Roxanne Rhoads's Blog, page 498

Christmas Eve Blitz

Guest blogCarly Fall - Where Fantasy Meets Romancewww.carlyfall.com
Guest blog and reviewAndi’s Book Reviewshttp://andisbookreviews.blogspot.com
InterviewBooks, Books, The Magical Fruithttp://booksbooksthemagicalfruit.blogspot.com
Guest bloghttp://vanessa-morgan.blogspot.com
PromoFang-tastic Bookswww.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
InterviewRoxanne’s Realmwww.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com
Spotlightwww.creativelygreen.blogspot.com 
Guest blogLissette E. Manning/http://www.simplistik.org/lissetteemanning 
Saph's Book Reviewshttp://saphsbookblog.blogspot.com/
Reviewhttp://hywelalyn.blogspot.com/

Christmas Eve
By Angela Burns

ASIN B00AHK0H92

'Christmas Eve' is a simple Winter Ghost Story. 

A tale of one womans redemption from immeasurable suffering, taking you on a journey to the Heights of Heavn and the Gates of Hell, exploring the intricacies of human nature and the the deigns of fate through the eyes of a family left in torment following a horrendous accident.

'Christmas Eve' is a heart-warming read, set over the night when we all feel a little magic in the air.


Website
Book Trailer http://youtu.be/EL59TGGUdAY



“Jo’s on the phone.”

This simple sentence pushes her headlong into the abyss of insanity, causing her to throw up as she spirals into incomprehension, not caring which of these winter ghosts she is being persecuted by.

This isn’t real. This can’t be happening!

Repeating this mantra provides no comfort as she rocks back and forth on the sofa, sobbing wildly, floods of tears burning her, her hands covering her face. She lets out an almighty scream. Her dishevelled state and pitiful wails do not attract the revellers
as she stands and looks around the room.

The familiar faces of friends and family from the past, all gathered for their annual celebration of the holiday they once held dear, remain oblivious to her presence.

Brutally trembling, holding onto the furniture for support, she makes her way slowly through the room. Disjointed snatches of conversations resonate in her skull, feeding an intense headache of confusion.

Jo is on the phone…I need to talk to Jo. Am I dead? Are these ghosts? Am I the Ghost? Why can’t they see me?

She was right; they couldn’t see her or hear her–apart from one man.

He stands resolutely in the bay window of the room, by the grandiose tree, in mid-conversation with Janet’s boss and her partner, when he stops and glances at her, smiling warmly.

Nick! She shouts in her mind, unable to form the word.

She tries again to call out, but each time the syllables stifle in her throat, sentencing her to a wretched silence from which she cannot flee.

Winking at her, he returns to his previous conversation.

You were here on that night, damn you! Why can’t I remember
you?
Continuing through into the entrance hall, she slowly drags her feet on the flagstones, crippled by her sickness.

I must get to the phone.

There are more people there, many more, crammed, solemn, like cattle to the slaughter. This time, however, they do not belong to her memories. None of them speak as she ambles her way through. Hunched like zombies, they study her every step as she moves pathetically amongst them.

They can see me.

Their costumes reflect the history of the life once told in this home – four hundred years of history. Mortified, she remains possessed by the miraculous chance of hearing her daughter's beautiful voice again, and has no time to question what is
happening.

As she approaches the kitchen where the phone is kept, a cold wind brushes past her arm. Horror-struck to see her other self sweep through her as she quickly walks towards the kitchen, towards the phone, another scream begins to curdle as she realises that she shares one common denominator with the guests in the
hall. They are all ghosts. The ghosts of Stonebridge Farm. It is only her determination to hear her daughter once again that chokes her cries, refocusing her.

I must … get … to that … phone.

Each weighty step exhausts her as she trudges through the walls of dead energy that surround her.

Am I dead? What the heck happened? Where’s Nick? I’m coming Jo … sweetheart … please don’t go … I’m coming.

The other Janet had already picked up the phone as she stumbles into the kitchen.

DAMN YOU, YOU SELFISH BITCH! THAT WAS MY CALL! She screams at herself in deathly silence.

Helpless and panicking, she calls wildly at the others to help her.

Please help me! HELP ME! She doesn’t know what she is doing … what she is saying! FOR GOD’S SAKE, PLEASE WON’T SOMEBODY HELP ME! I NEED TO SPEAK TO MY DAUGHTER!




About the Author:

Angela Burns is a retired Police Officer, living with her partner and children in Norwich, Norfolk. Having been given the gift of time, she now writes full time, living her ambition to share the stories that have floated around her head for so long.

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My Halloween Muse Guest blog and Giveaway Flirting with Fangs by Peg Pierson

A Nightmare before Christmas? Well, actually I had a Dream Come True before Christmas. My novel, Flirting with Fangs was published! And Santa himself couldn’t have brought me a better present!   So, though it is the season to be jolly, I want to give a shout out to my favorite holiday, Halloween. And explain why I chose it as the setting for my paranormal comedy.  
I work for Halloween Express…told ya it was my favorite holiday..and each season I watch a little boy instantly become Iron Man, while his mom transforms into a Greek Goddess, or Cat Woman, or a sexy zombie prom queen. Yes. Zombies are still a big trend (How am I to survive till February for a new Walking Dead?!) Anyhooo…Their eyes brighten as they grin into the mirror.  For one magical night, filled with spooky revelry, laughter and screams, and of course, bags of candy, we can be anyone, or anything, we want to be! We get to Make-Believe!
In Flirting with Fangs, Torin Kane, my fictional vampire hero, is summoned into reality by his author, Bailey Hamilton. As I pondered the setting for the story it hit me. Halloween! What better season for a vampire to show up in downtown Boston? That idea spun my creative juices into overdrive. Writing and finishing a book is not easy for me, but with my favorite holiday as my muse, a time of magic, mayhem and menace, it went pretty smooth.   
Don’t get me wrong. I love Christmas. Especially if you invite me over for a slice of O & H Pecan Kringle. It’s a time for friends and family. So trim the tree, have an Egg Nog or two! But months from now, when crimson and gold leaves swirl in the autumn wind, and pumpkins appear in every storefront, remember my muse, my Halloween and Make Believe!        
December 7 Guest blog/Tour IntroFang-tastic Bookswww.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
December 8 InterviewMichelle @ Mom With A Kindlehttps://momwithakindle.blogspot.com
December 8 PromoVictoria Danannhttp://victoriadanann.me
December 9 Guest blog and reviewReadaholic's Reviews www.readaholicsreviews.com
December 11 PromoBooks & Other Spells. www.nightskydarkstar.blogspot.com
December 14 PromoSapphyria's Book Reviewssaphsbookblog.blogspot.com
December 14 ReviewA Girl and Her Kindle www.agirlandherkindle.com
December 15 ReviewFangs, Wands & Fairydusthttp://fangswandsandfairydust.com/
December 16 PromoInkk Reviews http://inkkreviews.blogspot.com
December 17 Guest blog and reviewCrazy Four Bookshttp://www.crazyfourbooks.blogspot.com  
December 18 Promo and reviewCarly Fall - Where Fantasy Meets Romancewww.carlyfall.com
December 19 PromoReginamayross's Blog http://reginamayross.blogspot.com/
December 20 Promo and reviewBeverly @ The Wormholehttp://wormyhole.blogspot.com/
December 20 Review3 Partners in Shopping Nana, Mommy & Sissy, Too!      https://3partnersinshopping.blogspot.com
December 21 guest post, reviewZombiegirl Shamblinghttp://zombiegirlshambling.blogspot.com/



