Roxanne Rhoads's Blog, page 477

SUPERNATURAL FUN FACTS with Sherry Soule

SUPERNATURAL FUN FACTS

Author, Sherry Soule has put together four unknown facts about her popular YA series, Spellbound. In this fun post, you can learn more about the intriguing, supernatural legends that makeup the eerie world of Whispering Pines. Read on to learn some things you didn't know...and really don't need to. :-D
Fun Fact #1
Shadow People, (also known as Shades)are usually vague human shapes, completely black or dark in color, with no discernible facial features. Sometimes they appear as mere silhouettes, generally lacking any characteristics of gender.However, there are many types of shadow beings; there are hooded shadows, cloaked ones, solid or wispy, and even smoky shapes. They dart into corners, through walls, into closets, or behind bushes, and buildings. Sometimes they simply fade into the dark recesses of the night. Lacking in the description is one common denominator unifying the many different types of Shadow People that enter our world—they are all thought to be “intensely dark.” The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines paranormal as an adjective meaning “not scientifically explainable.” In the Spellbound books, Shadow People are ominous creatures that were once slaves of a band of fallen angels. When they rebelled, the Fallen hexed these creatures to spend eternity in a hell dimension. A few have found a way to slip through the gateway. The real worry is—what happens if they ALL escape?Spooky, huh? So, do you believe in Shadow People?
Fun Fact #2
One of my inspirations for the über spooky town in my YA series was the video game, “Silent Hill.” Readers of the Spellbound series have often wondered if the town had a real-life counterpart, and if there was a particular town that inspired the haunted area, we’ve come to know and fear in the books…Actually, there have been many speculations, and now here’s a place you can actually visit for REAL... So, while researching the different elements of Whispering Pines and looking for a foggy and woodland area, I came across Marin County in California. The popular SF Bay Area tourist spot planted the seed for what developed into what we’ve come to know and love as, Whispering Pines. The coastal town is actually located in the Madrone Woodlands near Larkspur, California neighboring Muir Woods. (You need to use a Bing map to locate the region.)Echoes of the tragic disappearances still plague the town. When the season passes and all the tourists leave, the haunting memory of past events once again shatter the peace of the inhabitants of Whispering Pines...Have you ever been to the coastal towns of Marin County?
Fun Fact #3Werewolves and Lycans(shortened form of the word lycanthrope, which means shape-changer) are two completely different species. The terms are definitely NOT synonymous. The werewolf can only transform on a full moon, and they represent more of witchcraft and curse, unlike the lycan who can transform into a wolf at will. The lycan species are also considered shapeshifters, but can ONLY shiftinto wolves—not into other animals. Lycans are also capable of walking on their hindquarters, and are much more muscular than werewolves. Lycans and werewolves do share these qualities; they both have enhanced physical attributes, enhanced strength, reflexes, coordination, speed, and regenerative abilities. However, these traits seem to apply to lycans, even when in human form. Furthermore, lycans can retain their human intelligence and personalities while transformed, whereas werewolves become pure animal, devoid of any memory regarding their actions once they shift. Silver is the lycans only weakness, as they seem to be violently allergic to it. In MOONLIGHT MAYHEM, (second book in the series), the story hinges on a terrible secret guarded by some of the town’s residents as one-by-one teens are attacked by a mysterious creature.Do you think it’s a lycan or a werewolf stalking the kids in Whispering Pines?
Fun Fact #4

A Grimoire, or in some cases it’s called a Book of Shadows (BoS), is used to store magical information, like a textbook of magic spells, rituals, supernatural-related data, and invocations. Some grimoires can even be a sort of magical journal that keeps a record of a witch’s magical experiments and exploits. Overall, a grimoire is used predominantly by Wiccans; however, this does not mean that those outside of Wicca can’t use a grimoire.  Nor do you have to be in a coven, like the Blood Rose Circle or Generation Hex. I used the grimoire concept in a different way in my YA series about a teenage witch, where the magical book is used more like that of a diary and contains prophecies, a demon index, and spells, which was written by her ancestors and passed down through the generations. Do you have a grimoire or personal journal?

Places you can cyberstalk author, Sherry Soule:Official Blog: http://www.sherrysoule.blogspot.comSpellbound Series Universe: http://thespellboundseries.blogspot.comTwitter @WriterSherry: http://twitter.com/writersherrygoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11634793-beautifully-broken
Thank you so much for letting me chat up my new YA series with all of you. It’s been an honor to share the eerie urban legends associated with the Spellbound series. If you haven’t seized your copy of my books yet, please do so. Thrilling and extraordinary adventures await you!
BUY BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN:Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/U3ldZbKindle: http://amzn.to/OnCDcaNOOK: http://bit.ly/Q6mGqxKobo: http://bit.ly/18C4KQKAmazon UK: http://amzn.to/14edSHU

Immortal Eclipse

Mystery, Murder, Manolo Blahnik

A devoted fashionata and practical New Yorker, Skylar Blackwell doesn’t believe in the supernatural—until she inherits Summerwind Mansion. . . . 

When her uncle is brutally murdered, and the cops seem uninterested in following up the case, Skylar journeys to California to seek answers. Her search for clues is soon overshadowed by haunting nightmares of a young woman also murdered in the house. 

Now the inhabitants of Summerwind are mysteriously dying, leaving no evidence as to how or why, and Skylar finds herself in a deadly race against time to expose the killer—before they strike again. 

Armed with only wit and Pradas, Skylar begins questioning the servants, but the growing list of suspects includes the sexy and brooding caretaker, Dorian Delacroix, a man desperately trying to forget his tragic past. And a major distraction for Skylar. 

Determined to play detective—instead of the fashion police—and unravel the dark history of the mansion, Skylar is plunged into an otherworldly mystery that not even she can explain away. As the boundaries between reality and dreams blur, Skylar’s greatest challenge is to stay alive long enough to learn the truth.


Purchase your own copy from these online retailers:

Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/1074dUY

Kobo: http://bit.ly/12BgpdY

Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/14IbgG5

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/11QIbnz

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/14edSHU

Interview and Giveaway with Joanna Mazurkiewicz Author of £6.19 per Witching Hour

