Carrie Ann Ryan's Blog, page 172

A Quote from CHARMED SPIRITS

I'm in the mood to share, so here's a snippet from Charmed Spirits, out Oct 2nd:



“Hey, stranger,” a voice called out, and she screamed, her heart racing. “Hey, Jordan! I’m sorry! It’s only me.”Jordan turned to see Matt, his face flushed and a small smile on his face. “Dammit! Stop sneaking around! It’s spooky as all hell.”“I’m sorry, Jor.” She ignored the way his nickname for her rolled off his tongue. He shrugged and held out his hands. That’s when Jordan noticed the steaming cup of coffee in each hand. Yep, this man was a god. A sexy god. No. Not thinking that.

CHARMED SPIRITS: Six Sentence Sunday

Howdy!! Thanks for coming today. Below is a snippet from my upcoming release CHARMED SPIRITS, out Oct 2nd. Thanks again!
The hammer caught the edge of his thumb, and Matt cursed. Well, that seemed about right for the kind of day he was having. He paused, no, not the whole day. The early morning when he’d been buried in Jordan had been fucking spectacular. It had just happened to go downhill after that. Annoyingly downhill.[image error]

Release day for Ranae Rose: A TASTE OF HONEY

It's a new release for my friend Ranae Rose!!! I love her Half Moon Shifters series and now we get to meet a new shifter...a sexy, honey-loving bear! Yum!! I've already read this one and loved it. !! 

You can find this gem on most e-book retailers including Amazon.


A Taste of Honey - Ranae Rose
Love at first sight? Not exactly. Things work a little differently for wolf shifters, though hunky park ranger Ronnie is a dream to look at, especially when he’s in uniform. Violet’s senses have been telling her he’s the one since the first time she caught a hint of his scent. Could she really be destined to be the mate of a bear shifter? Their differences are undeniable, but that hasn’t stopped her from wondering what it would be like to live happily ever after with the drop-dead sexy ranger who also serves as war chief of the Great Smoky Mountains’ resident bear shifter tribe. But bears don’t detect their mates by scent – their methods are scintillatingly personal. Tension simmers, and one thing will either make or break both of their hopes for the future – a taste of honey.





Ranae is also giving away $10 Amazon gift card to someone who comments. :-)

