Roxanne Rhoads's Blog, page 443

The Jinn in Covenant by Sabrina Benulis

The Jinn

            Many people are aware of angels and demons. But how many recognize a Jinn?            In my novel Covenant and its prequel Archon, one of my favorite characters, Troy, is a Jinn. In the fictional universe I've created, she is a female of her race named after the illustrious Jinn city decimated by angels and demons long ago. Her kind are descendants of angelic offspring deemed imperfect and thrown down to Hell to fend for themselves. Gradually, they evolved into dwellers of darkness with predatory tendencies. Like most other Jinn, Troy has chalk-pale skin, sharp teeth and nails, large sickle-shaped black wings, phosphorescent eyes, and elfin ears. But unlike many of her kind, she longs for a different life for her people. One without the savagery and starvation that have tragically ended up defining her race.            In our real world, Jinn are beings of Islamic belief. They are not angels or demons, but something else entirely, and are said to inhabit a dimension only one step away from ours. They are known to be fickle and dangerous to deal with. Some Jinn are very much like our image of demons, and are truly evil. Others are good and enjoy helping people and communicating with them. Over the past few decades more and more people throughout the world have claimed to see 'shadow people'--ghost-like beings that look like living pitch-black shadows with glowing red eyes. These shadow people are said to be intensely interested in human lives and activities, but are rather shy and don't like being noticed or seen. Once again, some are claimed to be harmless, while others give off auras of terrifying evil. More than a few individuals in the paranormal field have brought up the strange parallels to these 'shadow people' and the Islamic Jinn.Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction. But every author has to get inspired somewhere.Have you ever encountered a shadow person? A Jinn?If you have, I hope that I don't have psychic author powers I'm unaware of. I certainly wouldn't wish Troy in one of her fickle moods on anybody. Troy isn't evil, but she can darned well scare the living daylights out of you. For a taste of what she's like when you tick her off, check out Chapter Zero of Covenant, where she has a close encounter with a half-human cousin who's unluckily earned her distaste.And remember: apparently, just like Troy, real-life Jinn and shadow people don't like light.It never hurts to keep that flashlight handy.

CovenantThe Books of RazielBook 2Sabrina Benulis
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Date of Publication: 4/1/2014
ISBN: 9780062069412
Number of pages: 400Word Count: 98,000
Harper Collins    Amazon    BN
Book Description:
The haunting gothic tale started in Archon continues-a mesmerizing work of the paranormal in which a young woman discovers that she is caught in a labyrinth of intrigue where angels, demons, and all the creatures between Heaven and Hell will stop at nothing to possess her.
A year ago, Angela Mathers, a talented artist with a tortured soul, enrolled at the Westwood Academy and encountered the angels who haunted her dreams. Then she discovered the dark truth … she is the Archon, a being of supreme power who will determine the fate of the universe. But with such power comes great danger, and for every force seeking to aid Angela there is another burning to stop her. After a scheming demon kidnaps the Book of Raziel, Angela must find her way through a nightmarish game and enter the Door to Hell to rescue her only friend before it is too late.
The perilous fate of both Heaven and Hell rests on her success.

About the Author:
Sabrina Benulis graduated with a Masters in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She currently resides in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania with her husband Mike, and her spoiled cockatiel Caesar. COVENANT is the follow-up to ARCHON, her first novel.
http://www.sabrinabenulis.com/
https://www.facebook.com/SabrinaBenulis
https://twitter.com/sabrinabenulis




a Rafflecopter giveaway


March 24 Guest blogChristina McKnightwww.christina-mcknight.blogspot.com
March 25 Guest BlogJill Archerwww.jillarcher.com
March 26 Guest blogMia Hoddellhttp://miahoddell.blogspot.com
March 27 InterviewDiane's Book Blog http://dianelynchbookreviews.blogspot.com/
March 27 SpotlightSapphyria's Book Reviewshttp://saphsbookblog.blogspot.com/
March 28 InterviewPembroke Sinclair.  www.pembrokesinclair.blogspot.com  
March 31 Guest blogUrban Fantasy Investigationshttp://urbanfantasyinvestigations.blogspot.com/
April 1 Guest blogPreternaturawww.suzannejohnsonauthor.com
April 1 SpotlightKimber Leigh Writeshttp://www.kimberleighwheaton.com
April 2 InterviewShut Up & Read http://shutupandreadgroup.blogspot.com/
April 3 Spotlight3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too   http://3partnersinshopping.blogspot.com
April 4 SpotlightNocturnal Predators Reviewshttp://www.nocturnalpredatorsreviews.blogspot.com
April 4 SpotlightKristy Centeno http://booksbycenteno.com
April 7 InterviewEclipse Reviewshttp://totaleclipsereviews.blogspot.com
April 7 SpotlightBook Liaison http://www.bookliaison.net
April 8 SpotlightAuthor Karen Swarthttp://authorkarenswart.blogspot.com/
April 9 SpotlightShare My Destinyhttp://sharemydestiny.blogspot.com
April 10 Guest blogFang-tastic Bookswww.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
April 11 InterviewRoxanne’s Realmwww.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com
April 14 InterviewSerendipity Reviewshttp://serendipity-reviews.com
April 15 SpotlightAly's Miscellanyhttp://alysmiscellany.blogspot.com/
April 16 InterviewThe Creatively Green Write at Home Momwww.creativelygreen.blogspot.com
April 17 SpotlightMidnight Musings with Bertena www.bertena.com
April 18 InterviewDarkest Cravings - Adult Bloghttp://darkestcravings.blogspot.com
April 18 SpotlightLisa’s World of Bookswww.lisasworldofbooks.net
April 21 InterviewLaurie's Paranormal Thoughts and Reviewshttp://lauriethoughts-reviews.blogspot.com
April 21 SpotlightLittle Whimsy Bookshttp://www.littlewhimsybooks.tumblr.com/

