Sue Perkins's Blog, page 14

A Writer's Ditty

I sit alone and write my bookAnd hope the reader will take a lookAt my published novel(Should I grovel?)
Please choose my book instead of othersOh wait you're looking at the coverWill you look at inside pages?Why or why do you take ages?
Open the book and check the price, Read the first paragraph - oh this is niceFlick through pages, nod the headAnd just when I think hope is dead
You approach the cashier, pay your money, Cashier wraps it, all is sunnyOut the door, and leave the mallYippee I've just made a sale!

Setara from Setara's Genie by Marva Dasef

Setara Speaks

I didn’t set out to be a hero. All I wanted was a little romance in my life, just the slightest bit of adventure. Was I seeking danger? Did I wish to consort with demons? Heavens, no! I will have to admit, though, the idea of being the future wife of a rich merchant was highly unappealing. 

When the mountain raiders kidnapped me, I thought that I’d have neither adventure nor much future at all. Especially when the raiders threw me into the cave as a sacrifice to the demon who supposedly ruled within the mountain.

I’m happy to say that Basit wasn’t a demon at all, but a genie in search of a new master. I wondered what happened to his old master, and he assured me the man died of natural causes. I also wondered why Basit wasn’t in a bottle or lamp as the legends say. Again, he assured me that only the stupidest of djinns would get themselves caught in that manner.  Genies choose their masters, and Basit thought that having a female master—a mistress, so to speak—would be a nice change of pace.

Once he forced me to figure out how to get out of the cave, he continued to be of little help. Well, that’s not entirely true. He did change a camp dog into a sheik (a handsome one, of course) when I asked him to, but that didn’t work out entirely. It seems that Basit prefers to have his charge (that’s me) figure out how to rescue herself. Sheik, when returned to his dog self, became my close companion from then on. So, something good did come from my wish for a rescuer. It just turned out not to be as romantic as I first believed.

Once I had tasted freedom and a touch of adventure, I hungered for more. It occurred to me that some other poor soul might be thrown into the cave for the demon to eat (even though there never was a demon), and it was up to me to rescue them.

I wasn’t sure how to get Basit’s attention, since he simply disappeared once I was safely home. It turned out that calling him worked eventually. I’ll have to say he sometimes takes his own sweet time to answer my summons. Not a very obedient djinn. I got used to him, though, and we enjoyed many adventures together. But our first adventure (after my initial rescue) turned out far different than I imagined. There was, indeed, a lost soul within the cave, but not exactly what I expected.

Throughout our adventures, I gained the dearest of friends. Who would believe I could love demons, fire-breathing horses, sentient eagles, or even a genie? There are many more brave and true companions I met. They taught me the meaning of love, loyalty, and bravery. Yes, they made me a hero. For that, I’ll be forever grateful.

Excerpt:

Note: Several of Setara’s unusual friends take part in the following scene. Briefly, pirates had stolen a mare, the beloved of Hasib (a talking, fire-breathing horse). The friends, determined to rescue the horse confront a nasty array of pirates. All of them show great bravery, but Setara leads them, willing to risk her own life to aid her friend, Hasib.


In just the time that Sulawesi guessed it would take them, the little troop arrived at a dune overlooking the cove where the thieves’ galleon lay in the water. The thieves were already at the beach, preparing a pair of small skiffs to row out to the galleon. The thieves tied the stolen horses together, one horse to the next; nose to tail. A sailor on the ship was rigging a sling to the yardarm. Clearly, they were planning to make the horses swim out to the galleon.

“We need to hurry before they leave the beach, or we’ll not catch them,” Setara said.

“I’m sure I can find something to delay their departure,” Basit replied.

“Allow me,” Sulawesi said, spreading his wings. He soared down toward the beached skiffs. The rest of the troop went over the top of the dune and hurried toward the thieves as fast as they could through the shifting sand.

Setara gasped as she struggled to run but made little progress. “Basit, can you make this a bit easier? Make the ground hard.”

Basit waved his hand, and the sand became firm beneath their feet, allowing the motley crew of adventurers to run toward the captured horses.

The thieves looked up, pulling out knives and swords. Setara thought maybe she hadn’t planned this out well enough but drew her own small knife and hoped for the best. A scimitar appeared in Basit’s hand. The two demons bared their claws and fangs. Hasib puffed real flames with every leap. Sheik barked furiously as he ran. Setara hoped they looked fearsome as they dashed toward the thieves.

The thieves also had a formidable array of sharp weaponry and did not appear afraid of the strange group attacking them. The two groups met in a clash of swords, knives, howling demons, a diving eagle, a leaping dog, and a flame-throwing horse.

“Let go of those horses!” Setara screamed and leaped at a thief. She slashed her knife downward, cutting a long rent in the thief’s sleeve. He rounded on her with a sword, and she held her knife up to block. The sword slid off her knife blade, but the man immediately drew back his arm again. She was not ready with her knife, so she ducked her head, hoping to evade the sword slash. She heard a scream and looked up to see the thief flying away from her. “What the...”

A snort that sounded much like a laugh came from her left. She turned to see Hasib with a horsy grin on his long face and his powerful hind legs hitting the ground where the thief had been a mere second before.

All around, her friends were struggling with the thieves. Those confronted by Azizah and Kairav lost their will to fight and went running down the beach as fast as their legs could carry them in the loose sand. Setara thought it was a wonderful thing to have demon friends.

