Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 23

Interview with Justin Newland, THE GENES OF ISIS

Give a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?

The Genes of Isis is a stand-alone novel that speculates on the genesis of today's human race, Homo Sapiens. 

The backstory is that the Fallen Angels, aka the Helios, have mated with the daughters of men and spawned a race of genetic hybrids and monsters.  

The main character is Akasha, a young girl living in a world where the oceans circulate in the sky waters. She dreams of releasing the Surge, the next evolutionary step for an embryonic human race, but it's dormant, a genetic seed trapped inside every human. 

Horque is a Solarii, a tribe of angels who manifested in human form and settled in Ancient Egypt. Horque is desperate to return home to the sun but can only do so by unravelling the chaos left behind by the Helios, who have left humanity on the brink of extinction. 

When Akasha foretells the falling of the sky waters and falls in love with Horque, her life becomes an instrument for apocalyptic change. 

Do you have a favorite character?

 

Akasha is my favorite character. The story tells of her coming-of-age journey from apprentice to priestess and from maiden to mother. She is a precocious girl, and composing her character arc was a great challenge.  

 

Have you joined any FB author groups to inspire and help you along the way?

These groups are really important as part of a support structure. I joined a writing group, and they offer great face-to-face support and feedback. I found it also helps to go to Writers Cons. Get on panels, give readings, go on courses, submit short stories for publication, talk to other writers, and get involved with the writing process as often as possible. Work with professional editors wherever possible. 

Remember, there are two kinds of writers, those who gave up and those who didn't. Dedication and discipline are two essential ingredients of success - in anything. 

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish your book(s)?

I worked on the novel for a long time and wanted to move on to a new project. But I also felt I needed to see some fruit from the six years of labour. At first, I tried to find a traditional publisher in the U.K and even approached some in the U.S. I submitted to large print houses and small indie presses. When I felt I wasn't getting anywhere, I looked at self-publishing. 

Having self-published four novels, I have learned a lot about the publishing process, from editing to proofreading, and cover design, all the way through to the final print. I now feel confident enough to stay with self-publishing because I am familiar both with the process and the people. From the last edit to holding the paperback in my hand can be as little as six months – that’s a really good time frame which I don’t think can be matched by traditional publishers.

What’s next for you?

I’m working on a two-book series set in Elizabethan times that explores two of the most formative events in English history: Francis Drake’s circumnavigation of the world and the repulse of the Spanish Armada. 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

BLURB:

 

Akasha is a precocious young woman who lives in a world where oceans circulate in the aquamarine sky waters.

Before she was born, the Helios, a tribe of angels from the sun, came to Earth to deliver the Surge, the next step in the evolution of an embryonic human race. Instead, they left humanity on the brink of extinction and spawned a race of monstrous hybrids. 

Horque is a Solarii, another tribe of angels, sent to Earth to rescue the genetic mix-up and release the Surge. 

When Akasha has a premonition that a great flood is imminent and falls in love with Horque, her life becomes an instrument for apocalyptic change. But will it save the three races - humans, hybrids and Solarii – from the killing waters?

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Justin Newland is an author of historical fantasy and secret history thrillers - that’s history with a supernatural twist. His stories feature known events and real people from history which are re-told and examined through the lens of the supernatural. He gives author talks and is a regular contributor to BBC Radio Bristol’s Thought for the Day. He lives with his partner in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England. 

His Books

The Genes of Isis is a tale of love, destruction and ephemeral power set under the skies of Ancient Egypt. A re-telling of the Biblical story of the flood, it reveals the mystery of the genes of Isis – or genesis – of mankind. ISBN 9781789014860.

“The novel is creative, sophisticated, and downright brilliant! I couldn’t ask more of an Egyptian-esque book!” – Lauren, Books Beyond the Story.

The Old Dragon’s Head is a historical fantasy and supernatural thriller set during the Ming Dynasty and played out in the shadows the Great Wall of China. It explores the secret history of the influences that shaped the beginnings of modern times.  ISBN 9781789015829.

‘The author is an excellent storyteller.” – British Fantasy Society. 

Set during the Great Enlightenment, The Coronation reveals the secret history of the Industrial Revolution. ISBN 9781838591885.