The Pleasure in Vampirism Guest blog and Giveaway with Saloni Quinby

The Pleasure in Vampirism
Although vampires share one common characteristic--the need to drain something, whether it’s blood or energy--in many ways they’re all different. They have different personalities, backstories and fictional worlds with their own rules.
As a lifelong fan of the vampire myth, I like most types of vampires, ranging from creepy Nosferatu to sexier modern vampires. Everyone has their own idea about what makes a vampire interesting, likeable or compelling. For me, I prefer a vampire who enjoys his own nature.
I have no problem with a brooding vampire, especially if he’s brooding about something other than being a vampire. Even if a vampire basically hates what he is, if he enjoys something about his powers, then he’s usually more interesting.
In my Weapons of Redemption series, five men who were abducted by a vampire pirate and changed by him have banded together to fight evil. They hate that they were forced to change and they’re furious at their vampiric father, but each has found something enjoyable about vampirism.
For Ansley and Brayden, the heroes of Marksmen, they’ve found pleasure in the possibility of spending a long life together. As children they had only each other to depend on. As men their friendship turned to romantic love. They expect to spend centuries together, but the monster who granted them the gift of long life might be the one to take it away.
What type of vampire is your favorite? What characteristics make them appealing to you?
I hope you enjoy the following excerpt from Weapons of Redemption 4: Marksmen.
Thank you!
Saloni
Excerpt from Weapons of Redemption 4: Marksmen by Saloni Quinby
Tarun and Bryce stood outside the door. Blood flowed from a deep bite on Tarun’s neck. Claw marks streaked Bryce’s face and his shirt was torn and bloodstained.
“He needs blood, but he damn near killed us,” Tarun said.
“Let me in.” Brayden strode forward.
“Bray, he could very well destroy you,” Bryce said. “He didn’t even recognize me.”
“He’ll know me,” Brayden said. “Now let me pass.”
Tarun and Bryce exchanged glances, then Tarun pulled back the bolts and opened the door. Brayden stepped into the dark hold and Tarun slammed the door shut behind him. His vampiric eyes saw well in the darkness. Ansley crouched in a corner, his breathing ragged. His clothes were torn and soaked in sweat. Ringlets of dark hair clung to his face and neck. He glared at Brayden with wild, red-tinged eyes -- the eyes of a starving animal.
“Ans, I’m here to help you.”
Growling, Ansley leapt at Brayden and knocked him onto his back. Straddling him, he bared his fangs, about to tear Brayden’s throat. Despite his fear, at that moment Brayden was willing to suffer a painful bite. If Ansley didn’t feed enough to satisfy his hunger, he’d die. Mathias had starved him, driven off his humanity and left him desperate. This hunger -- this rage -- had to end, either by feeding or death. Brayden couldn’t bear the thought of losing his closest friend… a man he loved more than his own life.
Something stopped Ansley from biting. His brow furrowed and the suffering in his eyes tore at Brayden’s heart. Despite his pain and need, he somehow recognized Brayden and was fighting off his hunger.
“It’s all right.” Brayden tilted his head, exposing his neck. “Take me, Ans. We’ll either live or die together.”
The Weapons of Redemption series is available at
All Romance Ebooks  Changeling Press

About Saloni Quinby
The child of a painter and a psychic dreamer, Saloni Quinby feels spirituality and storytelling go hand-in-hand. She loves the scent of gardenia, the sound of wind chimes and the taste of honey. By listening to what isn't said, she creates works based on unspoken desires. Saloni prefers blurred gender lines and many varieties of romance. In a world where passion must at times be restrained, she believes erotica is a pleasure to be shared. With her stories she would like to make her fantasies yours and hopes you enjoy the ride. 
She also writes under the name Kate Hill. Please visit her online at http://www.kate-hill.com, http://www.twitter.com/katehillromanceand https://www.facebook.com/kate.hill.92505.

 Would you like to win a free ecopy of 
Weapons of Redemption 4: Marksmen
Leave a comment below with your email address 
and tell us- 
what is your very favorite vampire novel ?

10 Tips for Becoming a Better Writer by Savannah Young

Here are my tips to improve your writing:

1)   Read as much as possible, especially in the genre in which you would like to write.

2)   Write every day, preferably first thing in the morning before your mind gets cluttered with other things.

3)   Set writing goals and stick to them. 

4)   Always finish a project before you start a new one, otherwise you’ll end up with files filled with unfinished projects.

5)   Once you’ve finished a project, put it aside for two to four weeks before you even consider rewriting it. This will give you a fresh perspective on the work.

6)   Keep in mind that first drafts are usually scrappy. Give yourself permission to write a scrappy first draft that you can fix during the rewrite process. 

7) Never edit while you’re writing because it can block the creative process and flow.

8) Don’t compare yourself to other writers. You have a unique perspective and a unique voice.

9) Write the thing you absolutely have to write. If you’re not passionate about a project, no one else will be either.

10) Make writing a priority but remember to have fun!

Wilde RidersOld Town Country RomanceBook OneSavannah Young
Genre:   Contemporary Romance
Publisher:  Short on Time Books
Date of Publication:  February 11, 2014
ISBN: 1495442977ASIN: B00IDWDWJ8
Number of pages: 186 pagesWord Count:  49,000
Cover Artist:  Tony Bryson
Amazon
Book Description:
FOUR WILDE BROTHERS...ONE WILDE COUNTRY BAND
WILDE RIDERS is the first novel in a spicy new contemporary romance series about four sexy brothers, their small-town bar and their local country band. WILDE RIDERS can be read as a STAND ALONE NOVEL or as part of the SERIES.
Cooper Wilde spent his entire adolescence counting the days until he could escape rural northwest New Jersey. Now at 26, he can't believe he's coming back. But his late father's bar, Haymakers, is in financial trouble and his older brother, Jake, has asked for Cooper's help.
Riley Smith, 25, is fresh out of her Ivy League MBA program and wants to make an impression on her employer, H & C Bank. Her first solo assignment is a fraud investigation on a business loan they made to Haymakers.
Even though Old Town is less than 90 minutes from New York City, Riley feels like she's stepped into another world in this remote, one-bar town. Riley can't wait to do her business and get back to the city as quickly as her sports car will take her...until she meets Cooper Wilde. He's not like the other guys in this rural town and Riley feels inexplicably attracted to him.Excerpt Chapter TwoRiley
I can’t believe I have to make a trip to New Jersey. And rural New Jersey to boot. Would someone just shoot me now and put me out of my misery? “Riley!” I hear a voice yell from behind me. It’s a voice I recognize and don’t really want to deal with right now. I contemplate speeding up my pace but I have a feeling Patti will just quicken her stride to catch up to me so what’s the point?Patti is almost breathless when she finally manages to grab my elbow. “Where are you going so fast?”  I can’t believe she’s been running in Jimmy Choos and a business suit. Patti is 5 feet 9 inches and towers over me. She probably could have been a model with her gorgeous blond hair and flawless complexion. I’m petite with dark hair and eyes to match. We’re almost complete opposites in the looks department. And probably every other department if the truth be told.  “New Jersey.” I spit. I know I sound bitter but I can hardly contain my contempt for the state. Well, maybe not the entire state. I’ll give Atlantic City a pass but only because you can get drunk and gamble and it doesn’t require a plane flight like Las Vegas. Patti and I work together at H & C Bank but we’ve known each other for years. We were college roommates. I don’t have siblings so Patti is the closest thing I’ve ever had to a sister. Patti frowns. “Why are you going to Jersey?” The way she says Jerseymakes it sounds like I’m going to garbage dump or a toxic waste site. Those options might be a few steps up from a trip to rural New Jersey. “I have to conduct a fraud investigation on a business loan. It shouldn’t take very long.” Oh, God, I hope it doesn’t. “I plan to be back tonight.”Patti smiles. “Good because we’ve got a double date.”“With who?” I sigh. Patti manages to fix me up with worst guys in the city. I don’t know how she does it. They’re all Wall Street wannabes and the only things they talk about are their 6 Series BWMs and the first million they’re going to make before they turn thirty. Most of them are so impressed with themselves they’re actually offended that I don’t want to jump into bed with them on the first date. “These guys are different,” she says. Patti always says they’re different and they never are. They’re the same guys over and over again just in different suits and shoes. “No,” I state adamantly. “I’m not going out with one more Wall Street wannabe. Forget it.”  “Please,” Patti begs. She’s got a look in her eye that says she’s not going to stop until I agree to go.“Fine,” I say. “But if the guy drops one hint about his six figure salary or the fantastic view from his brand new apartment, I’m out of there. And I get to throw a drink in his lap if he mentions making his first million before thirty. Got it?”“I don’t know why stuff like that upsets you so much. You have an MBA from Columbia and you just bought your first BMW.”“And I’m well on my way to making my first million. But I don’t throw it in people’s faces when I first meet them. I want to know who the guy really is—what makes him tick. I don’t want to hear his impressive resume and a list of everything he owns.”Patti shrugs. “I just want to know if a guy’s good in bed. But I usually don’t find that out until after dinner. I don’t care what we talk about in between.”I shake my head. “You’re like a guy trapped in a gorgeous girl’s body.”She laughs. “So I’ve been told.”“Is the double date really that important to you?”She looks at me like I’m from another planet. “I haven’t gotten laid in almost two weeks. I’d say it’s nearing emergency level.”I don’t want to tell her that it’s been months since I’ve been with someone. Six months to be exact. “Fine, I’ll try to get back to the city as fast as I can.”She grins. “That’s why you’re my best friend.”“I’m your only friend,” I correct.“Best. Only. Semantics. I’ll see you tonight.”
***
About the Author:
Romance novelist Savannah Young grew up in rural northwest New Jersey in a place very similar to the fictional Old Town, which is featured in her books. When she's not at her computer creating spicy stories, Savannah is traveling to exotic locales or spending time with her husband and their bloodhounds.
Blog: http://oldtowncountryromance.tumblr.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SavannahYoungAuthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7814077.Savannah_Young
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShortonTimeBook

a Rafflecopter giveaway

March 31 SpotlightThe Snarkology  www.melissasnark.blogspot.com
April 1 Guest blogClutter Your Kindle http://clutteryourkindle.com/
April 2 InterviewRoxanne’s Realmwww.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com
April 3 reviewMore Romance Pleasemoreromanceplease.blogspot.com
April 4 SpotlightMelissa Stevenshttp://melissastevens.us
April 7 Guest blog and reviewJersey Girl Sizzling Book Reviews http://jerseygirlsizzlingbookreviews.blogspot.com/
April 8 Guest blogFang-tastic Bookswww.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
April 9 InterviewThe Creatively Green Write at Home Momwww.creativelygreen.blogspot.com
April 10 SpotlightLisa’s World of Bookswww.lisaswroldofbooks.net
April 11 Spotlight
The Book Review 
http://www.cluereview.blogspot.com

April 14 InterviewBooks & Other Spells. www.nightslydarkstar.blogspot.com
April 14 SpotlightAll I Want and More http://alliwantandmorebooks.wordpress.com/

April 15 Spotlight and review
I am a book addict...and proud of it 
http://romanceinthehighlands.blogspot.com/ 

April 15 Spotlight
Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews
http://literalhottiesnaughtybookreviews.blogspot.com/

April 16 Spotlight
Mila Ramos
www.jademystique.blogspot.com

April 17 Spotlight
Deb Sanders 
http://DebSanders.com

April 18 spotlight and  review
Lissette Manning
http://www.simplistik.org/lissetteemanning

April 21 Spotlight and reviewWords of Wisdom from The Scarf Princesshttp://wowfromthescarfprincess.blogspot.com
April 21 SpotlightBooklover Sue http://bookloversue.blogspot.com/
April 22 Spotlight and reviewShut Up & Read http://shutupandreadgroup.blogspot.com/
April 23 Guest PostD'eBook Sharing Book Reviews http://debooksharing.wordpress.com/
April 24 SpotlightSoaring Eagle Publicitywww.soaringeaglepublicity.com
April 25 Spotlight and reviewRamblings of a Book Lunatichttp://booklunaticramblings.blogspot.com
April 28 reviewThe Book Review  http://www.cluereview.blogspot.com

Revelation: Pagan Eyes Book Two by Rayna Noire

RevelationPagan EyesBook TwoRayna Noire
Genre: Paranormal YA
Book Description:
Nora’s impending college graduation is a triumph over the dark incident in her past that changed her life and stopped her best friend’s.  Balancing school, work and her demented admirer at the diner is tough.  All she has is six more months, but it similar to walking a tightrope blindfolded.
Life-like dreams pull her into the 19th century world of Clayton.  A man who declares he’s her soul mate.  Even though, she’s decided against romance, the young witch finds herself drawn to the Irish healer, even hearing his voice in her head.
This would make most people question their sanity. Nora needs to find out if Clayton is real and if she’s crossing over into another world in her sleep. If she is, will she end up stuck in the past? Can magick bring them together?


Smashwords   Amazon  Amazon Kindle
Book Trailer http://youtu.be/zWNT-FbyvvA


He presented the bowl to her, along with a spoon. “Eat.”
Nora dug into the stew thick with potatoes, chunks of meat, and gravy. The taste resonated on her tongue with the right blend of spices. Tonya would have appreciated the dish. She closed her eyes and savored the flavor before swallowing.
“I’d count myself a happy man if I put that expression on your face instead of my rabbit stew,” Clayton murmured the words close by, causing her eyelids to pop open.
Nora didn’t know what to say to what was clearly flirtatious remark. Instead, she ate more stew, even though the thought of rabbit made it harder to choke down the meat.
Clayton intertwined his fingers and gazed down at them as he spoke. “I’ve been warned that a person doesn’t force fate’s hand. I’d be agreeing with that, except, if fate didn’t want you to be here, you wouldn’t be.”
His bit of cracked reasoning had her almost choking on a potato. A hearty back slap sent the errant vegetable airborne. Blinking, she looked into Clayton’s concerned face. The firelight did nothing to negate the strong lines of his face or the lively blue eyes. Handsome he might be, but there was also sincerity, a sense of compassion that she often found lacking in twenty-first-century males. “How did you find me?”
His hand stroked his chin. “Well, I tell ya, it was no simple matter. I am growing older every day. I am nigh on to thirty-three.”
Nora pretended to be horrified. “That old?”
Taking her pretense for real, he nodded his head gravely. “Yes, that old, and there’d been no sign of my soul mate, despite my looking. I dreamt you were in America, but unfortunately the time I was unclear on. I left Ireland in search of you.”
Nora stirred her delicious stew, debating if she could eat any more of it knowing it was composed of creatures she was more used to seeing singing and dancing in children’s movies. “That doesn’t answer my question of how you find me.”
He lifted his eyebrows. “I see you haven’t changed much. Still demanding answers. I did some divination magick. Much to my horror, I found we were in two different centuries, both alone. This I found hard to accept. At night when my loneliness was at its peak, I searched for you across time, calling your name. Did you ever have a sense of me?”
“Well, at first I would say no, but lately yes. Your voice is in my head, making me wonder if I am losing my mind. I noticed it because it sounds like you and not my own internal musings. Why is that?”Nora placed the forgotten bowl on the log. Clayton picked it up and stirred the stew before taking a bite that he obviously relished before finishing the rest in four rapid bites. He went back to the pot to dip up more food.
Noticing her attention on the bowl, he explained, “I have only one bowl. I know I should have bartered for another, but I wasn’t too sure if I could bring you across. Even now you are here only on the strength of my will and need.” He dug his spoon back into his bowl.
The idea that he could just snatch her out of time should have frightened her. Instead, it mesmerized her with possibilities. “Could I just pull Napoleon or Ben Franklin out of time if I chose?”


