Roxanne Rhoads's Blog, page 407

Interview: Protect Her by Sophia Kimble

Can you tell readers a little bit about yourself and what inspired to write in this particular genre?
I’ve always been fascinated with the paranormal…ghosts, vampires, and all things that go bump in the night. When I finally decided to write a novel, it was never a question as to what genre it would be. I grew up reading Stephen King and Dean Koontz, so I think the spook factor was a must in my books.
What inspired you to write this book? 
I had an episode of sleep paralysis when I was much younger and the experience was the genesis of Protect Her .
In sleep paralysis, you wake up while still in REM sleep and can’t move. Often times it’s accompanied by hallucinations. Mine was a demon and scared the crap out of me.Years later, I just had to put the event into a story.
Please tell us about your latest release. 
Protect Her , a paranormal romance, has just released with Soul Mate Publishing. It’s the story of two lovers bound by fate, torn apart by evil, and reunited by perseverance.
Is there a character that you enjoyed writing more than any of the others? 
Malcolm Campbell has been my favorite all along. He plays a supporting role in Protect Her , but Avenge Her is his novel.
He’s an immortal Highlander living in the present. He’s tormented by the death of his wife in the thirteenth century, and still holds honor and commitment as truths you don’t stray from, and he’s just so damn sexy, I can’t help but love him.
Do you have a formula for developing characters? Like do you create a character sketch or list of attributes before you start writing or do you just let the character develop as you write?
By the time I write the first word I have a pretty clear picture in my head of who the characters are. I do like to find a picture that matches the image I have, and do get a bit of their backstory in my head before I begin.
Often times, they change who they are in the story and I have to create a backstory in their past to explain why they’ve gone off the rails. They really won’t listen to me about who they are, so I’ve learned to be really flexible.
What is your favorite scene from the book? Could you share a little bit of it, without spoilers of course?
One of my favorite scenes takes place in a gorge where Kris and Golden just begin to get close. But of course, something evil comes and messes thing up.
Did you find anything really interesting while researching this or another book?
I’ve really enjoyed researching about Druids and witches. I learned so much about Wiccan’s and Druid’s that I hadn’t known.
What is the most interesting thing you have physically done for book related research purposes?
For my second book in The Druid’s Curse series, Avenge Her , Izzy is a witch who uses tarot cards. They begin to appear in a variety of places and indicate danger is imminent. I bought myself a tarot deck and have had to learn how to lay out a Celtic Cross spread, and what all the cards mean, as well as how the cards surrounding them relate.That’s not to say I could comfortably give someone a reading, but I’ve had a blast trying to learn.
With the book being part of a series, are there any character or story arcs, that readers jumping in somewhere other than the first book, need to be aware of? Can these books be read as stand alones?
 The books have been written to stand alone, though there are several little side story arcs that are explained a little bit more with each book. But if you haven’t read the book before, not to worry, you will be caught up to speed with what you need to understand how these arcs have carried over from a previous book.
Do you write in different genres?
Protect Her has some chapters that take place in 13th century Scotland. I would love to write a straight historical romance one day.
Do you find it difficult to write in multiple genres?
 I really didn’t find it difficult to switch genres. It just kind of flowed.
When did you consider yourself a writer?
When I signed on the dotted line of my contract. J
What was the last amazing book you read?
Elizabeth Kostova’s The Historian.
What can readers expect next from you? 
Protect Her is the first novel in The Druid’s Curse series. I’m editing the second in the series, Avenge Her and hope to have it to my editor next month. I’m also currently writing the third in the series, Fear Her . I’ve also planned the fourth, Release Her .
Where can readers find you on the web?
www.sophiakimble.com @SophiaKimble Facebook
Would you like to leave readers with a little teaser or excerpt from the book?
Grocery shopping when she was hungry was a bad idea. She tossed a box of Lucky Charms into a cart filled with frozen dinners, Ho Ho’s, and chips, before moving across the aisle and reaching for a loaf of bread. Her fingers slipped, and the white plastic rectangle with blue, yellow, and red dots did a summersault before sailing onto the worn linoleum floor five feet from where she stood.
She stared at the bread as exhaustion hit her like a Mack truck. God, she felt like a zombie with the brain capacity of a gnat. A large pair of hiking boots stepped into view, and her body hummed as if she were still in the car going seventy down the highway.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Stepping back, she caught her hip on a display of rolls. Crap. She grabbed the heavy cardboard and set it to rights before the whole thing toppled to the floor.
A man chuckled.
She looked up.
Asshole Guy stared back. Any humor he may have had at her expense wasn’t evident on his hard angular jaw, high cheekbones, and slashed eyebrows. The murmurings and background noise of the store faded. Heat spread through her and pooled between her thighs.
Golden checked him out. She couldn’t help it. At Mary’s, she’d been so caught up in the fact he looked exactly like her dream man, her gaze hadn’t wandered below his thick neck.
A skintight, black T-shirt stretched over a ripped torso, tapered waist, long muscular legs in faded jeans—holy crap he was huge, and delicious, and standing in front of her.He continued to stare.
She couldn’t believe the nerve of this guy. Babe or not, he was a giant A-hole. “Could you get out of the way?”
A delicious musky scent reminding her of woods and spice surrounded her, confused her.
She blinked several times, hands fisting the cart. His frown deepened above eyes so blue, she lost herself. It seemed as if they stood staring at each other for an eternity, though she knew it was more like seconds. She tried to swallow the lump in her throat, but couldn’t—no words—no movement—nothing.
He shook his head as if trying to clear something away, then in one graceful move, he lunged, picked up the bread, and held it out to her. A half-grin transformed his face into supermodel gorgeous and a dimple sank in his cheek. His eyebrow rose as he glanced at her basket of junk food.
“Your Wonder Bread—my lady.”
The deep timbre of his voice caressed her skin, and she wondered how it would feel to have his tongue flicking the sensitive flesh of her throat with feather light kisses, tickling her collarbone. Heat flooded her face.
What was wrong with her? Her lascivious thoughts made her cheeks and inner thighs burn. God, he made her think of words like lascivious. She needed to get away from him. He was trouble. As she clasped the bread, her hands shook like she’d drank two pots of coffee.His head tipped, and a confused expression washed over his face before he turned and walked away.
She pulled the loaf to her tightening chest. How could he be real? She never thought he’d be real. She looked around the aisle in a daze.
He was gone.
Had she hallucinated again? She held her breath and sweat beaded her upper lip as she considered the idea.
Shit, she really was crazy.





Protect Her
The Druid's CurseBook 1Sophia Kimble
Print Length: 260 pages
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
ASIN: B00O4G18RK
Book Description:
Golden Alexander is trapped in a nightmare.
Trying to flee her hallucination of a demon, she runs heart first into the brooding alpha male she’s been dreaming about for years, and then her nightmare really begins.
Kris Pietka is done with women...he’s broken. But when he meets Golden, an overwhelming need to protect her tests everything he thought he knew about himself, and the paranormal.
A bond forged centuries ago thrusts them together as they search for a way to break an ancient Druid curse prophesying their demise. Racing against the clock, they travel from Vermont, to the Carpathian Mountains in Poland, and the Scottish Highlands in search of answers and a way to break the curse.
But something evil watches—it covets, and time is running out.
Will fate allow love to prevail against unbeatable odds, or will Golden wake to find it was all a delusion?
Available at Amazon


About the Author:
Sophia Kimble has always wanted to be an author, but for years, life got in the way. She wouldn’t change a thing about how her life turned out, though. Her family keeps her laughing and loving. Her wonderful husband and two extraordinary children stand beside her every step of the way and make this journey called life worth living.
Sophia has worked as a nurse for twenty years, but has put that career path aside to devote her time and imagination to writing down the stories that keep her up nights.
She takes her love of the paranormal, history, and genealogy, and weaves them into tales of family, fated love, and supernatural occurrences.
Connect with Sophia at the following sites:
Website: http://sophiakimble.com      
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophiakimbleauthor    
Twitter: @SophiaKimble https://twitter.com/SophiaKimble

Interview Falling from the Light by Regan Summers

Can you tell readers a little bit about yourself and what inspired to write in this particular genre?
Thank you so much for hosting me! I was born and raised in Alaska on a steady diet of darkness, comic books, and powdered milk. I have a degree in English lit, with an emphasis on Shakespeare and the Victorian era. And while I love the classics, the first time I picked up an Urban Fantasy novel I was hooked. The genre features almost all of my favorite things – violence, high stakes, nasty bad guys, underdog heroines and heroes, and combinations of supernatural power, mythology, and technology. All it’s missing is a sweet, caramel center.
What is it about the paranormal, in particular vampires, that fascinates you so much?
I love the potential of the paranormal. Anything is possible, whether its new creatures or a twist on a classic. I’ve always been into formerly-human immortals or immortals reduced to humans, so vampires are a natural match. Being able to pretty much live forever if only you can handle being saddled with an anti-human hunger is really interesting to me.
Please tell us about your latest release.
Falling from the Light is the third Night Runner book set in a world where vampires aren’t just “out”, they’re really, really involved in the human world. As in, they have some power. Sydney Kildare is human, and working for vampires has made her acutely aware of her humanity – her fragility and limitations, and her capacity for change. She exited the vampire world in a pretty spectacular fashion, basically by faking her own death, but has since been pulled back out of a need for protection and due to her growing affection for Malcolm Kelly, a vampire.
Syd’s coerced into infiltrating a pharmaceutical company manufacturing a drug that makes vampires lose control. At the same time, she becomes the focus of several vampires seeking to use her in their power games. As the title suggests, this book isn’t light and fluffy. Bad things happen. People get desperate. Nobody leaves this book the same as when they entered.
Is there a character that you enjoyed writing more than any of the others?
I love writing Syd. Her defining characteristic is joy – that’s all she wants out of the world. A few minutes of joy here and there. And that doesn’t diminish when things turn rotten. She just pushes through, trying to get back to better days.
Did you find anything really interesting while researching this or another book?
Running in the Dark involved quite a bit of research. It was set in Santiago, Chile, and I needed a lot of details about fairly mundane things. Road maintenance. Which wines are consumed there versus those that are exported. Bus schedules. The coffee culture. I ended up watching a lot of music videos from local bands, for glimpses of actual nighttime culture.
What is the most interesting thing you have physically done for book related research purposes?
Heh. An excellent question. Syd’s a skilled driver and fairly athletic, but she’s human. So I found myself checking a few things out to make sure that they were physically possible, things like cornering in snow at high speeds and escaping a car with your hands zip-tied together. I sacrifice for my art, man.
With the book being part of a series, are there any character or story arcs, that readers jumping in somewhere other than the first book, need to be aware of? Can these books be read as stand alones?
They can be read alone, but I think the books are more impactful as a series. Each one has its own plot, but there are some arc and character development that take place over the course of the series. I’m a big series reader and have always kicked myself for reading out of order (though I still do it on occasion) because some things will be more profound with the entire context in sight.
Do you have any weird writing quirks or rituals?
I can’t deal with anything else happening when I write. The TV can’t be on. I can’t write in public except on airplanes where everybody sort of has their own locked-in little personal bubble. At home, even when I’m alone in a room, I wear noise-cancelling headphones. But since I can’t even listen to music, there’s nothing on. I’m just sitting there alone, basically wearing a helmet to keep stimulation at bay.
Do you write in different genres?
I also write science fiction, both near-future and distant, alien worlds. And I’ve tried my hand at contemporary. That’s been the most difficult for me, I think because I tend to have a fairly cynical view of humanity today. I find it difficult to believe that a regular person will do good if it costs them unless there’s some massive menace out to destroy their world. Is that depressing? Man, that sounds depressing. *goes back to writing space ships and vampires *
Other than writing, what are some of your interests, hobbies or passions in life?
I’m a huge reader. I like to travel. But food is probably my main passion, and I’m talking every aspect of it. Tasting, cooking, growing vegetables and herbs, fishing. The only thing I don’t do is raise and butcher live animals, though I will deconstruct them if I have to.
Where can readers find you on the web?
Mostly on twitter, and mostly at night (unless they’re in East Asia or Australia).
Website: http://regansummers.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Regan_SummersGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5350866.Regan_SummersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReganSummersAuthorNewsletter: http://eepurl.com/6nFaH
Would you like to leave readers with a little teaser or excerpt from the book?
Absolutely! This is an excerpt from a little reconnaissance mission Sydney and Mal are conducting at a casino – a vampire casino.
“Stay close,” Malcolm said. “If something upsets you, swallow it. Remember that this is all a show. Nothing here matters.”“What happens at Tenth World stays at Tenth World? Like Vegas, only the glow eyes are real?”He smiled, but the expression sharpened as we left the small room. The collective feel of vampire swirled and fizzed in the air, and I gripped the banister as we descended the wide staircase. Face blank, I tried to match my strides to Mal’s. He raised his chin as he peered around the room, attention everywhere other than me. But his energy, warm and intangibly dense, ran over my skin. It condensed in a strategic location, governed by his will, and – tense and startled – I jerked.“Malcolm,” I hissed through my teeth. He tilted his head and grinned wickedly, showing a hint of fang.“You have nothing to be worried about.” Leaning close, he brushed his knuckle over my cheekbone and whispered, “Just remember that you’re mine.”Jesus. Game on.



