And my thanks to all the wonderful people in our online group who were so great in sharing references and resources.
I’d like to thank others who took time to answer personal questions: Sandra Parshall and her husband, Tricia McGill and her very kind sister who answered my questions about rationing and what it was like.
And I’d like to thank Christopher A. Ebdon, of the Confederate Air Force, who gave me my tour of a real B-17 and took time to answer my many questions.
I’d like to thank Jamie Engle and Diana L. Driver for their help and advice in the writing, editing and polishing this book.
And I’d like to thank my husband, Greg for his patience, my son, Nathan for letting me bounce ideas off him, and my mother, Ann G. Baird for information about the period. I couldn’t have done this without any of you either. I’d also like to thank my son-in-law, Paul Greer, for doing the original cover art for this book. He did an awesome job.
And then there’s my sister, Marilyn and her husband, David. Thank you for all you do to keep me going. ☺
If I’ve forgotten anyone, I apologize. This book has been many years—and a couple of computers—in the writing.
Bonus Content
Dream Realm Award Winner, 2007; Bronze IPPIE, Independent Publisher Book Awards
A science fiction/action adventure romance novel
When Sara Donovan joins Project Enterprise she finds out that what doesn’t kill her makes her stronger…
An Air Force pilot – the best of the best to be assigned to this mission – Sara isn’t afraid to travel far beyond the Milky Way on an assignment that takes her into a galaxy torn apart by a long and bitter warfare between the Dusan and the Gadi.
After she’s shot down and manages to land safely on an inhospitable planet, Sara encounters Kiernan Fyn – a seriously hot alien with a few secrets of his own – he’s a member of a resistance group called the Ojemba, lead by the mysterious and ruthless Kalian. Together they must avoid capture, but can they avoid their growing attraction to each other?
A mysterious, hidden city on the planet brings Sara closer to the answers she seeks – about her baffling abilities and her mother’s past. She has no idea she’s being pulled into the same danger her mother fled – the key to a secret left behind by a lost civilization, the Garradians.
The Dusan and the Gadi want the key. So do the Ojemba. They think Sara has it. They are willing to do anything to get it.
Sara will have to do anything to stop them…
Excerpt:
A vague throbbing in her right temple towed Sara back to a consciousness she didn’t want to face, though she was a bit fuzzy on why…
She opened her eyes to zero dark thirty—a darkness somewhat lightened by an eerie orange glow.
Okay, starting to remember.
She not only wasn’t in Kansas anymore, she wasn’t in the cockpit of her bird. The rough hewn rock over head seemed to indicate she was in some kind of a cave, but how did she get from Dauntless to cave?
She remembered…
…the dog fight.
…the double hit to her six.
…heading for the closest planet like a fast falling star.
…doing bat turns to slow her descent.
…seeing the long stretch of flat, white beach between tangled mass of jungle and sparkling ocean.
…endless feet-wet finally giving way to feet dry.
The narrow beach had skimmed past way too fast as she struggled to manage her uncontrolled descent. She remembered pulling her nose up long enough to clear a rugged tumble of rock spilling from high bluff into ocean, but on the other side ground was ground and no landing is a good one that ends against a tree.
Yeah, she remembered the tree.
But she didn’t remember a cave.
Her head didn’t seem to like all the remembering. She touched the complaining spot, finding something that felt like a bandage at the apex of the pain.
Okay, didn’t remember that either.
She tried moving various body parts. Everything was a bit banged up, but still worked, which was good. And she knew it would get better. It always did. Her zoombag had been loosened and her gloves were gone. Add that to the list of things she couldn’t remember, with an asterisk for slightly creepy. As the rest of her senses began to come back on line she inhaled a warm, metallic scent that seemed to be emanating from a circle of rocks, the source of the orange glow. It was mixed with a warm, earthy smell and some scents she couldn’t begin to identify. There was a bit of a nip in the air, the edge taken off by the…fire? Was it a fire? It didn’t flicker like a fire.
It was deeply quiet in the cave, quiet enough to hear her own breathing. And someone else’s. An icy trickle made its way down her back. Who, or what, was sharing this cave with her? Sara sat up, stifling a groan when various bruises and bangs registered formal protests to her brain housing group. She’d planned to stand up next, but something stirred across from her. Who—or what—ever it was rose, throwing an ill-formed and very large shadow against the wall and roof of the cave. Maybe it was the bad light, but the outline was very Sasquatch-ish—shaggy and kind of ominous. The icy trickle turned to a rushing stream. It moved toward her, passing into the half light cast by the sort of fire. Not Sasquatch, though he could have been a second cousin. He had a head full of dreads, he bristled with armament, and he bulged with muscles wrapped in what appeared to be tight fitting leather. It was hard to find features—his face was darkened by dirt or camo, or both—but his eyes were deeply, sharply green.