Flirting with FangsPeg Pierson
Vampire romance novelist Bailey Hamilton thinks her life is over. Her two-timing husband dumped her, she has a paralyzing case of writers’ block, and her big toe is bleeding.
Torin Kane, fictional Vampire Hero, is miserable. Chapter after chapter he has battled dragons, demons, and despicable villains, but his secret desire is to find true love and a tan. 
With a twist of fate, their worlds collide. A magical teardrop summons Torin to life. And Bailey finds herself face to face, with quite literally, the man of her dreams….                      

 About the Author:
Peg Pierson is a full-fledged Fang Fanatic and slightly deranged Halloween Enthusiast, with a closet full of plywood coffins, an assortment of plastic dismembered body parts, and of course…skeletons.
Currently, she lives in Minnesota and is busily typing away on a new paranormal comedy. Along with vampires, she loves her family, pecan kringle, and a good laugh.
Please visit her at www.flirtingwithfangs.com
https://twitter.com/PegPierson                                                         
             a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest blog with David Colby

I have not written enough things about vampires. This is something that I’ve always regretted…right up until I remembered that I can actually write anything I want at any time! And so, as part of my guest blogspot here, I’d like to share some of my ideas for stories involving vampires that you might see coming out of my head sometime in the future.                A Rat’s Tale: The year is 2026 and a new health craze is sweeping the nation: Vampirism. For a rather extreme price, you can head into a clinic and come out tall, sexy, and fanged. For those who are more interested in the economy package, there are various forms of lycanthropy: Werewolf is the best, followed by werecat, weretiger, weregorilla…all the way down to the cheapest version of lycanthropy, the humble wererat. When Qiwi – a street urchin living in the slums of San Francisco – is shot during an altercation between a mysterious vampire and a wererat, she is infected by the wererat’s blood and transformed against her will. Now she is sucked into a massive, globe-spanning conspiracy hatched by an ancient, brooding evil.
               A Dark and Terrible Stalker of the Night: Ian didn’t believe in vampires. He read about them, mind you. But he read about a lot of things: Superheroes, vampires, zombies, space ships - if it was in a comic book, Ian read it. Then, while out clubbing with some friends, Ian met Zack. Zack was the most beautiful man Ian had ever met and easily the best vampire cosplayer ever. When drinks turned to making out and making out turned to sex, Ian found out that Zack wasn’t just a badass cosplayer…he was a real, actual, factual vampire! And now…Ian is one, too, turned during the throes of passion. But Ian isn’t a brooding loner or gothic depressive; no, Ian realizes what he has: superpowers. Super-strength, flight, the ability to change shape! And so, he does the only logical thing possible. He becomes a superhero. Zack is less than amused.
               The Future Bites: Lord James Trevon has been alive for five centuries. His life was once adventurous and exciting. He crossed swords with werewolves, seduced vampire hunters, and once stole the Pope’s hat. Now, time has passed and he has seen the rise of technology. First, humans gained the ability to kill at long range. Then… James once had the strength of ten men. Now he barely can match one cyborg. James once could see in the night. Now, he can’t even see gamma rays (everyone can see gamma rays). James once knew he alone could live forever. Now, immortality is cheap and secure. James once had to hide his supernatural powers. Now, he barely has them. But when a young teenager realizes just what he is, James has to hide himself from the world. Not out of fear or out of necessity…but because, for the first time in a hundred years, James was having fun.  

December 7 Guest blogFang-tastic Bookswww.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
December 7 Reviewwww.leeanna.me
December 8 Guest blogLisa’s World of Bookswww.lisasworldofbooks.net
December 9 InterviewRoxanne’s Realmwww.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com
December 10 InterviewThe Creatively Green Write at Home Momwww.creativelygreen.blogspot.com
December 12 InterviewBooks in the Hall – http://booksinthehall.blogspot.com/
December 15 (need before Dec 10)Bewitching Holiday Featurehttp://issuu.com/bewitchingbooktours
December 17 PromoMarked By Books http://markedbybooks.blogspot.com/
December 27 Interview and reviewThe Insane Ramblings of a Crazed Writer, www.jessekimmelfreeman.com/blog.html
December 27 Guest blogMonique Morgan http://www.moniquemorgan.com
December 28 Promo and reviewLissette E. Manning/http://www.simplistik.org/lissetteemanning
December 30 Bewitching Facebook FeatureA Writer’s New Year’s Resolutionswww.facebook.com/bewitchingbooktours 
December 31 Interview/Tens ListLaurie's Non-Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews http://lauries-interviews.blogspot.com



Debris Dreams
David Colby
Genre: YA science fiction
Publisher: Candlemark & Gleam
ISBN: 978-1-936460-38-0
Number of pages: 294
Cover Artist: Karen Gadient, www.karengadient.com
Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/CJnnk8jX2g8
Book Description:
2068
1.5 million kilometers above the surface of the Earth
Drusilla Xao has only seen a tree in movies and vid-games. She has never breathed air that wasn’t recycled, re-filtered, and re-used a hundred times over again. She has never set foot on the Earth.
And now she never will.
When a terrorist attack by a radical separatist group on Luna destroys the space elevator that had called so many – including her parents – to live permanently in space, Dru is cut off from any hope of ever reaching Earth and her beloved girlfriend, Sarah. The Chinese-American Alliance declares immediate war on the rebels and conscripts everyone they can get their hands on…including Dru.
Cast adrift, forced to become a soldier, trapped in a nightmare of vacuum and loneliness, Dru’s training will help her survive, but only Sarah will be able to bring her home.
Author Bio:
Heavily influenced by George Romero movies and bad, poorly dubbed anime, David Colby decided to start writing almost twelve years ago. It went poorly. But, despite these early setbacks, David continued to work and write and send out submissions until someone was mad enough to accept him. Currently living in Rohnert Park, California, while working on his English Bachelor, David Colby continues to be fascinated by George Romero movies and has realized that animes have subtitles.
http://debrisdreams.candlemarkandgleam.com
http://quantumspinplates.com
Twitter: @therealzoombie
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6439863.David_Colby
Book Character Twitters:
@druofnight
@cayerbear22
@caa_news

