E.J. Stevens's Blog, page 64

Q+A with Tera Lynn Childs + Just For Fins Giveaway

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Tera Lynn Childs.  Tera is the author of the Oh. My. Gods. series (Oh. My. Gods., Goddess Boot Camp), the Medusa Girls series (Sweet Venom, Sweet Shadows), and the Fins series (Forgive My Fins, Fins Are Forever, and Just for Fins).

Keep reading for a chance to win a copy of Just For Fins by Tera Lynn Childs.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Tera:  I started writing after graduate school, when I was basically house-sitting for my parents and spent a LOT of time reading. I made weekly trips to the bookstore for a new stack of romances that I instantly devoured. Eventually, I started wanting the characters to say or do things differently. I finally decided that if I wrote the stories, the would. (Little did I know how stubborn those characters can be!)

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Tera:  It was a total accident. I had been writing historical romance and contemporary chick lit when I started playing around with reality TV show titles. At the time, a show called Growing Up Gotti was on A&E and I tweaked the title to be Growing Up Godly (the working title for Oh. My. Gods.). Since I don't write inspirational fiction, I knew the Godly bit had to refer to something else. I'd always loved Greek mythology, so that immediately sprang to mind.

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?

Tera:  I would be a mermaid. I've always wanted to be a mermaid. I've always loved the water and was a competitive swimmer growing up, so I would love to be able to spend even more time swimming. Plus, my hair always looks great underwater.

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.

Tera:  Just For Fins is the third book in the series that started with Forgive My Fins and Fins Are Forever. In this book, readers will get to see far more of the mermaid world as Lily starts taking her princess duties very seriously. There are kings and queens from other mer kingdoms and Lily travels throughout the Western Atlantic on her mission to save the oceans.

EJ:  If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?

Tera:  Oh, I'm always so bad at this. I make character collages when I start a book, and that's the image that get branded in my mind for the characters. They're always wildly inappropriate. In my collages, Lily is played by Shakira (with her crazy frizzy blond hair) and Quince by Eric Dane (based in a picture of him straddling a motorcycle).























Just For Fins (Fins #3) by Tera Lynn Childs.

When Lily Sanderson decided to remain Crown Princess Waterlily of the mermaid kingdom Thalassinia, she knew she couldn’t just coast along in the current. But since she’s spent the last couple of years on land—with gorgeous human Quince by her side—Lily’s not sure she has the fins to lead a kingdom. Even her maddeningly pretentious cousin Dosinia seems to know more about ruling than she does.

But Lily has to dive in deep to keep her promise to Tellin, her mer bond in name only, whose kingdom is suffering in the changing ocean climate. Lily knows this is a seven seas–sized problem: from sea animals dying to oil spills and threats to humans. They’ll need to create some serious waves to make the mer community aware and get it to join together to make things right. Even if that means facing one of the iciest queens in the mer kingdoms.

Just when Lily thinks her double life on land and sea can’t get any more complicated, an ancient mer law might separate Lily and Quince after all. It feels as if the pair is up against a solid tsunami wave!

In this third installment in the series that began with Forgive My Fins and Fins Are Forever, Lily will have to find a way to balance safety and justice for the mer people as well as for the humans she loves.


Thank you Tera for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Tera Lynn Childs and her books, please visit her website.

**Just For Fins Book Giveaway**

We are giving away a copy of Just For Fins by Tera Lynn Childs to one lucky winner.

To enter, please leave a comment on this post and include your email address so we may contact you if you win.  This giveaway is to US mailing addresses only.  Giveaway ends August 16, 2012 midnight EST.

Dark Companion Giveaway Winner

Congratulations Kimber Shook winner of our Dark Companion Giveaway at From the Shadows!  Kimber Shook will receive an ebook copy of Dark Companion by Marta Acosta.

Thank you to all who entered.

**Giveaway winners selected using Random.org unless otherwise specified**

Interview at Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews

Today I am the featured paranormal author at Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews .

Come on over and check out the interview to learn more about Shadow Sight, my writing process, and my current passions.  I will be answering reader questions throughout the day.

See you there!

xx E.J.

Shadow Sight Release Party + Giveaway

Today we are celebrating the release of Shadow Sight , the first novel in the Ivy Granger urban fantasy series.  Keep reading for a chance to win signed copies of Shadow Sight, stickers, pens, t-shirts, and more.

Let's party!

Shadow Sight is a fun, exciting series with the dark grit of adult urban fantasy and the fun, quirky humor that YA readers have come to expect from my novels.  If you enjoy fast paced adventure, unique (and sometimes hilarious) characters, and a plethora of supernatural beasties, then take a chance on Shadow Sight.  I hope you all enjoy the ride.






