About the Author:
Rayna Noire is an author and a historian. The desire to uncover the truth behind the original fear of witches led her to the surprising discovery that people believed in magick in some form up to 150 years ago. A world that believed the impossible could happen and often did must have been amazing. With this in mind, Ms. Noire taps into this dimension, shapes it into stories about a Pagan family who really isn’t that different from most people. They do go on the occasional time travel adventures and magick happens.
Twitter  www.twitter.com/raynanoire
Website  www.raynanoire.weebly.com
Facebook  www.facebook.com/AuthorRaynaNoire


April 7 SpotlightFang-tastic Bookswww.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
April 8 Character InterviewThe Creatively Green Write at Home Momwww.creativelygreen.blogspot.com
April 9 SpotlightMom With A Kindlehttp://momwithakindle.blogspot.com/
April 10 InterviewPembroke Sinclair.  pembrokesinclair.blogspot.com
April 11 Spotlight3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too!   http://3partnersinshopping.blogspot.com
April 14 SpotlightClutter Your Kindle http://clutteryourkindle.com/
April 15 InterviewEclipse Reviewshttp://totaleclipsereviews.blogspot.com
April 16 Guest blogAuthor Karen Swarthttp://authorkarenswart.blogspot.com/
April 16 SpotlightThe Snarkology  www.melissasnark.blogspot.com
April 17 SpotlightMore Romance Pleasemoreromanceplease.blogspot.com
April 18 Guest blogD'eBook Sharing Book Reviewshttp://debooksharing.wordpress.com/
April 21 Guest blog and reviewCorazones Literarios www.corazones-literarios.blogspot.com
April 22 reviewParanormal Romance and Aurhors that rockwww.pratr.wordpress.com
April 23 SpotlightThe Creatively Green Write at Home Momwww.creativelygreen.blogspot.com
April 24 Author InterviewFang-tastic Bookswww.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
April 25 SpotlightRoxanne’s Realmwww.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com
April 28 InterviewParanormal Romance Fans for Lifewww.paranormalromancefanforlife.blogspot.com
April 29 Guest blogBooks & Tales:http://booksandtales.blogspot.co.uk/
April 30 InterviewShut Up & Read http://shutupandreadgroup.blogspot.com/
May 1 SpotlightLisa’s World of Bookswww.lisasworldofbooks.net
May 2 InterviewBooks Directhttp://booksdirectonline.blogspot.com.au/
May 5 InterviewBooks in the Hall –http://booksinthehall.blogspot.com/
May 5 Guest blogCBY Book Clubhttp://cbybookclub.blogspot.co.uk/
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Blog and Giveaway with TW Kirchner

One of the most frequent questions I’ve been asked concerning writing is ‘Where do you get your ideas’?  Honestly, the ideas usually just pop into my head at random moments.  I’ve gotten some of my best ideas when I’m driving alone.  I remember pulling my car over into a parking lot to write down an idea.  I keep paper and pens in the car. 
As far as how I come up with my characters, most of them in the Zombie series are totally fictional.  I have, however, incorporated traits from friends and family into some of my minor characters, especially in The Zombie Nightmare, which will be out later this year.  Coming up with names for characters usually stumps me.  I’ll run through baby lists and bounce my favorite names off my kids for a thumbs up or down.Although I don’t have ‘Playlists’ of songs that inspire me to write, I do like to listen to music when I write.  I listen to all types, but country is my number one (yes, even when country wasn’t cool), followed by rock and Motown.  Some of my favorites include Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, The Eagles, Carrie Underwood, Chris Young, Sugarland, Nickelback, Elvis, and Smokey Robinson.

While I’m on the subject of favorites, I like action-adventure movies, comedies, westerns and mysteries.  I’ll go to horror movies, but most of the time, they make me laugh because they can get ridiculous.  One of my favorite movies is Pirates of the Caribbean.  My favorite ice cream is mint chocolate chip, cake is German Chocolate, color is green, and animal is the wolf.      
The Zombie Next DoorThe Troubled Souls of Goldie RichBook OneT.W. Kirchner
Genre: YA Paranormal
Publisher: Short on Time Books
Date of Publication: February 1, 2014
ISBN: 1494906864ASIN: B00I7BTOTC
Number of pages: 102 pagesWord Count: 32,421Cover Artist: Tony Bryson
Available at Amazon
Book Description:
For the sleepy, seaside town of Vivian, life is usually just another day at the beach until a rash of bizarre robberies occur with one thing in common—the DNA lifted from the crime scene belongs to a dead man. Fourteen-year-old Goldie Rich is hardly concerned about that. She has enough problems dealing with her annoying guardian for the summer, older sister Gema.
Goldie’s problems escalate when she finds a pendant necklace washed up on the beach. The pendant contains the souls of zombies created by an evil sorcerer. Goldie must wear the necklace until she frees the souls, but to accomplish this, she has to confront the zombies face to face.
Goldie seeks help from her best friend, eccentric and free-spirited Rita. Although the pair’s zombie hunting exploits get them into huge trouble, they uncover the truth about the town’s robberies and how the secrets of Goldie’s past will define her future.

About the Author
After working an assortment of jobs which include a computer programmer, marketing director, and substitute teacher, T.W. Kirchner decided to concentrate on her second loves, writing and art. Her first loves are her husband, two children, and furry menagerie known as the Kirchner Zoo. Other published books by T.W. Kirchner include Pirates Off the Deep End and Pirates Off the Wall.

Website: http://www.twkirchner.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/tinainlv
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006500718993
Publisher Author Page: http://shortontimebooks.com/?page_id=231
a Rafflecopter giveaway

March 31 Guest blogMom With A Kindlehttp://momwithakindle.blogspot.com/
March 31 Spotlight3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too!   http://3partnersinshopping.blogspot.com
April 1 InterviewPembroke Sinclair.  www.pembrokesinclair.blogspot.com
April 1 SpotlightQueen of All She Reads http://queenofallshereads.blogspot.com/
April 2 InterviewBooks in the Hall http://booksinthehall.blogspot.com/
April 2 SpotlightEclipse Reviewshttp://totaleclipsereviews.blogspot.com
April 3 Guest blogShare My Destinyhttp://sharemydestiny.blogspot.com
April 3 reviewParanormal Romance and Authors That Rockwww.pratr.wordpress.com
April 4 Guest blogClutter Your Kindle http://clutteryourkindle.com/
April 4 SpotlightThe Creatively Green Write at Home Momwww.creativelygreen.blogspot.com
April 7 Guest blogFang-tastic Bookswww.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
April 7 reviewelfwitch loves bookshttp://elfwitchlovesbooks.blogspot.com/

