Christina Bauer's Blog, page 66
November 23, 2016
SNEAK PEEK: My New Fairy Tale Shifter Series!
Here’s the back cover copy… pre-orders will be live in early December! I was going to wait to tell you all but I have no self control 
November 18, 2016
This Week: Cake, A Leaf, Some Other Stuff, And More Cake
One. There’s a Lot of Cake
So, within two minutes of this cake showing up in the communal kitchen at my day job, three people stopped by my desk to let me know. Not sure what that says about me, but the cake was awesome and yes, I ate it ALL at 10AM. After that, I had an extended period of sugar high during which I got dick done. This is what you call a good morning.
Two. Studio Time
This week, I did a quick recording session at Mix One Studios, where I’m producing the audiobook version of Angelbound (it’s due for release in December). I do all the voices, which is why the water needs to stay handy. It was fun getting back behind a microphone again; I used to be a disk jockey in college at a jazz radio station. For the record: I kept a list of the longest approved jazz tunes so I could take bio breaks.
Three. Bins, Bins, Bins
I meet regularly with the teaching team at my son’s school. My sweet and beautiful boy Max is on the autism spectrum, and sometimes multi-step tasks can overwhelm him. This week, we chatted about how they’ve found that grouping tasks into a ‘bin’ helps him stay organized. The bin in the picture below is for self-care. Long story short, my husband and I are going bin shopping this weekend!
Four. This Leaf
It’s the end of fall in New England. This morning, I can across this gorgeous leaf on my way to the Boston T. I love this color, it’s somewhere in the crimson family, but not exactly. Such a small thing, so beautiful, and also so easy to overlook. So I tacked it to my cube wall to remind that, no matter how gross things seem, there is always beauty in the world.
Five. COVER REVEAL!
This week, I revealed the cover for the newest book in the Angelbound Series, THRAX. This is the first book where Myla goes to Earth and kicks ass with actual humans around. HUGE THANKS to all the bloggers who participated in the reveal!!!
And on a final note: In case you’re wondering, the vanilla toffee cake was the best.
That’s all for this week!
CB
The post This Week: Cake, A Leaf, Some Other Stuff, And More Cake appeared first on Monster House Books.
November 15, 2016
COVER REVEAL: Angelbound THRAX!!
Check out the description and cover below. And since I need money to do stuff like write more books for you, please know that you can order THRAX now at Amazon, B&N, iBooks and Kobo.
Description: THRAX
Myla Lewis has married Prince Lincoln, and now they’re expecting! All the after-realms rejoice. Myla should be happy too, but she has a serious problem. The day after their honeymoon ended, Myla’s real husband disappeared.
The man who’s sharing her bed is an imposter.
Myla tries explaining about “Evil Lincoln,” but no one will listen. The reason? People think that Myla’s supernatural pregnancy is making her cray cray. Mostly because that’s what Evil Lincoln is telling everyone, and that man’s a great liar. What a creep.
There’s no way Myla will take this lying down, though. She’s going to rescue her man, and she has a pretty good idea where he’s being held. With her best friend, Cissy, along to help, Myla sneaks off to Earth. All she has to do is blend in with the humans, avoid Evil Lincoln, and find her real man before the baby arrives. How hard can it be?
The post COVER REVEAL: Angelbound THRAX!! appeared first on Monster House Books.
November 5, 2016
Sample Chapter of Angelbound ACCA is Here!
Chapter One
I haul ass across a tenement rooftop. The sky threatens rain, but what else is new? This is Purgatory, after all. Land of blech. On the next building over, Desmond the Klepto demon scrambles his lizard-like butt off as he attempts to escape. “Attempts” being the key word in that sentence.
At every step, my fiancé Prince Lincoln keeps a steady pace by my side. A warm sense of happiness seeps through my chest.
We’re demon hunting together again. At last.
Ahead of us, Desmond leaps onto another rooftop. This part of town is cramped and deserted, so he can easily scramble around without freaking out the general populace. Desmond’s a lanky dude with green skin, a flat nose, and an enchanted book in his possession that he just snatched from me when I exited my limo.
What a douche.
Anger pulses through my bloodstream. Desmond stole the Rixa Codex—a small book of evidence that’s hugely important.