And he was really, really tall. Sara had to tip her head way back to look up at him. He didn’t speak, which upped the eerie factor a few more degrees. She somehow managed to get her legs under her and stand. She was a tall girl—Tall Girl was actually her call sign—but the top of her head didn’t reach his chin. He’d have to be around seven feet to top her by that much. He looked like a ragged cave man, but there was a sharp intelligence in his eyes. And he’d managed to get her clear of her bird. Not exactly cro-mag man skills.
She wanted to say something, but all she could think of was, crap.
Not particularly useful.
After a moment, she realized he was holding something out to her. A wooden-ish…thing. She took it, since he seemed to expect it.
“Thanks.” Her voice sounded a bit loud, and a bit too bright, breaking the deep silence.
He blinked, just the once, the green of his eyes disappearing, then slowly reappearing. It was very Cheshire Cat—one channeling Tim Burton.
Not a good combo.
Sara looked down at the bowl. The assortment of dingy pieces in the curved center could have been fruit—fruit having a really bad day. She picked out a piece. It felt slimy and a bit gritty, but she’d eaten worse than that in survival training.
She hoped.
She sniffed it. The pungent aroma made her eyes water. She slid it between reluctant lips and chewed. Okay, this was worse than anything she’d eaten anywhere. Her eyes watered some more. When she swallowed, nasty lingered like thick oil in her mouth. She looked up, blinking and wincing, and said, her voice a thin croak, “It’s... good.”
Not her most convincing performance.
To learn more about this novel, visit my website: www.paulinebjones.com
Praise for The Key:
“This is a series that is a keeper for me and I will enjoy reading them all again. I did get The Key on Audible. I wasn't crazy about the narrator at first but she grew on me. Or better... the story became so engrossing I didn't notice any more! That is a sign of a really good story! This is a great series for anyone who likes sci fi action, like Star Trek or Galaxy Quest (funny movie!), with a clean, warm, intergalactic romance.” Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf
“From the beginning, action is non-stop and filled with suspense. Sara is more than the quintessential kick-butt heroine. She is the perfect warrior, a woman confident in her abilities in the air and on the ground, and so loyal to her country that s
he is willing to make personal sacrifices to ensure its safety. Peripheral characters are well-developed and the plot so thrilling readers will be reluctant to put the book aside. This sci-fi adds a nice dose of romance and a touch of humor, placing it at the top of the list for a danged good read.” Midwest Book Review
“Award winning author Pauline Baird Jones has created a dynamic other worldly story. Her characters are strong, well defined and interesting; capturing the reader on the first page. Ms. Jones has given her readers wonderful dialogue, adventure, humor, kick-butt action and thrilling romance; all set in alien territories. So, slip into another galaxy and revel in The Key by Pauline Baird Jones.” Single Titles.com
“I don't generally seek science fiction, fantasy, or romance stories. Books in these genres must come to me as recommendations from trusted sources. After several people suggested I would enjoy The Key, I picked it up - and then couldn't put it down until the last word. Anyone in the market for a fun read should check out this book - just be careful when you start it as you just may find yourself staying up all night to finish.” http://charsbookreviews.blogspot.com/
“This thrilling adventure and love story is the stuff of dreams for a perfect romantic space adventure. Stories like this are why I love to read, and I definitely understand why this novel has been nominated for awards. Forget sleeping, plan on take out, and invest your time relishing this magnificent tale.” Five Stars, Featured review from Manic Readers
“The Key was good in every way a novel can be. It's an engrossing story with full character development and growth. There is an ultimate battle between good and evil and Ms. Baird Jones even makes the villain likable on some levels. For me, The Key is one of those rare books that strengthened my love of reading. Thanks for the story Pauline.” Night Owl Romances Top Pick and Reviewer's Choice.
“Love Linnea Sinclair? Get a kick out of Susan Grant? Then you'll want to glom up on releases by Pauline Baird Jones. The Key isn't so much a sci-fi release as it is a dang good read, and this reviewer is anxious to read more of Baird Jones. Fun and fantastic at the same time, The Key is an intergalactic space adventure that will thrill readers to the very tips of their toes.” Heartstrings Reviews
“Clearly this author knows how to tell a story no matter what the genre. Her character development, pacing and humor satisfy across genre boundaries.” Mostly Fiction Reviews.
