Melissa Snark's Blog: The Snarkology, page 42
March 4, 2015
A Character Interview: The Witch, The Wolf and The Vampire by A K Michaels (Contest)
The author is sponsoring a giveaway for a free Kindle copy of The Witch, the Wolf, and the Vampire (Book 1). Please leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win.
Characters from The Witch, The Wolf and The Vampire
Josef Ancient Vampire
Peri Young runaway Witch
Gabe Werewolf
Where are you from?
Josef:- We live in Las Vegas, USA.
If you could go back in time, to any timeline who would it be and why?
Josef:- You DO know how old I am? Right? That’s a rather silly question for an ancient vampire.
Peri:- Oh don’t be rude Josef, she’s only doing her job! Cleopatra! Can you imagine all those handmaidens tending your every need and bathing in milk – oh maybe not – I don’t like milk!
Gabe:- (Laughing) I think if you’re gonna be Cleo then I’ll be one of those handmaidens!
Do you believe in love at first sight or just lust at first sight?
Josef:- I’m not sure I believe in love at first sight, I’ve only ever loved one woman so it’s rather hard to answer that.
Peri:- Well I know that I’ve definitely felt lust at first sight!
Gabe:- Both, I believe in both. Peri, babe, it was me wasn’t it? Your lust at first sight, was me wasn’t it?
Peri:- Gabe! Behave, Wolf, I’m not saying.
Guys, would you ever have anyone else join your little trio?
Josef: Absolutely not!
Gabe: No!
Peri:- I’m perfectly happy with my men. We don’t need anyone else
What are you reading? Tell us a little about the book and why you chose to read this.
Josef:- I’m re-reading some Shakespeare.
Peri:- I’m reading the Immortals series by, hmm, Monica La Porta, yup, that’s right. Her books are amazing. I love them.
Gabe:- Does Playboy count? No? Damn, a book you meant a book didn’t you. Nope, not a reader.
Does Flash Fiction appeal to you and if so can you explain what that attraction is? This particular writing is usually under a thousand words, how do you establish any sort of characterization in that short space, let alone a conflict
Josef:- What?
Peri:- I have to say I don’t have much experience reading that type of thing. I like a book
I can get drawn into, not sure if I could do that in something that was only a thousand
words. Jeez, it would mean I would be looking for something new to read just about
all the time!
Gabe:- Flash Fiction? Is that a new superhero?
What is the worst question you have ever been asked regarding writing?
Josef:- In what regards? I read, sometimes, but I don’t know anyone that writes.
Peri:- Oh Josef! You are in trouble now with a capital T! Just wait til Ava sees this!
Gabe:- (Laughing) Yup, you’re gonna get written out! Then I’ll have Peri all to myself!
What do you think of the way Ava has portrayed you in the series?
Josef:- I think she’s got me a far too formal. I’m not quite as bad as she depicts.
Gabe:- Yeah, you are, Josef! You are getting better but I think that’s Peri’s influence. Before our love joined us you were the most reserved person I knew!
Peri:- You certainly have changed, Josef. All for the better! I think Ava got us spot on, warts and all.
Name your five (or more) favorite fictional characters (does not matter whether from books, TV, films, or even comics) of all time.
Josef:- Seriously? Is this an interview for a comic book?
Peri:- Josef! You’re being rude again.
Josef:- Sorry, what’s your point, little Witch?
Peri:- I think we should skip this question. Next?
Is there a festive time of the year that you love? What is so special about it?
Josef:- Any time that allows me to spoil Peri.
Peri:- Oh, I love Christmas, and Easter, lots of gifts and usually some fabulous chocolates doing the rounds.
Gabe:- Gotta agree with Jo on this one.
What music are you listening to lately
Josef:- There is one particular piece of classical music that I am rather partial to.
Peri:- Josef! Don’t you dare! I mean it!
Gabe:- Same as Jo but our mate appears to be a little shy on sharing what it is, or why!
Are you in introvert or an extrovert?
Josef:- I would have thought that was glaringly obvious.
Peri:- I would say an introvert, well, before I met these two that is!
Gabe:- I’m definitely an extrovert and proud of it!
Are you a Panster or a planner?
Josef:- Peri, what language is this person using? I have no idea what they’re talking about.
Peri:- You’re a planner, Josef, definitely a planner. Me, I’m a bit of both, depending on the circumstances.
Gabe:- I kinda go with the flow, depends on my mood. I am quite spontaneous, am I not, Peri?
Peri:- Shush, Gabe, don’t you dare embarrass me!
Author: A.K. Michaels
Series: The Witch, The Wolf and The Vampire
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: Dec 2013
Editions/Formats: eBook & Print
Peri has been running since she was fifteen – using her magic to stay safe. ‘They’ can track her magic tho, so she has to use it sparingly. In Vegas, for a cash in hand job, and things turn nasty! She knows the amount of magic she would have to use to escape unscathed would bring ‘them’ right to her.
Before she can use the vast magic required two males appear and aid her. One a wolf, one an ancient vampire.
Josef, the vampire, and Gabe, the wolf, are more than a little interested in this skinny girl. What ensues shocks both of the strong males – this girl is more than a stray, more than a witch – it looks like she is a mate – for both of them!?
Will Peri stay? Will they keep her safe? Who, if any, of the two will she choose? Just how much power does this stripling of a girl have locked inside her?
This Book Contains Adult Content!