My Favourite Books of all Time with B.A. Morton

As a writer I enjoy dabbling with different genres. Wildewood Revenge is a medieval, time travel romance. My first novel Mrs Jones and its sequel Molly Brown are romantic crime thrillers. My next, Bedlam, is a Gothic, crime thriller with a supernatural twist. So, I hear you ask, what does such an eclectic writer read?
The answer is just about anything and everything.
Here are my top ten favourite books, in no particular order. I define favourite, as books I’ve read many times over and would only loan out to best friends! I wonder how many of them, you’ve read?
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. Superb medieval detail and a cracking story. Some really uplifting scenes where you end up cheering and crying.
The Grail Quest Series by Bernard Cornwell. This man is a genius. He brings history to life, real characters and satisfying adventures. I have all his books
Every Dead Thing by John Connelly. I just love Charlie Parker, the tortured hero. This is crime with a slightly supernatural twist. My favourite author.
Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane. Loved the book and the movie. Creepy, supernatural crime, and more, that keeps you on your toes and looking over your shoulder till the end.
The Sacred Stones by Matthew Reilly. I like all the books in this series. Great fun. Hang onto your seat and pretend you’re at the movies. Non-stop action and adventure. Good guys, bad guys, guns and crazy plots, just love it.
Plum Island by Nelson Demille. Slick and very witty. I laughed out loud at some of the one-liners in this book.
Child of the Prophecy by Juliet Marillier. Adventure, fantasy, romance, what more could you want. Beautiful ethereal stories of fae folk and bewitchment. Again I have all of this author’s books
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S Lewis. An all time favourite with me and my kids. Who couldn’t love these books?
Noggin the Nog by Oliver Postgate & Peter Firmin. The tale of Noggin, Prince of the Nogs, as he battles dragons, nasty baddies and finds a bride. This has to be one of the best stories to read out loud to kids. Fab illustrations too. Survived three generations in our house and still going strong.
Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien. Well, what can I say!



November 30 Guest blogwww.christina-mcknight.blogspot.com
December 1 InterviewBooks, Books the Magical Fruithttp://booksbooksthemagicalfruit.blogspot.com
December 2 Guest blogSMARTMOUTHTEXANwww.smartmouthtexan.wordpress.com
December 4 - promo and guest posthttp://wormyhole.blogspot.com/
December 6 Guest blogFang-tastic Bookswww.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
December 7 PromoReginamayross's Blog http://reginamayross.com/
December 8 Interview and reviewThatErotica.com
December 11 – reviewhttp://wormyhole.blogspot.com/
December 12 Guest blogReading Between the Wineshttp://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/
December 13 Guest blogThe Creatively Green Write at Home Momwww.creativelygreen.blogspot.com
December 14 PromoRoxanne’s Realmwww.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com




Wildewood-Revenge
The Wildewood Chronicles Book OneB.A Morton
Genre: Historical/Fantasy/Romance
Publisher: Taylor Street Publishing
ISBN: 1480039217ASIN: B009L88JGY
Number of pages: 310Word Count: 105,000
Book Description:
A knight. A witch. A Secret.
When Grace, a twenty first century heroine, is accidently transported through a time portal into the clutches of an impoverished medieval knight with one eye on her ransom, we are treated to a brilliant evocation of medieval England which heaves with corruption and intrigue.
The remote and beautiful wilderness of ancient Northumberland rings out with the sound of clashing swords, the hiss of arrows, thundering hooves and the chink of coin bags changing hands in shady deals.
It is all there: a spirited and sensual romance, an action-packed adventure story, hidden treasure, revengeful and devious barons and corpulent and corrupt clergy.
Beset on all sides by danger and deception, with only their wits and a small band of loyal followers to assist them, Grace and Miles of Wildewood find their lives inexplicably entwined as they battle for justice, honour and love.
About the Author:
B.A Morton lives and writes in rural Northumberland near the Scottish Border and is working on Redemption Book two, in the Wildewood Chronicles. She also writes romantic crime fiction.
http://bamorton.weebly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TheWildewoodChronicles
www.goodreads.com/author/show/5405833.B_A_Morton
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Impulse Blog Tour

Almost one year ago, a Mage attacked Silver and changed the course of her destiny.
Immortals exist, and now she is one of them.
Within the dark and supernatural city of Cognito, Silver is living under the watchful eye of her Ghuardian and dating her mortal enemy. Neither man can protect her from a dark secret, one buried within the content of a box. As rival factions struggle to gain control, she finds herself in the middle of a centuries –old feud that threatens to drive a wedge between her and Logan Cross, the man who intends to seduce her.
In an explosive turn of events, one life is saved and another is forever altered. Can Silver trust those around her, or are they hiding a dark secret of their own?


EXCERPT
 Both hands cupped my face and his forehead touched mine.
“I was made to protect you, female. I’ve claimed you, whether you accept it or not, and it’s an honor that I take very seriously. If any male lays an unwanted finger on you, I will break it. If you hunger, I will feed you. If you’re cold, then I will warm you with my body. If you’re taken from me, then I’ll track you. Never doubt my devotion to you.” He gripped my head firmly. “I once gave a woman my heart, because that’s all I had to give. But you, Silver, you’re the pulse that keeps me alive. I was a soft man once, but no more. I don’t know if you can accept the man that I’ve become, because all I have to offer you is my life.

About the Author:
Down in Texas, there's a woman who drinks copious amounts of vitamin water placed precariously close to her laptop. Yeah, I know. I've got a drinking problem. Hi, I'm Danni.
When I'm not writing (which is all the time), I'm listening to obscure music, watching movies, reading, discovering new ways to humiliate myself bowling, and burning up my laptop battery on the internet. I live with a cat who thinks she is a dog, or a goat (she eats plastic, so I'm not sure which).
Some people count sheep when they have insomnia. Since I was little, I used to make up stories in my head in a futile attempt to bore myself to sleep. The problem was, I'd get so wrapped up in my "head stories" that I would continue them through the following nights, changing it up each time to make it more exciting. Eventually, I started writing my ideas down more and more, creating short stories which evolved into poetry.
Lots and lots of poetry. It's almost embarrassing that I have an entire box loaded with spiral notebooks filled with furious, heartfelt, and blushing words. Apparently, I had a lot to say.
Another one of my hobbies is digital art. I designed all my book covers. 
I am finally doing what I have always wanted to: giving my characters a pulse through publishing. I write adult urban fantasy romance, but I don't like labels. I let the story tell itself, and color outside the lines. I am not a YA author, but I think it’s pretty great that there are so many books available to teens in Urban Fantasy and Paranormal. These are the future readers!
The work that goes behind self publishing is hard work, I won't lie. On top of my regular day job: I write, edit, format, create cover art, and market.
But it's what I love to do, and someday, I'm going to be doing this full time.


