M.L. Guida's Blog, page 7
February 28, 2016
M.L. Guida’s News: What’s an Undine?
Paracelsus the Mystica first wrote about undines in his alchemical writings and called them elemental beings associated with water. He was an alchemist and believed in the natural healing of the magical world, so he believed they were benevolent in nature. Undines were also found in classical writings, particular in Ovid’s Metamorphoses and later, other writers changed undines into water nymphs.
Even in Greek mythology, undines can be found. They were the sons and daughters of Titan and his wife Tethys. According to my research, sailors considered undines to be more benevolent than mermaids. If you saw Pirates of the Caribbean IV, mermaids lured sailors to their deaths through a sweet song. In Harry Potter’s Goblet of Fire, mermaids tempted the contestants by appearing beautiful then turning into nasty creatures.
In European lore, undines are depicted as being female and found in forest streams, pools, or rivers, but in my story, not only can undines live in fresh water, they also can live in salt water.
Undines are not mermaids. Mermaids have tails and souls, but undines have legs and have no soul. However, undines can obtain a soul if they mate with a human. This is the crux of A Pirate’s Obsession. Of course, I add some twists to the legend.
Both undines and mermaids have the power to manipulate water, but differently. Undines can generate water, manipulate water, transform into water and possess supernatural beauty. Mermaids have the power of the siren to lure men to their watery grave. Since they have tails, they are as fast or faster than dolphins. They also have enhanced senses.
In my story, the undies are whimsical and they wear flowing dresses in the water, so bulky dresses don’t wear them down. I won’t reveal all of Angelica’s powers, because I want it to be a surprise. She has two sisters and each of the sisters will have their own book.
The next book in the series is A Pirate’s Bane which will be Angelica’s sister, Isabella. Isabella’s destined mate is a dragon shape shifter—Leif Black.
February 21, 2016
M.L. Guida’s News: Book club: Jessica Aspen’s The Dark Huntsman
Today is book club. I meet with some fellow authors at a local coffee shop. We discuss the strengths of the book, and the process of writing the book. It’s very casual. We talk, laugh, and yes, sometimes the conversations goes south. Imagine that—a group of ladies getting off topic.
The book we are discussing today is Jessica Aspen’s The Dark Huntsman.
Jessica is a master of writing twisted fairy tales, this one is based on Snow White. She also pulls in the fantasy world of elves, pookas, and Fae. One of the strengths in her book is the pooka—Solanum. Pookas are a creature of Irish folklore. They can bring good or bad fortune, help or hinder people.
In this case, Solanum serves the Dark Huntsman, Logan. Solanum isn’t really a hero or villain. He will follow Logan’s requests, but there’s always a twist. If he was given his freedom, who knows what the chaos he would create. Jessica says he’s amoral. I think he’s your ultimate alpha.
What I like about Solanum is that he is his own person. He will come through in a pinch and I love his wit. Jessica brings him into her second book, Prince of Blood and Bone. I keep bugging her to give Solanum his own book, but he’s not ready. See, his own person. I would keep reading her books to see what happens with Solanum.
Another strength of the book is the love attraction between Logan and Trina. Like all of her books, the sexual tension is intense, but not over the top. One of my favorite scenes in the book is when Trina is feeding fruit to Logan. The descriptions and tension are hot. I’ll never look at raspberries and strawberries the same way.
I would give this book 5 stars.
February 14, 2016
ML Guida’s News: Mega Anniversary and Valentines Party
On February 15th, I will be asking a question on the Mega Anniversary and Valentines Party. It’s actually the game hangman. You have to guess the word before times up!
All this month, I’ve been in group promotion called Chain of Love with five other talented authors: Sam Cheever, Aidy Award, Sandra S. Kerns, and Jessica Aspen.
We all have the same name character which you have to guess. Mine character is one the first page of my book. Cupid mistakenly shoots him with an aversion arrow rather than a passion arrow. You can also sign up to try and win a Kindle Fire.
February 7, 2016
ML Guida’s News: Where is Cameron?
