Roxanne Rhoads's Blog, page 519

A Character Interview With Lady Serena Buxton from Always a Lady

A Character Interview With Lady Serena Buxton
VC: We know you are married to Lord Randolph Buxton, but what about your life prior to your marriage?
LSB: I was born in India where my father was a Colonel in the 6th Dragoon Guards. I don’t remember too much of that time, only that I was very sad when we came back to England and I had to leave my ayah.
VC: Do you have any siblings?
LSB: No, I was an only child. Once we were settled in England I had a succession of nannies. I must admit to not being the best behaved child. But I did enjoy the tutor my father engaged for me. He considered that if my mind was occupied I might be less boisterous. He was actually correct in that assumption because I learnt very quickly and loved reading.
VC: What is your favourite book?
LSB: Oh, I couldn’t pick just one. There are so many. Buxton Hall is favoured with a particularly fine library, but I must admit to enjoying being a little bit scared so Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Bram Stoker’s Dracula are high on my reading list. If I didn’t love my husband so much I think I could be quite taken with Van Helsing.
VC: What first attracted you to Lord Buxton?
LSB: Oh, that’s easy. His brown eyes and his laugh. We met at the Berkeley Hunt Ball and it was love at first sight for both of us. That’s a little boring perhaps, but true.
VC: Do you have any hobbies or interests you would like to tell us about?
LSB: I love to dance. I saw Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty when I was eleven years old and studied ballet. Then in 1900 I met Isadora Duncan at a charity performance at the home of Lady Daneforth in London and everything changed. Isadora was the most extraordinary dancer who focused on a more natural form of movement than the rigidity of formal ballet and from then on I tried to emulate her freedom of expression, much to my mother-in-law’s chagrin.
VC: What did you do?
LSB (giggling): I danced barefoot on the lawn in front of Buxton Hall. It was early morning and I wanted to feel the dew on my feet and so went out and danced. Poor mama-in-law. She went into paroxysms of anxiety that any of the servants should see me. I suppose the sight of my bare feet and ankles would shock them, but how she could object to my naked feet yet personally oversee the breeding of all her mares, which can be a noisy, smelly, er – very active business, is beyond me.
VC: Do you think that freedom of expression made it easier for you to learn to belly dance?
LSB: Oh, absolutely. When I first saw the belly dance, I couldn’t imagine how anyone could move their body in such a sinuous way, but my friends in Medina were very patient with me and I soon learnt the way of it.
VC: How did you come to be in Medina?
LSB: We were going to Australia where Randolph’s father had interests in the gold mining operations in Kalgoorlie. But Randolph’s mother requested that he act as her agent and stop in Arabia to purchase Arabian stallions for her stud. We made port at Jeddah, and travelled to Medina to meet a Sheik that the Dowager Lady Buxton knew. She had bought horses from him in the early 1890s. My mother-in-law had a long and very exacting list of what she required in her horses but it was considered inappropriate for me to travel through the desert with Randolph, and especially to observe stallions breeding their mares, so I stayed in Medina.
VC: How long were you there?
LSB (smiling): It felt like forever but in truth just a little over two months. When Randolph returned he made arrangements for the stallions to be shipped home to England and we continued our journey to Australia.
VC: Have you always enjoyed travelling?
LSB: I wouldn’t say I particularly enjoy it. Much of a journey can be very tedious and uncomfortable, but I do like seeing different countries and learning about their inhabitants.   
VC: What goal would you most like to accomplish in your lifetime?
LSB (considering): There’s actually two. I want children of my own and I would like to set up a program to educate women so that they can make better choices for themselves.
VC: Well, Lady Buxton, I must say it has been an absolute delight spending time with you and I wish you the very best in your endeavours. 

ALWAYS A LADY

By Victoria Chatham
Lady Serena Buxton follows her husband from England to Bandit Creek, Montana. Randolph is a partner in the Ellis gold mine, but when she arrives, she is horrified to find that Randolph is missing.

Sheriff Wilson seems to be keeping a watchful eye on her. Why? Douglas King, the mine manager, treats her as if she is already a widow. What does he know? The bank manager refuses her request for access to Randolph’s account. With no husband and no money, what is a girl to do?

Serena has an unsuspected and quite shocking talent. She can belly dance. With the help of two enterprising local ladies, Serena prepares for a public performance. But when the news leaks out, she finds the only venue she can secure is in the Men’s Club owned by King. Like it or not, she has no option but to ask him regardless of what terms he may insist on. Billed as Ayesha, Oriental Dancer Extraordinaire, she prepares for her show which she hopes will make enough money for her to stay in Bandit Creek until Randolph is found.

The whole town, as well as a train full of people from nearby Missoula, turns out for her performance. The Club is packed. But who is in the crowd, watching? Will King insist on exacting his fees? And will Serena be reunited with the husband she loves?

About the Author:


Victoria Chatham is a writer of Regency romance and credits her late husband for giving her a well needed push – make that kick-in-the-pants – to take her writing seriously.

It was his opinion she should write a historical novel but, having disliked history at school because she couldn’t remember dates, was an idea she firmly resisted. Her first completed novel was a contemporary romantic suspense, but she never quite felt comfortable with the book. But then a glimmer of an idea grew into a Regency romance, a genre she always felt comfortable with. Her favourite books are those of that doyen of the Regency era, Georgette Heyer, and more recently Mary Balogh, Sabrina Jeffries, Stephanie Laurens and others.

Victoria was born in Bristol, England and grew up in an area well known for its Regency style architecture. She frequently visited both Cheltenham and Bath, the latter famous for its water. She and her cousins, under the eagle eye of their grandmother, learned what many a young Regency lady may have learned. Manners, deportment, elocution and what knife and fork should be used for which course at dinner and which wine is served in which glass – and why. A writer is encouraged to ‘write what you know’ so many of these early lessons have proved extremely useful in adding small details to her writing.

Already at work on her second Regency novel, Victoria has also written a historical novella for the Bandit Creek book series, and a short story for the April Fool’s Bandit Creek Anthology, Fool’s Gold to be released on – when else – April 1st, 2012.

Apart from her writing, Victoria is an avid reader. Her love of horses gets her away from her computer to volunteer at Spruce Meadows equestrian centre and Dare2Dream, a horse-rescue ranch. Her constant buddy is her dog, Jay, who allows her to take him for a walk every day. As Jay is now 105 years old in people years, she firmly believes she is the only seeing eye person in existence.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Victoria-Chatham?120985624667624

Twitter: www.twitter.com/VChathamAuthor

An Unexpected Baby Tour Stop

TOP 15 LOVE SONGS FEATURING “BABY”
Hi, everyone!
I’m Shadonna, author of An Unexpected Baby, the sequel to An Unexpected Bride and a romantic comedy about Emma Wiggins who after believing her pregnancy test was positive is now faced with telling her darling husband the truth—only it’s not that easy, since he’s showering her with tons of love and affection thinking he’s going to become a daddy. He goes as far as to reveal to her his inner-most fear of not being able to conceive which he no longer has now that they are expecting. How could she break the news to her him without breaking his heart? It’s not as easy to burst his bubble of hope as she thinks, so she delays telling him, hoping she’d get pregnant for real. But the trouble is one can only fake pregnancy for so long. Since An Unexpected Baby is a romance that centers around the theme of having a baby, I thought I’d compile a list some of the most romantic songs featuring “Baby” in the title. Check this list out:
Baby Love by The SupremesI’ve Got You, Babe by Sonny and CherBaby, Baby by Amy GrantBaby, Baby, Baby By TLCBaby, One More Time by Britney SpearsBe My Baby by The RonettesBaby, I Love Your Way by Peter FramptonBorn to be my Baby by Bon JoviBaby, I Love You by Aretha FranklinBaby, Come to Me by Denise Austin and James IngramAlways Be My Baby by Mariah CareyBaby, What a Big Surprise by ChicagoBaby, It’s Cold Outside by Ray Charles and Betty Carter/ Jessica Simpson and Nick LacheBaby, I Need Your Lovin’ by Four TopsBaby by Justin Bieber


Hope you enjoyed the list. I thought I’d leave you with a excerpt of An Unexpected Baby. Enjoy. 