Falling from the LightNight RunnerBook TwoRegan Summers
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Date of Publication: 11/24/2014
Number of pages: 250Word Count: 94,500
Cover Artist: Croco Designs
Book Description:
Phoenix, AZ
All Sydney Kildare wants is a minute in the slow lane, some time to decide where she’s going with her vampire lover, Malcolm Kelly. But after sitting out the last battle, the powerful Master Bronson is giving orders again, and he isn’t above blackmailing his former courier to get what he wants.
With Mal sent to track a vicious killer, Syd is forced to infiltrate a pharmaceutical company responsible for a drug that turns vampires into real monsters. She’s unprepared and alone, but fiercely determined. If her investigation doesn’t satisfy the Master, Malcolm will pay the price. A wrong turn throws her into the middle of a vampire power play. Caught between twisting forces, with their freedom at stake, she’ll have to decide what’s more important: love, power or revenge. But choosing what feels right might turn out all wrong.
Available at Amazon  BN   Kobo   Scribd



About the Author:
Regan Summers is the author of the romantic urban fantasy Night Runner series. As a native Alaskan, she’s used to long, cold nights but thinks they’re better with a helping of sexy vampires. Don’t Bite the Messenger, the first in the series, was a finalist for the 2013 EPIC eBook Awards in the paranormal category.
Website: http://regansummers.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Regan_Summers
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5350866.Regan_Summers
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReganSummersAuthor
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/6nFaH
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Witch Hunter: The Ravens Hollow Series by Shari Nichols

Can you tell readers a little bit about yourself and what inspired to write in this particular genre?
I’ve always loved the paranormal genre for as long as I can remember. It’s fun to create a unique setting and build a magickal world. It’s also convenient to have your characters use magick to get out of sticky situations. I was inspired by the Harry Potter series and loved reading the HP fan fiction. I thought maybe I could create a story like HP, but for adults. The fact that I grew up in a small town in Connecticut, known for hauntings also might have had something to do with it. I spent a lot of time hanging out at a neighbor’s who introduced me to the Ouija board. I have fond memories of riding my bike to my best friend’s grandmother’s house where she used to serve us orange juice and chocolate chip cookies and talk about the ghost that lived with her.  The paranormal has always been something embedded in my psyche, something I have been brought up with and fascinated by in every way. I’m not only interested in ghosts and witches, but Nessie, UFO’s, Big Foot, and even mermaids, you name it, the stranger the better!
What inspired you to write this book?
My favorite fan fiction stories were always the ones with a romantic theme surrounding Hermione and Draco. I love that kind of conflict and sexual tension between a hero and heroine. Another inspiration, well a really twisted one that is, came from a story I’d read in the newspaper about a serial killer by the name of Stephen Griffiths. He was handsome, a PhD student and had a bright future ahead of him, but he was a sociopath. The story caught my attention and reminded me of Ted Bundy with a Jack the Ripper twist.
Please tell us about your latest release.
I think a book blurb is in order:Determined MBI (Magickal Bureau of investigations) agent Alex Denopoulos will stop at nothing to catch a killer, including recruit notorious felon, Willow McCray to work for the agency. The lines between duty and passion become blurred the more time he spends with the sultry witch. In the midst of the investigation, they succumb to the dark edges of desire, placing both their lives in danger. Alex will risk more than his badge to keep her alive. Kick-ass witch Willow must use her powers for good if she wants to stay out of Hellios, a mage prison for those who have broken the Wiccan Rede of ‘Harm ye None.’ Willow never expects to fall so hard for Alex, a mortal with a penchant for justice and a deep seated hatred of witches. Though a future together seems impossible, she doesn’t want to let him go. If only she can vanquish the evil surrounding them and give Alex what he wants, her mind and body-before she loses her heart and maybe her very soul in the process.
Do you have a formula for developing characters? Like do you create a character sketch or list of attributes before you start writing or do you just let the character develop as you write?
I definitely have detailed character sketches, and horoscope charts that I fill out before I write the story. Eventually, the personalities emerge from there and becomes more three dimensional than the glimpses I see in my head. As I write the story, the characters become more fully developed people. My critique partners help too. They will always tell me what my characters would never say or do. So they help me define the characters as well.
What is your favorite scene from the book? Could you share a little bit of it, without spoilers of course?
My favorite scene to write was when a small group of witches from a coven that the killer has targeted get together and try to divine his location using magick. I get to showcase their abilities all at once, which is a lot of fun! There’s a Tarot card reader, a medium, a tea leave reader, a seer with the unique ability to see images in a cauldron of water using candle wax and a witch who can see images in a magick mirror. I think it sets the tone and immerses the reader into this world.
Did you find anything really interesting while researching this or another book?
Yes! I’ve gotten to see many interesting things. I went to a crime scene lab and got to see pictures of decomposing bodies. I also went to a ballistics lab and got a tour. I interviewed a forensic expert, whose job was to create a computer composite of unidentified victims based on whatever was left of them, even if it was just bones. I also got a chance to visit a haunted inn.  I also interviewed a medium, but not for this book.
Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? How do you deal with it?
I find that when I’m not writing consistently I have trouble getting words on the page. I try to read my favorite authors and then ideas flow more easily. I go back and reread where I left off and take a walk and then just keep at it. The more time you spend on the story the more the ideas will flow, especially when you’re driving or in the shower. I love the creative vibe you get when your head is truly in the story. There’s nothing better.
When did you consider yourself a writer?
Even before I ever wrote my first novel, a contemporary romance that’s in a drawer somewhere, I used to write crazy top ten lists, short stories, and crazy little notes and antidotes that I would share with friends and family. But once I started submitting my work to my critique partners, contests, agents and editors, then I guess I felt more legitimate.
What are your guilty pleasures in life?
I love to get pampered. I adore facials, massages, manicures and pedicures. If you can’t take a little time to do something for yourself you stress, although lately I haven’t had much time for those things. But I'm not complaining!
What was the last amazing book you read?
I absolutely loved Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren. The writing is so fluid and sensual! I couldn’t put it down.  
What can readers expect next from you?
They can expect another sexy romance about a medium that's forced to banish a vengeful spirit from a haunted inn. I have some contemporaries in the works as well. I love the whole billionaire trend. I think it’s very sexy right now.
Where can readers find you on the web?
http://sharinichols.com/index.htmlhttp://sharinichols.blogspot.com/https://www.facebook.com/sharinichhttps://twitter.com/shari_nichhttps://www.goodreads.com/user/show/29514513-shari-nichols
Would you like to leave readers with a little teaser or excerpt from the book?
Willow took a sip of her margarita and glanced down at Alex’s big hands, tanned and sprinkled with a smattering of dark hair. Funny, she never found a man’s hands sexy. Suddenly her mind filled with images of Alex trailing those big, masculine hands over her body. She wondered if he fit the stereotype. Big hands, big…
“You never did answer my question. Are you considering taking me up on my offer?” The sound of his voice pulled her from a host of fantasies. Willow dug her nails into her palm to get her head back in the game. She shouldn’t be thinking about this man in such a raw, sexual way.
“Why not? My car’s parked in the back.” She probed through the nearby crowd to check if Alex came here with bodyguards. A virtual cacophony of conversations invaded her thoughts, but nothing about protection for Alex. Once she got him alone, she’d take her chances and pray she wouldn’t be outnumbered. “Then let’s get out of here. Unless of course I’ve got some competition.” He   motioned over her shoulder to the incubus whose head now lolled forward over the bar.
“I think you’re flying solo here.” She’d set her trap and let the consequences be damned. She rubbed her finger along the rim of the glass and licked off the salt. She lifted the glass to her lips, savoring the tangy flavor of margarita mix along with the zing of tequila as it slid down her throat. Headrush. No surprise there, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept or eaten in the past forty-eight hours, existing on a combination of raw nerves and pure adrenaline.
“You missed a spot.” He ran his thumb along the seam of her lip. He put it to his mouth and licked. “Mmm, sweet.” Her plan didn’t involve foreplay…but damn he was hot. In another time and another place she would be seriously into this guy. Too bad I might have to kill him.



Witch HunterThe Ravens Hollow SeriesBook 1Shari Nichols
Genre: Erotic, Paranormal romance    
Date of Publication:  November 19, 2014
ISBN:  9781419991882
Number of pages:194Word Count: 90,000
Book Description:
Determined MBI (Magickal Bureau of investigations)agent Alex Denopoulos will stop at nothing to catch a killer, including recruit notorious felon, Willow McCray to work for the agency. The lines between duty and passion become blurred the more time he spends with the sultry witch. In the midst of the investigation, they succumb to the dark edges of desire, placing both their lives in danger. Alex will risk more than his badge to keep her alive.
Kick-ass witch Willow must use her powers for good if she wants to stay out of Hellios, a mage prison for those who have broken the Wiccan Rede of ‘Harm ye None.’ Willow never expects to fall so hard for Alex, a mortal with a penchant for justice and a deep seated hatred of witches. Though a future together seems impossible, she doesn’t want to let him go.
Can she vanquish the evil surrounding them and give Alex her mind and body before she loses her heart and maybe her soul?


