Laurie's Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews

Blood Avenged by Gabrielle Bisset : Interview

2012-02-25T00:01:00.000-06:00

I am everything you desire. I am vampire.

Powerful and manipulative, Vasilije does as he pleases. A vampire beholden to no one, he takes what he desires, drinking deeply the pleasures this life has to offer.

When one of his own is staked, Vasilije must travel to New Orleans to exact his revenge. There he meets Sasa, a beautiful woman who arouses him like no other has for centuries. Vasilije’s need for vengeance is equaled only by his passion for her, but what he finds in his revenge is just the beginning...

Novel length book
Adult sexual situations and language

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INTERVIEW

Where do you dream of traveling to and why?

I'd love to travel throughout Europe. My son and I are talking about taking a trip next year to England, France, Italy, Spain, and Morocco. I have had a love affair with Europe ever since I was a child. When I was in my 20s, I moved to Germany with my first husband. It was so beautiful there. For me, as a history teacher, Europe has such a rich history. Not surprisingly, many of my stories are set, at least in part, in Europe.

Tell us about your current release.

My current release is Blood Avenged. It's the first book in the Sons of Navarus series. The main character, Vasilije, is 400 year old vampire who is a complete hedonist. The world is his oyster. When one of his favorite vampires is staked in New Orleans, Vasilije travels there to exact his revenge and meets Sasa, a woman who enchants him more than any woman for centuries. As they unravel the mystery around who killed his vampire, Vasilije and Sasa come to realize that his death was just the beginning of what will change the vampire world forever.

I was lucky enough to travel to New Orleans last Halloween and do firsthand research on the settings in the book. It was tremendous fun to do on-site research for one of my books, and hopefully I'll get to do it again.

Tell us about your next release.

My next book is the second book in the Sons of Navarus series, Blood Betrayed. The main character, Saint, is a relatively young vampire, only turned on the battlefield during the First World War. Nicknamed Saint because he won't sleep with any of his vampires, he's haunted by the loss of the woman he loved just after being made vampire, a woman named Solenne. With the changes in the vampire world, he's been marked for death, and only Solenne can help keep him safe. But that can only happen if he can finally get over the past and trust her again.

This book is set in southeastern France, a beautiful region that lends itself to the themes of the book.

When in the day/night do you write? How long per day?

Because I work during the day, I write at night after I get home. I measure my writing by pages since I write everything longhand first, so I keep myself to the pace of writing at least four pages every day. Sometimes that takes an hour or two, but sometimes it takes four or six hours. Those longer stretches usually leave me pretty exhausted the next day!

What do you think makes a good story?

No matter what genre, a good story has to engage the reader. In that I don't mean a hook. Far too often, I see others using gimmicks to get readers to want the book. That may get them to buy it, but they won't like it. Gimmicks don't work. What does is a plot that is interesting, characters the reader can love or hate, and a conflict that keeps the reader wanting more. Above all else, a fiction author must give the reader a reason (or several) to not put down their book. The writing must be good, of course, but without a great plot, conflict, and characters, it doesn't matter how good the writing is.

Plotter or Pantser? Why?

I am a committed plotter. For me, writing must be logically organized if I'm to produce anything that makes any sense. I did try the panster idea once, but it made a mess out of my story. I require order to make sure that everything turns out well. I outline the entire story beforehand, often taking weeks to do, but once I begin writing, it flows very well.

What books have most influenced your life?

I loved reading as a child. I read the Nancy Drew stories and loved the idea of a young woman solving mysteries. Then I graduated to Agatha Christie mysteries, loving Hercule Poirot. Finally, I moved on to Doyle's Sherlock Holmes mysteries. I loved how each of these had such vivid settings and plots, so these have definitely shaped how I read and write.

Then I went to college and fell in love with the classics. No surprise, I became an English lit major. Shakespeare, Moliere, Twain, Wharton, and Fitzgerald all made me fall in love with reading again, this time in a different way that required me to think more. I think all these books have influenced me in ways I probably can't even imagine, but I suspect the influence comes out in my writing.

If you were to write a series of novels, what would it be about?

Currently, I'm in the middle of the Sons of Navarus series. As romances, they first and foremost are focused on the romance of the hero and heroine of each book, but the non-romantic storyline involves a power struggle in the vampire world. The law and order vampires, greedy and manipulative beings called Archons, have begun a takeover of the vampire world to ensure their total control. They must eliminate the Order of Macaria, made up of the most ancient and revered of all vampires, but standing in their way are the protectors of the Order, the Sons of Navarus. They must decipher the prophecy foretelling of the Archons rise because if they don't, there will be no way to stop them from taking over the entire vampire world.

Morning Person? Or Night Person? How do you know?

I love getting up early and getting things done before the world really comes awake, but I'm a night person by nature. I find that I feel great early and then get a second wind right after dinner, but the time between around noon to four in the afternoon is brutal for me. Not even energy drinks can help me then.

Are the names of the characters in your novels important? How and why?

I had an English professor in undergraduate school who stressed how names were often keys to a character's traits, and I firmly believe that names can be quite useful in characterization, whether because of meaning or just the sound of a name. For example, the main character in Blood Avenged is a powerful vampire sire (one who turns humans into vampires) named Vasilije. Even if a reader doesn't know his name means "king", he or she can tell by the sound of the name that he's sensual. The villain in Blood Avenged is a character named Tatiana. Even though the name might not necessarily mean anything negative, just the sound of it indicates she's powerful.

I have a baby book of names I use and a website with evil names (no kidding!) for my villains. I take great care with names, so generally, either the meaning of the name can tell a reader something about the character or the sound of the name can.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

An avid reader of all types of books, I read my first romance even before I was a teenager. I must have been a very precocious young lady! I still remember the book, if not the title. It was about a Southern man during the years before the Civil War and his illicit affair with one of the slaves of a woman he "frequented". I remember vividly reading the word "manhood" often in the book, and the slave's name was Sukie. Isn't it amazing what the mind can remember?

Fast forward a couple dozen years and I'm a college history instructor. I still love history as much as that romantic young woman did, so I teach it to college students, and the romantic streak has never gone away. Now I get to do things that have to do with my other favorite love: romance novels.

The idea for my first book came to me in a dream. I know that seems almost cliched, but it did. I woke up one morning after having an extremely vivid dream and began to jot things down that I was able to remember. Days later, I had the first pages written and the ideas that I had dreamed about had become the characters in my first book. READ ON

Gabrielle

Romance...from sensual to decadent...whatever your desires
Website: Gabrielle Bisset
Blog: Gabrielle Bisset: A Writer's Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Amazon Author Page
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My books:
Blood Avenged-Available now
Blood Betrayed-Coming this spring!
The Victorian Erotic Romance Trilogy
Destiny Redeemed

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Story Time by Linell Jeppsen - Review & Interview

2012-02-24T00:01:00.000-06:00

In the not too distant future a young woman bears witness to the end of her world.
Earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions rock the planet, reducing cities to smoking rubble, burying entire islands and coastlines beneath cataclysmic waves.
Religious fervor and human evil erupt and entwine, becoming a maelstrom of madness in the days after, bringing with it the horror of apocalyptic war.
As a population in the depths of despair struggles to overcome insurmountable odds, can a single glimmer of hope flare into a beacon for the survivors?
This is her tale…the world is ours…and now, it’s STORY TIME.

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MY REVIEW

5 Cups

Naomiis a young woman when a series of cataclysmic events occurs. Millions, thenbillions perish as the Earth’s fundament spasms and contorts in the agony ofits final years. Safe, for the timebeing, on the family ranch, Naomi and her two brothers struggle to make do.

Withdwindling resources, and the need for protection from marauders, Naomi invitesthe remaining family and close friends to join them on the ranch. Every daybrings new challenges as turbulent forces continue to wreck havoc on thebattered planet.

Whena young man named Michael Anderson miraculously rescues some school children heis instructed to take them to Naomi’s ranch. As the few survivors faceincreasing pressure from the dying planet, the veneer of civilization isstripped away. While some will be become stronger when tested by adversity,others will sink to despicable levels.

LinellJeppson has written an exciting and remarkable story. It is one that once I picked up and beganreading I could not put down or get out of my head. The action never lets up, and the imaginationof this author seems to know no bounds yet is logical and makes sense withinthe context of the novel. The story isconveyed in an unusual manner, told from several different perspectives in ahighly unique framework that is almost as captivating as the story itself. It is immense in scope, playing out against ahuge world canvas, but focuses with true elegance on a few chosen survivors. I loved the story for the adventure of it,but also for the way it provoked me into re-examining some of my own closelyheld beliefs. I loved it and recommend it most fervently.

Laurie

Reviewerfor Coffee Time Romance & More

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INTERVIEW

Where do you want to travel, and why?

I think, if I had the traveling jones, I would want to go to the British Isles. It is beautiful there and the people there are friendlier to Yanks than some other places around the world. Also, there is so much of our own history there. Many of our folk tales and deep seated beliefs were born in England, Scotland and Ireland. I would like to see Stonehenge…or maybe the Locke-ness monster!

What is your next release?

Oooh! I am really excited about this one! I am 8 chapters in to Onio; a novel about Sasquatches. Onio is a quarter human. He allows himself to be seen by a human woman, who consequently drives her car off the road to avoid hitting him. What happens next will change the destiny of the world!

Who is your favorite author?

Well, Stephen King started me on the path of writing. I liked his “what if” theory. However, now that I’m striving to be a better writer, I am branching out in my preferences. I love James Lee Burke, and Cormac McCarthy. If I can make my reader really feel something when he or she reads my work than I have accomplished something!

Do you listen to music when you’re writing?

Yes, usually. I almost always have classical music on in the background. I’m a little like Stephen King though, when it comes to writing…the less distractions for me, the better!

What are your favorite TV shows?

Another great question! Although I am a little ashamed to admit it, I think I’m addicted to series. My faves lately are;

Supernatural--The Vampire Diaries—Fringe—Sons of Anarchy—Game of Thrones—Dexter—Far Scape—Deadwood, and many more. I applaud the writers of these shows…they take my breath away!

Who would play you in a film?

HUH? (Who would want to? LOL!) Oh, maybe Sigourney Weaver---(sssh, don’t tell I said so!)

What is the most rewarding thing about writing?

Each time I finish a novel I am so over whelmed with emotion I cry. That may sound silly but, at the risk of sounding pretentious, I think that’s called passion. So far I am such a newbie I don’t know if I’ll ever have a large readership, or make a bunch of money. Working on these novels though…starting with one line and carrying a story through to the end is worth all the worry, self-doubt, and fear. I believe I will continue to write until the day I die.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Linell Jeppsen started writing full-time about two years ago. Since then she has won third prize in a short story contest, sponsored by Phyllis Scott publishing, with her short story, THE GAG GIFT. Her vampire novel, THE HUNT, is on Kindle/Amazon.com and available in paperback. She has now finished a post/apocalyptic science fiction novel called STORY TIME. Her short story, The Gag Gift, is also included in the collection, The Last Astronaut.

Website | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads | Twitter

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Blue Maneuver by Linda Andrews - Character Interview

2012-02-23T00:01:00.000-06:00

The extraterrestrials have landed and they're human.

Rae Hemplewhite didn't believe in aliens until a close encounter with out-of-this-world technology drags her into the extraterrestrial security program. Helping alien refugees adjust to life on Earth is difficult enough, but her first clients have a price on their heads. Plus, her new partner seems torn between the urge to kiss her or kill her.

And that's the good news.
The bad news: Alliances are forming in deep space. If Rae doesn't keep her witnesses alive long enough to transfer their top secret information to the right faction of humanity, Earth will become a battlefield.

Edited by TL Hockett, E Brownchweig

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CHARACTER INTERVIEW

Linda: I'd like to introduce MaryJane Radiance--

Rae: Rae. Please. There's no need to let everyone in on the dirty secret that is my name.

Linda: Right. I'd like everyone to meet the fabulous (and bossy) Rae Hemplewhite. She's the star of my urban fantasy/scifi novel, Blue Maneuver.

Rae: I'm not the star! Stars get treated well. Stars have trailers and people and stunt doubles! I got stabbed and hit on the head and kidnapped and that was the first few hours! Let me tell you that if you ever see blue lightning bugs--duck and cover! Ever since those things infected me, I see aliens. Aliens! I don't believe in aliens. Little green or gray men, that's a government conspiracy.

Linda (scratching head): Um, so the aliens aren't green or gray?

Rae: Yes, well, some of them are. My neighbor is! And she's not little. She green, oozy and bullet-shaped. Not to mention very unpleasant. And that was before I was assigned to help her adapt to life on Earth. She wants a new human suit, one that doesn't have wrinkles. Really, she's eighty if she's a day. Eighty year olds have wrinkles.

Linda: So that's what you do now? Help aliens adapt to life on our blue planet?

Rae sighs and blows her bangs out of her eyes: They call me a steward. You know, I didn't used to be such a complainer. I used to be fun to be around. Now people are shooting at me and threatening to kill me when they're not kissing me.

Linda: Oozy aliens are kissing you?

Rae, wrinkling her nose: Ew! No. Two extraterrestrial humans have kissed me. And they're guys. Really attractive guys, except for when they're threatening to kill me. And of course, they hate each other and work for different factions of the space humans.

Linda: Space humans?

Rae: It's a long story that makes my head hurt to think about but the gist is that humans have gone into space four times and colonized planets, but the civilizations that remained on Earth kinda self-destructed and we started all over again.

Linda: So who are these guys you've kissed?

Rae: Well, there's Tobias. He's a yummy blond soldier and my partner. He actually made sandwiches for me after I got over my blue bug infection. Which was nice.

Linda: I like it when guys make me food. And it's even better when they do the dishes too.

Rae, twirling a piece of hair: He did help clean up but then was called away and Victor came.

Linda: And Victor is...

Rae: He's the other hottie. I saw him first as he lives in my condo complex. We'd just agreed to go out to dinner when I was told he worked for the bad guys. Of course, he was really nice to me right up until he left me tied up in a building that was going to explode.

Linda: Um, yeah, I can see where you might be a bit conflicted about which guy to choose.

Rae: I know, right? (Smart phone rings and she frowns) Recipe for cherry chocolate cupcakes? Sorry, I've gotta go, looks like a new ET is about to land at the airport.

Linda: Cherry chocolate cupcakes is code for an alien landing?

Rae: What? Don't be silly. All my Milky Way calls come under the recipe app so no one knows what I'm doing. Even me. (She drops the phone into her pocket and leaves)

Although Rae had to leave, she did give us a snippet of her first encounter with Tobias and the blue bugs.

