Stacey Joy Netzel's Blog, page 9

Guest blogging at Magical Musings

I'm guest blogging atMagical Musings,sharing how my dear dad used to brag about his daughter being an author, and how he now brags about it. Either way, the word 'smut' is usually involved. Come visit if you get a chance.
Thanks to  Amy Atwell  for the invite!
She's the author of the wonderful historical Ambersley, and the action-packed romantic suspense Lying Eyes. I've read and loved them both!
 
Stacey Joy Netzel

Rising Above (Still Waters Part Two)

Imagine you’ve lived before, but don’t remember or believe
it’s even possible. Therein lies the danger. For in not
believing and learning from your pasts, the power shifts
to the one who would see you dead. Again.
Ryan James never gave much thought to ghosts or the idea of reincarnation—until the appearance of the beautiful Ali Whitman triggers terrifying visions that feel like real life. As he pieces together their past lives, he discovers they aren’t the only players. Worse, if he can’t convince Ali to believe before their past adversary makes the next move, he’ll lose her all over again.

EXCERPT:

Chapter 1

Late. Not good for the first day of class with a professor he was dying to meet. He rushed toward the door, but paused for a quick assessment of the situation through the slim window instead of shoving inside blind.

Students populated the theater-style seating, and at the front of the class, a slim, red-haired girl commandeered the professor’s attention. Whew. I should be able to slip in undetec—

Darkness registered. His hand froze on the door at the murky mass surrounding the redhead, curling around her in rolling, undulating waves. His gut clenched. Unexplainable dread weighted his limbs.

The girl and the professor seemed oblivious to the malevolent presence as wispy tendrils extended outward, smoke-like fingers of malice making their way from person to person. Seeking. Testing.

The closer they crept along the slanted aisle toward him, the faster his heart beat. Thumping in his chest, banging against his ribs, urging him to run. And yet, not even his little toe so much as twitched. Fascination kept him rooted to the spot, barely able to breathe.

Without warning, the tendrils were sucked back into the murky cauldron encompassing the girl. Was she the source, or the recipient?

When she laughed at something the professor said, the melodic sound dissipated the evil and filtered through the crack in the double doors, drawing him inside. His pulse eased. Oxygen filled his lungs once more.

Both the redhead and the professor turned toward him as the door swung closed with a loud creak. They smiled. Beautiful.

Then the darkness reappeared.

Mushroomed.

Exploded.

Black arrow-like projectiles shot through the air toward him. He tried to run, but tripped and fell back against the door. Searing, white-hot pain paralyzed his entire body when the first arrow pierced his chest—

~*~Rising Above
Amazon, BN, ARe, SW
~*~
Author's Note: Beneath Still Waters (Part One) is available as part of the highly-acclaimed TALES FROM THE MIST anthology. While not absolutely essential, it is recommended to read Part One first in order to get the overall scope of the story.



TALES FROM THE MIST, the 12 story horror anthology including Beneath Still Waters (Part One), can be found at:
Amazon, Amazon UK, BN, ARe, Kobo, SW, Goodreads

Meet the Book Blogger: Kimberly

Today I'd like to welcome Book Blogger Kimberly, who runs Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer Blog. She is a shameless addict of books and coffee, though maybe not quite in that order. Read the interview and you be the judge!



What can readers expect from your reviews?
Readers coming to my blog will find book reviews from many genres. I read and review all types of fiction from horror to young adult. My reviews are honest and always spoiler free. I never want to spoil the magic of reading a good book.

Have you ever stayed up reading all night even when you had to work the next day, and what was the book you cursed while fighting to stay awake all afternoon?
*rolls eyes* Oh this happens too many times to count! I have a habit of saying, just one more chapter. *liar* Personally I wish sleeping were optional so I could read all night. The last book that kept me up...hmm.   The Restorer, by Amanda Stevens, and I absolutely loved it. Yep, I needed an IV drip of coffee the next day!

I've done the "Just one more chapter," too many times as well. IV drip of coffee--I love it!

What is your beverage of choice while reading?
Coffee is my beverage of choice all day, every day. *drools thinking about it* I love curling up with a good book and a cup of joe, to me it’s like a little slice of heaven.

Can you share with us up to 5 authors who are auto-buy for you?
Only 5 *sheesh* that is hard.
Jayne Anne Krentz (aka Jayne Castle, aka Amanda Quick) and her Arcane Society Novels.
Mira Grant aka Seanan Mcguire
Sara MacLean
Courtney Summers
Patricia Briggs
Now that is only 5 of about 100..LOL *no seriously, I am an addict*

Is your significant other/family supportive of your book addiction?
I have been married 25 years and my hubby so gets and supports my addiction. Before I got my e-reader (which he bought), he would keep an excel spread sheet for me with my books and series. He would also order and pick up books at the library for me every week. He is a keeper! I love that he lets me sit there and talk about a book or character, when I know he has no clue what I am talking about. Give that man a Klondike bar!

Wow--yeah, give him a whole box!

How much is too much for an ebook?
While I have paid slightly more during “Must have! Read Now” moments, I think 9.99 for new releases is my threshold.