I want it back like now.
I force my breathing to slow. Even though the book is crucial, I need to be patient. Plus, the chase is all part of the fun, right? And hell knows I haven’t had any demon-fighting fun in ages.
Speaking of which, what’s the rush to grab Desmond anyway? It’s not like he stands a chance against both Lincoln and me.
From the corner of my eye, I give my guy a quick once-over. Hmm. Someone looks mighty spicy in his new black body armor.
Maybe if I let Lincoln run ahead a little, I can get a quick peek at his butt.
I take care to pant excessively while slowing my pace across the uneven shingles. Sure, it’s unlikely that I’d actually be tired right now. Like every native of Purgatory, I’m a quasi-demon. That means I’m mostly human with a little bit of demon DNA. It’s what gives me a kickass tail as well as powers across two of the seven deadly sins, namely lust and wrath. My lust side grants me a pretty face, curves that stop traffic, and auburn hair that looks amazing without any product. Thanks to my inner wrath demon, I can fight like hell and run full out for days.
Even so, sometimes a girl just needs to slow down and check out her fiancé’s butt, so that’s what I do right now. Carpe assem.
Lincoln runs ahead of me. “For the record, I know what you’re up to.”
“Sure, it’s called conserving energy. Why should we kill ourselves to catch Desmond?”
“Ah, then this is only about the Klepto demon?” Lincoln leaps super-high over some kind of ancient television aerial. From this angle, it’s a mighty lovely sight. “Not my glutes?”
I’m so shnagged.
“Fine. I like the view.”
“We’re hunting a demon, Myla.” There’s no missing the smile in his voice. Lincoln loves it when I’m sassy.
“Hey, I can multitask.”
More smiling-voice-ness. “I’ve noticed.”
Here’s the deal. Six months ago, I was the baddest-ass warrior in Purgatory’s Arena. Then, I got transformed into a supernatural called the Great Scala, which means that I’m the only being who can permanently move souls to Heaven or Hell. Trouble is, if I’m hurt, it’s a showstopper for the spirit world. Long story short, until a Scala Heir is named, I have to be a responsible demigoddess. That means working behind a desk instead of killing things. It sucks. Hard.
“I concede your multitasking skills.” Lincoln makes another mouthwatering leap. “You’ve got two minutes to dawdle.”
Whoa.
“Did you just say dawdle?” I put on a tone of mock-outrage. “What are you, eighty?”
“I’ll pass along your critique to my royal tutors.”
“Like they’ll listen.” I snap my fingers. “Hey, I’ve got an idea. How about you watch some television?” Or any, really. “That’ll help you sound like you’re from this century.”
“Last time I checked, resembling a young human wasn’t one of my life goals, and you’re not changing the subject. One minute of dawdle time remains.” He places extra-emphasis on the word dawdle, the cheeky monkey.
“Eh, bite me.”
“No comment.” He looks back over his shoulder and winks. When the situation calls for it, Lincoln does love to use his teeth, and not in a bad way. At all.
After that, my guy goes quiet, so I return to ogling mode. Lincoln is tall and broad-shouldered with strong bone structure and messy brown hair. He’s twenty—a year older than me—which some say is too young for us to get hitched. Whatever. I can’t wait for our wedding. Plus, Lincoln’s a kind of demon hunter called a thrax. His people are part angel, obsessed with tradition, and live deep under the Earth’s surface. Lincoln’s their High Prince. More importantly, he’s whip-smart, honest, noble almost to a fault, and a great kisser. Now that we’re engaged, we’ve been working up to bigger things than kissing. It involves a lot less body armor and tons more skin.
Mmmmm, a partially naked Lincoln is a beautiful sight.
“Time’s up,” says Lincoln.
“Boo.”
“Honestly, we have to hustle. We need that codex.”
Okay, Lincoln has a point. The Rixa Codex is where we’ve been storing up evidence for a trial against Acca, a House of thrax asswipes who need to be brought down. Once we get that book back from Desmond—and use it to record our last interview for the thrax court—then we’ll finally have enough proof to officially tear Acca apart. And after what those freaks put me through last month, I really want to destroy them. I mean, who enters into a secret pact with none other than Armageddon, the King of Hell?