A Taste of Honey - Excerpt
His heart kept time, marking each passing second with ferocious beats as he guided his truck off the road and into his driveway. Adrenaline coursed through his veins, making them tingle and causing his throat to ache as he exited the cab and firmly closed its door. Maybe it was nothing – it was probably nothing – but it was his job to act as if it might be something and past experience had primed him for this moment, for any moment when it seemed danger might be threatening his tribe. Or his mate. He was too intent on his current mission to eschew the thought completely. Violet might not be his mate, but clearly his heart was convinced otherwise. Each heavy beat urged him to find her, to protect her and the longed-for possibility that she embodied. It was impossible to guard his heart or his hopes when he feared for her safety. Twisting the knob and walking through the unlocked front door, he called her name.No response. He strode quickly into the cabin and checked every room, even his bedroom. It was easy to imagine her there, but she was nowhere to be found. Upon returning to the kitchen, he found a full pot of coffee waiting, untouched. A quick glance afforded him a glimpse of the worm container, still tucked behind the coffeemaker. Had he really been worried about it? If Violet felt anything like what he felt for her – if they were really meant to be mated – it would take a lot more than a container of earthworms to drive her away.He had to find her. The backdoor beckoned. He opened it, imagining her small hand closing around the knob after he’d left. She must have gone for a walk, like she’d mentioned. Why had he left her alone? He should’ve taken her along for the ride to the station, even if it would’ve meant her having to suffer through a meeting with Hargrove.Remaining a man was out of the question. He needed to be fast, strong and able to rely on his senses when they were at their best. Without sparing a thought for his clothing, he shifted. His flannel, t-shirt and jeans fluttered to the ground like soft confetti as he assumed his bear form. This way, he could find her quickly and defend her if necessary.It probably wouldn’t be necessary – a fact he kept reminding himself of as he entered the red, brown and gold shadowland of the forest and charged through, his heavy paws crushing small branches underfoot and compressing the dense carpet of fallen leaves that had accumulated over the past several months. He inhaled deeply as he ran, scenting the air for any trace of Violet. He’d grown accustomed to her clean, sweet fragrance and his heart leapt when it drifted to him on a breeze.He was huge, but his bulk didn’t slow him down. He wasn’t slow in his human form either, but never would’ve been able to race through the forest this way, dodging only the largest of obstacles and flattening all others in his path. Was this what it felt like to race to protect one’s mate? He’d done a lot of defending in the past but the urgency had never felt quite this potent, not even when he’d helped Jack and the rest of the Half Moon pack rescue Mandy when she’d been kidnapped. Each breath seared his lungs as he flattened saplings and leapt over boulders. If there really was a danger to bears lurking in the mountains, he was a sizeable, noisy target in his current form, but it didn’t matter. He felt buoyed by the importance of his mission, invincible because he had to be in order to protect Violet.When he found her, he almost trampled her. Stretched flat on a rock that hung over his favorite fishing stream, he didn’t see her until he was almost on top of her. He skidded to a violent halt, his claws tearing up the earth and sending it flying along with a spray of pebbles and colorful, papery leaves.Violet’s eyes went wide and she curled in on herself, protecting her vital organs by instinct as she threw up a hand in protest and toppled over the edge of the rock, her mouth open in a silent scream.A sound of regret tore its way out of Ronnie’s chest as he lunged forward, too late to help. By the time he landed on the edge of the rock, he was a man again and gripped its edge with an ink-stained hand as he threw his other arm out into open space, reaching for her. “Violet!”A wolf stared up at him from the stream, chocolate brown and shoulder-deep in running water. Even in her lupine form, her blue eyes were clearly recognizable and there was no mistaking the sweater that clung to her body, torn along most of its seams.For a moment, he simply stared, eyes locked with hers. She was a beautiful wolf but he couldn’t take her hand and lift her out of the water in this form.“Change,” he said, speaking loudly enough that his voice rumbled clearly over the sound of the stream. “I’ll lift you out.”She glanced first at the rocky little overhang he was stretched across, then at the steep, muddy bank on the other side of the stream. Apparently, he was the most appealing option. In the blink of an eye, she became a woman again.When she extended a hand, reaching for him, he took it and hoisted her up onto the rock. She was light as a feather, even in her dripping clothes – or what was left of them, anyway.Her sweater was loose enough that it hadn’t been completely destroyed during her transformation, but it had torn along most of its seams and now clung to her – just barely – displaying generous views of milky flesh and what looked like the tattered remains of a camisole. Her jeans had fared even worse and floated down the stream in a cluster of dark-blue denim ribbons as she gasped and looked up at him with wide, blue eyes.Until that moment, he hadn’t spared a thought for his nudity.Water glistened and fell from her lips in tiny drops as their gazes locked and he was suddenly awareof being naked in a way he’d never been before. It wasn’t just a state of being or simple lack of clothing; it was a temptation, a glorious absence of physical barriers between himself and her. The deep ache of desperate desire that had been driving his racing heart and surging through his veins, urging him to find her, finally made its way to his cock. He reached out and laid his hands on her shoulders, gripping her slender arms as a shiver wracked them. He was done waiting – he had to know, now, whether she really was the one.He pressed his mouth to hers, too eager to hold back. Her lips were soft and warm beneath the superficial chill her submersion had left them with and she smelled as crisp and clean as a mountain spring, the floral notes of her shampoo sweet highlights in her scent. As she parted her lips, his heart surged ahead and he pressed his tongue inside, past her teeth, in search of one thing – a taste of honey. Just a taste of honey, and she would be his forever.

Author bio: Ranae Rose is the bestselling author of over a dozen
paranormal, historical and contemporary romances, all of them delightfully
steamy. She lives on the US East Coast with her family, dogs and horses
and spends most of her time letting her very active imagination run wild,
penning her next story. When she's not writing, she can usually be found
in the saddle or behind a good book with a cup of tea.

Website: www.ranaerose.com

Twitter: @Ranae_Rose

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ranae.rose.33

Fresh Friday Reads: Paranormal Romance

It's a Paranormal Week!! I bought a couple paranormal books in series that I love, plus my Redwood Pack is now in print and digital in a pretty bundle! What have you bought this week?



Redwood Pack Vol 2 - Carrie Ann Ryan

Redwood Pack Volume 2 contains the third book in the Redwood Pack series, plus a novella in a print copy.