The truck door slammed shut. Mr. Parks and Rec Superhero propped his elbows against the ledge surrounding the truck bed. The rising sun cast his face in shadows but highlighted his broad shoulders and gilded his hair. "That's twice you've gone down on me today, and we only met five minutes ago."

Heat unfurled deep inside me. He couldn't possibly have meant it that way. But what if he did? Hope welled up. I squashed it. Embarrassment is not foreplay and I'm not desperate!

I stared back at him, not really seeing much thanks to the angle of the light.

Time ticked on and the silence stretched.

What did one say to a man who just accused me of going down on him twice in five minutes? Thanks? Let's do it again? Where are my hundred bucks?

In one smooth motion, he peeled off his sunglasses. "Maybe I should give you a ride home."

I blinked. What was with the sunglasses? It was practically night still. I backed up. Maybe Mr. Parks and Rec wasn't a superhero but a supervillian.

"Are you all right?" He pushed away from the truck and sauntered toward the tailgate.

Shaking my head, I raised my hands to ward him off. "I'm fine. Just fine. I--I can get home just fine."

Pink rays bathed his aquiline nose and accented his strong jaw line. His long lashes painted spiky shadows across the bridge of his nose. "You keep repeating fine. Perhaps medical attention is in order."

I shook my head harder. My pony tail slapped my shoulder blades and my bangs escaped the sweatband. "I don't live far."

There. I forced a smile on my stiff cheeks. Not a fine in the bunch.

"Its no--" He jerked to a stop before rearing back.

Wow! I never had any rebuff be that effective. I-- Wait a minute. His attention wasn't on me. My gaze followed his line of sight. He stared at the same spot where I tripped. My stomach knotted and cold brushed my skin. I inched closer to him. Adrenalin reduced my aches to white noise.

What had I tripped over?

Swearing, Mr. Parks and Rec's boots pounded on the gravel.

I slid one foot forward and rose on tip-toe. Something pale lay in the high grass and weeds. Despite the shadowy dawn, the sight seemed familiar. Yet my brain refused to identify it. A little closer and I would see...

The truck door creaked open, there was a click and a cone of light cut across the object.

I almost laughed. A face. It was a face. I blinked. Holy Toledo! It was a stiff face! The eyes didn't blink, the flat nostrils didn't flare and the lips were bluish. My sluggish brain finally connected the dots. "He's dead!"

Who knew that year my parents had managed a hospice would come in handy? No, death didn't shock me. Except that his eyes were open, he seemed to be sleeping. But something seemed off with this death.

Without saying a word, Mr. Parks and Rec strode toward the corpse.

"Hey! Don't touch him. He's evidence." I patted my shorts. Phone. Where was my phone? It must have fallen out during my swan dive.

Mr. Parks and Rec grabbed one of the plants piled atop the body and tossed it aside.

"Stop it. That's evidence." I took a step forward then stopped. Okay, I'm not a death weenie, but guys didn't collapse along a jogging trail then bury themselves under a mound of weeds. "We need to call the cops."

Good plan. I refrained from patting myself on the back. Too bad he didn't listen.

Mr. Parks and Rec knelt next to the body. "He might still be alive."

And I thought I had the optimism market cornered. My mouth dropped open, before I snapped it shut. People dealt with death in different ways. Maybe he couldn't stand the idea of a jogger eating the big enchilada in his park. I took a deep breath. I'd helped family members accept loss before. "Look, I know--"

When Mr. Parks and Rec lifted the next weed off the body, three fireflies rose into the air. Their pale blue light washed over his rugged features. "Good. They're still here."

I snapped my jaw shut and my skin tightened. When did Phoenix get fireflies? And why were they blue?

I stepped back and crushed something under my heel. Oh snap, not my cell! I winced at the crinkling noise and looked down. An aluminum can folded against my sneaker. Surely, this is more bad Karma than I've earned in this lifetime. Maybe Mr. Parks and Rec and his blue light show hadn't noticed. Shaking off the can, I peeked at them from under my lashes.

Mr. Parks and Rec's eyes lasered on me like his next target and the lights...they buzzed back and forth.

My stomach cramped. This was so not good. Maybe I should just leave.

One of the blue lightning bugs broke away from the trio and zipped toward me.

"No!" Mr. Parks and Rec's shout jangled along my nerves and raised the hair on my arms.

The bug showed no sign of having heard, let alone stopping. I waved my hands hoping to fend it off. It darted around and dived into my shoulder.

Into my shoulder.

"What in the world?" My shoulder glowed blue for a moment then the pain blossomed like a mushroom cloud. Waves of heat rippled through me, each one hotter than the next. Holy cow! I think I heard my brain sizzle.

The two remaining lightning bugs darted toward me.

Run!

Sounded like a plan to me.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Linda Andrews lives with her husband and three children in Phoenix, Arizona. When she announced to her family that her paranormal romance was to be published, her sister pronounce: "What else would she write? She’s never been normal."

All kidding aside, writing has become a surprising passion. So just how did a scientist start to write paranormal romances? What other option is there when you’re married to romantic man and live in a haunted house?

If you’ve enjoyed her stories or want to share your own paranormal experience feel free to email the author at lindaandrews(at)lindaandrews(dot)net She’d love to hear from you.

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All of the Above by Timothy Scott Bennett

2012-02-22T00:01:00.000-06:00

When President Linda Travis is briefed at gunpoint and told of the human-alien conspiracy that secretly controls her government, she does something none of her predecessors dared to do: she runs. During the chase that ensues, from the rural mountains of Vermont to the arctic wilderness of Bathurst Island, through the underground blackness of the aliens’ Ottawa Lodge to the bewildering landscapes of the astral realm, Linda encounters both obstacles and aid where she least expects them. Along the way, she is forced to face fully the converging crises of energy, economy, and environment that threaten the entire world, and to confront deep assumptions about the nature of reality itself. Only by doing so is she able to see clearly what she must do to help her people.

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Excerpt

( language cleaned up a bit.)

Rice handed the President a thick, unmarked folder. Linda picked it up, started to leaf through the pages. “This is the history of our organization,” said Rice. “You can read it tonight. I’ll stop by at 8 tomorrow morning to pick you, and it, up.”

Linda thought of her mother, Ellen, with whom she was scheduled to meet for lunch in an hour. What would she say? And how could she read this all tonight? Wasn’t there some dinner she had to attend? “I can’t tonight,” she said. “There’s no time.”

Rice shook his head. “All taken care of, Mrs. President. Dinner tonight canceled. Mrs. Warren occupied. We’re very thorough. You’ll have time. But let me give you the highlights.” He nodded at Phelps, who went to the door and spoke in hushed tones to someone outside. A moment later Phelps returned with a glass of iced tea. He placed it in front of the President and returned to his seat. Linda ignored the drink.

Rice continued. “You’ve heard of Project Blue Book?”

Linda nodded. Of course she had. Everybody had.

“Before Blue Book were Projects Sign and Grudge. You may have heard of those as well. These ‘official’ projects collected information, filtered reports, interacted with the public, and interfaced with various scientific and academic groups. The projects were designed to ease fears and speculation by pretending to investigate and explain the UFO situation.” Rice leaned back in his chair and stretched his legs out under the table. “But even before Sign, we’d begun to take the real investigation off-line. Majestic was the first working version of what has now become ‘the People,’ but by the time Majestic was discovered and made public in the mid-80s, we’d long since left it behind.” Rice reached out and grabbed Linda’s iced tea and took a sip. “Basically, over the course of the past eight decades, the alliance between human groups and the aliens has sunk deeper and deeper underground, far out of reach of most of those who think they govern. Almost from the beginning, there has been a secret group working behind the scenes, dealing face to face with the aliens and their spacecraft, both of which were, as far as the ‘bewildered herd’ was concerned, still huge mysteries.

“There was a great deal of disagreement early on regarding how much the public should be told. Eventually the orders came down that any and all information about UFOs and aliens should be kept away from the masses. The various study groups of scientists and politicians and military leaders were ordered to write the whole thing off as nonsense, and were then dissolved. Blue Book was closed up. Files, artifacts, and biological materials were gathered in from every intelligence organization, every branch of the service, even NASA, and were either destroyed, or stored in a centralized location in Nevada, in what has become known as Area 51. Most personnel with ties to official agencies were removed from those assignments and brought in full-time. Some were ordered to maintain their dual positions, creating shadow bureaucracies within such groups as NASA and the CIA, since we knew that reports would continue to come to these official agencies. Years of disinformation campaigns, harassment, threats, assassinations, public ridicule, and bureaucratic bullshit made the whole process easy enough to carry out. By 1970, the government and military were officially ‘not interested’ in UFOs. The alien situation was left in the capable hands of our group, the People, with no links whatsoever to those government or military powers that would try to control the show.” Rice sat up straight and looked Linda in the eye. “We are invisible, unsupervised, and totally in control. We form the hub of that hidden elite who really run the world. All true power held by humans today is held by us.”

Linda looked Rice dead in the face. “You, Mr. Rice, are the most arrogant man I’ve ever met.”

Rice smiled. “I come by it legitimately, Mrs. President.” He leaned back again, crossed his arms over his chest.

“Really. And how did you end up in this fine little club, Mr. Rice?”

“Life chose me from the very beginning. Life prepared me, tested me, guided me, groomed me. And here I am now, having shown my worthiness.”

“Life prepared you? What the hell does that mean?”

“Life is that of which we speak. Life is that which has come to our planet to guide us from the fiery path.” As Rice spoke his eyes closed. “Life is that which leads us and loves us and shows us the way.” Rice stopped, his eyes still closed, his face a mask of pure bliss.

Gellow rolled his eyes. “He means the aliens, Mrs. President.”

Rice blinked away his bliss and flicked a hateful look at his colleague. “It is we who are alien,” he said sternly.

Linda interrupted. “So why are you telling me? Is that the rule? All the Presidents get to be in on the fun?”

Rice resumed his cheerful expression. “Not all, Mrs. President. Johnson was never told. Neither were Carter or Reagan. Funny, given that both of them claimed to have seen a UFO. Bush was brought into the loop as Vice-President, which helps explain how he won in ‘88.”

Gellow began to chuckle deeply. “A thousand points of light. If the voters only knew. He’d seen ‘em!”

Rice went on. “Clinton was told. And Bush Junior. But neither Obama nor Russell was brought in. Now you know.”

“I’m not sure that I really know anything,” said Linda. “All I have is your words and those pictures. The only thing I know is that I’ve been held against my will at gunpoint by a group of people who, if this works out my way, are in very deep trouble.”

Rice rose from his chair, walked around the table, and whispered briefly with the General. Then he returned to his chair and faced Linda again. “That’s it for today,” he said cheerily. “You can go.”

Linda stared, unbelieving. “I can go? Who the hell are you to tell me I can go? I want some answers!”

“Nope. Sorry.” Rice shook his head like a father talking to his whining child. “We’re done. I’ll see you in the morning. Lots of time tomorrow for questions. We’ve got a big day planned.” With that Rice rose, gathered his papers, and left. The General followed without so much as a glance toward the President. Gellow rose and walked around the table, tapping Phelps on the shoulder. Phelps woke with a start, oriented himself to the situation, smiled at the President and rose to follow Gellow. They both left without a word.

Linda sat, dumbfounded. What was going on tomorrow? Nothing! To hell with them all, she was not going to play their game. She’d tell Bickle right away. Arrest these crazies. And she would not stop until she got to the bottom of this whole meeting. How could her own security have failed her so? How could these idiots do what they did?

Rice stuck his head back in. “Oh, yes, Mrs. President. Just in case you’re thinking of saying anything about this meeting to anybody, you need to know that your mother is, well, let’s just say we know where she is. If you know what I mean.” Rice’s smile faded, pushed aside by a look of utter sadness. “One other thing, Mrs. President. Some very sad news. Very sad.”

Linda rose from her chair. “What?”

“It’s Mr. Bickle, ma’am. He, uh ... met with a very tragic accident. Just twenty minutes ago. I’m afraid he’s dead.”

Linda flung herself at the door, shouting as she ran, and slammed into it with all the force she could muster. But she was unsuccessful. Rice had already pulled his head out of the way.

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REVIEW

This book is on my TBR for review. Unfortunately, I am unfashionably tardy and behind on my reading and on writing reviews. I will update with a linked post when the review is posted, hopefully within the next 30 days.

INTERVIEW

Tell us about your current release.

I published All of the Above in August of 2011. It’s a fast-paced sci-fi-adventure/ conspiracy thriller, with psychopathic government agents, enigmatic “aliens,” brave dogs, wise children, and the first female President of the United States. When President Linda Travis is briefed at gunpoint about the human-alien conspiracy that secretly controls her government, she decides to not play along. Uncertain whom to trust, she “escapes” from her Secret Service handlers and sets out to find a way to tell the world the truth. Her journey takes her to the rural mountains of Vermont, an underground “alien lodge,” the frozen expanses of Bathurst Island, and finally back to Washington D.C. to confront her pursuers. Along the way she receives help and guidance from friends old and new, and from far beyond our physical world, and is challenged with both obstacles and loss. She’s forced to face fully into the current global environmental, economic, and energy predicament, and confronts her own deep assumptions about the nature of reality itself.

All of the Above continues the conversation I began in my feature-length documentary, What a Way to Go: Life at the End of Empire, the tagline for which reads: A middle-class white guy comes to grips with Peak Oil, Climate Change, Mass Extinction, Population Overshoot and the end of the American lifestyle. I wanted to set those critical issues into the larger context of a universe that contains a great many challenges to the dominant materialist paradigm. It felt like fiction would be a better vehicle for this inquiry than documentary would.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your book?

I was surprised to learn that I was not in control. In some very real ways, my characters led and I followed. Once the initial premise was in place, the characters knew exactly where they needed to go. All I had to do was trust them. I had no idea I’d end up in the far North with a group of Inuit. I had no idea I’d meet a six-year-old alien-human hybrid girl who would so shape events in the story, and so capture my heart. It was delightful, to witness the unfolding of such marvelous things. And it worked out perfectly.

How do you describe your writing style?

My writing process reminds me of a hurricane: that slow build-up of forces growing more and more out of balance until they reach the point where they become a storm - a huge whorl of energy and action that moves across time and space, altering everything it touches until the forces are back in balance. All of the Above follows that same pattern. We dip into the story as forces reach the point of the storm and follow it as it plays out across time and space. By the end, the forces are more in balance, though the landscape has altered. And not all of the forces have rebalanced, leaving room for the story to continue.

Do you have critique partners or beta readers?