Acca, that’s who.
Lincoln and I almost died cleaning up that particular mess. In fact, Lady Adair of Acca did end up dead. She might have been a bit of a bitch, but still. The whole situation isn’t something we can let slide.
I pick up the pace so I’m running shoulder-to-shoulder with Lincoln once more. “For the record, you spoil all my fun.”
“Huh.” Lincoln glances in my direction while arching his brows ever so slightly. “I know for a fact that I’m your main source of fun.”
I stick my tongue out at him. He’s totally right.
Lincoln laughs, which is a rich and rolling sound that makes everything in Purgatory seem a little less crappy. Together we leap toward another rooftop and land in perfect sync. A few pigeons flap off. When Desmond sees us closing in, he pulls a vial from his pocket, downs the contents, and picks up his pace. For a demon who has to waddle-walk everywhere, that guy sure starts hustling. The vial probably contained a velocity potion.
That said, even if Desmond can go extra fast, I’m not worried that he’ll actually escape. While most full-blooded demons fall into the not-too-bright category, Desmond brings dumbass to an entirely new level. He can’t stop stealing junk, dresses like a homeless clown, and has stalker issues with my family. Yet the biggest giveaway of Desmond’s stupidity is the fact that he’s running away from us right now.
Come on, showing your back to a pair of hunters? Seriously? That’s like predator crack. The dude must have a death wish.
Desmond jumps off the roof to land on the pavement in a roll. That’s no easy feat when your spine’s extra long. Interesting. I’ve never seen Desmond so motivated before. Lincoln and I share a puzzled look before leaping off as well. We sprint a few blocks in silence.
“Does any of this seem odd to you?” Lincoln finally asks.
“I was thinking the same thing. This isn’t Desmond’s MO.”
“Precisely.”
For months now, Desmond’s been trailing my family in the hopes of stealing random bits of our junk. No real shocker there. Mom’s the President of Purgatory and I’m the Great Scala. As a result, we both have our share of stalkers. Some are cute, even if they do rummage through our trash, looking for keepsakes. Others are creepy.
Like Desmond.
I shake my head. “Normally, Desmond never runs. He just hands over whatever he stole. Which is what should have happened back at the limo.”
“It’s what he did last time, and without any complaint.”
“Yeah, that was at the Toys for Quasi-Demonic Tots thing.”
Last week, Desmond lifted some stuff from Mom’s purse while she was speaking at a fundraiser. Not a great idea. While Mom’s the President of Purgatory, my father’s a badass archangel. All Dad had to do was glare at Desmond, and the Klepto handed over what he took. That time, it was Mom’s brush and an old Tic Tac from the bottom of her purse. Like I said, Desmond’s not the brightest star in the demonic sky. Sure, it’s in his nature to steal, but most Klepto demons are a little more strategic about it.
Okay, a lot more strategic.
A sinking feeling runs through my belly. Maybe Desmond isn’t too smart, but someone else is. “He could be a pawn here, you know. Who would expect Desmond to get mixed up in something seriously evil?”
Lincoln’s voice gets crazy calm. “Go on.”
“Let’s look at the facts. Desmond is running from us. You know we can’t resist that.”
“True.”
“Next, how does a Klepto demon go so fast on those stubby little legs? That vial must have contained a velocity potion. Enchantments like those are pricey. You don’t pay for them with stolen Tic Tacs. And then there’s what he took. To grab the Rixa Codex, Desmond had to know when and where we’d be…And whether we’d have the book.”
“All of which requires some serious scheming.”
“Exactly. The whole thing is totally out of character. Desmond’s a demon who spontaneously grabs junk. He doesn’t plan complex heists.”
Lincoln’s full mouth thins to an angry line. “And now, he’s lifted our codex, the very evidence that we need to put Acca behind bars.” Thrax are all about tradition. Since we’ve challenged the House of Acca to court, thrax rules state that one side must go to jail. If it isn’t Acca, then it’s Lincoln and me.
Prison. What a sucky way to spend your honeymoon.
The more I think about it, the more I’m convinced. “Desmond is doing someone else’s dirty work. Guess who.”