Excerpt:
Willow took a sip of her margarita and glanced down at Alex’s big hands, tanned and sprinkled with a smattering of dark hair. Funny, she never found a man’s hands sexy. Suddenly her mind filled with images of Alex trailing those big, masculine hands over her body. She wondered if he fit the stereotype. Big hands, big…“You never did answer my question. Are you considering taking me up on my offer?” The sound of his voice pulled her from a host of fantasies. Willow dug her nails into her palm to get her head back in the game. She shouldn’t be thinking about this man in such a raw, sexual way.“Why not? My car’s parked in the back.”She probed through the nearby crowd to check if Alex came here with bodyguards. A virtual cacophony of conversations invaded her thoughts, but nothing about protection for Alex. Once she got him alone, she’d take her chances and pray she wouldn’t be outnumbered. “Then let’s get out of here. Unless of course I’ve got some competition.” He   motioned over her shoulder to the incubus whose head now lolled forward over the bar.“I think you’re flying solo here.” She’d set her trap and let the consequences be damned. She rubbed her finger along the rim of the glass and licked off the salt. She lifted the glass to her lips, savoring the tangy flavor of margarita mix along with the zing of tequila as it slid down her throat. Headrush. No surprise there, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept or eaten in the past forty-eight hours, existing on a combination of raw nerves and pure adrenaline.“You missed a spot.” He ran his thumb along the seam of her lip. He put it to his mouth and licked. “Mmm, sweet.” Her plan didn’t involve foreplay…but damn he was hot. In another time and another place she would be seriously into this guy. Too bad I might have to kill him.




About the Author:
Shari Nichols grew up in a small town in Connecticut where haunted houses, ghosts and Ouija boards were common place, spurring her fascination with all things paranormal. Ever since she read her first Barbara Cartland novel, her life-long dream has been to write sexy, romantic stories. Shari has been married to her own alpha hero for twenty-two years. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, going to the gym, or hanging out with family and friends.
She lives in New Jersey with her husband, two teenagers, and her adoring golden retriever. Shari graduated from Rider University with a degree in Business Administration. After spending several years in the grind of Corporate America, she quit to stay at home with her kids. Now she’s thrilled to spend her days in sweats, eating chocolate while pounding on her keyboard to create her next novel. 
Her first book, Witch Hunter has been contracted with Ellora’s Cave Publishing. Her next book, another steamy, romance, will venture into the world of ghosts and haunted inns. Shari is a member of Romance Writers of America, New Jersey Romance Writers, Liberty States Fiction Writers and Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal Romance Writers.
http://sharinichols.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sharinich
https://twitter.com/shari_nich
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/29514513-shari-nichols
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December 1 InterviewKay Dee Royalhttp://www.kaydeeroyal.blogspot.com
December 1 SpotlightJodie Pierce's Ink Slinger's Blogwww.jodiepierceauthor.blogspot.com/
December 2 Guest blogA Writer's Mindwww.skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com
December 3 SpotlightCounter Culture Critichttp://www.guyvestal.com/home
December 4 ReviewParanormal Romance and Authors That Rockwww.pratr.wordpress.com
December 4 SpotlightHouston Havens http://houstonhavens.wordpress.com
December 5 Spotlight and reviewFang Freakin Tastic Reviews www.fangfreakintasticreviews.com
December 8 Guest blogErotica For All http://eroticaforall.co.uk
December 8 InterviewFang-tastic Bookswww.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com

Guest Blog and Giveaway: An Emerging Threat by Mark E. Lein

An Emerging ThreatThe Seeker’s BurdenBook OneMark E. Lein
Genre: High Fantasy/ Epic Fantasy
ISBN: 1493592890ASIN: B00G4LS6AK
Number of pages: 176Word Count: 33,000
Cover Artist: Glen Wilkinson
Book Description:
An evil stirs, casting a shadow across the Islands. Two men begin quests to find the source of the darkness. One is a young scholar, given no choice but to follow the path ahead. Tragedy shapes him, nearly driving him to despair; an inner struggle pervades his journey.
The other is a warrior forced to the task through a sense of responsibility. His royal blood and his knighthood drive his course. Their searches, though separate, have the same goal: to find whatever or whoever may be responsible for the darkening of their world.
This book tells the story of their journey and the creatures, both friend and foe, that they meet along the way.
Available at Amazon


Excerpt 4:
  Ethan suddenly found himself before the giant creature and barely had time to throw himself to the side as the mace thudded into the ground be­side him. Rolling, he fought his way to his feet and turned to face the reptilian monstrosity.   The thing wrenched its mace from the ground and fluidly turned towards Ethan, a toothy grin stretching its black skin. Its size belied its grace, its movements were easy and quick and eyes con­stantly roved, taking in the battlefield. It swung the mace to rest on its shoulder and took a step towards him. It suddenly jerked in surprise as iron bolts sprouted from its side.   Captain Rekin stood fifty feet away with a line of crossbowmen, directing their fire into the attack­ers. Within seconds the towering creature stood alone. Blash, finding himself free of other oppo­nents, charged towards the giant’s back, swinging his hammer in wide arcs to gain momentum. The creature noticed the charging man and lashed out with its spiked tail. His old joints restricting quick movements, Blash had no choice but to brace for the impact. In mid-swing the tail suddenly burst into crimson flame, withered, and fell away!   Screaming in pain and anger, the creature swung towards the robed figure of Altameaus standing mere feet away and funneling a stream of red flame from a ruby stone held in his fist. The distraction gave Blash the seconds needed to swing his great hammer into the thing’s back, scales snapping, bone crunching and giving way. Another wave of bolts embedded themselves into the creature’s upper torso, sparks flying from the impact.   Falling under the impact of the weapons, the creature launched itself sideways and onto Alta­meaus. The Seeker had just enough time to throw up a protective shield before the massive weight of the creature crashed down on him. The shield’s light held for a moment, flared, and went out. Roll­ing away, the giant lurched to its feet again, leaving the body of Altameaus in the small crater its impact had created.   Screaming in rage, Ethan threw himself at the creature, swinging his sword two-handed again and again until the blade shattered against its ar­mored hide. Throwing the shards aside, Ethan drew his long knives and kept at the frenzied at­tack, steadily pounding until gaps and cracks al­lowed the blades to brings gushes of blood. Unable to shake the frenzied human, the creature beat at him with clawed hands, blows becoming weaker and weaker until its body sagged and it sank to its knees.   Blash pulled Ethan off of the creature and aimed a heavy blow at its head, landing it with a wet crunch. The giant’s clawed hands scrabbled at the torn earth and then went still.
  Blood, his and the beast’s, soaked Ethan’s tunic and dented armor. Gasping for breath with tears running down his grime covered face he dropped his weapons and crawled to where Altameaus lay.
About the Author:
Mark grew up in small towns across the country, spending most of his childhood in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains of Northwestern Arkansas. 
Throughout his life, his favorite books have been sci-fi and fantasy, anything Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Terry Brooks and a little Isaac Azimov. 
Graduating from college in 2004, he became an Army Infantry and Intelligence Officer and continues to serve to this day. While deployed to Iraq for 14 months back in 2007-09, he began writing with this book in mind. His civilian work includes Intelligence Analysis and providing expertise with military training programs. 
He now lives in Tampa, Florida with his wife of 9 years, Emily, and his three children, Oliver, Lucy, and Alexander.
www.markelein.com   
https://www.facebook.com/TheSeekersBurden   
https://twitter.com/MarkLein12
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7375868.Mark_E_Lein  

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The Forgotten by C. Evenfall: Book Three The Wraith of Carter’s Mill

The ForgottenThe Wraith of Carter’s MillBook 3 C. Evenfall
Genre: Paranormal Fiction
Publisher: Books, Authors and ArtistsDate of Publication: Oct. 26, 2014
ASIN: B00OYUNAEK
Number of pages: App. 55Word Count: 19,000
Cover Artist: Sherry Thoman
Book Description:
The Forgotten is the third novella in the series titled, The Wraith of Carter’s Mill.
Shyanne has gone home, and her life is happier than she ever imagined it could be. The family home, restored to its original state, brings Shyanne closer to her roots. Everything changes when her eight-year-old daughter, Melody begins to exhibit strange behaviors.
When Melody slips into a strange coma, Shyanne is not convinced the problem is medical. Visions, dreams and clues from her guardians, take Shyanne deep in the woods to long forgotten Carter’s Mill. Shyanne loses all concept of time and is unaware that she is assumed missing. A search party led by her husband turns up nothing. Drake Monroe will not give up. He is determined to do everything he can to keep his family together.
Meanwhile, Shyanne’s family history unravels. She finally faces the dark entity that has plagued the Carter women for generations. Can she break the curse that threatens to destroy her family before it is too late? Will she fade into the forgotten history of Carter’s Mill?
Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/_rVBRjDG1UU
Available at Amazon
Excerpt
1 ROANOKE RAPIDS, Spring 2007

The car ride home from Melody’s school seemed longer than usual. The note from her teacher troubled Shyanne. Melody had always loved school, but lately, several of Melody's papers had come home marked “incomplete” in red ink. Earlier notes reported that Melody was missing several pieces of homework. This confused Shyanne, she and Drake helped Melody with her homework every night, and insured the papers were packed neatly in her book bag. Why was it not making it to class?

Her daughter’s performance at school was not the only thing that concerned Shyanne.

Melody was withdrawn, quiet and Shyanne could not even remember how long it had been since she had heard her little girl laugh. All attempts to get the child to open up about what was wrong had come to naught.

Thinking she might be ill, Shyanne made an appointment with Melody’s pediatrician, after a thorough and detailed examination, he said, “Sound as a dollar.” He fished a lollipop from his pocket and presented it to his patient as he always did. Melody took it and whispered a polite thank you before burying it inside the pocket of her skirt.

Something was not right and Shyanne was at her wit's end trying to figure it out. What bothered her most was how sad Melody looked when she handed over the conference request. Poor thing thinks she’s in trouble.

Shyanne turned onto Tillet Lane. She reached over and patted Melody's leg affectionately, “It’s alright Darling, almost home! We’ll get all this figured out together. I promise.”

Melody did not answer; she just stared out the passenger window.

Shyanne was relieved to see Drake's truck in the driveway when she pulled up. Melody's teacher, Ms. Ames had included her personal phone number on the note that read, “Call anytime at your earliest convenience to set up an appointment. We really need to talk about Melody.” Shyanne was not sure what Drake’s workweek was shaping up to be, but he would need to work around this conference, it was too important for him to miss.

Later that evening at supper, Melody absently pushed the little green peas she loved so well absently around her plate. Shyanne and Drake made brief eye contact; the child had not eaten a bite.

“Eat your supper munchkin, Mama got us some ice cream today, but we can’t have any if we don’t eat our peas.” Drake made a yucky face at Melody. It was no secret that Drake hated peas. These antics usually made the little girl giggle and chide her father to eat the vegetable. This time, she did not even look up from the plate. Shyanne glanced at the clock and then to Drake, she wanted to call Melody's teacher before it got too late.

Drake watched Melody thoughtfully. “Well Mama might put me in time-out for breaking the house rules, but if you’ve eaten all the supper you’re going to eat, how ‘bout that bowl of ice cream anyway.”

Melody did not look up from her plate when she whispered, “No, thank you. I don’t feel so good.”

Drake and Shyanne made eye contact again, exchanging communication in the classic way of parents.

Drake stood, “Alright munchkin, let’s get you in the bath and ready for bed.”

Melody stood obediently and started up the stairs. Drake nodded to Shyanne, “Go ahead and make that call, I’ll clear the whole day if I have to.”

Shyanne scrolled absently through channels on the television as she sat cross-legged in bed. The sound of Drake's voice as he read “Curious George” to their daughter drifted in through the bedroom door. The odd thing was she did not hear Melody’s usual interruptions or giggles. She hit the off button on the remote when she heard Drake in the hallway.