[image error] The Sunday Post Do you have a popular blogger meme started by you?
I started the Sunday Post which was inspired in part by IMM. I wanted to showcase my books, but I also wanted a post to recap my weekly posts and share upcoming news. The meme has grown each week and I love visiting fellow blogger’s Sunday Post and finding out she/he reviewed an awesome book on Tuesday when I was too busy to check new posts.

Great idea!

What is your favorite genre and is there anything you won’t review?
I love so many genres but my favorites at the moment are dystopian/post apocalyptic, urban fantasy and historical fiction. I am not a huge fan of contemporary but have a few series I follow religiously. I will read non-fiction if the subject matter appeals to me.

What does it take in a book to absolutely annoy you to the point where you quit reading or throw the book at the wall?
Hahahaha..a lot. I have this horrible problem, I cannot let go. Once I start reading I am so afraid that on the next page something amazing will happen and like a caterpillar in a cocoon the book will morph into something I love.  Sadly, that doesn’t happen.  My biggest pet peeves are authors who tell instead of show, lack of details and paper characters.

What makes you a fan for life?
As a book addict, there is this high I chase. Yes, exactly like a junkie, but I need the rush I experience from a good book. When an author gives me that, I become a fan for life.


Kimberly, thank you so very much for taking time to answer my questions and share your blogging with us!
Readers, you can find Kimberly all over online, so after visiting with her today, keep up the conversation at these sites! 
Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer Blog 
Facebook page
Google+ page Networked Blogs 
Twitter  Goodreads Tumblr Pinterest 

Anything I didn't ask that you'd like to know? Ask away!

FREE for a Limited Time

Download LOST IN ITALY
FREE from Amazon
October 28-30
2012 Write Touch Readers' Award WinnerRomantic Suspense

The best laid plans… 

Halli Sanders spent two years planning the trip of a lifetime to Italy. Her itinerary did not include being stranded by her siblings, kidnapped by a sexy American movie star, dodging bullets, or fleeing criminals in a car chase around Lake Como. And that’s just in the first three hours. 

…often go awry. 

Trent Tomlin put his movie career on hold to investigate his brother’s murder-ruled-suicide at his Italian villa. He’s closing in on the suspects when an American tourist unwittingly films the murder of the retired cop helping him. The killers will stop at nothing to get the evidence—including holding Halli’s family as collateral. 

Life’s a little different unscripted. 