Can you tell readers a little bit about yourself and what inspired to write in this particular genre?
My name is Joanna and I am originally from Poland. I started writing when I was in school. Currently I live in the UK in rainy Wales. When I don't work full time I read and write for most of the time. I have always loved paranormal romance books, so I knew that I had to write something in that genre. The idea for my first book (which is also a paranormal romance) was flowing in my head for over five years. I haven’t stop writing since then.
What inspired you to write this book?
Currently I still work as an employment advisor for a private welfare organization. We always have a morning meeting before 9 o’clock. During one very dull meeting, which was about self employment, I completely switched off and started thinking about really random stuff.  Suddenly I had this idea in my head, what if I can write a book about the recruitment agency for all the supernatural creatures? When I left the room all these images started coming into my head and I knew it that I had to start writing it straight away.
Please tell us about your latest release.
£6.19 per Witching Hour is about a recruitment agency in London that deals with jobs for all the supernatural creatures. Julia Taylor is the main character. She is the main consultant that deals with fairies, vampires, witches, hags, wizards, mermaids, elves, giants and trolls that are unemployed.  The story is filled with action and mystery and of course steamy romance. The action picks up once Julia has to negotiate a contract with handsome vampire, Nathaniel La Caz.
What is your favorite scene from the book? Could you share a little bit of it, without spoilers of course?
I really like the scene where Julia has to go to Nathaniel’s factory to pick up some induction papers and she is sure that he isn’t in the office. Surprisingly he is sending his assistant to bring her back to see him. Let me just say that things go definitely out of control for both of them. It’s a really hot scene.  Later on in the interview I posted an excerpt from that scene.
Can you tell readers a little bit about the world building in the book/series? How does this world differ from our normal world?
People always say to write about what you know, so that’s why I decided to write about recruitment with the twists. I really wanted to keep this book realistic, so I set it up in London and mixed it with paranormal world. In my story normal human beings have no idea that that there is another world around them.
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?
At first I didn’t plan to write a series, but when I started writing this book I enjoyed it so much that I decided that I couldn’t finish it on only one. I think there will be five more books and the reader have to read the first one to be able to follow the next one. There are so many twists and turns that I have planed that it would be difficult to follow if you haven’t read the first book in the series.
Do any of your characters have similar characteristics of yourself in them and what are they?
I think Julia is a little bit like me, but I tend not to base my characters on anyone specific. I never visualize anyone that I know.
Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? How do you deal with it?
Yes, I do suffer from writers block. Some days I struggle, then I go out for a walk with my dog.  I try to stay away from the computer when I can’t write. Some stories come naturally to me, others are really slow.
Do you write in different genres?
Yes, recently I started writing a contemporary romance and I must admit that it’s pretty tough.
Other than writing, what are some of your interests, hobbies or passions in life?
I always try to stay active, so I run most days and go out for long walks on the beach. I also enjoy Pilates and yoga.
What was the last amazing book you read?
Gone with the Wind
What can readers expect next from you?
I am working on a new adult contemporary romance right now and after that I will be working on the sequel to Paranormal Personnel.
Where can readers find you on the web?
Here is my blog http://joannamazurkiewiczco.ipage.comTwitter @joannamazhttp://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6543523.Joanna_Mazurkiewiczhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Joanna-Mazurkiewicz/256859647665050
Would you like to leave readers with a little teaser or excerpt from the book?(Excerpt £6.19 per Witching Hour)
You can fight this lust. You can still go. Come on, what are you waiting for? Leave.
He wrapped his other hand around my waist and pulled me gently closer, inhaling my scent.‘I...I need—’
I didn’t tell him what I needed because he kissed me, spreading a tingle of magical current through my whole body. Before I knew what was going on, his lips were moving around mine and his tongue was in my mouth, testing me, teasing and sucking every inch of self-control that was left inside me. I wrapped my hands around his muscular back and his palms were moving over my backside, pressing me harder against his hard manhood. I moaned, unable to stop the magic that was escaping through my skin. His other hand moved underneath my blouse, caressing my stomach. His touch was warm and firm and I wanted him so much at this moment that my energy was going to burst.
He pulled his lips away for a moment, breathing heavily. My eyes were still closed and I was afraid to open them. He had done well controlling his vampire urges; his fangs were still hidden away.
‘I am going to make you come,’ he whispered directly in my ear. His voice sounded fluid and hypnotic. I opened my eyes with panic but he was holding me close and his scent was obscuring my elf senses. His eyes were gleaming with desire and he was hard, pressing himself against my leg.
‘Nathaniel,’ I gasped.




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£6.19 per Witching Hour
Paranormal Personnel Saga Book OneJoanna Mazurkiewicz
Genre: paranormal romance
Book Description:
Julia Taylor works as a recruitment consultant for Paranormal Personnel in London. Her days at work seem normal, she sees clients that regularly are looking for work, she source new vacancies, updates CV and visits employers.
 Everything is pretty ordinary for her, apart from the fact that Julia is half elf and Paranormal Personnel is not an ordinary agency at all because all jobless supernatural creatures come to the agency to look for work.  Fairies, vampires, witches, hags, wizards, mermaids, elves, giants and trolls, they all need to find employment and during this economic climate this seems pretty challenging.
Julia doesn’t want her life to be complicated but when her day is interrupted by the shape shifter with the chain saw; she just has to deal with him as she always does. She is normally calm, confident and is not afraid to stand up for herself but when the meeting with Nathaniel’s Corporation goes not as well as she expected she wants to bury herself under the ground and die.
Then Mr. La Caz gets under her skin, lights up a fire inside her, she accidently reads his thoughts and learns that he craves for her, he wants to suck her dry but she is convinced that he is not even a vampire.

Amazon US   Amazon UK




About the Author:
Joanna Mazurkiewicz was born in Poland. She moved to United Kingdom when she was only nineteen and just finished high school. She had aspired to be a writer upon completion of the Harry Potter series but also enjoyed reading books like ‘Gone with the Wind’, ’Animal Farm’ and ‘The doll’. She graduated from Swansea University with a bachelor degree in American Studies. While studying in the UK she made a decision to start writing fiction in English.
The “Whispers of the Sprite” is her first debut novel and she is currently working on the other projects. Joanna lives in Cowbridge, a small town in South Wales near Cardiff with her boyfriend Bruce. She enjoys cycling around Welsh countryside some of which has become the settings in her first series.
@joannamaz
https://www.facebook.com/thewhispersofthesprite
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6543523.Joanna_Mazurkiewicz
http://joannamazurkiewiczco.ipage.coma Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview with Kiersten Fay

Can you tell readers a little bit about yourself and what inspired to write in this particular genre?
I’m not exactly sure when the desire to write started. When I was fourteen years old, I was compelled to write a little story that wouldn’t get out of my head. It was silly, and nothing special to speak of, but I spent two years typing it from start to finish. For most writers, I think stories relentlessly nag at us till we do something about it.
What inspired you to write this book?
Growing up I was very into sci-fi and fantasy, which gave me an over-active imagination. Demon Possession had been developing in my mind over a decade, more like pestering me, till I finally gave in and started writing it.
Do you have a special formula for creating characters' names?
Bad names in romance novels are one of my personal pet peeves, and a particularly terrible name can ruin an entire story for me. So, naturally, finding acceptable names are a very important part of my writing process. I can spend hours searching different websites looking for the perfect fist name, then coming up with a nickname, and finally last name. Sometimes I’ll seek out meanings that match a character, but mostly, for me, the process is intuitive. A name merely has to fit a character I have in mind.
Was one of your characters more challenging to write than another?
Each character has their own challenges. I wouldn’t say one was any more difficult than another. At least not at this point. I’m sure in the future there will be that one character that will cause hair to be pulled from roots.
Is there a character that you enjoyed writing more than any of the others?
I have a special place in my heart for Sebastian, but Cale was equally fun to write.
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 always start with an idea of a character. Then I’ll look for a picture that matches what’s in my head to add depth and detail. After that, I’ll list out personality traits, motivation in life, history, fears, beliefs, etc. I think the more you flesh out a character, the easier they are to write.
What is your favorite scene from the book? Could you share a little bit of it, without spoilers of course?
I have so many favorite scenes, but if I have to choose one, I think I’d pick the fight scene between Sebastian and his brother Cale. I like it because although they are both intimidating demons, they are still siblings and their dynamic is comical. 
Can you tell readers a little bit about the world building in the book/series? How does this world differ from our normal world?
I’m intrigued by the idea that all myths might be based in reality, but that only a hint of the truth has survived over time. That’s where I get the inspiration for most of my stories.
Demon Possession, for instance, is about a mysterious woman with special gifts who escapes a life of slavery, only to find herself trapped on a spaceship with a group of crass demons.
I love throwing my characters into unfamiliar situations where they are completely out of their element and therefore must change or adapt if they hope to survive.
What can readers expect next from you?
So much. I have several ideas on the burner. The future holds more demons, witches, and vampires.
Where can readers find you on the web?
Kierstenfay.com – Sign up to my newsletter. I only send out newsletters when I have a new release or intriguing news to share.
Follow me on Twitter @kierstenfay or on Facebook à https://www.facebook.com/KierstenFay
I’m always around to chat with. =^_^=
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Demon Possession
Shadow Quest - Book 1Kiersten Fay
Genre: Paranormal / Sci-fi Romance
Publisher: Kiersten Fay ProductionsDate of Publication: April 19, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-9835733-0-2ASIN: B004X6R8Y8
Number of pages: 383Word Count: 110,000
Cover Artist: Kiersten Fay
Purchase Link
Book Description:
After being enslaved on the spaceship Extarga for most of her life Analia has no memory of her life before, and has lost all knowledge of her people. Her mysterious gift and pointed ears are the only indication that she is different.

Analia is alone, and for all she knows, she's the last of her kind. By chance Analia escapes her captors, and hides herself on the merchant ship Marada, planning to get off at the very next stop.

Unfortunately for her, there is no next stop. The crew is planning a delivery that could take months, and according to a stipulation in the newly signed contract, no one is allowed on or off the ship until the package is delivered.