He closed the door when he walked into their bedroom. “She asked me to leave the hall light on and her door open,” he explained. Shyanne read the concern on his face.

Frustrated, Shyanne asked, “Drake? What is going on with her?”

Drake sank down wearily on his side of the bed and slowly removed his sneakers. “Honey, I don’t know but I think maybe she’s worried about this conference.” Speaking over his shoulder he asked, “Did you make that call?”

“Yes, I did. We’re going to meet her right after school tomorrow. I was hoping that she could tell me a little more about what this is about, but she didn’t offer to elaborate. I almost asked but decided against it, I felt bad enough for calling her at home.”

Shyanne picked at a thread on the quilt in her lap as she contemplated a change in subject.
“Honey, I’ve been thinking about this investigation we got coming up. I really don’t think I feel comfortable leaving Melody for an entire week. Especially now with her acting so strangely”

Drake let the laces fall from his hand and exhaled loudly. “Shyanne, we’ve been over this a hundred times, we’ve been planning this trip for a year! Do you realize how big this investigation really is? We’re the first team that’s ever been invited to Blue Lake Sanitarium…we’re going to be the first to get through the front door!”

Shyanne felt her heart drop, and she became defensive immediately. “Important to whom, Drake? You? Me? Oh no, I forgot, it’s important to Dr. Glencannon, that’s who!”

Shyanne felt remorse for her outburst instantly and softened her tone. “Listen, I’m not asking you guys to cancel. Just think about maybe postponing it for a month or so. Even better, you guys go, and I’ll stay home with Melody.”

Not believing what he had just heard, Drake twisted around on the bed. “Shy? You know we can’t go without you, what would be the point? You’re the reason they’re shooting this documentary in the first place!”

Shyanne’s defensiveness returned, “Now that you’ve brought that up, you know how I feel about that! This all started out as us helping people and now it’s turning into a side show.”

Too angry to sit, Drake stood and faced her. “That’s not true and you know it! Your face and voice are always obscured on the videos! There’s nothing sideshow about it, and another thing, I think you’re using this parent teacher conference as an excuse to bring this up because you don’t want to do it! You’ve been against it since it came up. It doesn’t have anything to do with Melody. This is about you! Be honest!”

It was Shyanne’s turn to stand up on her side of the bed and square off with Drake. It had been a long time since she was this angry. It wasn’t his words that made her so mad but rather the ring of truth in them. The idea of sensationalizing what they did, exploiting the dead, felt all wrong to her, and always had. Over the years, Drake and the rest of the team had respected her feelings on the subject, but now with all the attention they were getting, things were starting to change.

Reality TV had made rock stars of paranormal investigators and sparked tremendous interest in the supernatural. Suddenly, every teenager in the country wanted to be a ghost hunter. Glencannon’s research was drawing more attention than ever. As the team’s only medium, her insistence for discretion had only heightened the media’s interest in her identity. This project, more than the others, made her nervous; she was scared that her anonymity was in peril. If the world learned who she was, it would be impossible for her family to have a normal life.

“That’s just the thing Drake! Blocking out my face and changing my voice only heightens public interest in who I am! You’ve read the articles on the internet…they think we’re pulling some kind of publicity stunt by keeping my identity secret! Everybody’s just waitin’ for the big reveal! Eventually, somebody will figure it out and when they do, they’re going to be on our front door step with cameras and microphones. Half the world will call us charlatans and the other half will never leave us alone. Is that what you want? I’ve said it before, but I swear to you Drake Monroe, I mean every word of it this time…this is it, this is the last time, do you hear me?”

Drake sighed heavily; all of the fight had left him. She was right and he knew it. It was just a matter of time before somebody found out who she was. Only Shyanne understood the weight of the burden she carried. Her gifts, while fascinating to the rest of the world, were more like a cross she had to bear every day. He was the only one who saw how much it drained her at times, how hard she had to fight to keep boundaries with entities that did not have her best interest at heart. She deserved a normal life, as normal a life as someone like her could have.

“Shy, I do hear you and I do understand, honey, I really do. This is it, I promise. No more documentaries, no more public investigations…but we have to see this one through, we’ve already committed, and it’s not fair to the rest of the team. Melody will be fine, she’s stayed with Sara for a week before, besides, she’ll be playing with Casey the whole time anyway. She’ll barely know we’re gone.”

Shyanne faltered. Drake was right, and she believed what he said about this being the last one but needed a little more assurance. “You promise?”

Drake smiled sincerely, “Yes Baby, this is the last one, I promise.”

Drake changed out of his jeans and donned the shorts he typically slept in and then quickly pulled back the covers. Immediately after climbing into the bed, he reached for Shyanne. She was reluctant at first, but finally snuggled into his shoulder.

“Don’t worry Baby, we’ll get to the bottom of what’s going on with Melody tomorrow, it’ll all be alright,” he said as he reached for the lamp switch.

Sleep did not come as easily for Shyanne as it did for Drake. He was out cold five minutes after killing the light, but Shyanne tossed and tumbled, drifting in and out of a shallow sleep for hours. The light from the hallway filtering around their closed bedroom door created a bright rectangular silhouette on the wall. The digital alarm clock on her nightstand read 2:45 am.

Shyanne tossed the covers back with a loud sigh, got up and plodded toward the door. When she opened it, she saw that Melody’s door was shut. Maybe the light was bothering her and she closed it. Shyanne found the light switch in the hall and switched it off. As she walked back into her own room, she stopped. Staring toward Melody’s room, she pushed her hair behind her ear with one finger and listened. Shyanne tiptoed quietly toward the closed door and as she drew closer, the sounds of loud whispers coming from her daughter’s bedroom became clear. Shyanne’s heartbeat threatened to drown the sound.

A familiar voice spoke urgently in her ear, “Get in there NOW!”

Shyanne leaped toward the door and grabbed the handle. When it did not turn, she grew frantic, and shook it with all her strength. The voices from within were louder now, and Shyanne gave in to panic. She pounded the door with her open hand and shouted, “Melody! Melody, open the door honey! It’s Mommy, open the door right this minute!”

Suddenly Drake was at her shoulder, “What’s going on? It can’t be locked, there is no lock!”
Without speaking, Shyanne backed up as Drake took position at the door, calling to his daughter inside, demanding that she open the door immediately. When she did not, Drake backed up a few feet and with all the power he had, kicked the door.

The door flew open with such force that the handle knocked a chunk of drywall out where it struck the wall. A horrible odor akin to raw sewage wafted into Shyanne’s’ face as they plunged through the doorway. Drake did not seem to notice it.

Drake ran toward the bed where Melody lay motionless. “Melody! Melody, wake up sweetie,” he implored, but the child remained still. Shyanne felt as if she was submerged in a pool of water. The muffled sound of Drake’s voice sounded distant. Her body felt sluggish and non-responsive while her mind raced at break neck speed. What is happening, oh my God, what is happening?

The whispering in the corner of the room resumed and Shyanne’s eyes were pulled toward the sound. Drake’s shouting seemed miles away as she stared at the shadows along the wall. She was unable to pull her eyes away from the smallest one standing in the front. Oh my God, NO!

Suddenly Drake grabbed her arm, shaking her out of it. “Shyanne! Did you hear me? She won’t wake up! We’ve got to get her to a hospital.” Drake’s urgent voice pulled her attention back to her daughter. Shyanne rushed to the bed, touched Melody’s face, and drew back quickly. Her skin was as cold as ice.

About the Author
C. Evenfall grew up in a small fishing village in Eastern North Carolina. The area was rich with history, ghost stories and unexplained phenomenon; all fodder for the vivid imaginings of a young girl. She began “collecting” stories at a young age.

At aged six, C. Evenfall experienced the paranormal firsthand and has been seeking answers ever since. Her fascination with the unexplainable and her love for old family ghost stories inspired her to write a collection of novellas. Each inspired by the experiences passed down through her family for generations.
C. Evenfall resides on the Carolina Coast with her husband, a self-proclaimed skeptic. She loves him anyway and the two complement each other perfectly.
Wordpress: http://cevenfall.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CEvenfall
Website: http://booksauthorsandartists.com/authors/c-evenfall/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8508982.C_Evenfall

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December 8 Spotlight and reviewDeb Sandershttp://DebSanders.com
December 9 Guest blogCounter Culture Critichttp://www.guyvestal.com/home/
December 10 Spotlight and reviewSiMPLiREADwww.simpliread.blogspot.com
December 11 Guest blogMythical Bookshttp://www.mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/
December 12 Guest blog and reviewFang Freakin' Tastic Reviewshttp://fangfreakintasticreviews.com
December 12 SpotlightThe Creatively Green Write at Home Momwww.creativelygreen.blogspot.com
December 15 SpotlightLisa’s World of Bookswww.lisasworldofbooks.net
December 15 SpotlightRoxanne’s Realmwww.roxannerhoads.com

Kindle Freebies December 4-8

Fangs for the Holidays A Vehicle City Vampires Short Story 
Roxanne Rhoads 
Publisher: Bewitching Books Release Date: November 18, 2014ASIN: B00PE7QANU
Book Description:
After spending the day baking holiday goodies Anwyn drops by her vampire boyfriend Galen's home so they can spend some quality time together. 
He is surprisingly enticed by the smell of baked goods on Anwyn's skin which leads them to a drama filled discussion about family holiday gatherings, the other man in her life...and eventually to very hot holiday sex. 
The events in this story take place between book one, Hex and the Single Witch, and book two, Hex and the City.
Available at Amazon
Candy Cane Thrills Roxanne Rhoads
Publisher: Bewitching Books Release Date: October 14, 2014
ASIN: B00NYN7OUO
Genre: short story Christmas erotica
Book Description:
Adrienne has a little Christmas seduction planned. She dresses up in naughty red velvet lingerie for her boyfriend Marcus. 
But it turns out that she's not the only one with sexy shenanigans in mind. 
Marcus has been thinking along the same lines, and he has a delicious Christmas treat in store for her.
Available at Amazon

Bewitching Brews Holiday Giveaway

Bewitching Brews and Devilish Desserts 
A Collection of Cocktail and Dessert Recipes 

By Bewitching Book Tours' Authors
Roxanne Rhoads, Sharon Bayliss, Ami Blackwelder, Cassandra Lawson, Susannah Sandlin, Cherrie Mack, Maggie Mundy, Suzanne Johnson, Katalina Leon, Kay Dee Royal, Sophie Avett, Elizabeth Loraine, G.L. Ross, T.W. Kirchner 

Book Description:

Stir up a little magic from our cauldron full of cocktails and desserts.

The authors of Bewitching Book Tours conjured a collection of delicious potions inspired by their books and characters.

Grab your wand (or spoon) and cast one of these spellbinding recipes today.