“So when are you going to make me a great-grandpa? You can have children, can’t you, pumpkin?” The old man’s eyes playfully narrowed towards his granddaughter.
“Gramps!” Emma Wiggins-Fletcher felt her stomach churn as she sat beside her ailing grandfather feeding him cornmeal porridge she had made earlier. She felt heat rush to her cheeks.
“Sorry, pumpkin. You know your old grandpa. Sometimes I just speak what’s on my mind. Didn’t mean to embarrass you, sunshine.”
“That’s okay, Gramps.” How could Emma be upset with her dear old grandfather who just six months ago was given a death sentence with prostate cancer? He was still not out of the woods yet, but at least he’d been given a few more months. A miracle. She wanted to spend every blessed moment she could with him, especially now that he was getting too weak to take care of basic needs like feeding and changing. Thanks to her rich new husband, Evan Fletcher, CEO of her former company, Fletcher Advertising, she could afford to have a personal support worker come in daily to bathe him and tend to his other needs. Still, his spirit was strong though his body was weak. His tongue, however, seemed to carry a lot of strength these days.
“But you can have kids, right?” Again, he persisted between mouthfuls of scooped porridge. He swallowed quickly to continue his speech to Emma’s chagrin. “Some people are infertile, you know. And they don’t even know it! Imagine that!  Is something wrong with Evan that you’re not telling me?” He leaned closer to her, his eyebrows knitted together.
“Gramps!”
“Sorry, pumpkin. Sorry.” He leaned back in his reclined bed, folding his arms across his chest. He wore a smug but innocent expression on his face.
Talk about an invasive question. What happens between couples should stay…between couples!
Talk about pressure to fit into society’s expectations.
Truth was, nobody knew if they could have kids until…well, they hadkids. She’d read somewhere that studies showed that a percentage of infertile couples have nothing wrong with them physically. It’s just the luck of the draw. That was the worst scenario. Sure, she had irregular cycles but still, Evan was alright. Wasn’t he? He was healthy. He wore boxers not briefs, so that could not affect his sperm count. Was the pressure to have kids within the first year of marriage so great? 
Still, she really wanted to be a mommy and the more people—meaning her grandfather and mother—stressed her about when she would finally become a mother, the more resentful she felt. Sheesh! It wasn’t as if one would go to the mall and purchase a bundle of joy. One little sperm out of a billion had to meet the egg thingy at just the right time in the month. How easy was that? If only couples with kids knew what a blessing they had—something that must not be taken for granted. Still, secretly Emma had been purchasing every single home pregnancy test at every drug store she could. She and her new hubby were having unprotected sex, even though Evan wouldn’t admit he’d love to have a child, he’d agreed to it. She wanted to increase her chances of pregnancy. It wasn’t like she was getting any younger.  Children meant the world to her. Having Evan’s children would mean the world to her. Not to mention to be able to carry on the Wiggins family tree on her father’s side. Evan was facing lots of pressure himself, like his own father’s failing health and the fact he had to be placed back in an institution. That couldn’t be good for him or Evan. Probably it was the stress of having no choice but to return his father to the mental institution that was driving him…crazy. Maybe that could affect his sperm count. Sheesh!
What could Emma do, really? So much had happened during the last six months since her quickie wedding at her grandfather’s hospital bedside to Evan due to circumstances surrounding her grandfather given only days to live at that time and wanting to see his only grandchild married off before he reached the “Pearly Gates.” Thankfully, his prognosis had been extended to include months. After Evan agreed to marry her and professed his love for her just as she had always been in love with him, Evan insisted that her grandfather move in with them.
But then things changed suddenly.
Without warning!
The heat from Evan’s passion cooled off quite a bit after mounting pressure at work, including politics at the office and jabs at Emma, his former assistant turned bride and whispers of a “horizontal promotion” which Emma decided to back off from the promotion due to accusations of nepotism to work from home on other things like being his private secretary. 
Was he having second thoughts? Did the whole marriage by guilt or having an elderly in-law live in their home cause him concern? She wished he would speak his mind.



AN UNEXPECTED BABY
Getting a man is one thing…keeping him is a whole different story!
Recently wed to her hot boss, CEO Evan Fletcher, Emma Wiggins-Fletcher thinks her sizzling hubby is avoiding spending quality time with her…that is until Emma discovers that her pregnancy test is positive.
A baby changes everything. Jetsetter Evan discovers his new wife is pregnant and cancels an important business trip and prepares to rearrange his workaholic life to pamper his newlywed princess. Emma is over the moon about the new special affection from her spouse and her ill grandfather. Gramps has been given six more months to live, and he is so delighted about the baby news, he plans a surprise for the couple.
Too bad her world is turned upside down when she discovers the pregnancy test was false. Emma has been enjoying Evan’s renewed attention and he’s already shifted his life around to be daddy to their unborn. How could she possibly break the news to her husband and to her ailing grandfather without breaking their hearts? Still, pretending to be pregnant is a whole different story and can only last so long before they find out the truth.
**Here’s the set up for the prequel for AN UNEXPECTED BRIDE (Book 1 in The Bride Series) for those who haven’t read the first book.
Emma Wiggins is about to marry her heart-stopping, gorgeous boss, CEO Evan Fletcher, in seven days--too bad he doesn't know it yet!
Desperate to fulfill her ailing grandfather's last wish to see her settle down and get married, Emma Wiggins, a 30-year-old, career-focused executive tells him a little white lie on his deathbed that she is in fact engaged--to her boss, deliciously handsome and emotionally unavailable, Evan Fletcher.
The situation takes an unexpected turn when her grandfather's condition improves slightly and to her shock, he goes ahead and arranges a wedding ceremony at his hospital bedside before he passes on. Now, all Emma has to do is convince unsuspecting, commitment-phobic Evan to tie the knot with her in seven days. Can love blossom in the most unlikely situation?
“A feel good romantic comedy you won’t want to miss”


“The much anticipated sequel to the Kindle #1 Bestseller in Humor 'An Unexpected Bride' (The Bride Series) which has sold 45,000 copies in its first eight months of release on Amazon.com”

What some reviewers have said about An Unexpected Bride (The Bride Series)
"Author Shadonna Richards has an "unexpected" bestseller on her hands with this unheralded romantic comedy....An Unexpected Bride has sold 10,000 copies in its first three months..."
-KINDLE NATION DAILY

"Shadonna Richards is a wonderful author!...It's a sweet and romantic story that will sweep you off your feet."
-REVIEWS BY MOLLY


"This sweet and humorous romance is sure to keep you entertained as well as have you giggling" - TWEEZLEREADS

"I would recommend this book to fans of chick-lit and light romance or anyone looking for a book to curl up with on a rainy afternoon." -HANDS AND HOME
About the Author

Bestselling author Shadonna Richards has a B.A. Degree in Psychology and a Diploma in Nursing. She enjoys reading and writing about the magic of romance and the power of love. She is the author of the non-fiction books, A Gift of Hope and Think & Be Happy: 365 Empowering Thoughts to Lift Your Spirit (an Amazon Kindle #1 Bestseller in Meditation). Winner of Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write 2010 Day Two Challenge, she is a member of the Romance Writers of America.  An Unexpected Bride  became a #1 Kindle bestseller in Humor and is her first novel. It has sold over 45,000 copies in its first eight


You can visit her at www.shadonnarichards.blogspot.com and join her mailing list for updates, giveaways and news on upcoming releases.  
www.shadonnarichards.blogspot.com
TWITTERwww.twitter.com/shadonna 