Website/Blog:  http://www.dannikadark.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DannikaDark
FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dannika-Dark-official/148451945238628
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5181752.Dannika_Dark
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dannika-Dark/e/B005LXWZWM
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/dannika-dark
THE AUTHOR IS GIVING AWAY:       1 Box Set of The Mageri Series (Sterling, Twist, & Impulse)
    Book Cover Cards (4x6) (Sterling &Twist)       1 Set of Key chains
 1 Car Charm
     1 Surprise Gift from Justus himself.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, November 12, 2012 - Blog Launch:Dannika Dark's Blog
Tuesday, November 13, 2012: Talk Supe Blog
Wednesday, November 14, 2012: Mad Hatter Reads
Thursday, November 15, 2012: Pimp in Reads
Friday, November 16, 2012:Readaholics Anonymous 
Saturday, November 17, 2012: Romancing The Dark Side
Sunday, November 18, 2012: Delphina Reads Too Much
Monday, November 19, 2012: Claire's Book Corner 
Tuesday, November 20, 2012:TBD
Wednesday, November 21, 2012:  Addicted 2 Heroines
Thursday, November 22, 2012: Viviana, Enchantress of Books
Friday, November 23, 2012: TBD
Saturday, November 24, 2012: The Reading Cafe
Sunday, November 25, 2012:TBD
Monday, November 26, 2012:My Parahangover
Tuesday, November 27, 2012: Books & Kisses
Wednesday, November 28, 2012: Pure Textuality
Thursday, November 29, 2012: Paranormal Addicts
Friday, November 30, 2012: Readers Confession
Saturday, December 1, 2012: Vamp and Stuff
Sunday, December 2, 2012: Reading Between the Wines Book Club
Monday, December 3, 2012: Highly READdioactive
Tuesday, December 4, 2012: I'm a Book Shark
Wednesday, December 5, 2012: Fang-tastic Books
Thursday, December 6, 2012: Book Savvy Babe
Friday, December 7, 2012: Cocktails and Books
Saturday, December 8, 2012: Literal Addiction
Sunday, December 9, 2012:Bookish Babble with Michelle
Monday, December 10, 2012: The Consummate Reader
Tuesday, December 11, 2012 - Blog Tour Closing - Dannika Dark's Blog

Luca's Magic Embrace by Kym Grosso

I’d like to thank Fang-tastic Books for having me today.  I really appreciate the opportunity to share my new release, Luca’s Magic Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 2), and also to share a guest blog with your readers about what it is like to publish a new release.  It is certainly an exciting time for an author, full of ups and downs; that is for certain.  I hope you enjoy my guest blog and thanks again for having me at Fang-tastic books.  :-) 


The Emotional Side of a New Release, How Stressful Is It Really?
I was recently asked to write about an interesting topic, “The Emotional Side of a New Release.  How stressful is it really?”  As an author, I definitely believe there is an emotional aspect to publishing new a release as well as the marketing of it.  Writing a book is a creative process; we pour our hearts and souls into the creation of our work.  Authors spend months, sometimes years, cultivating, revising and shining our babies, only to finally push them out to the public on “Release Day”.  We hope they will be loved as much as we love them, and bring joy to readers.  We are proud of our new work, and sometimes a little nervous as it becomes available to the public.  Often we sit on pins and needles, awaiting editorial and reader reviews and eventually, sales statistics.
For me, the releasing Luca’s Magic Embrace, has been an exhilarating experience.  The best way I can describe being an author is that it is like being on a roller coaster.  I’ve learned that you need to roll with the ups (talking with readers, great reviews, good sales, cover reveals, etc.) and the downs (not-so-good reviews, open critiques, etc.).  I try to look at the ensuing feedback, every comment, response and review, as a learning experience, so I can be cognizant of what readers like and incorporate those components into my next work of writing.
As far as the actual release day, I’m a new author (this is my second novel), so that means I’m still working on developing the best way to release a book.
For Luca’s book, I held a giveaway for a “Witchy” mug, Amazon gift cards and free eBooks, from other authors and me.  It was a wonderful way to get readers excited about what might be in the book.  During the months preceding the actual release day, I’d shared excerpts from my book on my website and Facebook page, building the crescendo of excitement.  Come release day, current and new readers were eagerly anticipating picking up Luca’s Magic Embrace.
As far as stress levels, a subsequent book in a series does create pressure for an author in that we want the new book to be every bit as good as the first.  In my case, I am an emerging writer so I’ve tried to listen to reviewers from Kade’s Dark Embrace and refine my writing, all in an effort to create a better book than the first.  Did I succeed?  Hopefully, but honestly, it’s too early to tell.  What I have noticed with the new release is that I’ve picked up many new wonderful readers; some who’ve even taken the time to write me to tell me that they loved Luca’s book.  There’s really no way to express the feeling of gratitude and happiness I feel when this happens. 
In addition, I also learned what some people loved about my first book that wasn’t in my second book.  Feedback runs the gamut.  Some current readers love it as much or more than the first, but some people wanted more of, for lack of a better term, a Kade-like character/book.  I try to understand what components they liked, so I can bring those elements again to future stories.  That being said, I do see each character as their own being, with their own unique story.  While Kade’s book is more an action packed mystery, Luca’s is more an erotic romance.  In the Immortals of New Orleans series, each alpha male will have their own story to tell, with their own love interest and “happily-ever-after”.
As a reader, I can appreciate the feeling of “New Release” excitement as well.  There are so many terrific authors whose books I love to read.  I wait eagerly, often months, for the new release, perhaps one in an existing series or for Book 1 of a new series.  Their new release either exceeds high my expectations or falls short.  Either way, if it is an author and series I love to read, I will continue on as a faithful reader.  And this is the reality of new releases.  We love some characters, but may feel lukewarm or hate others.  As readers, the characters become real people to us, and we find ourselves engrossed in the stories and wanting more.  
In the end, I believe that new releases are indeed stressful for authors, but in a good way and they are extraordinarily special experiences.  We celebrate our new novels with readers, friends and family after months and/or years of writing.  Hopefully, our works thrive, and we learn from both the positive and negative experiences associated with new releases, ultimately uplifting the quality of our work.
I, for one, look forward to future new releases and plan to enjoy the roller coaster ride, including the ups, downs and occasional upside down loop.  Tristan’s book (Lyceum Wolves-Immortals of New Orleans, Book 3) is in progress, and I’m beyond excited to write about his adventure and love story.  He is definitely one of the hottest alpha males I’ve written about, and I am quite sure he’ll be steaming up the pages.  I am already thinking up creative ways to market his “New Release”, which I am targeting for March 2013.
Thanks again to Fang-tastic Books for having me today!  It has been great to stop by and share a post with your readers!!!
 