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Doing the Wild Thing Outdoors: Guest Blog and Giveaway with Naomi Bellina

Is it just me or do you get that urge sometimes when you're outside, the weather is gorgeous, and you and your honey are in a secluded spot, to lose your clothes and do the wild thing? I don't know what it is about being in nature but for some reason, when I'm outside and the conditions are ideal (and by this I mean not too hot, not too cold, no mosquitoes, only a light misting of rain, if any),  I want to get down and dirty. Maybe it's all the fresh air, or maybe it's the chance that we'll get caught being naughty.
Let me tell you about my latest adventure in outdoor nookie. My honey and I were on a cruise and had a balcony room. (Note to anyone planning a cruise: Get a balcony room. You won't regret spending the extra money.) 
The moon lit the waves and the scent of the ocean wafted to us on the warm breeze. I had on a super short skirt and had been teasing him all night. Honey knelt down, pulled off my panties and tossed them into the room (I insisted on the tossing, not wanting my expensive under things blow out to sea.) He bent me over slightly, lifted my skirt and we got busy. For about a minute and a half. The door of the cabin next to us suddenly opened. There's a mostly-solid barrier between cabins, but it's slightly see-through and you can lean around and peer into the next balcony. 
Not like most normal people would do that, if they knew their neighbor was out there. (I would, just for the record.) Anyway, we might have just kept on going but the guy lit up a cigarette and that did it for me. We moved our activities inside. Still, it was fun to start out there under the stars and the crashing waves.
How about you? Do you have an outdoor romance adventure to share? Thanks for reading!
PS  I'm running a Rafflecopter for a $25 Amazon gift card here, so drop by and enter. http://bit.ly/1yPrI24

About the Book:
A psychic vet, a secretive werewolf, a menace stalking the shifters. Welcome to Nocturne.
Dylan is a werewolf with a problem. He shifts at the new moon as well as at the full moon. He was born a werewolf, not made like most shape-changers and due to these unique traits he's avoided joining a pack and has given up hope of having a normal life. Morgan is a veterinarian, ready to be on her own for a good long time after leaving a cheating, spineless husband. She has a plan for her life that doesn't include a bossy, furry man.
Both are drawn to Nocturne, a town filled with magic due to a strong convergence of ley lines in the area. Morgan and Dylan recognize a connection when they meet, but neither one is looking for romance. After a harrowing encounter with a panther shape-shifter, they must combine forces and work together to uncover a menace that threatens the town. If they can learn to trust each other and let their guard down, they have a chance to solve the mystery and open the door to love.
Liquid Silver Books:  http://bit.ly/1FjkVlsAmazon:  http://amzn.to/1tpS6LIBarnes and Noble:  http://bit.ly/1uRHgn1Kobo:  http://bit.ly/11qACIwGoogle Play:  http://bit.ly/1v3ptb6
Excerpt Rated R  
Now that they were on stable ground, Dylan knew he should leave. Morgan was tired and had work to do and the scent of cat was making him uneasy.
“Let me help you paint. Do you have an extra brush and roller?”
“Oh, you don’t have to.” For the first time since he’d met her, she sounded weary, not cheerful and upbeat, and Dylan realized the dark circles under her eyes were probably not her usual look.
“I know I don’t have to, it’s for purely selfish reasons. The sooner you’re done, the sooner you’ll be back in my store shopping. Besides, any excuse not to do that damn paperwork is welcome.”
“Normally, I’d say no. I hardly know you and don’t want to take advantage of a stranger. But honestly, I’ll be so happy to get this painting done … let me bring you a pan and roller. You can work out here in the lobby. The smell won’t be so bad. Prop open the front door, if you like, let some air in.”
Dylan set to work, and an hour and a half later the walls of the front room were done and Morgan declared it quitting time.
“All I have left to do is one more room and a bit of trim. I can knock that out tomorrow and it will be done. You are one fast painter,” she said, strolling around the room and checking the walls. “Good, too. And look at you, not a drop on your clothes. I’m covered with it!”
“I’ve had a lot of practice.” He smiled, happy to see that light back in her eyes.
“I can’t thank you enough. Listen, I don’t have my kitchen set up yet, but the table is in and I know the number for pizza delivery by heart. Can I buy you dinner at my place?”
Every fiber in his being wanted to spend more time with Morgan, but common sense told him to walk away. She closed the front door and as she picked up brushes and buckets, her scent once again filled his nostrils and he had to clamp his teeth to keep from moaning out loud. The sight of her bent over, her ass up in the air, was like an invitation to heaven. A low growl escaped before he could stop it.
“What? Did you say something?” she asked, turning to face him.
He took a step closer to her and put his hands on her cheeks. Her eyes widened and she caught her breath. Knowing it was a bad idea, knowing he’d just invited trouble into his life, he kissed her anyway. She stood frozen then her lips parted. He turned his head to get a better angle and deepen the kiss. Another growl threatened, but he pushed it back. He ran his hands from her face, down her neck, and felt her pulse, beating strong under his fingers. Her tongue lightly touched his lips. His cock, hard at her first scent, now strained against his jeans. Desire ran through his body, overriding all other thoughts.
Abruptly, he pulled his head back. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to do that.” He turned, grabbed his keys from the counter, and walked to the door.
“What the hell? You kiss me like that and now you’re going to leave? What’s your problem?”Morgan stood with her hands on her hips, eyes shooting sparks.
“My problem is… I can’t tell you what my problem is.” Dylan’s hand was on the doorknob but he didn’t want to leave her angry.
“Look, this is ridiculous. Every time we see each other, one of us ends up stomping off, mad. Hey, I’m not a fragile virgin. We can explore some, some sex activities.” Morgan laughed. 
“See how long it’s been for me? Sex activities, ha! I don’t even know what to call it anymore.”
Damn she looked fine, a smudge of paint on face and in her hair, still breathing hard from their kiss.
“No, I can’t explore with you, I’m sorry. Trust me, there’s a good reason.”
“What, are you secretly married, have a strange disease, have taken a vow of celibacy? What?”
“Yes, something like that. Trust me, you’re better off not knowing. I’m sorry.” He opened the door and walked out.


About the Author:
Naomi lives in sunny Florida with the love of her life and a magical calico cat. She writes for various fiction and non-fiction markets but is drawn to romance because her characters insist on canoodling and falling in love. So she lets them. Her interests include dancing, motorcycle riding, drumming and creating healthy meals. She takes the opportunity to play whenever possible. Her motto:  Never pass up the opportunity to have an adventure!  
Visit her at http://www.naomibellina.com/
http://www.facebook.com/NaomiBellina
https://twitter.com/TheGoddessNaomi

Witches by Michelle C. Reilly

Writing Sex Scenes from the Male’s Point of View as a Female Author by Michelle C. Reilly
The first scene for the first book in my Anathergians Trilogy, VARIANTS, came to me many years ago. It was a sex scene. Sure, many of us writers can see them in our head. But this was different, since it was from the male’s POV. I knew the entire scene would cover multiple pages and would have to be provided only from Auden’s thoughts and feelings. And…sensations.
I also knew my books would also have some male readers. So, I had to make sure I did this right. I mean, how would I, as a woman, feel if I read a sex scene and thought, “I would never do that,” or “I would never think that.” Talk about a mood killer.
You may wonder why I had to do this from the Auden’s POV. Leah, his soon-to-be Lifemate, was going through her transition to become immortal and a full-grown version of her race as an Anathergian. As part of the transition, she would be a bit violent and have extremely strong sexual urges.
This scene was in my head for years! I talked about it…mainly with men. It was…embarrassing. Especially because I’m not married and I was newly out of the military and had no family to talk to about it since I was far from home.
To make sure I got the scene right, I did a lot of research. One advantage for myself is that I was brought up as the only female (my mother was gone) in a household of males. So, my mind already thought rather directly instead of in different directions at once. Although I often multitask, I know how men focus on one task and often have to finish that particular task before starting on another. And, when it comes to sex, men are pretty focused. On one thing.
My research often led me in different directions. Like us females, males like different things. But, what I wanted to know was the physical aspects. What type of sensations do they feel during orgasm? What is it their body physically goes through during sex?
Because men are about the physical aspects and not so much the emotional, although when they’re emotionally involved, this does play a role.
For this scene, there was as yet no emotional connection. At least, not a deep one.
When I finally wrote the scene, I met with my brother for lunch and nervously asked him to read it. Mind you, this is my younger brother who I helped raise after my mother left. We’re very close, but I’ve never talked to him about sex. At least, not in detail. I watched him read it and his mouth began to hang open. It took him a good fifteen minutes (it’s a long scene!) to finish. Once he was done, he said, “Yeah, that’s pretty much it.” He gave me a few fixes, but other than this, I pretty much had it spot-on.
The next test was with my critique group who are a mixture of new authors and a couple who have been published for many years. When I told them about the scene, they said, “No way!” They didn’t like the idea. The week after I gave them the scene, we all met again. The first one sat down and said, “Oh, my God, Michelle, that scene was absolutely incredible!”  The next lady, whose books are rather cleaner than mine (I’m not sure if she ever goes into details with her sex scenes), blushed and said, “I just never thought about it like that. Quite enlightening.”
Since I had it down, I have quite a few more scenes from the guy’s POV. My novella, NICO: THE ROGUE WARRIOR has a few, and, of course, WITCHES, book two of the Anathergians Trilogy. It’s a daunting task, but I wanted to make sure that, if I had any male readers, I had this thing down. And I knew my female readers would enjoy it, too.

WitchesThe Anathergians TrilogyBook TwoMichelle C. Reilly
Genre: Science Fiction/Paranormal Romance
Word Count: 82k
Cover Artist: Michelle C. Reilly
Book Description:
Auden, the immortal king of the Anathergians, is lost within a sea of emotions. Rocked to his very core from his battle against the Variants, he fears Travik—father to Auden’s Lifemate, Leah, and the Anathergian who turned humans into Variants—has committed the ultimate evil and killed Leah. Desperate, Auden struggles to discover the truth.
And what of Leah’s foster brother, Ceadan, who turned into a Variant to save his sister? Was he successful? Did he survive?
Auden and his fellow Anathergian warriors join with the council of witches to search for—and hopefully save—Leah and Ceadan.
Will they find them? Are they alive? And what is Travik’s evil plot for humankind?

