Krista Ames's Blog, page 122

Book Blitz: Morrigan

Morrigan
Laura DeLuca
Shuffled from place to place in the foster system, Morrigan doesn't know the meaning of home. Plus, she is different. She has power over fire, the ability to move objects with her mind, and glimpse into the future. Just when she believes her life can’t get any stranger, she discovers her true identity.
 Filtiarn, a knight with a dark past and a surprising secret, has been tasked with guiding the heir of Tír Na NÓg through countless perils to be returned to her family. Once Morrigan has been reunited with her mother and grandmother, their triad can save the forgotten land of magic from being devoured by an ancient evil.
 Buy Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Smashwords




 
Excerpt: “Guardians!” A low snarl emanated from the back of his throat. “What are you doing with Guardians?”
 “Stop it! Sit down!”
 Morrigan wasn’t sure who she was addressing, the man or the animals. Luckily, they both obeyed her command. She stepped in between them to avoid any further confrontations. The cats took a seat on either side her legs, but their posture hardly relaxed. They still glared warily at the newcomer, even though their hisses died down to an occasional soft growl.
 “Dirty, filthy beasts!” Tiarn snarled as he climbed to his feet. “I hate Guardians.”
 “They’re just little cats,” Morrigan told him. “What’s the big deal?”
 “Just cats! Hah!” He was standing at a careful distance, even though they had started licking their paws nonchalantly. “They are much more than simple cats! Though even those I find distasteful.”
  Morrigan narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean?”
 “Never mind. It does not matter.” Tiarn dismissed her question with a wave of his hand. “They are not coming with us.
  “They most certainly are coming!”
 Tiarn growled again. “I beg to differ with you, Your Highness. They would only get in the way.  Possibly even get killed.”
 Danu raised her head from her grooming to hiss at him again, as though she had taken that last statement as a personal threat. The strange reaction of her faithful sidekicks made Morrigan wonder again just how much Tiarn could be trusted. She also wondered why, when she wasn’t sure she could trust him, she still felt the undeniable urge to wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him.
  “If they stay here alone, they’ll definitely get killed or at least sent to the pound,” Morrigan told him. “I can’t let that happen. So, they’re coming. End of story.”
 Tiarn’s eyes flashed dangerously, and he looked like he wanted to argue, but thought better of it. “Very well, Princess. Bring your mongrel felines. Just keep in mind that Guardians and lycans do not mix well.”
 “Lycans?” Morrigan repeated.
 A sick feeling started to settle in her stomach, as the truth of his words sunk in. It all started to make sense—his hairy arms and chest, his reaction to the cats, even his earlier comment about smelling her out. Her dark knight had a much darker side than she had ever seen in her dreams.
  “Why yes, Your Majesty. Did you not realize? You are a witch and a sorceress. And I, your faithful traveling companion, am a lycan—a werewolf.”

  About the Author:Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart.  In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years.  Her current works include Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, Phantom, Morrigan and Player.
  Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Today we have the fabulous Taryn Kincaid :) H...

Today we have the fabulous Taryn Kincaid :)
 
 
Hi Taryn, great to see you !  Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Here’s the new “Bio” I’ve been playing around with:  Taryn Kincaid lives in beautiful Bora Bora.  Or wishes she did.  When she's not parasailing up and down the Hudson River, taking care of her aging pet walrus, or volunteering at the local animal shelter [oh, HELL, no], she loves to arrange her voodoo doll-pin collection and practice chanting.  Taryn is dedicated to eradicating the kardashians and Honey Boo-Book from the face of the earth, along withThe Bieb and sparkly vampires.  At this moment, she is busy adjusting the tin foil to throw the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) off her trail.  She hangs around a lot onFacebook and Twitter with her trillions of fans and popsin at Goodreads from time to time.  You can catch her onher website, http://tarynkincaid.com, and her blog, http://dreamvoyagers.blogspot.com where she lives for comments!  What do you think ? 
Hmmm, you know I think you have something there , doesn't sound bad at all !!  So tell me, what did you want to be when you were growing up or did you always want to be a writer?
Most of the time.  I did lapse a little from time to time, when I thought it  might be nice to be president of the United States. Or queen. 
Oh QUEEN has always fascinated me too, or at least being in a royal family like that. Not that you couldn't be Queen or President but you do the writing thing very well !   When did you first start writing?
Early. And often. One of my first works was “The Weatherman Saves the Day.” It involved astronauts and the Itsy-Bitsy Spider. With beautiful illustrations. On construction paper. My first published work, you might say. Sort of self-published.
Very nice :)  Kids are so creative at a young age.  You should try publishing that as a children's book now....  What is a typical writing day like for you? 
Don’t actually have typical writing days. If there is nothing on the screen, nothing at all, just the big white document of death, I cannot seem to sprinkle pixels except on certain Saturday mornings. If there is already something on the page, requiring slashing or burning, I can do that, if I must, at night. But I generally work on weekends, if I am not distracted by social media and emails, and tend to pack it in around 3 or 4 pm. Yes, I’m totally disciplined. (I do not recommend this method for anyone. Not anyone. Including me.)
I don't think it's a bad thing at all to follow a specific routine like that.  What is your favorite part of writing?  Is there anything you don’t like about beinga writer?
I love the beginnings. I really love the endings. I don’t mind edits.  I hate, hate HATE promotion.
I'm totally with you on the promotion.  It just takes up so much time.  What is your favorite length of book to write?  (Short story, novella, full length novel)
All my published books are novellas. The full-length novels are friends with the dust bunnies. (You will note I did not say plot bunnies.) I enjoy that length. Get in, get out. My original critique partners would be amazed because in the beginning I tended to overwrite. Really, really, really overwrite. (See what I mean?) Why pick only one metaphor or simile or adjective when 16 will do?
Why?
I like the crispness. The sparseness. The discipline imposed upon me to write leaner and sparer. To get in, get out.  Short as the 1Night Stands are, I recently wrote and submitted a short story for Decadent Publishing’s The Edge series. It’s only about 20 pages. LOVED writing it.
I actually like novellas and shorts myself.  Is there a to-be-read waiting on your bedside table?
Let me put it to you this way. I have a Kindle (my second, having worn out the 1st), a Kindle Paperwhite, a Nook and an iPad. (Don’t judge.) They are carried around in my work bag, my handbag and stashed in various rooms of my home. Every time someone on a social media site says, “Oh, look, free,” or…”I really, really LOVED this book,” my reaction is “Shiny!” Click. Download. 
Ok, now for some fun, I have a few personal questions...
Favorite 5
1)  FavoriteHoliday: Halloween. Well, I write erotic paranormals, what else would I say? FROST is a Valentine’s story,though. So there’s that. Who doesn’t love chocolates?
2) Favorite Drink: Aside from coffee? Currently, my mixed drink of choice is a Dark & Stormy. (And not just  because my last two releases were Lightning and Thunder. LOL!) You make it with Gosling’s Black Rum (if you can’t find it, another dark rum will do), ginger beer and a slice of lime. Yum. And tingly on the tongue.
3)  Favorite Author: Too many to choose.
4)  Favorite Book: Again. See above.
5)  FavoriteAnimal: Steak.
And for a bonus:  What is a typical mood for you?  And is your mood different when you’re writing?
I am mainly crabby.  As anyone who knows me in real life can attest.