Shadow Sight (Ivy Granger, #1) by E.J. Stevens

Welcome to Harborsmouth, where monsters walk the streets unseen by humans…except those with second sight, like Ivy Granger.

Some things are best left unseen...
Ivy Granger's second sight is finally giving her life purpose. Ivy and her best friend Jinx may not be raking in the dough, but their psychic detective agency pays the bills--most of the time. Their only worry is the boredom of a slow day and the occasional crazy client--until a demon walks through their door.

Demons are never a good sign...

A demon attorney representing the water fae? Stranger things have happened. And things are about to get very, very strange as a bloodthirsty nightmare hunts the city of Harborsmouth.

There's blood in the water...
Kelpies have a reputation for eating humans. Unfortunately, Kelpies are the clients. When an Unseelie faerie this evil stalks the waterways of your city, you have to make hard choices.

The lesser of two evils...

Praise for Shadow Sight:
"I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sarcastic wit, supernatural beings, a good mystery and one kick butt heroine."
-Paranormal Romance Guild

"If you’re a fan of mythology or paranormal books, you would enjoy Shadow Sight."
-Flashlight Reader

"Readers will love E.J's signature humorous writing, her kick-butt protagonist, and one heck of an unpredictable story."
-A Cupcake and a Latte

"I absolutely love the creepies in this book.  If you like strange creatures and quirky-oddball descriptions this is for you."
-Dizzy Izzy Book Reviews

"I love the world of Harborsmouth...Stevens has again managed to create characters that I loved. She has this knack for making quirky, endearing characters. Ivy, Jinx, Kaye, Marvin, and Hob are perhaps more addicting than the characters from the Spirit Guide series."
-Reading Lark

Add Shadow Sight to your TBR Pile:Goodreads / Shelfari / LibraryThing
**Shadow Sight Release Party Giveaway**

(1 Winner) Grand Prize:  Signed copy of Shadow Sight by E.J. Stevens, Ebook copy of Shadow Sight by E.J. Stevens (choice of mobi or pdf), Shadow Sight t-shirt (Size XL, Private Eye logo on front, left chest and full color book cover on back), Private Eye sticker, Private Eye pen, Ivy Granger magnet, signed Shadow Sight postcard.

(1 Winner) First Prize:  Signed copy of Shadow Sight by E.J. Stevens, Ebook copy of Shadow Sight by E.J. Stevens (choice of mobi or pdf), Private Eye sticker, Private Eye pen, Ivy Granger magnet, signed Shadow Sight postcard.

(1 Winner) Second Prize:  $10 Amazon Gift Card (or book up to $10 value at The Book Depository) Ebook copy of Shadow Sight by E.J. Stevens (choice of mobi or pdf), Private Eye sticker, Ivy Granger magnet, signed Shadow Sight postcard.

(3 Winners) Third Prize:  Ebook copy of Shadow Sight by E.J. Stevens (choice of mobi or pdf), Private Eye sticker, signed Shadow Sight postcard.

To enter, please leave a comment on this post including your email address so we may contact you if you win.  You do not have to be a blog follower or email subscriber to enter.  This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL.  Giveaway ends July 31st midnight EST.

Good luck!

More chances to win:

Shadow Sight 24-Hour Twitter Party:  I will be giving away books, ebooks, signed postcards, and more all day on Twitter.  Visit my Twitter page (@EJStevensAuthor) July 24, 2012, or use Twitter hashtag #ShadowSightParty any time July 24th, for a chance to win.

Visit the official Ivy Granger website contest page for links to giveaways around the blogosphere.

Subscribe to E.J.'s author newsletter for news, exclusive coupon codes, and opportunities for free swag.

To all of the amazing book bloggers who are reviewing Shadow Sight and hosting giveaways, YOU ROCK.

Happy Reading! xx E.J.

Shadow Sight now available at Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble, and other fine retailers.
Use coupon code SSW25 and take 25% off Shadow Sight at Smashwords Coupon expires July 31, 2012 midnight PST.
Amazon.com / Amazon.uk / Smashwords / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

The Progeny Series Character Interview + Giveaway

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Ashlynne Laynne.  Ashlynne is the author of The Progeny and Blood Bonds.

Keep reading for a chance to win ebook copies of The Progeny (2nd Edition) and Blood Bonds by Ashlynne Laynne.

Ashlynne Laynne’s Interview with Ascher and Shauna Rousseau

Ascher and Shauna both appear through the bi-fold patio doors that lead to a cozy lanai, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Ashlynne: (stands and hugs Ascher) “Ash, it’s so good to see you.” (hugs Shauna) “Shauna you look fabulous. You’ve been working out?”