Thrust into the role of real-life hero, Trent finds himself falling for the Plain Jane whose beauty blossoms with every challenge they face. Somehow he must keep the evidence from falling into the wrong hands and get justice for his brother and friend without betraying Halli and her family.

~~~
“…starts off right away, and every page that follows is packed full of excitement that will keep you on the edge of your seat.” Danielle The Book Whore Blog ~ 5 Hearts—Could not put down amazing
“This is my favorite Stacey Joy Netzel book to date. The suspense is riveting, but the characters make this book. Ms. Netzel does a great job painting a picture of two realistically flawed people and how they used their ingrained (and necessary) coping mechanisms to not only survive, but to thrive and move beyond their flaws.” ~ Water Lily, LASR Best Book
“...filled with so much suspense that I found my heart pounding in my chest hoping Halli and Trent would make it out of this insane situation alive. ...a wonderful addition to your library, and a great gift for an avid reader...this is definitely one story that you shouldn’t pass up!” Diana Coyle ~ Night Owl Reviews, Reviewer TOP PICK

Would you like to review an ARC?

In case you're not sure what an ARC is, it's an Advanced Reader Copy. It's a tool that authors use to help garner reviews for their books prior to release so that they have some testimonials ready for the Big Day.

Author Stacy Green, is looking for some honest reviews of her debut romantic suspense INTO THE DARK . I've already read the book and my honest rating is 5 Stars! Today you get a sneak peak into the book and if you'd like to continue reading, Stacy is looking for some people who'd like an ARC copy in exchange for a review when the book officially releases on Nov. 30th.


INTO THE DARK(digital and print November 30)It's the moments from our past that bind us. 
Branch Manager Emilie Davis is having a day like any other–until two masked men storm into WestOne Bank demanding cash.  Her hopes of a quick end to her terror are dashed when she realizes one of the men has no interest in the bank’s money. Emilie is his prize, and he’s come to claim her.

When hostage negotiator Nathan Madigan and Las Vegas SWAT enter the bank on a rescue mission, Emilie’s captor makes a shocking escape into the abyss that lies beneath the city: the Las Vegas storm drains, a refuge for the downtrodden and the desperate.

HOW WILL IT END?

Who is the man the media has dubbed the “Taker?” Why is he after Emilie, and what is the connection he’s convinced they share?

Emilie can’t run from the Taker, and she can’t escape her own past. As her life closes in on her, she has nowhere to turn but to Nathan. The lines of professionalism blur as Nathan becomes determined to save Emilie. Together they venture into the depths beneath Las Vegas and discover a shocking piece of the puzzle.

But the Taker remains one step ahead. Desperate for the threat to emerge from the shadows, Emilie makes a bold move to reclaim her life, and it may cost her everything.

EXCERPT:


Nathan sat alone on the bumper of the SWAT truck, an unopened bottle of water dangling from his hand. The heavy Kevlar vest clung to his body with a slimy layer of perspiration.

To his left, a reporter spoke into a news camera.

“The standoff at WestOne Bank on Fremont Street has entered its third hour.” Doing her best to fit in with the gravity of the situation, she’d pulled her styled blond hair into a sensible ponytail and shed her tailored coat. Her bright red top stood out like a beacon against the police cars and black, steel walls of the bank. “One hostage has been released, but nine remain inside. Police are working fervently to bring a peaceful end to the crisis.”

A peaceful end. That was primarily Nathan’s responsibility as hostage negotiator. But success hinged on talking to the individual in control, and Nathan was beginning to think he’d yet to do so today. Joe didn’t have brains or self-control to pull off a job like this. The partner knew where all the security cameras were. He’d shot them out immediately. He’d managed to stay almost completely out of sight of SWAT’s surveillance cameras, which meant he was damned familiar with WestOne’s infrastructure.

“Madigan.” Johnson and the released hostage stood in front of him. “This is Tim Landry.”

Nathan got to his feet and shook Landry’s hand. “Tell us what happened in there.”

Landry pulled out a pack of Marlboros. His hand trembled as he stuck a cigarette in his mouth and dug for a lighter. Johnson lit the smoke.

“Thanks.” Landry recounted the men’s entrance into WestOne, verifying what SWAT already knew. “Joe’s crazy. I thought he was going to start shooting.”

“What about his partner?” Nathan asked.

“All he cares about is the branch manager,” Landry said. “She tried to sit with the rest of us after she talked to you, but he wouldn’t let her.”

“Thank you, Mr. Landry.” Johnson waved an officer over. “Get checked out by paramedics.”

He turned to Nathan. “Warrant came through. Detective Avery’s going through her records but nothing sticks out so far. Looks like the partner’s obsessed with Davis.”

“Avery’s working the case? God help us,” Nathan said as Landry and the officer walked toward the ambulance. He pushed his issues with Detective Avery aside. “So partner’s all over the one woman guaranteed to be at the bank today. That’s no coincidence–he’s after Emilie.”

Johnson lit his own cigarette. “Maybe not. Maybe it’s a ploy. Could be the men think acting separately will make our jobs tougher.”

“Not in Joe’s mind. He thinks he’s running the show.”

The crackling static of the radio filled Nathan’s ears. “Davis is standing up, talking to Joe,” Chris said. “Partner jumped right up like he was glued to her ass.”

“Damn,” Nathan cursed. “She’s going to get him all riled up.”

“She just pointed to the phone.”

“You get a better look at the partner?” Johnson gnawed on his cigarette.

“Not really. He’s tall. And agitated. Took a couple steps to follow her and then stopped. Joe’s pointing at Davis, yelling something I can’t make out. She just sat back down and covered her face. Partner sat next to her.”

“Why’d she try to use the phone?” Johnson asked. “She’s got to know Joe wouldn’t let her.”

“She wanted to tell us something,” Nathan said. “Something worth risking Joe’s anger. Chris, what’s happening now?”

“Looks like the partner’s running his mouth. She’s rocking back and forth.”

“G**damnit.” Nathan kicked the bumper of the SWAT truck. “What’s that bastard up to?”

* * * *
“Don’t let him get to you.” Creepy Guy patted her shoulder. “Although I don’t see why you needed to talk to that negotiator again.”

“Because I want out of here.” Emilie jerked away from the contact. “I’m tired of sitting in the dark, waiting for something to happen.”

“Josephine was always afraid of the dark.” Melancholy crept into his normally serene tone. “She said the dark held the powers of black magic, of witchcraft, and bad luck. Poor girl slept with a candle burning.”

Emilie risked another glance at him. Narrowed in either anger or grief, his eyes glistened with moisture. “She was wrong. All of those exist in the daylight as well. Poor Jo didn’t need to fear the dark. Her bad luck came on a hot, sunny afternoon.” His voice faltered.

“What happened to her?”

“That’s none of your business.” Her captor jumped as though jolted with electricity. “Josephine belongs to me and to me alone,” he snarled.

Emilie scooted as far away from the man as the small space would allow.

“I’m sorry.” His voice was contrite. “Forgive my rudeness. That was extremely ungentlemanly.”

Intimacy had crept back into his tone. Emilie cringed.

“Don’t be afraid, Miss Emilie,” Creepy Guy pleaded. “I would never hurt you.”

“You already have.”

He edged closer until his covered arm brushed her bare one. The material was soft and lightweight. Breathable. Expensive. Not cheap rags like Joe wore.

“Only because you’re scared. But I knew we were connected the first moment I saw you. Once you allow me to explain my actions, you will understand everything. You carry our connection with you every day.”

“We have no connection.”

“Oh but we do. I’ve watched you for so long, my dear Miss Emilie.” He spoke softly now, like a lover would. “So many times, I was close enough to reach out and touch you, to make you mine. But the time and place weren’t right. Waiting for you has been torture.”