Book Links:
Excerpts:
Gabe looked at his friend and gave a lopsided grin. “What do you think, Jo, want to help a lady in distress?”
Josef sighed. “This is a new suit, Gabe, do you know how much it cost?” Josef was fingering the material of his made-to-measure suit and frowning.
Gabe laughed. “Come on, live a little!” Gabe chuckled and took off towards the girl, pulling to a stop behind her. She must’ve heard him because her head swung around, and he could see the worry in her eyes, eyes that he almost fell into. Shit, she was gorgeous.
“No need to worry, thought you could do with a hand,” Gabe said, a cheeky grin on his face.
Josef appeared next to him and stared at the men in front. Shit, he was probably going to work up a sweat. His new silk shirt would be ruined.
Bio:
A K Michaels was born in Scotland quite a number of years ago! She was married at a young age and is a mother to three much loved children. After the birth of her last child she went back to higher education and studied for a year before gaining employment in the banking industry. She worked in that role for a number of years before leaving, both the job and the country.
She lived abroad for a few years before returning to Scotland and finally taking up her dream – writing.
She is the author of the Defender’s Blood series of books and two other series, The Witch, The Wolf and the Vampire and also Sabrina’s Vampire, together with a Wolf Erotica Novella, Lori’s Wolf. Her books fall into the Paranormal/Urban Fantasy genre and she loves writing those particular kinds of stories where she can let her imagination run wild!
She now spends her time reading – everything from Sci Fi to Crime, Erotica to Fantasy, Thrillers to Paranormal Romance. She loves spending time with her family and, of course, writing!
She has Twitter and Facebook page where she loves to chat to readers.
Author Links:
Book Review: Captain and Countess by Alice Gaines #Romance #Kindlescout
In this sensuous Regency romance, Jason, Lily, and Bess become engaged to the wrong people.
Captain Jason Northcross desperately desires his sister, Lily, to marry into noble society. To achieve a duchy for his sister, he needs a proper marriage for himself. His status guarantees an easily achieved betrothal, and he should have no trouble selecting one of the eligible young ladies during his party in the countryside. However, distracted from his goal, he has a hard time keeping his hands off his neighbor, Lady Rushford.
The late Earl of Rushford’s widow, Bess Webster, believes romance has passed her by. So why can’t she keep Captain Northcross out of her dreams? And how does he inflame passions she didn’t know she had? While she should be focused on penning novels and finding husbands for her friends, her thoughts center on broad shoulders and laughing green eyes.
Will these misaligned engagements be set straight before the final vows have been spoken?
Review by Melissa Snark
I confess to having a not so secret weakness for Regency romances. I adore the civility of the era as well as the historical English setting. As it happens, I voted for Captain and Countess during its Kindle Scout run, so I received a complimentary copy from Amazon, not the author.
The book delivers in spades. Excellent writing and editing. Lively dialogue. Good pacing. And OMG, blow your socks off sensuous love scenes! Granted, they’re not as explicit as many contemporary erotica pieces but they were both over the top tasteful and well done. My hat is off to Alice Gaines. I loved every word and I’ll definitely read whatever she write next.
This is a fantastically fun story. You’ll fall in love with Jason and Bess and many of the secondary characters as well. There are moments when you become frustrated with the main characters for being somewhat obtuse but it’s all part of the fun and a good buildup. I’m thrilled to be able to recommend it.
And a hat tip to the cover artist. What a lovely visual.
Alice Gaines lives in the San Francisco Bay Area in a fixer-upper house she never fixed up. Aside from writing and reading hot, hot romance, she loves cooking, the San Francicso 49ers, and her church. She has a pet corn snake named Casper. She’s insanely passionate about the funky soul band, Tower of Power.
http://www.alicegaines.blogspot.com
http://www.alicesexcerpts.blogspot.com
authoralicegaines@gmail.com
http://www.amazon.com/Alice-Gaines/e/B003ZO8D70/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1425413447&sr=1-2-ent
March 3, 2015
Keeping up with great books by Ruth Kaufman @ruthkaufman #Romance
As of this writing, Amazon’s Kindle store lists 9,008 new romance releases–in the last 30 days! A few minutes later, that number, which includes includes novellas and boxed sets, had already increased by two. Back in the day, I used to think I was keeping up with the books I wanted to read, even though I had to physically visit a store and/or a library to get them. Today, the number of books old and new that are available for instant consumption is overwhelming.
Though there are so many great new books, I thought I’d share my favorite old books. Years ago, once these oldies-but-goodies left the shelves, they were gone unless you could borrow from a friend or library or find them at a used book sale. Now, many of them are available online so new readers can discover and enjoy them.
I don’t remember how I got my hands on it, but I think Kathleen Woodiwiss’ Shanna was the first romance novel I read. That amazing book led me to her others, including one of my all-time favorites, The Wolf and the Dove. I also liked Sweet Savage Love by Rosemary Rogers. Because I love (and now write) medievals with actual history in them, I devoured Roberta Gellis’ Roselynde Chronicles. My favorite was Alinor (book 2). Is there anyone who doesn’t love A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Devereaux? Then I discovered Judith McNaught. I liked the perennial classic Whitney, My Love, but prefer A Kingdom of Dreams. Next I found Julie Garwood…nine of her books remain on my keeper shelf, including The Prize, The Secret and Honor’s Splendour.
