Candice Terry's Blog, page 3
June 21, 2013
Cover Reveal Charmed(Death Escorts) By Cambria Hebert
Title: CharmedSeries: Death Escorts Note: You DO NOT have to read Recalled (Death Escorts #1) to understand CharmedAuthor: Cambria HebertGenre: New Adult Paranormal Romance Note: This book is recommended for
ages 17+ due to sexual content and language.Cover Designer: Regina WambaFormat: Print and EbookRelease Date: July 22, 2013
Life or Death? Not many people would choose death. But what if death chooses you? What if death doesn’t mean the end of your life, but the beginning?
For a Death Escort, death is life. Death is your paycheck. Death is your job.
And Charming is the best Escort the Grim Reaper has ever had.
But when you piss off the Reaper, being the best doesn’t matter. So Charming is assigned a Target who is practically impossible to kill. He knows the Reaper hopes he fails—that he’s counting on it. So Charming vows to prove him wrong. He vows to make the kill.
But someone else vows to get in his way. Someone with a big mouth, a sugar habit, and blond hair. Someone who makes his heart start beating again.
And so Charming is left holding more than one person’s fate in the palm of his hand. He thought the choice would be easy, that there really wasn’t a question at all.
He was wrong.
Life or Death?
About the Author:
Cambria Hebert is the author of the young adult paranormalHeven and Hell series and the Death Escorts series. She loves a caramel latte, hates math, and is afraid of chickens (yes, chickens). She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and children (both human and furry) where she is plotting her next book. You can find out more about Cambria and her work by visiting http://www.cambriahebert.com.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cambria-Hebert/128278117253138Twitter: https://twitter.com/cambriahebertPinterest: https://pinterest.com/cambriahebert/pins/Website: http://www.cambriahebert.comYoutube: http://www.youtube.com/user/CambriaHebert?feature=mhee
June 20, 2013
Author Spotlight: Tiffany Heiser
Spotlight 
About The Author:Tiffany Heiser is the author of the With Love series, a paranormal romance. She lives in Dallas, TX with her husband, Brian, and newborn son, Parker. She is an avid reader and enjoys rainy days. She has always written. When she was younger, it started with poetry and short stories, but as she got older she knew her dream was to become a published author. Her dream became reality when she decided to put her pen to paper and created Bonded With Love, from there she has also published a short story prequel to the With Love series, Broken Bond, and recently released Book 2, Struggle With Love.
Author Links:Website: http://tiffanyheiser.com/Blog: http://www.tiffanyheiser.blogspot.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theiser13Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tiffany_Heiser
Title: Bonded With LoveSeries: With Love, #1Author: Tiffany Heiser
Genre: YA Paranormal RomanceBlurb:Never in a trillion years did Rena really think vampires existed...or that she had enemies among them.
Beginning of senior year, and Rena Vesten is hoping for something incredible to happen. She never expected that the dark-haired, blue-eyed man of her dreams-literally-to suddenly appear as the new student at school.
The gorgeous mystery guy, Cryder, has more secrets than his inexplicable presence in her dreams. Soon Rena's world takes a turn into the supernatural when she finds out Cryder is a vampire king with a deadly rebellion on his hands, and a destiny irrevocably tied to Rena's...
...'till death do them part.
Excerpt:The bell above the door jingled as I walked into the building, and the smells of new and old books wafted their way through my nostrils. This was heaven. I perused the aisles finding the new supernatural and fantasy ones. I thought about the large pile at home waiting to be read. It was about to get larger. I made my way toward the counter to pay, when the pounding headache found its way back. Immediately following, nausea clenched my stomach causing a few gags to gurgle out of my throat. I couldn't catch my breath and my heart jabbed against my rib cage. Trying to walk, and find somewhere to sit, I fell taking the books with me to the floor. When my eyes opened, darkness surrounded me. One tiny light peaked from behind the black drapes. Fear tightened its grip on my stomach.I stood on legs of Jell-O and made my way toward the light, hoping it would wake me from this odd dream. Stumbling across the dark path, a figure draped in night stood before me. A yelp escaped from my lips. I tried to get away, but his sparkling blue eyes locked me in place. With midnight hair spiked to a perfect point, he watched me with pursed lips. His toned body towered over me.His eyes danced along each portion of my body and I felt naked standing unguarded in front of him. In those eyes there wasn't desire but a longing, and I understood. I couldn't move, and didn't want to. For the briefest of seconds we stared at each other. Then he took a step forward. With that one step, his body was drenched in light head to toe. I could see every detail. With that one minor step forward his whole appearance had changed drastically. He went from being a dark seductive stranger, to a hideous foul beast. His blue eyes transformed to a deep shade of red like blood coated them. His lips once so full and lush, were now pulled back into a sneer as large protruding fangs slid from his gums.I screamed and looked around for an escape, but where do you run to in the dream world? His hand clenched against my shoulder. He spun me around and brought my back against his tight chest. Hard stiff hands pulled my head to a tilt. I felt hot steamy breath against the crevice of my neck. Was he going to bite me? Sobbing, I tried to break free from his grasp. Hoping that death in a dream was only that, but this dream seemed so real, so alive; I didn't know what to expect. Thrashing about I felt more hands on my shoulders, and I tried to fight back. When my eyes opened, the room was bathed in beautiful luminescence. I found myself back in the book store.“What was that?” I asked to no one in particular. I sighed with relief. It was nice to be back in the real world. That dream was frightening. I felt his hands on my body. His hot breath still stuck to my neck.
Buy Links:Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13076741-bonded-with-loveAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bonded-With-Love-ebook/dp/B00681OEB6/ref=la_B006U9RVYS_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370122926&sr=1-1
About The Author:Tiffany Heiser is the author of the With Love series, a paranormal romance. She lives in Dallas, TX with her husband, Brian, and newborn son, Parker. She is an avid reader and enjoys rainy days. She has always written. When she was younger, it started with poetry and short stories, but as she got older she knew her dream was to become a published author. Her dream became reality when she decided to put her pen to paper and created Bonded With Love, from there she has also published a short story prequel to the With Love series, Broken Bond, and recently released Book 2, Struggle With Love.
Author Links:Website: http://tiffanyheiser.com/Blog: http://www.tiffanyheiser.blogspot.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theiser13Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tiffany_Heiser
Title: Bonded With LoveSeries: With Love, #1Author: Tiffany Heiser
Genre: YA Paranormal RomanceBlurb:Never in a trillion years did Rena really think vampires existed...or that she had enemies among them.