This has been a fun filled month working with Sam Cheever, Holley Trent, Sandra S. Kerns, Aidy Award, and Jessica Aspen. Valentine’s Day is close and in celebration, we are each releasing a book. Look for the books with the Chain of Love symbol in the corner.
The fun thing for you is to find out who Cameron is in each of these books. Sam, Holley, and Aidy have released their books already. In case you haven’t seen them, here they are!
Sandra S. Kern’s Book, A Chance Event, will release on February 9th. My Cupid, Angels of Death, will release on February 11th, and finally, Jessica Aspen’s Cinder, will release on February 13th.
We are also on having a Rafflecopter. You can either guess what character Cameron is or just register for a free bonus entry.
February 1, 2016
M.L. Guida’s News: Chain of Love
I’m excited to be working with several talented authors: Jessica Aspen, Aidy Award, Sam Cheever, Sandra S. Kerns, and Holley Trent. We all wrote a book or novella about Chain of Love which is the subtitle. Our books have different covers and different titles, but in the corner of each book there is a Chain of Love ribbon. Each one of us will be releasing ours books on a different day.
What do all these books have in common? Why, they all have a character named Cameron. If you can answer this question, you can win some great prizes. Check out the Rafflecopter below!
Tonight is the Facebook party, so don’t miss out.
My novella is Cupid, Angels of Death. It’s actually the fourth book in the Angels of Death series. The archangels, Michael and Raphael, are both back, but I’ve added a third one: Gabriel. Also, I’ve elaborated on Michael’s assassins. They’re his elite force to hunt down and kill rogue angels. And of course, the sneaky demon, Balthazar is creating havoc.
Cupid, has a terrible secret—she’s color blind. After accidentally shooting her intended target with an aversion arrow, she tries to fix it by a shooting a passion arrow. But Lethal, the sexy angel of death she has had a crush on forever, blocks her path. Shot by passion’s arrow, he now thinks he’s in love with her.
Lethal knew Cupid was his angel-mate from the moment he saw her. He’s never claimed her because an angry demon promised murder. But when she shoots him with the arrow he can’t keep his true feelings hidden any longer.
The demon makes good on promise and pursues Cupid, but not to kill her. She has a hidden power he wants, one that Cupid doesn’t even know she has. Only true love can unleash her power and by working together, their love will crush the demon bent on destroying them.
In Spring 2016, look for the 5th book, Illusions, in the Angels of Death seri
January 24, 2016
ML Guida’s News: Punishment, Angels of Death
I know I have been MIA in blogging, but I have been busy writing books. I received all the rights back on my Angels of Death books and have re-released them with new covers and updated editing. The latest one to be released is Punishment, Angels of Death.
I really like this story, because Blade definitely has a character arc from the first book, Betrayal. He’s one of my favorite characters. The Archangel Raphael causes all of kinds of problems for Blade and if he doesn’t follow Raphael’s orders, he’ll remain human forever.
I also will be releasing a short story in February-Cupid which is currently up for pre-order on Amazon. This is the fourth book in the Angels of Death saga. I introduce a new segment of Angels both assassins and Angels of Love. And of course, Balthazar, my clever and determined demon is all in the books.
Cupid will be featured in The Mega Anniversary and Valentine’s Party by The Romance Reviews starting February 1st where you can fabulous prizes. I hope you’ll stop by and play.
I plan to release a fifth book, Illusions, in Spring 2016. Look for this new book.
June 7, 2015
ML Guida’s News: Sizzling Summer Party!
Welcome Readers! I hope you’ve been having fun at TRR’s Sizzling Summer Party. Summer is such a fun time to sit down with a good book. Not only can you win a prize for answering my question correctly, but if you sign up for my newsletter, you’ll win a copy of A Pirate’s Curse, the first book in the trilogy. Good luck to playing and have a great summer!
Here’s a snippet with the answer to: What is the name of Celeste’s brother?
“Amadi?” Mademoiselle D’Aubigne said slowly and frowned as if she was trying to remember. “Are you originally from Saint Kitts?”