A muscle ticks by Lincoln’s jawline. That means he’s pissed. Only one group gets him this angry. “Acca.”
“Yup.” Boy, do I ever hate those fuckers.
The House of Acca wants to rule the thrax homeland of Antrum. Since Lincoln’s next in line to the throne, my guy stands in their way. Which is why Acca tried to marry Lincoln off to their Lady Adair. Too bad for them, Lincoln fell in love with me first, mostly because an oracle angel named Verus stuck her nose in our business. Long story. Anyway, not only does Acca still want the crown, but they also really, really, really want me dead. Meh.
More silence follows as we run along and ponder. Lincoln’s the first to speak again. “There’s a flaw with your logic. Acca must know that we’ll get the codex back from Desmond.”
He’s got me there. Even if Desmond has a dozen spells on him, we’ll still take that Klepto down. I mean, I haven’t even called on my little supernatural buddies for help yet. To move souls to Heaven or Hell, I have power over tiny lightning bolts of energy called igni. If worse comes to worst, I can summon my igni to send Desmond back to Hell, and keep the codex right here. Sure, that would be a total pain in the ass—once igni start moving souls, it’s hard to get them to stop—but I have that option as a last resort.
So what’s Acca really up to?
My tail arches over my shoulder. It’s a beauty, what with being all long, black, and covered in dragon scales. The arrowhead-shaped end jabs in Desmond’s direction. That’s its way of saying we need to grab the Klepto, fast.
“Don’t worry, boy.” I give my tail a comforting pat. “We’ll get him.”
Desmond rounds a corner, and the street turns from bad to worse. The downgrade in neighborhood quality is awesome, in my humble opinion. Here’s why. Most of the after-realms have issues with demons sneaking in and causing trouble. On Earth, it’s the thrax who clean things up. In Purgatory, that work falls to our police. However, our government’s still reeling from Armageddon’s recent invasion (I kicked his ass back to Hell, by the way). As a result, our police haven’t been cracking down on demonic squatters.
Long story short, crappy areas like this one? They’re classic hangouts for the truly evil. My heart thuds faster in my chest. Deserted ruins filled with über-nasty demons?
The day’s looking up.
I grin from ear to ear. “I think I know what plan Desmond was given.”
“Do tell.”
“We’re not supposed to fight a Klepto demon.”
“Could’ve fooled me.”
“Desmond’s leading us somewhere else.”
Lincoln nods slowly. “Such as straight into a Class A battle.” Thrax categorize demons by letter. Class A are the hardest to kill.
“Fighting a Class A would be soooooo awesome.” I shoot Lincoln a sly look. “Maybe we’ll get to take down another Tinea.” I let out a wistful sigh. “Together.”
Lincoln chuckles. “I love your idea of date night.” I know that laugh. Lincoln is as excited as I am.
“How about we make this even more interesting?” I ask.
“What are you thinking?” The husky tone in Lincoln’s voice says that he knows exactly what’s on my mind.
“We bet on who makes the killing blow to the Class A.”
“And the prize?”
“Same as always. The winner names the next kiss.”
This is my favorite game in the history of ever. Whoever wins the bet gets to demand when and where our next kiss will take place. And no matter what the time or location, the so-called loser must comply. Typically, these interludes don’t end with kissing, either. Our last bet was who could first cross the Plains of Rixa on horseback. Lincoln won and demanded a kiss in the royal stables. We ended up naked, and I was picking hay out of my hair for days. The whole thing was beyond great.
I wag my eyebrows. “So, what do you say?”
“You’re on.”
Sweet.
Desmond turns down another deserted road. Actually, road is a generous word. It’s more of a pathway through piles of rubble. Lincoln and I speed along behind our prey. I would skip-run if it didn’t slow me down.
I am so winning this bet.
Bring it on, Desmond.
END OF CHAPTER
And because I need to sell books in order to do stuff like pay bills, I can’t help but mention once more how ACCA is ready to order on Amazon, B&N, Kobo, & iBooks. Come on, you know you want to pre-order!
The post Sample Chapter of Angelbound ACCA is Here! appeared first on Monster House Books.
November 1, 2016
I’m recording the audio book for ANGELBOUND
This will either be very-very cool… or very Will Hung.