My wife, Sally, read the story chapter by chapter as I wrote the first draft. Then half a dozen friends gave feedback on that. At that point, I went through a long and sometimes painful editing process with three editors: my daughter, Hannah, a professional copy editor, (now studying publishing and editing at Pace University) went after everything from spelling errors to larger questions of structure and meaning; my wife, Sally, approached the text as a director might approach a play, “directing” my characters “performance” at the levels of emotional and psychological truth; and my friend Rocco, a poet and teacher, insisted on sentence structures and language that actually conveyed what I wanted to convey but had failed to achieve. Sadly, Rocco has passed on since the publication of All of the Above. His absence will make the sequel all the more difficult to write, I fear. I shall miss him.

Do you listen to music while writing? If so what?

Always. And if the music’s not in my ears, it’s in my head. I listen to everything from class rock to obscure new wave to industrial and post and prog and Celtic and bluegrass, even as I consider such genre distinctions little more than semi-useful fictions. A good day’s listening might include The Guess Who, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Nine Inch Nails, The Cure, Fish, Mountain, Neil Diamond, Marillion, Drive-By Truckers, The Bothy Band, Nickel Creek, Tool and Wazmo Nariz. As I wrote All of the Above, certain songs kept cropping up in relation to the story. These ended up in a playlist that form a sort of “soundtrack” for the book. I’d have loved to use song lyrics as chapter openers, but was not up for the cost or hassle of securing rights.

Beatles or Monkees? Why?

Today… Monkees. Because I’m not supposed to like the Monkees.

What books have most influenced your life?

Anything and everything from Kurt Vonnegut. Stephen Donaldon’s Thomas Covenant stories. Asimov and his Foundation stories. Orson Scott Card’s Ender and Ender’s Shadow books. Heinberg. Herbert. Tom Robbins. These authors and many others influenced and shaped my sense of story.

Ishmael and its sequels by Daniel Quinn. Michael Talbot’s The Holographic Universe. Itzhak Bentov’s Stalking the Wild Pendulum. Richard Dolan’s UFOs and the National Security State. Anything by Graham Hancock. Richard Bach’s Illusions. Derrick Jensen’s The Culture of Make Believe. Terence McKenna. Robert Monroe. Whitley Strieber. These authors and many others have influenced and shaped my sense of reality and the world in which I live.

What are you passionate about these days?

I’m passionate about seeing what’s right here when I take off the conceptual filters of the family, educational system, culture, and paradigm into which I was born and raised, and shed the habitual patterns of my own egoic mind. When I set aside the assumptions and beliefs I was given, I can look straight on and with eyes wide open at the current confluence of global crises without retreating in fear or getting stuck in anger or bargaining. And I can look with an open and critical mind at the wealth of anomalous data points which, in my view, are calling us to question deeply the scientific-materialist worldview that seems to be largely responsible for our present collective predicament. I’m trying simply to “relate to what’s so as what’s so,” which feels like a spiritual path for me. I feel whole and sane and engaged with a beautiful and mysterious Universe. And by saying what I see, I am in service to the greater good. I’m pretty blessed.

What is the next big thing?

Huge forces have been building for some time now. Another storm approaches, building in intensity. Any day now, I’ll sit down and allow Rumi’s Field, the sequel to All of the Above, to flow through my fingers and into a manuscript. My characters have been whispering to me since I finished the All of the Above. They’re ready to be let loose, and I’m ready to follow them. I can’t wait.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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The being now known as “Timothy Scott Bennett” landed on this planet in rural “Michigan,” one of the so-called “United States” currently occupying a large portion of the landmass known to some as “North America.” Astonished by what he saw around him, he set about to learn all he could of art and science, religion and spirituality, writing and filmmaking, in order to better understand the society into which he’d been born, and the strange behaviors of the human beings he encountered. He believes that if he can help to make clear and conscious the assumptions, beliefs, taboos, denials, and orthodoxies of the dominant global industrial culture, some humans will be able to break free of the confines and limitations of that paradigm. He trusts that this will be a good thing. To that end, he and his wife, Sally Erickson, created the feature-length documentary What a Way to Go: Life at the End of Empire, a film which journeys through the present predicament on Planet Earth, looking at climate chaos, mass extinction, oil depletion, overpopulation, and the global culture of domination and disconnection that now appears to be unraveling. He currently lives with Sally in coastal “Maine,” which is another of those “United States.” He rides his bicycle, watches for whales, soaks up the sun, wind, and fog, and remains utterly astonished.

Links to check out:

Blue Hag Books (my publishing company)

Personal Blogs: http://bluehagbooks.com/?cat=5 and http://www.whatawaytogomovie.com/category/blogs/tim-blog/

Individual Blog Posts having to do with writing and All of the Above:

The First Chronicles of President Linda Travis: http://bluehagbooks.com/?p=216

Going Further: http://bluehagbooks.com/?p=280

What a Way to Go: Life at the End of Empire: http://www.whatawaytogomovie.com/

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Eternity by Laury Falter #Review #YA Paranormal

2012-02-21T00:01:00.000-06:00

Eternity by Laury Falter

Eternity - the second book in the Guardian Trilogy...

Maggie thought she was safe until an old enemy arrives in New Orleans with a dire threat: A battle is on the way.

With only a few days to spare, she and Eran embark on a path that is expected to prepare them for the world’s most evil creatures. But what Maggie discovers is far more disturbing…the truth behind her identity and why their enemies will never give up.

MY REVIEW
My rating: 4 Cups

Maggie is settling down to her new life in New Orleans. She is learning to control the uncomfortable physical response that plagued her unmercifully when she first moved to town. Maggie is also finding out more about herself and her previous lives. She is more determined than ever to protect those whom she has grown to love, and find a way to vanquish the evil that has stalked her for hundreds of years.

Eran is Maggie’s diligent protector. He is determined not to let his deep and abiding love for her interfere with his duty to keep her safe. He has his hands full because Maggie is just as determined not to put those she loves in danger.

A battle of wills rages in this story as both Maggie and Eran must face some horrendous truths. Maggie discovers more about her ancestry by revisiting previous pivotal episodes on the astral plane. She also trains daily with her mentor and friend in order to hone her combat skills. In the war that is upon them, both Maggie and Eran are tested, and are forced to use every resource available to them.

The strange and compelling world-building begun in the first book is expanded significantly in this second installment. The increased complexity of the relationships certainly keeps this story from ever becoming dull or predictable. Yet, all the added nuances mesh perfectly in the grand scheme of the entire framework. Once again, the author brings us a story that is unstinting in intensity, drama and everlasting love. A world filled with robust characters – some of which are despicable, regardless of the reasons that may have contributed to their downfall. Unfailingly mesmerizing, this series has me hooked; I am looking forward to the third installment.

Laurie
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

The Guardian Trilogy:
Book 1 - Fallen
Book 2 - Eternity
Book 3 - Reckoning

View all my reviews

Alpha Instinct by Katie Reus - Guest Post

2012-02-20T00:01:00.000-06:00

Thank you so much to Laurie for letting me blog here today!

Thanks to Valentine’s Day (which has since passed), I always think of February as the month of love. While V-Day is pretty cool because of all the chocolate that abounds (more please!) this month is awesome for another reason (well for me anyway). The first book in my Moon Shifter series recently released from Signet Eclipse. Alpha Instinct is full of sexy shifters, devious villains and paranormal goodness.

I’m a big fan of the paranormal and while it’s hard for me to pick a favorite type of supernatural character, when it comes down to it shifters totally own me. There’s something so sexy about a shifter hero, whether it’s a wolf or panther or jaguar, it doesn’t matter much to me. I think it’s because they’re more in touch with their animal side. There’s nothing hotter than a (fictional) guy who’s all possessive and protective of his woman and doesn’t care if the world knows it.

I love reading about heroes who aren’t afraid to protect their female or let everyone else know she’s taken. And the ability to change into an animal is pretty freaking cool. So it’s probably no surprise that the hero in Alpha Instinct is an Alpha shifter who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. In fact, the first three books in my series all feature sexy shifter heroes and I’m so excited Alpha Instinct has finally made its debut.

So, my question is… If you could turn into an animal what would you want it to be? Me? It would be a tossup between a wolf or a dolphin. They’re both pretty cool! One reader who comments on the blog today will be randomly selected to win a print copy of Alpha Instinct (

eligible only). Good luck and thanks so much for stopping by!

Alpha Instinct official blurb:

Fear has a scent. So does desire…

Ana Cordona has been a strong leader for the lupine shifters who survived after all the males and most of the females in her pack were mysteriously poisoned. As tough as she is, with no Alpha male, the pack is vulnerable to the devious shifter Taggart, who wants to claim both their ranch and Ana as his own. When Connor Armstrong comes back into her life, promising protection, it’s almost enough to make Ana forget how he walked out on her before—and reluctantly accept his offer to mate.

The minute Connor sees Ana again, it reawakens a raw hunger. He must have her for his bondmate—his wolf cries out for it. But his human side knows he must proceed with caution because of their complicated past. If he is to truly have her body and soul, he must go beyond his burning desire and win back her heart. Whatever it takes, he is determined not to leave her side again.

But Taggart and his rival pack are not their only enemies. A human element in town is targeting shifters. Their plan not only threatens Ana and Connor’s future, but the lives of the entire pack…

A little about me: I’ve been reading romance since a young age—ever since I discovered my mom’s hidden stash. Luckily the addiction stayed with me into adulthood. I write paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense for Carina Press, Harlequin Nocturne, and NAL/Signet Eclipse. To learn more about me please visit my website, my blog, facebook or find me on twitter @katiereus.

The Abduction of Mary Rose by Joan Hall Hovey - #Review

2012-02-19T00:01:00.000-06:00

A suspense novel interwoven with threads of romance and paranormal.

Imagine discovering everything you believe about yourself to be a lie. And that the truth could stir a killer from his lair.

Following the death of the woman she believed to be her mother, 28-year-old Naomi Waters learns from a malicious aunt that she is not only adopted, but the product of a brutal rape that left her birth mother, Mary Rose Francis, a teenager of Micmac ancestry, in a coma for 8 months.

Dealing with a sense of betrayal and loss, but with new purpose in her life, Naomi vows to track down Mary Rose's attackers and bring them to justice. She places her story in the local paper, asking for information from residents who might remember something of the case that has been cold for nearly three decades.

She is about to lose hope that her efforts will bear fruit, when she gets an anonymous phone call. Naomi has attracted the attention of one who remembers the case well.

But someone else has also read the article in the paper. The man whose DNA she carries.

And he has Naomi in his sights.

MY REVIEW

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Upon the death of her dearly loved mother, Naomi learns that she was actually adopted. Further she learns that her birth mother, Mary Rose, had been brutally attacked and left for dead.

Edna, her aunt, has always treated Naomi with barely concealed disdain, but with the death of her sister, her vitriolic loathing for Naomi is completely unmasked. Naomi finally gets the grudging assistance of a veteran police officer, Graham Nelson and catches the fancy of a news reporter. Both of whom fear she has recklessly placed herself in danger by challenging the community to come forward with any information related to the attack twenty-eight years ago.

Naomi is determined to uncover the identity of the man who killed Mary Rose. She feels the spirit of her dead mother crying out for justice, and will stop at nothing, nor let anyone deter her from her mission.

I enjoyed reading this novel, though, at times, I felt it moved at little too slowly and my attention wandered; especially in the middle section. Part of the reason I disengaged, I believe, is due to the numerous editing issues. However, by the last third of the story I became fully engaged and could not put the book down. The story is told in understated, contemplative prose, with enough descriptive detail to set the mood vividly. Naomi is driven to find the men who killed her mother. The author realistically portrays the biased attitudes and basic obtuseness of a community inclined to hide from and ignore the ugliness within. Here is a chilling reminder that, as a society, we all become easily smeared by the brush of intolerance when we turn a blind eye to crimes perpetrated upon those who exist on the fringe.

Laurie
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

View all my Goodreads reviews

Read my other reviews on Coffee Time Romance & More

Merryweather Lodge - Malevolent Spirit by Pauline Holyoak

2012-02-18T00:01:00.000-06:00

It’s Christmastime at Merryweather Lodge. Emilyhas returned to the cottage from her home in Canada; after the untimely death ofsomeone she loved. Will she be able to celebrate a traditional EnglishChristmas in her aunts enchanting little cottage or will she be tormented bythe hideous creature, again? Was Emily’s attempt to banish her unearthlyadversary successful? Will her aunt disclose the secrets she has beenconcealing for so many years? What will happen when Emily’s best friend comesto visit her? What secrets will she reveal? Will Emily ever get to make love tothe man of her dreams? A chilling tale of love, passion, sorcery and sacrifice;laced with mystery and tied with humor. Inspired by the authors own experiencesin a remote little cottage near Stonehenge.

Amazon

Whiskey Creek Press

Excerpt

“Over here.She’s over here.” A group of men with long beards were running towards me,spears held high in their hands. My heart started thumping madly. My firstimpulse was to run but I knew it would be useless to try to escape them. Ituned to the stone, pressed my hand on its frigid surface and prayed. Take me back! Oh please God. Take me back. Someonegrabbed my arm. Petrified with fear, I froze. Then I turned to face mycapturer. He was wearing a sheepskin over his shoulders and a dirty white tunicgathered at the waist with a rough piece of rope. His gray beard was matted anda necklace of tiny bones hung around his dirty neck. The other men gatheredaround me, looking me up and down, wide-eyed and babbling to each other in astrange language, fascinated, I was sure, with the oddly dressed spectacle of awoman in front of them. One of the men poked me with his finger. I grimaced.They dragged me between the stones and into the circle, through the crowed ofprimitive people. Everyone stopped and stared at me. The air was thick andfetid with the stench of feces and sweat. I felt like a lamb being led to thesacrificial altar, and perhaps that was exactly what I was."

Giveaway

Please leave me a comment that includes your email addy for a chance to win a PDF copy of Merryweather Lodge – Ancient Revenge. Contest to run Feb. 18th – Feb. 25th. Three eBooks will be given away to three lucky commenters.

INTERVIEW

At what point in your life did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

As far back as I can remember the pen and paper have been my faithful companions and story telling my forte. As a child I would sneak away from the mundane adult world, find a private retreat (usually behind the garden shed) and imagine. There in my own little sanctuary I'd conjure up all kinds of intriguing tales and colorful characters. In my teen years my journal became my confident, revealing all my hidden secrets, private fantasies and wild notions within its pages. Later, I started to write short stories and poems. I have always been a writer. I think it’s innate.

Tell us about a favorite character from your book.

That would have to be my protagonist’s Auntie Em. She is hardy English rose; all tough and abrasive on the outside but all soft and mushy on the inside. My readers tell me that they love the unique British humor, lingo and antic’s of this character. She is part my mom and part my grandmother. The best parts and some of the worst.