Trinity Bound Redwood Pack book 3

Hannah Lewis, a rare earth witch, is taken from the only life she’s ever known. Held at her will by a sadistic wolf, she almost gives up hope that she’d ever see her real life again. But as her fellow captive, a werewolf named Reed, tries to calm her fears, she begins to feel a spark of something she never thought she’d feel – love. But is Reed, alone, enough to get her out of this dark basement so she can move on with her life?
Reed Jamenson, the artist of a werewolf Pack of Alpha males, knows instinctually that Hannah is his mate. Thus, despite their imprisonment, he will do all to protect her and then worry about their hearts. But is he strong enough to find a way for both of them to escape? And why does he feel as though something else is missing?
Josh Kolb, an ex-military human, stumbles upon Reed and Hannah and finds he must trust this new world of supernatural beings to survive. But that desire will lead the three to a triangle of attraction that will test the boundaries they all possess and its consequences in defeating the enemy. Can they all trust one another to save themselves and life as they know it? Even at the cost of their own hearts?

A Night Away Redwood Pack Book 3.5

Kade Jamenson has been mated to Melanie for almost two years. They’ve been through mating circles, battles, loss, misunderstandings, and finally, the birth of their son, Finn. The world is in turmoil around them as the Redwoods engage in war with the Centrals. But for Kade and Melanie, the turmoil is also happening at home. The responsibility of a restless baby and their Pack has taken a toll and they need a break.
Not from each other. But from their Pack. Just for a night.
Kade takes Mel away for a romantic getaway and leaves Uncle Maddox alone with baby Finn. The Omega of the Redwood Pack may be adept at emotions but the idea of a baby may be beyond his immense capabilities.
Author’s Note: This is a novella set between books 3 and 4 to give you a taste of Mel and Kade. It is best that you have already immersed yourselves in the Redwood Pack world, however even new readers will enjoy a glimpse of one of the Redwood’s favorite couples.


A Taste of Honey - Ranae Rose

Love at first sight? Not exactly. Things work a little differently for wolf shifters, though hunky park ranger Ronnie is a dream to look at, especially when he’s in uniform. Violet’s senses have been telling her he’s the one since the first time she caught a hint of his scent. Could she really be destined to be the mate of a bear shifter? Their differences are undeniable, but that hasn’t stopped her from wondering what it would be like to live happily ever after with the drop-dead sexy ranger who also serves as war chief of the Great Smoky Mountains’ resident bear shifter tribe. But bears don’t detect their mates by scent – their methods are scintillatingly personal. Tension simmers, and one thing will either make or break both of their hopes for the future – a taste of honey.

Beyond Shame - Kit Rocha

All Noelle Cunningham has ever wanted is a life beyond–beyond the walls of Eden, where only the righteous are allowed to remain, and beyond her stiflingly restrictive existence as a councilman’s daughter. But only ruins lie outside the City, remnants of a society destroyed by solar storms decades earlier.

The sectors surrounding Eden house the corrupt, the criminal–men like Jasper McCray, bootlegger and cage fighter. Jas clawed his way up from nothing to stand at the right hand of Sector Four’s ruthless leader, and he’ll defend the O’Kane gang with his life. But no fight ever prepared him for the exiled City girl who falls at his feet.

Her innocence is undeniable, but so is their intense sexual attraction, and soon they’re crossing every boundary Noelle barely knew she had. But if she wants to belong to Jas, first she’ll have to open herself to the gang, to a dangerous world of sex, lust and violence. A world where passion is power, and freedom is found in submission.


Hunter's Season - Thea Harrison

A Novella of the Elder Races

Duty. Devotion. Desire. When fate brings two isolated people together, love is in the cards.

As a palace guard and assassin for the Dark Fae, Xanthe always wore a mask, hiding her emotions to do her duty. But when her identity is compromised, she trades undercover work for guarding Queen Niniane—a position that often brings her in contact with Chancellor Aubrey Riordan.

Aubrey’s trust is shattered. A year ago his wife tried to assassinate their new queen in his name, a betrayal of everything he believes in. And now an attack on his life is proof the dark conspiracy is not yet over. Although injured and weak, Aubrey can’t help but be drawn to this shy assassin and loyal protector. Xanthe is everything Naida wasn’t, and the passion she stirs in him is something he thought had long passed him by.