When Analia is found by the  captain of the Marada, she must adapt to her new role on the ship, and try to control her newly awakened desire for the brutal and devastatingly erotic demon.
About the Author:
Kiersten Fay is the author of the steamy paranormal romance series, Shadow Quest, which combines paranormal and sci-fi romance and is loosely based on mythology and lore. Like many authors, she loves creating new worlds with the power of her mind, along with brooding alpha males and strong, yet vulnerable, female leads.
In 2012, she received a nominated for favorite author of 2012 via gravetells.com, and that same year, won Favorite Story of August for Demon Retribution, the third book in her Shadow Quest series. Before becoming an author, Kiersten worked as a graphic designer, and now enjoys creating her own book covers.
For more information on Kiersten Fay, or her upcoming romance novels, visit her website www.kierstenfay.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KierstenFay
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KierstenFay
Website: www.kierstenfay.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4810094.Kiersten_Fay
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/103692267895642730954/posts
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Talking About Relationships with Cristiane Serruya

About Relationships
I’ve been married for more than twenty years with the same man. He is adorable, and such a great father. We have built a love story, full of friendship, trust, admiration and respect. What is more important than that to make a strong connection between partners? Some people think love is just a mirage. I know falling in love is easy, but staying in love always takes a lot of work. It’s like a flower that has to be nurture every day. As in any relationship, your love partner needs investment. The more you put into it, the more you get back. That’s a little of I want to show in TRUST Trilogy. 
The books introduce us to three characters that simply have to learn how to rebuild a relationship again. Sophia have lost her beloved husband and has some doubts if she will be capable to love again. Alistair invested in a rotten relationship and, now, he feels like he can’t invest and another one. And Ethan was not raised by parents with principles, so he thinks everything - even love - can be paid for. 
With creating these character I want to deconstruct their vision of love, because love is the only thing we should always devote some hope. It’s worth it.  



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Trust: Betrayed
Trust Trilogy Book Two
Cristiane Serruya

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

ISBN: 1482586479 
ISBN13: 9781482586473

Number of pages: 551 pages
Word Count: 137.903

Cover Artist: Renata Fontanive

Book Description:

Alistair and Sophia have found each other. Their hearts are opening to love again and they are set to have their 'happily ever after'. Or so it seems. 

BETRAYED, the second installment of the Trust series, journeys back into the past to reveal their secrets and dark deeds. 

Sophia, the ravishing owner of Leibowitz Oil, is determined to have a relationship with Alistair, but a dark and terrible secret lurks beneath the surface she presents to the world. Will she be able to find peace within herself?

Alistair, a powerful banker, is in love with Sophia but has difficulties overcoming his guilt over his daughter's death and his BDSM proclivities. Certain that he doesn't deserve to be loved, he will do everything to push Sophia away, despite his love for her. Will he be able to find redemption? 

Ethan, a steel tycoon, no less haunted by his secrets and lies, is still in love with Sophia after their short lived relationship. He now lives in an alternate reality he has created, because the loss of Sophia is too unbearable to face. He will pay any price to have her. Will he have her back in his arms or will he overcome his loss and move on?

Sophia, Ethan and Alistair will need to overcome their guilt, fear and pain and learn to see themselves through forgiving eyes. 

Or will they succumb to their misery?

Excerpt:Atwood House.
Sunday, March 21st, 2010.
6.55 p.m.“Okay, little girl,” Sophia clappedher hands at Gabriela who was comfortably seated on Alistair’s lap. “Time for bed. Now.”“But, Mama-”“Don’t you but me. It’s seven o’clock. Time for you to go to bed.”Gabriela pouted at her mother and then turned her head, looking at Alistair for help. He just smiled at her and motioned his head to Sophia.“Five minutes more, Mama, pleeeease.”Sophia looked at her watch and sighed, “Okay. But only five.”Gabriela beamed at her mother, “Thank you, Mama.” She turned to Alistair and asked, “Tell me another story, please?”“A short one,” he said as Sophia sat on the sofa beside them and put Gabriela’s barefeet over her lap.Alistair smiled at Sophia, as he startedthe story, “Once upon a time, there was a prince. He was very tall, handsome and rich. But he didn’t have a princess-”“What was his name?”“Ronnoc Riatsila,” he promptly said and winked at Sophia.“Ugh! What an ugly name.”Gabriela puckered her turned-up nose.“Are you sure he was a prince?”“Aye. I’m sure,” he smiled, delighted. “So. The prince was very much alone in his big,big castle. One day, he decidedto hold a contest to find his bride. All the women in his kingdom would have to go.”“Only the beautiful ones,” Gabriela said. “Princes can’t marry ugly princesses.”“Very well. Only the beautiful ones.”His grin broadened as he put an arm over Sophia’s shoulder and pulled her closer.She sighed happily and nestled herselfon his side, listening to the story of the prince called Ronnoc Riatsila, thinking that she wanted his princess to be called Aihpos.

The Cityof London Bank Headquarters. Thursday, May 15th, 2008.4.59 p.m.“But can’t my driver just pick up the prescription?”Alistair paused as he listenedto what Doctor Lodes’ssecretary told him on the phone.“Aye, of course. I’ll be there.” He hungup and rubbed a hand on his neck. What could be this urgent? It’s just a prescription.As he left his office with a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach.

Lodes’s Clinic.
5.47 p.m.“Hello, Doctor Ben. How are you?” Alistairhugged the doctorand entered his office.

“How are Aunt Elizabeth and Mark?”“Everyone’s fine, son. Everyone’s fine,” Doctor Lodes repeatedas if to assure himself that what he said was true. He motioned for Alistair to sit on the sofa at the end of his office.Alistair frowned at the strange behavior but complied,sitting on the comfortable gray sofaand stretching his legs. He was tired. He had been workinglike a mad man lately.“I haven’t seen Mark for a long time. He’s disappeared.”Doctor Lodes scratchedhis bald head and sat next to Alistair on the sofa. “You havebeen too busy to see your friends, AlistairConnor. Mark got marriedlast week. We missed you at the wedding.”“What?” Alistair sat up on the sofa. Mark was one of his best friends. “I didn’t get theinvitation.”“We sent it to your apartment. Heather rang us and talked to Beth. It seems you had a trip planned.”“We did travel, but I wouldhave postponed it if I had knownthat Mark was gettingmarried. It wasn’t that important. We went to Saint Barths for the weekend to celebrate our anniversary which was in February.”“Well, too late now, son.” Doctor Lodes shrugged. “See that you don’t miss Johansson’s wedding in two weeks. His fathertold me that Heather has declined as well.”What? Alistair’s mouth fell open. What’s going on?“Did you receive the last results from Heather’s exams?” Doctor Lodes continued.Oh, damn. I  forgot  Heather’s  exams.  I  don’t  even  know  if  she  did  them  after  the treatment. Alistair looked sheepishly at the older man and shook his head.The doctor’s face showed no surprise. “Well then. Alistair Connor, I don’t want you to become nervous with what I’m going to tell you.”“Too  late  for  that,  Doctor  Ben.  I’ve  been  freaked  out  since  our  appointment  inDecember.”  Alistair  almost  laughed.  But  his  doctor  and  friend  had  such  a  stern expression on his face that he knew this was no time for humor.“My boy, I receivedthe confirmation that the moxifloxacin was effective and that the bacteria were eliminated. Nonetheless... It took too long to diagnose and the damage… Treatments are evolving and maybe in the future they can reverse what’s happened-”“You’re scaring me, Doctor Ben,”Alistair shifted on the sofa and leanedtoward the doctor to better look at his soft brown eyes.The doctor thinned his lips and looked away for an instant.
When he looked back, his face showed a piercing sadness. “I’m so sorry to have to tell you this, Alistair Connor. I’ve knownyou all your life and I love you as if you were my own son.” He shook his bald head and a cold dreariness sifted through Alistair’s bones. “But the test results arrivedthis morning. I still had hope…” He inhaleddeep, rested his hand over Alistair’s and blurted, “Son, I’m sorry, but the disease has made you infertile.”
Trust : A New BeginningTrust Trilogy Book One
Cristiane Serruya
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
ISBN 13: 978-1480236295
Number of pages: 464
Amazon   Barnes and Noble 
Book Description:
They are beautiful. They are rich. They are strong willed and successful. They have everything, but love. And each one of them has a dark secret looming in their past.
Sophia is a 25 year old Brazilian widow. Intelligent and ravishing, she flees from her own country after a tragic incident. Hiding from everyone and everything, she remains alone, torn between the love for a dead man, the torment of living without part of her memory and the fear of moving on. 
Ethan is one of the most important tycoons in the steel industry. As the memory of an awful evening in his adolescence haunts him night and day, he keeps looking for an elusive woman whom he could love - and who would love him - as he never has in all his 35 years... Until he finds Sophia. 
Alistair is a 34 year old powerful banker, searching for one–night stands with women who will warm his bed. And that he can punish physically to abate his anger for his late wife's black deeds and his own guilt for being such a debauched man for so many years. Any woman will do, and he has many to choose from, as they all fall instantly for his manly, devilish charming ways.
In Europe, in the months after October 2009, their paths will cross and clash. Who will win the prize of love?
About the Author:
I live in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with my husband and two daughters. I'm a lawyer, who specializes in cases of sexual abuse and violence against children and women. I also have a Masters in Business Law and a BA in Fine Arts. 
I've always loved to read, write and listen to music. I lived and studied in England, France, Italy and Switzerland. Traveling is one of my passions - as is keeping fit and healthy. 
After twenty-two years of practicing law, I decided to give writing a go. And - amazingly - it was just the piece that was missing in my life.
www.cristianeserruya.com.br
https://www.facebook.com/cristianeserruyauthor
@CrisSerruya 
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583811.Cristiane_Serruya
http://www.librarything.com/author/serruyacristiane
https://www.facebook.com/cristiane.serruya