I couldn’t put down Barbara Erskine’s 700+ page medievals, Lady of Hay and Kingdom of Shadows. Other keeper shelf worthy books were Susan Wiggs’ Vows Made in Wine. One part (I don’t remember which) made me cry. Not just because the story was moving, but because I knew I could never write anything that good. Susan King’s Raven’s Wish and two of her Maiden series--The Stone Maiden and The Swan Maiden made the list. And Mary Jo Putney’s Shattered Rainbows. Later, I made room for Madeline Hunter’s medievals, including By Arrangement, on my shelves.
These are some of the books I still remember, though I read them many years ago. Are any of these books new-to-you, or are they among your keepers? What’s your favorite oldie-but-goodie?
Could she defy her king for love?
England 1453: King Henry VI sends Sir Nicholas Gray to protect the recently widowed Lady Amice Winfield from undesirable suitors. Though Nicholas intrigues her, she yearns to run Castle Rising without a man’s control.
Nicholas has no interest in marriage, but can’t deny he’s attracted to Amice. He’s surprised to finally find in Castle Rising a place he feels at home. A kiss sparks desire neither can ignore, yet serving opposing factions seeking to govern England threatens to pull them apart.
At court, the king and queen reject Amice’s pleas and choose a new husband for her, a highly-ranked lord who’ll provide connections and coin for the king’s depleted coffers that Nicholas cannot. How can she follow the king’s command when she’s a scribe for his rival? How can she marry another man when she’s falling in love with Nicholas?
AT HIS COMMAND:
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iBooks:
Excerpt: Chapter 1
Norfolk, England — April 1453
Sir Nicholas Grey’s scout leaned forward in his saddle, holding up two fingers to let the others know two horses approached. Nicholas heard only the slight jangling of harnesses blended with wind rattling through the trees, but relied on his scout’s uncanny ability to hear what no one else could.
He and his eight men sat alert, deep enough in the forest to avoid being seen while maintaining a clear view of the road through leafless branches. Nine armed men could frighten travelers. ‘Twas best to let them pass.
Each man watched, each horse sinking deeper into chilling mire as a mud-covered, black palfrey plodded over the rise in the road, its long mane whipping in the frigid winds.
“No rider,” Martin, the scout, murmured.
“Look again,” Nicholas replied. At first he too had thought the horse was riderless. Now he could see a woman collapsed on the animal’s back. Her dark hair draped down its flank, mingling with the horse’s mane. The palfrey placed each step as if trying not to jostle its burden.
Another horse, this one a brown rouncey ridden by a thin, balding man, galloped after the palfrey. A look of triumph brightened the man’s face as he spotted the horse ahead of him. He bent forward, extending his hand. Fingers like talons grasped the woman’s tangled hair.
“Mine!” he cried.
* * *
Amice Winfield jerked awake. Agony forced her head back, allowing her to see the man who gripped her hair as though he’d perish if he let go.
Harry Winfield.
She screamed. Arrows of fear pierced her as she clawed at his fingers. Her horse bolted, leaving her dangling from Harry’s hand by a small clump of hair. The long strands held for a few seconds, then tore from her head.
Pain seared her scalp. She dropped into a puddle. Stunned by her fall and her stinging head, Amice could only stare at her tormentor while freezing water soaked her clothes. How she hated him. How she regretted her desperate flight from home. But what other choice did she have?
Harry gaped at the dark tresses hanging from his hand. He threw them to the ground as she struggled to rise. Panic gripped her as his hostile glare changed to a slow, confident smile.
“There’s nowhere to run. I’ll catch you if it’s the last thing I do,” he vowed. He leapt off his horse.
Amice tugged her sodden skirts, trying to haul them out of the puddle. Where was her mount? Too far away to reach without being caught, weighted down as she was. Sprays of water flew as she heaved her skirts over her arm. Heart racing, she ran for the trees. A branch snagged her. With a cry of frustration, she pulled the wet wool until it wrenched free.
Ignoring twigs tearing at her skin and icy mud that sucked away one of her shoes, she forged ahead. She gasped for air as she plunged into a tiny clearing, then came to an abrupt halt at the sight of a group of mounted men. Slimy hair slapped her face and clung to her cheek.
Panting, cold air stinging her throat, she sought a path to escape the strangers. Alarm coursed through her. She focused on the man at the head of the group. Anxiety and uncertainty warred within her though she sensed an almost tangible power emanating from him. The wind tossed his chin-length black hair as he stared down with a stern expression.
Will he help me? Am I better off with him or…? Before Amice could decide, branches snapped behind her. Harry ran into the clearing. Instinctively she moved closer to the commanding stranger.
“I am Sir Nicholas Grey,” he announced, his voice deep. Confident, yet reassuring. “And you are?”
Harry’s pointy nose wrinkled. She knew he wondered if he could get away with a lie. “This miscreant is my daughter. She’s running away because she refuses to marry the man I’ve chosen for her,” Harry said.
“He lies,” Amice protested. “Harry Winfield was my husband’s cousin. He wants to marry me now that my husband is dead, which all know is against—”
“This is none of your affair, Sir Nicholas. ‘Tis a mere family misunderstanding,” Harry said. His spindly fingers closed over her wet arm, sending a shiver of revulsion through her. “Come, sweeting, ‘tis time to go home.”
Silence reigned while she twisted free. Amice hoped Harry’s friendly tone didn’t fool Sir Nicholas. If necessary, she’d beg him to help her. All Amice wanted was to go home and live her life in peace. Without Harry. Without any husband. One had been quite enough.
Sir Nicholas studied her, clearly assessing the veracity of her tale. Something flickered in his piercing blue eyes. The intensity of his gaze unnerved her, but she couldn’t look away. When Sir Nicholas broke their connection, she felt colder than before.
“I come on the king’s business.” He opened his cloak to reveal King Henry’s badge of a chained antelope. “Which makes whatever I choose my affair.”
Had Harry met his match?
Ruth Kaufman is a Chicago author, on-camera and voiceover talent and freelance writer, editor and speaker with a J.D. and a Master’s in Radio/TV. She loves peanut butter and chocolate milkshakes, singing in a symphony chorus and going to the theatre.
Writing accolades include Romance Writers of America® 2011 Golden Heart® winner and runner up in RT Book Reviews’ national American Title II contest. Her true, short story, “The Scrinch” is in the St. Martin’s Press anthology The Spirit of Christmas, foreword by Debbie Macomber.
Credits include roles in indie features, short films, web series and national and local TV commercials, and voicing hundreds of explainer videos, e-learning courses and assorted characters.
Author links:
Email ruthjkauf@aol.com
Website www.ruthkaufman.com
Blog Gainfully Unemployed www.rjkaufman.blogspot.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ruthtalks or Ruth Kaufman Author & Actress
Twitter @ruthkaufman
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/ruth_kaufman
Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/Ruth-Kaufman/e/B00JH7Z40S
Battle Cry voted Book of the Month by LASR readers
I’m so excited to share that Battle Cry has been voted Book of the Month by Long and Short Review Readers. Thank you so much to all of my friends and readers who took the time to vote for it in the February poll. You guys are the best!
You can read the review that made it possible here.
March 2, 2015
An interview with Gideon Deckard (Mystic Zodiac Series) by Brandy Walker (Contest)
GIVEAWAY: I’d love to giveaway 2 $5 gift card to Amazon. Leave a comment or question for me or Gideon and you’re entered. I’ll pick 2 winners at random and post them in a couple of days.
Hi Everyone! Thanks to Melissa for letting me guest today. I wanted to come on and tell you about my new release Gideon, Mystic Zodiac Book 3 but when Gideon found out I had a spot he insisted on doing an interview. He thought you would rather hear about him and his pack instead of some boring old promo. I had to give in. He is the Alpha of the Keystone Predators. We agree to do it over Skype since I’m in Virginia freezing my butt off while he’s in Arizona definitely not freezing.
BRANDY: Hey Gideon. You’ve got your interview now what?
GIDEON: Shouldn’t you know?
I can’t help but roll my eyes. This was his idea, not mine.
GIDEON: I saw that.
BRANDY: I would hope so. You’ve got perfect wolf eyesight.
He smirks and I can’t help but hope Ryder shows up and pops him in the back of his head.
BRANDY: Anyway, you’re the new Alpha of the Keystone Predators. How’s that going for you? Is it everything you hoped it would be?
GIDEON: It’s great. I get to spend almost all of my time outside, do what I want when I want, and hang out with my Beta and best friend, Diego.
BRANDY: But you have a mate now. Doesn’t that change things?
He shrugs. GIDEON: Not really.
BRANDY: I have a feeling Ryder would think differently.
When I mention his mate’s name the corner of his mouth curves into a sexy half grin. I can see why she fell head over heels for him.
GIDEON: Okay, it changes things a little. Now I do what I want, when I want, with my mate.
I chuckle. I know having a mate changed a lot more than he thinks, but he’s an Alpha and probably isn’t going to listen to my opinion.
BRANDY: What’s it like having a human turned wolf for a mate? I bet Ryder is loving it. She’s had an obsession with wolves her entire life.
He sighs heavily. GIDEON: It’s been a…trial at times. She’s pretty enthusiastic about the whole change and it tends to get her in trouble. It came on quicker than I thought it would and her speed and strength are five times what it used to be. She likes to challenge some of the younger wolves to wrestling matches and races.
BRANDY: You let her wrestle with other wolves, other men.
GIDEON: Once. It happened once. I put a stop to it. I wanted to rip the throats out of the Pack members for touching her. Forrest, my brother, was the one who gave her that idea.
BRANDY: snorts I’m sure that went over well with her.
GIDEON: She was pissed but I came up with a distraction.
I held my hand up stopping him from saying anything else. I REALLY don’t want to know what the distraction was. I could imagine it would make me blush.
There’s a blur of movement behind him. BRANDY: I think you have company.
Gideon turns in his chair as the blur races by again. With quick reflexes he grabs whoever it is and yanks them to a stop. Ryder plops down into his lap giggling. I know this interview is over. They’re freshly mated and honestly, I don’t feel like watching them make out.
BRANDY: Um…I think I’ll let you guys go. I’ll talk to you late Ryder. Don’t forget we need to talk about the upcoming wedding.
Excitement sparks in her eyes. RYDER: Sure thing. And we need to talk about Diego. I might need your help hooking him up with a date.
BRANDY: I’m sure that can be arranged. Bye.
I disconnected from Skype as Gideon stood up with Ryder in his arms. I was completely forgotten but I didn’t mind.
BOOK: Gideon
SERIES: Mystic Zodiac, Book 3
MONTH: March
SYMBOL: Shifter
PUBLISHER: TEZ Publishing
RELEASE DATE: March 2, 2015
BLURB:
A bet between Eros, the God of love & desire, and Chloe (Chlotho), the Fate of birth, leads to a year filled with matchmaking and passion.