Sheik had bitten down on the arm of one of the thieves and was shaking the man back and forth. Basit laid about with swift strokes of his scimitar, forcing the men back toward the ocean. Unfortunately, another skiff had just come ashore with several more pirates. The thieves now outnumbered them nearly three to one.

“Basit! You must do something,” Setara shouted. Basit didn’t seem to hear her as he beat off the attack of one of the thieves. She wondered why he didn’t use magic but had no time to think about it. She saw a thief slash down on Kairav, sending the pool demon staggering back with a deep cut, blue blood pouring down his brawny arm. Another smacked Azizah on the side of the head, sending her reeling. Sheik yelped in pain, but Setara could not spare a moment to look while she fended off a muscular thief wielding a heavy club.

Things weren’t going very well at all.

About the Book:
SETARA’S GENIE
A girl, a genie, a few demons. Would could go wrong?
by Marva Dasef 

Buy Sites:
Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00906ZAPU Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/445001  
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/setaras-genie-marva-dasef/1116276048?ean=2940149517671  

Book Blurb:


Abu Nuwas sits in the bazaar telling stories to the passersby he can tempt to pay. He relates the adventures of the bored daughter of a rich merchant, Setara, and her genie, Basit, as they encounter the creatures of legend and folklore: a lonely cave demon seeking a home; a flying, fire-breathing horse who has lost his mate; a dragon searching for his family; an evil genie hunting for the man who bottled him; and a merboy prince cast out of his undersea kingdom.

For two days only August 9-10 for Heroine Day: The Tales of Abu Nuwas will be FREE!http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004HW6AWY/

Lise from Elisette - Cloud Kingdoms Book Two

ElisetteToday the heroine from Elisette, the second book of the Cloud Kingdom series, visits the blog. 

Hello Elisette.

Elisette:  Please call me Lise, Elisette is for people who don't know me. 

Very well Lise, thank you for visiting us today. Would you like to tell us a bit about your life?

Lise:  There's not much to tell. My mother, father and I lived in Lan until my father died in an accident when I was five years old. We had a happy life until then.

I'm sorry to hear about your father. Did you stay in Lan after his death?

Lise:  Mother and I managed for a while but then she got sick and couldn't work. A widowed farmer from Northside offered us a home if mother would marry him and look after his house and family. Unfortunately we had no other option.

You don't live there any longer do you?

Lise:  No. The men of my stepfamily began to take an interest in me when I started developing as a woman so mother sent me away.

What ever did you do?

Lise: I meant to try for a job in one of the big houses of Lan, but instead the Duchess of Lan engaged me as a nurserymaid to help her children's nanny. I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time.

So what's it like living in a sky castle?

Lise: It's so different. The Duchess has put a proper bathroom in the nursery so I don't have to haul water up for the children's bath. They have dropchutes to move from floor to floor and the nobles travel downside by mattporters. I take the children to the castle gardens when the weather's nice, and did you know the weather is actually decided by the Duke?

Really? So what do you do when you're not working?

Lise: (blushes) I've made friends with a Capet. He's been very kind and shown me how to get downside, where to shop for personal needs. He's nice.

Nice? He's just a friend?

Lise: Well, we have kissed but we're trying to be discreet because it's not a good idea for a capet and an nurserymaid to become a couple. We go for walks in the gardens in the evening and have afternoon tea downside on my days off.

Do you think there's any future in the relationship?

Lise: I don't think so because his parents will want him to marry someone of a better social standing. I'm enjoying things while they last. Sorry I have to get back before the children wake up.


Thank you for talking to us, Lise. I hope everything works out for you and your Capet.


Excerpt


Outside, Lise pondered which way to take to the laundry. Guessing it would be on the same level as the kitchens, she headed for the staircase sack slung over her shoulders and her head bowed as she compensated for the extra weight."Watch out!"Startled by the sudden appearance of a male body, Lise looked up quickly. Capet Sard stood in front of her, hands on hips and a big grin on his face."I'm so sorry, Capet. I didn't see you coming.""Where are you off to?" Sard smiled at her."The laundry, sir.""Here, let me help you. It's far too heavy for you to carry." He reached his hand toward the sack slung over her shoulder, but Lise quickly backed away."No, sir, really. I'm a lot stronger than I look. Besides, it wouldn't be right--a Capet like you helping me with my work. Excuse me, please."Sard blocked her way as Lise tried to push past. He soon realized her determination and raising his hands in surrender took a step toward the wall."Thank you, Capet," Lise murmured and hurried toward the staircase."You're welcome, Lise."His voice came from right behind her. He had followed her. How else would she have heard his words, especially when his voice had been low and soft?"Please, Capet. I thank you for putting me forward for this job, but I really need to prove myself to the Duchess and Mesry Keva. The Mesry thinks you got me the job. I have to show her I can be trusted to do the work allotted to me.""I understand, Lise." Sard's eyes bored deep into hers, and her head ducked to avoid his searching look. He lifted her chin with his finger and his gaze searched deep within her to find the real Lise. "You can't work all the time. I'll wait until you're on a break and we'll talk."Lise fled. His touch stirred a wealth of emotions. Emotions her troubled mind had no idea how to deal with. Her thoughts tumbled in turmoil, but her survival instincts still worked and her feet came to an abrupt halt on the stairs as the familiar odors of washing soap and hot water drifted across her path. To her left a heavy wooden door barred her way and Lise tentatively pushed it open.