Tour Intro and Giveaway Beauty's Enchanted Beasts by Jessica Frost

Who is beautiful to someone can be a beast to someone else.
Even if I am an extremely shy, quiet geek who loves to hide behind her long bangs, in the virtual world I am an extrovert and a loud mouth and love to meet new writers, bloggers and readers alike.
I am excited to share with you via this book tour the first novella “Beauty’s Enchanted Beasts” in my series “Spells of Seduction” as well as a little bit of my eccentricity, my passions, my embarrassing phobias and quirks, and also future projects I’m working on.
What’s the story about? Hot and abundant sex, a feisty heroine who has a stubborn streak to her and who gives the heroes in the story headaches, and two sexy heroes who are complete opposites. One tends to put his foot in his mouth whenever he is angry or flustered and the other can make any woman swoon simply by looking at her and who can charm even the most untame of souls.
There’s mystery and suspense in the mix and several antagonists who will make you wonder what they have in store for the heroes and heroine in the story. Some will come to light in the story while others will remain abstract and as mysterious as they began. Only through future instalments in the series will you see them for whom they really are and just how dangerous they can be when they want.
There’s also an enigmatic and super sexy secondary character in the story that is my most favourite and most complicated character I ever created to date. He bewitched me the moment he was created and to tell you the truth, I still don’t know who he really is. As I continue to create the series, who he really is and how powerful he can become will slowly be revealed. I hope you will start this journey of my series and book as well as this tour with me, and continue to find out how they end. Which will be with a big bang, no doubt. J
A little bit about me:
I was born in Montreal, Quebec. I am of Italian decent and am trilingual. I was born a geek and a geek I’ll die. It doesn’t take much to make me happy. Give me chocolate, coffee, and a good book that I can crawl onto a comfy couch to read and I am a very happy camper. I am also extremely clumsy and I suggest you stay far away from me when carrying an extremely hot and full beverage cup. J
I write erotic fantasy ménage romance stories exclusively for Siren Publishing. When I’m not writing, I’m editing, reading, cooking, painting, or spilling something I accidentally bumped along the way.
But I promise you I will not spill anything in this bewitching book tour, except maybe spoilers of my books. J

Beauty’s Enchanted Beasts  
Spells of Seduction—Book 1
Erotic Historical Fantasy/Paranormal Ménage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, werewolves
Elizabeth Stuart thought she couldn’t hate the Duke of Norfolk any more than she did. After he wins her in a bet and she’s forced to live in his castle, she learns she was wrong. Penniless and distraught, she moves in, vowing to make him pay.
Richard Albert has loved Elizabeth for so long. When her father asks his help in protecting Elizabeth from the evil sorceress Pondora, he agrees wholeheartedly, not knowing Elizabeth’s father lied about why she’ll be staying with him. Now she thinks he’s evil incarnate.
George Albert’s not happy his brother brought Lady Elizabeth there. Considering the danger that lurks in Castle Norfolk’s dungeon, she’s no safer with them. But after seeing how much Richard loves her and realizing she’s the woman of George’s sexual dreams, whom he so desires, he changes his mind and plans on making every one of his erotic dreams come true.
Soon these three get caught in a web of deceit, sex, and love. Little do they know Pondora has figured a way past the castle’s enchantment and intends on executing her deadly curse.
Amazon
Barnes andNoble
Kobo


About the Author:


Jessica Frost has always had a passion for fiction and the written word. Add to that her wild, vivid imagination and her pure romantic tendencies and she soon realized she had the traits needed to become a romance author. She decided to take the very big first step not that long ago and wrote her first erotic romance story. And she has not looked back since. Being a romance writer is a dream come true for her. Having the opportunity to create fantasy worlds where anything and everything can happen is an amazing feeling. She hopes these worlds and the delightful characters she creates will bring hours of enjoyment to her readers as they have done for her.




www.authorjessicafrost.com
 http://authorjessicafrost.blogspot.ca/
 www.twitter.com/Author_JesFrosta Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest blog and Giveaway with C.S. Dorsey

How The Unsacred Gift Began
The Unsacred Gift is my first novel. I never thought in a thousand years that I would be able to write a book. Growing up I didn’t like to read. I know what you’re thinking...huh? My mom would buy me books for Christmas. I thought she had lost her mind. I would throw them back under the Christmas tree and hope the books would get thrown out with the tree. For years my mother tried so hard to get me to like reading like she did. But after years of trying she gave up.
It wasn’t until my junior year in high school that I developed a love for reading. The first novel I read was The Coldest Winter Ever by Sista Soulja. I only start reading it because one of my aquatints from school was reading it. Then my love for reading took off. I started reading books after books, mainly adult books. After a while I got tired of reading the adult content in the stories so I started reading young adult books to see what they were about. That’s when I discovered clean reading, and the Twilight Saga.
I read The Twilight Saga in a month. I was amazed at the writing content, it was so clean. No adult stuff in the content. I was so relieve and enjoyed reading it so much I started reading more young adult books. That’s when the idea of writing a book hit me.I could write a book, I thought to myself. Then I started laughing and told myself to get my head out of the clouds. I told my mom that I wanted to write a book, and she looked at me like I lost my mind and kept washing clothes. So, I beginning writing words like I always do and never get back to it. I wrote one page and then I left it in my computer. I didn’t think that I would ever go back to the document until a couple of days later Sicily “Sissy” Monroe whispered in my ear.
Two days passed by and on July 18, 2010 someone started talking to me in my head. I thought for sure I needed to be admitted to the mental hospital. I was at work when the “voice” began speaking. I got out of my sit and looked around to see if anyone was around. No one was there, so I sat back down. Then it spoke again. What is it?What do you want? I though. Then the “voice” just started talking to me. So, I began to write everything down.
Hours later I wrote 4 chapters and I couldn’t stop. I went home to tell my mother about this voice that was talking to me. She didn’t look at me like I lost my mind this time. I told her about the story and the plot.
“What should I call this book?” I asked her. She looked up at the ceiling thinking. We sat in silence for about ten minutes, and then she spoke. “How about The Unsacred Gift.” I stood in the middle of the living room floor thinking. “Uhmm...I like it!”
Two and a half months later The Unsacred Gift was finished. I loved the fact that I could finish something I started so much I really wasn’t thinking about publishing it. “I want to see it publish!” My mother demanded, and so I set off on a quest to find an agent.
Well 20 rejection and a whole bottle of IB Profanes (from stress) later I said, “forget it I will do this myself.” I found an editor and created the first cover myself. I did more research on self-publishing and found Amazon and Barnes and Nobles self publishing sites. Later on I discovered Smashwords. I did all the formatting myself and click published on March 15, 2011.

The Unsacred GiftC.S. Dorsey
Book Description:
Have you ever had a dream that came to life? How about losing the one you love and not being able to save them? What about a gift that you were cursed with? Well image having all three like Sicily "Sissy" Monroe.



"Some might say what I have is a gift. I say, I want to return it." Sissy declares.


 Sicily "Sissy" Monroe has all the qualities of a perfect young lady. She is almost where she wants to be in life. But lying deep in the pupil of her eyes hold something that she cannot get rid of which interferes with her plans. She fights everyday with no one but herself. After having her first vision at age six of her sister's (Misty) disappearance and the dreams of failing to save her, Sissy wants no part in another person's fate. For years Sissy tried hard to avoid contact with people because she feared foreseeing their death. In keeping with this, she tries to stay away from her family. Little did Sissy know she could not run from her past, or her gift. She hopes someone will put her out of her misery, but she will soon discover that her visions and dreams were just a mere image of herself.








About the Author:
C. S. Dorsey currently lives in Northern California. She graduated from the University of Phoenix with an Associate’s Degree in Financial Services, and is currently working for a financial institution. She never thought about writing until one day this girl started talking to her in her head and never stop.
Blog: http://csdorsey.blogspot.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cs_dorsey
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/candicesdorsey
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Destiny Bewitched

Join us today for a  Live twitter party 11 am EST #destinybewitchedSamantha
Age: 23
Species: witch
Aka: "fuck-up trailer trash"
Motto: I'm a merc. If you want a lesson on morality, you've come to the wrong place.

Geo
Age: thousands of years old
Species: temporary demon
Aka: The Bastard of War
Motto: Getting angry over something I can't change is pointless. And I'm not one to do something for nothing.

Excerpt 
A growl tore through the cabin, startling her. She spun toward the noise so fast she fell on her ass. A giant…dog would be an understatement, flew out of the shadowy corner and landed on thick paws in front of her. Pitch black in color, covered in bulging muscle, it bared its oversized teeth and snarled at her. Holy mutant flea bag!
She crab-walked backward a few feet, never taking her eyes off the beast, until she felt her sword under her hand. “Nice doggie,” she whispered, dragging the sword closer.
She jumped to a crouch, the sword unsheathed and at the ready. The thing’s eyes glowed red as it stared at her weapon. “Nice possessed doggie.”
The fur on its back rose up and its chest rumbled menacingly. Heart pounding, she kept her sword steady in her hands though inside she was shaking. “Okay Kujo, I’m all for animal rights – I support PETA and all that – but if you attack me, I’ll stick you with this nice sharp sword.”
In answer, the oversized mutt growled.
“Erebus.” Geo’s voice filled the cabin. She hadn’t even heard him come in. “Down, boy. She’s a friend.”
Great. The demon had the equivalent of a pet mastiff on steroids and already the thing didn’t like her.
Apparently Erebus wasn’t the obedient type. He growled again, and a line of drool dripped from his mouth. Ew.“Not very well trained, is he?” she said to Geo, gaze still locked on the dog.
“He’s not a pet. Put your sword down.”
“What? No way.” In the middle of a showdown with a dog-beast that looked like it wanted to gnaw on her bones – the sword was going nowhere. “One of us is making it out of this alive. I’d prefer it be me.”
“Samantha.” She eyed Geo from her peripheral vision. “Put down the sword. Trust me.”