Beginning of senior year, and Rena Vesten is hoping for something incredible to happen. She never expected that the dark-haired, blue-eyed man of her dreams-literally-to suddenly appear as the new student at school.
The gorgeous mystery guy, Cryder, has more secrets than his inexplicable presence in her dreams. Soon Rena's world takes a turn into the supernatural when she finds out Cryder is a vampire king with a deadly rebellion on his hands, and a destiny irrevocably tied to Rena's...
...'till death do them part.
Excerpt:The bell above the door jingled as I walked into the building, and the smells of new and old books wafted their way through my nostrils. This was heaven. I perused the aisles finding the new supernatural and fantasy ones. I thought about the large pile at home waiting to be read. It was about to get larger. I made my way toward the counter to pay, when the pounding headache found its way back. Immediately following, nausea clenched my stomach causing a few gags to gurgle out of my throat. I couldn't catch my breath and my heart jabbed against my rib cage. Trying to walk, and find somewhere to sit, I fell taking the books with me to the floor. When my eyes opened, darkness surrounded me. One tiny light peaked from behind the black drapes. Fear tightened its grip on my stomach.I stood on legs of Jell-O and made my way toward the light, hoping it would wake me from this odd dream. Stumbling across the dark path, a figure draped in night stood before me. A yelp escaped from my lips. I tried to get away, but his sparkling blue eyes locked me in place. With midnight hair spiked to a perfect point, he watched me with pursed lips. His toned body towered over me.His eyes danced along each portion of my body and I felt naked standing unguarded in front of him. In those eyes there wasn't desire but a longing, and I understood. I couldn't move, and didn't want to. For the briefest of seconds we stared at each other. Then he took a step forward. With that one step, his body was drenched in light head to toe. I could see every detail. With that one minor step forward his whole appearance had changed drastically. He went from being a dark seductive stranger, to a hideous foul beast. His blue eyes transformed to a deep shade of red like blood coated them. His lips once so full and lush, were now pulled back into a sneer as large protruding fangs slid from his gums.I screamed and looked around for an escape, but where do you run to in the dream world? His hand clenched against my shoulder. He spun me around and brought my back against his tight chest. Hard stiff hands pulled my head to a tilt. I felt hot steamy breath against the crevice of my neck. Was he going to bite me? Sobbing, I tried to break free from his grasp. Hoping that death in a dream was only that, but this dream seemed so real, so alive; I didn't know what to expect. Thrashing about I felt more hands on my shoulders, and I tried to fight back. When my eyes opened, the room was bathed in beautiful luminescence. I found myself back in the book store.“What was that?” I asked to no one in particular. I sighed with relief. It was nice to be back in the real world. That dream was frightening. I felt his hands on my body. His hot breath still stuck to my neck.
Buy Links:Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13076741-bonded-with-loveAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bonded-With-Love-ebook/dp/B00681OEB6/ref=la_B006U9RVYS_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370122926&sr=1-1
June 19, 2013
Author of the Day ~ Christina Mobley
Welcome New Author Christina Mobley !
Author: Christina Mobley
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Elementris(Book 1)
They have an unbreakable and extraordinary bond. Every seven years, five people are born on the same day, at the exact same time. The elements bind them; earth, fire, wind, water, and spirit. They call them, Elementris.
Ava Vangeretta is seventeen years old and different. Unlike most born of the element, she was born alone. She has the power of all five elements. Ava is the first True Elementris to be born in many years. As her eighteenth birthday approaches she is faced with a choice. Give up this rare gift and live the normal life she has always craved or accept it and challenge the current True Elementris in a battle to the death!
Ava's past haunts her as she struggles to decide. In her present, the seasons are colliding together, storms are destroying lives, and love is a dangerous curse. The current True Elementris is behind it all and she will do whatever necessary to keep Ava from making it to her eighteenth birthday. Ava's decision threatens the lives of the two people she cares about most. Can you choose between love and friendship?
Get ready for the storm...
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Elementris-The-Vangeretta-Curse-ebook/dp/B008IFNX3U/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1 B & N link :http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/elementris-christina-mobley/1114070257?ean=2940016098616 Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17370750-elementris
Exposure(Book 2)
Hidden behind a continuous storm, in the heart of the Bermuda Triangle, there is a secret and powerful place. Element Island’s mysteries are as great as its beauty. Ava Vangeretta’s life changed forever after she arrived on the island; she became the True Elementris.
Now Ava is faced with a new challenge. The powerful gifts protected by those born of the element could be revealed. Temptation gives new life to an old curse, danger draws near, and the lines between friend and enemy are blurred as secrets are revealed. Ava will do whatever it takes to protect those she loves, but can she prevent exposure?
Amazon link:http://www.amazon.com/Exposure-Vangeretta-Curse-Series-ebook/dp/B00BX0OYYY/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1 B & N link :http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/exposure-christina-mobley/1114865345?ean=2940016215099 Goodreads :http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17452186-exposure
Author: Christina Mobley
Elementris(Book 1)
They have an unbreakable and extraordinary bond. Every seven years, five people are born on the same day, at the exact same time. The elements bind them; earth, fire, wind, water, and spirit. They call them, Elementris.
Ava Vangeretta is seventeen years old and different. Unlike most born of the element, she was born alone. She has the power of all five elements. Ava is the first True Elementris to be born in many years. As her eighteenth birthday approaches she is faced with a choice. Give up this rare gift and live the normal life she has always craved or accept it and challenge the current True Elementris in a battle to the death!
Ava's past haunts her as she struggles to decide. In her present, the seasons are colliding together, storms are destroying lives, and love is a dangerous curse. The current True Elementris is behind it all and she will do whatever necessary to keep Ava from making it to her eighteenth birthday. Ava's decision threatens the lives of the two people she cares about most. Can you choose between love and friendship?
Get ready for the storm...
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Elementris-The-Vangeretta-Curse-ebook/dp/B008IFNX3U/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1 B & N link :http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/elementris-christina-mobley/1114070257?ean=2940016098616 Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17370750-elementrisExposure(Book 2)
Hidden behind a continuous storm, in the heart of the Bermuda Triangle, there is a secret and powerful place. Element Island’s mysteries are as great as its beauty. Ava Vangeretta’s life changed forever after she arrived on the island; she became the True Elementris.
Now Ava is faced with a new challenge. The powerful gifts protected by those born of the element could be revealed. Temptation gives new life to an old curse, danger draws near, and the lines between friend and enemy are blurred as secrets are revealed. Ava will do whatever it takes to protect those she loves, but can she prevent exposure?