Buy Link Sue Perkins books published by Desert Breeze Publishing

Webpage:  http://www.sueperkinsauthor.com
Blog: http://sueperkinsauthor.blogspot.co.nz
Facebook: Sue Perkins, Author
Twitter: Sue Perkins, Author

Other books by Sue Perkins can be found on her website.

Ariel - War 'N' Wit Inc Series by Gail Roughton

No lightning bolt streaked from the sky the day my life as I knew it began to end. There was no warning at all. Nothing. There I was, sitting at my desk, minding my own business, doing my job. My official job title is “legal assistant.” The more exotic sounding title is paralegal. In the old days when folks called jobs what they actually were, the title was “legal secretary.” Me? I answer to any of the above. Or just to Ariel. That's my name. Ariel Anson. And that’s all I was doing, I swear.  Minding my own business in the course of my humdrum day. Doing my job at the century-old, prestigious central Georgia law firm of Baker, Lawson, Abercrombie & Hunter, where the partners walked around in blissful ignorance of the fact the firm is referred to in legal circles as BLAH. All us legal assistants think that's a hoot.  
(Excerpt, The Witch) Yeah, that’s me.  Ariel Anson.  Ariel Anson Garrett nowadays.  See, sometimes the practice of law requires special expertise of the “field” variety, expertise few of the attorneys or staff members have.  Like tracking down folks who don’t much care to be found, serving suits and notices and subpoenas on folks who don’t much care to be served, things like that.  When that happens, we call in the services of the guys—or gals—who do have that expertise.  Usually they’re known as “private investigators” and good ones have a multitude of skills.  On that day when no lightning bolt streaked from the sky, I found myself in need of a good one. And I was in need of a good one down in the southern part of the state in a geographical area outside our usual area of practice, so I didn’t know a name off the top of my head to call.  Like any good little legal secretary, I knew how to find one, though. I placed a few calls to some firms in the area we’d worked with for recommendations. And if I’d known then what I know now—namely that War-N-Wit, Inc. stood for “Warlock and Witch”, that Chad Garrett, sole owner, proprietor and employee of War-N-Wit, Inc. was the “War” of that outfit on the hunt for his “Wit”, the soul-mate he’d reincarnated with many times over the centuries, and that he’d immediately peg me as said “Wit” when I uttered my first syllable to him over the phone—well, if I’d known all that then, I’d have still done the same damn thing.  I’m not even going to lie about it.Now don’t get me wrong.  I didn’t fall off the turnip truck yesterday.  I didn’t just throw up my hands and say “Okay! I’m The Witch.”  But in the end, there’s just no denying the truth.  Not when you realize down deep in your soul that something is the truth.  Thus it was that I traded in my secretarial chair in the hallowed halls of BLAH for on the job training as the “Wit” of War-n-Wit, Inc. Yeah, I married the man.  On a motorcycle in the Tunnel of Love Drive-Thru at the Little White Wedding Chapel in Vegas, if you must know. Now I’m learning all about skip-tracing, process serving, investigating, and bounty-hunting. Among other things. 
What other things? Well, as you might imagine, with a name like War-n-Wit, Inc., we’re magnets for clients who need investigative services of a more—well, magical—nature than the general population.  Like Oliver Hedgepath of Resurrection.  The Resurrection Society, based in Savannah, Georgia, to be precise. Hedgepath was a prissy little twerp of a man.  Chad and I disliked him just from talking with him on the phone. And since we’re both what you call telepaths—meaning we don’t read minds, per se, we read people, who they are underneath the masks we all wear for the world—well, that alone made Chad decline his case.  He was persistent, though, actually showed up on our doorstep.  And meeting him set off alarm bells so loud Chad called in outside sources for consultation. That’s the first time I met Gabriel Smith, affectionately known as “G”.  G’s the head hauncho for an organization Chad referred to simply as “The Guardians”.  They keep an eye on the magic world.  Magic’s very powerful, you see.  And a misuse of magic is a misuse of power.  Anyone who abuses magic risks losing it, any witch or warlock can tell you that.  G thought old Ollie Hedgepath bore watching.  So off we went to Savannah, to check out the Resurrection Society.  That was a blast from the past, for certain sure.  Once we figured out whose past it was a blast from, of course.  And that’s when I first began to wonder about that black cat.  The one I named Micah.  The one who seemed to show up no matter where we were.  Oh, I know, I know.  There’re lots of black cats in the world.  Chad kept telling me the same thing.  But not like Micah. We took a break after that case.  Well, it was supposed to be a break, anyway.  A trip to Daytona Bike Week. Did I mention Chad was an avid biker? Chad’s an avid biker. Did I mention that magic aside, Chad is very, very good at what he does, the private investigation thing?  Well, there’s a reason for that.  He’s spent his entire adult life in some aspect of law enforcement.  Ex-Miami-Dade PD, ex-Florida Bureau of Investigation.  And a few other “ex-es” not mentioned on his resume.  Including the five years he spent undercover with an outlaw biker gang.  So naturally, a call came in from that “ex” right before we left. Since we were going to be down there anyway, could Chad possibly check around concerning a current undercover operative who’d gone missing in action?  Good thing we brought The Coven with us.  Because if Chad’s best friend Spike and my little sister Stacy hadn’t been with us, things could have turned out pretty darn badly.  I don’t think Micah and I could have managed that one without them.  Oh, yeah.  Micah was there, too.  We didn’t bring him with us.  Like always, he was just—there! 
Something really great happened on that trip, though. Well, beside all of us surviving it, I mean.  Spike and Stacy fell head-over-heels in love.  So very shortly thereafter, Chad and I were winging it back to Vegas, Spike’s home base, for their wedding.  To be held in the Tunnel of Love Drive-Thru at the Little White Wedding Chapel.  It’s sort of a family tradition by now.  And when I say family, I mean family.  My Mom and Dad were there, too.  Mom missed my wedding and okay, that was my fault. She didn’t intend to miss Stacy’s, too. Which was out of this world.  In more ways than one.  Because that’s when I discovered the Guardian’s Council was actually “The Galatic Guardians Council”. Very convoluted organization.  Gabriel Smith heads the MeanStreet, LLC, Division.  Michael Smith heads the FlyingLow, LLC Division. Raphael Smith heads the SassyWings, LLC Division.  C’mon, with names like that I don’t need to draw you a roadmap, do I?  And Micah?  I wasn’t kidding when I told you there was something strange about that cat.  Or when I told you my sister’s wedding was out of this world.So what’s next?  I’ve got no idea. I don’t go looking for trouble.  Because it always finds us.  Always.
* * * *
Gail Roughton's spent almost forty years in a law office as a legal secretary/paralegal. During those years, she's raised three children and quite a few attorneys. She kept herself sane by writing books, tossing each completed novel in her closet. She's been cleaning out the closet for the last few years, as well as producing new works never stored there. A multi-genre writer, her books span the spectrum from humor to paranormal to romance to horror. Sometimes even in the same book. None of that's planned, it's just what happens when the characters start talking. Even she doesn't know what to expect next!
Check out her Author’s Page at
http://amzn.com/e/B007JVZCKQ, message her at www.facebook.com/GailRoughton, or visit her at http://gailroughton.blogspot.com.  You can also come sit at the table in her country kitchen for some downhome stories at http://flowersonthefence.blogspot.com.
War-n-Wit, Inc. - The WitchWar-N-Wit, Inc. - ResurrectionWar-n-Wit, Inc. - The CovenWar-n-Wit, Inc. - MeanStreet, LLCThe Color of SevenVanishedCountry Justice
And Coming Soon:
Sisters of Prophecy – Ursula (co-authored with Jude Pittman)
Black Turkey Walk (A Country Justice Novel)
 