Destiny Bewitched 
blurb: 
Deemed “trailer trash” by humans and the daughter of the most disgraceful family of witches and warlocks since the Puritan age, Samantha is used to fighting her own battles. When her younger sister is taken to the Underworld, Sam doesn't hesitate to rescue her. 
To survive the harsh land, she makes a deal with a demon — the most dangerous of creatures in the realm. 
Even with those lustrous horns, Geo is as hot as the hell she's stuck in. Fighting nasty beasts in a supernatural version of the gladiator games is easy compared to falling in love with a man who has no future to offer.


Author bio: 
I began my writing journey while I was stranded at the airport waiting for my delayed flight. I browsed the Border’s kiosk and grew frustrated that I couldn’t find the “it factor” — the perfect combination of alpha male-ness, ass-kickery, strong females, magic, and sex.
So I spent the next four hours on an airplane writing my first book on scraps of paper and an airsick bag (which thankfully I didn't need to use).
Now I spend too much time in my head, plotting evil villains and the hot men (and women) who ruthlessly kill them. I think far too much about fae politics, dragon power games, and how fast werewolves can change forms. But writing my paranormal romance series has given me a productive place to express those dark places in my mind.
I live in New England with my husband and two kids. Though I will go to my grave denying it, my husband insists I would be thrilled if he suddenly sprouted fangs.
Media: 
www.leiashaw.com
www.leiashaw.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/LeiaShaw
@LeiaShaw[image error]

Interview with Eric Griffith Author of Beta Test

Can you tell readers a little bit about yourself and what inspired to write in this particular genre?
My day job involves lots of writing, so doing fiction on top of it means sitting in my chair a lot. Occasionally, I like to stand up. So I became one of those people who waited a long time to take fiction writing seriously. Now I can’t stop. At the time I started my book BETA TEST, I’d just finished reading almost every book out by author Christopher Moore, the master of combining horrific fantasy with comedy.  I thought, maybe I could do that with my own end of the world tale. BETA TEST book was the result.
What inspired you to write this book?
BETA TEST came about from a mix of needing something to write to get into a workshop, and having no good ideas...except this one little thought that had been sitting in my brain for 17 years. Thankfully the workshop liked my first chapter, so I kept going with it to finish.

Please tell us about your latest release.
 BETA TEST is the story of Sam Terra, who’s not your typical chiseled-jaw hero. He’s an overweight computer programmer who wears Hawaiian shirts. He has no particular desire to be the one guy who can save the world. It just happens that way. It all starts on the day that 10 percent of the population—including the woman he loves—disappear. That’s just the start of Sam’s problems, which take him across the country, then overseas, as he seeks out the one being that can prevent the rest of humanity from getting wiped out: God.  Seriously.
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?
One of my favorite methods for naming characters is to go to the Web site http://www.unled.net/. It accesses the database for the 1990 census. With each refresh the page randomly shows you four names, two male and two female. I like to hit refresh over and over and over until I see first and last names that I feel are a good fit for a character.
Was one of your characters more challenging to write than another?
In BETA TEST, Sam’s best friend is actually one of the hardest characters I ever had to get a handle on. His name is Melvin Dutta, and I just wanted him to be a total misanthrope. Everyone who read it hated Melvin. Really, reallyhated him. They wanted me to take him out of the book! I had to find Melvin’s redeeming quality and I did:  It’s that he loves his friend Sam. Once I worked that in, everything changed. Melvin is still a total dick, but because he’s Sam’s true friend, it makes all the difference.
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 cast my characters with actors. Sometimes they’re Hollywood stars, or even Hollywood nobodies that only I may remember, or even my friends. But once I’ve got a face and body to go with the character, that helps me immensely.
What is your favorite scene from the book? Could you share a little bit of it, without spoilers of course?In the middle of the book there is a chase scene that involves a stolen ambulance and a veritable army of the grossest monsters to ever hit our reality. If the book ever becomes a movie, this scene will be the part they give away in all the trailers.
Can you tell readers a little bit about the world building in the book/series? How does this world differ from our normal world?
Without giving too much away, I went to great lengths to make sure the world in BETA TEST is, in fact, as real as ours. It just so happens that extra-dimensional aliens play a very big part. But normal people don’t even know that... until [SPOILER!] all of those aliens who are essentially using Earth like a giant virtual reality game up and disappear.
Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? How do you deal with it?
I’ve done NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writer’s Month) and it made me realize something: writer’s block is a myth cooked up by lazy procrastinators! Which I totally am. The worst. But writing has to be treated like a job, or it will never get done. To succeed, you need to make new words, all the time. All the damn time!
Do you write in different genres?
I stick to sci-fi and fantasy, and  I’ve written novels for middle grade and young adult, as well as more adult books like BETA TEST (careful, it’s got swear words in it!). My work-in-progress, which is more of a pulp-hero novel, has lots of sex and violence.
What was the last amazing book you read?
I’m utterly addicted to crime fiction (and I’ve tried writing it, but worlds with “rules” like “gravity” and “physics” are not for me). I loved the last couple of novels by big names like Michael Connelly and John Sandford. Fantasy-wise, Lev Grossman’s The Magicians was pretty riveting in a “Harry-Potter-is-a-college-stoner” kinda way.
What can readers expect next from you?
Later this year I’ll be putting out an ebook version of my young adult novel, tentatively entitled KALI. It’s about a teenage girl with a serious ghost problem, who also happens to live in a suburban necropolis where the dead outnumber the living 1,500 to 1.
Where can readers find you on the web?
I’m on Twitter, Facebook, blogging, even occasionally podcasting, and you can find it all linked from http://egriffith.info.
Would you like to leave readers with a little teaser or excerpt from the book?
Here’s an excerpt, introducing you to the two main characters:
Sam Terra was a big guy. A mountain on legs, a squashed giant, a sumo wrestler minus the diaper. He wore Hawaiian shirts and called them “Aloha” shirts as if he grew up on Maui. He didn’t. He was raised in upstate New York, though he didn’t call it upstate. He called his home the “central southern tier” because that’s what they called it on the TV news there. He had a patchy red beard and a pasty balding head covered with a baseball cap with an embroidered penguin on the front. The hat hid secret pockets; it doubled as his wallet. Molly Maddox, on the other hand, was as diminutive as Sam was massive. She was not quite five feet, not quite curvy, not quite beautiful. She looked and dressed like a boy of twelve from the 1980s, including thin sock ties and, once, parachute pants, and wore her light hair streaked with bright blue highlights in an especially unflattering bowl-cut, ala Moe of The Three Stooges.Sam considered her the embodiment of feminine perfection.

Eric Griffith Hardcover - 278 pages978-0-9839531-0-4 978-0-9839531-1-1 Publisher: Hadley Rille
Book blurb: 
Sam Terra is having a bad week. He lost Molly, the woman he secretly loves, when she vanished before his eyes at the exact same time that ten percent of the inhabitants of Earth disappeared.
Naturally upset, Sam follows clues about the global vanishing with questionable help from his friends including a misanthropic co-worker and a childhood pal. When Molly reappears in the body of a man during a night of monster-laden devastation, Sam finally learns the truth. Not just about her, but about the planet Earth and the entire cosmos surrounding it.
What we consider mundane reality, others consider a game...and not a very good one. The whole thing is about to be shut down.

Hardcover
http://www.amazon.com/Beta-Test-Eric-Griffith/dp/0983953104
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beta-test-eric-griffith/1107954178
Ebook:  Kindle   Nook


Author bio: 
Eric Griffith is the author of the sci-fi novel BETA TEST from Hadley Rille Books, which Publishers Weekly called “an unusually lighthearted apocalyptic tale.”  By day he works as the features editor for PCMag.com. By night he sneaks out of the house to write fictions. He currently lives in Ithaca, New York. 