http://pinterest.com/crisserruya/
Author's page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00A85DHT8

Ghost Light Giveaway

Title: Ghost Light

Series: Ivy Granger #2

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Author: E.J. Stevens

Publisher: Sacred Oaks Press

ISBN: 9780984247592

Synopsis:

Ivy Granger, psychic detective, thought she'd seen it all...until now.

With a vengeful lamia that only she can see on the city streets, reports of specters walking Harborsmouth cemeteries, and an angry mob of faerie clients at her office door, it's bound to be a long night. Add in an offense against the faerie courts and a few foolish bargains and one thing is clear--Ivy Granger is in some seriously deep trouble.

Ivy Granger is back, gathering clues in the darkest shadows of downtown Harborsmouth. With the lives of multiple clients on the line, she's in a race against time. Ivy finally has a lead to the whereabouts of the one person who can help her control her wisp abilities, but will she put the needs of her clients above her own?

If Ivy doesn't find a solution soon, she could wind up a ghost herself.

On sale July 09, 2013. $14.99 Trade Paperback $3.99 Ebook (Kindle/NOOK/Epub)

Ghost Light on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16028045-ghost-light

Twitter Party: 
E.J. will be hosting a 24-hour Twitter party July 9th.  
Everyone is welcome to enter.  
Use the hashtag #GhostLightParty to celebrate the release of GHOST LIGHT and win fab prizes!  


This giveaway is open worldwide.  
Giveaway begins July 9, 2013 and ends July 24, 2013.  
Winner will be notified by email and posted on E.J.'s blog.   
Prizes are:
$15 Amazon gift card (or $15 book from The Book Depository), a Ghost Light ebook (Kindle or PDF), and an autographed Ghost Light postcard.
 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Wrap Up: Dragon's Thief by Susan Lute

Hi Roxanne, this is the last stop for Dragon's Thief on this book tour. I has been so much fun! Thanks for having me. Your site is the perfect place to end this marvelous journey :)
When I got on that plane for Norman, Oklahoma a few years back, with an idea to write something so totally different that when I was finished I would have a clear idea where my voice fit best in the writing world, I had no idea what my fictional world would look like; only that my characters would meet in a bar.
Somewhere between... Logan Pen slipped out of the lusty crowd and into a bar that was only a decimal quieter. He’d been in New Orleans six hours and in the French Quarter half that time. Already he’d picked up a tail...and...“We’ll meet again, thief.” He took a long pull of the drink, then licked the mixture of rum and blood from where it burned his lip. “You can bet on it.”, ...a world was born.
This world was the window of time between the alignment of the earth with the center of the Milky Way, bringing down life as we know it, and the prophesied 1000 years of peace. I KNEW in my gut, peace wouldn't come without a lot of struggle on humanity's part, or a price. Enter the Darwin changelings who have remained hidden for millennia.
The next question was, what does this in between time look like? On one hand, two-thirds of the world's population has perished. Everywhere you look is rubble. On the other hand, the Naga, dragonkind, have been around for a very long time, and it's been thirty-three years since the night that changed humanity's future. There are many who remember the before times, and being clever, it's time for humankind to move forward, rather than wallow in a manipulated, destructive past. As Spock would say, “the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few...or the one.” It's also very handy that one of Daniel and Abigayl's quints is a geek, and loves remaking the old machines so they work in the new emerging world. I hope that also gives the stories a bit of a steampunk, Victorian flavor.

So a new world is emerging, the dragonkind are coming out of hiding. Avalon, secret home of the dragons, is revealed. A villain of the worst sort wants to take over the world. The Dragonkind Chronicles...the battle is just beginning.

Excerpt:
Breathless from her flight, Beyla Higgins moved deeper into the dark mists of the mirror image of the room she’d escaped. No human, or dragon for that matter, could follow her here.The noise of the bar receded to muted noise, finally replaced by soothing ripples of cocooning silence. She desperately missed the sounds of her human family, but at least here, deep in the shadows, their deaths didn’t hurt so much.As though he could still see her, the dragon-man who’d had the audacity to capture an Umbra, raised his glass in her direction.As she swiped his blood from her lips, her skin warmed at the challenge she could read in his dark eyes. The streak of red burned her fingertips. The subtle scent of copper woke her senses from their deep slumber, disturbing the balance she worked so hard to keep in place.He would make her pay for her audacity. She fingered the trinket she’d stolen, then rubbed where his teeth had scraped her lips, attempting to erase his arrogant touch.Ordered to follow the human, she’d never once suspected the simple assignment to be more than a trifle duty given to one who admittedly, knew little of the ways of her own kind.With little to occupy her days, except putting one foot in front of the other, surviving was all she had left. If she could find the purpose in it.Beyla stared at the shiny, gold talisman, with its strange markings, nestled in the palm of her hand. It was the way of the females of her kind to be able to sense and retrieve objects of value. She was particularly good at it, even as a small child living in the human’s world with no idea of her birthright.Once her searching fingertips had brushed across the hard, round surface, it’d been impossible to leave the treasure behind. Stealing the strange medallion from the dragon-man scowling in her direction ignited the first spark of excitement she’d felt in three cold years.The gold metal heated her hand. It was the same heat that had flared between them when she’d touched her lips to his in a crazy bid to escape the steal strength of the fingers manacling her wrists.She lifted her chin. Who are you? The question was ripped from the deepest heart of her.I told you. His sigh contained little patience. We are the Naga.The breath of his response, a distant echo drifting like fog on a dark night lit only by the moon, touched her mind. Her fingers curled into a fist, clenching the golden piece until her palm hurt.What kind of power was this? How was he speaking in her thoughts?I know who the Naga are. You are my enemy.She shifted deeper into the darkest shadows, far from his lightning reach. Her body became lighter, her essence, that part of her that was Umbra, connected with others of her kind. The hum of all their thoughts made order out of chaos, but not out of the emptiness that was her constant companion.A shudder of arousal, more fierce than any she'd ever felt, worked its way into the silent place in her heart that had died along with her fiancé.Meet with me.No! I don’t trust you.He sneered. And, for good reason. I don’t trust you, either. Nonetheless, we must talk.Taking one last lingering look at the black-haired, black-eyed dragon in human guise, she followed the shadows out of the bar to those cast by flickering gas lamps lining the street. When she was a child, living among humans, her stepfather had told fanciful stories, old fables of dragons from the Before Time. Since discovering she wasn’t human, and returning to her kind, she’d heard whispers of the Naga, that someday they would return. She’d thought they were just stories, too.The Elders. She must tell the Elders. They would want to know the day had come. The Naga, their enemy, had indeed come out of hiding.She searched the crowds spilling into the street to make sure the way was safe. Behind her, she felt him coming after her. Her skin sizzled with an awareness that was new and confusing.Heart racing, she glanced over her shoulder. Her pursuer was backlit by the light from inside the bar. He shifted slightly so the building blocked a portion of the light illuminating him. On the edge of her world, he showed her his true nature.An incomparable being of absolute beauty gleamed and shimmered in iridescent blue-green. The dragon stretched, its tail curling up around his broad chest and neck, wings opening majestically. Flames flickered with each breath he took. Familiar black eyes called her coward.It was magical. The most phenomenal thing she'd ever seen. Humans partying in the street didn’t seem to notice what was taking place.Beyla’s stomach suddenly ached with an indefinable, illusive something she couldn't name. Remembering how easily the hard faced man had captured her, she shivered. He was hunting. Hunting those who’d been hidden for as long as any could remember. The question was, why?
Dragon's ThiefThe Dragonkind ChroniclesBook 1
Susan Lute
Genre:   post-apocalyptic paranormal/fantasy
ISBN:   978-0-9849784-5-8
Number of pages:   187Word Count:  88K
Cover Artist:   Susan Lute / Crazy Hair Publishing
Amazon    BN   Windtree Press
Book Description:
From the Dragonkind Chronicles – the battle is just beginning...
In a post -apocalyptic world where Darwin changelings emerge from hiding and humans struggle to reclaim their former glory, mercenary Logan Pen doesn’t want to save the world. His mission is to protect his greatest treasure - his family. That is until he tries to capture a shadow thief. Beyla, a beguiling, emotionless Umbra steals his telein - a talisman forged at his birth while escaping his grasp, making her by ancient dragon law his mate.
Her enemy - a fiery Naga - and the talisman she’s stolen from him rouse emotions Beyla has spent three long years in the land of shadows stripping away. Still she hasn’t been able to banish the grief and pain left by the murder of her human family.