~~~
I can tell you, the tension doesn't stop there! I just had to keep reading until I reached The End.
If you'd like an ARC copy of this book to read and review, please leave your name and email in the comments so Stacy can contact you directly.
You can also check out Stacy's short story that previews the horrible conditions of the Las Vegas storm drains.

Welcome To Las Vegas, a short story

Dark, dirty, and terrifying, the storm drains below Las Vegas stretch hundreds of miles and house the city's homeless and criminal element. Walking into the underground abyss is the last thing Tate wants to do, but his junkie sister has disappeared into the drains. Armed with only his flashlight, Tate wades into the gritty depths beneath Sin City to rescue his sister from her demons.

Every step into the smothering darkness challenges Tate’s resolve. With his sister’s life and his own sanity at stake, Tate must face his fears or risk becoming another victim of the Las Vegas tunnels.

Available NOW!  Amazon     Smashwords
Contains an exclusive excerpt from INTO THE DARK.


Stacy Green is fascinated by the workings of the criminal mind and explores true crime on her popular Thriller Thursday posts at her blog, Turning the Page . 

After earning her degree in journalism, Stacy worked in advertising before becoming a stay-at-home mom to her miracle child. She rediscovered her love of writing and wrote several articles for Women’s Edition Magazine of Cedar Rapids, profiling local businesses, before penning her first novel. Her debut novel, INTO THE DARK, is set in Las Vegas and features a heroine on the edge of disaster, a tormented villain, and the city’s infamous storm drains that house hundreds of homeless. INTO THE DARK is available on all digital formats and paperback November 30th.
Find her online at:www.stacygreen.net
Stacy’s Amazon author page
Twitter @StacyGreen26
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/StacyGreenAuthor

Meet the Book Blogger: Melissa

Welcome Melissa, book blogger from the JUST ONE OPINION blog. 


Melissa and I met through Danielle from The Book Whore Blog [link to Danielle's post] and I'm grateful to her for participating in my interview series. So, let's get to know Melissa, shall we?

When and how did you start book blogging?

I started a few years ago when I became a stay at home mom with my son, nap times I'd grab a book and relax. I would always take notes about the story I was reading, my personal opinions about each book. That's  when I decided to share my thoughts on a blog! I didn't do it as a way to get "free books" or speak to authors as many people have asked me. I started because I didn't want to forget the books I'd had the pleasure of reading.

Spoken like a true lover of the written word! Do you like paper books or ebooks?

Don't get me wrong I see the advantages of Ebooks especially when traveling, but I love paper books. I enjoy looking at the cover art work and the smell!!! New book smell is amazing it makes me giddy.

You're not alone. My 11 yr old daughter opened the book she just got for her birthday and held it to her nose. After a deep inhale, she said, "I just love the smell of a new book!"

What do you find is the most challenging part about book blogging?

The great thing about books is they are so diverse and what one person thinks is an awesome read another person can think its the worst. When I write a negative review I feel so bad because I appreciate the work that goes into each book, but I always stress it's only one opinion and try to be constructive but it still makes me feel bad.

Share with us 5 authors who are auto buy for you:

Cassie Clare
Becca Fitzpatrick
JR ward
Kresley Cole
Karen Marie Moning

What is your favorite M&M's flavor?

Peanut!! Crunchy, sweet and savory it has everything, Although you will probably find the chocolate ones too..M&Ms are my kids' favorite candy.

How much do you feel is too much for an ebook?

An Ebook that costs more than a regular paper book I would never buy. To buy an ebook it has to be a little cheaper. I understand the positives of an ebook, but for me nothing compares to turning an actual page and sitting your copy on your book shelf.

Is your family supportive of your book addiction?

While my husband constantly complains about my books taking over the house he understands how important they are to me. Whenever gift giving days roll around he's always the first to offer a gift card to my favorite book store!

My mom is very much like me when it comes to books we book share a lot and even though we live in two different countries. We speak almost every day... I like to think books have made our bond stronger as we share a common interest.

That's an awesome that books (among other things, I imagine) bring you closer to your mom. 

Have you ever stayed up reading all night even when you had to work the next day, and what was the book you cursed while fighting to stay awake all afternoon?

Karen Marie Moning's  Fever series had me up until all hours of the night. I was so enthralled in her books. It wasn't just a story to me it was a world she created with vivid characters and quality writing, for me those books contained everything! You know a book is awesome if you still think about characters long after you've closed the book. Jericho Barron's and Mac Lane still remain my favorite.

Do you have a favorite "fan girl" moment?

When I first started book blogging I saw authors as celebrities. I love my books as much as others love movies and so Kresley Cole or E.L. James are my version of Angelina Jolie! I once wrote on twitter about a review for a Night Huntress book by Jeanine Frost she tweeted me back and thanked me for the awesome review. This was the fist time an author had ever done this to me! I felt like a rock star and jumped up and down with excitement I still remember the feeling because I never assumed at that point I could talk to Authors!

We LOVE talking to readers as much as you love talking to us. :)

Do you know how many books currently reside on your To Be Read list?