Where can our readers find you?? 
Email: taryn@tarynkincaid.com Twitter: @tarynkincaid  https://twitter.com/TarynKincaidFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tarynkincaid1   and https://www.facebook.com/TarynKincaidAuthorPage

Website/blog: http://tarynkincaid.com Amazon author page: Taryn Kincaid  
  http://www.amazon.com/Taryn-Kincaid/e/B0051R2YEW/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4414704.Taryn_Kincaid TRR:  http://www.theromancereviews.com/mypageprofile.php?location=TarynKincaid

Manic: http://www.manicreaders.com/index.cfm?disp=editAuthorPage&authorEditPage=bio
 
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
FROST…A 1Night Stand story from Decadent Publishing. (Sleepy Hollow Book 3)
Here’s the Blurb and Excerpt:
Dagney Night, a sought-after succubus, is no stranger to blazing hot sex. But as Valentine’s Day approaches, she longs for something more. When oddly erotic paintings arrive for display at her art gallery, arousing everyone who views them, she wonders about the mysterious artist who created the works.
Maxwell Raines, a fire-sex demon, lives a life of solitude and seclusion behind the walls of his compound at Sleepy Hollow, channeling his lustful impulses into his art—until his muse deserts him and his temperature rises past the danger point. He needs sex. Now.
When Madame Evangeline arranges a torrid Valentine’s 1Night Stand for them, will the flames of their encounter be too hot to handle?
 
EXCERPT:
 Dagney followed her sister’s glance, and her heart flipped like a gymnast unable to nail a vault. Darkness swathed the gallery with the exception of the lights above or below each of the paintings. The large man emerging from the shadows held her rapt. Waves of pure, unadulterated lust smacked her with such force she didn’t even see Lily and Campbell leave. The blast of raw desire crumpled her to the floor. Her gaze remained riveted on the tall hunk of ferocious male stalking toward her, radiating undiluted carnality. He set something carefully on the floor and grasped her by the elbows, his touch surprisingly gentle when he lifted her to her feet.
“I’m Maxwell Raines.”
Yeah. No kidding. Who else could a guy so hot, so studly, possibly be?
She told herself not to swoon. Ordered herself not to swoon. But, Goddess, that rumbling voice. More potent than a train barreling over the tracks. And he smelled so good. Sinfully masculine. A bit of musk, a bite of pine, an essence of dark, smoky nights. Sexy scents. Reminiscent of tangled satin sheets that had been given a good work-out.
Her legs turned to rubber, and she doubted they’d support her on their own. She’d be mortified if he’d have to scrape her puddled body up again. But he hadn’t yet relaxed his grip. Could she bullshit her way through the meeting without collapsing? “You’re late,” she said.
“I’m never late.”
“Well, the party’s over, Mr. Raines.” She waved a hand around the empty room.

“Depends on your perspective.”

“You’re big on perspective, are you?”
“I’m a painter.” A brief shrug accompanied his blunt words. “Obvious connection.”
“Right. But as you can see, everyone’s left.”
“You haven’t.” He gazed down at her, a black brow flaring. “And you’re what I’m here for.”   Buy Links:   Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Decadent | ARe| Smashwords | BookStrand | CoffeeTime Taryn Kincaid, i LOVED having you here today :)  You are so fun and an absolutel riot !! Readers, make sure you get Taryn's latest, Frost and don't forget about Lightning and  Thunder, books 1 and 2 in the Sleepy Hollow Series as well.     Sleepy Hollow Series ~ Decadent Publishing Buy Link  Until next time, happy reading !! Krista 

Author, author...

Today we have a special post by Rachell Nichole......



Hey Krista, 
Thanks for having me stop by today to talk about my book, An Affair Across Times Square. I have cooked up a little something special for you and your readers today. I’m going to interview Tyler Lachlan, the hero of this book.
 1 - So, Tyler, tell us a bit about yourself, please.
Sure. First let me say what a pleasure it is to be here with you all today and thank you for asking me to come by for an interview. All about me, huh? Well, let’s see. I grew up in Brooklyn with my awesome mom and little sister Mandy. Now, I’m a lawyer for The Innocence Project, based in New York, and I love it. I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of my niece, though Mandy lives in Paris now, so I won’t be seeing her right away.
 
2 - You seem very close to your family. What about your dad? I noticed you didn’t mention him.  
Well, my dad passed away when I was a kid, so I don’t really talk about him much. It’s been me, Mom and Mandy almost as long as I can remember. I have a few really great memories of him taking me to a ball game or two when I was young. He was a die-hard Yankees fan. And now I am too.
 
3 - That’s so sad about your dad. I’m sorry to hear that. He sounds like he was a great guy. What was it like growing up in a household with only females, then?
Interesting. Real interesting. Mom was a bit of a hard-ass sometimes, trying to keep us in line. Mandy and I were pretty close, but she was my little sister, so it my job to protect her. Mom, too, for that matter. I learned real quick when to keep my mouth shut, that’s for sure. Nothing like being ganged up on by your mom and little sister when they wanted something or just felt the need to prove me wrong!
 
4 - I’m sure. So how about some more basic questions, a little more surface, less personal?
That sounds good. Nothing like baring my soul on the internet for everyone to see.
 
5 - What’s your favorite color, movie, sexual position?
Wow, so much for less personal questions. That last one’s a doosy. Let’s start with the easy ones. My favorite color is green. Like the bright green of the grass at Yankee Stadium. Favorite movie’s a little harder. This is going to sound awful, and all kinds of unmanly, but here it is. I think out of my top three, one of them would have to be Pretty Woman. It’s not my fault. Mandy watched that damned thing so many times when we were younger, that I actually came to like the movie quite a bit. But the other two favorites are more recent movies that I love as an adult, not because of all the nostalgia and stuff. I really enjoy action movies. And I’m a huge Denzel fan. So Training Day and Safe House.
Now on to your crazier question…. Um, all of them? I mean really, how does one pick a favorite sexual position when they’re all so damned good? I will say, though, that pretty recently I’m pretty taken with from behind, but mostly because I know it drives Layla wild. She loves it. 
 
6 - Well, then. I guess I lied when I said they were going to be less personal. So sue me! Who’s this Layla person?
Layla’s my girlfriend. We’ve been together a few months now. She’s terrific. The love of my life, certainly. And we’re very happy together.
 
7 - Wow. That sounds pretty serious. Getting married anytime soon?
We haven’t really discussed that yet, actually. So I’m going to plead the fifth on that one.
 
8 - Fair enough. Can’t blame a girl for asking, though, can ya? How did you and Layla meet?
Oh, that’s an interesting answer. Through the window, actually.
 
9 - That’s rather vague for an interesting answer. Come on, can’t you give us even a little bit of detail?
If you insist. I spied on her through her hotel room window. Only it was not creepy or even vaguely stalker-like, I swear. She was entertaining herself and I happened to be across the street and see her. And when she saw me, seeing her, she just kept on going. The rest is history. I set my sites on seducing her and not even her determination to keep me at arm’s length could discourage me.
 
Sounds like one for the history books. Well, Tyler, thanks so much for coming by today. I wish you and Layla the best of luck.
Thanks, Rachell.
 
Well, there you have it, folks. Straight from the character’s mouth. I love all my characters, but Tyler and Layla are two of my favorites. I had a blast creating them and then getting to know more about both of them as I wrote the book. For more information on Tyler and Layla and their story, stop by www.RachellNichole.com
An Affair Across Times Square is on sale now wherever e-books are sold, but here are the direct links…
Amazon: http://amzn.to/ZURxhD
Loose-Id: http://bit.ly/OALcBV
B&N: http://bit.ly/WgMfbB
Fictionwise: http://bit.ly/Rq8BW5
All Romance ebooks: http://bit.ly/T6Drrh
Sony Ebooks: http://bit.ly/WYf6WV
 
What do you think, ladies and gents, is Tyler a worthy hero? Would you kick him out of bed for eating cookies? I sure wouldn’t. I would like to give away one free copy of the book to a lucky commenter who leaves their e-mail address below!  Ooh, I for one would never...i'd be serving him those cookies :)  Rachell, thanks so much for bringing Tyler here and I can't wait to read more about he and Layla !! Readers, don't forget to comment with your email address! Until next time, happy reading !! Krista

Author, author... spotlight!

Obsession   by   Tamaria Soana        Is there anywhere safe when you're the object of someone's obsession?  Alexandria Stevens is a New York Times best-selling romance novelist.  After she makes a guest appearance on a popular TV talk show, she creats a Twitter account.  Within a few short weeks she meets a fan, and they become fast friends...or that's what Alex thinks.  When Alex finds herself being stalked, the person she leasts suspects is her new friend Jillian.  What she doesn't know is that Jillian has been obsessed with her for years.  She wants everything Alex has, even her husband. Content Warming:  sexual situations, adult language, violence  



Excerpt:

Alex went into her study to answer some emails and go over the script for her movie again when the doorbell rang. Knowing Hudson was on a conference call, she went to answer it. She looked out the window to find a deliveryman with a long, white box. Her heart melted, Hudson had flowers delivered for her. He was always so romantic and thoughtful. God, she loved him.

Alex opened the door and signed for the flowers. As she took them to the kitchen to place them in a vase, her mind wandered to all the ways she could thank Hudson properly after his conference call was over. Her favorite one involved her being down on her knees. Alex couldn't wait to see and smell the beautiful flowers. Giggling, she untied the ribbon and anxiously lifted the lid.

She screamed and dropped the box. It was filled with a dozen black roses, a purple plastic butterfly attached to one stem. Fear rocked through her body as she remembered the note left on her car. Like a butterfly, a wild butterfly. I will collect you and capture you. Alex fell to the floor and wrapped her arms around herself.

"Alex, oh my God. Are you okay? What happened?" Hudson asked as he placed his arms around her trembling body.

She pointed to the black roses. "I thought you sent me flowers," she stuttered in between her sobs.

Hudson looked at the roses with confusion, then Alex pointed to the butterfly and told him about the note she'd found on her car and how Colleen said it was nothing, probably a sick prank.

"You should've told me, baby. I'm calling your father, this isn't just a prank." Hudson dialed Anthony, Alex's father and a police detective. Hudson held her tight and assured her that he wouldn't let anything happen to her and they would find out what was going on.

Anthony was at his daughter's side within fifteen minutes with two policemen in tow. He asked a few questions and took the flowers for evidence. Alex just clung to Hudson as her father lectured her for not telling anyone about the note that had been left on her car. He was upset that the note had been destroyed, because there could've been forensic evidence on it that would help them figure out who was doing this.

Alex looked into her father's eyes, he looked both angry and conflicted. She knew this had to be hard on him. He had to be both her father and the detective on the case. He assured them he would try and keep a lid on it for as long as possible. Alex let out a moan knowing what would happen if the media found out about it.

Hudson asked Anthony about the possibility of the police providing some sort of security for Alex. She objected, saying she didn't want to be babysat. Her father quickly dismissed her objection, stating it was a good idea and he would arrange regular patrols of the street. He swore to her that he would catch the psycho who was stalking her. He hugged her before he left, which took Alex by surprise because he never showed emotion.

When everyone was finally gone, Hudson got Alex some water and two sleeping pills. Soon she was in bed wrapped in Hudson's arms. Although she was both emotionally and physically exhausted, she felt safe next to him. She sighed and snuggled as close to his warm body as she could as she wiped away a tear and drifted off to sleep.

Alex woke to her cellphone ringing over and over again. Who the hell keeps calling? She moaned as she grabbed her phone from the bedside table. When she looked at the screen and saw who the caller was, she rolled her eyes.

"Mom?"

"Oh my God, Alexandria, are you okay? Why do I have to find out from the media that someone is stalking my daughter?"

Alex just let her mother rant—no good would come out of trying to stop her and explain things until she had it all out of her system.

"And a movie deal? Why am I the last to know everything? Well, I'm waiting."

"I'm sorry, Mom. I was going to call you today. Things have been a bit crazy. What do you mean you heard it from the media?"

"It's all over the entertainment news."

"Christ!" Alex took a deep breath. She needed to focus and find out what was being said. "Mom, I have to go. I promise I'll call you later and fill you in on everything. I need to find out exactly what has been leaked."
 
 
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 ~ January being National Stalking Awareness Month, my Publisher and I decided to lower  Obsession to $ .99 for the month of January ! ~  Beachwalk Press Buy Link      Stalking:  No It. Name It. Stop It. For more information about stalking, visit The National Stalking Awareness Site  About the Author: Tamaria Soana is middle aged, but just feels her life has begun.  She writes sexy contemporary romance stories that always end with a 'happily ever after'.  Growing up she loved to read and make up new places in her head to escape to.  In her late teens she began writing short stories and poetry; it wasn't until her late thirties before she began to spin a full story.   She's married and a stay-at-home mom of two beautiful young girls, they reside in Western New York.  Cuddling up with agood book under an electric throw is her way to escape the cold Buffalo nights. Besides writing, she co-owns Shades of Rose Marketing and hosts a talk show on Talkshoe called Live with Tamarias ~ Giving authors a voice. Author Links:    Site     Facebook Author Page    Twitter   

Book Blitz: Crimson Moon/Twist of Fate

  Samantha Drane Book 1 of the Blood Rose Series – Crimson Moon Alex Brightmore thought he had it all. A wonderful family as well as a beautiful woman who just agreed to marry him. Everything was perfect, until it all came grinding to a halt. After the mysterious disappearance of his bride-to-be and the gruesome deaths of his mother and twin sister, Alex was offered a chance to gain the ultimate gift.Immortality was the gift. The Catch? Spend eternity as a Vampire. Now, as he shielded his heart and swore that he would  never let himself fall in love again, he leaves the safety of London to start anew. But Fate had other plans for him. "Fate" came in the form of museum researcher Jade Stevens. They meet at a party and neither can deny the growing attraction between them. She realizes though, that to love him she must know all of him. No matter what the cost may be. However, hidden secrets and Jade's link to Alex's past haunt the pair, and a former lover from Jade's past puts her life in serious danger. To save the woman that he has fallen in love with, can he truly ignore this Twist of Fate? Buy Links: Publisher / Amazon / All Romance Ebooks /NovelNook


Book 2 of the Blood Rose Series – Twist of Fate Legend states that a Crimson Moon only appears when a new vampire is created. Jade Stevens never thought that this legend would ever apply to her. Six months after losing Alex, she's trying to get her life back on track. Now in charge of the museum's research and acquisition department, she comes face to face with Caleb Stone. She can't deny the raw energy burning between them, but doesn't want to disrespect the memory of the man she loved.As they grow closer both in and out of the office, a long-thought dead figure from Caleb's past re-emerges looking for revenge. Now Jade is caught in a tug of war, where she is the prize. Now, in the wake of a daring attack on Jade that leaves her hovering between life and a miserable undead existence, Caleb risks it all in a last ditch effort to save the woman he's grown to love. Will a Crimson Moon rise tonight? Buy Links: Publisher / Amazon / NovelNook / All Romance Ebooks   About the Author: Samantha Drane is a paranormal romance author that was born in Victoria, BC, spent most of her young adult life on the Canadian Prairies and now currently resides in Halifax, Nova Scotia with her husband of nearly 7 years, their two daughters and three cats. When she's not writing, she's spending quality time with her young family, taking photos with her 35mm film camera, or watching her Edmonton Oilers and Edmonton Eskimos on television. When she was younger, her best friends had always told her that she had so much untapped creativity and it would drive her crazy if she couldn't find an outlet for it. She admitted that the inspiration for Twist of Fate came from a month's worth of dreams. Her first two books in the Blood Rose Series, Twist of Fate and Crimson Moon are being published through No Boundaries Press. Twist of Fate (Part 1) was released in February 2012 and Crimson Moon (Part 2) was released in April 2012. Currently she's working on three new projects. Website / Blog   Excerpt for Crimson Moon: He dropped my wrist, and turned around to face the downtown skyline. Seconds later, I heard a small growl come from Alex. I felt my breath catch in my throat as he turned back to face me. It was like the person in front of me now was a totally different person then who was standing in front of me not less than 30 seconds ago. Everything about him now had an air of dark masculine power. The biggest difference was his eyes. I looked into his eyes and was mesmerized. Alex trapped me in his gaze and held me there. His eyes were a dark violet, with an outer ring of light grey, almost silvery. He had this smirk on his lips, that if I didn’t know any better, was almost predatory in nature. This was all before he opened his mouth to speak. Good God, that voice! I swear if I wasn’t already enthralled by his eyes, then his voice would do me in. I suddenly fought the urge to swoon. His voice had dropped at least two octaves and was raspy, rough, almost like coarse sand. “Is this what you wanted, Jade? Take a good look because this is the true me; the hunter, the predator, hell, I’m the top of the food chain.” As he was talking, he moved around behind me, whispering in one ear then in the other. He now had this bold swagger about his walk that wasn’t there before. It was almost like he owned the place. While I was listening to him, I could feel him sliding one arm around my waist and his other hand trailing down my cheek, burning my skin along the way. I knew at that point, if he didn’t have his arm wrapped around me, my legs would have given out from under me for sure. There was only one word to describe what was going on. It was torture. Specifically; slow, erotic and predatory torture. Thing was, I was helpless to stop it. Everything about him at that moment had me rooted in place, powerless. Yet I still wasn’t scared of him. Even seeing his true nature up close and personal didn’t frighten me. He stepped from behind to face me once again. As Alex faced me, within a blink of an eye, he had pulled me to him, crushing my soft body to his steel chest and pulling my right arm up to his lips. “If you’re trying to scare me, Alex, it’s not working.” He just smiled and brushed his nose against the back of my wrist. “Oh, I know it’s not working, Jade, darling. Actually, it’s doing quite the opposite. But, if I wanted to have you, there would be nothing that could stop me from taking you. You forget, Jade, I can sense emotions and right now, I have you completely defenseless. I could take you into that cozy bedroom of yours and after a very satisfying night…”   Excerpt for Twist of Fate: Getting up and smiling at Jade, Kalieigh took her leave. I turned back to Jade and could think of nothing else but kissing her senseless, so I indulged and did just that. I think Jade knew what I was going to do because as soon as my lips slanted over hers, she pulled me down on top of her as she laid down on the couch. I grinned into her lips and tried to keep most of my weight off her by propping myself up on my arms. She growled and pulled me down hard. I sunk into her and pretty much all was lost. I felt her arms slide up and around my neck and her nails scraping the back of my neck as I moved from her swollen red lips to her neck. I found her pulse point and attacked it softly. I felt her nails sink into my back, right between my shoulder blades, and drag across. The little minx was pushing at my self-control and she knew exactly what she was doing. I pulled up and looked, to find she was smiling wickedly at me. I smirked right back at her. I pulled her arms from around my neck and stretched them out over the top of her head. I felt her struggle, but the more she did, the more I kept her where she was. “So this is how we’re going to play it, hmm? Have it your way, angel…” was all I said to her. Her eyes had darkened to nearly black by this point. “Caleb, for the love of mercy, shut up and kiss me!” I could hear the faint tone of desperation in her voice. The knowledge that I caused this sent a surge of smug pride through me. Releasing her arms, I bent my head and kissed her again, sliding my tongue across her pursed lips, demanding entrance. Jade relented and opened her lips, allowing me access to the blissful warmth inside. I could feel a rumble between us, but, surprisingly, it came from Jade’s throat. I ran my hand slowly up the side of her torso, and up the side of her neck, feeling the muscles tense up. As my hand went back down, I slowed down enough so that my fingers were just skimming her skin. She twisted from side to side to get me to relent, but I wasn’t done with her yet. I leaned in and ran my tongue across the outer rim of her ear. That elicited a moan from Jade that sent sparks down my spine. Suddenly, the noble part of me decided to rear its head. I pulled myself up from a flushed and panting Jade, who was looking up at me with a mixture of heat, confusion and a hint of murderous intent. I closed my eyes, trying to gain a small semblance of control. “If you are having any second thoughts, stop me now because this is the last chance. I want you to be sure Jade.” Jade sat up, grabbed the front of my shirt and jerked me towards her. I could feel the heat of her glare, so I opened my eyes to find her eyes had darkened with desire. Her response came out as a hiss. “The only thought I am having right this second is that if you do not take me upstairs and finish what we started the night of the party, I will personally STAKE you with a silver spike.” The next thing I knew, she had ripped my shirt completely open and was running her hands over my now exposed chest. I hauled her up, slamming my lips on hers and flew us both up to my master bedroom. I pretty much tossed her on the bed, and as I stalked towards her, step by step, we were both losing clothes at a very rapid pace. When I reached the edge of the bed, Jade beckoned with a crook of her finger and a sexy smirk on her face. I crawled up the bed and as I hovered over her body, I thanked every god that would listen for giving me such a beautiful creature to love. Sentiments aside, I leaned down and chuckled hotly in her ear. “I hope you know I have wanted this to happen for a while. Are you ready for a workout? I know I am.” I spent the rest of the night and following day making good on my promise.

Now Available from Still Moments Publishing – Torn

Now Available from Still Moments Publishing – Torn

Author, author...

...read all about it !!  

Today we are

"Romancing the Sass"   

with Nana Malone !! 



Welcome Nana, so great to have you here with us.  Can you tell us a little about yourself?
 Oh I’m just your average Ghanaian/American girl who lives in sunny San Diego with an American husband who thinks my family is crazy.  My Big Fat Greek Wedding has nothing on us.  In my infinite spare time, I chase around my two year old trying to tame her wild mane of hair, try and corral my spunky Scottie and occasionally let my hubby pamper me. 
 
Do real life events find their way into your stories?
 Not often.  Even if I’m using real life events for inspiration, my imagination wants to change it up a little.

 Do you ever mimic family members or people you know when you choose characters?
 Lol.  Of course.  That can’t be helped.  As a writer or story teller, you pay attention to how people move, how they talk.  I do an excellent impression of my mother.  When I finally write that book set back home in Ghana, I’ll be using it for sure.

 Do you find yourself going back to the same inspiration for each story or is it always something different?

Always something different.  All my stories start with me wondering about a particular situation then my mind takes hold of that scenario and runs wild.

 When do you write?  Early morning? During the day sometime or all day?  After the kids go to bed?
 Early morning before I’ve even brushed my teeth yet, I get 1000 words knocked out as a general rule.  Then I write when my Bratlette goes off to preschool until she comes home.

 How do you feel about marketing your book?Not my favorite part at all.  I love my books and want to tell people about them.  But I have feeling like I’m spamming people.  Particularly my readers and fans.


 What social sites do you feel work best for marketing?Uhm, Let’s see, I have gotten good results from Kindle Fire Department and Kindle Nation Daily.


 Do you like to pitch stories to your publisher or do you wait until you have written the story and have a final manuscript to turn in?I wait till I have a story ready before I pitch or submit.  So many times the story I set out to write changes as I go.  I like having that flexibility.


 Is there any other genre that you would love to try writing?  If so, what is it?  I also write Paranormal (Superhero Romance).  I’m a geek girl at heart who has always wished for Telekinetic power.

 Do you always/ever see yourself as the heroine/hero when you write a story?
 
In particular with Sexy in Stilettos, the main Character Jaya was the most like me.  Seriously type A.  Lol

 
Just for fun, I have a few personal questions,  Your Favorite 5
 1)    Favorite Male Actor  - Joe Mangianello (Carnegie Mellon represent!)2)    Favorite vehicle - Tesla3)    Favorite way to relax - Dance 4)    Favorite ice cream – Cookies ‘n’ Cream5)    Favorite outfit – Miniskirt with boots.  There’s something so hot about that combo to me.

 And for a bonus:  If you could pick any place in the world to live, besides where you are now, where would it be?  (Of course, without the hindrance of jobs or money needed)

 Ghana.  I’d love to be able to move back home.

 
Where can our readers find you?? 
 Email:  nana@nanamaloneromance.comTwitter:  www.twitter.com/nanamaloneFacebook: www.facebook.com/nanamalonewriter
 Website/blog: www.nanamalone.
 Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Nana-Malone/e/B0041ENVV6/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
 Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4341612.Nana_Malone



 
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
 Yes! Sultry in Stilettos  is the second in my In Stilettos Series.
 Shy, Fantasy Event Planner, Ricca Munroe has never been lucky in love, so when the latest in a long line of Mr. Oh So Wrongs publicly dumps her, she focuses on her career. All she has to do to land the job of a lifetime is work side-by-side with the one man who can break her heart.

Beckett Mills has never been in love. Personal entanglements are a recipe for disaster—that is until one kiss from Ricca Munroe changes everything. Beckett needs this job to fulfill a promise he made. All he has to do is resist the seductive charms of his best friend.

Can Ricca come out of her shell to land her dream job and the love of her life? Can Beckett trust himself enough to actually fall in love and still keep the promise he made?