But whatever it ends up being, I certainly had a blast recording the book. The experience brought back lots of happy memories of writing in Starbucks, reading chapters aloud, and scaring the fuck out of people when I did my Sharkie voice. One guy dropped his latte. No lie.
So, without further ado, I’d like to share the first few minutes of my reading ANGELBOUND:
And here’s a picture of me in the studio with my headphones on and everything. This was taken just before I started recording!
If all goes well, the audio book version of ANGELBOUND will be live in December in time for the release of the new book 3 in the series, ACCA! Say it with me: HUZZAH!
The post I’m recording the audio book for ANGELBOUND appeared first on Monster House Books.
October 28, 2016
Inside the updated look for my BEHOLDER series
Now, I know some folks like to see the ‘inside story’ on how this stuff happens, so I’ll fill you in on the process before showing you the final.
Step 1
We start with the CONCEALED cover, since this is the one that seems to cause the most questions. Here it is in original format:
Step 2
I ask our designer to add some witchy looking icons. The result is partly cool, partly an explosion of neon. Also, the images don’t say ‘occult’ to me.
Step 3
Where we get more icons, lose the neon and still don’t necessarily say ‘occult.’
Step 4:
Where the designer decides to have some green blood drip everywhere.
Ah, no.
After this, I sent along a powerpoint of occult images so we could get something else going.
Step 5
Where we lose the drips and fine-tune the images. Huzzah!
And here are all the currently-released covers! Occult me, baby!
The post Inside the updated look for my BEHOLDER series appeared first on Monster House Books.
October 26, 2016
Win BIG with the CONCEALED raffle!
Be sure to enter ASAP—the raffle ends soon!
The post Win BIG with the CONCEALED raffle! appeared first on Monster House Books.
October 25, 2016
CONCEALED is here!
:::does happy dance:::
To celebrate, I’m sharing a new excerpt from the book… I hope you enjoy it!
CONCEALED EXCERPT
Rowan stepped into my path, forcing me to stop. “We can’t worry about the Tsar just now.”
“How can I not? This is the Tsar we’re talking about. The man killed off thousands of my people. If he comes back, I’m his top target.”
“No one is getting anywhere near you, Elea.” Rowan’s voice was a rough rasp. “You have my word. I know what you care about, and it’s your Sisters. That’s all you need to think about. At least, for the next two days. Promise me?”
Rowan’s words helped to center my thoughts. “You’re right. Little time remains to save Ada and the others. I need to stay the course. Thank you, Rowan.”
“I’ll always be here for you.” Rowan stared at me for a long moment. I thought he might have more to say. Instead, he shook his head, stepped across the cave floor, and picked up the loops of rope. “Any ideas on where your Sisters are imprisoned?”
“Amelia wants to check the Havilland mansion first.”
“I can send in someone from my team. They’re experts at subterfuge.”
“No. These are my people. I have to go.”
Once again, Rowan moved to stand so close our bodies were only inches apart. “Trust me on this. My people can handle the Royals.” He brushed the backs of his fingertips up my cheek and I melted into the touch. “I want you safe, Elea.” He leaned in until his mouth was only a breath away from mine.
This wasn’t the time for emotion. I couldn’t seem to stop my zuchtlos feelings, though. My heart thumped with such force I thought it might burst from my chest. Rowan’s voice became low and gentle. “Return to Braddock Farm. Stay safe. I will end this. Once it’s done, I’ll find you there. I swear it.”
My legs felt wobbly beneath me. In my mind’s eye, it all appeared so easy and clear. Rowan could handle this. I’d return to my farm and help the faithful servants who’d kept it thriving. Then one day, Rowan would arrive and we’d be together. How wonderful would that be?
I closed my eyes and stepped away from his touch. This was impossible. My people were my responsibility. No one else’s. And the idea that Rowan and I could be together? That was an illusion.
“It’s a sweet dream. We both know it isn’t the truth. You’re part of the Caster Imperial family. Your uncle is none other than Genesis Rex. You can’t have a life with me as a farmer, can you?”
Rowan’s gaze intensified. “No.” He stepped closer once again. “I’ll still find you, though.”
