S.C. Mitchell's Blog, page 24
March 12, 2015
Thursday Threads – Dreams Do Come True
This week on Thursday Threads we are featuring Dreams Do Come True by Larynn Ford:
Dreams Do Come True
Book 2 in the Dream Trilogy
Blurb:
The vicious slaughter of cattle brings Lynzi Lancaster and her fianc�� Layne Brady, a Fae raised in the human world, to the aid of his human parents. A neighbor with a grudge has returned to the area to settle a score.
Lynzi is only mildly shocked to find the tall tales her granddaddy told so many years ago about black panthers roaming the woods near their home were not only true but also had a twist, those panthers were two natured . . . werepanthers.
The renegade panther believes Lynzi is a witch and threatens her life when Fae magic is performed near by. Now, it���s up to Lynzi and Layne to bring down the big cats and keep her alive.
Excerpt:
I drew the truck door as close to me as I could get it and waited for the perfect moment. I shoved it open with all the force I had to meet my attacker head on. With a loud thud, she bounced back, and fell hard on her rump.
Thinking that reality check would take some of the fight out of her, I stepped from behind the door. It was only hopeful thinking though since she scrambled to her feet and came at me a second time. She made contact this time by clinching both hands around my neck all the while chanting some strange words. Gasping for air, I grabbed hold of her wrists and broke the hold as I spotted Boone tearing out the back door toward us. She swung a fist, and I reached up with my forearm to block the blow.
A familiar hand latched onto my waist and tugged me out of the reach of the crazed woman. The loud smack I heard but did not see delivered caused her to fly backward and land on her backside again. I straightened myself, my hands clinched into tight fists. She had to believe I had delivered the blow. Layne���s identity could never be discovered.
Boone took his protective stance in front of me. ���Mena, what are you doing here? Ms. Lynzi didn���t kill Del. He was executed by panther law for everything he did to me and Jesse and Mama.���
The crazy witch resembled a human crab scooting backward on her hands and feet, trying to stand, and regain her senses. I could almost see the steam coming from her ears she was so mad.
���You didn���t lift a finger to help poor Del and now you���ve thrown in with this witch. You will pay for what you did, Boone Weaver.��� She raised her hand and started to speak in riddles again as if to cast another spell of some sort on Boone.
I moved around Boone with my shadow still covering my back. ���This is your only warning, Mena. Leave this place and leave us in peace. Keep messing with me and my family and I will come after you.��� I raised my arm with my fist still clinched to emphasize my point. Layne accentuated my declaration with a gust of wind powerful enough to knock her on her butt, yet again.
���I���ll get you. I don���t know what kind of witch you are but I���ll get you. And Boone, you only tasted the beginning. You���ll wish you were dead before I���m done with you. Careful what you dream, it might come true.��� She scrambled to her feet and ran around the corner of the house and to the car she had left parked out on the side of the road.
���Lynzi. Are you hurt?��� Layne was hovering again. ���Ms. Lynzi, did she hurt you?��� Boone, too.���I blew out a breath. ���Whew. You both worry too much.
I���m fine. Not a hair out of place.��� I shook my ponytail. ���Which is more than I can say for Mena.��� A confident grin spread across my face as I raised my left fist and revealed my prize. Several dozen strands of frizzy, bleached blond hair had been captured in my scuffle with the witch. ���Ooo, she���s in bad need of a touch up, too. Gray roots.��� I made a face as I examined my reward and wondered if we now had everything we needed to do the job of eliminating Mena from our lives.
Layne���s hands clasped onto my waist, he lifted, and spun me around in mid air. After my feet were back on the ground, I propped my hands on my hips. ���Layne Brady, what if someone saw that? People don���t just fly around their backyards on their own. At least not here.���
���Hey, you already got the reputation as a scary ol��� witch, so why not?��� He chuckled as he took my hand and led me into the house.
���Sounds reasonable to me,��� Boone chimed in.