Fighting a desire that flames out of their control, and scrambling to save humanity and their own kind, Logan and Beyla are forced to  join forces to keep a weapon of incredible destructive power out of the hands of the man who would use it to conquer their world. With evil on the brink of victory, only through sacrifice do they learn to trust and embrace the love that will change them forever.
About the Author:
Susan Lute is first and foremost a wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, dreamer, and author. She is traditionally and Indie published in contemporary romance, women's fiction, and and paranormal/fantasy romance.
Her debut novel, Oops…We’re Married? has sold over 130,000 copies, was a Reader’s Choice nominee and Holt Medallion Finalist. Things you should know - she was born the oldest child of a military family; she's traveled far, but has never been to Hawaii, Paris, or Crete, an omission she hopes to correct soon; her favorite places in the whole world are New York City, Sedona (Arizona), Ouray (Colorado), and Bath (England).
Currently she is working on the second novel in her Dragonkind Chronicles, and dreaming up a new urban fantasy.
website:  www.susanlute.com
See Jane Publish  http://seejanepublish.wordpress.com/
facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Susan-Lute/202040233153546
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1252907.Susan_Lute

If you signup for Susan’s newsletter she will put you in a drawing for a copy of  Dragon’s Thief in whatever format you want- one to be given away at each tour stop.
Must leave a comment at one of the tour stops