You can follow his online exploits daily via http://egriffith.info
http://www.hadleyrillebooks.com/betatest.html
http://egriffith.info
https://twitter.com/#!/egriffith

Guest Blog and Excerpt from SHADOWS OF KINGS

The Fears of Comparison
On various sites I've seen posts where aspiring authors cringe when someone else compares their work to an established author/icon. As a matter of fact…the trepidation is also with established authors.  Is comparison a bad thing? I guess that would depend on who is doing it, and if there is a level of malice associated with the comparison. However, comparison  - in general, is truly harmless. Below  is a scenario I concocted.
Roger has been working on a novel. He explains that it's a sci-fi piece that focuses on a group of
freedom fighters trying to overthrow a tyrannical regime.
Sarah naturally responds, "Oh...so it's like Star Wars?
So now Roger is really miffed that his countless hours of hard work can be summarized into, "So it's like Star Wars?" This form of identification appears to be a relevant concern among aspiring authors. When I've seen these posts, I've tried to emphasize that such a comparison is not an intentional insult. (unless maliciously orchestrated as I’ve mentioned  above)
For the most part, when anyone pitches a book idea in conversation, you will generally receive a broad comparison to something else. This is simple identification. It's the listener's way of validating that he/she heard what you said. Putting a label on it is just a way of showing that he/she understands your topic. It's more of a unconscious defense mechanism to save face than anything else. After all, the person you're talking to doesn't want you to think he/she is indifferent, stupid, or wasn't listening. And if they have perused some of your pages, the identification mechanism is still in place.
When the buzz was first humming for Shadows of Kings, I was often asked, "What's your book about?" I generally offer a condensed blurb akin to what you read at the back of the book. Surprisingly, the feedback I've received differed between male and female, and can be categorized into two responses.
Women: "Is it like Lord of the Rings?"
And my answer: "Sure, something like that, but a little more gritty."Let's face it. Tolkien is the Grandfather of contemporary fantasy. If
you play with this genre, his name will always comes up. And that's
ok.
Men: Kinda like Harry Potter, with magic n' stuff?
And my answer: Not exactly. Shadows of Kings has magic, but the story also includes epic battles, kingdoms, and is more violent than a young adult novel.
Women: oh...so it's like Game of Thrones?
And my answer: Will you marry me and have my children?
Martin is the reigning King of gritty, medieval fantasy. His work is technically dark fantasy, but he's so popular no one dares label him anything other than fantasy. (as if dark fantasy is a bad word)
Men: So it's like King Arthur?
And my answer: Shadows of Kings has a medieval feel, but much different.As much as I've tried to encourage other authors, the angst is still out there.
Unfortunately, you are going up against years of conditioning that began with
simple identification exercises when you were a child. My take is to have such
occurrences inspire you instead of feeling insulted or frustrated.
Just remember - There is a story within all of us. Granted, having it come to life can be a little tricky, but the emphasis should be the DOING! What is DOING? Sitting down and committing yourself to putting thoughts on paper.  Don’t let the fear of comparison paralyze you. There will be criticisms and many will try to label your effort. 
Do not get discouraged. Be proud of your work…and allow the world to see it.



Excerpt from SHADOWS OF KINGS
"Great Dragon, be with me. Let your strength be my own. Let your countenance…"


Her prayer was cut short by the sound of air whistling around her. Arrows rained upon the Harhn from a group of archers approaching from her left. The arrows slew all the Wargunds, but the sorcerer had deflected their lethal intent while catching some of them in midflight. With a force of will, he suspended the shafts momentarily before hurling them at Lucia. Five arrows were deflected by her magic, but one got through, striking her left shoulder. She cried out from the pain, instinctively favoring the wound with her right hand. The act did not dispel the magical shield erected around Narvauth, but its intensity had lessened. She refocused all her remaining strength at him, disregarding her own protection. 


The next attack was directed at the necromancer, but was easily deflected from the Harhn’s waning strength. The Horgund followed up with another attack directed at Lucia. Every hair rose on her body from the impending attack. When the lightning struck, it sucked all the air from her lungs and singed the cloak wrapped around her body. The assault knocked her to the ground and caused her muscles to mildly spasm. Seconds that felt like hours elapsed before she could catch her breath and regain her faculties. Once she willed herself into an upright position, the air escaped her lungs again. 


She clutched her throat, but her mortal hands gave no relief to the unseen grip squeezing her esophagus. Her head ached and spun. Rivulets of blood began to flow from her nose from the concentration she exerted to dispel the assault. 


The more she focused, the more the pounding in her skull intensified. The Horgund slowly advanced, his magically imbued grip still firmly around her throat. The spell would have crushed her throat by now if it were not for the energy she instinctively allocated before the assault. But her mind began to strain as unconsciousness tried to claim her. Lucia fell sideways, her lungs still desperately attempting to capture some of the night air. Then she heard a deep voice say, "It is done."


Air abruptly entered Lucia’s lungs, forcing a fit of gagging. Her eyes drifted to the necromancer. His staff was pointed at the Harhn sorcerer; the ruby at its head glowing with an infernal red glimmer.


The Horgund was paralyzed as Narvauth’s spell lifted him off the ground. The necromancer was uttering a new incantation that differed from the deep monotone chant used for awakening the dead. His mouth stretched open as if muscle and bone could not restrain his jaw. Lucia covered her nose and mouth as the stench of rotting flesh filled her nostrils beyond anything she had experienced while in the necromancer’s presence. A black fog poured from Narvauth’s mouth engulfing the Harhn in darkness. 


The shroud of death entered into every cavity, causing the Horgund to spasm and gurgle with unsettling shrieks. She still lay upon the ground, her eyes glued on the horror being unleashed upon their adversary. When she caught her breath and fully regained her senses, she realized the black fog was not fog at all. Her eyes widened in fright and awe as the swarm of insect-like apparitions invaded the Harhn’s body. When his struggling ceased, Narvauth released his grip, allowing the limp body to plummet to the ground.


Lucia rolled on her back and gave a quick prayer of thanks, enjoying the air flowing freely through her lungs despite the stench of decay that shared every inhale. She stared at the stars twinkling in the clear sky, and aside from being drenched with the smell of the graveyard, she felt at peace. She had fulfilled her role, lifting a heavy burden that sat so heavily upon her shoulders. But regardless of her moment of satisfaction, she knew there was more to do.


Lucia was startled when Narvauth approached. His skin was paler, almost glowing underneath the moonlight.


"My lady," he said, extending his bony hand to her.


She took it, surprised at the strength hoisting her from the ground. The gaping jaw that released the swarm from the abyss had returned to normal, but she could still feel the residue of his craft emanating from his person.


"Well?" she asked as she applied sorcery to the wound on her shoulder.


"The fullness of the spell has been cast and cannot be undone until I will it so…or negated by means far grander than my own, which is unlikely," Narvauth said with a near smug tone.


"It appears to be working," Lucia said, observing the host of knights as they charged into the panicked mob.


"Of course it’s working," he said, admiring his handiwork before turning to Lucia. "You did well, Viscountess. I trust you are all right?"


Lucia caught his eyes peering at her nose. She became self-conscious, wiping the blood away with her sleeve. "Yes…I’m fine. What now?"


"I shall have my share of ale before retiring for the evening. Then…I shall make for Verslund upon the dawn."


"But there is another Horde at Yalveth. There is still much to be done," she said.


"Indeed. But I must answer to my master just as you must answer those within the Order," he said calmly.


"But…the army needs you," she said, surprised how the words flowed so freely from her tongue. Just minutes before she had loathed his presence, but now she despaired from the thought of his absence.


The necromancer chuckled, his pale fingers moving a straying strand of hair from her face. "The army is in good hands, my lady. They have you."