Warning: Take a man recovering from an assassination attempt, the assassin sworn to protect him, add in a magical Tarot card deck and an isolated cabin, and watch the sparks fly!


Shadow of the Wolf - Dana Marie Bell

Strike a match, light the candle…and fall into the spell.

Heart’s Desire, Book 1

Christopher Beckett is from an ancient line of wizards, but with one aspect that sets him apart. His wolf. Right now that wolf is howling for a mate. Knowing it’s only a matter of time before the wolf’s needs override everything else in his life, Chris casts the spell all the Becketts have used to call their mates to them.

His wish list is short: She must be of a lineage at least as old as his own. And she must accept his wolf. When his mate appears, he realizes his list should have been one item longer. 

Alannah Evans, a powerful witch of the Evans Coven, has no problem with Chris’s wolf. It’s the wizard part that sticks in her magical craw. Witches and wizards have always been at odds, so by rights, she and Chris shouldn’t be striking sparks of attraction this bright. But Chris will not be denied, and gradually she finds herself trusting him—then falling into the fire of desire.

When it becomes clear an old enemy has targeted them both for death, Chris charges into a duel that could cost him his life. Or worse: Lana.

Product Warnings
Product contains explicit sex, graphic language, magic, mayhem, and a wet, naked wolf shifter bearing hot chocolate. Mmm… chocolate.

Thursday Tales: Interview with Christy McKee and a Giveaway

Hi! Thanks so much for coming today. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
It’s my pleasure to be your guest today, Carrie Ann. You’ve got a nice looking blog here. Lots of sexy covers and, well, I guess everyone can see for themselves.
Tell us a bit about your book.
The premise: the heroine receives a windfall that completely changes her life. This is not  a rags to riches tale, although that’s part of it,  but a story about a talented woman in the enviable position of suddenly having the means to make her biggest dream come true and being too filled with self-doubt and guilt to embrace it. She’s met the perfect man for her, but fears she will never fit in his high powered, sophisticated world.  If she can’t pull herself together, she runs the risk of losing it all
Is this part of a series?
Yes, it’s book #1 of the Shores of Lake Champlain series.
What was your favorite part?
It’s a funny scene where Pierce is giving their housekeeper, Mille, static about her suddenly being everywhere and never giving him and Gabrielle any privacy. She tells him it’s a PG rated household and to knock it off. Then she rolls her enormous watering cart right in front of him and gives him a big squirt in the face.  
Why did you choose to write romance?
I write romance because I want a happy ending.
Rate your story in terms of steaminess
Looking at Maybe Too Good to Be True in terms of the “steaminess” factor, I’d have to give it 4 steam puffs out of a possible 5. How do I explain the “puffs” system? I’ll break it down. One steam puff for a hot love scene, half puffs for sexy, stolen kisses or those sensual seductive “almost got there” scenes. You will just have to read the book to determine how many whole and half steam puffs add up to 4.
What are you reading right now?
Wilder by Christina Dodd. It’s part of her Chosen series. 
I know this is like asking who is your favorite child, who is your favorite romance author (s)?
I’m taking a little wiggle room here. For humorous contemporary, I’d say Susan Elizabeth Phillips; for paranormal, definitely Lara Adrian, for more mainstream, Jodi Picoult.
What is your favorite romance book or series?
The Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian
Boxers or Briefs?
I think boxers look dorky. Of course it could be because I’ve never seen them on the “right” person. Until then, I’ll go with briefs.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
I come from a noble line of chocoholics, so it’s in my blood. Chocolate, of course.
Do you have a special piece of clothing you wear when you write?
Not really, but I always write in my bare or “socked” feet.
What is next for you?
I have two WIPs going. I’m working on another contemporary romance, Too Close for Comfort, and my first ghost story.
Interviewer: Gabrielle and Pierce, what were your first impressions of each other?
Pierce:
Pierce chuckles as he wipes one of his big hands across handsome face. “First time I saw Gabrielle was in an 8 x 10 glossy and my heart stopped.  She is one beautiful woman,” he looks across the room at her. “Curious about who she was,” he continued, “I flipped the photo over and felt like I’d been kicked in the gut. Stamped in blood red ink, was the name of a private instigator. No one wastes time and money checking out a friend, so I knew one thing, Gabrielle had to be an enemy.”
Gabrielle:
Gabrielle gave a baby pig snort. “Yeah…well that certainly didn’t stop you from putting your hands all over me.”“That’s right. This Neanderthal came charging into the dining room while I was trying to retrieve my dog, Max. He almost tackled me to the ground, ranting about someone stealing his cookies. My first impression was that he was a raving lunatic. Then when he tried to explain away his actions, telling me he’d mistaken me for a little boy named Jimmy, I decided he was delusional and had probably escaped his cage in the attic.   No matter how handsome, confident and sexy he appeared, none of that trumped crazy.”
What are your favorite parts about each other?
“I’m assuming this isn’t a question about favorite “body parts,” Pierce grins. “Because Gabrielle has...” He sighed. “Okay, I get it. First off, we are not into finishing each other’s sentences. It nauseates me when people say that about their partner.  This might sound too simplistic, but at the end of the day, I can hardly wait to go home and see her. No matter how rotten a day I’ve had, I know when I look into those green eyes of hers; all of the crap that I’ve dealt with that day vanishes.”Gabrielle smiles. “I don’t want to name more than a few or Pierce will get a stupendously large head. “For the first time in my life, I have a man who never judges me; Pierce never criticizes my choices and backs off to let me figure things out on my own.” She crosses her long legs. “I grew up in a house of conditional love. If I was good, my father would reward me; if I was not, he withdrew his attention as punishment; sometimes not speaking to me for days. I know if I screw up, Pierce will always be there. He’s already proven it several times.”
What’s next for you?
I have two WIP. Too Close for Comfort is a companion to Maybe Too Good to Be True. It will be the second book in the Shores of Lake Champlain series. There’s a male ghost who is haunting me, telling me he won’t “leave” until I tell his story so he can move on.
Secondary Characters
Practically every good story, including romance, has its secondary characters. They come in all species, shapes, and sizes, and can range from the family dog—who is an excellent observer—to the curmudgeon of a grandfather who gives surprisingly sound advice. These characters can’t simply “be” in the story; they have to add something of value to it, even if it’s advice. Having a forty something woman knocking on a widow’s door selling Avon adds nothing to the story, but if the Avon lady was at the hair salon and over heard that the little grandmother is going on her first date in over 40 years, she has a purpose. She’s going to do granny’s make up and give her the confidence boost she needs for her date and probably get a healthy order for her trouble.
Secondary characters can also have their own story lines albeit a minor one in the overall scheme of the main story. For instance, there is a newly engaged couple who invites their “single” parents to meet and discuss wedding details; the parents might meet and detest each other on sight. Surprising everyone, the two fifty year olds end up deciding to live together—to their children’s shock— is a thread that will interest other middle age readers. Appealing to a broader reader base is something we all need to consider.
Thank you so much for having me over today, Carrie Ann.

Christy
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
My addiction to reading emerged  when I was ten and down with measles. My mother, trying to keep me entertained,  brought home a stack of Trixie Belden and Nancy Drew books. Within days, I’d consumed them all and asked for more. That’s when it truly began−the pleasure of reading which would eventually lead to my writing.
I can’t pin point precisely when I knew I was different from everyone else−at least from my tight group of  hometown friends. Didn’t everyone have movies playing in their heads starring beautiful  characters leading adventurous lives in exotic places?  NO—they did not. Did that mean  they  were normal and I was the odd, slightly wacky duck?  My answer to that conundrum came when I attended my first writer’s conference in Savannah. Nervous about being on my own at the crowded event, a kindly writer from Texas took me under her wing and introduced me to at least a dozen writers.  Surrounded by so many writers who were so like me, I  fit  right in. I wasn’t an “odd” duck after all; I’d simply been in the wrong pond!
As a result of that conference, my desire and conviction to write blossomed. Still working a full time job at  a Louisiana cancer center,  I carved out time to write every night and on weekends. My first manuscript went through four incarnations, and a year under the bed,  before success came knocking.
Today my family and our two Labs—Lambeau, the Green Bay Packers unofficial mascot  and Gracie, who is just plain, sweet Amazing Grace—live  in a picturesque little town in Ohio wrapped around a lovely town square with an intricately carved gazebo where weekly band concerts take place all summer long.   
http://www.christymckee.comhttp://christymckeewriter.blogspothttp://twitter.com/ChristyMcKee


BLURB:
Gabrielle March is summoned to an oceanfront estate in Massachusetts by the matriarch of Atlantic-Hastings International where she is presented with a hefty block of shares as amends for a crime committed against her family. The stock—worth several million dollars—can give her the means to make her dream come true if only she can muster the courage to break free from her past and believe in her unique creative talent.    
Pierce Hastings, son of Gabrielle’s benefactress, grudgingly agrees to take her under his wing and acclimate her to Atlantic-Hastings.  Never one to mix business with pleasure, Pierce stuns himself when he ignores his own self imposed rule. Gabrielle’s complete lack of artifice, unvarnished honesty and quirky sense of humor are intoxicating to him―and he’s rapidly becoming addicted. He’s blindsided when Gabrielle confesses that, in spite of her growing feelings for him, she will never fit into his world of power and privilege and has no desire to try.


Excerpt 
             So much for him making this easy on her. Was he enjoying making her squirm? "For making a giant leap to the wrong conclusion and for calling you some pretty nasty things."            His blue eyes held hers, giving no clue to his thoughts.
            Why didn’t he say something?"Pierce, I made a hasty assumption without bothering to check my facts. If one of my employees did the same, I’d fire them on the spot. It was completely unprofessional. I’m sorry."
            "Apology’s not necessary, Gabrielle. Believe me, I’ve been called considerably worse.”
            “So, we’re good…we’re even?” After all, he’d put his hands all over her yesterday when Max swiped his sugar cookies.
            “Even?” His steely eyes fixed on hers; the black wolf daring Red Riding Hood to blink.    “As in the score is tied?”
            “Yes.” No way was she going to be the first to blink.
            “No.” The wolf’s eyes grew more intense.
            “No?” Shit. She almost blinked. “Why not?”
            “I only play to win.” He smiled like the true wolf he probably was.
            “Good for you. But I don’t want to play anymore.” Snappy repartee wasn’t in her skill set. She took a sip of her still piping hot coffee. Why had she even bothered to apologize? It was just making everything worse.
            “Taking your toys and going home, are you?” A sexy chuckle rumbled up from his broad chest.
            “No.” She tried to sound blasé, unaffected by his male intensity. “I’m going to enjoy the day and get to know the Hastings family better.”
            “Excellent.” He blasted her with a charming smile. “You can start with me.”  



 Christy will be awarding a digital copy of Maybe Too Good To Be True to a randomly drawn commenter at every stop and a $30 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Writer Wednesday: Joshua K. Johnson and a Giveaway

Hi! Thanks so much for coming today. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I'm in my late 20s, married with an 18 month old son. I've been writing for more than 15 years but this is my first serious attempt at publication/distribution. I work nights for UPS and spend what little spare time I have with my family.
Tell us a bit about your book.
The Cerberus Rebellion tells the story of a revolution that tears apart the nation of Ansgar. The King calls his nobles and their levies to arms, intending to send them thousands of miles away to fight a war that they have no real interest in. Some of the nobles aren't happy with that decision (among others made by this King) and decide that running things themselves in preferrable to suffering under the boot of a king thousands of miles away.
It's set in a universe that I call Griffins & Gunpowder; this sub-genre (dubbed Gunpowder Fantasy) combines elements of epic fantasy (magic, scale, mythical creatures) with rifles and railroads while stopping well short of Steampunk
Is this part of a series?
The Cerberus Rebellion is Book 1 of a planned 6 for the “Ansgari Rebellion” series. I also have 3 short stories published in this universe and have plans for no less than 4 separate series and dozens of short stories and novellas.
What was your favorite part?
My favorite part of the novel was the beginning; setting up the characters, bringing the conflict to them and seeing how they would react.
Why did you choose to write fantasy?
I chose fantasy because of the freedom that it provides. I can build whatever worlds I want, populate them with people and creatures that I choose and make things happen the way that I want to.
Do you ever have any conversations in your head with your characters? If so, can you give us a hint of what you might talk about?
I do “talk” to my MCs sometimes. When they through a curveball at me in the middle of a chapter or arc, I ask them where they are going with this or what they were thinking. Sometimes they walk me through to the conclusion; sometimes they tell me to sit down, shut up and write the chapter.
What are you reading right now?
Right now I'm reading “The Black God's War” by Moses Siregar; the short story Faith by David Adams is next and then whatever I stumble across in the Kindle Store.
I know this is like asking who is your favorite child, who is your favorite fantasy author (s)?
I would say that my current favorite fantasy authors are George RR Martin and David Weber. David Weber's Safehold series (which is technically sci-fi, but has a very similar feel to my world) is partly responsible for the way that the Griffins & Gunpowder universe evolved.
George RR Martin's worldbuilding is an inspiration; his willingness to kill off major characters is something that I may take to in my own writing.
What is your favorite fantasy book or series?
As I mentioned above, the Safehold series is up there,  but right now its A Song of Ice and Fire. I can't wait for the next installment.
Who is your favorite fantasy character?
I'm partial to Aragorn, but I also love Tyrion Lannister (both in the written form, and as portrayed by Peter Dinklage in the Game of Thrones series.)
Chocolate or Vanilla?
I'd have to go with vanilla. I have a rather rare “allergy” to chocolate (technically it's an “Inverse Chemical Reaction”). Where chocolate makes most people happy campers, if I have too much I become a rather unpleasant individual.
Do you have a special piece of clothing you wear when you write?
Does my son hanging on my arms count?

What is next for you?
I'm working on editing a Griffins & Gunpowder novella and I'm writing The Hydra Offensive,  book 2 in the Ansgari Rebellion series.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Joshua Johnson is the author of "Gunpowder Fantasy" The Cerberus Rebellion (due to release in early July) and the creator of the Griffins & Gunpowder universe. When he isn't working or spending time with his family, he writes novels, short stories and novellas.
He currently lives in Northern Illinois with his wife and young son. 
Website: www.gunpowderfantasy.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/#!/authorjkjohnson






BLURB:
On the world of Zaria, Elves, magic and mythical beasts coexist beside rifles and railroads. The futures of two nations hang in the balance as rebels and revolutionaries trade gunfire with loyalists and tyrants.
Eadric Garrard was raised to believe that as the rightful King of Ansgar, his loyal nobles and fearful subjects answered to his every whim, no matter the cost or consequence. His decision to send his troops thousands of miles away will test that fear, and loyalty.
Raedan Clyve was ordinary until an Elven ritual involving a griffin’s heart turned him into something more. Twenty years later, he still struggles with the magics that rage through his body. His mentor holds him back from his full potential and he faces pressure to find a suitable wife and father an heir.
Hadrian Clyve has picked up where his father left off and works to expand his family’s influence amongst the Ansgari nobility. His aggressive negotiation of alliances and shrewd choice of marriage agreements has earned him respect, and resentment. When his King calls his troops to arms, Hadrian has other things in mind.
After a century of scheming and decades of preparation, Magnus Jarmann is ready to bring his family’s plans to fruition by launching a war of independence that will free his people and return his country to its rightful place among the nations of Zaria. The King’s call to arms creates an opportunity that Magnus cannot afford to miss.
In a war, little is held back; in a revolution, nothing is safe.
EXCERPT:
The crackle of musket fire drifted up from the trenches; only a few quick shots at first, but quickly followed by full volleys. Flashes of light marked the battle in the trenches and Raedan listened carefully for the command to push his troops forward. He glanced behind him quickly.
The color guard stood resolute, the banners of Arndell and the North Griffin Cliffs at the front of the formation. A half-company of infantry had been assigned to protect the flags should they come under attack.
Wounded began to drift back out of the trenches. Some retreated under their own power; others were carried between two of their fellows. Raedan tried to count the men fleeing the battle, but quickly lost count.
Finally, the trumpets sounded again, ordering him forward.
“How's it look in there?” he asked a retreating officer. The man wore the gaudy orange of Sea Watch and the stripes of a captain. He had taken a round through his shoulder and was supporting a corporal that had taken a shot to the leg.
“The artillery did a job on them,” the captain said. “But they've still got some fight left.”
“All right, men! Let's take it to them!” Raedan started toward the trenches at the double time and his men started to trot after him.
The earthworks twisted and zagged one way and another, slowly leading the infantry closer to the fortress that loomed large above. The sun had finally set and flares were exploding high overhead.


Joshua will be awarding .mobi copies of his short stories (details available at www.gunpowderfantasy.com/products) to one commenter at every stop. Grand Prize for one random commentor and host with the most comments: The Chesian Wars collection (all published 3 short stories and an additional prelude short story exclusive to the collection).

A Quote from Charmed Spirits

I'm in the mood to share, so here's a snippet from Charmed Spirits, out Oct 2nd:



Matt Cooper walked into the hardware store in a daze, his body going through the motions while his mind tumbled in an array of memories, anger, and longing.She’s back.Jordan Cross, his high school love and childhood best friend…back. She’d left without a word, leaving a mess of dashed possibilities and his broken heart in her wake. But, Jesus, she looked even better than before.Her green eyes seemed darker, more haunted or sorrowful, than before, like she’d fought more than she’d bargained for and was still losing. Her hair was longer now, very glossy sable locks falling to the middle of her back in careless waves. He’d had loved to run his fingers through it when they sat at the lakeside watching the sun set.Yes, they’d been that clichéd in high school, but he’d loved her.Loved. Past tense. Because he didn’t love her anymore. She’d left him. Left him with his problems, his everything and yet nothing.

The Day the Ceiling Caved In

Ugh. So this weekend, instead of focusing on edits and writing, I had to deal with the TROLL. Who is the troll you ask? Well, he's the handy man who isn't so handy. If you've ever seen me talking about the troll man  and how he never fixes anything right and talks for hours, you know the troll. He has no idea what he's doing. At. All. Our front door--which he replaced--still doesn't close correctly and I frankly don't care anymore. It locks, that's good enough for me.

But why did I need the handy man this weekend? Apparently there was a leak somewhere and it flooded my  apartment and our neighbors. There is a wooden beam that houses a water pipe for some reason that goes down the middle of our apartment right in the living room. It makes NO sense and isn't on the blueprints. Yes, I went down to the city and got the blueprints because our handy man is an idiot. Luckily, I had dated an architect and knew how to read them. Yes, I'm a dork. Whatever. I learn where I can.

They troll tore into our ceiling, found the wooden box, but couldn't find the pipe. So me, my hubby, and our hot new neighbor (a story for another time LOL), and to find the tiny hole in the pipe. I found it. Not the troll.

But as all of this happened, our neighbors new bike was soaked and had to be treated. He races professionally and he was just in the middle of a rebuild. Not cool. My hubby's new computer was almost attacked by drywall. And my bookcase was attacked by water. A lot of water. I save my books. But the bookcase caved in on itself and almost attacked me and my cats. *sigh*

The apt is going to pay for another bookcase but I don't want one here so they're giving us money. I'm going to box up my books since we're moving next year and I don't feel like dealing with it. But really, what a pain in the butt! My books were organized by author and then by series. My photographic memory knew exactly where each book was. 

And then the ceiling caved in so I had to toss them in a few big boxes. I'm shaking at the unorganized chaos. Gah! But it's going to be okay. The books were saved. The ceiling will be fixed. I just lost a bookshelf. Oh! Below is a photo of the shelf mid-break. It literally swayed and fell as I snapped the photo! LOL

Yes, I have my priorities. SAVE THE BOOKS! That's all I ask. Oh, and ignore the troll. We don't like him.

Edits are Done!

Edits are done! Edits are done! LOL. Yes, I was dancing around the house when I submitted Enforcer's Redemption to my copy-editor/proofer Donna tonight. I usually can get edits done in less than   a week, sometimes the turn around is only a couple of days. But this book took me two weeks.

All in all, it was fleshed out before and not that bad. I just couldn't dive in. This book took so much out of me when I wrote it, it tore another part of me out when I went through it again. And again. And yes, I'll be going through it at least two more times before you guys get to see it in November. 

People email me asking when Adam's book comes out, and I tell them soon! Yes, Enforcer's Redemption comes out November 6th. Or at least as close to Nov 6th as Amazon lets me! It won't be out in print until January/Feb 2013 because it will be found in Vol 3 of the Redwood Pack series, along with Blurred Expectations.  But yes, Adam's book is almost here y'all!

But don't worry, I'm giving y'all another book before then. Charmed Spirits comes out October 2nd!! See? That's not too far away. In this book you get to meet FIVE sexy Cooper brothers and see what paranormal things they get into. No, they aren't wolves, but they're still hot. Damn hot. I hope you give my new series a chance!

Okay, I'm off to go back to writing Blurred Expectations, a Redwood Pack novella about a post-HEA that I'll reveal in November. Happy reading!

A Thing for Authors

Open publication - Free publishing - More books