Spotlight, Excerpt and Giveaway : The Betrayal by S.J. McMillan

The Betrayal
City of the GodsBook 2S.J. McMillan
Genre: Urban Fantasy
ISBN-13: 978-1495986406ISBN-10: 1495986403
Number of pages:  342 ebookWord Count: 86,330Cover Artist: Alexia Purdy
Book Description:
Centuries ago, Damian was betrayed by his best friend, his fiancé, and the Gods of his civilization. He vowed vengeance against them all. He studied and mastered the dark arts. All he needed after that was patience.
Damian’s ex, Vivian, now feels like her world is crashing down around her. His curse is threatening her brother Tristan’s life. The only way to save him is to trust a stranger who saved her from a fate worse than death.
Marcus had no idea saving Vivian’s life would put him in the middle of an ancient battle between good and evil. All he has to do is figure out which side he’s fighting for.
Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/YyaKfYp43I0 
Excerpt:
Vivian sat on a large rock positioned slightly above the river and dangled her legs over the water. She began to meditate, staring into the clear river water. The meditation felt good for her mind and body after the past twenty-four hours’ stresses. Her eyelids grew heavy and she allowed herself a moment to drift to sleep. Her mind wandered from her present danger to Tristan and her hopes of saving him. She was dreaming of Sabine when she heard her voice from far away. Vivian searched for her in her dreams until it occurred to her that Sabine wasn’t speaking to her in her mind, but in reality. She opened her reluctant eyes to see Sabine standing over her. Vivian smiled, stood, and embraced her. Tears welled up as Sabine returned the hug. Vivian felt happier, as if a burden had been lifted from her. She wiped away a stray tear and stepped back to regard Sabine. “I’m so happy you’re here. You wouldn’t believe what’s happened to me in the last twenty-four hours.” For the first time, Vivian took in Sabine’s expression. It was one of surprise and sadness. She gave Sabine a questioning look. “What’s the matter?”“Vivian…this is not a good visit,” Sabine said. Vivian felt her heart drop into her stomach. Vivian naturally assumed she had failed and Tristan was dead. She took a moment to get a grip on her emotions before she responded to Sabine’s statement.“What happened? I thought Tristan had enough time for me to gather more herbs to help him. This is my fault. I should have been back last night, but we were attacked by a renegade warlock, and then we had to find our way out of a cave. I almost drowned in this stupid river and now I’m freezing to death while Marcus tries to find the way back to my car. I’m so sorry…” Vivian trailed off. She couldn’t stop the tears from spilling down her face. Sabine stepped forward and placed a hand on Vivian’s shoulder. “Tristan’s fine for now. I’m not here because of him. I’m here because of you. What happened? Who’s Marcus? What’s going on?” Sabine asked. Vivian rushed through the events that had taken place. Sabine shook her head.“Wait, you’re here for me? Why?” Vivian asked, thoroughly confused. Sabine glanced behind her then back into Vivian’s eyes. Vivian suddenly understood why Sabine was with her and hesitantly looked behind her. Laying on the large rock above the river was Vivian’s body. Her face was pale and there was blood staining the rock under her head. Vivian’s knees gave out and she dropped to the ground next to her body.“No…,”she whispered and shook her head in defiance. “This can’t be happening. I’m not dead.”

About the Author:
I live in southwest Missouri with my husband of 15 years and our three children. I work as an administrative assistant during the week. Now I get to add published author to my list of roles I play in life.
Being an author was not my first career choice. In my younger years I wanted to be a dancer, but dance lessons are expensive. I also wanted to be Dolly Parton from The Best Little Whore House in Texas. I could really belt out Itty Bitty Piss Ant Country Place, just ask my parents former neighbors.
After a slew of other interesting job choices, I just couldn’t shake the writing bug I picked up in high school. I started writing poetry and still write a poem whenever inspiration hits me. I also love to read, especially paranormal romances and urban fantasies. The love of reading is what spawned the desire to try my hand as writing a novel of my very own.
I love creating the characters and giving them their own personalities and voices. I have also come to enjoy writing fight scenes.  The hubster (the wonderful man that he is) will act them out with me so I know exactly how I need to show it to the audience. Call us crazy if you like, but it’s really fun to act out a scene using a broom handle as a spear and a foam baseball bat as an axe.
www.mcmillansj.com
www.facebook.com/mcmillansj
www.twitter.com/mcmillansj
www.clankids.wordpress.com
www.mcstubsmusings.wordpress.com
www.goodreads.com/SJMcMillan
a Rafflecopter giveaway

April 7 Guest blogCBY Book Clubhttp://cbybookclub.blogspot.co.uk/
April 7 SpotlightFang-tastic Bookswww.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
April 8 Guest blogClutter Your Kindle http://clutteryourkindle.com/ 
April 8 SpotlightRoxanne’s Realmwww.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com
April 9 Interview and reviewCorazones Literarios www.corazones-literarios.blogspot.com
April 9 Spotlight3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too!  http://3partnersinshopping.blogspot.com
April 10 SpotlightSapphyria's Book Reviews http://saphsbookblog.blogspot.com
April 10  Reviewparanormal romance and authors that rockwww.pratr.wordpress.com
April 11 SpotlightBooks & Tales:http://booksandtales.blogspot.co.uk/
April 11 reviewReading Realityhttp://www.readingreality.net
April 14 InterviewPembroke Sinclair pembrokesinclair.blogspot.com
April 14 SpotlightThe Snarkology www.melissasnark.blogspot.com

Cynthia Garner's Top 5 Favorite Vampire Movies, Books and TV Shows

Cynthia Garner's Top 5 Favorite Vampire Movies, Books and  TV Shows
1. Dracula Dead & Loving It (1995)
2. Kindred: The Embraced (1996)
3. Dracula (current) 
4. How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire (Kerrlyn Sparks)
5. Black Dagger Brotherhood series (JR Ward)
VAMPIRE’S HUNGER  by Cynthia Garner April 1, 2014 Forever Yours E-Book; $3.99
In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, civilization no longer exists, and only the strongest survive. The few remaining humans must band together with supernatural beings to battle unspeakable evil-or all hope will be lost.
Kimber Treat is an ordinary woman with an extraordinary gift: she can raise the dead. As a necromancer who works with the police, she communicates with murder victims to bring their killers to justice. But after a normal session goes horribly wrong, Kimber realizes she's summoned something dark and sinister. She's unwittingly unleashed the apocalypse, and everyone blames her…except Duncan MacDonnough, the devastatingly handsome vampire she can't stop fantasizing about.