“The novel explores the themes of belonging, outsiders… religion and war…  filtered through the lens of the other-worldly.” – A. Deane, Page Farer Book Blog.

His latest, The Abdication (July, 2021), is a suspense thriller, a journey of destiny, wisdom and self-discovery. ISBN 9781800463950.  

“In Topeth, Tula confronts the truth, her faith in herself, faith in a higher purpose, and ultimately, what it means to abdicate that faith.” 

http://www.justinnewland.com/         https://www.facebook.com/justin.newland.author/

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Genes-Isis-Jus...

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE:

 

Justin Newland will be awarding one signed copy of the paperback (US or International) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

#Excerpt: THE ACADIAN SECRET by Tammy Lowe

The Acadian Secret
Tammy Lowe
(The Acadian Secret, #1)
Published by: The Wild Rose Press
Publication date: August 10th 2022
Genres: Action, Adventure, Time-Travel, Young Adult

Nova Scotia has kept an incredible secret for centuries. In 1795, sixteen-year-old John Smith, convinced he’s found buried treasure, digs down into a mysterious pit on a small island.

In present day Nova Scotia, twelve-year-old Elisabeth London knows there’s no such thing as magic, but when she finds herself in 17th century Scotland, she no longer knows what to think. While under the guardianship of a kind-hearted Highlander, Elisabeth discovers his ancestral home holds a mystery of its own.

As John continues to dig the strange pit, he inadvertently begins the longest running, most expensive, and deadliest treasure hunt in history. Now, Elisabeth London and John Smith each try to unravel the secrets consuming them, unaware that a tormented young man holds the string weaving all of their lives together.

For Elisabeth, the adventure is just beginning. Unless her parents discover she’s time-travelling. Then…she is so grounded.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

As the evening sun wandered behind the mountains, it cast an emerald glow across a glen. The valley was dotted with boulders, rocks, and drifts of bright yellow flowering bushes that blanketed the rolling hills, perfuming the air with a coconut scent. A small river twisted its way toward a distant forest. Overhead, a hawk screeched while soaring across an endless blue sky, declaring its vast territory to other hawks.

A dog yelped, over and over and over again.

Awakened by the barking, Elisabeth’s eyes narrowed in confusion. Her chest tightened as she sat up. “What the—?”

A huge, hairy boar, with razor-sharp tusks, lunged into the nearby brambles.

With a gasp, Elisabeth scrambled behind a large rock. Her breath hitched as her mind raced to make sense of the surrounding scenery.

That’s when a hunter, with a short beard and wild black hair that gave him a crazed look, came galloping over the crest of a hill on horseback. “Good boy, Talbot,” he yelled when the dog lunged into the brambles after the wild pig. The angry grunts of the boar filtered through the thick shrub.

Elisabeth leaped back, ducking low to hide behind the boulder. One hand pressed tight across her mouth.

The clip-clop stomping of the horse’s hooves sounded closer. Then, the hunter’s voice rose in pitch as his piercing blue-green eyes stared down at her, crouched in the heather. “What the devil…?”

A cold chill ran up her spine when he dismounted. His head cocked slightly to the side, and she realized his hearing focused on the dog and the boar as he drew closer.

Bending to peer at her, the hunter scratched his cheek. “You all right, lass?”

Elisabeth’s muscles tightened and she drew her head back sharply. “Yep. Fine.”

“Then…what are ye doing out here?” he asked in an uncertain tone while helping her to her feet. “Dressed in naught but…that?”

Elisabeth’s mouth opened, but nothing came out.

“Well, you’re lucky I found you before—” The silence in the valley now broken, Talbot howled, the boar squealed, and Elisabeth backed away with quick, jerky steps.

“Dinnae move, lass,” he ordered in a steady, low-pitched voice while reaching for his dagger.

Elisabeth gasped for air, watching the enraged boar desert its hiding spot in the brambles and charge toward the dog, its lethal tusks ready to kill.

Talbot seemed well-trained so, instead of turning tail and running, he danced backward, facing the pig, luring it away from his master. With the boar now in pursuit of the dog, the hunter ran at the beast as if he were a wild animal himself. Jumping on the boar from behind, he grabbed its ear, yanked its head up, and slashed its throat.