My to be read list grows daily there are so many books and never enough time!!! On top of that pile is Gabriel's Inferno and Gabriel's Rapture by Sylvian Reynard they were a birthday gift from hubby.

Your hubby sounds like a keeper! Your whole family is beautiful.

Check out JUST ONE OPINION for Melissa's reviewsMelissa, thank you so much for taking time out of your reading schedule to chat with us. Here's hoping you read through your current mountain of books and that your hubby keeps adding to it. 

Readers and authors, you can find Melissa and all her reviews at her blog, or chat with her on Twitter.


Anyone have a book blogger question I didn't ask?Now's your chance to Ask Melissa!

Mistletoe Match-Up

A Romancing Wisconsin Holiday Story (#3)

Amazon, BN, Apple, ARe, Kobo, SW
Christmas recipe for love—combine a matchmaking
 Santa, lots of mistletoe, one iron-clad rule, fated hearts;
mix and stir. The Riley siblings don't stand a chance.
When Lisa Riley comes home for her brother Mark's Christmas Eve wedding, her high school rivalry with his wife Janelle's cousin, Derek Walsh, picks up right where it left off, only this time Derek has the upper hand. Santa bides his time as they battle it out because he's waited a whole year for this mistletoe match-up. 
~*~

She ignored Derek and smiled at Mark and Janelle. “I would love to help.”

“Great!” Janelle exclaimed. She looked from Lisa, to Derek, and back. “Hey, wouldn’t it be fun if you two had a little contest to see who could raise the most money? Just like old times.”

Derek’s hands clenched at his side. Great. Just great, Janelle. He waited for Lisa to gleefully pounce at the opportunity to bury him again, only to be surprised by her dismayed expression.

“I don’t know if that’s such a good idea,” she said.

He should be relieved. Instead, his competitive demon demanded retribution for all the humiliation it’d endured during the old times. He’d bury her. “Why not?” he asked.

Her gaze remained locked on his cousin. “No offense, Janelle, but it seems a little silly. I mean, we’re not in high school anymore.”

Derek relaxed and fell into their old pattern with ease. “What’s the matter, Lisa, afraid you’ve lost your magic touch? Are you not up for the challenge?”

That got her. Her spine stiffened and fire gleamed in her eyes. “Of course I am.”

He fake frowned, nodded his head with understanding, and stage whispered, “I get it.”

“Get what?”

Derek glanced at their captive audience. “Nothing.”

She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him. He valiantly avoided staring at her increased cleavage. It wasn’t so hard with his grandparents and her brother watching. And her silent demand for an answer.

“I probably shouldn’t say it now. Not in front of everyone.”

Lisa’s eyes narrowed. “Please, do enlighten us—all of us.” Her condescending sarcasm stroked the blood-thirsty devil on his shoulder. Their audience of respective family members waited in expectation. Grandpa, in particular, appeared to enjoy the exchange immensely. This next part would almost make high school worth it. Derek shrugged. “Obviously, it’s me.”

“You?” She infused the single word with an appropriate amount of humorous disbelief and disdain, only she avoided looking him in the eye.

“You’re scared you can’t handle me all grown up.”

The outrageous statement produced the desired laughs—only Lisa’s sounded forced. Her right hand rose to flick her hair back over her shoulder, then smoothed down the length of her burgundy satin dress. Hmm. He hadn’t dreamed his intentional bait would be remotely close to the truth. Derek moved in for the kill. “That’s why you chickened out under the mistletoe.”

The words ‘bite me’ resounded in his head as she glared at him and took a breath to speak. He waggled his finger in the air between them. “Uh, uh. Careful.”

Lisa stepped forward and grabbed his hand. He fought to keep his expression impassive while she bent his finger back just enough to make her point. She leaned close, her breath hot on his lips as she ground out, “You’re on, buddy. I’m going to kick your butt so bad you’ll wish I’d never moved back.”