���You two best be careful with those smart mouths. I���ll take my broomstick to the both of you.���
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Come-True-Larynn-Ford-ebook/dp/B00NULPUHO
Twitter: @LarynnFord
Website: www.larynnford.com
March 11, 2015
Night Owl Reviews – 4�� Stars and Top Pick
Just a quick update: Night Owl Reviews has reviewed The Blarmling dilemma and awarded it 4�� Stars and a Night Owl Reviews Top Pick!
Check out their review here: http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Reviews/Emma-reviews-The-Blarmling-Dilemma-by-S-C-Mitchell
March 10, 2015
Romance Writers Weekly ��� A writing Retreat
Do you like to read romance novels? Wouldn���t you like to know more about your favorite authors? Well you came to the right place! Join the writers of Romance Weekly as we go behind the scenes of our books and tell all���.. About our writing of course! Every week we���ll answer questions and after you���ve enjoyed the blog on this site we���ll direct you to another. So come back often for a thrilling ride!
RWW also has a website with its own blog, a newsletter, and can be found on Facebook, and Twitter (@LoveChatWrite).
If you���ve wondered in from Brenda Margriet���s wonderful blog or are starting your tour with me, hold on to your hats because today we���re going on vacation to some wonderful writers retreats.
This week I asked the group to: Describe your perfect writing retreat.
I think of a writers retreat as a working vacation, and my perfect writing retreat would include a number of key elements.
1. A group of avid, romance writers.
Nothing gets the creative juices flowing like interacting with other creative people, and romance writers are the best kind of people. We all have a group of crazy characters talking to us in our heads, and wherever two or more are gathered, there will be shop talk.
2. A comfortable unique gathering space.
It can be a cabin in the woods, a beach front tropical resort, or just a nice hotel. It���s preferably a place I haven���t been before. A new place to explore is great for inspiring a new scene in whatever I���m writing.
3. Good food.
Whether ordering in a good restaurant or choosing from a catered buffet, sharing a dining table with a group of romance authors is always fun and inspiring.
4. Wine.
Come on, you knew this was next, and it really should be self-explanatory.
5. Some inspiring speakers.
Maybe that best-selling author, or an editor from a popular publishing house. Someone who is ���there��� and doesn���t mind sharing their experiences.
So, where is my next writers retreat? The 2015 Write Touch Conference April 24-26 in Milwaukee, WI.
Yeah, I���m stoked.
Now I hear you. Where in the world would Raine Balkera go for her perfect writers retreat? Lucky for you, it���s just one click away:
March 5, 2015
Thursday Threads – The Perfect Duke
Today on Thursday Threads we feature The Perfect Duke by Dawn Ireland:
Title: The Perfect Duke
Genre: Historical Romance (Late Georgian Era)
Heat Level: Three out of Five
Back Cover Blurb
Known as The Marble Duke amongst the Ton, Garret Weston, the Duke of Kendal sets himself apart from his peers. Nothing will hinder his guilt-driven attempt to become a perfect duke. Nothing that is, save the alluring and imaginative betrothed he���d thought dead. His intended believes-of all things-that she is a Vicar���s daughter. The ���perfect��� duke needs a ���perfect��� duchess, but how was he to discern her suitability? Employing her as a governess to his niece seemed like an ideal solution. But whose ���suitability��� is being tested? His betrothed refuses to see he is beyond redemption. And most grievous of all, she stirs his blood, making him forget what���s important.
Cara believes fairy tales really can come true, until she meets the unrelenting and arrogant Duke of Kendal. He looks like a Prince, but acts like a Beast. Why must he challenge her at every turn? Her greatest peril is her attraction to the vulnerable, seductive man behind the title. A match between them would be impossible. But can she show him, without losing her heart that ���perfect��� is in the eye of the beholder?