Elisabeth’s heart pounded, and she gripped the sides of her head.

The hunter jumped off the boar as it fell limp at his feet and cleaned the blade on the carcass before putting it away. He then walked toward Elisabeth, his bloody hands held in front of him.

“You’ve got a knife.” Elisabeth whimpered as her gaze darted from the enormous man dressed in a skirt to the ragtag group of hunters who came cantering over the crest of the hill.

“Aye, and a sword.” He smirked while pointing at it. “I’m not going to harm you, though. I’m hunting.”

“Hunting what? Little girls?” Not waiting for an answer, she bolted, heading for the distant forest.

The hunter took a step back and chuckled as Elisabeth made her great escape in slow motion, hindered terribly by bare feet.

“You’re completely mad!” he shouted while mounting his horse, motioning to the arriving men to deal with the boar carcass.

The black warhorse was as large and intimidating as the hunter and the animal’s powerful legs kicked up tall grass and thistles as it galloped along. The sound of its hooves seemed amplified as it neared Elisabeth.

Without needing to slow his horse, he reached down, scooped Elisabeth into his arms, and placed her in the saddle in front of him. She let out a sharp scream.

“There. Now be a good lass. I promise I’m not going to hurt you. You’re on my land so I know you’re not from these parts. I cannot leave you alone out here. It’s not safe and will soon be dark.”

A wave of coldness caused Elisabeth to tremble. She had no idea where she was and no recollection of arriving. When the hunter wrapped her in his plaid and nudged his horse on, Elisabeth’s shoulders tightened. She remained silent, bringing a shaky hand to her forehead while trying to figure out what the heck was going on. This definitely wasn’t Mahone Bay anymore.

Author Bio:

An adventurer at heart, Tammy has explored ruins in Rome, Pompeii, and Istanbul (Constantinople) with historians and archaeologists.

She’s slept in the tower of a 15th century castle in Scotland, climbed down the cramped tunnels of Egyptian pyramids, scaled the Sydney Harbour Bridge, sailed on a tiny raft down the Yulong River in rural China, dined at a Bedouin camp in the Arabian Desert, and escaped from head-hunters in the South Pacific.

I suppose one could say her own childhood wish of time traveling adventures came true…in a roundabout way.

Website / Goodreads / Instagram / Pinterest

GIVEAWAY!
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#SALE: .99 August 10-15, THE UNEXPECTED WEDDING by Debra Elizabeth

 

Lady Elizabeth Tyndale has endured a string of bad dates. She’s not sure if sharing her opinions and business sense scared potential boyfriends away, but what’s the point of having an opinion if she never expresses it? When her brother and sister-in-law invite her to join them on a trip to San Diego, she reluctantly agrees. Besides, what does she have to lose? She’s certainly not burning up the dating scene in England.

Computer Programmer Jackson ‘Jack’ Stanfield doesn’t date much. He’d rather bury himself in code because computers are simple, but people are complicated. When his college buddy invites him to a BBQ, Jack reluctantly agrees to attend. He’s not prepared for his intense reaction when he meets Elizabeth Tyndale. Can the British beauty draw Jack out of his shell and open his heart to love?

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XY8KQC5/

Reviewer's Comments:

5 stars:  Absolutely loved this book!! It was truly a lovely, whimsical, delightful, engaging, heartwarming, romantic read!! Amazon customer

5 stars: What an adorable and heartwarming story! I loved this fun and funny little romance so much. The characters were captivating and the story was clean...so refreshing! Amazon customer

5 stars: I enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. It had laughs and sorrows and a Clean romance which I appreciate in a book. It flowed seamlessly from one scene to another. Characters were well defined and the writing was very smooth and unpretentious. Amazon customer

Excerpt:

Jack walked toward the back door. When he was almost there, he saw a vision—a stunning young woman with blonde curls cascading down her back. When she turned at his approach, the last rays of the sun enveloped her silhouette, giving her an ethereal, dreamy quality. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, and he felt the breath leave his body as he stood staring open-mouthed. He’d never had such a reaction to a woman before. It was new and an unnerving experience.

“Did you want something?” she asked.

Jack continued to stare, totally captivated by this woman and her beautiful cornflower blue eyes. He knew she was talking, but he didn’t hear a word, just a lyrical melody.