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BLURB:
Steel and sorcery clash as the Harhn incursion sweeps through the Hugue. Mankind faces its greatest peril without the Order Knights of legend to defend them. Crusading deep in the frontier, the Order is unaware of the savage beasts threatening their homeland as the Hugue realms muster their armies for war.
Between a cunning Harhn sorcerer, and an alliance forged with the decadent Darkfey, the horde threatens to extinguish the domains of men. Only Lord Baudouin and Lady Lucia, a Dragon Maiden from the Order, stand in the enemy’s path. One must find the strength to unify the realms. The other must discover the strength within her, while coming to terms with the agendas of her Order. But only together will there be any hope to repel the onslaught, and preserve the future for a mysterious girl they do not know. 
Chapter excerpt: http://twilighttimesbooks.com/ShadowsofKings_ch1.html
Author Bio:
Jack Whitsel is a native Californian, but has made Oregon his home since 1982. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Finance from Portland State University, but studies medieval history in his spare time.  His favorite genres are fantasy and historical fiction with a medieval emphasis. Shadows of Kings, the first novel of the Dragon Rising Series is the love child born of these two passions.
“I love the elements of fantasy when mixed with the gritty aspects of a medieval society,” states the author.
Website: http://www.jackwhitsel.comBlog: http://jwhitsel.wordpress.comFacebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shadows-of-Kings-Book-one-of-the-Dragon-Rising-Series/119975978113722
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JackWhitsel

The Power of Stories Guest Blog and Giveaway with Guillaume Wolf

The Power of Stories (Why I write)
Hi, this is Guillaume Wolf “Prof. G,” author of the newly released supernatural thriller, The Last Arakad. Before we start, I want to thank Fang-tastic Books for inviting me to guest blog; it’s a pleasure to be here.
So today, I’d like to talk with you about the power of stories.
As I write these lines, it’s “bedtime” at my house. In the background I can hear my wife Joanne reading a story to our baby girl, Margaux (8 months old)—a story about a dog with spots. It’s a sweet melody, only echoed by the clicking sound of my fingers running on the keyboard.         And as you read these lines, I’d like to invite you to remember your past: what stories did you hear as a kid? And more importantly: how did they influence you?         As a child, I remember listening to my mom reading Greek mythology—dramatic stories of Gods, fantastic creatures, and struggling human—all joined together (for better or worse) in impossible adventures. Later, as a teen, I read my own books: Stephen King, Isaac Asimov, J.R.R. Tolkien, or H.P. Lovecraft. Through school, I read French literature (I grew up in France so it came with the territory); I really enjoyed the plays of Molière, and the poetry of Charles Baudelaire. I was also interested in American novels, like the darker worlds of William S. Burroughs or Philip K. Dick.         Over the course of my life (I’m 42 now), I’ve read thousands of stories in books, watched thousands of stories in film, listened to thousands of stories in music, and heard thousands and thousands of stories in the news.         My guess is, in your own life, you’ve been exposed to the same amount of stories as I have.          It turns out, you and I are story-bound.         So I’m asking the question again: how did these stories influence you?         Maybe more than you think . . .          Here, I’d like to share two funny anecdotes. When I was a kid (living in Paris in the 80’s), I remember watching a thriller called Looker (1981)—a very silly film taking place in Los Angeles. Today, I live in Los Angeles, and a few months ago, I decided to watch this movie again—a blast from the past. I literally gasped when I saw the hero exploring an intriguing futuristic-looking building. This was the Art Center building where I now teach creative skills every week! It seems I now live inside this story (well, almost).          Recently, I was watching a 1989 Woody Allen movie called Crimes and Misdemeanors that I’d seen once when it came out. I double-gasped when one of the characters tells about a journalistic piece about creative geniuses called “Creative Minds.” For the past few years I’ve been meeting top-creatives and interviewed them for a magazine feature I’ve called . . . You’ve already guessed: “Creative Minds”! (BTW: this series lead me to write my book on reinvention and creativity, reDESIGN: reCREATE check it out http://redesignrecreate.com)         So as a recipient (reader/watcher/listener) of stories, I know how powerful they can be. Stories entertain us. Stories inspire us. Stories remind us our lives can be meaningful. Stories open new doors of possibilities.         Which leads me to talk a bit about my role as a storyteller/author. My novel, The Last Arakad, is an entertaining magical thrill ride—but it’s also a powerful story of about life, loss, magic, and claiming your own power. It’s “entertainment with depth” as one of my readers told me.          The “depth” comes from the numerous hurdles I’ve encountered in my own life—and how I synthesized these experiences and put them back into the story. Somehow, this is why I write. I want to share stories that make a difference—because I know, no matter how bad things can be—there’s always hope, and storytelling reveals this window of hope.         Did I succeeded in making a story that entertains and inspires?         I certainly hope so; but it’s not for me to decide. This is why I invite you to read The Last Arakad so you can tell me if I succeeded.
Now I’d love to hear your comments: What stories influenced your life? How?         
THE LAST ARAKAD
by Guillaume Wolf “Prof. G”


Do you believe in destiny?


When sensitive Maya moves with her brother Thomas from Los Angeles to Paris hoping for a better life, she has no idea that everything is about to dramatically change. 


What starts as an initiation into the age-old Arakad magical tradition takes an unexpected turn when a wave of brutal murders shatters her world. Caught up in an ancient prophecy, she finds herself at the center of a ruthless battle between good and evil in which humanity’s future is at stake. 


When all hope is lost and she becomes the final target of a sinister clan, will Maya learn to trust herself and her own power? Or will her own fears prevail?


BIO


Born in Africa (Sénégal), raised in Paris, France, and currently living in Los Angeles, California, Guillaume Wolf “Prof G.” embodies the spirit of the 21st Century “global village.” 


Guillaume has spent decades exploring the transformative power of symbols, archetypes, and creativity (and their relationship with the everyday world); and this passion inspires his writing. 


Guillaume’s background includes among others: creative director; branding consultant; and teacher of communication design at the prestigious Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.


He is the author of reDESIGN: reCREATE, a book about reinvention and creativity. The Last Arakad is his first novel.


Guillaume lives with his wife and daughter in Los Angeles, California.


To learn more about Guillaume Wolf’s books and discover additional content, collectibles, and behind-the-scenes bonuses, visit www.Arakad.com


Meet Guillaume on Facebook at www.facebook.com/profgpage.