Excerpt
���The horse seems to know you.���
���He should. There was a time when I practically lived in the stable. Storm was my favorite.���
���What happened?���
���I became a duke.���
���Oh.���
He straightened and forced his features into a mask of indifference. ���So, Rachel loves horses.��� He turned to face Cara. ���I can appreciate my niece���s fondness, but I can not allow her to frequent the stable.���
���Why not?���
���It is not proper for young ladies of her station.���
���Garret, she���s a child.���
It was the first time she���d used his name, and somehow, Rachel visiting the horses didn���t seem like such a large request. ���I will only allow it if she uses the passageway. At least I can keep the knowledge of her visits to a minimum. If you come with her, you will need to use the tunnel as well.���
���I can���t.���
���Why not?���
She blushed and turned away. ���I���m afraid.��� She said it so quietly, he wasn���t sure he heard her.
���Afraid? Of what?���
���Dark, enclosed places. Even as a child, I fell asleep with a candle burning.��� She faced him and gave a small smile. ���Perhaps I���m afraid that a beast will gobble me up in the dark.���
���There are no beasts at Belcraven, Miss McClure. I would not allow anyone to hurt you.���
���Anyone?���
���Never.��� He started toward her and stopped. Damn, it would be better if he didn���t get close to her. As he left the stable, her whisper followed him.
���Not even you?���
Links:
www.dawn-ireland.com
www.authordawnIreland.wordpress.com
www.smpauthors.wordpress.com
Twitter.com/AuthorDIreland
Facebook.com/DawnIrelandAuthor
The Perfect Duke
ASIN: B00BT0NGOC
March 3, 2015
Romance Weekly ��� Writing Space
Do you like to read romance novels? Wouldn���t you like to know more about your favorite authors? Well you came to the right place! Join the writers of Romance Weekly as we go behind the scenes of our books and tell all���.. About our writing of course! Every week we���ll answer questions and after you���ve enjoyed the blog on this site we���ll direct you to another. So come back often for a thrilling ride!
RWW also has a website with its own blog, a newsletter, and can be found on Facebook, and Twitter (@LoveChatWrite).
If you���ve wondered in from J. J. Devine���s wonderful blog or are starting your tour with me, hold on to your hats because today we���re going behind the scenes to discover your Romance Writers Weekly writing spaces.
This week Elizabeth Janette asks: Give us the inside scoop on your writing space. Include photos, if possible.
Ah, my writing space. It���s a tale of two cities and three offices.
This past September we moved to a new city and a new home. Before that I had a wonderful office all to myself. Birds sang and the kingdom was happy.
The office I left behind.
Our new home has a large, unfinished basement, most of which I instantly adopted as my man cave and office. The king ascended his new throne, and the peasants cheered.
But as winter set in, a chill invaded the kingdom. I discovered my basement was drafty and cold. So the king packed his bags and ascended the stairway to find his winter abode, with a pledge to return when the spring does.
The once and future office.
For the winter I���ve moved into our spare bedroom. My kingdom now has flowered curtains. But while cramped, it is closer to the refrigerator and coffee pot. The king is content���for now.
The present, not so perfect office.
What does the future hold?
Some revamping of the dungeon no doubt, but there is also the possibility of that small 3rd bedroom���
Adventure awaits, and the kingdom never sleeps (at least until around 8:30PM).
Oh, and for a look at Kim Handysides��� kingdom, click here. http://kimhandysides.com/
February 26, 2015
Thursday Threads – The S.E.R.A. Files volume 3
Today on Thursday Threads we feature volume 3 of a series I’m really enjoying: The S.E.R.A Files by by C. T. Green:
Title: The S.E.R.A. Files Volume 3, sizzling paranormal romances. A selection of stories written especially as ‘lunch time reads’ or just to snatch some ‘me’ time, each story is a standalone with a happily every after.
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/S-E-R-Files-3-ebook/dp/B00QUOH7Z6/
Website: http://www.ctgreen-author.com
HIDING SILVER
Sometimes, being a vampire sucks.
Silver Illy��s is determined not to fall into the same love-���til-death trap that almost killed his brother. But he���s finding his Fairy Godmother partner irresistible���even if she keeps her Great Aunt���s coffin in her living room.
Alice Gale is not going to let her feelings for her new partner stop her from doing her job. With him on the Goblin King���s most wanted list ��� it���s time for Alice to prove this is a love Silver shouldn���t hide from. Oh, and she���s tired of explaining about the coffin.