The young woman waved her hand in front of his face. “Hello, can I get you something?”

That broke his trance, and Jack felt heat climb up his neck. “Huh? Oh god. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to stare,” he stammered.

“It’s quite all right. Now do you want something, a beer perhaps?” she asked.

“You’re British?”

The young woman’s eyes traveled down to her feet and back up again before she looked at him. “Last time I looked, yes,” she chuckled.

What an asinine thing to say! 

 “Shall we start again?” she asked. “I’m Elizabeth and you are?”

Jack gave himself a mental shake. “Oh, please forgive me. I’m not used to making a complete fool of myself before I’ve even uttered a single word. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Elizabeth. I’m Jackson, um Jack, that is.”

“Well, Jackson um Jack, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Now, would you like a beer?”

He chuckled. “Yes, please. That would be good.”

 

#Review: BEAUTY IN THE BEAST by Emily-Jane Hills Orford

  4 of 5 stars

When I read the blurb for this book, I thought it would be a retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, but this story is far from that. The author creates a dark tale full of mutants, aliens, and superior technology that the human race is not advanced enough to have developed. The is a modern story that follows Priya who lives a somewhat sedate life until she's offered a job in remote northern Canada. She believes she'll be categorizing a library of books, but what she discovers couldn't be further from the truth. What she finds is a castle full of human/animal mutants including her long-lost brother Amell. Finding out a secret lab has manipulated human genes and she's one of those creations sends her on a spiral of disbelief until she starts to realize her own gifts are indeed lab-created. She's outraged that these beings were doing this to humans and that they continue to experiment and refine their procedures. Now, these beings are after Priya, but Amell and his band of mutants vow to take the fight to them. 
The author weaves many "legends" into this story and the plot moves along nicely with descriptive world-building. The cast of characters is interesting and offers a rich background about the full scope of what these alien beings have created. While this book was not what I expected in the more historical sense of the fairytale retelling, it is nonetheless an engaging and intriguing tale.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

BLURB:

 

Priya, a name that suggests beautiful. Amell, a name that suggests all powerful. One is a beautiful young lady; the other a beast. Their paths have crossed before, only Priya doesn’t remember Amell from her past. Or does she? And what does it all mean? The Amell she meets is part beast. So are the others at Castle Mutasim. Is she one of them, too? How can this be? What manner of creature would experiment on other living creatures, to mutate them into something bizarre and, sometimes, downright dangerous? Priya has to know. She wants to know. And she wants to make things right.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Emily-Jane Hills Orford is a country writer, living just outside the tiny community of North Gower, Ontario, near the nation’s capital. With degrees in art history, music and Canadian studies, the retired music teacher enjoys the quiet nature of her country home and the inspiration of working at her antique Jane Austen-style spinet desk, feeling quite complete as she writes and stares out the large picture window at the birds and the forest. She writes in several genres, including creative nonfiction, memoir, fantasy, and historical fiction. http://emilyjanebooks.ca

 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/realpeoplestories

Twitter: @ejhomusic

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Beauty-Beast-Emily-Jane-Hills-Orford-ebook/dp/B09TH1T6J6/

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

#Review: THE BEAUTY AND THE THIEF by Shana Galen

 

 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in a new series, The Royal Saboteurs, and it was quite enjoyable. I loved Callahan Kelly, the charming conman who is recruited by the Baron to serve the Crown. All Cal wants is the money he's promised, but when he's paired with the prim and proper Bridget Murray for a dangerous mission in Ireland, he begins to rethink what's important. Bridget knows what kind of man Cal is. He's just like her father, a gambler and drinker, who thinks of no one but himself and she wants nothing to do with him. While posing as husband and wife for their mission in Ireland, Bridget begins to see a different side of Cal and begins to rethink her original assessment of the charming Irishman.

Cal was delightful and I instantly liked him. I knew there was a wealth of strength in him, but without anyone ever believing in him, he rarely shows his inner reserve. I wasn't enamored with Bridget in the beginning, but as Ms. Galen begins to tease out her back story, it's easy to see why she is so proper all the time. The fact that she can't resist Cal much against her better judgment only added to the angst in the story. There were numerous twists and turns in the story with some factual history thrown in that kept me turning the pages. It's a great start to this new series. 