Available on Amazon



Excerpt: Using Auden’s Bugatti, they made their way to the salon where Ceadan had been.  Auden eyed the place. Built sometime in the 1960s, the house was now a business establishment because of zone changes.  Patches of white stucco were missing from the walls and the faded black trim peeled away from the wood.When all four of them entered, the thin teenage boy at the desk stood and backed against a wall. His wide brown eyes, outlined in dark liner, stared at each of them. His jaw worked as if he tried to speak, but no words came out.Gunner stepped forward and the boy squeaked and plastered himself closer to the wall. The Anathergian pulled Ceadan’s receipt from his pocket. “We’re trying to track down a friend of ours and, the last day he was seen, he visited…” He scrutinized the room and rocked back on his heels. “This lovely establishment. Can you give us an idea of who he saw?”The boy’s Adam’s apple bobbed, and he nodded as he tentatively read the receipt.  “Uh…” his voice wavered, “let me see who was here that day.”He reached for the mouse on the desk and surveyed the information displayed on his monitor. “It…uh…looks like Daisy took care of him.”Gunner used the receipt like a guitar pic and strung it across the fingers of his other hand. “And, is Daisy here?”The kid’s eyes widened, showing an extraordinary amount of sclera. “Oh! Yes. I’ll take you…uh… All of you to her.”They followed the boy down a hallway and into a room on the left.  A girl with her head shaved on one side and the rest of her fluorescent orange hair sticking out in spikes sat at a table drawing as she rocked out to whatever music played in her ear buds.“Uh… Daisy?” The boy’s voice shook.  When he got no response, he tried again. “Daisy, you have some…uh…men here to see you.” This time he knocked on the wall next to her.The girl’s head lifted, her eyebrows drawn down. When she saw Gunner behind the kid, she smiled and pulled out her earbuds. When she stood and sashayed around the table, Auden scanned her black pants covered with multiple buckles. He wondered how long it took her to get them on and off.Daisy’s gaze slowly analyzed Gunner from the top of his head to his white sneakers. The thick liner around her eyes emphasized their blue color. “Hey. What can I do for you?” She had a slight southern accent proving she wasn’t a Las Vegas native.Gunner, never one to let a good thing pass him by, put on the charm. “Hey, darlin’. I’m looking for a friend of mine. He came here a few weeks back and then he decided to go and disappear on us. I’m hoping you can give us a clue what you did to him while he was here.” He reached into his front pocket and, when the girl’s gaze followed his hand, he slowed his movements so she could get a better look. Auden shook his head.He pulled out his phone and displayed the photo of Ceadan they’d found in the complex’s database.  The girl studied it while blowing a huge, pink bubble from the gum she chewed.  “Yeah, I remember him. He’s the reason I’m orange now.”“Orange?” Gunner asked.“Yeah, you know?” She pointed to her head. “Orange. Except his is yellow, you know? Like the vests construction guys wear.”Gunner glanced over his shoulder at Auden with a raised eyebrow and then turned back to the girl. “So, it’s like bright yellow?”She nodded and blew another bubble. When the gum stuck to her lip, she swiped it with a finger and sucked on it with a sexy grin at him. Nico snickered behind him.“So, what else did you do to his hair?” Gunner asked her.She shrugged. “Mohawk.”Gunner blinked a few times. “What kind of Mohawk?”“Just your typical type. You know? Long in the middle, shaved on the sides. And very bright.”Gunner fiddled with his phone for a minute and then showed the girl the display. “So, is this what he looked like after you finished with him?”She blanched when she saw the photo.  Auden leaned over to see Ceadan now with a high line of bright yellow hair running down the middle of his head and a smooth scalp on either side.“Wow.” She reached for the phone. “That’s a cool app. What’s it called?”“Ah, ah, ah,” Gunner said while shaking his head and pulling the phone away. “It’s my special app. So, would you say this is him?”She shook her head. “Pretty much. But, you’re missing his ear studs. He had a few on each ear.”Gunner let a breath out between his teeth and it came out almost like a whistle. “Alrighty, then, I think that’s all we need.”The girl swiveled toward her counter, picked up a business card, and handed it to Gunner. “Let me know if you need anything else. I’m always happy help out.” The sly smile she sent Gunner gave Auden a pretty good idea of what kind of help she was willing to give the man.Gunner nodded to the girl with a smile and a wink, and they all circled around to leave the premises.When they were outside, Nico said, “Dude, every single time. We can’t take you anywhere.”Gunner gave him a who me? look, with his arms spread wide. “Who’s talking, Mr. I’ll-Fuck-Whatever-I-Can-Get-My-Dick-Into?”Nico stopped and squinted his eyes. “Not whatever I can get my dick into. I am choosey,” he paused. “Well, a little choosey. They have to be breathing at least.”Gunner let out a snort. “Whatever. Should I play you a recording of growling cats?”
When Nico glared at him, Gunner quirked an eyebrow. “Then get in the car and quit your whining.”
About the Author:
Michelle C. Reilly is a science fiction romance writer. She's a single mom of two wonderful boys. She spent ten years in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman Preventive Medicine Technician, which meant she was actually attached to or stationed with the U.S. Marine Corps. She has a Masters in Science in Public Health, but she is generally an IT geek and a geek of many other things as well. She currently resides in Las Vegas, NV, with her two cats, Meowdy and Moose, and her dog, Katie aka "The Old Lady."
Make sure to visit her website www.michellecreilly.com for more information about her and her upcoming books.
Feel free to visit, ask her questions, and hang out with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/michellecorareilly
And if you're a tweet-a-holic (or even if you're not), follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MichelleCReilly
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Guest Blog and GIveaway:The Legacy of the Key by S. L. Morgan