Web: http://www.arakad.com


Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profgpage

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview with Mysti Parker

Can you tell readers a little bit about yourself and what inspired to write in this particular genre?
First of all, thanks so much for having me here! For those of you who don’t know Roxanne, she is awesome. I don’t know how she keeps so many irons in the fire, and so well! 
This is my second tour with Bewitching Book Tours. Between this blog, the tour business, her writing, and everything else, she somehow manages to run it all smoothly. My hat’s off to Roxanne!
As for me, I’m a full-time mom of three (four if you count my husband). I earned a biology degree back in 1998, but decided to stay home when we had our first child on New Year’s Eve of 2001. At this point in time, I’m busy keeping my kiddos busy while they’re out of school.
I’ve loved romance ever since the book ‘Jane Eyre’, and fantasy ever since ‘The Hobbit’.  The writing bug bit me in 2009 and told me to write a combination of the two. So I did. And here I am!
What is it about the paranormal, in particular elves, that fascinates you so much?
It all started with a little 45 record and read-along book called “The Hobbit”. Orlando Bloom in his role as Legolas in the film version of Lord of the Rings sealed the deal. Basically, I thought elves needed more screen time. I wanted more than just their portrayal as perfect, whimsical beings. I wanted to dig up the skeletons in their tidy closets.
You can read more about that in a guest post entitled, “Elves Are People Too—A Love Story”, which you can find here: http://blog.sarahmakela.com/2012/06/guest-author-mysti-parker.html
What inspired you to write this book?
Serenya’s Song came about because Jayden was so brokenhearted at the end of A Ranger’s Tale . I really felt bad for him, and decided he needed another chance at happiness. Besides that, I knew I wanted to continue these books as a stand-alone series, so I wanted one character from each book to become the next hero/heroine for the following story.
Please tell us about your latest release.
Serenya’s Song is a story of second chances, for both Serenya and Jayden. He’s moved to Summerwind to escape a broken heart. As fate would have it, he meets the enchanting Serenya Crowe in a tavern called The Wasted Witch. Her piano music and sultry voice instantly captivate Jayden, who just happens to be a musician too (in addition to his role as a secret agent). It’s pretty obvious from the start that these two are the perfect match.
But as usual, nothing comes easy for Jayden. And certainly not for Serenya, either. She’s married to the cruel and manipulative Earl of Summerwind, Sebastian Crowe. From that first encounter in the tavern, things spiral out of control, with Jayden eventually discovering a portal that could spell disaster for the town AND that Serenya is much more than she appears. He’ll have to make the toughest choices of his life, which could cost him more than just a broken heart.
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 try to base my names off the particular race of the characters. High elves, for instance, will have more formal sounding names, like Caliphany Aranea or Juliana Livendell. Wood elves’ names involve elements of nature, like Jayden Ravenwing, & Zephyrus and Shade Windsong. Half-elves have names that sound half-way human, as in Serenya Barnaby-Crowe or Galadin Trudeaux.
Was one of your characters more challenging to write than another?
They’re all pretty equally challenging for different reasons. I do remember having a hard time getting Sebastian Crowe’s character nailed down in this book. He started off as just a big, mean brute. But, on a lovely date night, hubby and I watched the movie “Water For Elephants”, and all of a sudden, I knew exactly what Sebastian was missing. He grew to be a wonderfully complex, manipulative character, and still managed to be sympathetic, even for a villain.
Is there a character that you enjoyed writing more than any of the others?
That would probably be Lillyanne Sawyer, a spunky halfling that also migrated over from A Ranger’s Tale . As Jayden’s partner in the Leogard Intelligence Organization, she really knows how to keep him on his toes. And she’s funny—I was so glad to have her around to lighten up the mood of this rather dark fantasy. 
What is your favorite scene from the book? Could you share a little bit of it, without spoilers of course?
Toward the end, there’s a ballroom dancing scene where the voluptuous Alyss, who’s been panting after Jayden from the beginning, cuts in and makes him dance with her. She suggests finding somewhere they can “be alone”. By this time, Jayden’s too much in love with Serenya to even consider sleeping with another woman, AND he’s about to try and save Serenya with a planned covert operation. Alyss just can’t understand why he keeps turning her down…until she comes to her own conclusion. All I can say is that Jayden is forced to take a hit to his ego so Alyss will leave him alone. I still laugh over 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?
Tallenmere is a lot like our normal world. They exist on a 12-month calendar, though the months are named for dragons and gods. Their seasons and climates are similar. Civilization is generally medieval in terms of technology, clothing, and transportation.
What makes Tallenmere different are the characters. Along with humans, you’ll find elves, halflings, trolls, goblins, ogres, and races yet to be revealed. Magic is everywhere, but not everyone can utilize it. Bits of “modern” life can be seen now and then. Characters drink coffee as well as tea.  Healers take blood samples and give injections. You might see someone writing with a pencil instead of a quill. Several unique plants and animals call Tallenmere home too, and you’ll see a healthy dose of those throughout the series—the biologist in me just couldn’t resist!
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 am writing each book with the intention of them being stand-alone reads. However, one character will move from the preceding book to star in the next, like Jayden. As far as story arcs, in Serenya’s Song , for instance, you’ll see references to what happened in Book One ( A Ranger’s Tale), and you’ll even see some other main characters coming back, yet knowing that whole story isn’t pivotal to understanding what’s happening in this book.
But, as my bookmarks say, “I Betcha Can’t Read Just One”!
Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? How do you deal with it?
Oh yeah! With summer here, the series-writing bug is buzzing somewhere else. He must be afraid of the unexplainable noises and screaming from upstairs. So, I’m focusing on writing things for this blog tour and flash fiction. I spend time doing stuff with the kids, or I do one of the gazillion chores that need to be done around here. I’m never bored.
Do you write in different genres?
So far, the only novels I’ve published are fantasy romance, but I’ve written short stories and flash fiction in all sorts of genres.
Do you find it difficult to write in multiple genres?
Not really.  If the writing bug guides me to an idea, I go with it. It’s actually creating a decent final product that’s the difficult part.
Other than writing, what are some of your interests, hobbies or passions in life?
I love my blog and coming up with fun things to do on it, like my May Flash Fiction (MFF) contest and 10,000th Hit Giveaway. I’m also crazy about my kids, cats, and chocolate.  Currently, my favorite TV shows are American Idol and True Blood. My favorite movie is “How To Train Your Dragon”, with “Ever After” a close second. And I adore a good book that I can’t put down.
What was the last amazing book you read?
I just read Mike Mullin’s Ashfall , which is a teen dystopian novel that I reviewed for SQ Magazine. It kept me riveted, and you can see my review for it July 1 at: http://www.sqmag.com/
Where is your favorite place to read? Do you have a cozy corner or special reading spot?
Probably in the car, while hubby is driving. But, I read wherever I get a chance to sit still long enough.
What can readers expect next from you?
Hearts in Exile , Book Three of the Tallenmere Series, will be available (hopefully spring) of 2013. Here’s a blurb to whet your appetite:
In the fantasy world of Tallenmere, fate has a way of catching up with you...
Somewhere, hidden in the waters of the Southern Sea is an island unlike any other. Within the amber glow of its pyrogem-laden cliffs, legend says the very heart of the dragon god Drae keeps the island, and its occupants, alive.
Loralee Munroviel, daughter of Leogard's High Priestess Arianne, had no idea what she would face when she arrived by boat ten years ago and was left alone in exile. All she knew about Draekoria's inhabitants was written in one tattered notebook. Now, her life revolves around keeping Drae's descendants happy. Never once did she imagine being a dragon keeper.
Captain Igrorio Everlyn, known as Sir Robert to his unit of Holy Paladins, has faced his share of hell, battling the evils of Emperor Sarvonn's tyranny and the dark god, Tyr's abominations. But nothing compares to the ten years of hell he's been without Loralee, presumed dead, struck down by a minor version of the Great Plague that took his mother and countless others years ago.
One freak storm changes everything. Now the two of them must fight to reestablish the delicate balance of the island before the dragons take things into their own hands. Through it all, they discover the secrets that kept them, and their hearts, exiled for a decade.
Where can readers find you on the web?
Email: mystiparker@yahoo.comUnwritten
Twitter: @MystiParker 
Facebook Page Goodreads Page 


A Ranger’s Tale : Melange Books, Amazon, Barnes and Noble,Smashwords 


Serenya’s Song : MelangeBooks, Amazon

Would you like to leave readers with a little teaser or excerpt from the book?
Certainly. This is from Chapter One , when Jayden first spies Serenya as he steps into The Wasted Witch:
I stepped through the door. Soft piano music and the voice accompanying it—angelic, rich, soulful—stilled my footsteps. I finally made my way inside and slid onto a stool at the bar. The bartender, an aging human with a partly bald head and pot-belly, asked me what I wanted.
 “Gingerroot tea, please.” I couldn’t take my eyes off the ebony-haired girl singing at the piano.“That’s my daughter, Serenya. Lovely, isn’t she?” He retrieved a teapot behind him, added water, and set it on a small stove.
 “She is.”
 “Where is the one who holds the key? Where is the one who’s made for me?”
I’d heard the song she sang before, but the words had never resonated within me like this. I shifted in my seat. If I listened long enough, I feared her voice could unearth every secret I had. But, I had no intention of leaving now. I liked a good challenge.
“I’ve journeyed high, I’ve journeyed low, to heaven above and hell below.”
 Slightly pointed ears indicated she was half-elven, but she didn’t resemble the proprietor at all. I studied her white skin, pale as the ivory piano keys she commanded so well. Lustrous, black hair fell in waves over her shoulders. Rose red lips wrapped around each word of the song. An irresistible light sparkled in her eyes. Pure joy. I knew that feeling all too well. Very few women had even come close to understanding my passion for music. A familiar longing settled over me like an invisible net.
 The teakettle whistled. The bartender filled my cup. “Haven’t seen you before. Don’t get many wood-elves down here. What’s your name?”
 “Jayden Ravenwing.”
 “Douglas Barnaby. Welcome to the Wasted Witch. New in town or just passing through?” “Just moved from Leogard.”
“Then, welcome to Summerwind, too. It’s just a spot in the road, but I think you’ll like it here.”
 “Thanks.”
 He nodded and walked away to serve other customers. The spicy aroma of fresh ginger met my nose as I sipped and listened. Maybe this would be a decent town to reside in after all.




Serenya’s SongTallenmere Book Twoby Mysti Parker
Blurb:
In the fantasy world of Tallenmere, no one ever said love was easy...

Serenya Crowe may be a half-elf commoner, but she's no ordinary woman. With the ability to interpret dreams, and a birth defect that forces her to wear gloves, she’s endured small-town gossip and the cruelty of her husband, Sebastian, The Earl of Summerwind. All she's ever wanted is to live a quiet life and raise a family. When she meets the new stranger in town, her world and her heart, are turned upside down.