Shauna: (sits in a wicker chair opposite Ashlynne) “I’m facing the trials soon, so I have to focus on my conditioning.”

Ashlynne: “So, what are you doing to prepare?”

Shauna: “Ash and I run a lap around the island every morning and he’s teaching me to use a javelin and daggers.”

Ashlynne: "Is Ascher fair or does he run laps around you while using his vampire speed?”

Shauna: “You know Ash; he’s such a practical joker sometimes. He’s always jeering me and telling me to move my butt.”

Ashlynne: “You look great, Shauna. I’m sure you’ll pass with flying colors.”

Ascher: (disappears for a second, then reappears with tea and sandwiches) “I hope you like tea, Ashlynne,” Ascher speaks in his sexy French accented English.

Ashlynne: (smiles) “Tea’s fine, Ash.” (turns to Shauna) “Have you gotten used to his vampire speed yet?”

Shauna: (giggles) “He’s showing off, he hardly ever does that anymore.”

Ascher: (settles down in the chair next to Shauna, his hand lovingly placed over hers) “It’s nice to have you here on Tranquility, Ashlynne.”

Ashlynne: “It’s so beautiful here, and I have to admit, I’ve always wanted to come to Hawaii.”

Ascher: “Shauna and I love it here. I think we’ll be sad to go back to Langley.”

Ashlynne: “So, married life seems to be agreeing with the both of you. Has it changed your relationship?”

Shauna: “Not really...we were committed to one another before the ceremonies, so a certificate and wedding band don’t mean a whole lot.”

Ashlynne: “Speaking of wedding bands...can I just say, wow! Those rings are gorgeous. Who picked them out?”

Ascher: “Gabe helped me to pick them out.”

Ashlynne: “How are Gabe and Katy?”

Shauna: “They’re down in Miami taking a breather for the summer. Kat’s really happy.”

Ashlynne: “I heard that they got engaged. Tell her congratulations for me.”

Shauna: “I will.”

Ashlynne: “We’re on a private island, swarming with security, so I’m assuming that Ursula is at it again.”

Ascher: (a swirl of Crimson flashes in his eyes as his jaw tightens) “They are the reason that we had to come here, in the first place.” (his eyes soften) “We’re grateful to Tris and Kara for allowing us to use their home. We’ve have had a lot of fun.”

Shauna: (blushes as she meets Ascher’s gaze) “We sure have.”

Ashlynne: “Excuse me if I’m being nosey, but does that fun happen to include trying to conceive a baby?”

Shauna: (glances at Ascher and they both smile at one another) “Yes, we’re trying, but we haven’t had any luck yet.”

Ascher: (chuckles deviously) “I’ve rather enjoyed the practicing.”

Ashlynne: “Well, you know what they say, practice makes perfect.”

Both Ascher and Shauna grin.

Ascher: “Trust me, Ashlynne, you’ll be the first to know.”

Ashlynne: “How is the conversion to animal blood going?”

Ascher: (frowns) “I’m better but it’s still tough. I’m determined to succeed and Shauna is very supportive.”

Ashlynne: “I have one more question and I’ll have everything that I need for the interview. Ash, you’re wearing a flowered shirt. Does that mean that you’re conforming?”

Ascher: (chuckles) “Hell no. Shauna got this hideous thing for me to wear for the interview, so that I didn’t scare the crap out of you.”

Ashlynne: “I’m not afraid of you, Ascher, but Shauna did a great job. It’s an unexpected change from your usual attire. You should wear non-black clothing more often.”

Ascher: (tugs at his shirt collar) “I don’t know about that, Ashlynne.”

Shauna stifles a laugh.

Ashlynne: “I know you guys have a ton of things to do and I think I have what I need for my blog. Is there anything you’d like to say in conclusion?”

Shauna: “It was fun having you here and there’s an open invitation for you to visit Bonheur anytime.”

Ascher: “Yes, let’s do it again really soon.”

Ashlynne: “That’s awful sweet of the both of you. Thanks for the interview and have fun working on the little Rousseau.” (hugs Shauna) “Take care doll and say hello to the others for me.”

Shauna: “I will and you take care, too, Ashlynne.”

Ascher: “I’ll show you out.”
























Blood Bonds (The Progeny #2) by Ashlynne Laynne.

“Forever. For always. For eternity.”

The ties that bind two hearts are powerful. For Ascher Rousseau and Shauna McCutchin, it’s more than just a blood bond. Their union is that of vampire legend. Their love is a predestined prophecy foretold centuries ago.