“And when you do, what will I be?” I wanted to touch him and to be with him. I knew that now. But not at any cost. “Your mistress? Your absentee wife?”
“You’ll be mine.” He pulled me into his arms. Every ridge of his hard body pressed against my soft curves. I’d never craved anything more in my life than I wanted to kiss Rowan right now. He leaned in closer than ever before. His warm breath cascaded over my lips. “Don’t fight this. Please.”
My control snapped, and I pressed my mouth to his. Yes. Our first few tastes were tentative. Gentle. Rowan was as delicious as I’d imagined, a flavor that was somewhere between musk and desire. Every touch of his lips sent spasms of want through my core.
Our kiss quickly turned rough. Rowan nipped my bottom lip, and I let out a rough groan. This kiss could go on forever. Still, some small part of my brain shouted for me to stop.
I didn’t know how I found the strength, but I pushed Rowan away. “I want you too. That’s not enough for me. We’re from different worlds. Your place is with your people. I need to save mine. Once this is over, we’ll never see each other again. I can’t afford to feel more for you than I already do.”
Rowan’s eyes took on that intense look I knew so well. A muscle worked in his jaw for a long moment. “I understand. We both have work to do.”
I exhaled. “I’m glad you can accept the truth.”
“I didn’t say that.” He scooped up the ropes and offered them to me. “This isn’t over.”
I stared at the green cords coiled around his palm. I wanted real ties between us as well. Yet wanting a thing wasn’t the same as having it. I pulled the rope from his hand and looped it around my shoulders. “We better get back.”
END OF SAMPLE
To read more, you can find CONCEALED on Amazon, B&N, Kobo, and iBooks!
The post CONCEALED is here! appeared first on Monster House Books.
October 18, 2016
My Igni Scrapbook
Igni are tiny bolts of power that the Great Scala uses to move spirits to heaven or Hell. This life-size lightning storm inspired me because hey, it’s in a volcano. Now, that’s badass.
The traditional stuff.
And some cute-n-tiny lightning.
Fear me, for I am Art Deco lightning!
A more feminine lightning treatment, also in the Art Deco style.
This is how igni move: like a school of fish. Love it.
The inspiration for the Soul Column.
And guess what? A new Angelbound book is coming in December, and it will be chock-full of igni! Woo hoo!
Look at this one closely; it’s extra creepy-cool. This is what the igni are all about…A ton of little souls making up a greater power.
More in this series, yeah!
Prince Lincoln
More Prince Lincoln featuring kissing
Xavier
Myla
Reperio Demons
The Furor
Ghouls
Maxon All Growed Up
Archangels
You can see tons more Angelbound inspirations at my Pinterest Board. Like honestly, I have a problem.
The post My Igni Scrapbook appeared first on Monster House Books.
October 15, 2016
ANGELBOUND is FREE for a Limited Time
This limited-time ebook offer celebrates the upcoming launch of the sequel, ACCA, on December 13th. Want to know more about ANGELBOUND? Check out the description below…
Description
Eighteen-year-old Myla Lewis is a girl who loves two things: kicking ass and kicking ass. She’s not your every day quasi-demon, half-demon and half-human, girl. For the past five years, Myla has lived for the days she gets to fight in Purgatory’s arena. When souls want a trial by combat for their right to enter heaven or hell, they go up against her, and she hasn’t lost a battle yet.
But as she starts her senior year at Purgatory High, the arena fights aren’t enough to keep her spirits up anymore. When the demons start to act weird, even for demons, and the King of the Demons, Armageddon, shows up at Myla’s school, she knows that things are changing and it’s not looking good for the quasi-demons. Myla starts to question everything, and doesn’t like the answers she finds. What happened seventeen years ago that turned the quasi-demons into slave labor? Why was her mom always so sad? And why won’t anyone tell her who her father is? Things heat up when Myla meets Lincoln, the High Prince of the Thrax, a super sexy half-human and half-angel demon hunter. But what’s a quasi-demon girl to do when she falls for a demon hunter? It’s a good thing that Myla’s not afraid of breaking a few rules. With a love worth fighting for, Myla’s going to shake up Purgatory.
Want to see the full list of ANGELBOUND books? Click here!
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