Tell us about your current release.

My current release is, Merryweather Lodge – Malevolent Spirit, book two of my trilogy. This story is about a young girl who goes to visit her aunt and uncle at their quaint little cottage in England. She had waited all of her life to visit that enchanted land but it doesn’t take her long to realize that her fairytale kingdom has a sinister twist. One night in her attic bedroom she is confronted by an entity that taunts her for the rest of her stay and long after that. Later, at the age of twenty, she is to discover that this entity is someone she had known century’s ago.

I have created a world into which my readers can escape and an atmosphere that will evoke their imagination, stir their emotions and engage their senses. This trilogy contains elements of romance, mystery, humor, horror and sex. It was inspired by my own experiences at a remote little cottage near Stonehenge. In book number three (due to be released this fall) I will revel which parts of this story are true and which ones are fiction.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your books?

At first, I thought I would write a book, getting it published, then sitting back and collecting the royalties but I was surprised to find out that those days are over. Most of us are not salesmen, public speakers or comfortable being in the limelight but we are expected to promote ourselves, as well as our books, even by the big publishing houses. The internet is the most powerful tool an author has to market their books. I blog, do online interviews, reviews, facebook, twitter, and try to keep a consistent online presence. It can be extremely time consuming but it’s an important element in establishing your writing career.

Do you have any suggestions for would-be authors? If so, what are they?

I have lots. Here are a few. Writing a successful novel depends on four things – a little talent, lots of determination, a vivid imagination and skill. No one can teach you the first three but skill is something you ‘can’ learn.

The average reader demands several things of a novel – a strong plot, action, well developed and colorful characters, believable character motivation, a well defined back ground, a strong style that brings vivid images to mind, and good grammar. Readers want to be entertained and if you can put emotion, dreams, and desire on paper, you ‘can’ write a novel.

I have leaned that rejections, are part of the writing life, how to cope with them and how to move on. At first they were like nagging little gremlins, suggesting that I didn’t measure up. I had to learn how to distinguish myself from my work, to set up boundaries between myself and my creation. I have discovered that perseverance, patience, and bold determination are what most published authors have in common. Never – ever, give up!

Have you ever seen yourself as a character in a book or movie?

Oh yes! I have seen (in my minds eye) my trilogy on the Big Screen! I am playing the part of my protagonists Aunt. I know her well. She is my mom and grandmother all rolled into one. And I had no problem imitating the English accent, as I grew up there and still visit, often.

What makes you happy?

Being with my family, writing, reading, cooking, entertaining, traveling, going for long walks in the country and daydreaming. I also like to sit on my back porch and ponder; with a glass of red wine and a bar of dark chocolate. Yummy!

If I came to visit early in the morning would you impress me as being more like a chirpy bird or a grumpy bear?

A bright eyed, bushy tailed, chirpy bird! I love the mornings and I’m always up by 5am. I can almost hear the groans, from some of your readers.

What inspired you to write this trilogy?

Every summer, when I was a child, we would visit my aunt and uncle at their quaint little cottage on Salisbury Plain. It was called Scotland Lodge and was situated not far from the historical Stonehenge. My uncle worked as a farm hand for the local squire. My aunt tended the manor house. It was there as I roamed free, deep within the English countryside, that I experienced joy, enchantment and some very strange and frightening occurrences. It was like a fairytale kingdom with a sinister twist. The memories of my summers at Scotland Lodge stayed with me, as a sort of nagging unsolved mystery all my life. A few years ago I revisited my childhood wonderland (the old place still emanates a strange and eerie essence) and was lead by some mysterious force into concocting this story and writing this trilogy. It is from my mystifying experiences at that strange little cottage, that this story has emerged.

My books are available in print or eBook format, at – http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com http://www.amazon.com

Please come visit me at my website – http://www.paulineholyoak.com

Thank you for inviting me Laurie. Ihad a blast!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Iam an award-winning Canadian author. A dreamer and lover of fiction. I grew in Southeast England,in a coal mining village my husband calls, “The place that time forgot.” It isnested between the notorious city of Canterburyand the medieval town of Dover.I came to Canada(as a nanny) when I was 21 years old, in search of adventure and a new life. Inow live in Albertawith my sports crazy husband, adorable sheltie dog and cantankerous ginger cat.We have two grown children. They are the gems in my treasure chest.

Big Sky by Stacey Coverstone #Interview Excerpt

2012-02-17T00:01:00.000-06:00

Contemporary Western Romance
February 10, 2012 from The Wild Rose Press

murder mystery set on a ranch with paranormal elements

Taylor never expected her reluctant homecoming to include a murder, a ghost…and a hunk of a ranch foreman.

Photographer Taylor Young fled to L.A. following her sister’s betrayal six years ago. Now Jamie’s dead, Mama has broken a hip in a drunken fall, and Taylor’s stepfather begs her to return to her family’s Montana ranch to make amends.

After a bitter divorce, Brett Austin, foreman of the Slash Y Ranch, believes horses are more of a sure thing than women. But the boss's daughter changes all that when she sets his heart bucking like a wild bronc.

When Taylor’s mother insists Jamie’s death was not suicide—a theory confirmed by Jamie’s ghost—Taylor wonders who could have wanted her sister dead. With a list of suspects as long as her camera strap, Taylor needs an ally. Could that person be a tall drink of water in a cowboy hat?

Read Reviews Kindle Amazon Paperback Buy on Wild Rose Press (various formats)

GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a PDF copy of Big Sky.
A comment is required for a valid entry.
Giveaway ends March 3rd 11:59PM Central Time.

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EXCERPT

Here in Montana, what you saw was what you got when it came to men. And Taylor liked what she saw in Brett Austin. The cowboy was great looking, sweet, and had the physique of a Greek god. Her body ignited and flamed at the possibilities. But what would be the point in starting something, unless it was only a short fling? Once she went back to L.A., they’d probably never see each other again. She wondered if he was the kind of man who would respond to that type of non-committed relationship.

Taylor entered the back door of her parents’ house and stopped short. What had gotten into her? She hadn’t come to Montana to start something with some guy—any guy, no matter how short-lived it turned out to be. He probably wasn’t thinking about her that way. Hadn’t he told her he’d never mess around with the boss’s daughter?

“Get a grip, Taylor,” she said out loud, tramping into the kitchen. She closed the laundry room door behind her and swung around. The shopping bag slipped from her hands and slumped to the floor the same time her mouth fell open.

There sitting cross-legged on the granite counter was her sister—or what appeared again to be a ghostly apparition of her. Taylor’s heart began to race like a thoroughbred horse. Since this was the third time seeing Jamie, she knew she wasn’t hallucinating and decided to see if Jamie could communicate.

“Is that you?” she whispered. Jamie smiled. Absolutely sure this was not a dream, Taylor could feel shimmering energy surrounding her like a warm, protective blanket. She said, “That was you earlier, wasn’t it? Touching me on the staircase and sitting on the back of the couch?”

Jamie nodded, and Taylor nervously shifted her weight from one foot to the other. “Why are you showing yourself to me?”

Jamie didn’t speak—didn’t even try. Maybe she couldn’t. But her luminous green eyes spoke volumes. She pled with a sort of psychic, non-verbal communication that pierced Taylor’s heart.

“I’m sorry to be so direct,” Taylor began, “but I need to know something. Did you kill yourself? Mama needs to know the truth. You owe it to her.”

Jamie’s smile faded and she slowly shook her red head.

Taylor swallowed hard. “Were you...murdered?”

With her eyes narrowing into pinpricks, Jamie’s gaze delved deeply into Taylor’s, and then she disappeared into a halo of light.

INTERVIEW

Tell us about your current release.

Big Sky is a contemporary western romance/murder mystery with paranormal elements. It’s set on a ranch in Montana, and is available now in digital and print formats, and on Kindle. Two of my own animals are featured in this story: Bill, our paint horse, and Caesar, my gray cat. My heroine experiences two things that actually happened to me. One involves a horse riding accident. The other has to do with a mechanical bull. You’ll have to read the book if you want to know more.

Tell us about your next release.

Tularosa Moon is a romantic suspense set on a guest ranch in New Mexico. This story catches up with Cole Roberts, one of the characters in my novel, Lucky in Love. This book is being published by the Wild Rose Press on May 4. It will be available in digital and print formats, as well as on Kindle. Here’s a blurb:

You can run, but you can't hide from love...
Cole Roberts has been unlucky in love—twice—and he’s sworn not to get involved again. Renovating the New Mexico family horse business into a guest ranch is a good distraction, until the ranch's new masseuse arrives. Captivating but secretive, the brown-eyed beauty intrigues him.
Three years ago, Lindy Grainger testified against a murderer and landed in witness protection. Her latest identity is masseuse at a guest ranch, but how long before she must reinvent herself--again? She can't get involved with anyone, no matter how big-hearted and charming he is.
Cole's heart can't take another rejection. Lindy has to steer clear of relationships. But as their attraction grows, a murderer bent on revenge closes in, and Lindy must trust Cole with her secret or lose him. Will the truth set her free, or tear them apart?

Where do you dream of traveling to and why?

I’ve been very fortunate in that I’ve traveled to almost every state in the

U.S.

I’ve also lived on the island of Guam and visited Japan, Indonesia, France, Israel, and the islands of Rota, Saipan and Majuro. Someday I’d love to visit Ireland (where my ancestors are from) as well as Scotland and the Azores Islands (where my husband’s ancestors hail from). The problem is, my husband doesn’t like to fly, and I wouldn’t want to experience those places without him, so I don’t think it will happen. However, we do have dreams of seeing the U.S. in an R.V. one day.

Do you have a critique partner or beta reader?

I do have a critique partner, and she’s terrific. We’ve been CPs for about three years now. I live in Maryland and she lives in Colorado, so we’ve never met in person. We got to know each other through the author group of a mutual publisher. We write in the same genre, and I trust her to help me be the best writer I can be. I’m very lucky to have her, and would feel lost if something happened and we couldn’t work together anymore.

What does your significant other and family think of your writing career?

My husband is one hundred percent supportive and very proud of me. He’s happy that I’m living my dream. I wouldn’t be where I’m at if it weren’t for him and his encouragement. My daughters are happy for me, although I don’t think they understand just how important my writing is to me. My parents are proud, too. They are my biggest public relations team. They hand out my business cards to anyone they meet. My brother has also been supportive, as well as my sister-in-law, Nelda, who has bought all my books and even bought an entire set for her daughter. I thank them all for their encouragement.

Do you have a favorite quote or saying?

I have three favorite quotes. The first is by Larry McMurtry, one of my all-time favorite authors. It is: “If you wait, all that happens is you get older.” That is also my husband’s philosophy, which is why he encouraged me to get my master’s degree later in life, which led me to my writing career. The second quote is something I heard on the radio one day. It sums up the way I feel about humanity in general: “Too many people who don’t know anything about anything say too much about what they don’t know.” And the third is one many people might be familiar with. It’s the Serenity Prayer, and I try very hard to live by it each day: “Oh, God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stacey Coverstone is a multi-published author of western romance novels and ghost stories. Her Work in Progress, a romantic suspense, detours from the western romance genre, and is set in a fictional beach town in Maryland. Married with two grown daughters and a baby granddaughter, Stacey lives on the East Coast in a house on a hill in the country. When she’s not writing, she enjoys the family pets—two German Shepherds, two talkative cats, and the sweetest horse in the world, Bill. She likes camping and traveling with her husband, photography, and creating scrapbooks of her adventures. She also enjoys cheering on her husband in Cowboy Action Shooting competitions, as well as watching him and Bill compete in western riding events.

Author Website | Amazon Author Page | Wild Rose Press

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Undertow by Callie Kingston #Interview #YA Contemporary

2012-02-16T00:01:00.000-06:00

Marissa can't wait to leave behind her mom and the traumatic life they shared. With Drake, she has it all figured out--until she discovers his betrayal. She flees to a desolate beach on the wild Oregon coast hoping to escape her pain where, overcome with exhaustion, she dozes off beside a log. When the first icy waves strike her, it is too late: a rogue wave drags her out to sea.

Somehow, she survives. Perhaps that gorgeous merman she dreams of each night rescued her? Determined to discover the truth, her obsession deepens until she again risks her life in the unyielding sea. Will the creature Marissa seeks save her? Will she be lost forever in the eddies of her mind, or will Jim, her new boyfriend, keep her from falling into the abyss?

OUTTAKE

Time passed in slow-mo, as if some twisted deity wanted to prolong Marissa’s torment as long as possible. She was numb, like a soldier in the war, right after rolling his Humvee over a roadside bomb. Shell shock, her history teacher had called it. Unlike the soldier’s, her limbs were intact, but they seem gripped by some other girl, one whose brain still functioned. She walked to the car and put her suitcase in the back. Her possessed arms calmly shut the Honda’s hatch.

Marissa’s body was passively transported to the driver’s side. Her mind acquired a peculiar clarity as her hands clutched the steering wheel. With new resolve, she turned the key in the ignition. Slowly backed out of the carport. Kept her eyes glued to the rear view mirror. Don’t look to the side, a stern voice in her mind ordered. He’ll be standing there, and you won’t have the strength to leave. Just get out of here. Go!

INTERVIEW

What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your books?

I am blown away by how organic the whole process is, once I put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard – I draft both longhand and by computer, and each yields different results. In my novels, the characters and story come alive as I write, taking whatever direction they wish. I’d always imagined a writer was like God, creating characters and orchestrating both the situations they encounter and how they react. Not so.

How do you describe your writing style?

Unlike many writers who carefully outline their plots, flesh out their characters, and plan the whole project before they begin, I spend a few days (or weeks) musing over a kernel of inspiration. Topics present themselves for investigation. I’ll burn up Google researching these, while the idea germinates, sprouts, and snippets of narrative start to speak to me. I’ll see a character, or see myself walking around as the character; then I know it’s time to write. At that point, I’m itching to sketch out a brief outline – nothing detailed, just a “what happens next” sort of guide – and I start writing.

What are you passionate about these days?

Wow. So much matters. That’s probably one of the reasons I’m a writer – I am deeply passionate about so many things, and these appear in my stories. When writing Undertow, my passion for mental health advocacy and healing propelled me forward. Environmental protection and sustainability are two of my other great passions that are woven throughout the novel. The next novel I’ll be releasing touches on my passions for equality and civil rights, as well as recovery. One passion I haven’t written about yet is my great love for animals and belief in compassion toward all living creatures.

Are the names of the characters in your novels important? How and why?