Too late for that.

~~~
Read the rest of the story at...
Amazon, BN, Apple, ARe, Kobo, SW
(This novella previously published in the anthology Mistletoe Rules 2010 Winner Write Touch Readers' Award)

Tales From The Mist

My short paranormal Beneath Still Waters (Part One) is part of this highly acclaimed anthology. Each story is unique and chilling/horrifying in its own right and if you like spooky even just a little bit, I can tell you from having read the other 11 stories, you will LOVE this collection.

Amazon, Amazon UK, BN, Kobo, SW,  ARe
TALES FROM THE MIST will take you on a journey into the dark world of the paranormal. These twelve stories vary in their degree of horror, yet all reach across the boundaries of their genres into the chilling realms of the macabre. Witches, ghosts, shape-shifters and vampire rats are some of the creatures that reign within these pages.

"To have a collection assembled by such a talented group of authors makes this THE anthology to own if you are a fan of horror." ~ TW Brown, author of Dead: The Ugly Beginning: 

Foreword, by Aiden James
Wampus Cat, by Scott NicholsonA camping trip into the Appalachian Mountains leads to the discovery of a spooky creature thought to be nothing more than a folk myth. Wampus Cat was originally published in Legends of the Mountain State 2.
The Consuming, by Rhonda HopkinsSerena knows her late uncle wasn’t crazy. So when she inherits his sprawling Carolina mansion and leaves the big city to restore both his home and his name, she uncovers a mystery that could cost much more than her sanity. As the house slowly reveals its dark secrets, and the extent of her peril becomes evident, she’ll settle for escaping with her life—if it isn’t already too late.
Addiction, by Marty YoungIf you were told you could become a God, would you? Imagine the power, and how it could be used. But then there’s that saying about power isn’t there? And how it corrupts...
The Messenger, by Cate DeanSarah escapes her tour group, hoping to find some much needed alone time in the local cemetery. What she finds instead casts her in the unwanted role of savior, and forces her to make a life or death choice.
Jade O'Reilly & the Graveyard Shift, by Tamara WardPrivate investigator Jade O'Reilly finds herself on security–guard duty at a supposedly haunted historic mansion on Halloween night. She doesn't believe in the rumors that say the house is cursed; she doesn't believe in ghosts. Will she by the end of her shift?
In A Beginning, by Meredith BondThere is no way Lilith is going to accept Adam’s chauvinistic attitude. If he wants to rule the Garden of Eden, she’s outta there! But things get a lot more interesting – and scarier – after she leaves the Garden and falls in love with the demon, Samael.
Haste, by Catie RhodesA betrayed wife who murders her cheating husband and his lover in a fit of rage becomes the victim of her own impulsiveness.
King of Rats, by Gregory CarricoAll that stands between him and a lifetime of food is a Queen, his sister, and a surface world overrun by vampires. Will the King of Alley Rats risk everything for his throne and his pack, or leave it all behind for a pretty mouse in distress?
To E. A. Poe, by Mitzi FlyteIn 1845 a grieving brother writes to the author, blaming Poe for his sister's death. Could one of Poe's short stories lead someone to do the unspeakable?
An Inconvenient Debt, by Natalie G. OwensA mother makes a Faustian bargain for her son’s freedom. But can she truly meet the cost when his real prison demands payment of a different debt?
Dead Lily Blooms, by *lizzie starrSomeone wants vampyre Lily dead, and a bargain with Death has been struck. Death sends servant Agaar to bring Lily to him, but the task becomes more complicated than either Death or Agaar anticipated.
Beneath Still Waters, by Stacey Joy NetzelAn old legend tells of a beautiful witch unjustly persecuted who became a ghost bent on revenge. The danger lies in not believing.
~~~
EXCERPT from BENEATH STILL WATERS (Part One):
“Back in the eighteen hundreds, there was a young witch who lived in these mountains. In fact ... ” Ted paused and looked around. “What remains of her cabin isn’t too far from here.”
Megan gave a little moan, as if the long-dead woman would suddenly appear right behind her.
“The townspeople were all scared of her, but since she kept to herself mostly, they left her alone. Then one day—”
“Does this witch have a name? And why were they scared of her?” Becca fired off the questions as Megan glanced uneasily over Johnny’s shoulder.
“Shh,” Liz said with annoyance.
“The legend warns against speaking her name.” 
“Don’t encourage him,” Shane added.
“Why not?” The fearful question came from Megan.
“She practiced black magic,” Ted explained. “They say if you speak her name it could awaken her spirit.”
The fire popped, throwing a shower of sparks skyward. Becca noticed Megan and Liz both jerk in reaction, as if the witch had sent a sign.
She didn’t believe there was an ounce of truth to the story. “You guys probably don’t even know it.”
Ted met her gaze with a solemn nod.
“Are you chicken?” she challenged him and Shane. Now she was starting to have fun.
“Some things are better left unspoken,” Shane warned.
“Just tell us.”
Despite Liz’s urging, Ted hesitated. Becca guessed it was part of their presentation.
“Her name is ... ”
“Don’t say it,” Shane breathed, closing his eyes. “Please don’t say—”
“Alianna.”
A burst of rustling leaves preceded a loud clatter in the forest behind them. Megan let out an ear-piercing scream. Liz swore, hand pressed to her chest, and even Becca jumped—even though she’d spotted Johnny’s rock toss into the woods. She might not believe in ghosts, but Shane’s solemn “Please don’t say—” had left her oddly apprehensive.
Ted capitalized on the heightened tension. “Many nights, strange lights appeared over the mountain where the witch lived, and on days after a full moon ... animals were found in the surrounding woods ... their organs ripped out, all the blood drained from their bodies.”