RESISTING REIGN
Angels are simply irresistible. Fairy Godmothers are simply unstoppable.
When Reign meets Adele Kent while hanging naked from a pair of handcuffs in a hag���s den (don���t ask), he discovers he���s not so sure about working alone anymore.
Adele is finding her new angel partner is quite a handful, literally. The guy can never keep his clothes on. But when they team up to find out what the hags want with angel blood, they���re an irresistibly unstoppable force.
STEALING ASH
Will this stray wolf finally find a home that always has a spare pair of pants?
Lucy Sinclair has the big, bad wolf in her bed. Mainly because she���s stolen him. And S.E.R.A. wants him back. With a matchmaking Grandmother and a beautiful woman determined to keep Ash in her power, Lucy���s got her work cut out in keeping her man.
Ash is committed to finding out what���s been happening to the men who visit ���Circe��� the new club in town. Now, he must put the girl he���s falling in love with into the line of fire if he���s going to solve this case.
THAWING FROST
Can a scorching new love warm up this Ice Prince���s heart?
Frost, of the Ice People, was in love with Silver Illy��s until the vampire found his mate. What can a prince do, but hide his broken heart and step gracefully aside? Then he meets another vampire, who heats him up in an inferno of desire. The only problem is, he���s Silver���s brother.
Adorj��n Illy��s believed he���d never find love again. But is being a substitute for his brother enough? With the Unseelie Court���s Dark Fae on the hunt for someone, he���s going to need all his wits if he���s to regain his S.E.R.A. badge and rediscover his heart.
SEEING DESTINY
A determined Fairy. A suspicious Phantom. And a Dark Fae.
This could be messy.
Being with a Phantom means accepting a three-way relationship, but Destiny���s not a Fairy who���s happy about sharing. Until she meets a Dark Fae called Elair, and she realizes that two mates means double the love.
Cam can���t deny the sparks between him and Elair. But how can he trust the Dark Fae, let alone allow the male into his heart and closer to Destiny?
Elair loves Destiny and finds Cam irresistible, but in order to have them, he���s going to have convince the Phantom he���s trustworthy and that means reining in his considerable pride. With the Unseelie Court determined to drag him home, time is running out for Elair to find freedom and love.
February 20, 2015
Cover Reveal – Cookie Cutter
Today I’m excited and proud to help my friend and fellow Romance Writers Weekly author, Jo Richardson reveal the cover of her upcoming new release, Cookie Cutter:
Cookie Cutter
Author: Jo Richardson
Publisher: Little Bird Publishing
Genre: Contemporary RomCom
Release date: March 23, 2015
Blurb:
Iris Alden and Carter Blackwood couldn’t be more different. Change-averse Iris likes her life neat and organized, while Carter’s itchy feet mean he doesn���t plan to stay in the same place for long.
When Carter moves into the house across the street from Iris, to renovate it, she fights the disruption it causes in her life. Before long, though, it’s not simply the house Carter’s rebuilding, but Iris’s heart, too.
Teaser:
���What are you doing here?���
It���s Carter freaking Blackwood. Of course.
He smiles that ridiculously bright, white smile of his and lets out a soft snicker. ���I���m fixing a floor for a friend, what are you doing here?���
It���s completely obvious what I���m doing here, seeing as I���m carrying two huge trays of sugar cookies in my arms.
���A friend? You just moved in. How do you have friends already?��� I say it a bit harsher than I probably should but honestly, how does he have friends already? James and I were here a good six months before people started really talking to me. It was a year before I could call any of them friends. The edges of Carter���s mouth turn down and his head dips to one side as his shoulders hunch then settle.
���People like me, I guess.���
The smug look on his face is enough to make me want to slap it. Or kiss it.
Wait. Not kiss it. I didn���t mean kiss it. Why am I staring at his lips?
���People who don���t want to kill me that is. Are you okay?���
I blink, and search my brain, but I���m still not quite sure what to say to him, so I extend my arms. ���I brought cookies.��� As soon as I say the words, I hear them. I sound ridiculous and Carter���s bright eyes crinkle with amusement.