Luca’s Magic EmbraceImmortals of New Orleans, Book 2Kym Grosso  
Genre:  Paranormal Romance, Erotic Paranormal Romance
ISBN-13: 978-1480199262ISBN-10: 1480199265
ASIN:  B009SFWOM0
Approximately 255 pages in pdf.  Varies in e-copy.Word Count:  80,799 words
Cover Artist:  Carrie Spencer, CheekyCovers
Book Trailer:  http://youtu.be/ngBxFCMQGO0
Amazon US  Amazon UK
Book Description:
An erotic paranormal romance...
Sexy vampire, Luca Macquarie doesn't do love; especially not with humans. Yet, ever since he rescued Samantha Irving, he can't deny the enigmatic attraction he's developed for the alluring mortal woman. Concerned for her safety, he's determined to bring Samantha back to her coven. His mission is to go find the novice witch and bring her home, nothing more, nothing less; falling for her is not supposed to be part of the plan.
Samantha doesn't want to be a witch, yet that's exactly what she is. After failing to elicit her magic, she escapes to the mountains in an attempt to resume a semblance of her previous human life. When an arsonist torches her cabin, Samantha's worst fears are realized. Aware that her life is on the line, she reluctantly agrees to return to New Orleans with Luca.
In the Big Easy, Samantha and Luca embark on a spellbinding journey, searching for a mystical amulet that promises to release her obligation from an ancient, lethal vampire who's been threatening her life. With cryptic clues and clandestine allies, will Luca and Samantha destroy the dangerous amulet before others acquire it, setting forth a chain of catastrophic consequences? And will Luca give into his erotic desire for the witch who magically captures heart?

Author Bio:
Luca’s Magic Embrace is my second paranormal romance novel, which is the second novel in the Immortals of New Orleans Series. I have also written and published several articles about autism. I developed a late interest in writing after my son was diagnosed with autism and I started advocating on his behalf. Three years ago, I started my own website, www.AutismInRealLife.com and now blog and write articles for PsychologyToday.com.
I live in Pennsylvania with my husband, two children and our dog, Ace. My hobbies include autism advocacy, reading, tennis, zumba and traveling. New Orleans is one of our favorite places to visit with its rich culture and unique cuisine. But we also love traveling just about anywhere that has a beach or snow covered mountains.  I love reading mysteries, romances and about all things regarding vampires, werewolves and other supernaturals.

Website: www.KymGrosso.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KymGrossoBooks
Twitter: @KymGrosso
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5785692.Kym_Grosso

Guest Blog and Giveaway with Crista McHugh

There’s nothing like the relationship between an elf and his fire wolf.
Sure, there’s the scared relationship between man and his four-legged, furry best friend (usually known as his dog). But in my series, The Soulbearer Trilogy, I decided to play with this notion and up the ante.
Enter Cinder, the fire wolf. Yes, he has the magical ability to set himself on fire when needed, but basically, he’s an overgrown lap dog.
Cinder clawed his way into my books quite accidentally. I was writing the opening scene of A Soul For Trouble, and I realized I needed something to help tone down Dev’s harshness. I could’ve given him a dog (or maybe a ferret, if I was feeling a bit silly), but I wanted to incorporate something a little extraordinary, a little magical. Hence, a fire wolf.  
A wolf is a powerful animal that still has some of those dog-like loyal qualities when tamed, and that ability to set things on fire is handy when battling a hoard of zombies.
But as the series progressed, I found myself thinking of Cinder as more of another character than a pet. He’s brave in battle, but he’s also a comforting shoulder for Arden (my main character) to lean on in times a trouble. He whines, hogs the bed, growls at royalty, and has Dev saying more than once that Cinder likes Arden more than him. What started out as a prop became a sidekick as important as any two legged character.
What are some of your favorite animal sidekicks?

December 4 Guest blog/Tour IntroFang-tastic Bookswww.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
December 5 PromoReaWrite books.4ish.net
December 6 Guest blogFlutey Wordshttp://authoraubrie.blogspot.com
December 6 Feature PromoVictoria Danann http://victoriadanann.me
December 7 PromoThe Stuff of Success – http://www.thestuffofsuccess.com 
December 9 Promo and review3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too!https://3partnersinshopping.blogspot.com 

December 10 Guest blogNomi’s Paranormal Palacehttp://nomisparanormalpalace.blogspot.com.au
December 11 ReviewBook on a Wire, http://bookonawire.wordpress.com
December 12 PromoBlooding Book Reviewshttp://frankieblooding.wordpress.com/
December 13 InterviewTory Michaels’ World, http://torymichaels.blogspot.com
December 13 InterviewBook on a Wire, http://bookonawire.wordpress.com
December 14 promoKrystal's Enchanting Reads ... http://enchantingreads7.blogspot.com/
December 14 promoBook Addicthttp://karlacc-bookaddict.blogspot.mx/
December 16 character interview (author created Q's)Butterfly-o-Meter Bookshttp://butterflyometerbooks.blogspot.com/
December 17 Guest blogMonique Morganmoniquemorgan.com
December 17 InterviewJeanzBookReadNReview       http://jeanzbookreadnreview.blogspot.co.uk/
December 18 InterviewMelissa @ Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelfhttp://melissaseclecticbookshelf.blogspot.com/
December 18 PromoCarly Fall - Where Fantasy Meets Romancewww.carlyfall.com




A Soul For ChaosThe Soulbearer Trilogy, Book 2Crista McHugh
Genre: Fantasy with strong romantic elements
ISBN: 978-1479236817Ebook 978-0985446222
Number of pages: 338Word Count: 89K
Cover Artist: Claudia McKinney
Book Description:
Life is dull without a little Chaos.

Trouble is more than just a nickname for Arden Soulbearer. It seems to follow her wherever she goes. And no one knows this better than her protector, Devarius Tel’Brien.

Dev thought that by moving Arden to Gravaria so she could learn how to control Loku, the chaos god whose soul inhabits her body, life would be simpler. Wrong. Not only is he continually torn between his duty and his growing feelings for the Soulbearer, but he also has to contend with the rival prince who wishes to claim her heart. Adding to his problems, a group of powerful mages have banded together to rid the world of the disembodied chaos god once and for all. Of course, that means they have to destroy Arden in the process.