“For rituals?” Liz wondered in an enthralled whisper. “Or do you think she drank it? Like a vampire.”
Megan’s hand covered her mouth. “Ew, gross.”
Becca agreed.
“No one ever knew,” Ted answered Liz. “She was very beautiful ... long hair the color of fire, green eyes like sparkling emeralds, and a body to rival the goddess Aphrodite ... ”
Becca twirled her long ponytail around her finger, mesmerized by the disturbing shadows from the diminishing campfire flames cast upon Ted’s classic features. She had to give him kudos for his master storyteller abilities. He pitched his deep, expressive voice at exactly the perfect level to keep the girls spellbound and hanging on every well-chosen word. Even she found herself holding her breath as she waited for him to continue—until she realized his attention had zeroed in on her.
“What?”
He gave her a slow sexy smile that she recalled seeing more than once the night of the social when they’d first met. “I imagine she looked somewhat like you.”
~~~
Get your copy of TALES FROM THE MIST at: Amazon, Amazon UK, BN, Kobo, SW,  ARe

"I've grown up loving to be scared. Thus, when I had a chance to read Tales From The Mist, I jumped at the chance and jumped when I read the stories. All these stories are worth your while…” ~ From Bill Hopkins, author of Courting Murder 

"Tales From The Mist is one of those rare anthologies that gets it right from the first story to the last. It's a magnificent feast of horror from some of the most assured voices working today. From cold-blooded tales of revenge to Faustian bargains to terrifying journeys into the dark corners of our world, these stories will make the shivers climb your back." ~ Joe McKinney, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Flesh Eaters and Mutated

And then watch for RISING ABOVE (Still Waters Part Two) November 2012.

Imagine you’ve lived before, but don’t remember or believe it’s even possible. Therein lies the danger. For in not believing and learning from your pasts, the power shifts to the one who would see you dead. Again.

Stacey Joy Netzel

Tales From The Mist Blog Hop

I'm very excited to announceTALES FROM THE MISTreleases today!!

Join us authors on the blog hop scavenger hunt Oct. 17th-18th where you can win one of 3 $20 gift cards, as well as additional prizes at the individual stops. 
My prize is this Hanging Bat Votive candle holder from Party Lite:

To enter to win my prize, all you have to do is sign up for my newsletter on the right side of the blog and leave a comment sharing your favorite thing about ghost stories. Simple as pie.
(At most, I send a newsletter once a month with a few items.)
To enter to win one of the 3 $20 Grand Prizes, you'll want to visit each blog through the Linky at the very bottom of this post and find the pictures to match to the stories.
First, I'd like to share an excerpt from my story in the 5* ratedTALES FROM THE MIST.
Beneath Still Waters(Still Waters Part One)
Liz winked at Becca and then said, “Ted said the still waters are about a half mile away. Shall we go talk to the witch?”
Megan sighed, though her expression still held a hint of a smile. “Make fun if you want, but I swear I felt a presence at the fire last night.”
“It’s called Cherry Pie, Megs.”
She brushed past Liz, who rolled her eyes and shared a grin with Becca as they resumed their hike along the river. The rushing water formed a soothing backdrop and every so often through the trees Becca glimpsed the white-water rapids making their way down the mountain over boulders and dead trees caught in the river’s path.
They caught up to the guys a little while later, and Ted pointed past a split rail barrier that looked like it’d been put up to discourage people from using an old trail.
“We gotta get back for football practice, but the still waters are down there a little ways,” he told Liz. “Past these rapids you’ll find the section where it’s all smooth, and then the river drops down over a waterfall.”
“Talk about wicked,” Johnny added. “It’s gotta be a good fifty foot drop.”
“Great, thanks. See you guys later.”
Liz pulled Ted in for a kiss. Megan said goodbye to Johnny and it appeared all had been forgiven. Becca moved to the side of the trail, suddenly wishing she hadn’t gotten so upset with Shane over something that in the light of day wasn’t such a big deal. A stupid ghost story may have ruined her chance to get to know a really nice guy.
Liz rubbed her hands in anticipation after the guys left. Excitement lit her blue eyes with an alluring light. “Ready?”
“Maybe I’ll just hang back here and wait for you two,” Megan said.
“Oh, no.” Becca took hold of her arm. “We’re all going.”
After a few more token protests, Megan gave in and they picked their way through the overgrown foliage along the wild river. Though the sun had risen high enough to burn off the morning fog, the air remained cool enough at the higher elevation that Becca kept her jacket on.
About sixty yards along the original path, the sound of the rapids faded and the water smoothed out like a crystal clear sheet of glass.
“Wow,” Megan breathed in wonder.
Becca agreed. The change was almost magical. She removed her pack and moved closer to the river bank.
“Becca,” Megan called her back in a stage whisper. “This is where she appears. Don’t go over there.”
She ignored the fear-laced plea and squatted by the river’s edge. Just to prove to herself it was real, she stuck her forefinger in the water. The chill against her skin sent a shiver up her spine. A small ripple appeared on either side of her finger, and beneath the surface, she felt the pull of the current.
Still waters; wicked currents.
A smile tugged the corners of her mouth when she recalled Johnny’s apt description.
“Oh my God—look!”
Becca jerked her hand from the water and scrambled backwards, half expecting to see a ghostly figure hovering downriver where Megan now pointed. 
~~~