“No.” Amadi sucked in his gut. Please, don’t let her remember he was once a slave on the Sorcière de Mer. Runaway slaves were swiftly punished—dismembered, lashed, burned.
“No, he’s not.”
Amadi kept his face frozen.
But a huge red blotch formed on Violet’s face. It looked like someone had slapped her and left a handprint.
Mademoiselle D’Aubigne pointed her parasol at Violet. “Violet.” Her voice was sharp.
“I’m tellin’ da truth.”
A similar blotch formed on her cheek, blistering. She rubbed her cheeks and hung her head. “No, no,” she whispered.
“No, he’s not from Saint Kitts?”
“He’s from here.”
Amadi wanted to slap the wench. Did she have any idea what she’d just done?
She raised her head. Tears glistened in her eyes. “I’m sorry,” she mouthed silently.
He blinked. The blotches had completely vanished. What the hell?
Owen slapped him on the back of the head. “You were a slave, here? Who owns you?”
Amadi gritted his teeth. “No one owns me.”
“Violet,” Mademoiselle D’Aubigne said.
Violet wiped her eyes. She glanced between Amadi and Mademoiselle D’Aubigne. “I don’t…”
“Before you answer,” Mademoiselle D’Aubigne said. “Just to let you know, I’ve decided to buy Chloe, and if I see one blotch on that little creamy face of yours, she’ll pay the price. Comprenez-vous?”
This place was monstrous, worse than the bowels of the Fiery Damsel. Not even Quinton Palmer threatened to torture a child.
Violet bit her lip. The same pulling sensation fell over Amadi, and he turned his head, trying to fight it. Willing Violet not to betray him.
Mademoiselle D’Aubigne tapped her parasol on the ground. “I’m waiting, Violet.”
Amadi clenched his fists. Terror pulled into his gut. Don’t say it.
Chloe sniffed.
Violet looked at the little girl. Compassion flooded her eyes. She sighed. “He’s yours.”
The corners of Mademoiselle D’Aubigne’s mouth turned up into a smirk. He remembered that smile.’Twas the same one Jacques gave him before he tortured him.
May 22, 2015
M.L. Guida’s News: Memorial Day Sale
Memorial Weekend Sale
In Colorado, we have been socked in with dreary rain for the last several days so I thought I’d put my recently box set, Legends of the Soaring Phoenix, on for sale for Memorial Day Weekend. I know when it’s rainy days like this, a good book takes you away to another place besides focusing on the dreary weather.
The first three books in the series
I’m still working on the third book, A Pirate’s Obsession, and this one will be a full length novel. This is Ronan’s story and it will come out this fall. I plan on releasing another Vampires on Holiday in July.
I’m not sure when the sun will come back out in Denver. I miss the sun, but it will be a good time to do writing and reading. What’s the weather like in your neck in the woods?
May 1, 2015
M.L. Guida’s Guest Author: April Vine
I’d like to welcome April Vine! Beautiful cover, April. Thank you, M.L. for having me. I’m so thrilled to be here today.
Reclaimed by her Master was both a joy and a boundary-pushing book for me to write. When I first got the idea about stealing someone’s painting and his too and then running away with both, I wanted to take it a little further. What if the person you stole from was a Dom with above normal means of ways to punishment the thief, and so Stephen and Aria were born. At its heart, Reclaimed by her Master is about love standing the test of time and living up to who you really are no matter what you are. My writing process is a bit haphazard at best. I usually write in bursts, or drips and drabs or sometimes not at all. It’s never the same, my only constant is chocolate! Currently though I’m working on my next BDSM title about a Dominatrix and her male submissive.
April Vine’s new book
He’ll catch her in the act—and never let her go. No one breaches the defenses of billionaire Dom Stephen Black—until Aria Swift does just that, stealing a priceless painting from his collection—along with his heart. But two can play that game, and soon a treasured necklace that belonged to Aria’s late mother ends up in Stephen’s skilled, waiting hands—along with a dare to retrieve it… Eight years later, Aria is ready to put closure on her infamous past by meeting Stephen’s challenge. And suddenly, she’s caught in his trap… There’s only one way to master a woman like Aria—and only one place to do it. Stephen’s luxuriously decadent Gold Room is where he’ll mete out her punishment, stroke by excruciatingly ecstatic stroke. Where Aria will submit to his every desire—and find in his touch, in his control, a frenzied yearning, and the ultimate pleasure of surrender…
B arnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/recla...