About the Author:
Growing up in small town Alabama, Crista relied on story-telling as a natural way for her to pass the time and keep her two younger sisters entertained. Of course, that also means she’s inclined to suffer some of the same maladies that plague many southern writers like overuse of simile and metaphor, exaggeration, melodramatic writing style, and the ever-popular long-winded sentence.
She currently lives in the Audi-filled suburbs of Seattle with her husband and two children, maintaining her alter ego of mild-mannered physician by day while she continues to pursue writing on nights and weekends.
Just for laughs, here are some of the jobs she’s had in the past to pay the bills: barista, bartender, sommelier, stagehand, actress, morgue attendant, and autopsy assistant.
And she’s also a recovering LARPer. (She blames it on her crazy college days)For the latest updates and answers to any burning questions you have, please check out her webpage.
www.cristamchugh.com
Twitter: @crista_mchugh
www.facebook.com/cristamchugh
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3035791.Crista_McHugh

Crista is giving away a Copy of A SOUL FOR CHAOS (reader's choice print or ebook)and $10 iTunes gift carda Rafflecopter giveaway

Character Interview Bound by Jennifer Dean

Hello all! First off, I want to say thanks to Fang-tastic Books for hosting me today.
I wanted to share a little inside to my main character, Emma. So, without further ado, let me introduce you to…

Name: Emma Rose Morgan

Nicknames: Em, Little Morgan, Sean’s little sister
Born: January 3, 1994
Age: 17
Physical Appearance: Long chocolate brown hair with hazel eyes. 5’4” and 120 pounds. Skin is always a consistent color, despite the turning seasons, not tan but far from fair.
Hometown: Washington, North Carolina
Parents: Paul and Angelia Morgan. Though they remain married, they fell out of love a long time ago. An issue that affects Emma into believing that real love is nothing but a myth.
Siblings: She has one older brother, Sean Morgan, who is a year older than her. He is the one person she trusts most in the world. When she was 14, her father’s new job forced the family to move to Dallas, Texas but Sean refused to go, staying behind to live with Emma’s Uncle Greg. A very decision that sealed the already strained relationship of Sean and their father. Luckily, before the second semester of junior year starts, Paul’s job relocates back to Washington, letting Emma happily reunite with Sean. She considers the reunion with Sean, the best day of her life.
Moves back to Washington: January 1, 2011
Friends: Once moving back, Emma is happy to see her childhood friendships with: Lauren Stevens, Pamela Mercer, Rebecca Davis, and Erika Reynolds have remained intact, despite her failing to keep in touch the three years she was in Dallas. Even family friend, Michael Harris is excited to see her back.
Favorite food: Italian
School: Junior at Washington High School
Grades: 3.8 G.P.A. but still considers herself average compared to her brother’s 4.0
Car: 2001 Black Volkswagen Jetta
Favorite pastime: Loves to read a lot of classic and modern novels but holds a special relationship with A Wrinkle In Time. It was the first book she was ever given by her brother, as a goodbye present the day she left Washington.
Sports: She used to compete in volleyball but gave it up after the move to Dallas, and loss interest completely by the time she moved back to Washington. She likes to go for runs to clear her mind.
Personality: Considers herself the plain Morgan. Not ugly, but definitely not noticeable compared to her popular, handsome older brother. At times she can be stubborn, but all in all Emma is very down to earth, sweet, and considerate of others, always putting Sean before herself.

Bound
Jennifer Dean
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 9781300196211
Number of pages: 254Word Count: 89,600

Book Description:
17-year-old Emma Morgan believes she finally has the chance at happiness again when she relocates back to her hometown of Washington, North Carolina and reunites with her older brother, Sean.
But after three years apart, their unique bond is tested when Sean protests her meeting of the oddly charming and bright-eyed, Liam Alexander.  A boy who holds a very deep secret from the rest of the residents in Washington.
A secret that will change Emma’s life forever and lead her to discovering the beginning of something she never believed could exist...true love.
Amazon Kindle   Amazon Paperback


About the Author:
Jennifer lives in Dallas, Texas with her family. When not immersed in her writing, she is either engaged in a book or one of her favorite television shows.
www.jenniferdean.net
www.twitter.com/jleighdean  

www.facebook.com/JenniferDeanOfficial

Gypsy Rose Lee and Witchwood: Inspiration Behind a Series

Gypsy Rose Lee was a vaudeville performer, burlesque dancer, and her mother's second favorite child (of two). She put the tease in striptease with an act so unique, so elegant and refined that American journalist H.L. Mencken made up a word to describe it. He called her an ecdysiast, which essentially means "one who molts," because of her slow, one-feather-at-a-time style.

By now you're probably wondering what any of this has to do with a series of books about an Elvish princess. That's a valid question. Here's what: Gypsy Rose Lee once owned a house in a small town in the lower Hudson Valley region of New York State, which also happens to be my home town. The house is on a main road but its set back so far, that you can't see it when you drive by. All you can see is the sign that spells out the name of Gypsy's house: Witchwood Manor.

I remember being a little kid, driving by on the way to the grocery store with my mom, and wondering what it meant. Were there witches in the woods there? Magic? Was there a girl, maybe one like me, who lived there? Was she good or bad or maybe both?
Witchwood Manor has been sitting in my imagination, just waiting for me to figure out the story I wanted to tell about it for a long time. When I started writing the Princess of Twilight & Dawn series, I took the name for Tab's house without a second thought. Then I filled the house with magic and elves instead of witches and added the girl (only she's a woman now) who would have to figure out if she was good or bad or both before the story could end.
Last summer I drove over there to take a picture of the sign. As I was standing there, terrified that the homeowner would come home and yell at me for hanging about in his driveway, it occurred to me that inspiration is a funny thing. This plain, sort of crookedly hand-painted sign captured my imagination and inspired me to make up a whole world full of people and adventures for them to go on. If you think about it, it's kind of amazing that a piece of plywood and some paint can do that.

There are thousands of stories just hanging around in unlikely places waiting to be told. I wonder what’s going to inspire you?




UnderneathPrincess of Twilight and Dawn Book TwoBy Jes Young
Six months ago, when her long-hidden heritage came to light, Tab Bennett reluctantly let go of her past and embraced her future as an Elvish princess on the cusp of her gifts and the edge of her destiny. She never wanted a fairy tale life, but as the daughter of the Dark King and the Light Queen, that’s exactly what she got.
Raised in exile away from the kingdom of the Inbetween, Tab has never even met the parents who ruined her life. Her mother is dead, but Tab’s father, Daniel, is alive and well, the mad ruler of the kingdom of the Underneath. He’s made it clear he wants to meet her and now that she knows all the sadness and heartache in her life can be traced directly to the Dark king’s door, Tab wants to meet him too. After all, it's because of him that the first twenty-five years of her life were a lie. It’s his fault she gave her heart to Robbin when she should have been saving it for Alex, the prince who is destined to be her Homecoming. But, most importantly, King Daniel is the one responsible for her mother’s suicide and her sisters’ murders.
Now Tab wants justice – but she’ll settle for revenge and Finnegan Blackthorn, an Elvish warrior with secrets of his own, is going to help her get it. Together, they’ll embark on the dangerous journey to her father’s stronghold in the kingdom Underneath. Once she's there, far away from the Light in which she was raised, Tab will be forced to confront the seductive nature of Darkness and her own potential to truly become her father’s daughter.