Check out the full story inTALES FROM THE MIST
Amazon, Amazon UK, BN, ARe, Kobo, SW, Goodreads

Meet the Book Blogger: Danielle

Today I'm thrilled to welcome Danielle from The Book Whore Blog. I should disclose she's a huge fan of Lost In Italy, but in all honesty, that's only a small part of why I enjoy visiting with her online and am happy to consider her a friend.


Danielle graciously accepted my invitation to interview her for the very first post in my Meet the Book Blogger interview series. Brave girl! No, seriously, the questions weren't that bad.

Well, read on and you be the judge!


When and how did you get started with book blogging?
I started blogging a couple of years ago but took an extended break. When I first started blogging it was because my reading obsession kind of made me an outcast in my daily life. I was hiding in books because I was going through a lot, and it was the one place I felt comfortable. I began blogging and I have met so many awesome book addicts I don’t feel like an outcast at all! We are many!

So very true! I buried my nose in books for many years because I was so shy.
What is your favorite genre and is there anything you won’t review? 
I am a knock down drag out romance fan! I occasionally dabble in horror but romance is my drug of choice. Currently I am in LOVE with historical and I am having problems going back to my other loves like contemporary, paranormal, and suspense. I figure if I just keep going with it then eventually I’ll get sick of Historical and welcome back my other favs but so far I am showing no sign of stopping.

As for what I won’t read anything real! I read to escape reality so anything that involves self help or a biography I will not read.

What was your most exciting ‘fan-girl’ moment with an author?
Do you mean besides the time I received a signed copy of Lost in Italy? Haha That was an awesome moment! (You're so sweet!) Other than that I would say when Sabrina Jeffries, a pretty big historical romance author, tweeted me and told me that she loved my review of one of her books. I actually saved that screen shot and it took me twenty minutes to reply because I was just shocked!

Danielle's awesome moment preserved!
Paper books or ebooks— and why?
Ebooks are okay but nothing gets me more excited than a paper book. I love the feel and smell of the book, and the site of my book resting on my bookshelf. I also just really love going into a bookstore or receiving a book in the mail.

And getting 'good' mail is even more exciting these days since more often than not it's just junk mail.

Is your significant other/family supportive of your book addiction?
My husband is incredibly supportive. I think it may drive him a bit bonkers that I talk about characters in my books as if they are real, or when I am drooling over incredibly hot covers, but he accepts it. We have this thing where if I like a series from book one he will always buy me book two and he writes a little love note on the inside of the cover. I go back later and I just love reading them again after time has passed. He also buys me LOTS and LOTS of books and doesn’t mine that he has zero bookshelf space. I guess in most relationships the wife hogs the closet but I hog the bookshelf!

That is very cool! The love notes inside the covers are so sweet. Readers, you can check out the man-behind-the-girl-behind-the-blog HERE . 

What is your beverage of choice while reading?
Hi my name is Danielle and I am a wine-o-holic. Haha I think wine goes great with any book or truthfully anything!

You'd get along great with my sisters, brother, sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, dad... LOL

What is the most challenging part of book blogging? Rewarding?
The most challenging is keeping up. I have so many books to read and just not enough time to read them all. Also when I don’t like a book and I have to give it a negative review I HATE it. I stay up all night tossing and turning in bed as if it is the end of the world.

The most rewarding thing is being able to talk to authors I fall in love with, in my mind they are rock stars. Also having access to covers and books before they are even released, and getting to meet so many other people who obsess over books the way I do.

Do you like to hear from an author after a review? How do you and your fans feel about authors following, reading and posting on your blog?
I REALLY enjoy hearing from authors after I review a book especially if I loved the book because I become an instant fan-girl. (Instant fan-girl just add good book) Sometimes if I don’t hear from the author I get a little bummed like, “Hey maybe they hated my bad grammar or my review style”. (your review style is your review style, and it's great!)

I also do really like when authors are actively involved with bloggers/reviewers, to me it shows they support us as much as we support them. When I have a giveaway I LOVE when an author is talking to readers during a giveaway or just being interactive, it makes the giveaway more fun, not just "here is my book win it."

Good to know, because sometimes us writers can be shy. (Yes, I still have my moments.)

How much is too much for an ebook?
I have this rule, if the ebook and the paperback are the same price I will not buy the ebook. It is my least favorite thing when a book is $8.00 and the ecopy cost that much as well. Also if an ecopy treads over into the double digits I’ll pass. Even if it is a book I am dying for, I’ll wait till the price drops.

Do you know how many books currently reside on your To Be Read list?
Oh! My! Gosh! My TBR pile is larger than I am in both height and weight. I read one book I add 10; I honestly could never even begin to count. Even if I just counted the books waiting for me not the ones on my wish list it would take me forever.

Authors just LOVE readers like you Danielle! Keep it up!


Check out Danielle's awesome blog header!
Stacey here again. Something else Danielle didn't talk about, but I LOVE on her blog, is COVER WARS . Click the name to check out an example of the meme she started on her blog. It's so fun!

So now that you've met Danielle, go follow her on Facebook , Twitter and definitely visit her BLOG . If you follow by email, you know every time she puts up one of her fabulous posts!


Danielle, thank you very much for being my first guest for the Meet the Book Blogger feature. I've got a list of other bloggers scheduled in the coming months, so follow my blog so you can be sure to meet the next blogger.Did you like the interview? Leave us a comment and show some love. While you're at it, have a great day!Danielle & Stacey