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebo... I
Books: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/recl...
April Vine is a nighttime erotic romance writer and a daytime professional dreamer. She adores books, chocolates and shoes, and is happiest doing all three at the same time. She lives in a house with boys and a few four-legged furry things and has come to accept both species for the strange creatures they are.
Author links:
Website: www.aprilvine.co.za
Email: april.vine@yahoo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AprilVineAut...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/April_Vine
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/april...
April 10, 2015
M.L. Guida’s Guest Author:
I’d like to welcome Vina Arno!
A Romance Author’s Confession:
I Didn’t Know I Liked Romance Novels
By Vina Arno
Three years ago, if you asked me if I liked romance, I would have said no. I read literary fiction, historical fiction, and the occasional thrillers and mysteries. However, a closer look at some of the books I cherish made me realize that I’m a romance-genre lover at heart. I just didn’t know it because the books I like are categorized as classic literature.
By “romance,” I’m referring to the most fundamental characteristics of the genre: boy meets girl, they fall in love, they face obstacles, but in the end, they live happily ever after or at least happy for now.
Some of my favorites include “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, “A Room with a View” by E.M. Forster, and “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë. I consider Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” a romance because the book has enough love and happy endings involving the March sisters and their beaus.
I started reading romances by contemporary authors in 2012. A year later, I wrote my debut romance book, In His Corner, after 18 years of writing other types of works, including short stories and nonfiction books.
In May 2014, when Lyrical Press, an imprint of Kensington Publishing, accepted In His Corner for publication, I experienced my own happily-ever-after ending as a romance reader and author.
In His Corner Blurb
WORK OUT
No sex for almost a year could kill a guy, but when you’re the boxer known as the Juggernaut, it’s the price you pay for turning pro. Tommy’s fully dedicated to his craft, until he meets the incredibly gorgeous Dr. Siena Carr. Now he’s looking forward to taking on this prim and proper lady in a wet and wild workout…
KNOCK OUT
Siena has seen many patients come through the ER, but none as sexy as Tommy Raines. With a nasty cut over his eye, she knows he needs stitches, but after he takes off his shirt, she needs some air. With rock-hard abs and taut biceps, it’s clear this man takes care of his body. And all Siena can think about is letting him take care of hers…
In His Corner Book Excerpt
Dr. Siena Carr dropped the clipboard on the counter and washed her hands. When she turned around, she gasped. “What are you doing?”
The Juggernaut was undressing. Before she could say another word, he was naked. A glorious sight that sent her heart racing and her face burning. Did he know that he looked like a sculpture by Michelangelo? Except for the tattoo on his right shoulder, this man was David incarnate.
She looked away abruptly, grabbing the clipboard. She didn’t even know his name! She looked at his paperwork. Tommy Raines. “Mr. Raines, please put on your clothes.”
She continued scanning his form. Occupation: boxer. Age: twenty-two. Weight: 160 pounds. Height: six feet. Blood type: O positive. No pre-existing health conditions. His temperature and blood pressure were normal. Reason for ER visit: a cut sustained from sparring.
She faced him. Thank God, he was clothed again.
“Sorry about that,” he said. “I thought you’re supposed to check me out.”
Did he just say check him out? “Mr. Raines, this is an ER, not a bar. I don’t check out patients. Do you mean to say check up?”
He smiled. “Yeah, check up.”
“I’m going to take care of your cut, but I’m not doing a checkup. If you need one, you should go to your primary care doctor.”
“I don’t like doctors. I avoid hospitals and clinics as much as possible, but my cut kept bleeding even after I showered. So here I am.”
Pre-Order Now
In His Corner by Vina Arno, published by Lyrical Press/Kensington Publishing, will be released on April 14, 2015. Genre: contemporary romance.
You can pre-order the book at:
