Alison DeLuca's Blog, page 2

Lorelei's Lyric: #Mermaids and #NewBookRelease

If Lorelei sings, someone will die.
Her beautiful voice once cost a life. Still, music is her passion. What’s a mermaid to do? Run off and live vicariously through mortal musicians!
Unfortunately, gorgeous rocker Vance Idol almost succumbs to her siren call after his show in Nashville. Not that Vance cares—not since his girlfriend’s fatal overdose left him with a supersized death wish. Lorelei makes it her mission to undo the damage and help this talented and charismatic man on the eve of his band’s big break.
But saving a mortal man is a dangerous proposition. Lorelei could far too easily lose her heart, and quite possibly her immortality, during her American holiday. Bad boy Vance might be worth the risk.
Can their love survive his attitude, her fins, and an Evil Pixie with a grudge against them both?
Available from Amazonin eBook and paperback formats.

Praise for Lorelei’s Lyric:
Lorelei’s Lyric is brilliantly clever with its unique blend of Southern humor and poignant mermaid mythology. Modern-day Siren, Lorelei, traveling to The Music City of Nashville? One helluva great premise that hooked me at page one! I fell in love with this shape shifting Siren and her romance with aspiring rocker Vance Idol. One of those rare books that will have you laughing and sighing and crying, touching your heart just as great music touches your soul. A must read!
—Debbie Herbert, USA Today bestselling author of the Dark Seas series (Siren’s Secret, Siren’s Treasure, and Siren’s Call)
Lorelei's Lyric made me swoon! A perfect blend of mermaid magic and rock-star grit, Sieders' charming, irresistibly sexy tale gives us a love story to believe in. I can't wait to read more!            —Jeri Smith-Ready, Award-winning author of Requiem for the Devil, the WVMP Radio series, and the Shade Trilogy





D.B. Sieders was born and raised in East Tennessee and spent her childhood hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, wading barefoot in creeks, and chasing salamanders, fish, and frogs. She and her family loved to tell stories while sitting around the campfire.
Those days of frog chasing sparked an interest in biology. She is a working scientist by day, but never lost her love of telling stories. Now, she’s a purveyor of unconventional fantasy romance featuring strong heroines and the heroes who strive to match them. Her heroes and heroines face a healthy dose of angst as they strive for redemption and a happily ever after, which everyone deserves.
D.B. Sieders lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, two children, two cats, and her very active imagination.


You can find D.B. Sieders on her Website, Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.

Suffer the Little Children - Read it Now on #Wattpad

"After the death of his wife, Simon Fuller moves to a new home, with his two daughters. One day, his daughter introduces a new imaginary friend - Nathaniel. She 'gives' Nathaniel to her father, telling him he can keep the boy "forever". Simon tries to find out who the boy really is, but is unable to. Questioning his daughter, she tells him, again, that it's Nathaniel, but he prefers to be called by his nickname, Mr. Boogie."

Tied in to the Sinister movies, you can read Suffer the Little Children now on Wattpad.

Written by the author of Mr. Composure and Sin, Suffer the Little Children is the newest offering (for FREE!) from Shaun Allan.

Maidenhead

I'm all about the Dark Fairy Queen, so when she announced a Midsummer contest for flash fiction I dove in. Many thanks to the DFQ for dreaming up the challenge; I had a blast re-imagining a certain Scottish ballad as a modern business takeover.


Maidenhead
Janet marched to the door of Carterhaugh Inc. and swiped the entrance portal with the pad of her thumb. Naturally, it didn’t work, so someone had already changed the master code.However, they didn’t know about the hack she had hidden in the program years ago. Janet keyed in SERPENT, and a series of doors whispered open to allow her entrance.Her quick, angry footsteps echoed in the hallway. Janet was spoiling for a fight. She was rewarded by a dark figure holding a long object resembling a sword although, when she approached, she saw it was a laser pointer.“Castlehaugh is mine,” she announced. “Get out, and take your cronies with you.”“Fae Enterprises took over 51% last night…” the shade began.“Yes, under hostile conditions. I already filed papers to remove the lines of text you added after the contracts were signed.”He tilted up his chin. The light revealed a severe jaw and long, black hair. “I serve Fae in all respects,” he said. “Take your generous payout and leave.” Tam Lin by Jill Karla Schwarz To be honest, it wasn’t bad advice. No one went up against Fae and survived the encounter. The rumor was Fae was in bed with Hellbore, the controlling interest behind the new, lightning-quick Aethernets. “I’ve opposed company dogs before,” she smiled. “We have recordings of your company’s process.” Janet’s invention, installed secretly in the long meeting chamber, monitored blood pressure, heart rates, and breathing patterns of Fae’s CEO and COO. She also had bargained with the lawyers so those recordings could be used in court.“You’ll never win against Fae…” The man’s gaze flickered. Janet prepared for her final attack. “The Halloween Ball this weekend is still on,” she said. “I’ll pick you up. White car.”A rumble erupted from his chest, the purr of a deadly lion. “You plan to offer me your maidenhead, perhaps?”She grinned at the old-fashioned word and his lapse of judgment. “Long gone, I’m afraid.”“White car,” he repeated, and she knew she had him.“You never told me your name,” Janet said.“I think you already know who I am.”She couldn’t hold back her laughter. “I do. Until Saturday night, Mr. Lin.”