Yes, absolutely! Marissa’s name came to me after I’d been walking around with her thoughts in my head, seeing the world as she did. Curiously, it turns out Marissa means “from the sea.” Now, I didn’t know that, at least not consciously, but I knew that was who she was. Some of the other character’s names are less important, and I’ll pick those from the current page of the magazine article, website, or whatever I happen to be reading, and see if they fit. Often I’ll pick a name as a placeholder so I can move on with the draft, and the true name will spontaneously appear to me later. I do research last names, however, in an attempt to get some authenticity in my characters’ heritage.

Have you ever read or seen yourself as a character in a book or movie?

That’s the fun of reading, right? You get to “try on” different people, experience unique lives, and develop new perspectives. But certain characters I especially relate to. Harriet the Spy, for example – at eleven, I could be that character without changing much! Morgaine in the magical Mists of Avalon was a character I also easily inhabited; I longed to have her self-assured power.

What is the next big thing?

Unicorns. No, seriously. I have no idea what the next big thing will be. Tell me, please, if any of you know :-)

Say your publisher has offered to fly you anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where would you most likely want to go?

New Zealand

, Australia, Ireland, Belize – anywhere! I’ve travelled to lots of countries, mostly as a child. But my novels are all set in the Pacific Northwest, the home of my heart. I like the authenticity of setting that shines through when an author has walked on the land about which she writes. Plus, the Northwest is so mystical. But New Zealand – hmm, I have an idea –

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

My home is in the Pacific Northwest, where I live with an assortment of furry creatures (husband included). I have a masters degree in Psychology. When not writing or working, I like to explore the outdoors, especially the forests and beaches along the Oregon coast. I also enjoy a great cup of cappuccino, which happily is easily found in this part of the world.

GIVEAWAY

Comment on this post for a chance to win the Grand Prize Giveaway that will take place at the end of the tour. Undertow Blog Tour

Also, Enter for a chance to win a digital copy of Undertow.

This giveaway ends March 3rd 11:59PM Central Time.

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Undertow Blog Tour

Follow this tour - Here are the next stops

Promising Light by Emily Ann Ward | Character Interview | Paranormal Fantasy

2012-02-15T00:01:00.000-06:00

Grace began a secret courtship with Dar for the thrill of doing something against her father, the king’s general. She hadn’t planned on falling in love with him. When Dar suddenly leaves her, she searches for answers, reluctant to let him go.

Everyone seems determined to keep the truth from her—until she’s kidnapped by Dar’s family. They’re shape changers who claim she can break a curse set on them ten years ago by the Protectors, a group of noblemen determined to stifle magic in the name of safety.

Torn between two worlds, Grace isn’t sure who to trust. If the curse endures, Dar’s family could die out forever. But to help them, she’ll have to leave behind everything she knows.

Guest Post by Emily Ann Ward

Hey, everyone! I’m so pleased to be here to talk about my fantasy novel, Promising Light. This is actually the last day of my blog tour, so be sure to enter all the giveaways you can! The ebook giveaway here will be going on for a while, but the paperback and gift card giveaways end really soon! More information here (http://wordsofeward.blogspot.com/p/promising-light-blog-tour.html) or if you just can’t wait, scroll down to the end of this post.

Promising Light is about a young girl named Grace. When a family of shape changers tells her she can break the curse on their family, she realizes that to help them she must leave behind everything she loves. It has adventure, romance, magic, and more!

One of my main characters is Dar, a man Grace is having a secret relationship with. He breaks it off in the first chapter after a mysterious man warns Grace about Dar. He’s here for an interview today, set shortly before the beginning of the book.

Would you say your childhood was happy? Why or why not?

Dar: Yes, for the most part. I had a comfortable life since my father was quite wealthy as the governor of the state. My sisters and my cousins and I used to get into all kinds of good trouble. We dealt with prejudice, but it didn’t truly start to threaten our way of life until I was fourteen. Even then, we had good times with one another. I couldn’t have asked for a better childhood.

What are you passionate about these days?

Dar: Grace. I love meeting her, talking with her, writing her letters, sneaking around with her. It’d be nice to not have to sneak around, but I’ll do what I have to to keep her safe.

What do you do to unwind and relax?

Dar: I like to look at the stars late at night. Looking at the constellations and just breathing in cool night air slows my mind down. Something about the openness around me, the massive heavens above me. It reminds me that me and my problems are actually quite small.

What makes you happy?

Dar: My parents. Cherries. Grace. I’m a simple person, really.

If you could tell someone who didn’t know about shape changers one thing about your family, what would it be?

Dar: I wouldn’t tell them anything. Keeping quiet is safer for all of us, especially up against the Protectors.

Do your friends think you are an introvert or an extrovert? Why?

Dar: An introvert. I don’t usually go out of my way to attract attention or make friends. With my friends, I can be outgoing, but in general, I’m more reserved than friends of mine.

Where do you dream of traveling to and why?

Dar: I’ve been there once or twice, but I’d like to visit Jolen. It’s a country to the northwest of ours and about half of it is bordered by ocean. When I visited last, I was burying a very close friend of mine, so I didn’t particularly enjoy it. But it was beautiful and warm and I’d like to return sometime. It’d be nice to go with Grace.

If you could apologize to someone in your past, who would it be?

Dar: I think Emily will answer that with an excerpt from this book. I can’t believe they wrote a book about us. Actually, perhaps I can. We went through a lot, and it’d be nice for people to know our story.

Chapter One

Grace loved the vineyard. It stretched over miles and miles, and she and Dar could disappear for hours without anyone ever finding them. Today it was warm, the sun baking down on the grapes, causing the fragrance to surround them.

She lay on a blanket Dar had brought, staring up at the clouds. Dar was next to her, putting flowers in her blonde hair. His olive-colored skin was dark from the summer sun, and his black hair, in need of trimming, curled at his ears. The two of them were hidden in a remote corner of the vineyard where grape vines touched the ground next to them.

“If I move, will I ruin your masterpiece?” she asked.

“Yes, you definitely will,” Dar said. “So don’t move.”

“What are you doing to me?”

“You look like a nymph.” Dar pulled his hands back and gazed intently at her. His dark eyes traveled over her hair, her face, her breasts. “I wish I could freeze this moment in time and carry it around with me.”

Grace took his hand, raised it to her lips, and kissed it. “I really want to kiss you on the mouth, but I’m not moving.”

He smiled and bent down. He kissed her, entwining his fingers through hers. He moved to lay on top of her. Waves of warmth that had nothing to do with the weather went through Grace. She held on to his hands tightly as he brought them up over her head. She felt completely exposed to him, physically and emotionally.

He pulled away after a moment and kissed each of her cheeks.

“Dar,” she whispered, “I don’t want to keep sneaking around.”

His smile faded. He let go of one of her hands and ran his fingers along her jaw. “I know. I don’t either.”

“So?” she asked, raising her eyebrows.

“Your father wouldn’t approve of me.”

She huffed. “Do you even know why he doesn’t like your family?” She didn’t understand her father’s hostility toward them, considering Dar’s father was a respected governor. Things like wealth and status mattered to her father, who was the king’s general. Grace had only met Dar’s parents a few times, and they seemed like good people who ruled Shyra well. His mother had always been friendly to her at social events.

Dar didn’t meet her eyes. “I have an idea.”

“You do?”

He kissed the line of her jaw softly, sending shivers down her spine. “I think so.”

She wouldn’t be distracted. “Well, what is it?”

“Shyra doesn’t have a very good reputation.”

In court, Shyra was mostly spoken of as a poor state overrun with fake magicians and crime. She’d only been there once and it seemed like a typical farming state, not much worse than the seedy areas of Renaul. If someone as good as Dar came out of it, the place couldn’t be horrible. He kissed her neck, and she closed her eyes.

“I don’t know,” she said, her voice shaky. “It seems like more than that.”

“Maybe you should ask him.”

She laughed. “He probably doesn’t even realize we know each other.”

Dar raised his head, meeting her eyes. “You probably know me better than anyone.”

She furrowed her brow. “I don’t know. . .” She trailed off as she ran her fingers through his soft curls. “It seems like there’s a lot about you I don’t know.”

“You know the important things,” he said, his voice quiet.

She didn’t say anything for a moment. She wished that were the case, but she doubted it. It hurt because she knew the opposite was true: Dar knew her better than anyone. He had some competition with Jocelyn, her closest friend since childhood, but Grace felt like she’d always hidden something from her, as well as from her parents and her brother. Not one specific thing or an unseemly secret about herself, just something about her very nature, as though she may not be good enough.

She’d never had those fears with Dar. She’d given all of herself to him in the last six months, even if it hadn’t been wise. Their relationship had started off playful, but she’d fallen for him quickly. He knew everything about her, from the birthmark on her stomach to how she liked her tea to her secrets, fears, and dreams. Yet Dar still had his secrets and a past that he tried to keep hidden.

“What about what happened two years ago?” she asked.

Dar’s face tightened. He lay down next to her, resting his head on her shoulder. He’d talked about some kind of tragedy that happened two years ago in Shyra, but he’d never given her the details. She never pushed him, but now she wanted to know.

“My parents took in two girls when I was four,” he said. “They were like my sisters.”

Grace touched the back of his head, her eyes wide. She’d always thought Dar was an only child.

“Two years ago. . .my family got into some trouble, and a lot of people were killed. One of my sisters nearly died, and the other disappeared. I haven’t seen her since.”

He’d lost so much. She feared saying anything in case he withdrew again. She ran her fingers through his hair. His body moved softly against hers as he breathed in and out.

“I want to see her again. I want to apologize for everything.”

“What would you say?” she whispered.

“‘Sierra, I’m sorry. I never should have let. . .’” Dar trailed off. He sat up suddenly, his back to Grace.

She sat up and felt flowers fall from her hair. She touched his shoulders, and he tensed.

He got to his feet and kept his face averted from her. “I want that stuff to stay in the past, Grace. I don’t want it to come between us.”

She pursed her lips. Couldn’t he see that keeping things from her would come between them? After standing, she started to gather up the blanket. “Well, then, you shouldn’t say things like that.”

“Things like what?”

“‘You know me better than anyone.’” His gaze lingered on her as she folded the blanket. She looked at him, and he crossed the distance between them.

“I wish I could tell you everything.” He put his hands on her shoulders. “But I know it’s better for both of us if I don’t.”

She stepped away and picked up the blanket. “We should go. We’ve been here for two hours already.”

Dar took the blanket from her, and she picked up her bag. Maybe she was being unreasonable. She took his hand and leaned toward him. Why did he feel like he couldn’t tell her things about him? She’d told him everything about her.

They walked silently to the end of the vineyard where they came from, the opposite end of Sir Henry’s manor. The grapes twisted around wires and poles on either side of them. Dar took a few grapes and handed some to Grace. She played with them, running her fingers over the dusty surface.

“Do you talk to Lady Rebekah about your past?” she asked, her eyes on the ground.

Dar laughed. “No. Rebekah and I don’t talk about anything deep at all. When I talk with her, I think about you. When I kiss her, I think about you.”

He thought about Grace, and yet he was courting someone else. Not her. She hated to think of him kissing someone else, especially Rebekah Mortren. Flighty, shallow Rebekah.

They reached the spot where they usually parted ways. “I’ll see you later?” Dar said.

She nodded and glanced down at their hands. “Nothing in your past could change the way I feel about you. I care about you. Not what’s happened to you.”

He kissed her, holding her face in his hands. He pulled away and rested his forehead on hers. “I know.”

She stepped back. “Goodbye.” She turned and left. A few minutes later, she looked over her shoulder, but he was gone. He did that often: just disappeared. She worried he’d do that to her someday, just leave her behind without a thought.

***

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{Emily here again}

If you like what you’ve read, you have a chance to win an ebook copy of Promising Light here at Laurie’s blog. Or can buy the book at these retailers:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Promising-Light-The-Protectors-ebook/dp/B006Y6EIJS/

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/promising-light-emily-ann-ward/1108305962

Smashwords (read the first 20% here): http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/123550

If you buy the book and send the receipt to emilyannward at yahoo dot com before midnight on February 16th, you’ll receive 5 entries to the giveaway for a $20 gift card for Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice!).

Check out the rest of the blog tour here: http://wordsofeward.blogspot.com/p/promising-light-blog-tour.html for author and character interviews, guest posts, giveaways, and more!

Or you can visit me on. . .

My website: http://emilyannward.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/emilyannw

Facebook: http://facebook.com/emilyannward1

Blog: http://wordsofeward.blogspot.com

Don’t be shy, I love meeting readers :) Thanks, Laurie, for having me, and thank you for reading!

{Laurie here}Thanks so much for Emily for stopping here today. Promising Light is definitely high on my TBR and I am really looking forward to reading it soon!! It's been great having you and and Dar visit!!

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Spiritus by Dana Michelle Burnett | Interview | Paranormal/Urban Fantasy

2012-02-14T00:01:00.000-06:00

A love that refuses to die...

"As I watched him vanish into a soft mist that faded away, I knew that he was no ordinary spirit...I knew that he was a dangerous entity that could be in some corner of another realm planning his revenge, but I also knew that I was hopelessly in love with him."

When Becca moves into her ancestral home in Corydon, Indiana, her life takes a puzzling and thrilling turn when she meets the ghost haunting the halls. As the seductive spirit lures her closer and closer, she learns about her own past and starts to understand that some mistakes are meant to last.

Becca McAllister has always been different from other girls her age. Never part of the "in crowd", Becca never really fit in anywhere. When her mother dies and her father moves them to the small town of Corydon, Indiana, Becca didn't expect things to change.

But things do change when Becca accidentally makes contact with a one hundred and sixty year old ghost, Alastor Sinclair, that haunts the halls of her new home.

To Becca, Alastor is a seductive spirit that seems to see straight into her soul. To Alastor, Becca is what he was waited a century for--A second chance.

But the closer they get, the more Becca realizes that this isn't the first time she and Alastor have known each other. Worse still, is she the one responsible for his death so long ago? And if so, did he come back for love or revenge?

Kindle | Nook | Paperback

GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a digital copy of Spiritus.
Follow the Author on Twitter for a bonus entry.
Comment on this post for a second bonus entry.
This Giveaway ends March 10th 11:59PM CDT.

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EXCERPT

It was a sweet moment, dancing together under the paper streamers and balloons. I could feel the warmth of his skin through his shirt and jacket as we danced, reminding me that this was real. This was now.

“What are you thinking?” Jonah asked, leaning his head down so our foreheads touched. I could smell the scent of mints on his breath and the woodsy scent of his aftershave on his jaw.

I inhaled the reality of him, “Nothing. I’m just savoring the moment.”

I expected him to laugh, but he didn’t. He pulled me closer, seeming to ignore how I stepped all over his feet. He brought his cheek next to mine, caressing my skin with the youthful shadow of a beard.