He closes his lids and he breathes the baked goods in. Then hums. The sound of his voice sends a vibration through me and I shiver. I am eternally grateful that he doesn���t see it happen.
His eyes open slowly. When they reach mine, I���m glued to his stare like a deer in headlights.
���Those cookies smell really fucking good, Iris.���
The bedroom eyes catch me off guard and my mouth falls open so I snap it shut. I���m a buffoon with no ability to speak.
���Can I have one?��� He reaches out and I balance the platter with one hand, then slap his fingers with the other while I find words. A word that is.
���No.���
���Ow.��� He pulls his hand away, like a child getting reprimanded, only when we make eye contact again, he doesn���t seem child like to me.
I wouldn���t say he���s angry. He doesn���t exactly laugh, either. And his eyes gleam as he stares at me. I hate his eyes almost as much as I hate his teeth. Maybe more. Dammit, I���m staring, again.
���They���re for Ally���s class,��� I tell him. ���Fundraiser, I mean bake sale.��� I fumble my words. He���s so frustrating.
Other works by Jo:
Cursed be the Wicked, a paranormal mystery romance, released March 2014 through Soul Mate Publishing
AMAZON | B&N | GOODREADS
Lost in Christmas, a short story included in Soul Mate Publishing���s 2013 Christmas anthology
AMAZON | GOODREADS
About Jo:
��
A movie fanatic, a writer of stories, a lover of life.
Jo grew up in Maryland with four siblings, three parents and an endless number of cousins within the vicinity ��� but it was too cold up North for this thin blooded girl. So today, she lives in Florida with her two girls and a husband that shares her same sense of humor and basic take on life as we know it.
Life is too short to put dreams on the back burner.
Jo tells contemporary stories with romance, humor, the supernatural, the paranormal, suspense, mystery, action and anything else she can think up.
In 2012, she wrote Cursed be the Wicked, a character driven, paranormal mystery romance that was picked up by Soul Mate Publishing and released in March of 2014. Since then, Jo has also written a couple of short stories and her recently contracted contemporary romantic comedy, entitled Cookie Cutter, is set to release on March 23, 2015 through Little Bird Publishing.
Social Media:
WEBSITE: http://jrrichardsonfics.weebly.com
AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/author/jrrichardsonfics
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/JRRichardsonAuthor
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/jofictionfreak
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/JRRichardson
February 19, 2015
Thursday Threads – The Blarmling dilemma
Today on Thursday Threads it’s my turn to showcase my latest novel, The Blarmling Dilemma:
Title: The Blarmling Dilemma
Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Heat Level: Sizzling
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Blarmling-Dilemma-Hearts-Orbit-Book-ebook/dp/B00QHND71S/
Blurb:
���They���re not animals. They���re people!���
Phoebe Callista���s pleas fall on deaf ears and she���s forced to rescue two helpless Blarmlings from certain death. Fleeing across a backwater sector of the galaxy, with Galactic Marshals in hot pursuit, Phoebe falls into the hands of a handsome but determined bounty hunter.
Rigel Antares has captured wanted criminals throughout the galaxy rim, but he���s never come across anything like Phoebe Callista. The gorgeous blonde is playing the innocent, and something deep inside wants to believe her, but Rigel has problems of his own���a ship that���s falling apart and an unscrupulous Galactic Marshal looking for any excuse to send him back to the prison planets of the Theiler System.
An intergalactic circus, vicious space pirates, and a planet full of backtechers cross their paths as two hearts go into orbit to save a pair of adorable Blarmlings.
Hearts in Orbit – Volume 1: The Blarmling Dilemma is a science fiction romance set in the far-flung space traveling future, and sets a new course across the galaxy that leads to love and adventure.
Available now at: http://www.amazon.com/Blarmling-Dilemma-Hearts-Orbit-Book-ebook/dp/B00QHND71S/
Excerpt:
Rigel sighed. Without the full rap sheet, he didn���t even know exactly what she���d stolen. It could be anything from a subatomic particle to a Ramuligan Horned Calophant. He���d hoped she���d just hand him the merchandise. Maybe a bluff?