Frost by Erin Latimer - #CoverReveal

Frost by E. LatimerExpected: August 25, 2015 by Patchwork PressBook Description: Megan Walker’s touch has turned to ice. She can’t stop the frost, and the consequences of her first kiss are horrifying. When her new powers attract attention, Megan finds herself caught up in an ancient war between Norse giants. One side fuelled by a mad queen’s obsession and an ancient prophecy about Ranorak, the other by an age-old grudge. Both sides believe Megan to be something she’s not. Both sides will stop at nothing to have her. Fire or frost. It’s an impossible decision, but she’ll have to act soon, because the storm is coming.  
 
Pre-Order Links:Amazon | Kobo | Apple |Amazon UK | Amazon Canada About E. Latimer: Erin Latimer is a young adult fantasy writer who currently resides in Vancouver, BC. She writes books, makes silly vlogs about writing with the YA Word nerds, and reads excessively. She has had an article featured in Chicken Soup For the Soul, and another in the Dear Teen Me online anthology. But mostly she writes about murderous queens and the magical teens who fight them. You can find her online at elatimer.com/
This Cover Reveal was organized by Patchwork Press. 

Cover Reveal: Mountains of the Moon by @cjjasp Connie Jasperson #coverreveal

Welcome to the cover reveal for the new epic fantasy, Mountains of the Moon. by Connie J. Jasperson.

Charged by the goddess Aeos, Wynn and his companions bicker and bumble their way through the Mountains of the Moon. Danger, mystery, and dark prophecies chase them through a gauntlet of jagged peaks and deadly traps.Can they survive the dark secret hidden in Tauron’s crumbling castle before his minotaurs overrun Neveyah?
The Gods are at war, and Neveyah is the battlefield.


Excerpt from MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON by Connie J. Jasperson:
The two prisoners heard heavy footsteps approaching, sounds that seemed to echo down a long passageway and stopped outside the door. A tired sounding voice said, “Well, your lordship. Did you feed them and give them water?”“Of course I did,” replied the baron, in a quavering tenor. “I live, Jenner, but only because I serve. I understand that well.”“They’re awake then. Those two soldiers of Tauron roughed them up pretty bad. Should I call Grakken to heal them now?”The old man’s tones were sardonic. “Yes, you should. Your tame minotaurs were far gentler on them than they’ve been on some of the others, which isn’t saying much. At least these two big fellows have enough slack in their chains to be able to feed themselves and piss in a bucket.” His tones were scathing.  “They’d better not have hurt them too badly. These two must be in good health for the ceremony tonight,” muttered the earth-mage. “Grakken is expecting a visit from High Priest Kandek today. The high priest will be pleased to have a real sacrifice to offer up on his new altar tonight instead of the usual miserable rabble.”“I’m sure ‘the miserable rabble’ would have been glad to hear that if they’d survived your boss’s little frenzy the other day,” replied the old man. “Speaking of which, if we’re done here, I have to go and check on the one that does remain. I’m sure despite the ruckus of the other day, Grakken still has plans for her and wants to keep her alive even though he has these two fine specimens for tonight’s festivities, so….”“Well, go about your duties then. I’m going to sit here just to keep those freaks from Serende from getting any ideas about using these two for sport. As soon as he’s awake, I’ll let Grakken know they’re here, through our link. He’ll be worried about their safety.” “He should be worried about those soldiers, Jenner. They’re bored, and there’s nothing worse than a bored minotaur. Just so you’re aware, the woman likely won’t live through the day after their gentle courtship of her. You only have your minotaurs to blame for that. But it’s not my job to worry about the health of his sacrifices, especially since Grakken himself seems to be so careless with them.”

AND HERE IS THE BEAUTIFUL COVER:


    Connie J. Jasperson lives in Olympia, Washington.  A vegan, she and her husband share five children, a love of good food and great music. She is active in local writing groups, an editWORLD OF NEVEYAH series by Connie J. JaspersonMountains of the Moon- Danger, mystery, and dark prophecies, lie deep in a gauntlet of jagged peaks and deadly traps. Can Wynn survive the dark secret hidden in Tauron’s stolen castle before the Bull God’s minotaurs overrun Neveyah?TOWER OF BONES, series based in the World of NeveyahThe gods are at war, and Neveyah is the battlefield.This epic fantasy series opens with Tower of Bones, and follows Edwin Farmer as he journeys deep into the lands claimed by the dreaded Bull God, in an attempt to rescue a girl he has only met in his dreams.Forbidden Road takes up Edwin’s story six years later. When four mages are sent into the shadowed lands claimed by the mad priest of the Bull God, who will return unscathed? Sorrow, peril, and magic await in the Valley of Mal Evol. OTHER BOOKS BY CONNIE J. JASPERSON Huw, the Bard, a novel that takes you to the world of Waldeyn, and a medieval alternate reality. Fleeing a burning city, everything he ever loved in ashes behind him, penniless and hunted, Huw the Bard must somehow survive. Available as an ebook and in paper.Tales From the Dreamtime – a novella consisting of three modern fairy tales told in a traditional style. Available as an ebook, in paper, and as an Audiobook, narrated by the wonderful voice actor, Craig Allen.

Connie J. Jasperson on Twitter: @cjjasp Connie J. Jasperson on WattPad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/ConnieJJa... J. Jasperson on Linked In: www.linkedin.com/pub/connie-j-jaspers... J Jasperson, Author on Facebook  - https://www.facebook.com/cjjaspersonLife in the Realm of Fantasy (Connie J Jasperson’s Author Blog)  http://conniejjasperson.wordpress.comThe Best in Fantasy Book Reviews – http://bestinfantasy.blogspot.com

Cover Reveal - Girls Can't Be Knights by Lee French

I really love the cover for Girls Can't Be Knights by Lee French, and after reading the blurb I can't wait to get my hands on the book:

Portland has a ghost problem.
Sixteen-year-old Claire wants her father back. His death left her only memories and an empty locket. After six difficult years in foster care, her vocabulary no longer includes "hope" and "trust".
Everything changes when Justin rides his magical horse into her path and takes her under his wing. Like the rest of the elite men who serve as Spirit Knights, he hunts restless ghosts that devour the living.
When an evil spirit threatens Claire's life, she'll need Justin's help to survive. And how could she bear the Knights' mark on her soul? Everybody knows Girls Can't Be Knights.
*****

Lee French lives in Olympia, WA, and is the author of several books, most notably the Maze Beset Trilogy, The Greatest Sin series (co-authored with Erik Kort), and assorted tales in her fantasy setting, Ilauris. She is an avid gamer and active member of the Myth-Weavers online RPG community, where she is known for her fondness for Angry Ninja Squirrels of Doom. 
In addition to spending much time there, she also trains year-round for the one-week of glorious madness that is RAGBRAI, has a nice flower garden with one dragon and absolutely no lawn gnomes, and tries in vain every year to grow vegetables that don’t get devoured by neighborhood wildlife.
She is an active member of the Northwest Independent Writer’s Association and the Olympia Writer’s Coop, as well as serving as the co-Municipal Liaison for the NaNoWriMo Olympia Region.

Darker Places by Shaun Allan - Preorder now!

Darker Places: Shaun Allan, the author of Sin and Dark Places, returns with another delicious collection of nightmares, served them up with his usual original brilliance. You can preorder Dark Places now on Amazon, Smashwords, and Kobo. 

Here's the description:
 What if you could steal the final moments from the dying?  What if you had the darkest secret, but couldn’t think what it might be?  What if you entered the forest in the deep of the night.  Who is the melting man?  And are your neighbours really whom they appear to be?So many questions.To find the answers, you must enter a darker place.  Thirteen stories.  Thirteen poems.  Thirteen more doorways.Publication date: May 1stLinks:Amazon: http://getbook.at/DarkerPlacesEbookSmashwords: http://bit.ly/DarkerPlacesSWKobo: http://bit.ly/DarkerPlacesKobo

Excerpt from Heart Search 3 Betrayal plus #Giveaway

Carlie's final piece to the Heart Search trilogy comes out soon, and while I am sad to see the series end, I was delighted by the last book, Betrayal. The saga of  vampires and witches was crafted with meticulous detail - you can see Carlie's sure touch in each stroke, every character.
Beautiful cover!
Today I'm presenting a rather racy scene from Betrayal. Enjoy!
*****
She reached up and wound her arms around his neck, her fingers playing with the strands of hair at his neck as she kissed him back. Neither of them had any idea how long they stood locked in their embrace, their kisses growing ever deeper and more passionate, nor did he care. Erika, on the other hand, acted her part as convincingly as possible. Max’s hand crept under her top and made circular movements on her bare skin, each circle gradually moving lower until his fingers were brushing just inside the waistband of her trousers.
Erika pressed her body into his, moulding herself to his shape. She couldn’t help but notice his manhood now stood firmly to attention. Max was encouraged by this and grew bolder. He slipped one of his hands round to the front and began to move it up her stomach and toward her breast. She firmly pulled his hand away and murmured “Not yet.” He kissed her deeper still and placed his hand on her breast outside of the material and began to caress it.
Inside her stomach churned. If she were still human, she was sure the bile would be rising to her throat. Feeling his grubby hands on her skin made her flesh crawl and she forced herself to suppress the shudder of revulsion building within. Enduring his lips on hers was a form of torture; all she really wanted to do was sink her teeth into them and rip them from his face. Erika had to keep reminding herself why she was permitting this travesty and it hardened her resolve.
Outwardly, she tried in her weakened state to continue to respond to Max’s kisses and play with the hair at the nape of his neck, but knew she would soon have to end his fun. She didn’t want to play out her hand too soon; it had to be done in increments so he kept coming back for more. Her plan, which she had spent untold hours refining, relied on him being under the spell of her womanly wiles; it was the only weapon at her disposal and she intended to use it to full effect.
As she felt his hand begin to move under her shirt and start to lift it, she feigned her knees buckling and pulled away from him, sliding to land in a crumpled heap on the floor. He knelt beside her, his brows knitted together as concern flared in his eyes.
“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Max tenderly brushed the hair back from her face as he stared down at her.
“I-I’m not sure. I just feel so weak and light-headed.” Erika’s voice was frail and she fluttered her lashes as if she were struggling to stay conscious.
*****
 And here is the giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway   Carlie Cullen, the author. Isn't she gorgeous?
Blurb for Betrayal:Joshua, Remy, and the twins are settled in their new life. However, life doesn’t always run smoothly. An argument between Becky and her twin causes unforeseen circumstances, an admission by Samir almost costs him his life, and the traitor provides critical information to Liam. But who is it?
As Jakki’s visions begin to focus on the turncoat’s activities, a member of the coven disappears, and others find themselves endangered.
And when Liam’s coven attacks, who will endure?
Fate continues to toy with mortals and immortals alike, and as more hearts descend into darkness, can they overcome the dangers they face and survive?*****You can find Heart Search 3, Betrayal on Goodreads and Amazon.Carlie Cullen runs a website and can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon.

#Giveaway Going on Today at 12:45 pm EST http://bit.ly/NovSecrets

Head to Novel Secrets to hand in your entry into this contest:

Guess the number of candies in the jar below. Whoever posts the closest number first wins a 5$ Amazon gift card as well as Kindle copies of Hunted Heart and Unremembered Things.

YOU MUST POST YOUR GUESS AT THE Novel Secrets EVENT AT 12:45 EST

ANDDDDD here's the candy bar:

Mmmmmmm! So how many of those bad boys are in the jar?

Review of Heart Search 3: Betrayal by Carlie Cullen and #Giveaway

As the story of Remy and Joshua came to a close, I realized how much I would miss their universe, so ably created by author Carlie Cullen. Her clear prose and character development made this paranormal trilogy stand out in a crowded field.
In Heart Search: Betrayal, Cullen has hit her stride as an author. The plot arcs are handling with a deft touch, revealing several fascinating stories at once. Jakki, who was one of my favorite characters in the second book, has a large part in this section. Remy and Josh have their own story to bring to a conclusion, as well as Remy’s identical twin, Becky.
There is the internal political conflict within the world of vampires, and this leads to the main betrayal of the title. A shadowy Phoenix masterminds a terrible kidnapping, developing one of my favorite parts of the story. Erika, a minor character, must survive a terrible ordeal – one she handles with intelligence and grace.

Betrayal is an ongoing theme in the book. Becky feels betrayed by Remy who, in turn, feels betrayed by Joshua. All of this interacts in a fascinating web of development, complete with another set of twins with strange powers, birds who listen and respond to Remy, and the history of vampirism.  image courtesy of deviantartIn the end it is a sense of self that raises the characters above their circumstances. Remy comes to terms with her new identity as mother, wife, and vampire, while Becky discovers something very interesting about the family’s past.
This multi-layered tale unfolds so effortlessly it’s easy to miss the mastery behind the writing. Cullen’s prose drew me in and made me get lost in the story.

It’s always a satisfying but sad moment when a series comes to an end. I’ll miss Remy and Joshua, but I’m certain Cullen has more for us up her sleeve.

AND HERE IS THE EXCITING GIVEAWAY:

Complete with amazing prizes - woo to the hoo! I mean, just look...




at these gorgeous...


prizes...

And that's just a START of the amazing stuff Carlie's handing out!

a Rafflecopter giveaway