Jolie by Jaclyn V Di Bona

This excerpt is from Autumn Love which had not yet been published. To see more of Jaclyn V Di Bono's work check out the links at the end of the post.
Excerpt
Nick grasped her hand firmly. "Senora Marini. Benvenuto alla mia sede." That means...”""Grazi. Siete molto gentili." That means, thank you, you're very kind." A twitch and the narrowing of his eyes were the only signs she'd surprised him. She'd bet he wasn't pleased and tugged her hand free from his strong grasp. She tried to ignore the intelligence and hardness that telegraphed, don't mess with me. His tight smile sent a shiver down her spine. He reaffirmed her opinion as he stood the picture of a man no one in his or her right mind dared to cross. She was glad her voice sounded calm and controlled."Multo Buon. I see I'm going to have to watch my step around you.""Not to worry. I won't be here long." Jolie eyed his mouth curling up at the corners as if to say, you want to bet.His appraisal was sharp. Was he looking for a weakness? She smoothed her features and met his gaze head on. The slight curve of his lips told her he liked that she didn't cower, even while he made her nervous. Careful. Don't challenge. The cool calculating gleam in his eyes told her he may take her up on it.Oh, I have your number, mister. She couldn't find fault with Nick, for she'd been doing the same assessing.The sudden need for air in her lungs had her inhaling and exhaling slowly. She couldn't understand the effect he had on her, or how to deal with the situation. She tried, but failed to hide the jolt of sexual awareness she hadn't experienced in ages. Oh, boy, trouble with a capital T. No. Thank her lucky stars, she was leaving as soon as possible.His brazen interest roamed over her and tightened her nervous stomach muscles. She glanced into his incredible malachite eyes. Eyes that could freeze her in a second or become dark and smoldering. Yet, when he had laughed with the children, she'd seen warmth and affection in the soft blue-green.She'd swear he mentally undressed her, and sensed he enjoyed making her nervous. The slight quivering of his lips gave him away. She stood straight, chin lifted and waited. He glanced at her with an eyebrow raised."Well, Mr. Bianchini?"Jolie knew she wasn't beautiful or tall, and she considered her features classic. Rob had told her often enough never to play poker, because her eyes gave away her emotions and her mouth could be sensual if she remembered to think before she spoke her mind. She eyed Nicholas with suspicion as he gave her a cool smile.

 http://jaclynvdibona.blogspot.co.nzJaclyn is a long-time member of Romance Writers of America, and is also an active PRO member of the New England Chapter of RWA, where she served as treasurer for four years. She also served as co-chair wizard critiquer with From the Heart Critique Group. In addition she served as a judge for RWA's Golden Heart Contest for many years.Jaclyn joined Desert Breeze Publishers and cannot imagine a better place to write. To have the license to be able to create from her vivid imagination romance set in any genre, intrigue time travel, and suspense stories the way she imagines romance should be.She met the love of her life at age sixteen and after Lou graduated from MIT, the couple raised three children and sadly lost one son to cancer. Jaclyn enjoys espresso, reading romance novels, and would love to hear from her readers. She is. hard at work on her next novel.
THE WHIMS OF FATE WITH THE WILD ROSE PRESS 2014http://www.amazon.com/Whims-Fate-Jaclyn-Di-Bona-ebook/dp/B00HJEZG2M/ http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=5622 http:// www.twitter.com/@jaclyndi
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21419636-the-whims-of-fate?ac=1
Barnes and Noble-Amazon.com/Jaclyn V Di Bona/ THE RING WITH DESERT BREEZE PUBLISHERS 2013
http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/the-ring-epub/
THE RING WITH AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21419636-the-whims-of-fate?ac=1 Barnes and Noble-Amazon.com/Jaclyn V Di Bona/  THE RING WITH DESERT BREEZE PUBLISHERS 2013 http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/the-ring-epub/ THE RING WITH AMAZON http://www.amazon.com/ THE RING GOODREADS http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17918445-the-ring  http://jaclynvdibona.blogspot.com AUTUMN LOVE FIRST IN THE GOLDEN GATEWAY- Third in the Golden Acorn &
Finalist in Writer's Choice Award Finalist in Writer's Choice Award FOREVER SIMI WIP

Salmon the Orca - Bad Spelling by Marva Dasef

Not All Tall, Dark, and Handsome Heroes are Human
Heroes don’t need to be human or even a sexy male alien. When a witch’s power is speaking to animals, a hero can turn up anywhere, even in the middle of an icebound arctic sea.
In the Witches of Galdorheim series, Katrina the teen witch, has the ability to speak with animals. She doesn’t even know she has this ability until she leaves her home, Galdorheim Island. Since the island is somewhere in the middle of the Barents Sea above the Arctic circle, leaving home isn’t a walk in the park. Crossing iced over water in bitter cold weather is hard enough, but when the ice starts to break up and some dangerous creatures appear, it becomes a life-threatening situation. Kat and her brother, Rune, confront an angry and sleepy polar bear. He wasn’t in the mood to chat.
Fortunately for the kids, a HERO appears. Just because he happens to be an orca (killer whale) makes him no less heroic.
I’ll let the whale tell his own tale.

Salmon the Orca Hero
Chchchchch skreak! That be hello in human people talk. My name be Salmon Hunter because I so good hunting the fish. My friend Kat Witch call me Salmon.
When I meet her for first time, I save her from a white tooth she say human people call polar bear. This first time, I save Kat Witch from sinking too deep in the ocean. I think she should learn swim better, but I not blame her since she without fins or flukes. Funny thing the whitetooth awake. Should be in den this season. Too early to wake up.  I think some bad magic wake him up to kill Kat Witch. She says that's truth. A shaman, she says.
Other times I save Kat Witch when she in trouble. All these savings written in books, but I never learn to read human words. Besides, books get too wet in the ocean. Soon fall apart.
The others of my pod don't speak to Kat Witch. They be what human people call stuck up. Think they're too good to speak to her. I think it best thing ever! It like getting new toy. Orcas love play. Spend most of time hunting, but playing is important too.
She a lucky Kat Witch to have me be her friend. I think she die many times if me doesn’t save her. She say I be her hero. Me say I’m just Salmon Hunter, the smartest and best looking killer whale in the seas.
Someday I visit Kat Witch home. It island named Skeckkeeech. It mean witches’ home. It way north and hard to find, but Salmon can find anything! Salmon is a hunter, after all. Here be part of the story showing me saving Kat Witch's life for first time.
Excerpt from Bad Spelling
Over the cracking and groaning of the ice breaking up, Kat heard a loud chitter, and then a high-pitched whistle. She stopped so suddenly Rune ran into her. Catching him before he fell, she moved him to one side and turned back toward the orca, her eyes wide with surprise.
“What did you say?” she asked.
“Chchchchch skreak!” the orca answered.
Rune looked at the orca; then his sister; then back to the orca. He leaned close to Kat’s ear. “You understand it?” he whispered.
Kat nodded, edging back to the orca, careful of her footing on the slippery ice.
“Kakkakakkak cheechee,” the orca screeched.
“Thank you. I didn’t think the bear seemed very friendly either.”
Kat looked over at her brother, who stood staring at her open-mouthed. “Better shut that, little brother, before your teeth freeze.” Her eyes sparkled with delight. Rune closed his mouth and zipped the hood up over his face.
In a muffled voice, he exclaimed, “You can… You really can talk to animals!”
“Excuse me a moment, Mr. Orca,” she said to the big dolphin. She turned to Rune, her face lit up with a delighted grin. “I guess I can. But why so surprised? You were the one who suggested I could.”
Kat turned back to the killer whale. “I think it’s because he,” she nodded at the orca, “is a highly evolved being. At least, that’s what he’s telling me.” After a pause, Kat giggled and said, “Must be why you can’t understand him, Rune!”
Rune slapped a glare on her then suppressed a smile. “Very funny, Kat. So funny, I forgot to laugh.”
She chatted happily with the orca when several more huge black and white heads popped up through the gaps in the ice. Rune and Kat had to step back again as the ice splintered with sharp cracking sounds.
“Back up, Kat, back up,” Rune said. For the first time in her life, Kat heard fear in Rune’s voice. “You don’t need to be afraid.”
“I’m not. At least, I’m not afraid of the whales—”
“Orcas.”
“Orcas, then. It’s the ice breaking up. We could get dumped in the water.”
As if saying it made it true, the ice split once more. The crack exposing the frigid sea raced toward Rune and Kat. Before they could get traction to run, the ice floe created by the splintering tipped up and both of them fell into the water.
Kat’s parka filled with the icy water, and she sank. The sudden, intense cold knocked the breath out of her. She tried to claw her way back to the surface, but the weight of the parka kept dragging her down. Looking up, she could see Rune above her, thrashing toward the air. Blackness clouded the edges of her vision, and her struggles weakened.
Strangely, Kat felt warm. This is nice, she thought. Her arms floated out from her sides as she sank deeper.
Something big and black came up under Kat, and she rose up through the frigid water. She reached out with one hand and grasped a rubbery fin with all the strength she had left. The orca pushed her to the surface and shoved her out of the water. She landed face first on the ice.
About the Book
BAD SPELLING - Book 1 of The Witches of Galdorheim SeriesA klutzy witch, a shaman's curse, a quest to save her family. Can Kat find her magic in time?by Marva Dasef https://sites.google.com/site/mdasefauthor/home/
Buy Sites:Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JKQN7XW/Audio Book: http://www.audible.com/pd/Kids/Bad-Spelling-Audiobook/B00L2GUSWG/B&N Nook: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Bad-Spelling/Marva-Dasef/e/2940149546732/?itm=5&USRI=marva+dasef/
Blurb:
If you’re a witch living on a remote arctic island, and the entire island runs on magic, lacking magical skills is not just an inconvenience, it can be a matter of life and death–or, at least, a darn good reason to run away from home. 
Katrina’s spells don’t just fizzle; they backfire with spectacular results, oftentimes involving green goo.  A failure as a witch, Kat decides to run away and find her dead father’s non-magical family. But before she can, she stumbles onto why her magic is out of whack: a curse from a Siberian shaman.
The young witch, accompanied by her half-vampire brother, must travel to the Hall of the Mountain King and the farthest reaches of Siberia to regain her magic, dodging attacks by the shaman along the way.



To coincide with my posts on your blog, I'm offering free related ebooks on Amazon.
August 1-2 for Hero Day: The Witches of Galdorheim Series (all three books in a single volume)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JQQQCAQ

Sard - Elisette by Sue Perkins

Capet Sard makes his appearance in a minor role in the first of the Cloud Kingdom series Caishel. 
Book 2 of the Cloud Kingdom series Elisette (due out 21st August) presents him as the hero. Here we find out a little about his life.
My dream Capet Sard
Copyright:
curaphotography / 123RF Stock PhotoWelcome Capet Sard, thank you for coming to visit my blog.
Sard: It's a pleasure. I'm finding this world very interesting.
Tell me what is a Capet?
Sard: It's a step in the hierarchy of my planet Hejmen. At the bottom are the merchants and townspeople. The next step up are pages, usually the sons of noblemen. Then come the Capets. We have finished our training but are not experienced enough to become Sires, which is the level above Capet. Then at the top are the Dukes of the Cloud Kingdoms.
What do you actually do?
Sard: I am a Capet in Duke Ailan of Lan's court. I attend to matters in his realm that he's too busy to see to. I also accompany him when he visits other castles.
Will you eventually become a Sire?
Sard: Yes, I will. But I won't make it to Duke. I'm the heir to my father's estate of Karn in the dukedom of Rak. We breed nahhars and have a fine stable.
And a nahhar is?
Sard: I think you call them unicorns although they're not exactly the same. Beautiful animals of all different colors.
What is the badge you wear on your tunic?
Sard: It's a Horak, the bird is the emblem of Rak. Lan has a dragon as its emblem.
Are there dragons on Hejmen?
Sard: I don't think so. Duchess Caishel dug through the archives in the castle of Lan and found the very first Duke remembered the tales his father told him of huge scaled creatures back on the home planet. The Duke decided to make this his emblem.
What do you see in your future life?
Sard: I'd like to find a wife and settle down to raise a family. My home life as a child was a happy one and I'd like to have the same for my own children.
Have you anyone specific in mind to take as your wife?
Sard: (blushes) Yes I have, but forgive me if I don't tell you who. She's rather special but quite shy. I must go now but thank you for inviting me to visit your world.


Blurb Capet Sard helps Lise obtain a job as nursemaid in the floating Castle of Lan. Love blossoms between noble and servant, but Sard is called home to Rak. Shortly after his departure Lise discovers she is pregnant and travels to Rak. Lise is in danger and Sard is worried he hasn't heard from her. He sets out to discover her whereabouts and joins with the Eos to attempt to find his beloved. Failure to rescue Lise and find the true heir of Rak could mean disaster for the whole planet of Hejmen.
ExcerptThe girl's steps were brisk, each one taking her further from the life of drudgery on the farm. Life in the town would be no easier, but at least there'd be payment for working, and maybe a chance to meet girls her own age.Her departure had been an hour after sunrise when the day moon Daith sat like a pink shadow in the sky. Two hours later, her footsteps took her past the mileage stone at the turning onto the main road to Landon. The town appeared in the distance and her eyes widened at the sight of the sky castle floating high above the ground. Ellie remembered their journey to the farm when her mother married Horgarth. The castle had looked unkempt, with a tilt slightly off its true level. Now the sunlight glinted off the surface making it a sparkling jewel in the bright blue sky.Hearing the sound of hoofbeats behind her, the girl moved to one side of the road to allow the rider to pass. To her surprise, the nahhar stopped. The same young man who had asked directions the day before looked down at her."Are you heading for Landon?" he asked with a smile."Yes, Sire -- I mean Capet." Ellie ducked her head to hide her confusion."So am I. Can I offer you a ride on Vassar?"Ellie glanced up, looking for Vassar, before realizing the Capet spoke about the golden nahhar."Thank you, but no. I haven't far to go now.""I'll walk with you." He dismounted and, taking the reins in his hand, stepped out beside her.         Ellie thought his offer had been a mere courtesy and expected the noble to ride on. Instead he walked beside her, smelling clean and fresh, not like her stepbrothers who always had a stale odour of sweat hanging off their bodies. Should Ellie speak or remain silent? The Capet solved the problem by chatting casually about all manner of things.
Buy Link Sue Perkins books published by Desert Breeze Publishing

Webpage:  http://www.sueperkinsauthor.com
Blog: http://sueperkinsauthor.blogspot.co.nz
Facebook: Sue Perkins, Author
Twitter: Sue Perkins, Author
Other books by Sue Perkins can be found on her website.

Nick - Autumn Love by Jaclyn v di Bona

Nick is the hero of Autumn Love a book written by Jaclyn V Di Bona which has yet to be published. This excerpt is when the hero, Nick meets Jolie, the heroine for the first time. She is bringing his grandchildren to him in Santa Barbara, CA.
Patrick called out to the children. "There's your Nonno, kids.""Oh-h, my." Jolie stared in disbelief at this handsome specimen of manhood. Her first thought was the stereotype of a grandfather definitely did not fit this man. No way. No how.His black denim shirt stretched across wide shoulders and tapered down over a flat stomach into his jeans. His shirt opened at his throat, his sleeves rolled up, revealing well-developed, muscular arms. He sported a deep tan, giving her the image of his working out in the sun, stripped to his waist. His black, well-worn jeans clung to a single long, muscular leg. A cast encased the other leg partially obscured by the denim cut loosely and tied together, holding the material in place.Jolie's gaze traveled back up to his strong features. His skin stretched taut over high cheekbones, and a hawk like nose stood out on his weathered face. His blue-black hair looked as though he'd run his fingers through the thickness in nervous agitation. He gripped the crutches tight. Was he nervous about his beloved grandchildren not liking it here?Crutches, now she understood why he didn't meet them at the airport. It wouldn't be easy trying to maneuver around with them, especially in a crowded airport. Still, he could have come to greet them and waited in the van. Did he know about her background and was making sure she'd come to the ranch. Anything was possible, time would tell.He struggled across the uneven tiles, he frowned, his frustration apparent. He straightened his shoulders and stood tall. The tightness of his jaw showed he wasn't pleased with his disability. She sensed he wouldn't welcome any assistance. A strong wave of pride bounced off him, confidence bordering on arrogance. At the same time, she couldn't help wondering if all this struggling was a bit overdone for their benefit. She chided herself for being unkind. She and the children stood by the car watching his slow approach. The children wide-eyed and excited all at the same time. Silence settled around them as grandfather and grandchildren stared at each other. Beneath dark brows, his dynamic, malachite eyes held her speechless. Eyes the color and clarity of the finest emeralds. Deep, clear and probing, the intensity of his cool gaze zeroed in on her. She shivered at seeing a man no one in his or her right mind dared to cross. Good grief. Another Rob. She bit her lip. Forget about him. You're here for the children, and then you'll be gone.Her heart quickened the moment Nick turned, his glance flickering over her. His gaze covered every inch of her, lingering for a moment on her breasts. The corner of his mouth twitched before he glanced back to focus on his happy grandchildren.He leaned over on his crutches and gazed at his grandchildren. His eyes softened and sparkled like warm Bermuda water as he beamed at the twins. His smile took her breath away. Heavens, that smile of his could melt glaciers, and women would fall at his feet for a smile like that."A month has passed since I've seen the both of you. You've shot up. Anthony, at the rate you're growing, you'll be as tall as I am. You're both my heritage. Everything I've worked for was for both of you." When they frowned at him, he chuckled. "Not to worry, you'll understand when you're older. I love you both very much and I'm happy you arrived safely."Jolie swallowed hard as her throat constricted. She blinked fast to keep tears at bay as Nick reached out and squeezed Anthony's shoulder. She heard the tightness in his voice, the pain in his eyes darkened and they glistened when he stared into Anthony's smiling upturned face."Every time I see you, you look more look your father. I miss him so much. I know you do too."Anthony glanced up at his grandfather. "Mommy said I look like my Daddy, and Daddy looked just like you." He paused, deep in thought and frowned. "So, if she's right, that would mean, I . . . um . . . look like you?" Rubbing his small nose, he squinted up at his grandfather. "Well, almost."Nick threw his head back and let out a bellowing laugh. He reached out and tapped Anthony's small nose, and ruffled his hair. "Be thankful for the almost.""Hey, don't forget me," Adriana added, tugging at his shirt to get his attention.Nick's  love for them, his joy at having them here, lit his expression. Jolie smiled as he grinned, reached out, and gently tilted up his granddaughter's chin. He turned her face from side to side as though pretending he was trying to remember. "Forget you, no way. You haven't changed, except to get more beautiful every time I see you. You're the image of your mother. I miss her too." He leaned down and kissed her forehead.Adriana giggled in delight at her grandfather's kiss and his words.Jolie's heart quickened the moment Nick turned, his glance flickering over her. She straightened, gathered her courage, and extended her arm.
"How do you do?"
 http://jaclynvdibona.blogspot.co.nzJaclyn is a long-time member of Romance Writers of America, and is also an active PRO member of the New England Chapter of RWA, where she served as treasurer for four years. She also served as co-chair wizard critiquer with From the Heart Critique Group. In addition she served as a judge for RWA's Golden Heart Contest for many years.Jaclyn joined Desert Breeze Publishers and cannot imagine a better place to write. To have the license to be able to create from her vivid imagination romance set in any genre, intrigue time travel, and suspense stories the way she imagines romance should be.She met the love of her life at age sixteen and after Lou graduated from MIT, the couple raised three children and sadly lost one son to cancer. Jaclyn enjoys espresso, reading romance novels, and would love to hear from her readers. She is. hard at work on her next novel.
THE WHIMS OF FATE WITH THE WILD ROSE PRESS 2014http://www.amazon.com/Whims-Fate-Jaclyn-Di-Bona-ebook/dp/B00HJEZG2M/ http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=5622 http:// www.twitter.com/@jaclyndi
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21419636-the-whims-of-fate?ac=1
Barnes and Noble-Amazon.com/Jaclyn V Di Bona/ THE RING WITH DESERT BREEZE PUBLISHERS 2013
http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/the-ring-epub/
THE RING WITH AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21419636-the-whims-of-fate?ac=1 Barnes and Noble-Amazon.com/Jaclyn V Di Bona/  THE RING WITH DESERT BREEZE PUBLISHERS 2013 http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/the-ring-epub/ THE RING WITH AMAZON http://www.amazon.com/ THE RING GOODREADS http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17918445-the-ring  http://jaclynvdibona.blogspot.com AUTUMN LOVE FIRST IN THE GOLDEN GATEWAY- Third in the Golden Acorn &
Finalist in Writer's Choice Award Finalist in Writer's Choice Award FOREVER SIMI WIP