Newsletter address is:  http://www.susanlute.com/newsletter.htm

Interview with Sara H Hobson Author of Penny Dreadful

Can you tell readers a little bit about yourself and what inspired to write in this particular genre?
Well, I’ve always been somewhat obsessed with vampires, ever since I read Interview With the Vampire back in High School (this was the year the movie came out, so it’s been quite a long time *laughs*), and one of the first things I ever wrote was a Lestat fan-fiction (sorry, Anne Rice!). I still have it. It was hand written and SO terrible, but it’s something I can look back on and say “Wow, look how far I’ve come!”. As far as the genre, writing a good romance always seemed to be the easiest part of the story for me. I love a good HEA, even if it takes a while to get to that point, and I love reading the story about how it happened. Nothing in life worth doing is easy. If it were, it wouldn’t be interesting.
What is it about the paranormal, in particular vampires, that fascinates you so much?
Vampires in general have such a rich history. There’s so many different takes on them in literature now, it’s interesting to see how far they’ve come from Nosferatu days. J.R. Ward’s vampires are completely different from Jeaniene Frost, and Charlaine Harris’ vamps are completely different from and Laurell K. Hamilton, etc... It’s interesting every time to see the different spin, but also challenging to come up with something that isn’t stepping into someone else’s territory. I hope I managed to do that with my vampires.
The paranormal has always been something I’ve held close to my heart. Life can be so boring without imagination, and that’s what it really represents to me. It’s where my imagination goes about 90% of the time.
What inspired you to write this book?
I was working on another series, actually, and was having terrible writer’s block. In the meantime, I was fleshing out other characters for that world; minor players that would encounter the heroine at some point, and I came up with Penny. She originally was imagined to be very cold, and was already together with Dimitrii at that point. Then, as I was sitting there, trying to work on the other story, she kind of jumped up and said “No, this isn’t me, and you’re writing about me first.” I couldn’t argue because her story flowed so much easier for me.
Please tell us about your latest release.
Penny Dreadful is the first in a series that introduces the reader to this just slightly parallel world I’ve created. Revolving primarily around a human/vampire relationship told from the human’s POV. Her meeting the vampire is just the beginning, and she also encounters some of the other creatures that inhabit the world that she was previously unaware of; at the same time someone is stalking her and threatening her life. And, there’s a lot of sex. I like writing sex scenes *laughs*. As far as future books are concerned, I have many plans to explore these other races in the future, especially the Mernoids, but the vampires so far have gotten the most effort because I love them so. I’ve written tons of backstory on them, including how they began. I don’t know if it will ever come up in the books because I don’t know if any existing vampire actually knows his or her origins, but it’s there for me to know, just in case.
Do you have a special formula for creating characters' names? Do you try to match a name with a certain meaning to attributes of the character or do you search for names popular in certain time periods or regions?
Often, the name of a character will just come to me, but occasionally I need to search lists of names for particular regions of the world for an appropriate name. Names like Amanda Beth Lee (Penny’s real name) just sort of came to me. It was a name I was kind of neutral to, to be honest. It wasn’t fancy or especially memorable, but not everyone has a special or memorable name. Dimitrii, well, he’s been in my head for years. His full name, Dimitrii Nikolai Dominic Maximov, came to me years ago in a dream. Funnily enough, it’s names of the “extras” in my works I seem to have the hardest time with. If I find something I really like, I always write it down to save for later. Most recently, I had a dream about a man named Corpian, and I really loved it, so I have it at the top of my list right now. I guess I get a lot of inspiration from dreams.
Is there a character that you enjoyed writing more than any of the others?
Owen and Tyler both have a special place in my heart. Owen reminds me a little of my brother when he was younger – genuine and a bit shy - and I just kind of want to give him a huge hug (even though I know he’d be really uncomfortable). Tyler was another who was just supposed to be mentioned once and that’s it, but he became so much more. The dynamic between Tyler and Odette is so much fun for me to write, since it’s very brother-sister.
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?
Main characters always get fleshed out before I begin, so I know who they are on the surface, but they often surprise me with who they are underneath. With others, I tend to look for what the scene might need, and what would be the most interesting to the story. I do have an extensive library of persons I’ve come across who look like my characters the way I imagined them, or whom I use as inspiration. Dimitrii I had in mind for so long, but never found anyone who looked like him. After finishing the book, a friend of mine posted a picture of a guy who was the exact embodiment of him down to his hair and smile, and it kind of freaked me out. I won’t say who it is, though, as I like letting the readers use their own imagination.
What is your favorite scene from the book? Could you share a little bit of it, without spoilers of course?
It’s really hard for me to choose. I have a couple that really stand out to me:
I still love when Penny discovers Dimitrii is a vampire. The way she discovers is something I think a lot of people might end up doing in the same situation, and his reaction is rather amusing. 
There’s a scene later where Penny and Dimitrii are out at dinner, and they run into a character that I have major plans for in the future. Dimitrii knows him, and the dialogue between the two still makes me laugh because they are these really old beings posturing and acting like children.
I also love when Penny is visiting Odette, and she wakes Tyler, telling him that Penny has stopped by. He sort of falls all over himself trying to act all cool seconds after waking up, not realizing he’s still in his cartoon-character boxers until it’s too late.
Did you find anything really interesting while researching this or another book?
I honestly did a lot of research into all sorts of lore before writing. I wanted to be as true to many of the ancient stories as possible, or at least take elements from them and incorporate that into my world. Like when Dimitrii explains about garlic having no effect on vampires, and that it goes back to people hanging the plant around their bedrooms to ward off the smell of the dead, because the stench was a huge problem in those times. I think the most interesting and random piece of information I came across was when I did a search for “Penny Lee” to make sure it wasn’t a name already in use. Apparently, there’s an actual “magical” artifact called “The Lee Penny”, and that really surprised me.
Can you tell readers a little bit about the world building in the book/series? How does this world differ from our normal world?
It’s set in current time in Orlando, Florida, and the only real difference between it and our own is that all these other beings exist, like Changelings and Mernoids. All our modern technology still exists, though some of it may be a few years ahead of it’s time. I just chalk that up to being created by these other races. Magick also exists in this world, but I think it does to some degree in our own.
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?
I hope they will be able to be read as stand-alones, but certain storylines may be a bit vague to readers if they start at book 2 or 3. Explanations as to how my vampires “work”, for example, are clearly stated in the first book, and readers might not know their limitations or their hierarchy without reading Penny Dreadful first. If they aren’t bothered by those details, or want to know how one character knows another, it shouldn’t be a problem. I’m just someone who loves to know all the intricacies of things.
Do any of your characters have similar characteristics of yourself in them and what are they?
Penny is blonde with blue eyes, and we have the same taste in music, but that’s about where the similarities end. I guess you could say we’re attracted to the same type of men, but that can’t be helped *laughs* Owen has a bit of my nerdy side in him, and his name and the way I hear his voice comes from one of my all-time favorite TV series, though it doesn’t have much bearing on who he is as a character.
Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? How do you deal with it?
I actually did for quite a while after I’d gotten halfway through book 2. I was distracted by life, and my responsibilities changed, so when I tried going back, I had a different mindset and it was terribly hard for me. I still made notes about various things I wanted to see happen, or ideas I had about backstory, but I couldn’t get back into writing. It took a good friend to really push me to just do it, and now when I have a block, I try to write through it. If I can’t come up with something in the story I’m working on, I write something else – poems, blogs, random essays about anything that comes to mind, and even the beginnings of novellas for secondary characters if I have an idea – anything so I don’t get rusty again.
Do you have any weird writing quirks or rituals?
I used to write everything (except the adult content, I blush a lot) at Denny’s. Most of Penny Dreadful was written there, actually. In the same booth, at the same time, nearly every night for however long it took me. The one I went to was usually empty after 10:00pm, and I was brought fresh cups of coffee all night long, so I could focus on writing. Now, I write at home, but I often have to turn the wireless off, just so I’m not distracted by social media or other websites.
When did you consider yourself a writer?
I don’t know if I do, actually. I mean, I know I love it, and I genuinely hope my readers will enjoy my work, but it still feels too new to me. Like, my other job is that of a seamstress, which I’ve been doing for 15+ years. Even when I was being hired by people to make clothing for their bands or for local theatre, I still had the thought in my head that this was just a hobby I happened to be pretty good at. To paraphrase Neil Gaiman, I’m still expecting the Author Police to show up at the door and say “Um, no. We’ve got you down for a completely different career, so you can stop now.” Perhaps in another ten years I’ll feel comfortable in the role I’ve taken on.
What are your guilty pleasures in life?
*laughs* I’m an avid collector of Monster High dolls by Mattel. I could go on about them for hours, and love hunting for the latest releases. I have them all in glass cases in my dining room.
Other than writing, what are some of your interests, hobbies or passions in life?
Besides the Monster High dolls? I cosplay, which for anyone new to the term is where you dress up as a character, usually from Japanese Animation or video games, and go to conventions. I’ve been doing it so long, it’s developed into my seamstress career, which is what pays the bills until my writing can sustain me.
What was the last amazing book you read?
I love the Mageri series by Dannika Dark. She’s a friend of mine, and even still, I’m always so impressed by her work. I also really love anything written by Shayla Black, especially the Doomsday Brethren series. There was one time I was at Disney World and it started to rain, so I found a dry spot and pulled out my Kindle. I couldn’t stop reading even after the sun came out and everything dried up.
Where is your favorite place to read? Do you have a cozy corner or special reading spot?
I usually read sitting in the middle of my bed surrounded by pillows. It’s turned sideways so it’s more like a couch, and the mattress is kind of worn, so it’s almost like a nest *laughs*. Before I quit smoking, I had an antique couch in the garage I loved to sit on, so I could smoke without having to stop reading.
What can readers expect next from you?
Penny #2 is definitely in the works, but I’m also working on another series set in the same universe. That one focuses mostly on Mernoids, which is my universal term for Mermaids and Mermen. There’s also been another book or two floating around in my head for some time now, but I think will be part of it’s own universe.
Where can readers find you on the web?
www.authorsarahhobson.comFacebook – facebook.com/authorsarahhobsonTwitter - @authorshobsonGoodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/authorsarahh... also on a couple other sites, but I don’t use them as often.
Would you like to leave readers with a little teaser or excerpt from the book?
As hard as she’s trying to deny her feelings for him and keep the relationship professional, he isn’t making it easy on her. At this point, Penny and Dimitrii have been working very late into the night, and Penny has fallen asleep. Dimitrii wakes her and tells her he has to leave as the sun is coming up, and she walks him to the door.“You’ll hear from me after dark, later tonight.” Dimitrii said. I nodded, trying to keep my eyes open. Dimitrii wrapped his arm around my back, and slowly pulled me up against him as he bent down and kissed me. It was soft at first, then turned rough and animalistic, and I felt a trace of his fangs on my lower lip as he coaxed them apart. My whole body was suddenly alert and awake, and I reached my hands up to his shoulders to hold onto him. Just as quickly, though, the vampire pulled his mouth away from me. He was just a few inches away, looking down at me with a raw hunger deep in his gorgeous green eyes. I felt my cheeks flush, and I was breathing heavily through my slightly parted lips. Dimitrii then released his hold on me and turned and opened the door to leave.He paused and looked back when he was just outside.“I’ll promise you this, Penny.” His eyes sparked with frustration and his accent came out thick.“Hmm?”“As of right now, I am done with this bullshit best behavior.”

