the other and we’re sort of swept through the doors. I can see the kid, the one who opened the place up, and he’s smashed back against the wall behind the door, trying not to get crushed by the crowd and it’s absolutely nuts.

“And that’s when Zianne lost it. She couldn’t hold onto her human form—the crush of bodies, the excitement, the absolute greed of all those shoppers hunting for a bargain was too much.”

At this point, he’s laughing out loud and I can’t stand it. “So what happened, Mac? Don’t leave me hanging here!”

“She dematerialized.” He snorted, he’s laughing so hard.

“She what?”

“Dematerialized. Lost track of her human form and reverted to her native shape, which is a tower of energy. Blue energy. In Kmart. With a gazillion people still expecting to see a Blue Light Special.”

“Oh.” I shook my head, not really sure I wanted to go there.

“Oh is right.” He grabbed a handkerchief and wiped his streaming eyes and then took a couple of deep breaths so he could talk again. “She flashed blue in the sporting goods section, and everyone raced over there. She flipped out and flashed in women’s lingerie, and then in the toy department. Employees were scrambling, trying to explain that there weren’t any Blue Light Specials, customers were losing it, and Dink and I were trying to keep up with Zianne, only we’re both in hysterics and she’s zapping from one place to another and of course everyone is converging wherever she goes, and…”

At this point, he was beyond speech. I know he got her out of there—he finally told me she’d zapped herself inside him to hide, which made his eyes sort of sparkly and weird, but they were able to get out of the store without getting caught. And luckily her energy levels were so high that she blew out the security cameras, or it could have been difficult to explain.

Kmart reinstated their Blue Light Specials a couple of years later. Makes me wonder if Zianne had anything to do with that?

But it’s conversations like this that let me get inside my characters’ heads. Most of the time. I’m not sure I learned all that much about Mac, but I’ve got another bottle of Jack around here somewhere, and I imagine I’ll get him to talk.

So, what’s your take on Black Friday? Do you brave the crowds? I’ve never done it—we live in a little town up in the mountains with a gas station and a post office and not much else, so I’ll just watch it all on the evening news. But if you go, I’d love to hear your experiences!

Happy Holidays, stay safe, and remember to take time to read a good book!
______________________

Meet Kate Douglas!

Kate DouglasKate Douglas is the lead author for Kensington’s erotic romance line, Aphrodisia. Her WOLF TALES series pushes all the boundaries and her books continue to go into extra print runs as more readers discover that, at least once in awhile, those boundaries need to be pushed. She also has titles with Ellora’s Cave and Changeling Press.

Contact Info
Website: www.katedouglas.com
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter

Want to purchase Kate’s novel?
Demonslayers

  1. Demonfire at Amazon | Book Depository
  2. Hellfire at Amazon | Book Depository
  3. Starfire at Amazon | Book Depository
  4. Crystalfire at Amazon

Demon Slayer Bundle: Starfire / Demonfire / Hellfire at Amazon
Nocturnal at Amazon | Book Depository
Nightshift at Amazon | Book Depository
Wolf Tales 9 at Amazon | Book Depository
Wolf Tales 10 at Amazon | Book Depository
Wolf Tales 11 at Amazon | Book Depository
Wolf Tales 12 at Amazon | Book Depository

_____________________________________________

Contest Time!

Thank you Kate for taking part in Literary Escapism’s Black Friday!

Contest Time! Kate is giving away a copy of the Nightshift anthology. To enter, all you have to do is answer this one question: What’s your take on Black Friday? Do you brave the crowds? Remember, you must answer the question in order to be entered.

Even though I’m not giving the additional entries any more, you can still help support the author by sharing their article, and this contest, on your blog, Twitter, Facebook, or anywhere you can. After all, the more people who are aware of this fabulous author ensures we get more fabulous stories.

The winner must post a review of the novel someplace. Whether it is on their own blog, Amazon, GoodReads, LibraryThing or wherever, it doesn’t matter. Just help get the word out.