~~~~~
Gideon Deckard is finally getting a little time away from the Keystone Predator Pack to go wolf. All he has planned is a week of running wild through the Grand Canyon before the hiking season starts back up. Once it does, he’ll go back to what he does best…being the Alpha he was born to be.
Ryder Sparks can barely contain her excitement. She’s taking a week off from work at the family store, Sparks Sporting & Outdoors, and going on her dream vacation. A four-day hiking trip on a lesser traveled trek through the Grand Canyon. The season has opened early and she was the first to get the coveted pass. She’s looking forward to pushing herself on her first solo trip and discovering who she was really meant to be.
A run in with a massive grey wolf has Ryder stumbling and getting knocked out. When she wakes up, she’s back in her tent and there’s a hunky man there to help her get back on her feet. When she finds out he’s a wolf-shifter instead of freaking out, she decides to go on the adventure of a lifetime with him. Now all she has to do is convince Gideon to give her a chance to be his one and only Luna.
NOTE: Mystic Zodiac is a 12 book series. It is NOT a serial. Each book ends in a happily ever after for the main couple. However, the prologue and epilogue of each story follows the Gods that kick off the series, Eros and Chlotho (aka Chloe). At the end of the series the bet between the two will come to a conclusion.
BUY HERE: Amazon
EXCERPT:
Chapter One
March 9 ~ 8am
Ryder practically bounced out of her Jeep, as she pulled to a stop at the Backcountry Information Center. It was odd for them to ask someone to pick up their permit in person, but she didn’t mind. For months she’d planned this trip, making sure she did everything by the book to get the highly sought-after paper. The hardest part was waiting for the exact minute she could fax in her application. The backpacking permit she wanted was one of the hardest permits to get in the national park system, and she was determined to get one.
Four, possibly five, days of hiking and camping in the Grand Canyon on a solo trip, going from Grandview Point to the South Kaibab Trail. It was the best present she’d ever given herself.
Not that her roommate would agree with that. Pansy thought she was crazy for wanting to spend time walking around a—as she put it—“super old bunch of rocks.” Pansy wasn’t an outdoors kind of girl, which was funny because she was a fox-shifter.
To Ryder it sounded like heaven. She’d grown up hiking and camping with her family. Her love of the outdoors inherently ingrained into her soul. Nothing would ever take its place.
A woman in a green ranger outfit appeared in front of the doors. She unlocked it and waved Ryder forward. Ryder made sure she got there precisely when they opened. Hopefully it wouldn’t take long, and she would get back in time for her shift at the store. She counted herself lucky that her boss was forgiving. It also didn’t hurt that he was her dad. He knew her plans for the trip, and she’d called to let him know she had to pick up her permit.
The rangers probably wanted to make sure she could handle the solo trip. A lot of people mistook her for being younger than her twenty-four years. She attributed it to her healthy lifestyle and lack of sitting behind a desk.
She breezed into the building, making a beeline for the brunette ranger from before. A golden-haired man stood near her, and there was a strange undercurrent between them. Like a sexual tension neither wanted to acknowledge.
Not my problem. She shrugged and approached the desk. “Hi, I’m Ryder Sparks. I got a call about picking up my backcountry permit. I was told I had to get it today.”
The female ranger looked at her and smiled. “Sure thing, hon.” The southern twang that came out of her mouth threw Ryder off. She didn’t looked like a Southerner. There was something almost ethereal about her. The blond fellow snickered, and the woman shot a glare his way.
“Okay,” Ryder said under breath, dragging the word out. There was definitely something going on between the pair. When the woman just stood there glaring at the man, Ryder decided to move things along. “So, the permit?”
“Oh.” The woman turned and blindly grabbed some paperwork. She slid it across the countertop, and Ryder was surprised to see it was actually hers. “If I can get you to sign here and here,” she pointed to two places without looking down, “I’ll get you on your way.”
“Thanks.” Ryder snatched up the pen and was about to sign; she stopped and looked up at the woman. “Don’t you need to see my ID or anything? Make sure I’m the person this paper says I am.”
“Now, honey, why would anyone come in claiming to be someone they aren’t for a four-day backcountry permit?” The southern drawl dripped from her lips, grating against Ryder’s ears. “Besides darlin’, you look like that picture you faxed in.”
Ryder’s brows furrowed. The woman hadn’t even looked at the paperwork…but whatever. “Okay then.” She signed quickly and pushed the paper back across the counter. The woman handed it to the man and picked up another slip of paper. She rubbed her fingers over it and cocked her head to the side. She nibbled on her lip, then cast a glance at the man, who drew up closer. “This is the right one, isn’t it Cup…uh, Cupert?”
Cupert (and what a shitty name that must have been growing up) snatched the paper from her hand. He ran his fingers over it just like she did, then handed it to Ryder. “Looks to be. Here ya’ go.”
“Uh, thanks.” Reaching out, she took it from the frowning man. The second her fingers touched it she felt a spark. Goosebumps rose on her flesh, and a shiver tripped down her spine.
“Make sure you don’t lose it, and remember to clip it to your tent when camping.” The man pushed over some brochures, which Ryder grabbed.
“Was there anything else?” Ryder looked between the rangers, fully expecting a lecture or something. There had to be a reason they wanted her to drive all the way from Flagstaff to pick the permit up.
“Nope,” the man said, he looked bored and ready to escape already.
“No reason why I needed to drive an hour to come in here to get this? It isn’t normal practice, or did something change?”
The woman shrugged and looked at Cupert.
He rolled his eyes, “Just doing what we’re told. We don’t make the rules, just enforce them.”
“Humph, okay then. Thanks.” Ryder spun on her heel and headed toward the door.
“Y’all come back and see us sometime now, ya’ hear.” The woman’s voice rang out and stopped Ryder in her tracks. She looked over her shoulder and saw the brunette’s big bubbly grin. Cupert snickered behind her back, earning a smack from the woman.
“Sure,” she said noncommittally, and slid through the doors as they swooshed open in front of her. “I think they’ve been out in the wild too long,” she murmured, as the doors closed behind her.
Hopping into her Jeep, she took a few seconds to look at her permit. The itinerary was printed on it; along with advisories for the area she would be in. The thing that thrilled her most—her name across the bottom: Sparks, Ryder.
She couldn’t stop the squeal that escaped her lips. Revving up the Jeep, she tore out of the parking lot. One more week and she would be on the trip of a lifetime.
ABOUT:
Brandy is a paranormal romance author who, on occasion, likes to dabble with contemporary. She’s addicted to MDK shows and who-done-its. You’ll almost never see her without some type of skull paraphernalia on and is always dreaming of more tattoos.
Brandy is a Navy brat, prior enlisted Army, current Army wife, and mom. She lives in Virginia with her husband of almost 20 years, their three kids and one dog. Find out more about Brandy at www.brandywalker.net.
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HER IMMORTAL VIKING by Adele Downs (Contest) #Romance
TITLE – Her Immortal Viking
AUTHOR – Adele Downs
GENRE – Contemporary with Fantasy Elements
PUBLICATION DATE – 2/24/2015
LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 28,000
PUBLISHER – Boroughs Publishing Group
HER IMMORTAL VIKING by Adele Downs
Viking Warrior. Immortal Slave. Freed by Love.
An original contemporary fairy tale inspired by Norse mythology
Penny pleads for divine intervention from overwork and mountainous debt one desperate, lonely night. She sings songs of praise, chants like a yogi, and rubs her belly like Buddha until the crystal charm on her navel shimmers, hoping to draw the attention of someone up there.
From the place between heaven and earth, in the west beyond the seas, an immortal hears Penny’s cries. Once a fearless Viking warrior, Gunnar has been cast into eternal servitude by an angry god and made a Light Elf. While Penny sleeps, he comes to earth from Alfheim for a single night to complete her tasks. When she awakens and confronts him, the handsome immortal kisses her, sparking a night of forbidden passion. By dawn, the couple has fallen in love.
Dark forces target Penny, seeking revenge for Gunnar’s earthly misdeeds. To protect his mortal lover, Gunnar takes up his sword to defend her. Though his strength and courage are unmatched, it might be the power of Gunnar and Penny’s love that saves them both.
Buy HER IMMORTAL VIKING on Amazon!
EXCERPT
He smoothed her hair and rubbed a thick tendril between his thumb and forefinger. “I am Gunnar.” He pronounced the name Goo-nar.
An emblem of the sun, surrounded by a circle, had been branded on the back of his powerful hand. Penny touched the scar while he held a length of her hair, recognizing Freyr’s sacred insignia from her textbooks. “The pain must have been excruciating.” Without thinking, she lifted the old wound to her mouth and laid kisses along its perimeter before pressing a kiss to the icon inside.
Tremors vibrated across her lips when they touched the ancient symbol and her body tingled with the contact. The brand grew warm and then hot against her mouth, though it did not burn. She ran her tongue over the thick scars to erase the heat, and then licked the center, finishing with a tiny swirl.
Gunnar’s gasp of surprise was the last thing she expected when she lifted her head. He released her hair and drew away.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what got into me. Have I offended you?” She’d always been popular with men, and comfortable around them, but her behavior with Gunnar was bold, even for her. She sat up. “Am I under some kind of spell?”
Gunnar shook his head. “I used my powers to heal you, but your free will remains intact.”
She searched his face for clues about what to do next, because desire shone behind the wary expression in his eyes. Something else shone there, too. Gratitude. Penny waited for Gunnar’s reply without letting go of his disfigured hand.
He said, “Kindness isn’t something I’m used to finding. Perhaps you’d be less inclined toward compassion if you knew what I’d done to deserve this brand of servitude.”
She reached out and draped an arm around his neck to bring him closer. Their gazes locked and held. Gunnar’s eyes were like pools of ice blue water that pulled her in and down.
Her breathing slowed while the sound of her heartbeat rushed blood through her ears. “I am Penelope. And if you’re from Alfheim, I know who and what you are. I just don’t understand why you’re here.” How could she deserve his rare, benevolent gifts? She was just an ordinary woman from an ordinary town, barely scraping by.
His warm breath grazed her cheek in shallow rushes, lifting goose bumps across her skin. His wide, firm mouth smelled of sweet ground parsley and fresh-picked mint. “Sometimes we get what we need, simply because we ask. That’s the beauty and power of the unexpected.”
GIVEAWAY PRIZES
$10 Starbucks Gift Card
3 Kindle gift copies NATURALLY YOURS
3 Kindle gift copies KISSING HER COWBOY
AUTHOR BIO
Adele Downs writes best-selling contemporary romance inside the office of her rural Pennsylvania home. She is a former journalist, published in newspapers and magazines inside the USA, UK, and Caribbean.
Adele is an active member of Romance Writers of America and her local RWA chapter where she serves as a past-president. She has written several articles for RWR magazine (Romance Writers Report) and has presented workshops for writers.
When Adele isn’t working on her current project, she can be found riding in her convertible or reading a book on the nearest beach.
AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS
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Books by Adele Downs on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/HYPERLINK “http://www.amazon.com/Adele-Downs/e/B00G1RRS60″Adele-Downs/e/B00G1RRS60
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March 1, 2015
Counting Cowboys by Lacey Wolfe (Contest) #Romance
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Carver Ranch Series, Book 1
Can a hot cowboy convince Lauren to stay in Texas and take another chance on love?
Tucker Carver likes to have fun and has no intention of settling down anytime soon. He handles the business side of Carver Ranch for his family, and on the day he’s scheduled to meet with their accountant, he instead meets a beautiful woman who changes everything.
Lauren Ford packed up and moved to Texas to start over after her fiancé had an affair with her best friend. Her father’s retiring and has offered to let her take over his accounting firm. When she meets Tucker she’s immediately taken with him, despite his reputation as a ladies’ man. Knowing she isn’t looking for love, or even if she wants to stay in Texas, she decides to have fun with Tucker and keep her feelings at bay.
After one taste of Lauren, Tucker has other plans. Lauren is the woman he wants, but for some reason she’s resisting. And it doesn’t help when her ex-fiancé shows up in town wanting her to go back to Georgia with him. Can Tucker convince her that his feelings are true, or will he lose her forever?
Content Warning: contains adult language and explicit sexual scenes
Buy Links: Beachwalk Press Amazon Barnes & Noble
~Excerpt~
Lauren stared at the papers in front of her, but none of it registered. All she could focus on was the half naked man. The hot, sweaty, tanned man who was now naked in his shower only feet away from her.
She shook her head and rubbed her thighs. Enough. It wasn’t like Tucker was the first sexy man she’d seen. She wasn’t blind or innocent, but something about him got her panties moist quick. Hopefully, she could make it through this accounting meeting without ripping her own clothes off and offering herself up to him. She had no doubt he would be an awesome lover. The man worked with his hands all day; surely he knew a thing or two that could please her.
Seriously, enough.
Lauren straightened her back and stared at the stack of papers he’d given her. There were receipts, printouts, and such. Tucker seemed to keep good records, so that would make things easier. She removed her computer from her bag and turned it on. After she pulled up the file for Carver Ranch, she studied it once more to familiarize herself with it.
This was a profitable ranch. Last year had been one of their roughest years, but so far, this year was already better. She was sure once she started to fill in the stuff he’d supplied her with, she’d see they’d come back strong from the previous year.
“Everything there?”
Lauren jumped in her seat.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.”
Tucker, now dressed, came over and sat next to her. Whatever soap he’d used attacked her senses in a good way. How did someone get out of the shower, yet still smell like fresh cut pines?
She shouldn’t do it, but she did anyway. She let her gaze wander over his body. The black t-shirt he wore hugged his wide chest, letting her get the full view of his muscles.
Lauren looked away quickly. “Yeah, I think this is it.” She flipped through the stack. “You’re free to do whatever while I do this. I know you’ve got a lot to do.”
“Can I get you something to drink?” He stood, and her focus went straight to his crotch.
Oh God. She glanced up quick to see him smirking. The man knew he was sex on a stick with his sandy blond hair and blue eyes. “Do you have some tea?”
“Sweet?”
“Uh, yeah.”
He winked. “I’ll be back.”
“Take your time.” The farther away he was, the more she could concentrate on her work. She wasn’t sure what had come over her, but the sooner she got done with this job, the better. Then she wouldn’t have to see him again until next quarter.
~Giveaway~
Lacey is giving away a $5.00 Amazon Gift Card during her tour.
For a chance to win please fill out the rafflecopter below.
~About the Author~
Lacey Wolfe has always had a passion for words, whether it’s getting lost in a book or writing her own. From the time she was a child she would slip away to write short stories about people she knew and fantasies she wished would happen. It has always been her dream to be a published author and with her two children now of school age, she finally has the time to work on making her dream come true.
Lacey lives in Georgia with her husband, son and daughter, their six cats and one black lab who rules the house.
February 28, 2015
Please vote for Battle Cry Long & Short Reviews Fantasy Book of the Month
Voting is up at Long & Short Reviews for Fantasy Book of the Month. Please consider dropping by and voting for BATTLE CRY. The winner receives a top promo spot on the front page of the site, so this would be a fantastic opportunity for me. Thank you!
Thank you!
Read the LSR review here.
The Snarkology: Miss Bear is an Apickleist #Humor
We live close to a Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop. Home of fabulous sandwiches. Often, Mr. Pickles stands on a street corner we drive past on the way to and from Miss Bear’s preschool.
As it happens, Mr. Pickles is an energetic dancer.
“Look, Miss Bear! It’s Mr. Pickle!”
Miss Bear is four-years-old now and has grown into quite a natural skeptic. (She takes after her father.) “Mom, Mr. Pickle isn’t real!”
“W-w-what?”
“That’s a costume!”
“How can you say such a thing? Mr. Pickle is right there!”
“Pickles aren’t real. Pickles don’t have arms and legs.”
“What about mom? Is mom real?”
“Mom is real.”
“What about dad. Is daddy real?”
“Daddy’s real.”
“What about brother? Is brother real?”
“Yes, even brother is real.”
“What about TV. Is everything you see on TV real?”
She replied without hesitation. “Yes, TV is real.”
Miss Bear’s grasp on reality is pretty solid but it’s still a work in progress.
In the meantime, our family has a new word: Apickleist--a person who does not believe in Mr. Pickle.
February 27, 2015
The Write Pet: Barking at squirrels by Angela Hayes #amwriting #lovesbattle
Hi, my name is Mercury.
My parents are Terry and Angela. I also have a brother named Hunter and sister named Emilee.
I came to live with them 3 years ago when I was just a little puppy. Since then, they’ve taken good care of me, even when I’m bad.
My favorite things to do include- eating Legos, barking at squirrels, chasing my tail, 
sleeping with my parents (when I paw at the covers long enough, they let me sleep under them)- chewing ABC gum, and drinking the milk from unattended cereal bowls my sister leaves behind. If I’m quick I can drink the last of mom’s coffee when she’s not looking. But don’t tell her!
My favorite foods include- peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cheese, and bologna. All of these I willingly share with my family. But they better not touch my wet food! I only get this once a day and when its dinner time, I mean business- no more Mr. Good Dog. It’s all Mr. Bad Dog until it’s gone!!
Over the years my mom has taught me a few tricks. I can sit, shake, raise up, stand, dance, and lay down. But I draw the line at roll over and play dead. It is beneath me and no amount of treats can make me change my mind.
In my spare time I enjoy belly rubs, brisk walks, and sitting in my mom’s lap while she’s working on the computer. Sometimes when she forgets to take me out, I have to lick her hand to get her attention- she really hates that. So I keep at it until I get my way. Hey, I’m the baby. What can I say? I’m spoiled.
Like when my dad comes home from work and doesn’t tell me “Hi” right away or give me a hug like he’s supposed to, I just can’t keep my muzzle shut. I have to follow him around the house, growling and grunting until he finally picks me up and gives me the hug I’ve been waiting for.
I love my dad. He was the one who talked mom into letting me sleep with them after I broke my cage. He also knows just where to scratch behind my ears to make my leg go all shaky! He also makes the best breakfast. When it’s just me and him, he makes me fried eggs. Ssssh, it’s a secret and we can’t tell mom. She’ll get mad.
You know who else gets mad! Hunter. He doesn’t like to share those tasty Lego’s, so I have to sneak into his room to get a few. When he finds out, he chases me around the house. That’s fun!!! You know what else is fun? When we play tug of war with his sock. Sometimes I nip his toe when we’re playing and he squeals real loud. I wish I could laugh, because it’s real funny.
Then there’s Emilee. My sister was the one that begged and begged Mom to get me until she gave in. She gives me my baths and makes sure I plenty of food and water. She’s my best friend.
I love my family.
Title: Love’s Battle
Series Name: True Blue Trilogy
SubGenre(s): Time Travel, Paranormal, Fantasy
Imprint: Faery
Length: Rose
Rating: Sensual (PG-PG13)
Page Count: 310
Word Count: 69678
Buy links:
Love Howard has more than a knack for matchmaking. Born from a forbidden passion and a twelve-hundred-year-old promise, she and her sisters can literally see true love. And while Love has no problem bringing other couples together, her own romantic life could use a little help.
Danton DeAngelo has always been well grounded in reality. So it throws him for no small loop when the woman he’s fallen for believes that she’s been reincarnated eleven times and can actually see true love.
Now Danton is faced with the biggest decision of his life. Accept Love for who she really is, or walk away from her forever.
EXCERPT FOR LOVE’S BATTLE- ANGELA HAYES
The hand Love pressed to her brow was visibly shaking. “There’s something I need to tell you. I just need you to keep an open mind.”
“What is it? Are you sick?” Danton asked.
“No, I’m not sick.” Her voice trembled on a forced laugh. “It’s something else. Something I‘ve been trying to prepare you for. This would be so much easier if you believed in magic. If you could believe that what I’m about to tell you is the honest truth.”
Turning, Love opened the iron chest, the hinges groaning with the effort as specks of rust littered the floor. From its depths she pulled out a clear plastic bag that she held tight to her chest, eyes closed, before handing it to a confused Danton.
“This is my tartan, my plaid. Before it faded and was dinner for the moths, it was once patterned in checks of green, gray, and brown. The purple and white stripes that ran through the hem identified the wearer as part of the royal family.” Love tapped the plastic, her finger pointing out where each color should be. “It was a gift from my father. The first and only time my sister’s and I met him, he was on his deathbed, we were eighteen. A week later our mother died in the same moment he drew his last breath.” Needing the extra air Love drew a breath of her own. “That day was the thirteenth of February, eight-hundred and fifty-eight AD. My father was Cinaed mac Alpin, crowned king of the Picts and Gaels. He was Scotland’s first king.”
“Eight- hundred and fifty-eight?” That couldn’t be right, she was only twenty-five. “Don’t you mean Nineteen-eighty-seven?”
“No. I was born for the first time in Scotland during the middle of the ninth century.”
BookTrailer:
http://youtu.be/t2_eJMzk9wA or embedded you tube link :
BIO:
A married mother of two, I split my time between bringing characters to life by computer, and yarn to life with needle and hook. You can find me at www.authorangelahayes.blogspot.com and follow me on Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/imahayes and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/imahayes
Other places you can find me:
http://www.manicreaders.com/AngelaHayes/
www.amazon.com/author/angelahayes
https://www.goodreads.com/author_angelahayes
The Snarkology
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