Amazon link:http://www.amazon.com/Exposure-Vangeretta-Curse-Series-ebook/dp/B00BX0OYYY/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1 B & N link :http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/exposure-christina-mobley/1114865345?ean=2940016215099 Goodreads :http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17452186-exposure
June 18, 2013
Welcome Page of the Day Chaotic Book Corner !
CHAOTIC BOOK CORNER
Meet Blogger Angela :
Angela,29, lives in New Albany, MS with her husband and 2 boys. When she's not spending time with her family or working she's reading or running something on her blog. Angela loves meeting new authors, being a part of street teams and reading!
What does Chaotic Book Corner offer?
CBC offers free services such as :
Interviews, spotlights, reviews, giveaways, advertising for books, advertising for giveaways, cover reveals
or for more advanced needs Promotional Packages are available for extremely affordable prices !
Prices and more info
To follow Chaotic Book Corner :
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To contact Angela for services or questions:
Email : angel830508@yahoo.com
June 17, 2013
Happy Monday ! Welcome Michelle Moklebust Author of the Day
Welcome back ! Introducing Michelle Moklebust today as Author of the Day !
Meet Michelle:
Michelle Moklebust writes YA paranormal romance and fantasy. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from SUNY Buffalo, and then earned a special education teaching credential from California State University Northridge. She has worked as a paralegal,
photographer’s assistant, teaching assistant, and as a teacher of young children with special needs. But she always returns to writing and her cameras. A breast cancer survivor, Michelle lives in New York with her family and a rescued Border Collie-mix, Sparky. When she isn’t writing, she’s reading, taking pictures, and staying up way too late.
In July, 2012, Michelle first eBook, Ghost Whispers, was published. The first two short stories in the Chosen series are also available for all e-Reader platforms. She is currently working on revisions to her second novel-length story, Riptide (working title, subject to change) and recently submitted the third story in the Chosen series to a charity anthology to benefit the American Cancer Society.
To read more about Michelle’s cancer journey and see some excerpts from her stories, visit http://meesh920.livejournal.com/
You can also find Michelle Here: Website: http://michellemoklebust.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleMoklebust?ref=hl
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6454877.Michelle_Moklebust
BOOKS BY MICHELLE:
Vampires control Southern California and zombies have overrun the town of Barrel Springs, forcing the three remaining residents to seek refuge in the abandoned lab. The local Hellgate lies dormant (for now), so a group of friends takes a time out from the war to focus on friendship and tradition as they gather to celebrate Christmas Eve.
Teaser: (Dimitri narrating)The streets are deserted, and rubble crunches under my boot heels as I make my way, weaving among the piles of debris, toward the lab. It's the only place left standing in this town, if an underground bunker can be considered standing. We took up residence there shortly after what may very well have been Armageddon, as in the real deal, or at least our town’s version. The three of us, we're the only ones left. At least the only ones that still call this place home, along with a bunch of cadavers that don’t realize they’re supposed to lie down and be dead. The zombies are the only reason the rest of the vampires stay away
(Mariah talking to Dimitri, asking about Bas)"It's Christmas soon." A note of dismay colors her voice. "Bas has to come. So we can do the Snoopy dance . . . " Her voice trails off, and her eyes fill with tears as she tries to convince me to let him come over. I wish I could give her her life back. Still, I haven't gotten over the fact that she knows it's December, let alone almost Christmas. We have no calendar, the television isn't hooked up to cable or anything, just a DVD player on its last legs. And the radio reception is spotty at best.
Zombies don't sleep and they don't take Christmas Day off. The zombies are on the offenSive. Dimitri and the two Chosen, Bas and Hope, take the fight to them. Back at the bunker, two powerful uninvited guests leave Peter bleeding from his ears. As if that wasn't bad enough, zombies attack the bunker. It’s just another day in the life of Hope, Bas, D and company.
Teaser: (Dimitri narrating)Bas and Hope don’t bother with body armor. It wouldn’t do any good against the walking dead anyway. They grab their army-issued sidearms and then gather an axe and long stake each. Blow the zombies’ brains out the back of their skulls and they stop. Or decapitate them (and stab the severed head); that’s good for any number of creatures, myself included.
(Hope)The shovel clangs against the broken cement base surrounding the hatch after he throws it away. In a flowing, unexpectedly graceful motion, those mile-long arms come around me and squeeze. This one is intent on suffocating me, but it keeps moving its head side to side, like it’s examining me and trying to determine what I am. One thing is certain, it’s not trying to eat my brain. I’ll have to explore those implications later.Trapped in his viselike grip, I struggle to breathe. Unlike him, breathing isn’t optional for me. I can’t even work my arms down between him and me to begin loosening his grasp, never mind break the hold. He grunts and jerks me up. His mouth brushes my skin, tasting me, and something instinctive takes over. He opens his mouth wide to take a nice big chunk out of my neck. Suddenly, I fall to the ground, free and able to inhale. Probing my flesh, I search for signs that this is some kind of death hallucination, but it isn’t. I am warm and dry. A masculine hand reaches down, long warm fingers wrapping around mine. “You know, I’d dance with you if you asked nicely.” Bas’s brown eyes smile down at me. Accepting the help, I bounce to my feet and retrieve my sword. Groans and moans echo through the streets. We stop talking. Dimitri joins us, brushing his hands against his long pea coat. I get the impression he’s wiping zombie goo off his fingers. I’ve never actually seen a vampire kill a zombie and I briefly wonder if he simply punches through the skull and yanks the brain out.
Eighteen year old Alexis had a plan. Go on the ghost hunting field trip, get an easy A in Paranormal Studies and relax. She never expected the ghosts to talk to her again, or that she’d meet someone like Phillip, who can block the ghosts' whispers with a touch. As her relationship with Phillip grows, so does the danger to Alexis. A hellhound tries to kill her. Vampires interrupt their first date. His gorgeous ex threatens her... Alexis had always known about Other beings, but she never expected to date one. On top of that, Phillip is in the middle of some kind of vampire royal succession, and the threats seem to come nonstop from all directions. His world is dangerous, but there's no place she'd rather be.