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

FREE: August 5-8, THE LADY AND THE SPY by Debra Elizabeth

 

Viscount Alesbury, a seasoned spy for the Crown, wants to scale back his missions after his current assignment is complete. It was time he looked for a wife, and he knew just the young lady he wanted to be his viscountess, Miss Violet Bainbridge, the sister of London’s spymaster.

 

Miss Violet Bainbridge was excited to come to London for her Season and attend teas, musicales, dinners and balls. She had met Lord Alesbury last fall, but has not seen him since. Her heart flutters when she thinks about the handsome lord. Will he be in London for the Season and, more importantly, does he crave her company as she does his?

 

Can these two reconnect or are there unseen forces working to keep them apart?

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09LR73PZV

Reviewers Comments:

5 stars:  I would recommend this book to everyone who loves a love story and a mystery. Amazon customer

5 stars: Well-crafted romance. Amazon customer

Interview with J.S. CHRISTINE, Rebel One

 

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?

Rebel One is the first book in the Melkin Series. The series follows Travis and Lacey from when they meet at seventeen years old until their early twenties.  It is Rapunzel and Hades/Persephone inspired. Lacey lives a very sheltered life with her severely protective, sometimes neglectful, father. She meets Travis, who is a member of the Casey gang based in the fictional town of Melkin. When they meet, Travis has left Melkin and is working on turning his life around. Travis asks Lacey to help him keep a low profile and blend in. Travis suggests they should start dating so they have an excuse to be around each other so much (but really, it’s because he just thinks she’s pretty). Lacey will only agree if he agrees to help her explore the world outside of her father’s watchful eye. Later, her association with Travis gets her kidnapped, taken to Melkin, and exposed to a world she hadn’t imagined ever being a part of. The Melkin Series follows the two of them as they navigate obstacles, violence, and trauma on their way to their happily ever after.  

 

Do you have a favorite character?

No. Or at least not yet. I write in multiple point of views and try to really immerse myself in the character I’m writing for at the time. Whichever point of view I’m writing for at the time is usually my favorite character. I will say, the more angst a character has to deal with, the more I generally like them. I love watching a character go from Point A (typically broken – whether or not they know it) to Point B (healing from the trauma or on the road to recovery).  

 

Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all? Did the character become the hero/heroine of their own book?

Yes – The main male character of Rebel One (Travis) was actually a side character in my debut novel, Sparked. Travis barely had a role in Sparked, I wouldn’t even call him a side character. His character and personality formed immediately. When I was thinking about the scene I needed him in, a character yelled his name and Travis happened to pop out in my head without thinking about it in advance and that was how he was named. I kept thinking about him and worked him into a few more scenes and found myself thinking about him. I decided to write Rebel One just for fun and to see where it went. It has turned into a soon-to-be trilogy with prequels and novellas either being written or waiting to be written.

 

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?

I have to write to music. I have playlists for books and individual characters. Without music, it’s hard to find the voice that I’m writing for. 

 

Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?

I’ve tried multiple times to outline a story and just can’t do it. The outline never gets finished and the story usually ends up going in a completely different direction from what I outlined. I definitely make it up as I go along but I cannot write a story without knowing the ending. The ending is always planned in advance as my end destination and there may be a few planned pit stops along the way that feature a scene that I thought about before starting. While I’m writing, I usually have the general idea for the next 2-3 chapters.    

 

What have you’ve learned during your self-publishing journey?

It takes time, patience, dedication, and a belief in yourself. Success isn’t instant and you have to keep trying, keep going, and keep writing. You have to wear many different hats depending on what stage of the process you’re at and you’re probably going to make mistakes but it won’t be the end of the world. 

 

Is your book(s) in Kindle Unlimited or is it wide? What percentage of royalties does page reads represent if in KU?

My books are in Kindle Unlimited and make up about 20%. 

 

Besides writing, do you have any other passions?

I like to pretend I enjoy running.

 

Some fun facts about you, which do you prefer – dogs or cats? Chocolate or vanilla? Coffee or Tea? Talk or Text? Day or Night?

Cats. Vanilla. Coffee or yerba mate tea. Texting. Night. 