“I like the sound of that.” He whispered.

He tilted his head then, kissing me softly with boyish clumsiness. His arm tightened around me as his lips lingered for a moment before he pulled away.

I fought the guilt that was trying to steal over me, but I shook it off. I felt myself turning a deep red, humiliated by my lack of experience. I was sure that was the worst kiss and that Jonah had ever had and he was going to realize he was wasting his time with me. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ashley watching us with narrowed eyes. She would have known how to kiss him the right way.

If Jonah was disappointed, he hid it well, holding me in his arms until the song ended and then leading me off to the side of the room. I followed him without question, painfully aware all of a sudden of how large my feet were and that my palm was sweating inside of his.

“Thirsty?” Jonah asked with that charming smile that always made my heart stop and start in a crazy way.

“Sure.” I answered with a nervous giggle and then cursed myself for being a complete goof.

As if he could tell what I was thinking his smile widened, “Punch okay?”

His self-confidence made me feel even more awkward. “That’s fine.”

I watched Jonah walk away, calling and waving to his friends as he went over to the refreshment table. I fanned my face with my hands, trying to make the redness disappear.

Ally, with Billie in tow, bounced up beside me. “I can’t believe he kissed you! Was it great? Is he like the best kisser ever?”

“I don’t have much to compare him to.” I replied, hoping to downplay the whole thing before the whole school overheard. I couldn’t dare tell them that a century ago, I was kissed in a way that made my knees go weak and were a far cry from being boyish and clumsy. “But it was nice.”

Billie nudged my shoulder, “What was nice was the look on Ashley’s face. She was dying.”

I stole a glance over at Ashley. She stood in a circle of her minions. Despite her obvious and complete beauty, she was a picture of misery as she shot daggers in my direction. It seemed even her upper lip twitched like a dog snarling. I had to look away from her fury.

“She looks like she’s about ready to explode.” I whispered.

I wasn’t admitting, even to myself, that I enjoyed seeing her like that. It wasn’t every day someone like me got the upper hand on someone like Ashley. There was probably a law about it somewhere in the natural order of things that went against this even happening. It was the rarity of such an occurrence that made it all the more significant.

Just then Jonah appeared with two paper cups of bright red punch. He smiled with ease, “Hello ladies.”

“Hi Jonah.” Ally and Billie replied in unison. They each gave a quick wave and walked away full of giggles.

I pretended not to notice and took the cup Jonah offered. I couldn’t look up at him and I didn’t know what it was I was really supposed to do. Was I standing too close to him? Too far away? Should I take his hand, or should I just let my hand hang at my side so he could hold it if he wanted to?

I took a sip of punch, more out of the need to do something than actual thirst, and felt the burn of alcohol in my throat. I struggled to swallow, coughing until my eyes watered.

Jonah stroked my back gently, “I’m sorry. I should have warned you that a couple of guys from the football team always puts a little something extra in the punch.”

“It’s okay.” I gasped, humiliated beyond belief. “I think I’ll just step out in the hall and get some water.”

I walked off before he could follow me, dying of embarrassment and certain that I had proved what a little kid I was. He was just so perfect, and I was so—Not perfect.

I drank long gulps from the water fountain. It extinguished the burning in my throat, but it did nothing to silence the voice in my head that was telling me I was doing everything wrong. What was wrong with me? Was I really this socially incompetent?

How hard could it be? This is what I was supposed to want, right? Jonah was good looking, popular, and charming in his small town hero sort of way. What more could I ask for?

Alastor’s voice reverberated inside my head, “He’s not me…”

I jumped at the sound of his secret voice. I looked around even though I knew that he wouldn’t be standing there, his tantrum earlier would have left him too weak.

“Go away,” I whispered aloud. “Don’t ruin this for me. Let me have this night.”

I waited, straining to hear if Alastor would answer, but there was nothing. I turned to go back to the dance, knowing I should want to return to Jonah, but part of me wished Alastor would answer.

Ashley stepped from around the corner, blocking my way. She crossed her arms and glared down at me.

“Talking to yourself Becca?” She asked sarcastically, emphasizing my name.

“What do you want Ashley?”

She shook her head and rolled her eyes, “I just wanted to give you some advice.”

“What?”

“Don’t get too comfortable with Jonah.” Ashley smirked, almost purring as she stepped closer.

“He’ll get tired of you. You’re not his type. He’ll come back to his own kind soon enough.”

I hated it that she was giving a voice to my own insecurities, “Whatever Ashley.”

She reached out and grabbed my arm as I tried to get past her, “Just remember, your day is coming.”

I pulled away just as one of the chaperones stepped into the hall. I took my escape while I could, knowing she couldn’t say or do anything else at the moment, and headed back toward the gym.

I had no idea how long I had been standing in the hallway drinking water, talking to invisible spirits, and arguing with disgruntled cheerleaders, but when I got back inside the gym the music seemed louder and the flashing lights brighter.

At first I didn’t see Jonah. The crowd kept shifting back and forth, blocking my view. I finally spotted him off to the side, away from the bulk of the people. Ashley found him before I did and had him backed against the bleachers. I was just about to run away and find a nice dark place to cry when Jonah stepped away from her with a look of disgust.

“Why don’t you back off Ashley?” He slurred as he staggered over to me. He swayed a little from side to side as he smiled down at me. “I was just about ready to send a search party out for you.”

“Sorry.” I said as I reached up to stop him from falling right into me. “Are you okay?”

He staggered a little to the right, “Yeah that Ashley just gets under my skin. She doesn’t know when to shut up and go away.”

I took his paper cup from him and tossed it into the trash. I was a bit taken back to see that it was a large metal drum lined with a large black trash bag. Things in Corydon never failed to surprise me.

“That’s not what I was talking about,” I replied, wiping my hands on the front of my dress before I could stop myself. “How many of those have you drank?”

Jonah blushed, looking vulnerable for the first time tonight. “I am so sorry.”

I didn’t know what to say. I helped steady him on his feet. “Are you going to be alright?”

Jonah shook his head, this time leaning dangerously to the left. He tried to smile with his famous charm, “I’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Not really.” He said with a stupid grin. He pulled himself up straighter, “Why don’t I go splash some water on my face. Will you wait for me?”

“Sure.”

I watched him lurch off, trying to compose himself as he walked past the group of teachers by the door. Even intoxicated, he was amazing to watch. Jonah drew the admiring glances of every female he passed. He was just so stereotypically high school perfect.

I had to laugh; he and I were like a bad movie. The predictable one where the new girl, unpopular, falls for the school jock and then the jock takes her to the dance. So that was it, tonight was my happy ending. I didn’t want to think any further than that.

Happy endings never lasted. I could vaguely remember a grand celebration where I danced with Alastor so long ago. That was a very happy moment, but not long after that we were both dead.

“May I have this dance?”

I turned to see a much recovered Jonah holding his hand out to me. Without a word, I placed my hand in his and let him lead me to the dance floor. His strong arms pulled me close, holding me against his body.

“My beautiful Becca,” He said in a moist whisper against my forehead.

I waited for him to say something else, but he didn’t. When I stole a glance up at him he had his eyes closed while his lips still rested against my hair. I felt that there was something that I should say or do, but I didn’t know what it could be. I shifted slightly away from him.

“Don’t.” Jonah begged.

Without opening his eyes, he lowered his lips to mine. He brushed his mouth over mine with such gentleness that I wouldn’t have been sure that he even kissed me if it wasn’t for the tingling running through my body.

Neither of us moved, his lips hovered over mine. He pulled me even closer, this time his lips lingered, making my knees go weak. There was a sensual passion this time. There was no trace of boyish clumbsiness.

I knew then and pulled away, terrified and not sure how he did it.

“Alastor!” I gasped.

I looked up into Jonah’s face, searching his eyes for an answer, but behind his face, deep in the soul of those eyes was Alastor.

“How?” Was all I could ask.

Pulling me close again, he looked down at me through another man’s eyes. Images of old movies with tearful endings came to mind as he pulled me to him.

“Please don’t scream.” He said against my hair.

“How did you do it?” I demanded, nearing hysteria.

“Does it matter?” He asked as we waltzed about the floor, so much more graceful than before. “You asked for a kiss and I gave it to you.”

I tried to fend off panic. I knew this was impossible. I was shaking so badly that my teeth began to chatter. “Alastor…I can’t…”

“Please,” Alastor begged. “Please, you asked me to give you this one night. I’m asking you to give me this one moment.”

My heart fell with his request and the tears came to my eyes. I trembled in his arms. How could I refuse him?

“What do you want me to do?” I asked.

“Close your eyes.” He whispered over my eyelids.

I did as he asked. “Now what?”

“Just be.” He said and lowered his face so our cheeks touched. “Just be.”

With my eyes closed, I forgot all about Jonah. I was dancing safe and secure in Alastor’s arms with my body remembering his touch even my mind sometimes couldn’t. As long as I didn’t open my eyes, it was Alastor that was holding me close. This is where I belonged.

“Kiss me again.” I requested in a whisper, longing for the sensation of him touching me, of crossing that breach between life and death.

He took my face into his hands. I kept my eyes shut tight as I reached up and covered his hands with mine. The earth shifted beneath me as I remembered standing just like this the day that we were married over a century ago.

Alastor’s lips met mine, soft at first and then harder. He was real. He was alive.

I wanted to feel his skin against mine. I wanted his lips on my throat. I wanted him. It was a feeling that only the most primal part of me seemed to understand.

I kissed him again and again. I kept my eyes shut tight and was afraid to let go. I couldn’t breathe, part of me was still terrified and another part wanted to sob uncontrollably.

“I’m sorry.” I whimpered, trying to hold on tighter. “I’m so sorry for everything.”

He kissed me again and I knew that there would never be another. There was only Alastor. It was only Alastor that I loved. It was only Alastor to whom I belonged. It was Alastor to whom I was lost.

Create a website

INTERVIEW

How did you start your writing career?

As a kid, I was always making up scenes and acting them out for my family. Then when I got older I always that girl in school with her nose stuck in a book. The more I read, the more I began to think up stories of my own. By middle school, I was writing them down. I played with different genres until I found some success in literary fiction, but I still wanted something more. A little over a year ago, I struck out on the indie journey and have never been happier. I feel most complete when I'm writing.

Where do you dream of traveling to and why?

I've always dreamed of going to the UK. I am enthralled with west end shows and would love to see one live. Also, I have to admit I am a complete Robin of Sherwood addict and my dream day would be to see a west end show with Michael Praed in it because there is still something about that man that is hot.

Does travel play in the writing of your books?

My current series is based in

America

, but I do have a few ideas for future series that would involve exotic locations. I would love to travel to these places such as Paris, London (of course), and Russia. Europe is so beautiful and so rich in history that setting can become almost like another group of characters.

Tell us about your current release.

Spiritus is a paranormal romance set in Corydon, Indiana. It is a love affair between a ghost, Alastor, and the girl, Becca, that he believes to be the reincarnation of his wife that murdered him. It a story about a love, betrayal, fate, and courage.

Tell us about your next release.

Haunted is the sequal to Spiritus. In Haunted, Becca and Alastor's relationship grows even stronger, but takes an unexpected direction. It's darker than Spiritus and will keep readers on their toes.

Where do you research for your books?

I live in Lanesville, Indiana which is not that far from Corydon. Anytime that I go shopping or out to eat, I have to drive through Corydon. I passed the beautiful mansions and the site of the Battle of Corydon all the time. There, you are surrounded by history, so research isn't that hard. I spend a lot of time in libraries, on-line, and interviewing people.

How do you describe your writing style?

I tend to write whatever scene comes to mind. I think it makes the scenes more intense because none of it is forced. Once I have all the scenes written, I go back and write everything that goes in between. I also do this odd plotting thing with index cards when I'm first getting ideas together where I write scene ideas and notes out. Then I can shuffle the cards into different orders to see what works best. I tend to write everything out long hand and always spend a few days trying to read my own handwriting when I type everything up.

What do you do to unwind and relax?

I tend to be writing all the time. I'm never able to shut it off completely. There are times that it's easier such as when my daughter has a dance competition or recital. That's when it's my turn to be her number one fan instead of the other way around. I love to watch her and how proud she is of herself. It reminds me of myself when I craft what I believe to be the "perfect" scene or line.

Do you have any suggestions for beginning writers? If so, what are they?

My advice would just be to go for it. Now is a great time to be an indie author and the opportunities are endless.

About the Author

Dana Michelle Burnett spent most of her life writing short stories and sharing them with family and friends. Over the years, her work was published in numerous commercial and literary magazines including: Just Labs, Mindprints: A Literary Journal, Foliate Oak, and many more. Her short story John Lennon and the Chicken Holocaust was included in The Best of Foliate Oak in 2006. In 2010, Burnett’s first novel, Ghost Country, was released. Based on her own Cherokee heritage, the novel marked her return to the literary world after a four year hiatus. She followed that with the release of her romance novel, Two Out of Three in the summer of 2011. Spiritus is the first novel in her new paranormal romance series by the same name. The second book, Haunted, is expected in the spring of 2012.

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Dragon Soul - Dragons in the Mist by B.J. Whittington

2012-02-13T00:01:00.000-06:00

Dragon Soul the first book of the fantasy series Dragons in the Mist. The Second will be released in early 2012.

Dragon Soul begins in a small village of the Palmir people. A quiet, productive and peaceful clan with an almost forgotten violent history. The Plague from the North—an attack of powerful, evil creatures—virtually annihilated them generations ago. They defeated the Plague, with the help of mystics and dragons - but at great cost. Dragons no longer survive as separate entities; their Souls must reside in the flesh of human hosts.

To be a Dragon Host is at once a tremendous honor, and a life sentence. A sentence of many lifetimes, as the Dragon Host’s life span becomes longer than normal humans; they usually outlive their human families by many years. Dragon Hosts have magnified senses and abilities. To Host a dragon is to the see the world in entirely different ways - forever.

Hosting of Dragon Souls is not the only special calling of the Palmir people. Some are called to be Healers, a blending of practical and mystical powers. A rare few are Prophets. One Prophet has a vision that takes shape in a physical form and warns the Palmir people of an ominous event. Was it a just a reminder of the hellish past, or a harbinger of things to come?

What if the Plague returns? There are so few Dragon Souls. Could they defeat the monsters again? And what of real dragons? Will they ever again exist in their own form?

From a peaceful and uncomplicated world, with only the little frustrations that human characters inflict on one another, events thrust the reader into epic battles between dragons and the creatures seeking to destroy human and dragon alike. Proceedings propel humans into the middle of dragon-sized events. The world of the people is so rich, yet simple and comfortable, it's heart-breaking to leave it for the battlefront. Nevertheless, the Palmir people, like the dragons, go willingly in defense of their families. And in these stories, the families of humans and dragons, are one.