Interview with Authors After Dark Featured Author Hildie McQueen

Can you tell readers a little bit about yourself and what inspired to write in this particular genre?
As an avid reader of paranormal, I was always left with questions. I wanted to know more about what the males in the stories thought about certain things, I needed a deeper perspective into their personalities.  What better way into an immortal male's head than to create him myself?
What inspired you to write this book?
Cynden Fraser, an Immortal Highlander, the Hero in Desperate Betrayal inspired me.  Are you kidding me, I was inspired by my love of Scotland, Highlanders and all things paranormal.  The Protector Series was inspired after I wrote Desperate Betrayal.  When creating the secondary characters, their personalities shined through.
Please tell us about your latest release.
Cynden's brother Kieran almost demanded his own story.  The Hero in Desperate Surrender, a tortured brooding immortal became the love of my life....well literarly only of course.  **smile**
Do you have a special formula for creating characters' names? Do you try to match a name with a certain meaning to attributes of the character or do you search for names popular in certain time periods or regions?
I actually made up Cynden's name, don't you just love it??  For each of the Protectors since they come from different periods, I do research the countries of origin.  I tend to sway to one or two syllable names I notice.
Was one of your characters more challenging to write than another?
It's funny but the character that I find hardest to relate to is the 18th Century Lord, Fallen Trent.  He's an impeccable, handsome, aristrocrat.  It was a bit of a challenge to get into his head.  Once I did, it became a bit easier, but he was definitely a challenge.
Is there a character that you enjoyed writing more than any of the others?It was so much fun writing Wendy O'Sullivan, the quirky heroine in Desperate Surrender, she was a lot of fun.  Blue, Cynden's teenage son was also enjoyable to write, he is a totally normal teenager who happens to be half-demon.
What is your favorite scene from the book? Could you share a little bit of it, without spoilers of course?
I love this scene from Desperate Betrayal.  The heroine Emma is over at Cynden's house after he agrees to help her rescue her sister.“Turn around.” His smooth voice flowed over her like velvet. Emma tried to swallow but her mouth went dry. She turned to find he stood very close. God help her, she’d never seen a more handsome man than the one who stood before her now. Her body screamed for his touch. She wanted to be with him, her skin against his. But she wouldn’t sleep with him as a form of payment. What if during sex he sensed that she was part demon and killed her on the spot? But, then again, maybe he would kill her just for saying no. She forced herself to remain calm, and placed her hand on his chest only to draw it back when the urge to caress him became too strong. “Listen Cyn. I know most women throw themselves at you. I mean you’re extremely good-lo… but, I, – I am not going to have sex with you, right now. What happened before between us, out there in the alley was because of the rush from the adrenaline after your encounter with the demon…,”She stopped babbling, at a loss for words. Cyn stood back with his arms crossed while he stared down at her, one eyebrow cocked. His lips curved into a crooked smile.“I was going move the chair for you and ask you to come sit by the desk, so I could get some more information from you. But I see your mind is on other things.” He leaned in closer to her and his smile widened. “You said ‘not right now’, does that mean we’ll have sex later?”
What is the most interesting thing you have physically done for book related research purposes?
Walking around downtown Atlanta, lurking in alleyways and abandoned lots.  I wanted to get the feel of certain areas to see where there could be fights and no one would witness.  It was funny a couple of times I spooked myself even though I only went during the day!
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?
Although a few of the secondary characters have arc that grow through the series, each
Do you write in different genres?
Yes besides paranormal, I write Western Historical and Erotic Historical.  I'm also dabbling into Contemporary.
Do you find it difficult to write in multiple genres?
No, a story is a story and it needs to be written regardless of what time period or what situations happen.
What can readers expect next from you?
The 3rdin the Protector Series, Desperate Possession, will be out in early 2014.
Where can readers find you on the web?
Facebook is my favorite place to hang out www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen Also my website:  www.HildieMcQueen.com

Interview and Giveaway with Karen Greco Author of Hell's Belle

What is it about the paranormal, in particular vampires, that fascinates you so much?
I have always been fascinated with vampires. When I was little, my dad took us to Universal Studios in California, and all I wanted to do was visit Dracula's Castle. But we ran out of time and I was crushed! My dad felt awful so he bought me a Dracula mug. I still have it, 30 years on. It's sitting on my fireplace mantle.
I was raised Catholic and I suspect that has a huge part to play in my fascination with the paranormal. What if the house was haunted? What if a demon possessed me? And I love crazy superstitions. I don't identify as Catholic now, and while I don't identify with any religion, I do affinity towards Paganism. It's really the only female friendly religion. 
Please tell us about your latest release.
Hell's Belle is about Nina Martinez, the member of a secret team of government agents who work to take down supernatural monsters without the human world knowing. When she moves back to her hometown, it sparks a series of serial murders that may be supernatural in origin and may have something to do with her dead parents. Of course, there is a super-hot FBI agent investigating the serial murders, so cleaning up this particular mess gets very complicated. I love action, so there's loads of it!
Is there a character that you enjoyed writing more than any of the others?
I loved writing Babe, Nina's aunt. She was a spitfire of a woman. I pictured her as a Rita Moreno-type character—tough old broad that you do not want to mess with.
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?
Because I come from a theater and film background, my characters are very much physically alive to me. I often write my characters with actors in mind. It's tough to create dialogue, and get the nuances of speech for each different character. I find that casting the book in my head helps. As I write, I watch the scene like a movie in my mind. I think that's why "cinematic" is the one word about the novel that comes up often in reviews and reader feedback.
What is your favorite scene from the book? Could you share a little bit of it, without spoilers of course?
Providence is a huge exporter of scrap metal, so there's always a mountain of rusty old twisted metal at the Port of Providence. This mountain towers over I-95 and is one of the first things to greet you if you're driving north into Providence. Anyway, in one of the scenes, Nina is confronted by a vampire in the shadow of this scrap metal mountain. There's a lot of fun things you can do with rusty old metal. I loved writing that scene.
Did you find anything really interesting while researching this or another book?
I try to base a lot of the supernatural elements on folklore and actual myths and legends, even if I end up debunking some of them as I make up my own supernatural laws. My favorite book so far has been A History of Vampires in New England, by Thomas D'Agostino. Obviously, growing up in the shadow Salem meant that the stories of the supernatural were usually about witches and witchcraft. So reading the various vampire stories were fascinating.
What is the most interesting thing you have physically done for book related research purposes?
I learned how to box! I don't know a crazy amount, and I am not about to enter a Golden Gloves fight, but I learned to throw punches, and felt punches make contact with a heavy bag. It's kind of awesome, and I incorporate it into my workouts. I am going to learn to shoot a crossbow next, I think. One makes a very brief appearance in Hell's Belle, and for some reason, I think it's a very elegant weapon, and I want to learn how to use one.
Can you tell readers a little bit about the world building in the book/series? How does this world differ from our normal world?
The book takes place in our world, maybe a few years ahead of us. But supernatural elements live in this world, they are just really well hidden. Just like humans, there are good supernatural beings and no so good ones. The good ones are happy to lurk in the shadows. The bad ones have to be silenced by the government. In this world, most unsolved crimes are usually supernatural in origin. That's where Nina and her Blood Ops team come in. They take care of the supernatural problems before they get out of hand. So while a crime appears to be unsolved from the human point of view, Blood Ops most likely has gone in and eliminated the threat.
When did you consider yourself a writer?
When I finished the novel, an acquaintance of mine said that if you finish a novel you are officially a writer. So I guess when I finished this novel.
What are your guilty pleasures in life?
Chocolate and peanut butter. Really, is there anything better?
Other than writing, what are some of your interests, hobbies or passions in life?
My daughter is my greatest joy, so I try to spend as much time with her as possible.


June 24 InterviewRoxanne’s Realmwww.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com
June 25 SpotlightThe Creatively Green Write at Home Momwww.creativelygreen.blogspot.com
June 26 SpotlightJodie Piercehttp://jodiepierceauthor.blogspot.com/
June 27 Guest blogCloey's Book Reviews and Other Stuffcloeyk.blogspot.com
June 28 InterviewBooks & Tales http://www.booksandtales.blogspot.co.uk/
July 1 SpotlightChapter Breakhttp://chapterbreak.wordpress.com
July 3 Interview and review
Happy Tails and Tales Blog | 

www.magluvsya03.wordpress.com/‎

July 5 InterviewFang-tastic Bookswww.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
July 9 InterviewMom With A Kindlehttp://momwithakindle.blogspot.com/
July 10 Guest blogButterfly-o-Meter Bookshttp://butterflyometerbooks.blogspot.com/
July 12 Guest bloghttp://claireashgrove.blogspot.com/
July 15 Interview Bewitching Book Tours Magazinewww.issuu.com/bewitchingbooktours
July 15 reviewA Girl and Her Kindle www.agirlandherkindle.com
July 16 InterviewPembroke Sinclair.  pembrokesinclair.blogspot.com
July 17 SpotlightCover Reveals http://CoverReveals.blogspot.com
July 19 Spotlight and reviewFaerie Tale Bookswww.faerietalebooks.org
July 19 reviewMusings and Ramblings  http://www.judy-ree.blogspot.com
July 22 reviewGimme The Scoop Reviewshttp://gimmethescoopreviews.blogspot.com/


Hell's Belle
Hell's Belle Series Book OneKaren Greco
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Date of Publication: June 17, 2013
ISBN: 1484830202
Number of pages: 238Word Count: 74,722
Cover Artist: Jeff Brennan
Book Description:
Half vampire, half human, Nina Martinez spent most of her life underground as part of an elite secret team of government agents that quietly take down rogue monsters, the human world none the wiser. She moves back to her hometown of to keep an eye on the recent uptick in supernatural activity, and to help run the bar she co-owns with her aunt. Her attempt at a “regular” life, not to mention a budding relationship with smoking hot FBI agent Max, is cut short because of a string of ritual murders targeting the city's community of witches.
But Nina's investigation unearths deadly secrets from her long buried parents. Now the target of supernatural assassins, could Nina be the most dangerous vampire hybrid to ever exist? No wonder she can’t get a date.