 

What’s next for you?

I’m currently editing Stung, the sequel to my debut novel, Sparked. After that, I will be working on releasing the rest of the books in the Melkin Series.

Rebel One
J.S. Christine
(Melkin Series, #1)
Publication date: May 13th 2022
Genres: New Adult, Romance

Lacey Carson dreams of experiencing the world outside of the mundane town her father limits her to. “Go big or go home”? Lacey is already wrapped up in her comforter before that question can be finished. Her fight or flight instinct falls hard in one direction only.

Insert Travis Miller. He’s a little too loud, a little too violent, a little too focused on Lacey. He only knows how to go big.

When the opportunity presents itself for more adventure, Lacey jumps in head first before Travis can say no. It may be a little more than she bargained for as she learns about the ups and downs of independence, her own strength, and the crime world she quickly becomes immersed into.

Goodreads / Amazon

Author Bio:

J.S. Christine has been writing novels since 2011 and graduated with a degree in Creative Writing. She strives to give readers worlds they can relax in with characters they can call their friends. Her novels typically travel down the obstacle-ridden roads of self-discovery with music blasting in the car’s speakers and the occasional explosion off to the side. Her first novel, Sparked, was self-published in 2016. When she isn’t writing, she can be found binge reading books, burning cookies, attempting to run, or teaching her three cats how great popcorn is.

Website / Goodreads / Instagram / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!
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#Excerpt: STORM AND FLAME by Mallory Wanless

Storm and Flame
Mallory Wanless
(Enchanted, #1)
Publication date: September 22nd 2022
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Elena has always been a disappointment. Her magic is practically non-existent and now, on her sixteenth birthday, she is expelled from magic school by the strict headmistress–also known as her mother. Cast out into the world of the magically inept with only her familiar for company, Elena feels lost and alone until she meets a strange boy in the woods.

Quinn is a thief, a hunter, and a hothead. His unexpected friendship with Elena awakens a fiery side in him–quite literally–and uncovers new and surprising magical abilities. Except men aren’t supposed to be capable of magic.

With Quinn’s help, Elena carves a safe new life as a barmaid, but when she is attacked, her powers awaken with shocking ferocity. Elena’s explosion of magic creates a power surge that attracts the attention of magical investigators, sent to uncover and contain the source of the power surge.

But the awakening of their powers kickstarts an ancient prophecy. Will they be able to escape those that hunt them? Can they fulfill the prophecy, destroy the turmio and save magic from being destroyed once and for all?

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

“Come on. Just work, dammit,” Elena muttered to herself, trying for the millionth time to cast her spell.

Agon had stretched his lithe, weasel-like body across a long, skinny patch of sunlight on the floor of the testing room. He’d spent the morning basking in the warmth of the sun-drenched stone and flicking his fluffy blue-black tail back and forth. As her closest, and arguably only, friend, Agon knew nothing he could say would make her feel better. She was in a mood, and the best thing he could do was to leave her be.

Sparks flared and quickly sputtered out from Elena’s fingertips.

“Dammit. Why can’t I get this stupid spell right?” It was a rhetorical question, but Elena was so frustrated by her own ineptitude that she would have traded everything she owned to successfully complete a spell on the first try.

Elena was easily the worst enchantress in her class, probably the whole school. The other students mocked her mercilessly. It didn’t help that her mother, Madame LaBelle, was the most famous enchantress in the whole country, possibly the world, and the headmistress of their school. She could turn a seed into a centuries-old tree with the flick of her wrist. Elena could grow a seed into a sapling with twenty minutes of chanting, flicking, waving, and praying. Maybe. On a good day.

Madame LaBelle was notorious for her skills with magic as much as her beauty. Unfortunately for Elena, she inherited her looks from her father. At least, she assumed that’s where she got her flat hair and dull brown eyes. She’d never actually met him. In Waverly, as far as enchantresses were concerned, men served one purpose: impregnating women. The men were used and released of all parental rights, whether they liked it or not. Most men didn’t even know the woman they had lain with was an enchantress, much less that they had fathered a child as a result. The women opted to disguise themselves — bar wenches, visitors lost in the big city, damsels in need of aid on the side of the road, etc. — just to get what they needed and be gone before the man even knew her name.