Dragon Soul, can be read on two levels, on one we take it deeper into human experience and the human/dragon bond. They fight for survival together and each must make sacrifices. The dragon isn't just a big, flying lizard -- it's a metaphor for larger-than-life desires we all have, and larger-than-life fears that go with them. In Dragon Soul, we see how these can meld to work together for the benefit of everyone.

The other level is an epic about Thol, a goat herder at Vedicville. Thol never imagined he would start his day as a human and end up as a dragon. Who would? Granted, he lived in a village where Dragon Hosts are mentored , but there are usually indications that a person is Host to a Dragon Soul. The first indication for Thol, was when his hands began to elongate and turn into talons.

At Thol's Scholla they taught that Dragon Souls are intelligent and giving. Not so, with his Dragon Soul—Rasdor—he is almost simple in his thoughts. Food, play and sleep are all that cross his mind, avaricious to please only himself... Unless he is dwelling on his wrath at his perceived ill treatment when he first Transformed, then he is full of a destructive rage verging on madness.

Nook | Kindle

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INTERVIEW

How did you start your writing career?

I wrote pieces, short stories and poems, since the age of about eight. My first published material came out in Children’s Digest—only a short piece, a couple of paragraphs, that one of my creative writing teachers submitted on my behalf when I was in the eighth grade. Over the subsequent years, I have frequently published non-fiction articles in horse magazines. I am currently doing a column for Western Horse UK on training Gaited Horses.

What do you think makes a good story?

For me, I want to immerse in a novel to the point where the ‘real world’ fades away. I want to look up from the text and have to take a moment to come back to reality. The author’s job is to paint such compelling characters and vivid scenes that the reader forgets they are not actually experiencing the events themselves. In any genre, an original plot with surprising twists will help ensure a good story.

However, I read—and write—fantasy. Fantasy has to open the door to an exotic world. For the length of time the reader holds the novel in their hand, the world must be as real or more realistic then the one around them.

One of my most memorable moments in writing Dragon Soul, was when a Beta Reader messaged me, blaming me for burning her dinner. She started a chapter, thinking she would breeze through it while her dinner simmered on the stove. Three chapters later, the smell of burning supper jerked her attention from the novel.

I want my novels to have to carry the warning, ‘It is not recommended you perform any other activity while reading.” LOL, I want the stories to pull them in, but would rather not be the cause of any more burned meals!

Plotter or Pantser? Why?

Panster. For the simple reason my muse, Cyble, will not allow me to follow any plot I try to set out. I call my muse Cyble, an internet savvy version of Sybil Dorsett (a pseudonym for Shirley Ardell Mason) an individual with dissociative identity disorder. No, I do not have the disorder. Nevertheless, when I sit down to write it often astounds me the degree the words coming out of the keyboard stray from the scene I meant to do. Plot twists, new characters and scenes flow forth that often have me reading them with surprise.

When I write, I ‘see’ the events unfolding before me. I do not always have control, I simple record what I am seeing.

This is especially astounding to me, for when I wrote non-fiction, I always followed an outline and did not have any problem doing so.

It is actually funny. I have a LOT of outlines for Dragon Soul and Dragon Rebirth in my computer—revisions I made as changes pop in from Cyble’s interjections. None of them bares the faintest resemblance to the actual plot of the finalized works.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your books?

The degree people invest in my characters. I remember making a comment to one of my beta readers, in an email, that one of the dragon characters was slated to die in the current outline format. She threatened to come to my home and do me bodily harm. LOL, yes she was joking about doing actual harm, but nevertheless plagued me with emails and several phone calls until I agreed not to kill him. Yes, those were her words, kill him. He is so real to her she thinks of it as murder!

Tell us about your current release.

Dragon Soul takes place in a world where dragons co-exist within human Hosts. Many centuries ago, real dragons sacrificed their lives in the battle known as The Plague from the North—an attack of powerful, evil creatures—virtually annihilated the Palmir People. They defeated the Plague, with the help of mystics and dragons - but at great cost. Dragons no longer survive as separate entities; their Souls must reside in the flesh of human hosts. Dragon Soul begins in a village of the Palmir People. Dragon Soul introduces a rich, vibrant culture and characters slated to be the front line of defense for their entire culture, as the attacks from the north re-commence.

Dragon Rebirth is the second book, expected to release within 45 days. Until now in the series, the only surviving dragons exist as Dragon Souls, they share the mind of their human Hosts who Transform into dragons, and then back into humans. In the second book of the series, dragons, as separate entities, once again become part of the culture. I think it best not to explain how; it would be detrimental to the story line for those not wishing to read a “spoiler”.

I will share one spoiler with you; this is cover for the new book.

Dragon Rebirth picks where Dragon Soul left off. The plot line intensifies, new characters are introduced and the arena for the battle with the creatures attacking the Palmir People broadens as the story progresses. Mixed in all this, there are poignant moments of loss, love, spiritual growth and maturity as the characters face their fears and find within themselves the means to survive and prepare to prevail against the incursions.

Each novel has two levels; it can be read as an intense drama laden adventure or on the other level, we take it deeper into human experience and the human/dragon bond. They fight for survival together and each must make sacrifices. The dragon isn't just a big, flying lizard -- it's a metaphor for larger-than-life desires we all have, and larger-than-life fears that go with them. In Dragon Soul, we see how these can meld to work together for the benefit of everyone. In Dragon Rebirth, the characters are forced to look within themselves for strength, and learn the depth of their moral fiber.

You can read character interviews at my blog and sign up for notification of the release of Dragon Rebirth. Both novels will be available on Nook and Kindle.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Beverly J. Whittington is a well known author of articles and books on training and riding gaited horses. She is known for her numerous contributions to many popular horse magazines as well as the informational site online gaitedhorses.net. She is currently doing a column in the Western Horse UK.

Beverly was born to a career Army family and moved often throughout her childhood and teens. She has lived most of her life in the southern half of the USA. Beverly is an avid reader of Fantasy and SF for almost four decades. Her début novel Dragon Soul is the opening book of the series Dragons in the Mist.

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The Emperor's Opal by Christopher Morgan | My Review

2012-02-12T00:01:00.001-06:00

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This thoroughly enjoyable book captured my imagination almost immediately. Once I started reading I just did not want to stop until the story was finished. I loved the tone and the sort of snarky attitude. The voice was an almost perfect blend of naïve wonderment and suave detachment. If you do not believe those two attitudes can co-exist, then you really need to read this book.

This story successfully capitalizes on an oft over-looked merchandising aspect – that of purveying all sorts of magical and mundane items for an unusually selective, demanding, and non-traditional clientele. A young marketing whiz named Preston Black encounters a beautiful young woman who, he learns, is working towards her Doctorate in Wizardry. This young lady, Tamantha McKinley, introduces him to her mentors as a prospective candidate for a new, urgently needed regional appointment. Not long after, Preston is presented with an opportunity he can not refuse. Not particularly tactful by nature, watching Preston adapt and then accept a most challenging assignment held me spellbound. Not long after his appointment Preston accepts a commission to try to locate a precious gem missing for over five-hundred years. This magnificent, fiery opal is imbued with magical properties; magical properties that could potentially arrest and reverse the decline of an entire supernatural species. Filled with action, adventure, and an unusual assortment of cohorts and villains, this is the beginning of a planned series entitled, aptly enough, The Journals of Preston Black. I am very much looking forward to the next entry in his journal.

Reviewed by Laurie-J

View all my reviews

Love's Labours Won by S G Lee | Interview | Paranormal Romantic Suspense

2012-02-11T00:01:00.000-06:00

Sarah is a young single woman in dire straits. Her rent is due, she was fired from her last job and she has no family to turn to. So she accepts the fateful offer of a mysterious job interview, which turns out to be a ruse to steal gifts that she never even realized she had. As she set upon this journey Sarah will discover a world of magic, mystery and the supernatural. As Sarah learns about this new world she is exposed to adventure, danger and intrigue...and romance in the form of the mysterious Demetrious Blackstone. All the while Sarah must learn to control her gifts and suppress her own demons to defeat the perils that await her. Only then can she discover her inner voice and follow her own path that will lead to the true love she knows she deserves.

Goodreads | Amazon | Smashwords

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Giveaway ends March 3rd 11:59PM CDT.

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INTERVIEW

Tell us about your current release.

Love’s Labours Won (The Stone Chronicles) is a paranormal novel.

It is the story of Sarah Dexler. Sarah is a young single woman in dire straits. Her rent is due, she was fired from her last job and she has no family to turn to. So she accepts the fateful offer of a mysterious job interview, which turns out to be a ruse to steal gifts that she never even realized she had. As she set upon this journey Sarah will discover a world of magic, mystery and the supernatural. As Sarah learns about this new world she is exposed to adventure, danger and intrigue...and romance in the form of the mysterious Demetrious Blackstone. All the while Sarah must learn to control her gifts and suppress her own demons to defeat the perils that await her. Only then can she discover her inner voice and follow her own path that will lead to the true love she knows she deserves.

Tell us about your next releases.

I will publish Dreams Can Kill - A gothic mystery within the next few days as well as my murder mystery A Penny Saved A Murder Earned and sometime later this year the sequel to Love’s Labours Won, A Tiger Wrapped in A Player’s Hide.

Dreams Can Kill is the story of amnesiac Sharon Alexander. She’s is recovering from a bullet wound to the head and does not know who to trust. Everything is a blank including her assailants face. As she struggles to recover her assailant plays cat and mouse with her to get something she doesn’t recall. Sharron must fight and remember or she will find out Dreams can Kill.

A Penny Saved A Murder Earned is the story of Lily Kelly and her family. Lily Katha, Amelia, as well as Lily’s adopted daughter Rose Brooksfield feel like they are under a curse; but appears to be the work of a serial killer that people around them having been falling like dominos. Amelia’s parents and siblings, Amelia’s husband and son, and Lily’s first husband all have been targeted by a killer. Now as Amelia’s store clerk, a homeless man, Lily’s present husband the Mayor, and Lily’s mother-in law are targeted. Lily and her cousin Amelia are suspected by the investigating officer Emmett Rogers. Lily and her family must fight the impulse to blame the curse and get to the bottom of who is causing all their woes before the killer targets them.

A Tiger Wrapped In A Player’s Hide has not been finalized yet but I have done the basic outline for it. Sarah is still on a voyage of discovery learning about herself and her abilities. She’s not living the life she planned however since the Magik council is under siege from an unknown enemy and Demetrious is too busy fighting this person to visit her. Sarah must find her inner strength and abilities once more to help Demetrious and save herself and the world from this unknown assailant as they threaten her life as she knows it.

Has someone been instrumental in inspiring you as a writer?

My mother was always my inspiration as she was always writing and encouraging me to tell my stories.

Has someone helped or mentored you in your writing career? My good friend and author Jodi Langston has always helped and encouraged me with my writing.

Who is your favorite author?

Do I have to pick one? LOL For paranormal and murder mystery definitely Charlaine Harris. I love all her books.

What was your first sale as an author?

Love’s Labours Won

When in the day/night do you write? How long per day?

I write after I get up and write for at least six hours a day or more.

Where do you research for your books?

A lot of it is on the internet but I do lot of research at the library as well.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your books?

How much I enjoyed telling the complete story and getting in the mind of the characters.

What do you think makes a good story?

A good story has you identifying with the main character and then gives you a few twists and turns to surprise you.

Tell us about your family.

I am one of six children and happily married with two grown children.

Do you use a pen name? If so, how did you come up with it?

I use my initials S.G.Lee. It fit better on the cover.

What are the most important attributes for remaining sane as a writer?

Don’t be too critical of yourself and find time for things besides writing. You don’t want writing to consume you.

Describe what it’s like to be an author in three words.

Amazing exhilarating and rewarding.

Do your friends think you are an introvert or an extrovert? Why?

I am an extrovert, I like people and I like talking to people and hearing their stories.

Where are your fans most likely to find you hanging out?

Twitter or Facebook

Do you have a Website or Blog?

Yes, I have a blog. I hope you will visit.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I hope you enjoy the characters as much as I enjoyed writing them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

S.G.Lee was born and raised in London, Ontario. She is the mother of two grown daughters and happily married. She is an avid reader of mysteries and paranormal novels. Her favourite writers are Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie,Kelley Armstrong and Charlaine Harris.Growing up she feasted on tales of family history, and other imaginative stories; as her family continued the long tradition of passing on stories orally. Those tales and more of her own are itching to be told so she has been putting pen to paper and fingers to computer to get them all down resulting in this first novel with many more stories to come.

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Blood Legacy by Marianne Morea | Character Interview, Excerpt | Paranormal Romantica

2012-02-10T00:01:00.000-06:00

A MAN TRAPPED BETWEEN LIGHT AND DARK
Freedom fighter, Carlos Salazar, lived by his sword, fighting evil in the guise of righteousness and the atrocities carried out in the name of God - until the night he met true evil. Three hundred years later, he still walks in darkness, his only solace the hope that one day he will find absolution and a purpose under heaven for his cursed existence. Can forgiveness transcend time and heal a broken soul? Even if it is no longer human?

A WOMAN CHANGED FOREVER
Trina Markham's life was ordinary - until a chance meeting with the man of her dreams. Alarmed by the intensity of their attraction, dangerous passions ignite when she falls head over heels for this dark stranger. But when she finds herself thrust into a world she never knew existed, her life becomes a legacy of blood and lies, a nightmare where the monsters are real. Can she be saved from this nightmare, even it it means choosing death?

Kindle | Paperback

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Giveaway ends March 10th 11:59PM CDT.

READ THE FIRST CHAPTER

CHARACTER INTERVIEW

Carlos Salazar, former freedom fighter, currently vampire/soul searcher and main character from Marianne Morea’s paranormal romance, Blood Legacy.

Recently, Carlos consented to an interview. Here’s how it went to the best of my recollection.

Tell us about your family, Carlos…

Chuckling, he raised an eyebrow. “Human or vampire?” Running a hand through his hair, he exhaled, a sad smile touching the corners of his lips. “I was born Carlos Antonio Jose Salazar, in the year of Our Lord, 1711, in Valencia, Spain. My family was what you would call, gentry…wealthy, titled, but not royal. I held a different view of the way the world should be from the rest of my family, and my actions because of those beliefs, forced me to choose between them and the comforts I knew, and my own conscience. Those choices led me to what you see before you today. Over the centuries, I acquired a different sort of family—some through blood, others through bond, but all with the same shared desire—to hold onto whatever humanity was left to us.”