An interview with Reece, Levi and Harrison.
As I sit in this exquisite palace across from the three main characters in the Ancient Guardians Series, I struggle to maintain my focus. Fortunately, after reading the first two books in the series, I jotted questions down prior to entering the fascinating realm of Pemdas. The author does an excellent job of describing the glowing foliage at night, the magnificent palace; but even at that, I learned quickly that I wasn’t prepared for the beauty this world possessed.
I took my seat on an ivory, Victorian style chaise and was immediately offered a hot cup of tea from the palace servants. WOW, the explosive flavors of this tea are indescribable and definitely a flavor I will always crave long after this visit to Pasidian Palace.
As I sit, fidgeting with my papers, I hear a soft laugh coming from the chair to my right. Harrison. I glanced at him and instantly his piercing blue eyes, flawless features having me blushing like some school girl. After learning of his personality, I knew immediately he was enjoying my embarrassment. He draped an arm over the back of his chair, crossed a leg and nodded toward my papers.“It appears that a glass of wine might help clear your thoughts,” he started with a knowing grin, “The tea seems to have you a bit frazzled.”
I snapped out of my daze and before I could say anything, Reece spoke up, “Don’t listen to him. I was an absolute mess when I first was taken into this dimension,” she smiled reassuringly at me, “It takes a while to absorb everything.”
My thoughts were clear now, and my first question was for Reece. I smiled in return, “Thank you. All of this is way too much to take in and I’ve even read everything you’ve gone through. Now, I personally wonder how you managed it all. I wondered how you started to lose all thoughts of your life on Earth and pursuing your medical career in trade for a life in this world. It’s somewhat clear now. Was it easy for you to adjust?”
Reece smiled, “Not necessarily,” she squeezed Levi’s hand, which he immediately responded with a loving smile in return. “I was a wreck, at first I’m dealing with some type of paranormal version of my Dad visiting me, and then these guys,” she arched an eyebrow at Harrison, “Start following me everywhere. The next thing I know, I’m flying down a road with Harrison driving like a maniac and then we’re in Pemdas. I needed answers and it was so frustrating that it took them so long to give them to me.” She glanced up at Levi, “I understand why they did now, I definitely would have never made it to the palace after the Emperor Navarre told me about my genealogy.” She glanced out of the window, “I nearly broke down into hysterics—”
“Ha!” Harrison coughed out a laugh, “Your expression showed nothing but a pale face and it was obvious you were going to run screaming out of the room at any moment.”
I softly laughed as Reece returned Harrison’s humored expression with a simple roll of her eyes. “I’m glad I could amuse you. Fortunately, Levi offered me to get out for fresh air before I could go screaming through the palace.”
I brought my attention to Levi, he had been extremely formal and quiet throughout most of the exchange. I will admit, it is difficult to be in his presence. As Reece explains numerous times, his vivid blue eyes, highlighted by his dark hair and impeccable features, will having your heart beating a little rapidly too. Trying to be respectful and not gawk over this man that is in love with Reece and she with him, I simply grin and not allow his piercing eyes to hold mine hostage.
“It was clear that you had feelings for Reece at the time you guarded her on Earth, how did it feel to watch her go through the many emotions she did from the moment she encountered you in the airport, until you brought her safely into your world.”
Levi’s expression grew somber, “It was not an easy task for me. After the events on the airplane and nearly losing Reece to the Ciatron due to that occurrence, our commander, Samuel, ordered us to take her to Pemdas then.”
Reece glanced up at Levi as if this were news to her.
He went on, “I argued with Samuel, as much as I desperately wanted her in our world, not only for her protection, but,” his cheeks slightly colored, “for selfish reasons as well. I longed for the day that I could interact with Reece, to know her better and for her to have an opportunity to know me. However, those were mainly selfish reasons, I knew that if we took Reece from Earth and into our dimension, her entire life would change and I greatly feared the effects that would have on her. This is why I demanded that Samuel give us more time to guard her without taking her then. There were no other options after the Ciatron became more interested in her and were planning at all costs to take her into their world in order to see if she was the descendant of Paul Xylander. That’s when we had no other option.”
“How did I not see any of this?” Harrison blurted out in annoyance. “Your feelings for Reece?”“It could possibly be the fact that your eyes and attention are always drawn to other women in any room we’re in.” Levi retorted with a laugh.
Harrison shrugged, “True.”
We all laughed in unison.
“Some believe all of this to be too unrealistic, too perfect and the way Reece accepted these changes in her life unbelievable. Some have criticized you for ‘gushing’ over Levi and a Medical student with a mature mindset would not react in such a way.”
This forced a laugh out of Harrison. A stern yet, concerned gaze from Levi and a look of confusion playing on Reece’s face. Instantly, her features softened. “Let them think what they want, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Yes, I was determined to be a Pediatrician, I had what I believed the perfect life mapped out for myself. It wasn’t until I was brought here that I realized I was using all of this to fill a void of something I didn’t have and desperately needed,” she glanced up at Levi, “Levi.” She simply stated. “Believe me, I had no plans to fall in love with him, but when I started to see everything so differently, it was because of him. It was like everything faded away, I hardly felt worried over trivial things, I started to feel complete every time I was with him. I soon realized that I didn’t want to go back to the high paced life on Earth. I wanted to be here. It’s hard to explain. But, my life wasn’t just turned upside down when I was brought to Pemdas. It started when I lost my dad. When I lost him, I had to do something. I was young and was at a make or break point in my life. So I chose the most demanding profession that I could conquer, hoping that it was the answer to grieving my dad’s death.”
“I am so sorry for your loss.”
Reece smiled in response, “Thank you, I appreciate that. I may have lost my father, but in some strange way, I gained the world in return by having Levi’s love.
“Gained the world of Pemdas that is,” Harrison spoke out, “Let’s weigh this for a moment, Reece having a future as a Doctor or Reece having a future as the next Empress of an entire world?”“Harrison.” Reece sighed.
“Think about it? How could anyone question that?”
It was getting late and I knew the servants would announce dinner soon. I saved one last question for Harrison, “It is no secret that you are on a social media site on Earth.”
“What?” Reece said with a laugh.
Harrison sat smugly in his chair, “Yes, it is quite entertaining.”
“Harrison, I will never understand you.” Levi said.
Reece sat up, “What site?”
Harrison crossed his arms, “Facebook.”
Levi rolled his eyes as Reece covered her mouth with both her hands, “Please tell me you aren’t posting pictures of us on it?” she said, still laughing.
“You will never know and not to worry, nothing that I post will put you or anyone at risk. Although it does stress our author out some.” He laughed.
Reece glanced up at Levi’s annoyed expression, “The next thing we know he’ll be on a dating site.” She said in a low voice, forcing Levi to laugh out loud.
“Nice one, Reece.” Harrison returned. “However, it is quite obvious I have no need for such things.”The room grew silent and I could tell there was something more then they were telling me about Harrison. Before I could ask, a servant entered the room and announced dinner.
We all stood at once. Levi instantly crossed the room, and thanked me for my time. Reece offered an endearing hug, thanking me as well. Harrison sauntered across the room and offered his arm, “You must be famished, allow me you to escort you to dinner before your return to Earth.
And that was it. Reece helped me get through dinner without making a fool of myself and before I knew it, I was on my way back to Earth. I have to admit, I wish I never had left. Yes, I want to live in Pemdas and I am so thankful that S.L. Morgan gave me this opportunity to visit Pemdas. I know she would have interviewed the characters herself, but, she is buried in edits with her third book and I was the closest one she could reach out to.
It was definitely a privilege.
Rena Blanchard
Senior Book Interviewer  The Legacy of the KeyAncient Guardians SeriesBook OneS. L. Morgan
Genre: Fiction: Fantasy RomanceHistorical, Science Fiction
Publisher: Pasidian Press
Date of Publication: December 21, 2012
ISBN-10: 0615736742ISBN-13: 978-0615736747ASIN: B00ARK6SUO
Number of pages: 372Word Count: 101,102
Book Description:
No matter where you are, facing your reality with passion and purpose will always lead down the path you were intended to go.
While Reece Bryant is making her way through this world on her own, she is suddenly confronted with the truth of her existence, and the reality of her future. It is when she encounters two alluring and mysterious men, that a series of extraordinary events takes place, putting Reece’s life in grave danger. With her life in the balance, Reece must blindly trust the two mysterious strangers; and when she does, she is brought into an enchanting world that is beyond her logical comprehension.
This captivating land reveals new worlds and new dimensions to which her existence is paramount. But it is once she falls in love with the stunning Levi Oxley that everything will change, and Reece’s life will be in more danger than ever before.
Forced to return to Earth and face a Council of Worlds, Reece discovers there is more to this enchanting dimension than she could have ever imagined.
At a moment’s notice, even thru the fog of our denial, our journey can become crystal clear. And within the revelation, once our fear subsides, we can find contentment and purpose if we focus on the things that matter most. Trust—Courage—Love
Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/b2DdKCL3Bjs
Available at  Amazon Kobo  iTunes  BN  Smashwords
The Legacy of the Key is the first installment of S.L. Morgan’s new fantasy romance novel. The romance in this novel is perfectly suitable for young adults, teens ages 13 and up.
Prepare to journey into a captivating new world…that will remove you from reality as you know it! A 2014 Global ebook Gold award winning book and a 2014 Silver award medalist in the Reader's favorite international awards.
Praise for The Legacy of the Key:
5-STARS Ancient Guardians: The Legacy of the Key by S.L. Morgan is an enchanting novel with a flawless plot, breathtakingly vivid scenery and characters that so completely come to life and are relatable. The story took me from this world and transported me to a different time and to a place so beautiful and magnificent I sometimes needed a moment to pause and just take in the breathtaking scenery described therein. ~Reader's Favorite Review by Faridah Nassozi
5- STARS "There are two words to describe this book: ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. It is very difficult to put into words how much I enjoyed it. The concept of the different worlds and dimensions among us was unique and very intriguing; it immediately had me hooked.". ~Reader's Favorite Review by Cheryl Schopen
5-Stars "The book is fast paced and will take readers to another dimension altogether. It is a great roller coaster ride with fantasy, science fiction, mystery, romance, action, suspense and a new dimension all woven together.
Chapter One:
The fall semester of Temple University’s medical program in Philadelphia had finally come to an end. Reece handed in her last final, and walked out toward the area where her friend Jack was meeting her to drive her to the airport. She had been dreading this day, not because of the finals, but because she was flying back to San Diego. Halfway through the semester, Reece had been notified that she would have to return home to settle the last of her father’s estate. Two years ago, the summer after she graduated from college, her father died of a massive heart attack. He left her alone; with no one she could call family. She had planned to stay in San Diego to pursue her medical degree, but it took nearly everything she had to stay and cope with her father’s death. In the end, she could no longer bear to live in the city that reminded her so much of him, and their years together. After his passing she fled to Philadelphia in search of a new life. She had settled in quickly, making a couple of friends who helped to take her mind off of what she had left behind. Her grades were excellent, and she could not have been more proud of how well she was doing on her own. She felt strong.Now, she had to return and face again the reality of it all again; the painful memories and feelings of weakness that she had so successfully suppressed. She was determined not to let this trip tear down the strength she had found. She refused to let the past haunt her anymore. The trip would not be a long one; she would quickly handle the paperwork regarding the sale of her father’s home, and then return to her life in Philadelphia.“Hey, Reece,” a familiar voice called out, pulling her out of her distant thoughts. “You’re out early; I was just going to wait out at the benches for you.” Jack was getting ready to start his internship. He was an even tempered guy, and enjoyable to be around. They had developed a quick and entirely platonic rapport from the moment they met, and he always made her feel comfortable. She smiled. “Thanks for taking me to the airport, Jack. I hated to call you so late, but Lori’s cancellation was kind of last-minute.” Lori and Reece had shared an apartment since Reece’s arrival in Philadelphia. Jack placed his arm around her shoulders as they started walking. “So, when is Lori going to admit she’s in love with me, and get rid of that geek, Mitch?” Reece chuckled. “When you get over yourself, and you’ve shown you can stay in a relationship longer than one night.” He stared back at her. “Figures. Why do women always wait for Prince Charming to come along? I could be Prince Charming if that’s what it takes.” he laughed at himself. “Jack, I’m sure you could. I think many of your girlfriends thought you were!” “Well, whatever dork Lori wants to date is her problem, not mine. I’ve never been the type to attract the brunettes anyway. It’s always the blonde’s that seem to be attracted to men like me.” Reece stared at him incredulously, “You’re unbelievable.”He laughed. “Actually, come to think of it, there is one blonde haired, blue eyed girl that hasn’t fallen for my charming sensibilities…” He looked at her and smirked.Reece shook her head, “And that’s not going to change, either! I don’t get it.”“Get what?” “The fact that you have to stereotype every female you come across. How shallow can one person be? You’re actually judging your relationships with women by the color of their hair? It’s stupid, and it’s half the reason you can’t stay in a relationship longer than one day.”Jack laughed, “Awe, Reece, that’s what I love about you, always trying to keep me in line. And you know what? You’re probably right.”“I’m always right.”Jack dropped her off at the airport about two hours before her flight. Airports, ugh. If there was any place that she dreaded, it was an airport full of rush and chaos. On this trip, she had enough to contend with without additional stress. She gritted her teeth through the security inspection, then shouldered her backpack and made the rounds of the shops, hoping to keep her mind occupied. She studied what seemed to be every souvenir in the terminal, then headed over to her departure gate and found a seat. She had at least half an hour before boarding.As she sat back, she noticed two young business men walking toward the gate. They were dressed immaculately, in perfectly tailored suits that gave off an air of absolute supremacy. It wasn’t their magnetic and powerful presence that had her studying both of them, but there was something strangely familiar about them. Even so, she couldn’t place their faces from any class she’d been in. Well, it’s obvious they wouldn’t be in college, Reece, they’re dressed like they own the airline company. Who are these guys? It was bothering her that she couldn’t identify where she had seen them before.One was dark-haired. Tall, dark, and very handsome, she thought with an internal chuckle. He was probably in his late twenties, but had an intimidating presence. He walked as though he commanded the entire gate, perhaps the entire airport. She frowned, trying to figure out whether it was the way he held himself, or the odd sense that she knew him, that caught her attention.The blond man beside him was about the same height, and equally stunning, but less intimidating. The good-humored expression on his face set him apart from the other man. He looked as though he was recalling the punch line to a good joke. The men walked through the waiting area and stood near the large windows, away from the crowd. Without warning, the dark-haired man looked away from his friend and stared directly at Reece. Their eyes locked, and she startled, but tried to continue gazing casually around the room. Her eyes didn’t see what was in front of them, though; she was wondering why these men seemed familiar. She could not resist another glance back toward the window. The blond man was already staring directly at her. Busted. Perhaps she hadn’t been as discreet as she’d thought. He smiled vibrantly at her to confirm it. Oh, well... She gave him back a smile, and looked past him at the sky outside. Thankfully, boarding was now announced. Reece stood and turned away.Knowing this would be a long flight, Reece had opted to fly first class. She was one of the first to board, and found a comfortable aisle seat. Two uniformed pilots sat in the front row. Perhaps they were going to take over the flight after Chicago, where more passengers would board. As soon as the airplane moved away from the gate, Reece rested her head against the leather headrest, closed her eyes, and allowed herself to drift off. It seemed now that the long week was finally catching up with her.She woke enough to refuse when an attendant approached her to ask about refreshments. As she laid her head back, the two pilots in the front row stood and walked toward the cockpit. That’s a bit out of the ordinary, Reece thought sleepily. She heard a step and looked backward down the aisle. Through the curtain that separated first class from coach, stepped the two young men she had seen earlier. They didn’t stop, but walked toward the cockpit. Now, she was a little concerned. Both men looked extremely somber. She noticed their blue eyes. Very blue eyes. They were almost—they were glowing, like sapphires reflecting the light. Reece looked around at her fellow passengers, but no one seemed to notice anything strange. In fact, no one seemed to notice anything at all; they all stared straight ahead like mannequins, and the flight attendants were nowhere to be seen.Now the two men were in the cockpit. Must be crowded with six in there, Reece thought nervously. Her heart beat faster. The aircraft then went through an odd array of motions. It banked hard in one direction, and then immediately dropped. Reece’s stomach reacted instantly, and she gripped the armrests so tightly there should have been finger dents in them. The plane was climbing now. She looked for some comfort from the other passengers, but found none. Everyone in the cabin was expressionless and stoic, staring blankly ahead. Reece began to wonder if it could all be some strange dream. Just then, the plane lunged sharply forward; it felt as though they were in a nose dive, speeding back down toward the Earth. Suddenly, a flash of light lit up the cabin, blinding Reece. While she was still dazed, another blinding flash lit the cabin. After the two bright flashes, the airplane started to level out. The lights in the cabin flickered. It seemed the bright lights were the cause of the electrical malfunctions in the aircraft. Or was it the other way around? At any rate, they were not heading downward anymore.Reece began to calm down. The plane flew smoothly without any more abrupt movements. Quiet conversations sounded around her, and she felt as though she were waking from a trance. The cabin was dark, and the people around her were talking to each other with concern. A voice came over the intercom. “Good evening, passengers. This is your pilot speaking. It seems that our aircraft is experiencing various forms of technical difficulty. There is no need for any undue concern, but to err on the side of caution, we have requested, and have been granted, clearance to return to Philadelphia. We are en route there now. I ask that all passengers remain seated until we return the aircraft safely to the ground.”Reece remained quiet; she did not know what to believe. Shortly after the pilot made his announcement, the airplane began its descent. Once safely on the ground again and the airplane slowly returned to an open gate, the pilot came over the intercom again, thanking the passengers for their cooperation and expressing his apologies for the inconvenience. Reece sat in shock and wondered if it had been a dream. Dream or reality, I want off this plane, she thought, and she grabbed her backpack.As she followed the group back into the airport, she noticed the two young men again, walking ahead of her. The blond man was acting as if he had just got off a plane in Las Vegas after a winning streak, but the dark one seemed uninterested in his friend’s enthusiasm. They stopped, both of them staring down at some object in the dark one’s hand. Reece looked at them speculatively. They raised their heads simultaneously, looking directly at her. She could not pull her questioning eyes away from them, wondering if they were the cause of the airplane’s malfunctioning. They returned her gaze, seemingly as interested in her as she was in them. Everything in her wanted to stop and question them, but for fear of making a fool of herself, she turned her attention back to the crowd in front of her and continued to walk past them. Before turning the corner, she turned back one last time. They were both staring intently at her. The dark blond smiled at her warmly. There seemed to be more behind his smile than just politeness. After Reece managed to secure another flight out for the next morning, she called Jack for a ride home from the airport. She hated to bother him again, and should probably just take a cab ride home, but she’d rather not be in the presence of strangers after what she had just experienced. Jack had wasted no time returning to pick her up, and she was grateful for it. The distress of the strange flight started to diminish as soon as she was away from the airport. Jack dropped Reece of at her apartment. “Marti’s later?” he asked.It was their usual coffee shop. “Sure.” she smiled at him. “Lori will bring Mitch; think you can stand it?”He clasped his hands dramatically. “Ah, my broken heart!” Then he reverted to his normal voice. “Pick you up at six, okay?” Reece dumped her backpack at the door, plopped down onto the sofa, and turned on the television. She dropped her purse to the floor next to her and grabbed the remote. Flipping through the channels, she found a sea life documentary to watch. Graceful dolphins, swimming, swimming... Suddenly, she felt as if it were three in the morning; she could hardly keep her eyes open. She let her body relax and closed her eyes.She woke abruptly from a dreamless sleep, thinking she’d heard the door. She sat up, looking toward the door, expecting Lori to enter. There was no sign of Lori, and no sign the door had been opened. The deadbolt remained in the locked position.Old building noises. She sank back into the sofa, pulling over her the blanket they kept draped over the back. She leaned over to grab the remote control from the coffee table. Something moved. In the kitchen? It was just a glimpse, out of the corner of her eye. She sat back, taking slow breaths. Probably nothing. She stared into the kitchen—open to the living room, with a counter between.Phone. She picked up her purse and fumbled around for her cell phone. As she retrieved the phone, she looked up and was stupefied by the figure standing in front of her. She tried to blink it away, but it remained; solid, unmoving. “Dad?” she whispered. She stared in amazement at the image of her father, standing in her living room. He didn’t move, or respond to her. He stood there, expressionless, as if he was studying her. Reece felt as if a heavy weight had landed on her, instantly paralyzing her. She could not do anything except stare at him. He was wearing the clothes he had worn the last time she saw him; dark brown slacks, and a crisp, blue shirt. Suddenly, he smiled his heartwarming smile. Reece’s eyes filled with tears, and the image blurred. She’d forgotten how much she missed him. She felt a flood of repressed emotions far greater than those she’d feared her trip to San Diego would evoke. His face, his presence, and his smile brought back vivid memories of him and their life together; memories she had tried to set aside so she could function without him. These were the memories that made her wonder how she could go through the rest of her life alone. Frightened by the realization that her deceased father standing in front of her, she squeezed her eyes shut, hoping this image would go away. Strangely, the weight lifted slowly, and she regained control of her large muscles. When she dared to open her eyes, he was gone. She felt both frustration and relief. Was her perpetual anxiety over her impending trip causing hallucinations now? She needed to get hold of herself. Slam! Reece leaped off the sofa and turned back toward the door.“Geez, girl! What are you doing here?” It was Lori, jumping back into the doorway and dropping her Keys.With her hand over her heart, Lori stared at Reece in shock. Reece was the mirror image of Lori, with her hand covering her chest. She took a deep calming breath. “Sorry Lori, my flight was pushed out until tomorrow. The plane had issues or something.” Lori let out a sigh of relief and bent over to pick up her Keys. “Well, that’s…” she started.“Never a good thing, I know.” Reece finished her sentence. An hour later, they were all in Jack’s car. He drove the car as if he were in a high-speed chase. “Slow it down, Jack,” Reece said. “I knew I should have taken own my car,” she muttered to Lori who sat next to her in the back seat.Lori smiled and leaned forward to put a hand on Mitch’s shoulder. “You’re driving next time, honey.”“Hey,” said Mitch, “I’m actually enjoying myself. It’s not every day I get to jump into a classic ‘67 Camaro SS. I’m curious, how fast can these cars really go?” A large smile stretched across Jack’s face. “I can fix your curiosity if you’d like.” Lori exhaled ostentatiously. “Why don’t you do that after you drop us off, Jack? Then you both can go kill yourselves together. What is it with men and cars?” Reece shrugged her shoulders. More talk about cars would just encourage Jack to do something stupid. “Hey, what do you guys think about going to dinner instead of coffee? I’m not really in the mood to sit in a coffee shop right now. School’s out and we’ve spent enough time there studying for finals.” Lori smiled. “Good call, Reece. I’m hungry, anyways. Let’s go to that new Italian restaurant. It’s supposed to be nice.” Jack laughed and responded. “Whatever you women want, I’m just the driver.” he looked toward Mitch. “You cool with that, Mitch? Oh wait, never mind, you’re always cool with anything.” He tried to make eye contact with Reece in the rearview mirror. Reece ignored him pointedly, looking out the window.They were stopped at a red light, a block south of the restaurant. Pedestrians hurried past on the sidewalks. Two of them—What?—two of them were the young men who’d been on the airplane. Reece’s heart raced.“Reece? What are you staring at?” Lori had grabbed her arm. “What? Um, well, there was… it’s just...” She turned back to look out the window, and the two men were gone. “Just what, Reece?” Lori said, trying to look past Reece out the window. “Oh, nothing. My mind was somewhere else. I’m sorry, what were you saying?” Lori laughed. “Girl, you need a cocktail or something! You’re starting to act delirious.” she laughed, but her eyes showed concern.“I just need to eat something; it’s been a long day.” The restaurant’s parking lot was full. “Well, of course, this place is packed! Hopefully, the garage we passed has a spot available.” Jack huffed. “You girls need to learn how to cook dinner or something. By the time it takes me to park, you both could have cooked and served us men a nice, healthy meal.” He spun the car back down an alley to find more parking. “We ‘girls’?” said Lori. “You ‘men’? Learn to cook yourself, Jack! Until then, just park the car and quit complaining, or you can wait with it until we finish.” They pulled into an extra parking area and found a spot. Before he was out of his car, Jack noticed another car nearby. “Are you serious!” he said, walking up to it. “Check out this car, guys. It’s like some prototype or something.” Mitch walked over to the car while Reece and Lori stared at them both, annoyed by the delay. Lori called out to them, “It’s nice, Jack. What is it, a Porsche or something?” Jack laughed as he walked the length of the sporty black car. “It’s not a Porsche. I’ve never read, or heard, about anything like this! I wonder whose it is; this car has to be worth well over a hundred thousand bucks!” As he walked closer, the car emitted a warning sound. Reece crossed her arms. “Jack, can we GO? You are most likely about to meet the owner; I’m sure it has some kind of pager. I’m ready to eat.” Jack’s head snapped up, and he walked away from the car; turning back over and over, as if he wanted to check it out one more time. Once inside the restaurant, they were seated in a secluded, candle-lit nook behind a red brick archway. While waiting for their orders, they engaged in conversation about their challenging finals earlier that day. As usual, Jack entertained the group with his natural humor. It was definitely the environment Reece needed to take her mind off of the strange events from earlier.In the midst of her laughter, Reece glanced up to see if the waitress was returning with their meals, only to be frozen in shock. Across the way, the two men from the plane were sitting at a table which faced theirs. The blond man was staring directly at her, and when she tried to act as though she hadn’t noticed them, he raised his wine glass in her direction and smiled. She looked back to Lori and Mitch sitting across from her, trying to shake herself into reality. Are they following me? Who are these guys?Lori looked at her quizzically. “Reece, are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”Reece shook her head and tightened her fist angrily. This could not be happening. “What do you need?” Jack said. “I’ll get the waitress. Why are you so tense?” Reece heard all of their voices like echoes in the background as she pulled herself together. She closed her eyes and unclenched her fists. “Water,” she said softly. “I just wanted to see if refills were coming.” She had to pull it together, and she would do it now. Reece would not allow these men to intimidate her in anyway. Whether or not these two interesting men had anything to do with the strange occurrences on the plane, or if they were following her now, she would prove to them she wasn’t afraid of them. Inwardly she was concerned, but she would not let them see that.Jack was the one to break the silence. “All of this over a glass of water? Stay here; I’ll go get the waitress.” Reece clutched his hand. “Sheesh, Reece, can you release the death grip? I won’t make a scene, but Lori’s right; you look like you’ve had a paranormal experience or something.” Shortly thereafter, the waitress appeared with refills, followed by other staff with their plates. Jack sat back, and once the staff left, Reece laughed. “Sorry guys, it has been a very long day. I think I just need to eat. This food smells delicious, doesn’t it?” Her friends looked worried. She knew they’d never seen her act this way. And quite frankly, she was beginning to worry herself. Reece ignored their discomfort. She started in on her plate, took a bite, and smiled brilliantly. “Guys, stop staring at me, we don’t need any more drama.” she laughed as she took another bite, “Now, what were we talking about before I almost melted down over a glass of water?” Jack didn’t hesitate to break up the awkward moment. While he continued to relax everyone at the table with his humor, Reece reached for her glass of wine. She felt the eyes of the men stealing glances at her, and now it was time to show them, they didn’t intimidate her. She looked over at their table. Both men were engaged in conversation, but must have noticed Reece watching them. The dark haired man looked over at her, bringing the blond one’s eyes to follow his gaze. After Reece had the blond man’s attention, she arched her brow, raised her wineglass to him, and smiled with confidence. The darker one’s lips turned up slightly, while he brought his attention back to his friend, the one who Reece was gazing directly at. The blond chuckled softly, and returned her smile with amusement. Then, without another glance back to Reece, he returned to his plate before him. Handsome or not, Reece was annoyed that these two mysterious men were playing games with her. It was best if she just ignored them from here on out. She knew if she didn’t, it would not take much for her to walk over to their table and start demanding answers. With that in mind, she engaged herself in the lively conversation her friends were now having, and ignored any desire to return her attention back to the men.The rest of dinner was uneventful, and Jack entertained everyone so well that they seemed to forget about Reece’s odd behavior. Back at the apartment, Reece wished Lori a good night, and fell into bed. The alarm clock would ring soon enough.