It was crass and cowardly, but Elena had been raised to believe it was for the best. Men weren’t capable of raising children, especially magical ones, and an enchantress always gave birth to another enchantress. Never in the history of the world, had an enchantress given birth to a non-magical child. Or a boy, for that matter. Enchantress beget enchantress. End of story.

Elena dreamed of love and happy endings when she was younger. All the girls did, but their time at Harbor Ridge taught them that magic was their top priority, followed closely by their loyalty to the school and Madame LaBelle. Elena always felt that it was a tad hypocritical how often her mother preached about loyalty to their family — the school and their classmates — when she never paid any attention to her own flesh and blood. What sort of mother neglects her own child to favor those who are more adept at magic? Not a good one, Elena mused glumly.

Agon had been with her since before she was born, like all familiars. They were born together and stayed attached for an “unusually long time,” according to her mother. Typically, familiars disconnected from the baby’s umbilical cord within a few days before settling into their permanent animal form. Agon and Elena stayed connected for two weeks, all the while Agon remained a blob encased in the placenta. Her mother had many specialists, including a Therionology Enchantress, or an animal enchantress, come and inspect Agon and try to coax him into taking any form at all. Nothing worked. Baby Elena just spent her days cuddling “this disgusting blob of goo” and sleeping. Madame LaBelle often liked to remind Elena of how unusual that was, and how that should have been a sign that her daughter was going to be different, and not in a good way.

Agon did eventually develop into an animal; however, he didn’t change into anything anyone had ever seen before. When she was young, Elena overheard one of the scholars reminiscing with another about how they’d managed to identify Agon as a Raju. Madame LaBelle had tasked all of the scholars in the Therionology department to scour all the history books and tomes to identify him. Agon was the only known Raju in ages, and Madame LaBelle hated it. Rajus were blue-furred, weasel-like creatures that had lightning abilities. Another frustrating hiccup, as far as Madame LaBelle was concerned. Familiars weren’t supposed to have magic of their own; they were just meant to be guides to help the enchantress learn to control her powers.

Author Bio:

Mallory lives in Texas with her husband and their two young boys. She spends her days homeschooling and full-time parenting. Her nights, and any free time she manages to carve out during the day, are devoted to reading and writing.

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#Excerpt: POTION: A WITCHY FAIRY TALE by Dorlana Vann

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Dorlana Vann will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

WitchesBeBitches

A Contemporary Retelling.

Eight years ago, the wicked witch held Hansel Lucas Jaeger and his sister, Melrose, captive. They barely escaped with their lives. Now, with high school, a garage band, and a part time job, Lucas finally feels normal.

But everything changes when Lucas sees his awkward, loner sister, hanging out with Star, one of the hot and hated popular girls known as The Bitches. At first, he’s just confused, but when he sees the tarot cards between them, he’s reminded of the curse the witch cast on Melrose.

His fears escalate when Star warns him about two witches from school who plan on using his sister for a ritual. Lucas wants to trust Star; he needs someone to confide in since Melrose thinks his fear of witchcraft is irrational. But Star is unpredictable and has toyed with his emotions before.

As Lucas searches for answers, more mysteries begin to unravel about Melrose’s childhood, Star’s motives, and his own family legacy. Lucas will have to make life and death decisions; but whom can he trust, and how do you rescue someone who doesn’t want to be saved?

Excerpt:

He knew why he had to destroy the card, sort of, he had felt the threat in his bones. What he couldn’t understand was why Melrose didn’t sense anything wrong. “Don’t you remember what happened in the woods?” he said easily, glancing at her to see if there was any spark of memory.

She shrugged. “No, I don’t, not really, and I don’t want to.”

Melrose had managed to block out the first eight years of her life, and his mom called him the forgetful one. “Well, I do, but what I forgot, or pushed aside, until that moment in there, was the curse.”

“Curse? Really? There’s no such thing as curses. Come on.”

“I don’t know what else to call it, but the witch made you say that rhyme.” He squeezed his eyes together, trying to remember. “Something about transforming Venus into a witch in eight years.”

Silence seeped into the backyard. They both turned their attention to the fire when it crackled, old trash igniting.