Heroes and Heroines - Coming Soon

Starting 28th July a load of handsome men/creatures will visit my blog for the Heroes tour. Drop in each day to see which author's heroes make an appearance.

On the 4th the Heroines start their week of visits. 

Get to know the heroes and heroines from your favourite authors.

See you soon.

Favourite books on my bookshelf

I love fantasy books, but which fantasy authors do I like and if I had to pick one of their books as my favourite, which one would that be? I've chosen five of my favourite authors and these are Anne McCaffrey, David Eddings, Naomi Novik, Trudi Canavan and Terry Pratchett.

Anne McCaffrey's Dragons of Pern series is wonderful, although as time went on she did tend to repeat the stories from a different angle. Now Anne is no longer with us, her son Todd has taken over the series. At first I wondered if he could live up to his mother's reputation. Surprise, surprise he breathed new life into the dragons. I also like Anne McCaffrey's other books, both solo and written with other authors. Her Planet Pirates and Crystal Singers books are breathtaking. I would say that my favourite book of this author would be Killashandra the first book of the Crystal Singers trilogy. It has life, love and humour and also drags you into the story and holds you there, while hurtling you through space.




Naomi Novik's Temeraire series took me back to Napoleonic times but introduced dragons into the history books. Once again the first book of the series is my favourite. It was wonderful how a battle could lead to so much confusion and change the life of a sea captain who thought his future to be straightforward. Taking care of a dragon egg and later the dragon who emerged and bonding with him changed his private and military life forever. However, Captain Lawrence teaches Temeraire a strict code of ethics which the dragon interprets his own way and they end up in even more trouble.


David Eddings Belgariad and Mallorean are both marvellous series in their own right. I always thought they were a lighter version of Tolkein's Middle Earth, but have to admit these books also have their dark moments. David and his wife Leigh have also written other series set in a similar time period/ background, but I think the first book of Belgariad will always remain my favourite. Pawn of Prophecy really got to me with the young befuddled hero who had no idea who he really was, or why he had got mixed up with these strange magical people. It was also the first fantasy book I read which got me hooked on the genre.





Trudi Canavan has written a beautiful series about the two different types of magic - black and white. The magicians of Imardin believe white magic is the way to go, but is it? In the third book The High Lord (my favourite) the High Lord Akkarin reveals his hidden secrets to Sonea, an apprentice magician. She is fearful but also fascinated by his revelations, but they change the world she has always known into something completely different. The whole series, plus the sequel series, makes magic seem so natural I wondered why we don't have it in our world.


And last but definitely not least Terry Pratchett. His Discworld series is fantastic. I have no idea how he comes up with all the ideas. I mean who would imagine a giant turtle with four huge elephants on his back and a flat world on top of the elephants with the whole lot flying endlessly through space? Question: Is the turtle male or female? Only Terry Pratchett can take such a concept and add humour to the mix. Now comes the difficult bit. Which one to choose as a favourite? They all have great characters but I have a soft spot for Rincewind and Granny Weatherall. I think I'd have to opt for The Colour of Magic. This book introduces the Discworld and three characters two of who continuously appear throughout the series. First there is Rincewind - Wizard - failed. He only knows one spell and isn't allowed to say it. Next is Twoflower - the Disc's first tourist and lastly his luggage - he plays a major part in this book and a minor part in one of the other Discworld books. What's so special about the luggage? For a start it moves itself around, no wheels or hoisting onto shoulders for this trunk. The Luggage (spelt with a capital L) has legs and runs after its master (or anywhere else that takes it's fancy). 


I hope you enjoyed a look into my bookcase - yes I have all of these on my shelves.