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

He shrugged. “I never really gave it much thought. In my time, one didn’t choose one’s occupation. Girls were married according to their family’s wishes, and boys were raised according to the constraints of the station in which they were born. It’s not like today where children can grow to be anything they want. I suppose I always believed I would eventually take my place at court, like my father. But one thing is for certain, I never dreamed I’d end up a vampire.”

What are you passionate about these days?

Smiling broadly, he glanced over his shoulder at the pretty redhead sitting off to the side of the interview set. “Trina. She’s my whole existence now…her and the survival of our little family.” Raising an eyebrow, he cocked his head to the side. “Why does everyone look both shocked and appalled at the idea of vampires having children? Relax…that’s not what I was referring to. I meant Julian, Miguel, Eric Margot and Trevor—my vampire family—although as far as children are concerned, stranger things have happened. But that’s for another story…”

What is your favorite meal?

Shifting forward in his seat, he gave the interviewer a look. “You’re kidding, right?” he answered, letting a bit of fang show for effect. With a sly grin, he leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs. “Although, I do enjoy a very, very, very rare…” he stopped, as the interviewer’s face blanched. “Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. But in truth, my favorite bit of human fare is rum. I love the smell, even if the taste and the alcohol do nothing for me. The warm, sweet scent brings back so many memories from my human life, I just can’t resist.”

What do you do to unwind and relax?

“I own a Harley, so when the need for speed beckons, I mount up and let the wind take me.” Looking over his shoulder again, he chuckled, shaking his head. “Trina’s not much a fan of it, though, so it really makes for the perfect alone time. You would think, with an endless expanse of time ahead, the last thing a vampire would want is to be alone. However, much like humans, we have stresses too, and all need our space from time to time.”

If you could apologize to someone in your past, who would it be?

Carlos took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. “Dio…the list is far too long to mention. But I did get to ask Isabel for forgiveness…she was the first human to suffer from my bloodlust. I suppose I would want to apologize to my family—my father and my mother. And to Antonio da Silva. He ended up the last victim to die at the hands of the Spanish Inquisition. I wasn’t able to fulfill my mission of helping him escape when I was turned to what I am today.”

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

“I guess it would be my love of the sun. I know vampire mythology has us bursting into flame at the slightest hint of the dawn. But the truth is we become immune to it with time. I love mornings on the beach, most. Watching the dawn break is one of my favorite things in the world. Now I have to wait for Trina’s blood to mature so she can join me. It’s going to take a few centuries, but then again, what else does a vampire have, but time?”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I myself am 40-something. I have been married for 17 years, have three beautiful kids and two dogs. I am a 2nd degree black belt in traditional Japanese karate, I love to travel, and my romantic and spontaneous husband shares that passion with me, so my stories get plenty of inspiration!

While my world may not be as daring as those I create, the ones I love certainly make it an adventure.

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Inhuman Heritage (Cassandra Farbanks series #4) Sonnet O'Dell | Character Interview | Excerpt | Featured Author

2012-02-09T00:01:00.000-06:00

Nothing is stranger than the truth.

Cassandra has had a lot of questions, but when it comes to the answers, the truth it seems might be too much for her to handle. On top of that, what should have been perfect relationship with the vampire Aram, is falling apart before its really begun.

To distract herself she takes a job from the werewolves. It's time to pick a new king and a emissary must be safely escorted. Someone is out to kidnap the emissary and steal the crown. Who's behind it is just another question Cassandra must answer before time runs out.

Amazon | Eternal Press

Book Title: Inhuman Heritage (A Cassandra Farbanks novel) #4

EXCERPT

The next few moments became a blur of vampire speed and movement, with the alcohol fuelling my brain it was very lucky that I didn’t throw up. Jareth threw me down onto his bed, which I didn’t mind in the least and pressed himself over me. He was hot and heavy with the urgency of a repressed sexual drive unleashed. I knew then that Jareth had not bedded a woman in sometime and he was crazy desperate to get right to it. He hooked my leg up over his hip and jabbed at me with the bulge in his pants, I made a small sound which he found delightful. He was back to kissing me when his door flew open and Aram stormed in. It couldn’t have been better screw him moment if I’d planned it. Jareth pulled back to look at who dare intrude upon him and I looked up at my former lover from under his brothers shoulder.

“We have one small fight and you will abandon me to bed my brother,” Aram snarled angrily, there was even some spit flying around as he yelled. I smiled up at him lying back against the bed dreamily.

“I thought you were done with me.” I was being vindictive and petty; god did it feel good.

“I was angry,” he said and clearly demonstrated that he still was. Jareth moved back to his knees on the bed letting my leg drop from his grasp with reluctance.

“Then perhaps you shouldn’t say things you don’t mean,” I chided him and my voice took on a little sing song lilt. I was being so childish and it was great fun.

“I didn’t say that!”

“But you did brother, I heard you myself,” said Jareth speaking for the first time.

Aram

turned to him with a vicious glare in his eye.

“You dare speak to me Brutus, I turn my back for a moment and you mount my quarry.”

CHARACTER INTERVIEW

Interview with Cassandra and Aram

from the Cassandra Farbanks Series.

Tell us about your family.

Cassie: Start with a tough one why don’t you. [laughs] Well my family is a touchy subject at the moment. I don’t know a lot about it and I’m learning (in the new book) that it might be bigger than I thought. My step father died when I was itty bitty and I was raised mostly by my momma, she’d died when I was eighteen. I grew up fairly normal but that was only because she never told me about the magic and other things in our family. The whole alternate reality thing messes with that.

Aram

: My parents are long since dust. A minor lord and his wife. I have my elder brother, Jareth, he made me vampire. I suppose I could consider the vampire who sired my brother as family as well.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Cassie: [smiles] When I was very, very little I wanted to be a princess. [laughs]

Aram

: [taking her hand and kissing it] you are my princess.

Cassie: [rolls her eyes] Mom put no pressure on me to be anything. She just wanted me to be normal although she knew I was anything but. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do until high school. I wanted to help people so selected to do psychology at college, but my work life got in the way of that. I decided to focus on that aspect of my life fully – I’ve found a new way to help people that’s far more rewarding. As a paranormal investigator I get to use my unique skills rather than have to keep them hidden.

Aram

: [shrugs] My life was planned out for me. I had little choice in what I was until I became a vampire.

What was the scariest moment of your life?

Cassie: I’ve nearly died twice – [counts them using her fingers] once by vampire bite

Aram

: [sighs] Must you bring that up again.

Cassie: [ignoring Aram] and by gun more recently but I have to say as scary as that is, it’s not nearly as scary as eternity.

Aram

: [thinks about it] The scariest is that last breath as a human. After that you have a whole different scale to work with. I agree, pet, eternity is scary, especially if you have no one to share it with.

Where do you dream of traveling to and why?

Cassie: I’ve always wanted to go to Italy but I can’t. I can’t make a locket that will hold me in one reality long enough to have a good vacation. Can you imagine switching realities on foreign soil? It’s hard enough doing it in the city you grew up in your whole life and at least at home I know the language. I’d like to see much more of the world but who knows if it will ever be possible.

Aram

: [looks at Cassandra with adoration] I will go where you go pet. I have seen much of the world and it holds no wonder without you.

What would we find under your bed?

Cassie: [laughs] Dust bunnies? And probably my laptop. I keep it there cause it’s close to the phone jack and I can just plug it in. I still have to use dial up because my building super on the magic side won’t let me put in fiber optic cable so I can get a better connection. I can’t have wireless because my magic tends to blow up the boxes.

Aram

: I think it best not to discuss what in under my bed or my Andra might not ever get in it again.

Cassie: [blushes] shush

What do you do to unwind and relax?

Cassie: [thinks tapping a finger against her chin] If I really, really want to relax I take a nice hot bubble bath. Normally I only have time for showers because I’m in and out all the time. So a hot bath, a little Sarah McLachlan, a glass of wine and absolutely no drama – which usually means having to unplug or turn off my phone – would be good. And definitely no vampires popping up uninvited in my bedroom.

Aram

: [grins wickedly] Ah but that is something I enjoy. Catching you alone and possibly in only a towel.

Cassie: and he wonders why he ends up with his invite revoked so much.

Aram

: To relax I like to listen to Bach and read.

What makes you happy?

Aram

: She does [touches Cassandra’s knee]

Cassie: [blushes] well I can’t top that now can I?

Who should play you in a film?

Aram

: I think Kyle Schmid or Stuart Townsend. Both make good vampires. But someone classically handsome, with a little mystery would suit me.

Cassie: [gives Aram a look] The ego has landed. I don’t know about me. I think I would just be honored if someone did want to make a movie about us.

Aram

: Angelina Jolie.

Cassie: No

Aram

: Why not, pet? She is most attractive.

Cassie: Keep your tomb raider fantasies to yourself.

Aram

: Says she whom for most of the time I have known her kept her hair in a long braid down her back.

Cassie: [glares]

Aram

: I think that means I win.

Cassie: Aram [crosses her arms over her chest] I revoke your invitation.

Aram

: [is forced to exit the room by magic]

Cassie: Now who wins? [grins]

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sonnet has had a passion for the written word from a very young age and enjoys nothing more than to read a good book. The world created by words.

Some of her favourite authors include Laurell. K. Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, Jim Butcher, Molly Harper and Rick Riordan.

Her own work tends to be worlds of Urban Fantasy, alternate reality and contains a heavy amount of magic, mystery and mythology.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook

Two worlds. One Mystery

Cassandra Farbanks is 21 years old woman who calls herself a witch. Technically its not true because witches are trained whereas Cassandra was born with the ability to use magic. Set in the city of Worcester in England and an alternate version, Cassandra tries to balance living an ordinary life with a supernatural nightlife she can't escape. People come to her when they need help and she won't rest until she has done everything she can. The only problem that faces her daily is the fact that she switches realities when the sun comes up and again when it goes down; our world and the world of magic and monsters. Learn more about this fabulous series.

THANKS FOR LOOKING

Fallen by Laury Falter | YA Paranormal | My Review

2012-02-08T00:01:00.000-06:00

Blurb from Goodreads
Fallen - the first book in the Guardian Trilogy...

Maggie is unaware of the terrifying fate that awaits her. It isn’t until she lands in New Orleans for a full year at a private high school and her unknown enemies find her does she realize that her life is in danger.

As a mystifying stranger repeatedly intervenes and blocks the attempts on her life, she begins to learn that there is more to him than his need to protect her and that he may be the key to understanding why her enemies have just now arrived.

MY REVIEW
My rating: 4 Cups

Maggie has lived with her Aunt, a Freelance photographer, as long as she can remember. Theirs was a life of constant travel, never staying more than a few months in one place. Then, suddenly life changes for Maggie. Her Aunt gets a cushy overseas job, and Maggie is dropped off in New Orleans, there to spend her senior year with a long-time family friend Maggie has never met before.

In New Orleans Maggie quickly settles in but is bothered by creepy feelings she doesn’t understand. A strong-willed girl, she does her best to ignore her paranoia. Then she meets Eran. Darkly, deliciously handsome, Eran seems so familiar to Maggie, and yet, Maggie knows she has never encountered him before.

Maggie has always been different. She is a Messenger, able to relay messages between the realms of the living and the Dead. Always careful not to call attention to herself, she tries to avoid letting anyone get very close to her for fear that the true extent of her odd powers will become known. In the past, dreadful things have happened to those who have befriended her in any meaningful way. Eran is an enigma; seemingly able to appear and disappear at will. He saves her life several times before she finally begins to get a few cryptic answers from him. A terrible evil has descended upon New Orleans. Maggie finds herself the target of evil beings bent on her destruction, with Eran vowing his life to save hers.

Fast-paced, the story starts off strong and retains tight rein on the momentum throughout. Maggie is such a stubborn, likeable girl. Her voice in this tale seemed genuine, self-deprecating, and generous. I loved her attitude and her unwillingness to take the easy path. This book mixes humor, mystery, and the supernatural into a satisfying blend that should appeal to both young and more mature readers. There are some fine supporting characters, as well, who we learn more about in the next installment. The concepts explored are unique, and the author tells the story with such smooth execution that I was easily caught up in the action, while retaining a magical sense of wonder, never able to predict the next twist.

Laurie
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

The 2nd book in this series, Eternity, was also reviewed for Coffee Time Romance. It will be posted on this blog in a few days.

View all my reviews

The Magi by Kevin M Turner | Blurb, Excerpt | Featured Author

2012-02-07T03:18:00.000-06:00

Thirteen-year-old Elijah Hawk has never heard of the Magi. He doesn't know about the secret power they have. He has never been to Savenridge, the Magi city hidden deep inside the northern forests. Most of all, Elijah is unaware of the dangers hunting him, in search for something he has. After one terrifying night, however, all of that changes!

On a quest to solve the murder of his parents, Elijah stumbles upon the land of the Magi. Learning their secrets and training with their power is the least of his problems. In order to find out why his parents were killed, Elijah learns that he must confront the dangers that are hunting him. What's more terrifying is learning that stumbling upon this new world of the Magi may not have been an accident after all.

Amazon Paperback Kindle | Smashwords | Goodreads

EXCERPT

PROLOGUE

“You wished to speak with me, sir?”

“Have a seat, Roland. Drink?”

Roland sat down and cautiously gripped the crystal goblet placed before him. His master

never offered a drink unless there was business to attend to, and from the look in his eye,

tonight’s business was urgent.

“Thank you,” Roland said, wiping his mouth on his silver and black sleeve before the

sweet liquid dribbled down his chin. The drink was an appetizer. A symbolic gesture offered

just before blood was to be spilled. He waited patiently for direction.

“We found them.”

“Sir?”

“Ten years we’ve searched, and we’ve found them.”

“Are you sure?” Roland instantly knew the importance of his job. This was no menial

task. He was about to be given the honor of his life!

“Certain. And it’s important that you leave tonight. There must be no chance of word

spreading.”

“What are my orders?”

“I think you know, Roland.”

“You want me to kill them.”

“Yes.”

“All of them?”

“All of them.”

Roland took another sip from his goblet and nervously looked around. “Even the child?”

he whispered.

His master leaned in so close that the smell of his foul breath permeated through

Roland’s lungs.

“Especially the child.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin M. Turner is the author of The Magi, a fantasy/adventure novel written for young adult readers. He attended Point Loma Nazarene University and majored in Philosophy and Theology. Turner later studied education and has been teaching English to middle school students since 2004. The Magi was originally written to give his students a fun book to read. He currently lives in California with his wife and daughter. The Magi, the first book in a five-book series, is available on Smashwords and Amazon.

Goodreads | Website

GIVEAWAY
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Giveaway ends March 3rd 11:59PM CDT.

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