“Melrose, think. It’s been almost exactly eight years—”

“So what?” she spat.

“I think you’re Venus.”

Melrose crossed her arms and huffed. “So, I’m a planet?”

“Your birth name,” he said, trying to ignore her mocking tone. “Your real name. I know you don’t remember, and I never mentioned it because I was trying to put all that behind me, too.”

“I think I would have remembered if that was my name.”

“Really? But you don’t remember anything else? Whatever. Your name isn’t important. What I’m trying to tell you is that something is sketch.” He pointed toward the house. “You gotta stay away from anyone who plays around with that witchcraft shit so you don’t trigger … you know.”

About the Author: Dorlana Vann loves taking elements from fairy tales (characters, mood, moral, plot) and mixing them with a paranormal element and then dropping them in a contemporary setting.

She has several supernatural fairy tale inspired stories, including novels, a short story collection, and Kindle Vella series. Her latest adventure is A Witchy Fairy Tale series; book 1: Potion.

Besides writing, life is all about family, food, book-club, BBQ team, festivals, trivia (even though she's horrible at it), and drinking on patios – All of which she shares on Instagram

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#Excerpt: THE LAST ONE by A.S. Kelly

The Last One
A.S. Kelly
Publication date: July 25th 2022
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

Allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Anya O’Donnell, and I’d like to declare myself guilty beyond all reasonable doubt.
Guilty of what, you ask?
Well, for starters, I’m guilty of lying to everyone for years; of pretending when I should have been showing them all who I really was, what I really wanted. I’m guilty of pushing away the only person who wanted to stay, convinced that, one day, he’d have left, anyway.
I told him we were a mistake.
I told him I was better off without him.
I told him that I didn’t love him.
And now I miss him. I miss his cups of tea and his stupid cheese crackers. I miss his clothes, strewn about the house. I miss the way he would watch me sleep. I miss his arms, holding me tightly each night, making me feel at home.
But now we’re both alone. And I’m scared.
I’m scared that he believed everything I told him; that he has no intention of coming back.

Allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Owen McKenna, and I’m furious.
Why, you ask?
Well, because I decided to follow my heart and not my head. Because I didn’t listen to my friends or to their far-fetched theories. Because I left anyway – even when everyone was telling me to stay.
And now she doesn’t want me back. But I want her, desperately.
She’s the woman I’ve been waiting for. She’s incredibly sexy, and can make you laugh, even when you least want to. She’s never let anyone in, apart from me; and when she crumbles into my arms, it makes me feel like the only guy in the world.
But I ruined everything.
I let the L-word slip, and she panicked.
She told me things she didn’t even think – I know that. I know her.
I know that she’s scared, that she doesn’t want to take this risk. But I do. I’m ready.
I’m her exception.
I just need to make her see that, too.

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—

EXCERPT:

“Ms. O’Donnell.”
“What?”
“My surname. O’Donnell.”
“Mine is…”
“I didn’t ask. I’m telling you mine. You can call me Ms. O’Donnell.”
“Are you serious?”
“Good morning, Ms. O’Donnell. Or good evening, depending on the circumstance.”
“Can I wish you goodnight, too?”
“You’re not helping yourself.”
I laugh. I like winding her up – mainly because she doesn’t flinch.
“Are you telling me I can’t even say your name?”
“Only friends use my name.”
“And I’m not a friend?”
“No.”
“And I’ll never become a friend?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Why not?”
“Because you’ve seen me naked. And usually, friends don’t see each other naked.”
“Is that one of your rules?”
“It’s just become one.”
“A special rule for me?”
“Don’t flatter yourself. You’re not even my type.”
“What is your type?”
“That’s something I don’t share with strangers or acquaintances. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have work waiting for me.”
She slowly walks to the entrance, under my watchful gaze. I can’t help but fixate on the slinky, sensual movement of her hips.
“Ms. O’Donnell?” I call. She stops and looks around at me again.
“I hope you have a great day.”
“I thought it would be. Now I’m not so sure.”

Author Bio:

A. S. Kelly writes Rom-Com, Romantic Fiction and Family Saga.
Avid reader, hopeless romantic, lover of yoga, knitting and home baking.
She was born in Italy but lives in Ireland with her husband, two children and a cat named Oscar.

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