Warning: Sexy, sass talking women will make you laugh, cry and want a pair of killer footwear. All purchase links: Amazon, B&N, Kobo, All Romance eBooks

  Excerpt
 “How about a kiss?”
 Both of them whirled and gaped at the unassuming photographer. Ricca’s heart skipped into a trot at the suggestion. Even as she drew in a shuddering breath, she clamped the flare of desire quick. No. Not ever going to happen. That would be all kinds of fuckeduptitude. She opened her mouth for some pat awkward response, but Beckett beat her to it.
 “Yeah, no. I don’t think so. We’re not a couple.”
 The photographer held up the camera. “It’s for the charity kiss auction. Winners of best kiss will get twenty thousand dollars donated to their favorite charity. Are you sure you can’t muster up a kiss?”
 Ricca could practically hear Beckett’s teeth grinding. He needed the money. He’d been dying to rehab an old gymnasium downtown for years. Besides women, it was all he ever talked about. Twenty thousand dollars would go miles toward rehabbing it into a practice pool for underprivileged kids.
 Never mind that she’d only fantasized about him kissing her for a million years. But this would not be that kind of kiss, she admonished herself. It’s for charity, her inner diva whined. But one kiss from him and she’d be in a mess of trouble. He was too much like his brother Braedon.
 ****
 Becket’s heart thudded, and in that breath, he leaped at the idea. Not just because of the charity earnings. He might tease Ricca, but flirting with her was about as close as he’d ever let himself get. She was the one relationship he couldn’t fuck up—wouldn’t fuck up. She was right. It would ruin everything if he kissed her. But God, of the most secret wishes, it was the one he kept closeted under lock and key and under a wardrobe trunk.Still, twenty grand, and he could have that pool open by the end of the year if he busted ass. He already had a few architects he wanted to take a look at the place. All he needed was the start up cash—and to risk his most important friendship for a dream. Maybe it would be fine. Maybe.
 All he had to do was kiss her. Something quick and brief enough to put a holster on any errant fantasy that might crawl its way to the surface, but with enough dramatic flair to win. Geez. He cleared his throat. Maybe if he made a joke of it, it would be okay. “Relax, Ricca. I promise you, I’m very good.” He waggled his eyebrows for effect. Keep it nice and light.
 She wrinkled her brows as she looked between him and the photographer. “You’re kidding me, right? Beckett, this is insane.”
 “This is for charity. And I know just the charity. Help some underprivileged kids get a pool. It’s for the kids, Ricca. I can’t help it if you want my body.” He could only wish.
 She scoffed. “You’re an idiot.”
 “That may be true, but your man has a point. The charity kiss auction has been a Westhorpe Gala tradition for thirty years.” Adele Westhorpe, the hostess and billionaire hotel magnate, interjected as she strolled up to them, looking regal in her shimmer and diamonds. “Besides,” she added, “You’re standing under the mistletoe. You almost have to kiss at this point.”
 Beckett looked up, and his heart kicked again. When he glanced back at the old lady, he would have sworn there was a knowing look in her eye, but it was gone just as soon as he noticed it, replaced by an impassive stare. He cleared his throat. “It’s not me you have to convince.” He inclined his head at Ricca. “I’m afraid she thinks I’m beneath her.”
 Ricca slapped him on the arm. “Would you stop?” She huffed a breath. “Fine. But if you’re going to kiss me, make it good for the camera. Some kids need a pool, or so someone tells me.”
 Beckett watched as Ricca licked her full lips. His body jerked and went rigid. Shit. Breathe. His fingertips tingled with the urge to touch her. In so many ways this was a huge mistake. In so many ways this could ruin everything.
 Too bad he didn’t care.
 Ricca looked from side to side. “Okay, let’s do this.”
 He looked over at Adele Westhorpe, who wore a beatific smile. Fine. He could do this. Stepping into Ricca, he inhaled her scent. Something lemony and sweet. As familiar to him as his own cologne.
 She tipped her head up and gave him a wry smile. “Why do you look terrified?”
 He hadn’t had to think through the mechanics of a kiss so much since he was sixteen. Beckett wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her into his body. She leaned back, and wide, honey-brown eyes stared up at him. He swallowed hard as he walked himself through the technical mechanics. Lean over. Hold her tight. Angle your head. Place lips on hers.
 The instant electric sparks made his brain fuzz. All he heard was the blood rushing through his head. Immediately, they pulled their lips apart and just stared. Under his fingertips, he felt her racing pulse, and his eyes widened. She’d felt it too?
 She puffed out a tiny breath, and he smelled champagne and mint mixed with her lemony scent. He couldn’t have predicted what would happen next. When her lips parted, cohesive thought didn’t even factor. He slid his lips against hers again. Her breath mingled with his and his tongue sought hers. When she tentatively met his tongue with hers, he devoured her. Clamping a hand behind her neck, he held her in place. His hands shifted from her waist to her ass. He held her against him and groaned when her hands tentatively went to his face. The soft, generous curves of her breasts pressed into his chest.
 She made a soft mewling sound, and he immediately deepened the kiss as a low growl rumbled deep in his chest. His libido roared to attention, and his erection throbbed against his tuxedo pants. In this moment, it was him and Ricca, alone and both willing and ready to do something carnal and dirty and—No, they weren’t alone. And he wasn’t kissing some random chick he’d picked up in a bar. He was kissing Ricca.
 His brain gave the command to remove his hand from her ass, but his body rebelled against the instruction. Ricca didn’t help matters when her hands shifted from his face and fisted into the hair at the nape of his neck. An errant thought intruded into his lust-filled haze. Is she pulling you in, or is she pulling you away? Shit.
 He straightened and pulled her upright, separating them. He took a deliberate step away and met her gaze. Her lips, plump and juicy, parted just a little. Her dark eyes were heavy lidded, and her pupils dilated. His body screamed to go back for more.
 Ricca blinked, opened her mouth to speak, then shut it again. Beckett racked his brain but didn’t have the words for what they’d just done. After all there wasn’t a Hallmark for this kind of thing. Sorry I just kissed you like you were some bar girl I picked up in Pacific Beach.
 “Well, if that doesn’t win best kiss, I’m dying to witness what does.” Adele Westhorpe looked pleased with herself.
 Beckett’s fingers twitched, and he still felt the tingles in his feet. There it was, the inevitable urge to flee. Far and fast, away from anything important and serious. But he couldn’t just walk away from her. “Ricca, I—”
 She quickly averted her eyes. “I—um. I’m just going to go. I’ll see you later.”
 Beckett watched as she nearly ran in the opposite direction.
 “Are you just going to let her walk away?” asked Adele.
 “I don’t really have a choice.”


 Nana thanks so much for being here with us!

Readers, Nana is doing a giveaway so make sure you visit the rafflecopter below !!

Until next time, happy reading !

Krista

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author, author...

...read all about it !