About the Author:
International Award winning author S. L. Morgan grew up in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains of California. Over the past nine years, she and her husband, Jason Morgan, their three kids moved throughout the United States. Recently, S.L. Morgan was blessed to move back to her hometown of Oakhurst California where she is currently editing the third book in the Ancient Guardians Novel Series.
S.L. Morgan was born telling vivid and long stories to anyone who would listen. With a personality that is extremely driven, she finally decided to put her stories to paper. With her passion and love for Jane Austen classics and the wonderful imaginative books from C.S. Lewis, she created the new Novel Series, Ancient Guardians.
Recently S.L. Morgan has been honored with awards for The Legacy of the Key, winning the 2014 Reader’s Favorite Silver medal for Fiction: Supernatural and also winning gold in the Global eBook awards for Fiction: Fantasy Romance. The Legacy of the Key was also a recipient of four 5-star review seals from Reader’s Favorite reviews.
With her second book in the series published, receiving a 5-star seal from Reader’s Favorite Reviews and now a nominee for the Global e-book award, S.L. Morgan is currently working on edits for the third book in her series.
When not entirely consumed by writing and editing, S.L. Morgan absolutely loves to be out on her boat in the summer or hitting the slopes in when winter comes around. She prides herself in her Starbucks Gold card and is convinced this series would have never made it to publishing without a Venti Café Americano.
With a profound love for her family, life and friends; S.L. Morgan enjoys every minute of every day, endeavoring to live her life at its fullest. With a very open and friendly personality, she enjoys interacting with her reader’s and helping those in need.
Humbled with every book review, be them good or bad, S.L. Morgan continues to write in her series with the hopes of entertaining more and more reader’s everyday.
Website: www.slmorganauthor.com
Blogsite: http://ancientguardiansnovel.wordpress.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/slmorganauthor
Book Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AncientGuardiansLegacyOfTheKey
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6861881.S_L_Morgan
Twitter: @slmorgan1
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/SL-Morgan/e/B00ARXKAL4/ 

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