Teaser: (an early Alexis-Gavin interaction)Snow several inches deep spread outward from the cleared walkway. A few lazy flakes whirled skyward, buoyed by the breeze. Blinking, she tipped her face up, unable to resist the urge to watch the snowflake waltz. The swirling white crystals never failed to mesmerize her. Phillip trailed at a respectable distance, as if he realized she wasn’t in the mood for conversation. When Alexis glanced over her shoulder, he tipped his face up, squinting at the endless gray stretching above the silent planet. “You’re safe with him.” The voice was back. Alexis frowned. Now the day was perfect. “What do you know,” she snapped, keeping her voice low, answering for the first time in years. Head down, she continued marching toward the strand of white trees she’d admired from the window. “You can hear me!”“Go away.” “This is so cool!”Whirling she cursed her inability to see him. “What are you, thirteen?” she snapped.“Fifteen. Well, technically, eighty-five. I can’t cross over ‘til I get this done.”“What, I’m some project now?” The camera bounced against her hip as she tromped through the snow.“Listen to me.” The voice came from the left. “I know you’re frightened. But you have to stay with him. I can’t protect you from what’s coming. Phillip Argot can.”(Alexis is attacked by a Hellhound)
Snow and ice crunched under the tires as they drove off. When the taillights had faded, something growled. Low, like a guard dog. Alexis turned. A hulking canine stalked toward her, its lip skimming back from its teeth. Nice doggie. She took a cautious step back. The dog followed. It didn’t look like a family pet. It bared fangs and licked its chops as it circled. She rotated with it, unwilling to let it out of her sight. The hair on her arms began to rise. It sprang, spittle flying, with a snarl. Ignoring instincts that screamed for her to stay still—running emphasized prey qualities—Alexis whirled and took off at a full sprint. She skidded on a patch of ice. Arms twirling, she fought to remain upright and lost. She sprawled on the asphalt. Scrabbling along the slick ground, Alexis tried to regain her footing but her feet refused to cooperate. Snapping jaws came close to her ear. She felt its breath on the lobe as the animal chomped, looking to sink its teeth in. Flipping over so she could see it, Alexis scuttled backward quickly, her eyes never straying from the massive creature. The dog’s snout hovered inches from her knee. The canine teeth were far longer than was typical. It tried to grab a mouthful of leg, but came away with jeans instead. Its head was large, the muzzle fairly short without being pushed in. Dripping teeth snapped then pierced her pants and thigh. She screamed and kicked frantically. Her foot connected with its skull and its jaws unhinged, releasing her leg. The dog bit the foot that had kicked it, crushing it and shaking its head as if playing with a toy. Pain traveled up her shin. She hoped it wasn’t broken.A panicked look across the parking lot revealed how far from the door she’d run. Light spilled onto the stoop. Her foot slipped from the dog’s mouth as something else momentarily captured its attention. The dog bit air the next time it tried to grab her. She slithered toward the bright doorway, pulling with her hands while pushing with her feet. Her progress was achingly slow, but it was the only way. Her legs might not support her, and she didn’t want to be at that thing’s mercy.Fetid breath on her arm made it easy to ignore the new throbbing pains that demanded her attention. The dog leapt, snapping at her face. Shielding her eyes with an arm, feeling the stiff fur of its neck brush her fingers, Alexis waited for it to tear the skin from her skull. By some miracle, it didn’t. Flipping, she scrambled to her feet, intent on putting as much distance between her and those snapping jaws as possible. Hobbling toward the townhouse, she tried to watch it over her shoulder. Her attention elsewhere, she tripped over a curb, sprawling face down in the snow. This is it, she thought. The dog launched itself into the air. She turned over and braced for the impact and pain of having the flesh ripped from her body.
(Alexis and Phillip)“Shut up,” she snapped. “The more you talk, the more I get to think about what I’m doing. You don’t want me to go there.” Thankfully, he understood without her having to resort to drawing pictures to explain her position. Walking her backward toward the bed, he held her upper arms. His grip was bruising; she was sure black and blues were already blossoming. Adjusting his hold, he swooped in for a kiss, moving a hand down to her waist. The other worked its way around to hold the back of her neck. This kiss was greedy, and her lips were going to swell from the force of it. She didn’t care. Once their lips touched, it was electric, and she didn’t want him to stop. Dots swam beneath her eyelids. Swirling black and red eyes greeted her when she opened her own. She tried to cover her gasp with a cough. His gaze swept over her and finally came to rest on her neck, where it lingered for an uncomfortable amount of time. Unable to not squirm under the strange look, she pressed against him, hugging him tightly. When that didn’t ease her nerves, she rained light kisses on his jaw. Growling, he seized her shoulders. Nuzzling the hollow of her throat, he moved a hand to tangle in her hair. He held it just tight enough to immobilize her. Her heart thundered in her chest. “Shhhh,” he coaxed, his voice dark and low. Mesmerizing. Gathering her in one arm, fingers still tangled in her tumbling waves, he gazed into her face, his eyes darting back and forth as he searched for something she couldn’t define. The other hand wrapped around her waist, slipping under her tank top to rest against the small of her back. Icy fire gathered at the spot he touched. He kissed her again. This one was different. Gone was the desperation from earlier. It was almost reverential. Then he hesitated, looking at her neck with longing. Need. Was this his just once? “It’s okay,” she whispered. “Alexis.” His thick voice held and edge of warning. Tearing his gaze from her throat, he once again met her eyes. She raised her wrist. She wanted to do this. She wanted him to mark her. He grabbed her arm, squeezing a little too tightly for a moment before relaxing his fingers. “I could kill you.” His fingers released their hold on her hair and smoothed it.“You won’t.” Her gaze never left his. He needed her complete acceptance. The offerings that were bound to be thrown in his direction included. This was the only way she could give him that. She tried to free her arm. He didn’t let go. When he drew back, glistening fangs filled her field of vision. He was going to do it. And she was going to let him. She’d vowed to never be prey, but she was yielding to him without a fight. But she didn’t feel like prey. There was a real connection, and this was an act of love. And something she would do for no one else. Shaking her head, she tried to clear the errant thoughts crowding her brain. “Alexis?” He sounded concerned. She waved him off, not trusting her voice. This was the biggest moment of her life. If she talked, she’d wreck it. “You’re sure,” he asked once again, to clarify. She nodded. Pulling her to her feet, he wrapped his arms around her. It felt so right to be enfolded in his embrace, sheltered from all the bad things that came out at night. Phillip guided her toward the door. He flipped the lock. Returning to the window, he double-checked the latch. Dipping his head, he kissed her again, fangs scraping her lower lip a few times. He healed the nicks with little licks. She shuddered, stomach clenching. Breaking the kiss, he ran his hands up her arms and over her shoulders. Holding her tightly, he moved in for another kiss, lifting her up and straightening to his full height. Her mind swirled as her feet dangled, and her breathing changed again, slowing until its rhythm matched his. They moved into a corner. This was so different from what Yadira had tried to do to her. Setting her down, he took his time kissing a line from her mouth to her pulse. Teeth scraped her throbbing pulse, teasing. If he was trying to make her melt, it was working. She was so completely pliant that the only reason she was still upright was his weight holding her in place. She couldn’t have resisted him if she wanted to. His hand fisted in her hair. She tensed. His fangs pressed against her pulse again. A shiver of terror whispered across her skin as she involuntarily recalled what had happened after the shower. His teeth punctured the skin quickly. Her fingers tightened on his arms involuntarily at the initial prick, but then relaxed as she began floating on ocean waves. Alexis clung to him, legs unable to support her, brain unable to think. He swallowed quickly. A wave of warmth radiated from her middle, and her body hummed. She felt his lips tip up in a smile against her skin.