About the Author:
After graduating from Emerson College with a BFA in creative writing, Jes Young was a copywriter at Random House (Ballantine Books and Crown Publishing Group) for nearly ten years. Currently she is the development manager of a small non-profit and the mother of two children under the age of ten. Her writing is done primarily between the hours of 11 p.m and 3 a.m.

My blog: http://www.JesYoung.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jesyoung3.tab
Twitter: @JesYoungWrites
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jesyoungwrites/

Lost Volumes: Enchanted Bookstore Legend Three by Marsha A. Moore

November 26 promoRoxanne's Realmwww.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com
November 27 PromoSapphyria's Book Reviews: http://saphsbookblog.blogspot.com/
November 29 InterviewThe Seraphine Musewww.kasonndraleigh.blogspot.com
December 1 PromoFang-tastic Bookswww.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
December 3 Guest blogBlooding Book Reviewshttp://frankieblooding.wordpress.com/
December 4 Promohttp://avril-ashton.blogspot.com/
December 5 PromoDEB SANDERShttp://DebSanders.com
December 7 ReviewBooks, Books, and More Bookshttp://dream-reader-dreamer2229.blogspot.com/
December 8 InterviewBooks & Other Spellswww.nightskydarkstar.blogspot.com 
December 8 PromoReviewing in Chaos   http://reviewinginchaos.blogspot.com
December 11 Guest blogThe Creatively Green Write at Home Momwww.creativelygreen.blogspot.com
December 14 Guest blogMelissa Stevens   http://melissastevens.us
December 14 Interview and reviewBeverly @ The Wormholehttp://wormyhole.blogspot.com
December 17 InterviewRoxanne’s Realmwww.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com
December 18 PromoRegina may ross's Blog http://reginamayross.com/
December 21 Interview and reviewJeanzBookReadNReview   http://jeanzbookreadnreview.blogspot.co.uk/
December 22 Guest blogAlways a Booklover – http://alwaysabooklover.blogspot.com



Lost Volumes: Enchanted Bookstore Legend Three by Marsha A. MooreGenre: Fantasy romance
Description:
When Lyra McCauley learns residents of Dragonspeir’s Alliance are suffering with a deadly plague, she doesn’t heed the warnings of her fiancé, wizard Cullen Drake, to remain safe in her human world. After all, she’s the present Scribe—one of five strong women in her ancestry who possessed unique magic, each destined to protect the Alliance against the evil Black Dragon of the Dark Realm. With Cullen dependent upon Alliance power to maintain his immortality, the stakes are doubled for Lyra.
She leaves her college teaching and puts herself at risk for the community afflicted by black magic. To find a cure, she and Cullen travel into the vile, lawless underworld of Terza to strike a bargain with an expert. Their efforts further enrage the Black Dragon, vowing to decimate the Alliance and avenge the murder of his heir.

Lyra must secure the three lost volumes of the Book of Dragonspeir. Written by the three earliest Scribes, each book contains energy. Possession of the entire set will enable overthrow of the Dark Realm. Following clues into dangerous lands, Lyra and Cullen seek those volumes. His assistants, Kenzo the tiger owl and Noba the pseudodragon, prove invaluable aids. Only if they succeed, will the Alliance be safe and Lyra reach closer to the immortality she needs to live a life with Cullen.


Series Blurb: Enchanted Bookstore Legends

The  Enchanted Bookstore Legends  are about Lyra McCauley, a woman destined to become one of five strong women in her family who possess unique magical abilities and serve as Scribes in Dragonspeir. The Scribes span a long history, dating from 1200 to present day. Each Scribe is expected to journey through Dragonspeir, both the good and evil factions, then draft a written account. Each book contains magic with vast implications.
Lyra was first introduced to Dragonspeir as a young girl, when she met the high sorcerer, Cullen Drake, through a gift of one of those enchanted books. Using its magic, he escorted her into the parallel world of Dragonspeir. Years later, she lost that volume and forgot the world and Cullen. These legends begin where he finds her again—she is thirty-five, standing in his enchanted bookstore, and Dragonspeir needs her. 

When Lyra reopens that enchanted book, she confronts a series of quests where she is expected to save the good Alliance from destruction by the evil Black Dragon. While learning about her role, Lyra and Cullen fall in love. He is 220 years old and kept alive by Dragonspeir magic. Cullen will die if Dragonspeir is taken over by the evil faction…Lyra becomes the Scribe.

Heritage Avenged: Enchanted Bookstore Legend Two ~ available for only $1.29
Seeking a Scribe: Enchanted Bookstore Legend One ~ available for only 99 cents