An urban fantasy set in a decaying Providence, Rhode Island, HELL'S BELLE is a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled roller-coaster ride through a city on the cusp of becoming an urban wasteland. HELL'S BELLE is an energetic, expansive, and cinematic beginning of a new series in the urban fantasy genre.
About the Author:
An award-winning playwright, Karen Greco has spent close to twenty years in New York City, working in publicity and marketing for the entertainment industry. A life-long obsession with exorcists and Dracula drew her to urban fantasy, where she can decapitate characters with impunity. HELL'S BELLE is her first novel.
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17858864-hell-s-belle
Twitter: https://twitter.com/karenThegreco
Blog: http://karengreco.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellsbellebykarengreco




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The Theme of the Szolites Series: Blood Flows Deep in the Empire by N. Isabelle Blanco

The Theme of the Szolites series
Aside from finding love, earning forgiveness, intense action, and hot love scenes, there’s one huge overall theme to the stories in the Szolites series. 
It all comes down to the challenges these characters face, and because they’re immortal Gods, those challenges become that much more epic on the grand scale of things. As Nylicia, the Watcher of Destinies, once told Ismini in a dream:
“Remember one thing. Life tends to throw at you the most painful of lessons in order to forge your soul and prepare you for your destiny.”
I laughed so hard the day I wrote that line down, went back and read it, and actually said to myself, “Whoa, Nyddi. That just came out of you.” And it wasn’t lost on me that something —my subconscious, perhaps?—was probably trying to give me a message. A lot of us don’t want to accept it. We want that beautiful, almost tangible illusion that is dangled in our faces on a daily basis—the perfect life. It’s not real, though. I can hear the groans in the background, and can almost see the rolling of eyes. Hey, I wish I could tell you it’s real. I’d love to get me some sunny, happy, and non-stop easy. 
But when you sit down and analyze this Shakespearian tragedy called “life”, you see that what Nylicia said is very true. Most of us don’t accept it and therefore our souls never get forged into what they were meant to be. However, look back in history, back into ancient times when life was so much harder, and you’ll see the bright glimpses of those that gave in. Those that accepted, rolled with the punches, and allowed themselves to be molded into what they were meant to become. Those are the greats. Those are the names that vibrate down to us through the millennia.
Mixing this theme with the aspect of Gods is interesting to me because these are super power beings. Heck, look at the old Greek myths. Look at how drunk with egotism and power the Gods were. Compare that to some wealthy humans today and don’t tell me you don’t see the resemblance LOL
I never wanted to just write a series about Gods like Zeus, though. My Gods mess up, they truly believe they can do whatever they want…and then life comes around and wags the big finger of “NO” in their faces. My Gods are also meant to become heroes in their own rights. In order for that to happen for them, they have to become what they aren’t. They have to become more.  
And this is something that also applies to real life, not just fantasy. If more of us took responsibility and changed, the world would probably become a much different and better place. 

June 3 InterviewA Writer's Mind- www.skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com
June 3 reviewElfie Bookselfie-books.blogspot.co.uk
June 4 InterviewRoxanne’s Realmwww.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com
June 5 Guest blogwww.christina-mcknight.blogspot.com
June 5 Spotlight and reviewReadaholic's Reviews / http://www.readaholicsreviews.com
June 6 SpotlightReviewing in Chaos     http://reviewinginchaos.blogspot.com
June 7 Spotlight and reviewEscape Into A Bookeatsleepread88.blogspot.com
June 10 SpotlightMythical Bookshttp://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/
June 11 Spotlight and review2 Bibliophiles Guidehttp://2bibliophiles.blogspot.com/
June 12 Guest blogErotica For All, http://eroticaforall.co.uk
June 13 Guest blogThe Rookie Romance Blog, http://rookieromance.blogspot.co.uk/
June 14 InterviewKristy Centenohttp://booksbycenteno.com/
June 17 SpotlightLiteral Hotties Book Reviewshttp://literalhottiesnaughtybookreviews.blogspot.com/
June 19 SpotlightWords of Wisdom from The Scarf Princesshttp://wowfromthescarfprincess.blogspot.com
June 20 Guest blogCloey's Book Reviews and Other Stuffcloeyk.blogspot.com
June 21 InterviewAll I Want and More –http://alliwantandmore.blogspot.com/
June 21 reviewA Bibliophiles Thoughts on Bookshttp://bibliophilesthoughtsonbooks.blogspot.com/
June 24 reviewWelcome to Larissa's Life – http://www.larissaslife.com
June 25 interviewBooks & Taleshttp://www.booksandtales.blogspot.co.uk 
June 26 SpotlightMusings of Mistress of the Dark Path mistressofthedarkpath.wordpress.com
June 28 Guest blogFang-tastic Bookswww.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
July 1 Guest blogErotica by Cori Vidaehttp://www.corividae.com/shiny/
July 1 reviewLittle Bookworm Reviews/ www.littlebookwormreviews.blogspot.com
July 1 Spotlight and reviewCelestial Reviewshttp://cecesreviews.blogspot.com


Blood Flows Deep in the Empire
Szolites Series – Book 1N. Isabelle Blanco
Genre: Erotica, Paranormal Romance
Publisher: The Writer’s CoffeeshopDate of Publication: March 7th, 2013
ISBN: 9781612131450ASIN:  B00BQ0KJT0
Number of pages: 210Word Count:  Roughly 72,000
Cover Artist: L.J. Anderson & N. Isabelle Blanco
Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/GJBatEgJJPo
Amazon
Book Description:
Dyletri, God of Fertility, has locked away his powers. No woman is allowed to touch him, not until he can return his long-dead lover back to life. All he has to do is sacrifice one human girl, a girl who unlocks his powers and rips his dormant lust right out of his body. Trapped by his promise, Dyletri has no choice but to watch Ismini die, no matter how much he wants her.
Yet the darkness of his calling is spiraling within him, demanding he claim the human as his. If he goes back on his promise, the energy of the Fates will cause untold destruction in the Universe. That doesn’t change how Dyletri’s begun exhibiting symptoms that point to more than just lust. How does he allow Ismini to die when she’s come to own him from the inside out?
Desire and torment spiral into something much darker than obsession, more turbulent than an addiction, and something much more brutal than a mere soul-mating. As a war is being rekindled right under his nose, Dyletri will have to come to terms with a destiny eleven thousand years in the making. He thought he’d known what path his future would take, but he’d been wrong. Now the one woman he truly loves might pay the price for his decision.
Blood Flows Deep in the Empire is the first in a series that will pit free will against Destiny, Destiny against Fate, and love against brutal desire. Everyone likes to think they have a choice as to who they end up with, but as they rise to face the greatest threat they’ve ever known, even the Gods will learn they have to bend to Destiny’s whim to survive.

About the Author:
N. Isabelle Blanco was born in Queens, NY (USA). At age 3, due to an odd fascination with studying her mother’s handwriting, she had already begun to read and write. By the time she’d reached kindergarten, she had an extensive vocabulary and her obsession with words began to bleed into every aspect of her life. An avid reader in her teens, a fascination with Japanese anime eventually led her to the universe of fanfiction. 
Her on again, off again hobby for the next ten years, She amassed a following of fans that, by her own admission, she would never be able to live without. It was those fans who encouraged her to step beyond the fanfiction realm and try her talent in the publishing world.
N. Isabelle’s first ebook, “Destructively Alluring”, came out July 2012, followed by "Addictive Lunacy" in September. The third novella in this debut series, "Allure Magnified," is due in November 2012 and her first full-length novel is due out next spring. 
Certain not to disappoint, “Blood Flows Deep in the Empire” is a fast-paced, erotically charged thrill ride from cover to cover. Look for in both print and ebook formats on March 7, 2013.
Web and Blog: www.houseofmalfunction.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Nyddi
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nyddi
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6444266.N_Isabelle_Blanco


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