It’s a week before Ascher and Shauna's sealing and the couple is making final preparations for their eternity. But Ascher's ex has other plans. Ursula is hell-bent on revenge—revenge fueled by lover's scorn and her father's death—and she begins breeding a fresh army of newborn darklings to do her bidding.

When Ursula finds a new weapon—an ally with the capability to dismantle the Rousseau clan— Ascher and Shauna's bond is tested and they must stand together against Ursula or lose each other for eternity.


Thank you Ashlynne for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Ashlynne Laynne and her books, please visit her website and don't miss her interview here at From the Shadows.






















**The Progeny Giveaway**

We are giving away ebook copies of The Progeny (2nd Edition) and Blood Bonds by Ashlynne Laynne to one lucky winner.

To enter, please leave a comment on this post and include your email address so we may contact you if you win.  This giveaway is international.  Giveaway ends August 2, 2012 midnight EST.

Happy Friday the 13th

It's Friday the 13th!  A great day for staying home, avoiding pointy objects, and curling up with a creepy paranormal book.

Hope you all have a spooktacular day! xx E.J.

Q+A with Marta Acosta + Dark Companion Giveaway

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Marta Acosta.  Marta is the author of the Casa Dracula series (Happy Hour at Casa Dracula, Midnight Brunch, The Bride of Casa Dracula, Haunted Honeymoon), Wolfish in Sheep's Clothing, The Shadow Girl of Birch Grove, and Dark Companion.

Keep reading for a chance to win a copy of Dark Companion by Marta Acosta.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Marta:  I've been writing every since I learned how to scrawl the alphabet. I was always writing stories, poems, essays, notes to friends, whatnot. I always wrote things during the school day to entertain myself and friends. Then I went on to college and studied creative writing, but I was still writing for my friends and for fun.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Marta:  Paranormal poses the question, "What if...?, and I especially like stories where a character's notion of reality is challenged. Right now, there's such an amazing range of paranormal fiction, including dystopians, horror, romances, action thrillers, mysteries, and comedies. One of the things I like best about paranormal is that I can place a character in a situation where she can't take the normal paths to safety, i.e., going to the police, but must use her own resources to save herself.

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?

Marta:  That's easy! I would like to transport myself from one place to another. Flying is expensive, time consuming, and annoying. I'd love to visit so many places!

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.

Marta:  There are so many things to love about Dark Companion -- the beautiful and creepy setting at Birch Grove Academy, the determined foster girl and her funny new friend, Mary Violet, the  quotes from classic gothics, and, of course, echoes of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre and other classic gothics.

EJ:  If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?

Marta:  Now that's a really hard question! I don't think of actors or actresses when I envision my characters.  I have ideas that are more about personalities or even the sound of their voices, than about appearances. But frequently I see girls at the mall or wherever and I think, "She looks like Jane!" I recently told the narrator for my audiobooks that Ksenia Solo, who plays Kenzi in "The Lost Girl" urban fantasy series, has the funny sexy snark of my character Milagro, but she doesn't look like her.  I love to hear readers' suggestions on good casting for my stories, especially who they'd like to see play hilarious Mary Violet.























Dark Companion by Marta Acosta.

When foster teen Jane Williams is invited to attend elite Birch Grove Academy for Girls and escape her violent urban neighborhood, she thinks the offer is too good to be true. She's even offered her own living quarters, the groundskeeper's cottage in the center of the birch grove.

Something's not quite right about the school -- or is it Jane? She thinks she sees things in the birch grove at night. She's also beginning to suspect that the elegant headmistress and her sons are hiding secrets. Lucky is the gorgeous, golden son who is especially attentive to Jane, and Jack is the sardonic puzzling brother.

The school with its talented teachers and bright students is a dream for a science and math geek like Jane. She also loves her new friends, including hilarious poetry-spouting rich girl, Mary Violet. But the longer Jane stays at Birch Grove, the more questions she has about the disappearance of another scholarship girl and a missing faculty member.

Jane discovers one secret about Birch Grove, which only leads to more mysteries. What is she willing to sacrifice in order to stay at this school...and be bound to Birch Grove forever?


Thank you Marta for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Marta Acosta and her books, please visit her website.

**Dark Companion Giveaway**

We are giving away a copy of Dark Companion by Marta Acosta to one lucky winner.

To enter, please leave a comment on this post including your email address so we may contact you if you win.  This giveaway is open to US mailing addresses only.  Giveaway ends July 26, 2012 midnight EST.

Taste Giveaway Winner

Congratulations Katy S. winner of our Taste Giveaway at From the Shadows!  Katy will receive an ebook copy of Taste by Kate Evangelista.