Excerpt Lost Volumes From Chapter One: An Urgent Message
Lyra almost deleted the email marked urgent, suspecting some virus that might take control of her computer, but stopped when she realized the sender was her lover—a 220-year-old wizard, who rarely used a computer. She couldn’t open the message fast enough.Lyra,Alliance mortals and lower magicals are taking violently ill. I’m leaving the bookstore for a while to offer aid. DO NOT come to Dragonspeir. Stay safe in your world. Love always,CullenShe stared at the screen, twisting a strand of her long hair. Leaning forward, she gripped the armrests of the chair. Her breath caught when she noticed how the dragon’s sapphire eyes on her new bloodswear ring sparked from the energy of her concern. His message left her undecided, reading between the lines and weighing the choices.Those affected—mortals and lower magicals—seemed to place her in the risk group, obviously Cullen’s concern. However, those mortals were all born in Dragonspeir, while she originally came from Tampa. Lower magicals did include members of both worlds. But as the current Scribe, Lyra possessed inherited power at least as great as high-order wizards. She just didn’t fully grasp how to command her magic yet. She did want to help. Since her parents and dear Aunt Jean died, the Guardians, wizards, dragons, and other residents of the Alliance were her only family. Lyra’s unique powers might be useful, especially since they now lacked an alchemist. Eburscon disappeared after he attempted to steal her scribal aura, and she’d heard no reports of him since, so he was presumed dead by many. According to Cullen, no one wanted him back. However, living without a person capable of creating remedies for a plague or widespread illness had left many residents uneasy. Some talked about trying to persuade Tarom, the Dark Realm’s alchemist, to switch his allegiance. Two centuries ago, he served the Imperial Dragon, leaving only when he couldn’t tolerate working under Eburscon any longer. Despite ranking as the top wizard, the Imperial Sorcerer in the Alliance High Council, Cullen lacked alchemical skills. Even though untrained, Lyra possessed a keen intuitive sense in the craft. She could help him. Aries guided the fire in her scribal powers and also fueled her impatience. Lyra checked and secured Aunt Jean’s cottage since the last gasps of late winter storms in the upper peninsula of Michigan could be brutal. Dashing off a few emails to her college students in Florida, she gave them feedback on their independent study in the Fantasy Lit course. She was glad her leave from on-campus teaching responsibilities continued until the next fall term. Lyra saved and printed the chronicle draft of her bloodswear quest, completed at the end of last year. It was mid-March, and she’d almost finished the written account, storing magic in her words that would empower the Alliance—her role as a Scribe. The hard copy she stuffed into a commuter bag to work on later with the Imperial Dragon and the other three Guardians. She needed to sort through their research details that had helped her kill the heir to the Black Dragon. Additional supplies could be conjured from memory. Outside, the dock in the backyard looked weather-beaten but sound. Waves from Lake Huron lapped at its old boards. In the flower bed, the first spring perennials peeked through the packed ground and would require plenty of care soon. Lyra hoped to be back in time to maintain what her aunt had loved so much. Crocuses stood bravely against the melting snowpack—a reminder. As she turned from the garden, a large black butterfly flitted around her head. It was the same type that had spied on her before and been in her aunt’s room when she was killed—purple spots like eyes on its wings. Suspecting it was a transformed magical from Dragonspeir’s Dark Realm, Lyra swatted at the insect. Thinking that someone watched her leave caused a chill to run down her spine.Finally shooing it to the nearby bushes, she lifted her head high, put her bag inside her silver Subaru sport wagon, and drove straight to Drake’s Bookstore. After parking in back, she twisted her dragon ring to unlock the back door of Cullen’s shop, no longer needing the magical skeleton key. “Sheridan, I’m using your portal,” she called out.From his cage on the showroom counter, the cicada chirped, “I already knew it was you, sweetheart. Nice perfume.” Lyra shook her head. Darned bug never stopped flirting. “By the way, Sire Drake told me to not let you pass. Something about an illness in the Alliance. Don’t make me use my magic on you.”“I’m going anyway,” she replied as she prepared herself in the storage room.“Like I knew you would,” he snapped.She gave her ring another twist and stated, “Pateo porta!” In response, two metal bookcases moved apart. Between them lay the connector to Dragonspeir. She stepped across. The familiar tingling sensation now felt invigorating, when last summer it had frightened her. Her jeans, t-shirt, and jacket transformed into a full-skirted gown of light blue cotton under a navy cloak. It was her first time back since being publically honored for completing her bloodswear quest and sorcery studies. She’d have to wait to find out if her new abilities could alter the clothing she acquired at the portal. Lifting one side of the long garments, Lyra ran the short distance along the wooded trail to the location of the old, sentry tree, Gatekeeper Cranewort. Reminding her of the shape of grand live oaks in Florida, his branches spread wide and high, taller than any nearby. His large, flat leathery leaves were turned to collect the warm morning rays.“Hello, Cranewort,” she called ahead. “I don’t mean to disturb your sunbathing, but I need to pass to the Imperial Dragon’s lair, or to the Meadow—whichever place I can help most with those who are sick.”“Not sunbathing, child, merely enhancing my immune functioning to bolster my health after the harsh winter. Sire Drake instructed me to not permit your passage. He and all of us fear you will fall ill.” He lifted extensions of his roots into a spiky barricade, one of his gate-keeping defenses.“Perhaps I can help,” she maintained, hands on her hips.“It looks to be a horrible disease—elevated fever, chills, vomiting blood. Some are dying. Please stay here, Adalyra.”“I’m not like any from Dragonspeir. I won’t get it.” Lyra hoped what she said was true but couldn’t turn her back on thousands who were ill.“Well…you most certainly are unique.” He folded his leaves and tipped his trunk forward to look at her directly. “The Alliance relies on your special scribal abilities to battle the Dark Realm. Losing you to illness would risk too much. Be wise and stay back.” He smoothed down his bark and held out a twigged hand to her.She stepped beyond his touch. “The entire Alliance is my family, and I need to help them.” The gnarled tree let out a sigh and lowered his roots. “Very well. You have your own mind, and it is one of a leader. That is your inheritance from the four female Scribes in your family. But, I expect you to use every caution available. Sire Drake is in the Meadow. Stay with him.”“I promise.” Lyra hurried toward the crossroads, which connected dozens of trails. There she selected the short path leading to the Meadow.Pluch trees lined the trail. Their weeping branches, active with new sap, swept after Lyra in attempt to caress her golden hair, now grown almost to her waist. Flower buds on the bell flowers peaked out. The air held gentle notes of fragrant jasmine from the vine’s first purple flowers. She took a deep breath as she sped down the familiar walk. She had missed Dragonspeir. Along the way, Lyra thought about her action, entering the land without permission. Although she recently passed sorcery training for all crafts except powerthrowing, Lyra only elevated her immortal status. In Dragonspeir, they used the term afflation—having received divine impartment of knowledgeand strength to endure more physical hardship than a non-magical. Until gaining enough afflation to become fully immortal, she needed to be invited by the Imperial Dragon to be his guest in Dragonspeir. As a new Alliance sorceress, the Imperial Dragon decided when he needed her. Lyra clearly broke his established protocol. But she often bent Alliance customs to suit her needs while working for the greater good. So far, she had only raised eyebrows, and no one troubled her. She hoped this time would be the same, but entering a plague-ridden land against orders was a bit different than wearing jeans or hugging dragons.




Author Bio: 
Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. Her creativity also spills into watercolor painting and drawing. After a move from Toledo to Tampa in 2008, she’s happily transforming into a Floridian, in love with the outdoors. 
Crazy about cycling, she usually passes the 1,000 mile mark yearly. She is learning kayaking and already addicted. She’s been a yoga enthusiast for over a decade and that spiritual quest helps her explore the mystical side of fantasy. She never has enough days spent at the beach, usually scribbling away at new stories with toes wiggling in the sand. 
Every day at the beach is magical! 
Author Links: Website: http://MarshaAMoore.com 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MarshaAMoore 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/marshaamooreauthorpage 
Fantasy Faction staff page: http://fantasy-faction.com/staff-members?uid=38 
Goodreads author page http://www.goodreads.com/marshaamoore 
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