All Black Friday contests will remain open until December 31st at which time I’ll determine the winner with help from the snazzy new plug-in I have. Have you checked out the other Black Friday contests yet? Check out the Master List to see all the Black Friday giveaways

I have not been contacting winners, so you will need to check back to see if you’ve won.

About Jackie 3282 Articles
I am a 30-something SAHM with two adorable boys and a supportive husband who is very tolerant of my reading addiction. I love to read and easily go through about a dozen books a month – well I did before I had kids. Now, not so much. After my first son was born, I began to take my hobby of reviewing a little more serious and started Literary Escapism to help with my sanity. I love to discuss the fabulous novels I’ve read and meeting all the wonderful people in the book blogging community has been amazing.

25 Comments

  1. I have as yet done the black friday thing. As Mac and company don’t
    like crowds, Ditto! Unfortnatlly Moses Lake does’nt have a K-Mart any more. Wal-Mart and Big Lots which are large and full of people. But I can see that poor girl flashing all over the place.Happily My shopping
    is done it’s me and my brother. My favorite present is books,and more
    books!!!

  2. i dont go to black friday! i did one year and said i would never go again.it was bad people running and taking things from you,it’s like they have no matters.all i wanted was one doll and i had to fight for that.now i just stay home!in the peace and quite and put up my tree. :)

  3. I ABSOLUTELY do not do Black Friday. Don’t like crowds or shopping at the best of times – no way would I inflict that torture on myself on that weekend.

    Would love to win Kate’s “NightShift”

  4. It’s nice to know I’m not alone–you couldn’t get me into a store on Black Friday for love or money. It’s hard enough for me to shop in a mall during a regular sale when the stores are busy, but dealing with those crazy crowds? No way. I’d much rather be home in my office on the top floor with the pine trees just outside my window. I much prefer my fantasy worlds to the real one.

  5. No…I don’t brave the crowds. I have a problem with mobility. It is getting better, but a few years ago…not so much. I had gone shopping with my sister and BIL on Black Friday. We were in a mall, the next thing I know, I am on the floor. I was using a cane, for pete’s sake! But all them that just mowed me over, walked on me and kicked, said they didn’t see it.

    Ever since then…no…no black friday for me. I just stay home where it is safe.

    Happy Holidays!!
    Deb
    mammy3114(at)yahoo(dot)com

  6. Hello!

    Black Friday–

    No. I do not brave the crowds. I have no desire at all to spend one of my precious days off from school in overcrowded stores looking for things I can get later.

    But good luck to those who feel the need to go forth and shop.

    Jan

  7. I can hardly write this for laughing — Kate, the blue light special was brilliant!

    As for me and Black Friday – noooooooooooooo! There isn’t anything I want enough to enter a crowded store for, nevermind wait in line. I’ve been known to leave if my local grocery store gets a little busy!

    On the other hand, I have family members who never miss Black Friday, who get up at 3 am to go stand in line. It’s the ultimate quest and they love every minute of it.

  8. Well, Black Friday is kind of a new thing in Canada – the idea seems to be slipping up from you guys :-) and retailers here are thinking ‘Why Not?’ Regardless though, I don’t like crowds and can’t imagine any sale big enough for me to participate in what Black Friday has always sounded like. Crowds, mobs, mayhem *shaking head*

  9. As Peggy mentioned, there has not been Black Friday in Canada – until this year. The retailers put out the flyers, and then had to explain what Black Friday meant!

    Sounds like madness. I did not participate this year. I highly doubt I will in the future either. I don’t mind crowds, but the panic and stress does not sound fun.

  10. Nope. I don’t do the Black Friday thing. I did it one time, and the “green around the gills” was ME. However, I did do Cyber Monday this year!

  11. Well for a number of years my parents and I and a huge group of their best friends would go on the annual Black Friday madness going on in Las Vegas. Us nutty women would get or I should say, stay up to the wee hours of the cold Vegas morning to shop ’til we dropped. For those who love the whole deal aspect, yes, Las Vegas is one of the best shopping places to be on Black Friday. But at the end of the four days and nights we were there, I was literally needing another vacation. Lol. This year,we couldn’t go. And that was one of the things I was thankful for this year.