  Welcome, so great to have you here with us.  Can you tell us a little about yourself? ~Thank you! So great to be here! Well, my name’s Megan Parker—I normally go by Megan, Meg, or Megatron (lol). I live in a small-town in Upstate NY and am currently attending a local college in a New Media design field. I used to only write dark/romantic poetry and have recently turned my affinity towards poetry to my short stories and novels. Do real life events find their way into your stories? ~ I think all my stories, even though paranormal, have my addition of events that have passed in my life added to them. Do you ever mimic family members or people you know when you choose characters? ~ Definitely. I find my fiancé and family members showing up in characters I make all the time. Even if it’s not intentional, when they start reading it and they say “Hey! That reminds me of so & so.” I realize that I added them unintentionally. Do you find yourself going back to the same inspiration for each story or is it always something different? ~ My inspirations vary from story to story. So, no, I normally don’t keep one inspiration for multiple stories unless it’s a series. When do you write?  Early morning? During the day sometime or all day?  After the kids go to bed? ~ Anytime I find free time. I don’t like to force my writing, so I try to find a relaxing point of the day before I sit down and start blasting my tunes and opening up word. How do you feel about marketing your book? ~ I try to market to the best of my ability. I feel the more marketing you can do and experience, the better exposure for your book. What social sites do you feel work best for marketing? ~ Facebook is number one for sure. I also use Twitter, Tumblr and Pinterest. Do you like to pitch stories to your publisher or do you wait until you have written the story and have a final manuscript to turn in? ~ I usually will have the story set and written before even pitching the story to my publisher. From there, I will judge the reaction and submit. I sometimes will query the idea before writing it, it depends on how the story is pushing to me. Is there any other genre that you would love to try writing?  If so, what is it? ~ Contemporary romance. I normally stick to paranormal but I definitely have been getting struck with ideas that wouldn’t need the paranormal addition t them. Do you always/ever see yourself as the heroine/hero when you write a story? ~ For my novel, “Scarlet Night” I see myself almost looking up to my heroine. She is such a strong character and I really feel she is someone even I’d strive to be.   Just for fun, I have a few personal questions,  Favorite 5 1)      Favorite Male Actor  - Chris Hemsworth (He is FINE!) 2)      Favorite vehicle – Ducati 3)      Favorite way to relax – Lay back on my chair on my laptop and watch movies 4)      Favorite ice cream – Cookie dough 5)      Favorite outfit – My pleated plaid skirt/corset and knee-high boots. And for a bonus:  If you could pick any place in the world to live, besides where you are now, where would it be?  (Of course, without the hindrance of jobs or money needed) ~Alaska. It looks gorgeous and I’d love the quietness of the area.   Where can our readers find you??   Email: Megparker1990@gmail.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/ScarltSorceressFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeganJParkerAuthorWebsite/blog: www.emjayart.comAmazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Megan-J.-Parker/e/B009FV1IA6/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5756932.Megan_J_Parker   Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it? Yes, I have release out now. My first novel in my first series/trilogy, “Scarlet Night” (a dark, paranormal romance) is out now.  Blurb:Zane Murdoch just got a tattoo.
The problem is, the tattoos are a magically infused curse that turns him into a raging beast and the only hope he has of curing it is absolving his rage. Seems simple enough until he and his clan are nearly demolished in a powerful attack. Now Zane finds himself involved in a paranormal battle of mystical proportions and breaking the curse may be a bit more challenging than he thought.
Serena Vailean is alone in the world and quite frankly that's how she likes it…
At least until she finds a way to bring back her dead lover, Devon Thomas. Unfortunately for her, plans have a nasty way of changing and she finds herself thrust back into the world she's been trying so desperately to escape. Her only hope is to seek help from the very people she has gone to great lengths to avoid.
As an epic battle approaches, Serena and Zane must rely on each other and overcome their personal demons if they plan to survive. Unfortunately, caging a demon makes them all the harder to control.   Amazon buy link Publisher:Crushing Hearts and Black ButterflyFacebook-https://www.facebook.com/CrushingHeartsandBlackButterfly?ref=hl
Reviews: I was given this book by the author in return for an honest opinion!
WOW!!! What an epic tale this is and an extremely brilliant one at that! Having read the prequel's to this I was excited to finally be reading the "actual" book!  The character's are excellent and the story that unfolds along the way with Serena, Zane and the other clan-mates is brilliant!  This is paranormal on a  whole other level !!!  Cannot wait to read the second book !!! --Amazon/Janie—  I received this book from Megan in exchange for an honest review and I just have to say THANK YOU!!!

First I would like to tell Miss Megan... YOU'RE KILLING ME! And now that I have expressed my current torture, I can get on with the review.

I started with the prequels to this fabulous book which give a short back story to Vane and Serena and where their lives were at the moment before they met, but even without those very short shorts, you can start from page one of Scarlet Night and have absolutely no problem falling madly in love with these awesome characters.

Vane Murdoch is a vampire with a curse. Though there is no history of why he received this blasted tattoo- which by description alone sounds incredibly hot- we know that he had to have done something horrible. Placed on him by the Taroe, a group of humans with immense magical knowledge, the Curse comes out anytime Zane lets his rage fly, causing him terrible pain, and transforming him into a hideous, powerful beast that's hell bent on a murderous rampage regardless of who is in the cross hairs. After the leader of his vampiric clan, Gregori Vailean, is murdered, the responsibility of finding the lost Heir to the throne is pushed to him. And he's pissed about it.

Serena Vailean is a powerful, sarcastic, foul-mouthed female Auric who ran from everything she'd known after having to much of her father's control, straight into a Hunters arms. After finding love like she'd never known, then losing it in a horrible fire, her life has been reduced to living in a ramshackle cabin in the middle of nowhere, constantly searching for a body for her ghostly lover that stays with her out of love. Or at least that's what she thinks.

When our two hard headed, foul mouth hero's find each other they are instantly attracted, but that doesn't stop the auric fists from flying of course.

We follow Zane, Serena, Zoey- the bubbly Auric with more power than anyone realizes- Isaac, and many others in their journey to save the clan of Vail from Keith, Serena's power hungry, sociopath brother who is hell bent on destroying everything his father ever built.

A powerful love, some of the best shit talking I've heard in a LONG time, awesomely exciting ass kicking, and drop dead Mytho's make this novel one of the best I've read in a long time.

I would give this novel far more stars than allowed, but since they stop at five, that's what I'll have to settle for. Definitely a high recommendation to any that love Vampires, Shifters, smart mouthed hero's, strong females and exciting adventures. (Carrie Perkins-Cunningham /Amazon)    One more thing before we let you leave us...Do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share?  I like to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try and share.   My favorite recipe (and my fiancé’s) is my Chocolate Cherry Bars. Buy 1 package of chocolate cake mix Buy 2 cans of cherry pie filling 1 cake/brownie pan (9x11, etc.) Mix the chocolate cake and the cherry pie as instructed on cake mix. Bake 25-30 minutes (or per instructed on the cake mix—it might take longer due to pie mix)   Drizzle: 2 cups of unsweetened chocolate chips 1/2 cup sugar 3 tbl butter Put all in small pot and low heat until chocolate, sugar and butter is melted into drizzle. Let cherry bars cool and then add drizzle.
Oh Megan, those bars sound delicous, thanks so much !!