“For the SFR buff this is a must read. Don’t bother if you are looking for futuristic erotica. The characterization is good and the romance is compelling. There is plenty of sexual tension but little actual sex. There is adventure and suspense. Also, something I personally require, there is an HEA. If you like a few nanites and ray guns in your romance you should pick this one up." The Good, The Bad, The Unread reviews
“Action is the name of the game as a feisty and hard-hitting heroine rises to the challenge in this rousing space adventure. Not only is this a fast-paced tale, the rampaging deception and cultural clashes ensure this hero and heroine will need all their survival skills.” Romantic Times
“Great plot! Superb workmanship on the characters! So sit back and take the ride of your life. This was by far the best Sci Fi novel in a long time. Pauline Baird Jones, a marvelous creator of some remarkable characters, put a new twist on a great Sci Fi story, The Key.” Simegen Reviews
“There were many characters, good and bad, on all sides of the plot, with most of the characters filling important roles. Sara was a wonderful character, I could have seen her walk right out of the book...I loved the development of love between Sara and Fyn. Ms. Jones wrote a wonderful book. I will certainly put her on my to be read list.” The Romance Studio
“Dang! That's what Sara Donovan would say. What a ride! Pauline Baird Jones has ventured where she's never ventured before, and I'm on pleased, satisfied reader who tagged along with The Key's characters for the ride of a lifetime. Dang! A US Top Gun, a woman, is part of a mission to another galaxy where three factions are looking for the key to the secrets of a lost civilization. Sara is shot down and rescued by a seriously hot alien pilot, with dreads, who's stranded on the same small planet. The rescuer, Fyn, becomes the rescued when Sara's team picks them up—but they both have secrets, secrets that can destroy the love the grows between them and promises to rescue them both. The Key is full of believable military, flying and combat lingo and characters. Sara Donovan never slips out of character. In fact, she never blinks. Oh, and if you happen to be male and read the words 'throw down," run away. If you read the word 'nice," read faster. You won't be sorry. Neither will anyone else who reads The Key.” Sharon K. Garner, Author of Sanctuary
“I don't remember how I discovered Pauline Baird Jones' books but I do know that once I did, I made a concentrated effort to get my hands on a copy of each release. The thing is, living in Canada, her books aren't easily available to me and it takes time and effort to find copies. It was well worth it. Pauline is one of those authors who keep getting better and better with each book. Take, "The Key," her newest release; I started reading it on Friday night and had it finished in the early hours of Saturday. I just gulped it down. Then on Sunday, I started over again and savored it over a period of three days. It was even better the second time around. The story is a romantic suspense like all her books, but it's also a science fiction. As far as I'm concerned this is her best book yet. The characters are well developed and likeable. The setting is interesting and the story line very imaginative. In fact, I sincerely hope she's planning on making a series starting Sara and Kiernan. I can't wait to see what happens to them next. I highly recommend this book to everyone; whether you like romance, science-fiction or suspense, you're covered. It's an excellent read and if you're like me, you'll be clamoring for more.” Michele Dube
If you enjoyed my classic re-release, Out of Time, I hope you’ll check out my new series: Relatively Risky: The Big Uneasy 1. I’ve included an excerpt below. :-)
A quirky artist must unravel her parent's secret past before the mob erases her future. But will the protection of a handsome homicide detective be her only hope of surviving the Big Easy?
Nell Whitby is starting over in New Orleans, getting a publisher for her children’s book, sketching tourists in the French Quarter, and leaving the tragic death of her parents behind. When a handsome detective asks her for a date, her fresh start seems perfect…until a dangerous family secret bubbles up from the past and puts her life in jeopardy.
The oldest of thirteen children, detective Alex Baker has two goals in life: solve murders and avoid anyone under the age of ten. That is, until the day the quirky children's book author foils a carjacking, becomes a target for the mob, and makes his libido sit up and reconsider the whole no-kids thing. If he doesn’t protect her, she’ll be the next body to turn up in his homicide investigation.
As bullets start to fly, Nell can’t resist her sexy bodyguard or ignore her past, and Alex must protect the irresistible kid-magnet from whoever has them both in the crosshairs.
“Jones’ writing style is unique: a strong dose of noir balanced with humor and witty dialogue. The plot moves at a fast pace as does the chemistry between Alex and Nell. The characters are well-developed and likeable, the relationship between Alex and his 12 siblings fun, and the New Orleans ambience conveyed so realistically the reader will feel as if they have been plopped down right in the middle of the Big Easy.” Midwest Book Review
The excerpt:
He’d passed his house, wondering if he was going to be doomed to drive around until one of the college students across the street had to go to class, but as he passed a cross street, he’d spotted half a space just around the corner. It was by a hydrant, but the parking Nazis weren’t out this early, and he could get his dad to move his truck later. He pulled in, got most of his truck off the street, if he didn’t mind blocking the sidewalk. He didn’t. The dividing line between street and sidewalk was more imagined than real anyway. He’d shut off the engine and thrust open the door, anxious to get unc
onscious as soon as possible. Should have known better. Should have kept an eye on his surroundings. Which was why the stinking little piece of crap got the drop on him, down shifting his night from bad to worse.
“Get out real slow with your hands where I can see ‘em, mother—” The pressure of the gun against his neck eased some, as if the perp couldn’t point and talk at the same time.
Alex rolled his eyes at the spate of unoriginal swearing. The education system was so screwed up, it was depressing. Kids couldn’t even swear good and had nothing better to do than try to jack a detective who’d spent the night knee deep in bodies.
“Keep your cool,” Alex said, more for himself than the kid, as his temper tried to slip tired’s leash. Making sure both hands were visible, he slid out and turned around. The kid was as small as he sounded and looked like he was on the downside of a high. Probably looking to trade Alex’s wheels for a trip back up. Man, the guys’d really roast him if he got jacked by a kid too young to shave.
“Shut up and give me your wallet and keys!” The kid practically foamed at the mouth as another round of filth poured out.
Out of Time Page 32