���You know I���ll be searching your ship.���
The woman nodded, but her eyes never left his. ���You will find no stolen biological specimens on this ship.��� Her gaze never wavered.
The statement, and the honesty behind her words, floored him. Rigel wanted to believe her. Her sincerity and defeated attitude made him feel like a pirate. Deep in his soul, something knotted. Should I let her go?
Realization of what he���d been tempted to do hit him like a gut-punch and new resolve flowed through him. Oh yes, this woman was dangerous. With just one look in those incredible emerald eyes, he���d almost melted.
Phoebe Callista was possibly the most dangerous criminal he���d ever faced.
***
Bio: Hidden strengths, adventurous hearts.
S.C.Mitchell grew up an avid reader of comic books, science fiction and fantasy literature. He���s been writing stories for over thirty years. In 2010 he left his job as a computer desktop support specialist to pursue his passion for writing full time. He is a member of the Romance Writers of America as well as the Wisconsin chapter.
As a writer of paranormal and sci-fi romance, fantasy, and science fiction, Steve crafts unique and wondrous worlds where his characters explore, romp, and fall in love. Whether traveling through dark, demon filled dimensions, the edge of wild space, or ancient mythological heavens, his heroes and heroines, guided by their adventurous hearts, discover hidden strengths on their pathway to enduring love.
Links:
Web Site: http://scmitchellauthor.com/
Blog: https://scmitchell.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSCMitchell
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorSMitchell
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B007D0Z1MW
February 17, 2015
Cover Reveal – Deception
Today I’m honored to host a cover reveal from my friend, and fellow Romance Writers Weekly author, A. S. Fenichel
Deception
Book Two
The Demon Hunters
Genre: Paranormal Historical Romance
Publisher: Lyrical Press/Kensington Publishing
Date of Publication: July 7, 2015
Available for Pre-order:
Amazon- http://www.amazon.com/Deception-Demon-Hunters-S-Fenichel-ebook/dp/B00ONTR7WS/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Barns & Noble- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deception-as-fenichel/1120611640?ean=9781616505622
Kensington- http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book.aspx/31375
Blurb:
When Demons threaten Regency London, only a Lady can stop them.
Lillian Dellacourt is beautiful, refined and absolutely lethal. She���s also the most feared and merciless demon hunter in The Company. She���s come a long way from the penniless seamstress���s daughter sold to the highest bidder, and it wasn���t by trusting a man, let alone an exiled Marquis with more on his mind than slaying the hellspawn . . .
For Dorian Lambert, Marquis de Montalembert, being sent to keep track of Lillian is no mean task. He���s wanted the fiery vixen since he first heard of her five years ago. But wooing the lady while fighting the demon uprising is no easy feat, especially when the lady���s tongue is as sharp as the Japanese sai blades she favors for eviscerating the spawn of hell.
These two will have to learn to trust each other fast, because the demon master is back, and he���s planning to turn Edinburgh into a living hell���
Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for a $25 gift card : a Rafflecopter giveaway
Find A.S. Fenichel
Web Site- http://asfenichel.net/
Blog – http://asfenichel.net/blog/
Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5154640.A_S_Fenichel
Twitter – https://twitter.com/asfenichel
Tsu – https://www.tsu.co/ASFenichel
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel
Google +1 – https://plus.google.com/113195747154467378107/posts
Pinterest – http://pinterest.com/asfenichel/boards/
February 16, 2015
That super secret project…
Last week I hinted at a super secret project I was involved with, and today I’m happy to announce the launch of The Spice Aisle, and new lifestyle/romance website and blog featuring the talents of nine incredible writers. (Okay, eight incredible writers and me.)
But, it’s not just about romance, thought there will be a pinch of that. We’ve got recipes, fashion, movie and television reviews, and lots more on tap. We’re launching today, so stop by and check out The Spice Aisle: http://spiceaisleromance.com/