It was a pleasure learning more about you !

Readers, make sure you get Scarlet Night, you won't be disappointed.

Until next time, happy reading.

Krista

Author, author...

...read all about it !



Hands on Me
byKim Carmichael

Agent Gwen Fredricks is a living target.  Captured after a failed mission, the code to crack a safe has literally been permanently hidden on her.  To free herself, she must retrieve a final key.   All Agent Colin Alexander has to do to avoid a desk job is get a code said to be on an enemy agent.   He never dreamed it would actually be on the agent, especially Gwen.The simple shoot-and-swoop mission takes a turn for these two sometime-lovers and full-time rivals when they call a truce to give into their desire.  Now with the promise to keep both hands on each other at all times, they share a night together.  Loyalties are tested when Gwen manages to swipe the key away, and Colin discovers the code carefully embedded into Gwen's tramp stamp tattoo in a glow of UV light.  When morning comes they must decide if what they feel for each other is worth betraying their agencies. Amazon Buy Link

Excerpt:"Stop!" A man yelled.The barrel of another gun met her inches from her face. She tensed, not from the gun, but from the familiar inflection in his voice. The position of both their weapons hid the man's face. "Get in and lower your gun, or we'll both lose."                 "Back up and lower yours, or you won't have a hand left." No one told her what to do, not ever again. The click of her cocking her weapon echoed around them. He stepped back. "Get in and close the door."With her gun still raised, she stepped and waited for her opponent to flinch first. "Now." He moved a fraction of an inch.She did the same, and with the silent acknowledgement they would both comply, they lowered their guns in unison. She almost shot herself in the foot at the sight of the man who greeted her. Before she made a mistake, she de-cocked her gun and shook her head. "Colin?" Her body betrayed her by trembling. Was this her punishment?"Gwen." He shoved the gun in his waistband. "You're the one. I would have never guessed."Think. She screamed at herself to remember her training, and not allow him to best her or distract her. She glanced around the room, giving her time to not look at him. Agents were supposed to be everyday people and blend in, but Colin Alexander stood out. From the moment she quite literally fell into his lap through a two-story ceiling three years ago, she wasn't sure why his agency chose such a standout. She supposed his combed-back black hair and golden eyes were some bizarre form of female torture.


About the Author:
Kim Carmichael began writing eight years ago when her love of happy endings inspired her to create her own.  She has a weakness for bad boys and techno geeks, and married her own computer whiz after he proved he could keep all her gadgets running.  When not writing, she can usually be found slathered in sunscreen trolling Los Angeles and helping top doctors build their practices.Website / Facebook / Twitter







 

Book Blitz: Phantom by Laura DeLuca

PhantombyLaura DeLuca
The “Phantom” was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses “Phantom” as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card.
Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars—Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist.
Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty first century phantom finally be revealed.
Buy links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Smashword
 
Excerpt:
The orchestra tuned for its virtuoso, and Justyn stood ready. But no one else was ready for the magical performance he began. Beside her, Carmen was rambling on about something mundane. Rebecca elbowed her to silence so she could listen to the perfectly thrilling tenor. As she listened to the song unfold, the world around her started to slip away. Gone was the high school auditorium. Gone were the rowdy teenagers. The Gothic stranger on the stage had become the embodiment of Erik, and Rebecca watched him in all his dark glory, belting out his tormented love through the words of his song. And she was as breathless with wonder as Christine herself must have been when the masked stranger serenaded her in the candlelit labyrinth of the opera house. In that moment, Justyn wasn’t just portraying the phantom. Justyn was the phantom.
                                               “Let the music touch your soul.
                                                 Let the darkness make you whole.
                                                 Do not fear what is unknown.
                                                 Your true path has now been shown.
                                                 Listen to the words I sing.
                                                 Embrace the peace that night will bring.”
As he continued to sing in his deep but somehow angelic voice, Rebecca found that she couldn’t tear her eyes away from him. With every line, her heart began to beat faster.  She truly felt the arms of night wrapping her in a warm embrace. She could almost feel the hands of the phantom glide along her body as the words poured forth. The music caressed her. It possessed her—mind, body and soul. Each word left her longing, yearning for more.
She was gawking so obviously, it was hardly surprising when Justyn felt her eyes on him and steadily met her gaze. She realized her mouth was hanging open in stunned awe, and she quickly snapped it shut. His lips moved into just a small hint of a smile. He never took his eyes off her while he sang the final verse, making her cheeks flush to the point that she felt almost feverish. But it wasn’t embarrassment but excitement, arousal even, which was sending her mind spinning in so many directions.
When the song was over, and Rebecca had recovered just a hint of her composure, she couldn’t help but burst into a healthy round of applause. A few scattered people joined in, including Debbie and Carmen after she nudged them in the ribs. But only Miss King seemed to truly appreciate the brilliance of his talent as much as Rebecca did.
 “That was amazing, Justyn!” the teacher gushed.
 “Lord Justyn,” he corrected as he stepped down from the stage.
A few others complimented him as well, but he took in all in stride. In fact, his serious expression never faltered as he stepped down from the stage. He seemed almost bored, like it was all he could do to hold back a yawn, despite the smiles and words of encouragement.
But not everyone in the crowd was pleased as Justyn glided down the aisle, so ethereal in his dark garments that he still resonated the spirit of the Opera Ghost. Miss King might have been excited about the newest male addition to her cast after being limited for many years, but Tom and his group of boisterous companions glared at him as he passed them by.  Jay sneered and tossed a balled up piece of paper in Justyn’s direction, but the Goth was quick, and caught it in his hand without missing a beat.
 “I think you dropped something,” he said.
His speaking voice was no less melodic than his singing voice, but something about his tone made Rebecca shiver. He tossed the paper back at Jay, who was nowhere near as coordinated as Justyn. He practically fell off his seat in his efforts to catch it.
 “Hey vampire,” Tom called when Justyn went to walk away. “Are you sure you can handle the competition?”
Justyn smiled, a cool, sarcastic half-smile, and crossed his arms over his chest. “Are you?”
Miss King didn’t notice the short confrontation, and Justyn vanished from the auditorium as quickly and mysteriously as he had appeared. Only Rebecca had noticed the very real tension between the two boys. She wondered if it was a bad omen for them to start off the production with hard feelings and envy. That could only lead to trouble. The kind of trouble that could end with someone getting hurt.  The kind of trouble that Rebecca would do whatever it took to avoid.

About the Author:
Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart.  In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years.  Her current works include Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, Phantom, Morrigan and Player.
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