Thank you to all who entered.

**Giveaway winners selected using Random.org unless otherwise specified**

Betrayed Giveaway Winner

Congratulations Koll winner of the Betrayed Giveaway at From the Shadows!  Koll will receive a signed ARC of Betrayed by Ednah Walters, Betrayed t-shirt, Guardian Legacy t-shirt, pen, 2 signed bookmarks, and 2 fridge magnets.

Thank you to all who entered.

Didn't win?  Be sure to enter the additional Betrayed Tour Giveaway (rafflecopter entry) ending July 9, 2012.  The author is also giving away a Kindle Fire, 5 ARCs of Betrayed, 10 Betrayed t-shirts, 10 fridge magnets, 10 signed bookmarks, and 5 Betrayed pens.

**From the Shadows giveaway winners selected using Random.org unless otherwise specified.**

Q+A with Barbara Ashford (Spellcrossed)

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Barbara Ashford.  Barbara is the author of Spellcast and Spellcrossed.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Barbara:  Back in elementary school. From “Cherokee the Wild Pinto” to “What Color is Love?” (Pretty much every color but puce in my poem) to historical romance novels (one of which I began with a movie trailer: “She was a nurse. She was a spy. She was a woman among women. She was…CLAUDINE. And every man she met loved her.”). After junior high school, though, I channeled most of that creative energy into acting and only returned to writing fiction years later.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Barbara:  When I began noodling about Spellcast, I knew that Maggie would fall in love with the director of the Crossroads Theatre. But the book isn’t your typical paranormal romance – more a blend of mystery, fantasy, and romance. Neither Maggie nor Rowan is looking for love. She wants to get her life in order. He wants to escape the curse that binds him to this world. It’s the relationship that slowly evolves between them that allows those things to happen.

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?

Barbara:  Hmm…that’s a tough one. If I could be any paranormal, it would probably be a Fae. Still kind of human, but without the bloodsucking or the monthly transformation into a wolf. (If I had to choose between vampire and werewolf, it would definitely be werewolf. There’s something very appealing about freeing the inner beast.)

In terms of supernatural powers, I’d like to be able to time travel. I’ve always been fascinated by history, and the opportunity to experience other time periods would be cool. Although there’s the whole hygiene thing – could I really be happy in a world without flush toilets? Maybe just short visits to other times with potty breaks in this world!

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.

Barbara:  Maggie has to cope with the same issues we all face: pressure at work, relationships with friends and family, romance, figuring out what she’s going to do with her life. Rowan has to cope with some of those same issues, but he has the added strain of trying to “pass” in the human world. Falling in love only complicates matters. It’s one thing for a human to love an otherworldly being. How do you live with one on a day-to-day basis? Can love really conquer all or will the relationship crack under the strain? Spellcrossed at looks those issues from both a serious and a humorous perspective. And – like Spellcast – it’s a book about family: the one we are given and the one we choose, the bonds that unite us and the pressures that can tear us apart.

EJ:  If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?

Barbara:  If I’d written this series ten or fifteen years ago, I’d have gone with Ralph Fiennes or Jeremy Irons as Rowan. Slender, sensitive, angst up the wazoo. But alas, they’re both a bit old now. Johnny Depp, maybe? I adore him. He has the right blend of humor and sensitivity. And he has a timeless quality as well, the perennial Peter Pan.

Maggie? Again, ten or fifteen years ago, it would have been Julianne Moore, hands down. She’s physically perfect for Maggie and she can do funny and heartbreaking. Now? Anna Pacquin? Amy Adams? They both have the combination of vulnerability and toughness that Maggie needs.
























Spellcrossed (Crossroads Theatre #2) by Barbara Ashford

It's not easy losing the magic in your life…

But when Maggie Graham freed Rowan Mackenzie to return to Faerie, she took the first step toward her new life as director of the Crossroads Theatre.
A hectic new season of summer stock leaves her little time to moon over the past. She has to balance the demands of her interfering board president and a company of actors that includes bewildered amateurs, disdainful professionals, a horde of children, and an arthritic dog. And while Maggie yearns to give others the kind of healing she found at the Crossroads, even she recognizes that magic must take a back seat to ticket sales.

But magic is hard to banish from the old white barn. Memories lurk like ghosts in the shadowy wings and the unexpected is as time-honored a tradition as the curtain call. And when the tangled spells of Maggie' past turn her life upside down, it will take more than faery magic to ensure the happy-ever-after ending she longs for.…


Thank you Barbara for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Barbara Ashford and her books, please visit her website.