As society shuts down and flesh-eating hordes close in, Duncan vows to protect Kimber. He can keep her safe from others-but not from the insatiable carnal hunger he feels for her. Now racing to reverse the chaos she's unleashed, Kimber can't afford any distractions. But even as she succumbs to Duncan's seduction, she fears that he has a hidden agenda. And with the line between life and death starting to blur, his secrets might kill her-or worse…
Buy Links:   Amazon  Barnes and Noble  iTunes

Excerpt
Two nights later Duncan answered the knock on Kimber’s door. Murray stood there, just as fragile looking as ever. “What now?” Duncan asked.
The other vampire lifted his chin, motioning toward the inside of the apartment. “Maddalene wants to see your little necromancer again.” His face was expressionless but Duncan caught the smirk in his voice.
He clenched his jaw. No way in hell was Kimber going back there until he and Maddalene came to an understanding. The fact that Maddalene had overridden him and allowed hungry vampires into his living quarters, to threaten Kimber and her friends, had driven home the point that the sense of loyalty he felt toward Maddalene was a one-way street.
“Tell Maddalene to forget it,” he told Murray.
“I’m not your messenger boy, MacDonnough.” The skinny excuse for a vampire gave a grunt and pointed to his head. “Still attached, the way I like it. You got something to say to Maddalene, you say it yourself.” He gave a sardonic salute with two fingers and sauntered off.
Damn it.
Duncan closed the door and turned to face the other inhabitants of the apartment. Natalie stood in the kitchen, leaning back against the counter, her hands braced on either side. Aodhán was kicked back in the recliner, his gaze steady and calm. Kimber, his lovely Kimber, stood beside the sofa, arms crossed and one foot tapping on the floor.
“I am not going back there,” she said.
“No, you’re not.”
“I mean it, Duncan. Maddalene wants the impossible, and I won’t do it.”“I agree.”
“No matter what you…” A frown dipped between her brows. “Wait. What?”
He couldn’t stop the small grin that quirked his lips. She was adorable when she was confused. It wasn’t a look he got to see very often because she had such a sharp mind. “I said I agree. You’re not going to see Maddalene.”
“Oh.” Her hands dropped to her sides. “Um, why not?”
Ignoring the interested gazes of Aodhán and Natalie, he walked over to Kimber and took her face in his palms. “Because I don’t trust her right now, and I mean to keep you safe.”
Her lips parted and he couldn’t stop himself from dipping his head to press a soft kiss against her mouth. When he drew away, her lashes fluttered and swept up to show slightly dazed eyes. That was a good sign, anyway. He knew she wasn’t indifferent to him. If he could prove to her that he wouldn’t lose control and drain her, maybe one day she’d trust him enough to let him close again. To let him love her.
He took a step back. Where the hell had that come from? He didn’t love Kimber. He couldn’t love her. She was mortal. He was not. He didn’t deny he wanted her—his lust for her was nearly a living entity on its own. But love?
No.
He didn’t have the time for love. He didn’t have the luxury for love.
He didn’t have the right. He’d done things he wasn’t proud of. Kimber deserved better than him. She certainly didn’t deserve the danger he’d be putting her in if Maddalene found out he had a soft spot for Kimber. And he deserved…
He firmed his jaw. He deserved only what she gave him. But that didn’t negate the fact that she had something he wanted—well, actually, two things he wanted: the ability to contact the Unseen and a body he wanted to lose himself in. Both might be within his reach if he could just get Maddalene to back the hell off.
Yeah, Duncan. Just keep telling yourself all you’re interested in is her body. You might really believe it someday.
He turned away from Kimber. Grabbing up the tire iron from where he’d placed it underneath the coffee table, he headed toward the front door. “I’m going to talk to Maddalene.”
“Wait.” Kimber’s soft voice stopped him. When he looked over his shoulder at her, she said, “Be careful.”
He gave a nod and pulled open the door. As he closed it behind him, he heard Aodhán say, “He’s strong and he’s fast. On his own, he’ll be able to get around any zombies out there. He’ll be fine.”
Fine against zombies, yes. Against his own heart? He wasn’t so sure.

About the author:
Cynthia Garner discovered her love for writing when her sixth grade teacher told the class to write a story that began "It was a dark and stormy night..." With that Cynthia's love for all things paranormal was born.  When she's not working her day job as a mostly mild-mannered Human Resources Manager, she's on her laptop writing or playing way too much Solitaire. Originally from Northeast Ohio, Cynthia now lives in the desert Southwest.
Social Media Links:Website   Facebook   Twitter  Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Character Interview with Michael from Marked by Alex Hughes

Character Interview with Michael by Alex Hughes
As part of the blog tour for Marked, I interviewed Cherabino with a number of difficult job interview questions, to see how she’d react. Now it’s Michael’s turn. (These questions taken from Inc’s article.)
A: Detective Hwang, thanks for agreeing to meet with me.
M: Who are you again? The captain said I should take the meeting, but we’re understaffed. This is time I have to take away from the job, so it needs to be important.
A: I’m your author. I think we can make an exception.
M: If you say so.
A: In any case, I had a few questions for you. They’re a bit in depth, but your answers will really help my project. Can I count on you to answer truthfully?
M: I don’t have many secrets. As long as it won’t get me in trouble with the department or my wife, I’m happy to answer. Otherwise I’ll need to pass.
A: That seems fair. Here’s my first question then: who is your role model, and why?
M: I greatly respect my grandmother. Since my grandfather passed away, she’s been the strength of the family. She and he came over from Korea when they were young, and they had to learn an entirely new language and culture in the wake of the Tech Wars. As bad as it was here, she says it was much worse in Korea, and from what I’ve seen she must have been right. Through a lot of hard work and thrift, they managed to make a good life for themselves and put their children through university. My father—well, that’s besides the point. My uncles are very successful in their fields, and my grandmother still keeps an eye on her business even though the day to day is run by her manager. She celebrates all the old festivals and venerates her ancestors, and yet she’s very open minded about some things. I hope that I am half as strong when I am that age and that I get half the results from my labor that they did.
A: She and your grandfather both sound like amazing people.
M: They are, thank you.
A: What do you not like about your job as a detective?
M: I like the new detective job a lot better than the old patrol job. This one is a lot more about details and dealing well with people and procedure. On patrol, sometimes the job was about controlling the situation with body language and voice. You speak up, you get big, and you take charge. I can do it, but I don’t like being a bully, even if it’s needed. I’d rather observe and build a case slowly. I like details. I do paperwork and research well, but I don’t like the tedium sometimes. I guess there’s some of that in any job, though. 
A: Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career.
M: The obvious one is the Bradley case, where I was brought on to assist Detective Cherabino and the priority team to catch a multiple-death killer. What we’d call a serial killer except the department didn’t want the media to catch the word. In any case, I was allowed to get into the case files to assist, and I found a critical connection between the victims that no one had found before. That was a good day, and Detective Cherabino noticed my work. She had me promoted shortly thereafter, after asking me if I’d be interested. That day was an important day, and I try to do work like that every day since.
A: What scares you?
M: Other than the usual heights and bullets coming at me? I worry that I’m going to disappoint Detective Cherabino or Sergeant Branen. I worry that something will happen to my wife. You know, the usual.
A: Well, Detective Hwang, thank you so much for agreeing to speak with me and for answering my questions. Since I see Detective Cherabino coming this way, I assume you’ll need to leave in a minute.
M: (looking over at Cherabino) Did you get what you need from me?
A: For now. You go on.
M: Thanks.

Michael stands up and meets Cherabino, who is pointing to her watch.

Marked 
Mindspace Investigations series
Book Three
Alex Hughes

Release date April 1st

Book description:

FORESEE NO EVIL.

Freelancing for the Atlanta PD isn’t exactly a secure career; my job’s been on the line almost as much as my life. But it’s a paycheck, and it keeps me from falling back into the drug habit. Plus, things are looking up with my sometimes-partner, Cherabino, even if she is still simmering over the telepathic Link I created by accident.