Wood-elf Jayden Ravenwing is an ex-secret agent who wants nothing more than to forget matters of the heart. He left the bustle of Leogard and his failed marriage to make a fresh start in Summerwind. He never planned to fall in love again, especially with the enchanting Serenya Crowe.

When a strange portal opens on the Crowe property at the edge of town, Jayden is thrown into an investigation, knowing that if he fails, Serenya and everyone in Summerwind may die.

Together, he and Serenya must overcome an ancient evil, and their own inner demons, to save Summerwind and find the love they've always dreamed of.
Amazon

Author Bio:Mysti Parker is a full time wife, mother of three, and a writer. Her first novel, A Ranger’s Tale was published in January, 2011 by Melange Books, and is the first in a fantasy romance series. Mysti reviews speculative fiction for SQ Magazine and is the proud writer of Unwritten , a blog voted #3 for eCollegeFinder’s Top Writing Blogs award.
Links:
Email: mystiparker@yahoo.com
Unwritten
Twitter: @MystiParker
Facebook Page
Goodreads Page
A Ranger’s Tale: Melange Books ,   Amazon , Barnes and Noble , Smashwords
Serenya’s Song: Melange Books , Amazon , Barnes and Noble

Six Things to Take on a Faerie Hunt Guest blog with Luna Lindsey

We all know the tools for hunting vampires.  It’s a pretty short list, and you may already have the basics in the trunk of your car.  (Or maybe you’d rather the vampire hunt you so you can just surrender to his embrace.)
So you hear something go bump in the night and you creep cautiously to the window, weapon in hand, and slowly peek out… 
Put that wooden stake down.  It won’t do you a bit of good against a faerie.  Garlic will only make your meat more tasty and that holy water is full of toradh he can convert to glamour and use against you. 
So what truly scares a faerie?
1.       Iron.  Before the invention of ironworking, faeries ruled the earth as gods.  The bronze and stone of the previous ages were warm and living.  Iron represents the cold, hard, and unforgiving “new” technologies that brought cities, complex monolithic religions, and centralized governments.  In the absence of belief, the old gods lost power and became faeries, and much later, even the faeries themselves receded at the mercy of humanity’s waning belief. 

Iron is the essence of the destruction of faekind.  An iron net will burn and cripple a faerie.  An iron blade will render his soul apart.  But it must be wrought iron, not steel.  Raid your local antique store, because true wrought iron hasn’t been made in five decades.  If you have a blacksmith on your team, he can convert old iron scrap into all kinds of interesting weapons, including iron shot for guns.

In a pinch, an old railroad spike will do.  Use it like a wooden stake – if you can get close enough.
2.       Disbelief.  Like iron, disbelief is the antithesis of the fae.  They are made of human dreams and nightmares.  Their magic dissolves under the pressure of cold logic.  Faeries are impossible, right?  Tell yourself lies if you have to, because what you don’t believe can’t hurt you.
3.       A dreamer.  Faeries consume the toradh, or energy, that comes from talented artists and creators.  In spite of or because of that, dreamers make excellent spellcasters.  As long as there is a little glamour around, a dreamer merely has to believe hard enough to bring her imagination to life.  The trappings of ritual can boost a dreamer’s belief – so bring some rhymes or candles or a pretty amulet.
4.       Magic items.  In the past ages, the fae have imbued a few physical items with glamour, and these relics can come in handy when your dreamer is indisposed or abducted.  Beware:  Fae relics are as capricious as their makers, and can backfire.  “Lucky” items can also carry great power, like four-leaf clovers, misprinted coins, and rabbit feet.
5.       A clever mind.  The fae are very cunning creatures.  Contrawise, they can be easily fooled, if you happen upon their blind spot.  Your best bet is to outwit them.  Most faeries are bound to keep their promises, at least within their interpretation.  Wording is everything.  If you can remind the faerie of her promise, and convince her it means what you want it to mean, you’re safe. 

Depending on the ilk of faerie, you have other crafty options.  Some faeries are bound when you give them gifts, or when they’ve done something nice for you, or when you finish their sentences, or when they’ve injured you in a way they didn’t intend.  Know your folklore, so you can identify what kind of faerie you face and what his weaknesses are.  Keep on your toes so that they don’t end up outwitting you.
6.       True Names.  You’ve heard the story of Rumpelstiltskin.  It is no mistake that stories like this abound in the lore.  Knowing the true name of a faerie gives you absolute power over them.  The only problem is that faeries keep their names hidden.  What we can learn from the lore, however, is that the fae can be proud or careless.  Just stay alive long enough for them to slip up.
Sandy and Jina run a secret society to hunt faeries.  Sandy has quite the collection of iron weapons, traps, and cages.  Studious Sandy is a natural at disbelief, and Jina is the dreamer.  They are both clever, but you’ll have to read Emerald City Dreamer to see if they will be clever enough…
On my blog tour this month, I will discuss other lists of things you need to know about faeries, including a list of why you should be afraid of them in the first place.  Check my blog for links!

Book Details Word count: 124,000 Genre: Urban Fantasy Amazon Kindle Price: $3.99 Available from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk ASIN: B007L9CTEI 
Jina and Sandy survived the unthinkable. Now they've set up a secret Order in Seattle to fight the impossible - fairytale creatures born of human nightmares and nourished on dreams. 
Their tools: iron, lore, science, glamour, and support groups. As beginners, without access to the ancient societies of faerie hunters, they must rediscover how to protect themselves. And in order to fight the fiends of the world, Sandy must take control her inner ghosts. 
As a dreamer in a rock band, Jina unknowingly feeds the fae and attracts unseen enemies at every turn. Now, they're finally on the tail of at least one dark monster bent on evil. She is a dreamer, so she must follow her heart - but which way does it lead? 
Jett is an elf who only wants to protect her hodge-podge clan of faeries from the encroaching world of science and religion - which have systematically slaughtered her kind and the beliefs that gave birth to her people. True dreamers are rare beings, and when she finds them, she does everything she can to protect them and claim them as her own. 
Ezra is a teenager who never feels comfortable in his own skin. Most people like him well enough, but when he looks in the mirror, he sees a demon. He has been taken in by the Garbage Eaters, who expect obedience and purity. Before long, he suffers a crisis of faith that may lead him into real danger. Delve into this deeply developed, internally consistent world of the fae, and meet beings who are simultaneously alien, elegant, and terrifying, fueled by dreams and the creative energy of artists. 
Glimpse the secret world of Tir Nan Og through the eyes of fully fledged four-dimensional characters living in a Seattle that is just a bit weirder than you think. 
This is a story with psychological depth, a page-turner with unexpected twists and turns. 
When prey hunts, who will lead the chase, and who will run? 
Buy at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Emerald-Dreamer-Dreams-Streetlight-ebook/dp/B007L9CTEI 
YouTube Video Author Reading of short story Right After Feeding Time: http://youtu.be/0q-ckzF0Jyw 
YouTube Videos http://www.youtube.com/user/JamGrrlLuna/videos


About the Author:
Luna is mostly a Washington native, however she was born in Salt Lake City, UT. She grew up in the Tri-Cities, Washington, spending time between the three cities of Richland, Pasco, Kennewick, and outlying town Benton City. She grew up reading her father's sci-fi collection, which included many classic authors like Isaac Asimov and Orson Scott Card. She was homeschooled, and as a child was into piano, model rockets, astronomy, physics, 4H, Girl Scouts, writing, giving speeches, computers, and raising rabbits. 
She started attending cons and playing RPGs in her early 20s. In 2003, Luna moved to Seattle. She lives a weird life and loves to geek out and delve into many topics. Her interests are many, and sometimes she forgets all the things she knows how to do. Luna worked for many years in the IT field, mostly in the computer software industries, before quitting to write full time in 2010. She has written over thirty short stories and three novels. 
Website and Blog: http://www.lunalindsey.com 
Facebook Author Link: http://www.facebook.com/LunaRLindsey 
Amazon Author Link: http://amazon.com/author/lunalindsey 
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4122401.Luna_Lindsey 
Library Thing Author: http://www.librarything.com/author/lindseyluna 
Shelfari: http://www.shelfari.com/o1515028607 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/lunalindsey