  12. Black Friday and big sale days like this are definitely for the brave. For me I like to stay home and avoid the crowds although for some people I can see why it would be a thrill. I say have fun but don’t take it too seriously and also research what you want to buy; some deals can be found any day.

  13. Oh Kate…That was fabulous! What a great short story, I’m glad I stopped by. I can just see it–Blue Light Special indeed.

    Don’t enter me in the contest, I’ve got your book, thanks–I’ll start it tomorrow :-). But YES I do shop on Black Friday. I can’t resist those fantastic sales! My daughter, you remember my chauffeur and OSU Animal Science Grad, and I go out every year. This year we started at Walmart at midnight and got some great videos, ie: the latest season of BIG BANG THEORY for $10!!! My son got her a new printer for her laptop for $20! And we had a blast the three of us :-) But yah is was CROWDED!!!

  14. Great Story!

    I usually work on Black Friday and leave all the shopping to my husband. He just loves to shop with all the crazy people out there. Me, I prefer to shop on-line. No crowds, no fights and I’m finished in a couple of hours.

  15. I don’t go out on Black Friday. Too many “rude” people. at least the weather in San Diego is nice for it. But getting up a 3am for sales, I’m not that desperate.

    So sorry to hear about your Mom.

    Cheryl

  16. We don’t have Black Friday.But if we did I would not go out in those crowds.A deal isn’t worth all that I’ve seen on the news.

  17. I am loving the answers! And it looks like most of you are like me–you stay home and avoid the crush. I wonder how many of you vegged out on the day after Thanksgiving with a good book? After cooking all day on Thursday, that’s exactly what I’d like to do.

    I’ve been totally stressed out the past couple of weeks–as many of you know, my 90 year old mother passed away on THIS year’s Black Friday. Our daughter and I had driven the three hours to Stockton to see her and she passed shortly after we left the hospital. We knew she was ready to go and the fact she passed quickly and at peace was such a blessing that it’s difficult to feel grief. We should all be so lucky to live a full life with a good mind to the end, but my reaction during the stressful period of going through her things and preparing for the funeral Friday has been to read. A lot. And I am so thankful for all the wonderful authors who have taken me away from THIS world and given me the chance to escape to theirs.

  18. My family has a business & we’re always open on Black Friday, but since we don’t do any crazy sales, we don’t get the insane crowds, we’re basically open, so that people who have the day off can come in. Anyway, since I’m always working on Black Friday, I never join the crush of insane people who get up at the butt crack of dawn to fight over something they probably don’t even need. I’ve got a girlfriend who goes every year & am usually thankful that I don’t have to make up an excuse as to why I don’t want to go with her.

    I should have seen that blue light special comedy coming when the store they decided on was Kmart. lol.

    drainbamaged.gyzmo at gmail.com

  19. Hi Kate! I loved your interview with Mac. After reading NightShift I could totally picture the event in my head. I was laughing so hard with Mac I almost fell out of my chair.

    I tried Black Friday one time, and it was the only time. The people were crazy and rude. I actually had a lady snatch a jacket out of my hands because it was the last one. I was stepped on, elbowed, and pushed out of the way more times than when I am sparring in a martial arts class. Anyway, after almost getting into a brawl for the 3rd time I left and swore I would never go to another Black Friday event.

    I now spend my day after Thanksgiving chilling at home reading and watching movies. Sometimes I will venture out to a theater if there is a movie out I want to see. I also enjoy the leftovers. Yum!

    I will continue to send hugs, prayers, and positive energy your way to try and help you through Friday. All the best to you and your family during this difficult time. As I said before, they may leave this earth, but they never leave our hearts.–Dawn

  20. Thanks for a great post and giveaway!

    I used to love Black Friday shopping! But with the stores opening earlier and earlier and now sales on Thanksgiving, I’m retiring. I want to enjoy my Thanksgiving with my family and not worry about missing sales. On the other hand, this was the first year I experimented with online shopping and it was a huge success for me. So now it’s all online for me :) No more lines, crowds or cold!

Comments are closed.