When my ex, Kara, shows up begging for my help, I find myself heading to the last place I ever expected to set foot in again—Guild headquarters—to investigate the death of her uncle. Joining that group was a bad idea the first time. Going back when I’m unwanted is downright dangerous.

Luckily, the Guild needs me more than they’re willing to admit. Kara’s uncle was acting strange before he died—crazy strange. In fact, his madness seems to be slowly spreading through the Guild. And when an army of powerful telepaths loses their marbles, suddenly it’s a game of life or death.…


Get it on Amazon

About the Author:

Alex Hughes, the author of the award-winning Mindspace Investigations series from Roc, has lived in the Atlanta area since the age of eight. She is a graduate of the prestigious Odyssey Writing Workshop, and a Semi-Finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novels 2011. Her short fiction has been published in several markets including EveryDay Fiction, Thunder on the Battlefield and White Cat Magazine. She is an avid cook and foodie, a trivia buff, and a science geek, and loves to talk about neuroscience, the Food Network, and writing craft—but not necessarily at the same time! 

You can visit her at Twitter at @ahugheswriter or on the web at http://www.ahugheswriter.com. 

Or, join her email newsletter for free short stories and updates on the latest book(s) at http://www.ahugheswriter.com/email-signup.


Giveaway
Clean or Sharp (winner's choice)  

Print or ebook in US 
ebook only in Canada / UK / South Africa / Australia /everywhere else


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest blog and Excerpt from The Unwanted by Jeffrey Ricker

The Unwanted started with ‘The Trouble with Billy’
The three main characters in The Unwanted —Jamie, his best friend Sarah, and Billy the bully—made their first appearance about three years ago, in a story called “The Trouble with Billy” that appeared in the anthology Speaking Out edited by Steve Berman and published in 2011 by Bold Strokes Books. While The Unwanted is very much a YA fantasy, the short story that birthed these main characters was much more a straightforward realist piece of writing. The Unwanted is narrated by Jamie, but “The Trouble with Billy” is told in third person from the point of view of each character in turn:
Jamie tells himself he just has to make it through the day, which is the same thing he tells himself every Monday through Friday, until two-thirty arrives and he’s free for another day, or another weekend. He tries not to think about Monday. Instead he thinks about turning 17 next month, about being a senior next year, and about going to college and getting out of Athens as soon as possible after that. He’s looking at colleges in New York, Chicago, Boston—anywhere but Missouri.
“Penny,” Sarah says as the bus pulls into the parking lot. Penny for his thoughts, she means.
“Nothing,” he says. There isn’t enough time to convey to her the sense of dread that overcomes him every time the bus climbs the hill to the front of the school. Running up that hill with no problem, he thinks. Yeah, right.
Once they get off the bus, they go to their respective homerooms and won’t see each other again until third period AP English, then lunch. Second period is chemistry, the one class he has that’s not honors level—and the one class Billy Stratton shares with him. Jamie can’t really explain to Sarah, in the short amount of time they have between the bus and the front door, how getting flattened by the bus still seems like a viable option to him. Life already seems to be doing a pretty good job of it, so why not go for it literally?
He’ll never do it, though. He’ll keep getting on the bus every day, walking into school, and hoping that today he’ll escape Billy Stratton’s notice.

To read the rest of that story, head over to Wattpad. The anthology includes other great stories by writers such as Sandra McDonald, Alex Jeffers, and Sam Cameron. Check it out here.
The UnwantedJeffrey Ricker
Genre: Gay YA fantasy
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Date of Publication: March 18, 2014
ISBN: 978-1626390485ASIN: 1626390487
Number of pages: 264Word Count: 91,556
Cover Artist: Sheri
Bold Strokes Books      Indiebound    Amazon       
Barnes and Noble     Indigo
Book Description:
Jamie Thomas has enough trouble on his hands trying to get through junior year of high school without being pulverized by Billy Stratton, his bully and tormentor. But the mother he was always told was dead is actually alive—and she’s an Amazon!
Sixteen years after she left him on his father’s doorstep, she’s back and needs Jamie’s help. A curse has caused the ancient tribe of warrior women to give birth to nothing but boys, dooming them to extinction—until prophecy reveals that salvation lies with one of the offspring they abandoned.
Putting his life on the line, Jamie must find the courage to confront the wrath of an angry god to save a society that rejected him.

Excerpt:


I managed not to think about Billy until I walked out of the building at the end of the school day, and there was his Mustang parked at the curb.
Just keep walking, I told myself, determined not to let him get to me, mentally or physically. My bus was across the parking lot. I started to veer around Billy’s car. He lowered the passenger side window.
“Get in,” Billy said.
Wow, bossy was my first thought. No way in hell was my second. When I made no move toward his car, he leaned closer to the passenger side window. “Please. Get in.”
Wait, did he actually say “please”?
“Really? Why, did you miss a spot?”
I pointed at my face. My nose and eye were still bruised. He had the decency to look away, at least.
“Look, I’m sorry, and I’ll explain everything, I promise. But can you get in now?”
I’d have to be out of my mind to get in a car with Billy Stratton. Right? I crossed my arms. “If you’ve got something to say to me, I don’t see why you can’t say it while I’m standing right here.”
This time, he rolled his eyes. “Would you stop being a fricking drama queen? Look, your bus is gone, so I might as well drive you home.”
This was true. I turned to see the last bus pulling out of the parking lot and turning left out of sight. Way to go, Billy. It was either ride with the bully or walk home. I didn’t think he’d try to run me over if I opted to walk, but I decided not to press my luck.
Billy usually drove too fast—everyone in the school had heard him lay rubber at the driveway to the parking lot. With me in the passenger seat, though, he was almost too careful pulling onto the road. The radio was off. Neither of us had spoken for about a minute. Once we were on the straightaway from the school to the highway, I couldn’t take the silence anymore.
“What do you want?” I asked, trying to sound tougher than I felt and hoping I didn’t sound as scared as I was.
At the same time I started to say, “Why did you hit me?” Billy blurted out, “I’m sorry I hit you.”
“You’re such a—wait. What?”
“I said I’m sorry.” He gripped the steering wheel harder. “You want me to say it again?”
“No, I’m just—I mean, why did you hit me? Why—I never did anything to you. Why couldn’t you just leave me alone?” I felt like I was stumbling all over the place, though I was trying to keep myself still, as if he’d pounce if I moved too much. I squeezed my eyes shut and willed this all to not be happening.
I opened my eyes when I heard gravel under the tires and felt the car slowing down. Billy pulled over but left the engine running. He took one hand off the wheel and placed it on the armrest between the seats. Outside, iron-gray clouds closed out the sky overhead. The air felt tentative, like a storm was coming.
“Look,” Billy said. “I know you have no reason to believe me, but I’m sorry. I really am.”“Yeah, yeah, you already said that. But I still don’t get why you did it. Do you know how hard it’s been some days just getting out of bed and going to school, knowing that you were going to be there? Wondering what you were going to do to me next?”
I have a bad habit of talking with my hands when I get worked up. Usually I can keep it under control, but control was in short supply at that point, and I must have looked like I was conducting an invisible orchestra.
“I think I do know,” Billy said quietly.
It started raining. Fat, heavy drops came down so hard they bounced off the hood and the windshield. Though he turned on the wipers, they had a hard time keeping up with the downpour.
“Then why did you keep tormenting me? Was it just fun for you? Did you even think about how it made me feel?” He tried to say something, but I was on a roll now. I cut him off. “Wait, of course you did. That was the whole point, wasn’t it? To make me feel like total shit? Because it’s so easy for you to walk around this school like you’re king of everything—”
“Easy?” he practically shouted. “You think it’s easy? You’re the one who makes it look easy.”
What the hell did that mean? I wanted to ask, but he was already facing the windshield again. He put the car in gear and pulled back onto the road.
“I really have no idea what you’re—”
Before I could finish the sentence, the sky cracked open and a bolt of lightning struck on my side of the street, splitting a tree and sending leaves and wood flying. Billy jerked the wheel to the left instinctively, and the tires squealed on the wet pavement. He somehow managed to get the car under control, but I still felt as if my heart was beating between my ears.
“That was close,” he said, right about the same time another lightning strike flared directly in front of us. It hit the roadway and flung gravel and asphalt into the air. Pebbles smacked against the windshield so hard the glass cracked. The road in front of us dropped away.
“Jesus!” This time Billy wrenched the wheel harder. The car fishtailed. We went hydroplaning across the road and barreling toward the trees on the opposite side.

This was not the way I expected my day to end.
About the Author:
Jeffrey Ricker’s first novel, Detours, was published in 2011 by Bold Strokes Books. His second novel, The Unwanted, will be published by Bold Strokes in 2014. His writing has appeared in the anthologies Paws and Reflect, Fool for Love: New Gay Fiction, Blood Sacraments, Men of the Mean Streets, Speaking Out, Raising Hell, The Dirty Diner, Night Shadows: Queer Horror, and others. A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, he is pursuing an MFA at the University of British Columbia.
Website: http://www.jeffrey-ricker.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rickerje
Blog: http://jeffreyricker.wordpress.com
Red Room page: http://redroom.com/member/jeffrey-ricker/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/rickerje
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4022611.Jeffrey_Ricker
Publisher’s website: http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com/Author-Jeffrey-Ricker.html


March 17 SpotlightBehind Closed Doorshttp://bcdromance.blogspot.com
March 18 Guest BlogThe Library Mistress http://librarymistress.com
March 19 SpotlightBooks Directhttp://booksdirectonline.blogspot.com.au/
March 20 SpotlightBooker Like a Hookerhttp://bookerlikeahooker.blogspot.com/
March 21 Guest blogMythical Bookshttp://www.mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/
March 24 InterviewButterfly-o-Meter Bookshttp://butterfly-o-meter.com/
March 25 InterviewFantasy Book Addicthttp://www.fantasybookaddict.com/
March 26 Spotlight and reviewThe Blog of King-Galaxiushttp://kinggalaxius.wordpress.com
March 27 Guest blogReading in Twilighthttp://readingintwilight.blogspot.com/
March 27 reviewBloodthirsty Muses http://bloodthirstymuses.wordpress.com
March 28 SpotlightMelissa Stevenshttp://melissastevens.us
March 31 SpotlightSnarky Mom Reads…http://www.snarkymomreads.com
April 1 SpotlightScrollin’ Them Papershttp://scrollinpapers.wordpress.com
April 2 Guest BlogFang-tastic Bookswww.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
April 3 SpotlightSoaring Eagle Publicitywww.soaringeaglepublicity.com
April 4 reviewFeed Your Fiction Addictionhttp://feedyourfictionaddiction.blogspot.com
April 7 Guest blogMusings In Fiction Alleyhttp://musingsinficitonalley.blogspot.com/
April 8 InterviewPembroke Sinclair  www.pembrokesinclair.blogspot.com
April 9 InterviewZipper Rippers http://zipperrippers.blogspot.co.uk/
April 10 SpotlightRoxanne’s Realmwww.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com
April 11 SpotlightThe Creatively Green Write at Home Momwww.creativelygreen.blogspot.com
April 14 Interview and reviewSharing Links and Wisdomhttp://sharinglinksandwisdom.blogspot.com

Low Cost Print Advertising for Authors

Reader-Teaser is a print magazine that was created to help authors gain more attention because marketing on the internet alone has become overcrowded and saturated. Each issue gets distributed to thousands of locations and is designed to give readers outside of the internet a view of the writing talent that’s available online.
Writers use the Reader-Teaser to display excerpts from their books, short-stories, poems, humor, screen-writings and everything else writers write about.
THE TOP TWO REASONS WHY THE READER-TEASER IS SUCH AN INCREDIBLE TOOL FOR WRITERS:
Exclusive AttentionUltra-Low Cost for PRINT Advertising
Reader-Teaser was created specifically because there are millions of published books and writings available on the internet. Internet marketing alone reduces book sales for YOU the individual writer because of this massive and growing variety readers have to choose from.
The writers featured in each issue get exclusive attention by the hundreds of thousands of readers Reader-Teaser reaches because: Each issue only allows for a limited group of writers.
With This Formula, the Odds Are Put in Your FavorTO AN EXTREME

The second reason why the Reader-Teaser is such a valuable commodity for promoting books and writings is the ultra-low cost to advertise in a PRINT magazine. Print advertising is expensive because of the process it takes to manufacture and distribute. Advertisers pay the price because print produces results. To writers, Reader-Teaser currently sells space by the word for nickels and dimes. One full page in our magazine costs a fraction of what it would be anywhere else.
ALL Writers Can Afford To Be SeenBy the Hundreds of Thousands of Readers Reader-Teaser ReachesWITHOUT THE HIGH COST OF PRINT ADVERTISING

Quick, Easy, Affordable and Effective Promoting.
On average, the Reader-Teaser reaches over 200,000 readers each issue. It gets distributed as a free magazine in thousands of locations, including:
Coffee HousesRestaurantsBarsUniversities and CollegesLibrariesLarge Branded Book StoresSmaller Local Book StoresMallsGrocery StoresTruck StopsConvenience StoresGas StationsSeveral Other Business Types
Reader-Teaser is an exceptional way for writers of ALL genres to build up followers and get more reviews.
Use it to display an image of your book cover and an excerpt or synopsis. Follow up with where your writing can be purchased. Include your blog addresses, review pages and promotions.
Word-Count  Cost Per Word:
1 – 50—————–$0 .3951-100—————$0 .38101-150————–$0 .37151-200————–$0 .36201-250————–$0 .35251-300————–$0 .34301-350————–$0 .33351-400————–$0 .32401-450————–$0 .31451-500————–$0 .30501-550————–$0 .29551-600————–$0 .28601-650 ————-$0 .27651-700————–$0 .26701-750————–$0 .25751-800————–$0 .24801-850————–$0 .23851-900————- $0 .22901-950————–$0 .21951-1000————$0 .201000+—————-$0 .19
To reserve space in the next issue, fill out the  submission form

Please use Bewitching Book Tours referral code 5299