(Alexis and Phillip at his coronation. This scene was the inspiration for the original cover)Vanessa ferried her to a distant corner, shielding Alexis from the blond vampire’s sapphire gaze. “It’s going to be okay, Lexie,” she cooed, rubbing her back. “He’s got to mix and mingle. That’s his job tonight.” Alexis nodded, feeling absolutely pathetic. She’d known about all this. But no, she just had to come. Well, you get what you deserve, she thought as Vanessa continued. “And that guy seems nice enough to dance with. Come on, sweetie. Try to have a good time.” Chance said something to Vanessa; the girl walked away, leaving them alone in the shadows. “Alexis, don’t get discouraged.” Her head snapped up, eyes widening. The smile that greeted her stunned expression was slow and sexy. Dangerous. “Let’s keep this between us, okay? Michael would kill me. Us,” he corrected quickly.“What’re you doing?” she hissed. They were going to be in so much trouble if they got caught. “Let’s just say that sometimes it doesn’t suck to be a twin.” He winked and led her back into the whirling bodies. Pursing his lips, he watched her steadily. If you honestly thought I was going to wait until midnight to touch you, you’re out of your mind, his voice whispered in her head.The blond vampire watched them closely, his expression neutral. She didn’t like that. She was starting to not like him. “What’s his prob . . . ” She clutched Phillip’s hand, the only way she could think to transmit how uncomfortable Blondie was making her without causing a scene. “Shhhhh.” Phillip’s hand skimmed up the side of her neck, tucking a strand of hair that had escaped her up-do behind her ear to bare her scar. “That’s better.” He leaned forward and kissed her. Then his lips trailed little kisses to her collarbone, raising goose bumps in their wake. “You taste good. We should just leave.” Dancing onyx eyes greeted her surprised expression. Her hand came up to slap him, but his fingers caught her wrist, wrapping around it gently. Leading her into a darkened nook, he nuzzled her neck, his nose sweeping up the curve to her jaw. Warm breath tickled her earlobe. “Milena does good hair,” he said against her skin. “It’s as if she did it on purpose.” “Did what?”“Piled it up there like that to entice me. Your neck looks incredible.” Another light rain of kisses. “Irresistible.” His voice was muffled.A wave of giddiness swept through her. “Is it working?” His mouth covered hers in response, and a soft growl rumbled through his chest. She worried Michael would see, but Phillip tightened his arms around her, forcing her reservations back down.
Coming Soon: Riptide Teasers are unedited and may change (Dani POV, At lunch the day after she and Max meet)
A shadow falls across our food, and our conversation abruptly dies. If it’s Reese, he’ll be pissed that we were talking about our argument. He thinks that’s our business, no one else’s, and I shouldn’t go airing our differences to everyone. If it’s not my boyfriend, whoever it is doesn’t need to hear.“Hey.” I recognize the deep voice instantly. My stomach does a little somersault. “Mind if I join you guys?”“Max! Hi!” There’s no reason for me to be so excited to see him. He doesn’t even know who I am.
(Dani and Max at the dolphins’ cove)He purses his lips, and his eyes dance in amusement, reflecting the vivid pinks and purples of the sky above us. Wordlessly, we bob in the current, the heat rolling off his body warming me despite the chill ocean temperature. Strong legs wrap around my middle. My eyes widen and I gasp as he leans back and strips off his shirt. His arms wrap around me again. “Wouldn’t want you to float away.” His voice is husky, his gaze unnerving. I swallow, my mouth suddenly as dry as a desert. Kissme.Kissme.Kissme. Nonononono.
(Dani POV, when Reese finds her alone on the beach with Max)He can’t see me here with Max and no one else. He’ll flip.Gathering my chalks and pencils, I stuff everything into my beach bag and stand. Max hops up, confusion marring his features. He begins to say something, but a few items drop to the sand. I stoop to retrieve them and glance up to see if the beach is still clear. A figure in shorts and a hoodie stands near the edge of the sand, hands shoved in the jacket’s pockets. My eyes travel up over his torso to his very pissed-off expression. Reese scowls. “Too late,” I grumble, hopefully too soft for Max to hear. Reese stops a short distance away and crosses his arms. A breeze ruffles his hair. “Okay, Dani. I get it.” The sharp undertone of accusation slices through me. “I’m done.” He whirls and stomps back toward the aquarium. My face grows hot.
(Dani POV, after swimming away from the aquarium with the Mer)
A strong arm crushes me against a broad chest. The Mer is warm, and I stop shivering. His other hand seizes my chin, and I get an informal introduction to his claws. Thankfully, they just press into my skin as opposed to puncturing it. The fingers flex, forcing my mouth into an O-shape. His face drifts closer to mine, mouth slanting across my lips. I thrash and toss my head. No way. I’m not kissing this thing. I’m not going to let him turn me into whatever he is.
(Max POV, when he picks Dani up for their date)
I arrive to pick her up at dusk. All the house lights are off except the ones upstairs. My hand is poised to knock when she pulls the door from under my fist. She chose a pair of skintight jeans and knee-high boots to go with her black V-neck top. My mind immediately turns to more carnal thoughts, and I have to rein them in before my mouth gives these notions voice. The short leather jacket emphasizes her narrow waist. “You look incredible.” She smiles graciously, accepting the compliment, and her burgundy lips entice me to walk her inside, go up to her room, and take it from there.
(Max POV, Max’s secret revealed)
Dani’s eyes sweep down my torso, stopping just above the waterline. Readjusting my grip on her shoulders, I steel myself for the accusations and the drama, all the things that chased me from the sea onto land in the first place. The reprieve was too short. “Let me see,” she coaxes in a whisper while her legs and arms churn beneath the small waves, keeping her afloat. Retreating a couple of feet, I lean back, raising the fluke above the gentle ripples, making a few of my own. My insides roil violently, and I realize I’m nervous about her reaction. My gaze is fastened on her angelic countenance, awaiting her proclamation that I am some kind of mutant. I want to look away to soften the blow but can’t drag my eyes from her beautiful face.
(Dani POV, at the aquarium after a fiasco with Reese at the sideshow)
From my position by the doorway, I watch as Max sinks back through the water. The lights flicker and his body arches. What just happened? I step back through the doorway, intent on making my way back to the tank. Mom clamps a hand around my wrist to hold me in place. The overheads wink a second time. Max gnashes his teeth. When the lights come back on, he’s still wearing board shorts. I release a breath I wasn’t aware I was holding. “Third time’s the charm,” Mom mutters. This time, the lights go out completely, plunging the room into darkness. I hear people scrambling, their shoes scuffing against the floor as they hurry around the chamber. A sloshing noise and then a damp hand too large to be Mom’s grabs mine, pulling me into the darkened hallway.
Meet Michelle:
Michelle Moklebust writes YA paranormal romance and fantasy. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from SUNY Buffalo, and then earned a special education teaching credential from California State University Northridge. She has worked as a paralegal,
photographer’s assistant, teaching assistant, and as a teacher of young children with special needs. But she always returns to writing and her cameras. A breast cancer survivor, Michelle lives in New York with her family and a rescued Border Collie-mix, Sparky. When she isn’t writing, she’s reading, taking pictures, and staying up way too late. In July, 2012, Michelle first eBook, Ghost Whispers, was published. The first two short stories in the Chosen series are also available for all e-Reader platforms. She is currently working on revisions to her second novel-length story, Riptide (working title, subject to change) and recently submitted the third story in the Chosen series to a charity anthology to benefit the American Cancer Society.
To read more about Michelle’s cancer journey and see some excerpts from her stories, visit http://meesh920.livejournal.com/
You can also find Michelle Here: Website: http://michellemoklebust.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleMoklebust?ref=hl
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6454877.Michelle_Moklebust
BOOKS BY MICHELLE:
Vampires control Southern California and zombies have overrun the town of Barrel Springs, forcing the three remaining residents to seek refuge in the abandoned lab. The local Hellgate lies dormant (for now), so a group of friends takes a time out from the war to focus on friendship and tradition as they gather to celebrate Christmas Eve.
Teaser: (Dimitri narrating)The streets are deserted, and rubble crunches under my boot heels as I make my way, weaving among the piles of debris, toward the lab. It's the only place left standing in this town, if an underground bunker can be considered standing. We took up residence there shortly after what may very well have been Armageddon, as in the real deal, or at least our town’s version. The three of us, we're the only ones left. At least the only ones that still call this place home, along with a bunch of cadavers that don’t realize they’re supposed to lie down and be dead. The zombies are the only reason the rest of the vampires stay away
(Mariah talking to Dimitri, asking about Bas)"It's Christmas soon." A note of dismay colors her voice. "Bas has to come. So we can do the Snoopy dance . . . " Her voice trails off, and her eyes fill with tears as she tries to convince me to let him come over. I wish I could give her her life back. Still, I haven't gotten over the fact that she knows it's December, let alone almost Christmas. We have no calendar, the television isn't hooked up to cable or anything, just a DVD player on its last legs. And the radio reception is spotty at best.
Zombies don't sleep and they don't take Christmas Day off. The zombies are on the offenSive. Dimitri and the two Chosen, Bas and Hope, take the fight to them. Back at the bunker, two powerful uninvited guests leave Peter bleeding from his ears. As if that wasn't bad enough, zombies attack the bunker. It’s just another day in the life of Hope, Bas, D and company.
Teaser: (Dimitri narrating)Bas and Hope don’t bother with body armor. It wouldn’t do any good against the walking dead anyway. They grab their army-issued sidearms and then gather an axe and long stake each. Blow the zombies’ brains out the back of their skulls and they stop. Or decapitate them (and stab the severed head); that’s good for any number of creatures, myself included.
(Hope)The shovel clangs against the broken cement base surrounding the hatch after he throws it away. In a flowing, unexpectedly graceful motion, those mile-long arms come around me and squeeze. This one is intent on suffocating me, but it keeps moving its head side to side, like it’s examining me and trying to determine what I am. One thing is certain, it’s not trying to eat my brain. I’ll have to explore those implications later.Trapped in his viselike grip, I struggle to breathe. Unlike him, breathing isn’t optional for me. I can’t even work my arms down between him and me to begin loosening his grasp, never mind break the hold. He grunts and jerks me up. His mouth brushes my skin, tasting me, and something instinctive takes over. He opens his mouth wide to take a nice big chunk out of my neck. Suddenly, I fall to the ground, free and able to inhale. Probing my flesh, I search for signs that this is some kind of death hallucination, but it isn’t. I am warm and dry. A masculine hand reaches down, long warm fingers wrapping around mine. “You know, I’d dance with you if you asked nicely.” Bas’s brown eyes smile down at me. Accepting the help, I bounce to my feet and retrieve my sword. Groans and moans echo through the streets. We stop talking. Dimitri joins us, brushing his hands against his long pea coat. I get the impression he’s wiping zombie goo off his fingers. I’ve never actually seen a vampire kill a zombie and I briefly wonder if he simply punches through the skull and yanks the brain out.
Eighteen year old Alexis had a plan. Go on the ghost hunting field trip, get an easy A in Paranormal Studies and relax. She never expected the ghosts to talk to her again, or that she’d meet someone like Phillip, who can block the ghosts' whispers with a touch. As her relationship with Phillip grows, so does the danger to Alexis. A hellhound tries to kill her. Vampires interrupt their first date. His gorgeous ex threatens her... Alexis had always known about Other beings, but she never expected to date one. On top of that, Phillip is in the middle of some kind of vampire royal succession, and the threats seem to come nonstop from all directions. His world is dangerous, but there's no place she'd rather be.
Teaser: (an early Alexis-Gavin interaction)Snow several inches deep spread outward from the cleared walkway. A few lazy flakes whirled skyward, buoyed by the breeze. Blinking, she tipped her face up, unable to resist the urge to watch the snowflake waltz. The swirling white crystals never failed to mesmerize her. Phillip trailed at a respectable distance, as if he realized she wasn’t in the mood for conversation. When Alexis glanced over her shoulder, he tipped his face up, squinting at the endless gray stretching above the silent planet. “You’re safe with him.” The voice was back. Alexis frowned. Now the day was perfect. “What do you know,” she snapped, keeping her voice low, answering for the first time in years. Head down, she continued marching toward the strand of white trees she’d admired from the window. “You can hear me!”“Go away.” “This is so cool!”Whirling she cursed her inability to see him. “What are you, thirteen?” she snapped.“Fifteen. Well, technically, eighty-five. I can’t cross over ‘til I get this done.”“What, I’m some project now?” The camera bounced against her hip as she tromped through the snow.“Listen to me.” The voice came from the left. “I know you’re frightened. But you have to stay with him. I can’t protect you from what’s coming. Phillip Argot can.”(Alexis is attacked by a Hellhound)
Snow and ice crunched under the tires as they drove off. When the taillights had faded, something growled. Low, like a guard dog. Alexis turned. A hulking canine stalked toward her, its lip skimming back from its teeth. Nice doggie. She took a cautious step back. The dog followed. It didn’t look like a family pet. It bared fangs and licked its chops as it circled. She rotated with it, unwilling to let it out of her sight. The hair on her arms began to rise. It sprang, spittle flying, with a snarl. Ignoring instincts that screamed for her to stay still—running emphasized prey qualities—Alexis whirled and took off at a full sprint. She skidded on a patch of ice. Arms twirling, she fought to remain upright and lost. She sprawled on the asphalt. Scrabbling along the slick ground, Alexis tried to regain her footing but her feet refused to cooperate. Snapping jaws came close to her ear. She felt its breath on the lobe as the animal chomped, looking to sink its teeth in. Flipping over so she could see it, Alexis scuttled backward quickly, her eyes never straying from the massive creature. The dog’s snout hovered inches from her knee. The canine teeth were far longer than was typical. It tried to grab a mouthful of leg, but came away with jeans instead. Its head was large, the muzzle fairly short without being pushed in. Dripping teeth snapped then pierced her pants and thigh. She screamed and kicked frantically. Her foot connected with its skull and its jaws unhinged, releasing her leg. The dog bit the foot that had kicked it, crushing it and shaking its head as if playing with a toy. Pain traveled up her shin. She hoped it wasn’t broken.A panicked look across the parking lot revealed how far from the door she’d run. Light spilled onto the stoop. Her foot slipped from the dog’s mouth as something else momentarily captured its attention. The dog bit air the next time it tried to grab her. She slithered toward the bright doorway, pulling with her hands while pushing with her feet. Her progress was achingly slow, but it was the only way. Her legs might not support her, and she didn’t want to be at that thing’s mercy.Fetid breath on her arm made it easy to ignore the new throbbing pains that demanded her attention. The dog leapt, snapping at her face. Shielding her eyes with an arm, feeling the stiff fur of its neck brush her fingers, Alexis waited for it to tear the skin from her skull. By some miracle, it didn’t. Flipping, she scrambled to her feet, intent on putting as much distance between her and those snapping jaws as possible. Hobbling toward the townhouse, she tried to watch it over her shoulder. Her attention elsewhere, she tripped over a curb, sprawling face down in the snow. This is it, she thought. The dog launched itself into the air. She turned over and braced for the impact and pain of having the flesh ripped from her body.
(Alexis and Phillip)“Shut up,” she snapped. “The more you talk, the more I get to think about what I’m doing. You don’t want me to go there.” Thankfully, he understood without her having to resort to drawing pictures to explain her position. Walking her backward toward the bed, he held her upper arms. His grip was bruising; she was sure black and blues were already blossoming. Adjusting his hold, he swooped in for a kiss, moving a hand down to her waist. The other worked its way around to hold the back of her neck. This kiss was greedy, and her lips were going to swell from the force of it. She didn’t care. Once their lips touched, it was electric, and she didn’t want him to stop. Dots swam beneath her eyelids. Swirling black and red eyes greeted her when she opened her own. She tried to cover her gasp with a cough. His gaze swept over her and finally came to rest on her neck, where it lingered for an uncomfortable amount of time. Unable to not squirm under the strange look, she pressed against him, hugging him tightly. When that didn’t ease her nerves, she rained light kisses on his jaw. Growling, he seized her shoulders. Nuzzling the hollow of her throat, he moved a hand to tangle in her hair. He held it just tight enough to immobilize her. Her heart thundered in her chest. “Shhhh,” he coaxed, his voice dark and low. Mesmerizing. Gathering her in one arm, fingers still tangled in her tumbling waves, he gazed into her face, his eyes darting back and forth as he searched for something she couldn’t define. The other hand wrapped around her waist, slipping under her tank top to rest against the small of her back. Icy fire gathered at the spot he touched. He kissed her again. This one was different. Gone was the desperation from earlier. It was almost reverential. Then he hesitated, looking at her neck with longing. Need. Was this his just once? “It’s okay,” she whispered. “Alexis.” His thick voice held and edge of warning. Tearing his gaze from her throat, he once again met her eyes. She raised her wrist. She wanted to do this. She wanted him to mark her. He grabbed her arm, squeezing a little too tightly for a moment before relaxing his fingers. “I could kill you.” His fingers released their hold on her hair and smoothed it.“You won’t.” Her gaze never left his. He needed her complete acceptance. The offerings that were bound to be thrown in his direction included. This was the only way she could give him that. She tried to free her arm. He didn’t let go. When he drew back, glistening fangs filled her field of vision. He was going to do it. And she was going to let him. She’d vowed to never be prey, but she was yielding to him without a fight. But she didn’t feel like prey. There was a real connection, and this was an act of love. And something she would do for no one else. Shaking her head, she tried to clear the errant thoughts crowding her brain. “Alexis?” He sounded concerned. She waved him off, not trusting her voice. This was the biggest moment of her life. If she talked, she’d wreck it. “You’re sure,” he asked once again, to clarify. She nodded. Pulling her to her feet, he wrapped his arms around her. It felt so right to be enfolded in his embrace, sheltered from all the bad things that came out at night. Phillip guided her toward the door. He flipped the lock. Returning to the window, he double-checked the latch. Dipping his head, he kissed her again, fangs scraping her lower lip a few times. He healed the nicks with little licks. She shuddered, stomach clenching. Breaking the kiss, he ran his hands up her arms and over her shoulders. Holding her tightly, he moved in for another kiss, lifting her up and straightening to his full height. Her mind swirled as her feet dangled, and her breathing changed again, slowing until its rhythm matched his. They moved into a corner. This was so different from what Yadira had tried to do to her. Setting her down, he took his time kissing a line from her mouth to her pulse. Teeth scraped her throbbing pulse, teasing. If he was trying to make her melt, it was working. She was so completely pliant that the only reason she was still upright was his weight holding her in place. She couldn’t have resisted him if she wanted to. His hand fisted in her hair. She tensed. His fangs pressed against her pulse again. A shiver of terror whispered across her skin as she involuntarily recalled what had happened after the shower. His teeth punctured the skin quickly. Her fingers tightened on his arms involuntarily at the initial prick, but then relaxed as she began floating on ocean waves. Alexis clung to him, legs unable to support her, brain unable to think. He swallowed quickly. A wave of warmth radiated from her middle, and her body hummed. She felt his lips tip up in a smile against her skin.
(Alexis and Phillip at his coronation. This scene was the inspiration for the original cover)Vanessa ferried her to a distant corner, shielding Alexis from the blond vampire’s sapphire gaze. “It’s going to be okay, Lexie,” she cooed, rubbing her back. “He’s got to mix and mingle. That’s his job tonight.” Alexis nodded, feeling absolutely pathetic. She’d known about all this. But no, she just had to come. Well, you get what you deserve, she thought as Vanessa continued. “And that guy seems nice enough to dance with. Come on, sweetie. Try to have a good time.” Chance said something to Vanessa; the girl walked away, leaving them alone in the shadows. “Alexis, don’t get discouraged.” Her head snapped up, eyes widening. The smile that greeted her stunned expression was slow and sexy. Dangerous. “Let’s keep this between us, okay? Michael would kill me. Us,” he corrected quickly.“What’re you doing?” she hissed. They were going to be in so much trouble if they got caught. “Let’s just say that sometimes it doesn’t suck to be a twin.” He winked and led her back into the whirling bodies. Pursing his lips, he watched her steadily. If you honestly thought I was going to wait until midnight to touch you, you’re out of your mind, his voice whispered in her head.The blond vampire watched them closely, his expression neutral. She didn’t like that. She was starting to not like him. “What’s his prob . . . ” She clutched Phillip’s hand, the only way she could think to transmit how uncomfortable Blondie was making her without causing a scene. “Shhhhh.” Phillip’s hand skimmed up the side of her neck, tucking a strand of hair that had escaped her up-do behind her ear to bare her scar. “That’s better.” He leaned forward and kissed her. Then his lips trailed little kisses to her collarbone, raising goose bumps in their wake. “You taste good. We should just leave.” Dancing onyx eyes greeted her surprised expression. Her hand came up to slap him, but his fingers caught her wrist, wrapping around it gently. Leading her into a darkened nook, he nuzzled her neck, his nose sweeping up the curve to her jaw. Warm breath tickled her earlobe. “Milena does good hair,” he said against her skin. “It’s as if she did it on purpose.” “Did what?”“Piled it up there like that to entice me. Your neck looks incredible.” Another light rain of kisses. “Irresistible.” His voice was muffled.A wave of giddiness swept through her. “Is it working?” His mouth covered hers in response, and a soft growl rumbled through his chest. She worried Michael would see, but Phillip tightened his arms around her, forcing her reservations back down.
Coming Soon: Riptide Teasers are unedited and may change (Dani POV, At lunch the day after she and Max meet)
A shadow falls across our food, and our conversation abruptly dies. If it’s Reese, he’ll be pissed that we were talking about our argument. He thinks that’s our business, no one else’s, and I shouldn’t go airing our differences to everyone. If it’s not my boyfriend, whoever it is doesn’t need to hear.“Hey.” I recognize the deep voice instantly. My stomach does a little somersault. “Mind if I join you guys?”“Max! Hi!” There’s no reason for me to be so excited to see him. He doesn’t even know who I am.
(Dani and Max at the dolphins’ cove)He purses his lips, and his eyes dance in amusement, reflecting the vivid pinks and purples of the sky above us. Wordlessly, we bob in the current, the heat rolling off his body warming me despite the chill ocean temperature. Strong legs wrap around my middle. My eyes widen and I gasp as he leans back and strips off his shirt. His arms wrap around me again. “Wouldn’t want you to float away.” His voice is husky, his gaze unnerving. I swallow, my mouth suddenly as dry as a desert. Kissme.Kissme.Kissme. Nonononono.
(Dani POV, when Reese finds her alone on the beach with Max)He can’t see me here with Max and no one else. He’ll flip.Gathering my chalks and pencils, I stuff everything into my beach bag and stand. Max hops up, confusion marring his features. He begins to say something, but a few items drop to the sand. I stoop to retrieve them and glance up to see if the beach is still clear. A figure in shorts and a hoodie stands near the edge of the sand, hands shoved in the jacket’s pockets. My eyes travel up over his torso to his very pissed-off expression. Reese scowls. “Too late,” I grumble, hopefully too soft for Max to hear. Reese stops a short distance away and crosses his arms. A breeze ruffles his hair. “Okay, Dani. I get it.” The sharp undertone of accusation slices through me. “I’m done.” He whirls and stomps back toward the aquarium. My face grows hot.
(Dani POV, after swimming away from the aquarium with the Mer)
A strong arm crushes me against a broad chest. The Mer is warm, and I stop shivering. His other hand seizes my chin, and I get an informal introduction to his claws. Thankfully, they just press into my skin as opposed to puncturing it. The fingers flex, forcing my mouth into an O-shape. His face drifts closer to mine, mouth slanting across my lips. I thrash and toss my head. No way. I’m not kissing this thing. I’m not going to let him turn me into whatever he is.
(Max POV, when he picks Dani up for their date)
I arrive to pick her up at dusk. All the house lights are off except the ones upstairs. My hand is poised to knock when she pulls the door from under my fist. She chose a pair of skintight jeans and knee-high boots to go with her black V-neck top. My mind immediately turns to more carnal thoughts, and I have to rein them in before my mouth gives these notions voice. The short leather jacket emphasizes her narrow waist. “You look incredible.” She smiles graciously, accepting the compliment, and her burgundy lips entice me to walk her inside, go up to her room, and take it from there.
(Max POV, Max’s secret revealed)
Dani’s eyes sweep down my torso, stopping just above the waterline. Readjusting my grip on her shoulders, I steel myself for the accusations and the drama, all the things that chased me from the sea onto land in the first place. The reprieve was too short. “Let me see,” she coaxes in a whisper while her legs and arms churn beneath the small waves, keeping her afloat. Retreating a couple of feet, I lean back, raising the fluke above the gentle ripples, making a few of my own. My insides roil violently, and I realize I’m nervous about her reaction. My gaze is fastened on her angelic countenance, awaiting her proclamation that I am some kind of mutant. I want to look away to soften the blow but can’t drag my eyes from her beautiful face.
(Dani POV, at the aquarium after a fiasco with Reese at the sideshow)
From my position by the doorway, I watch as Max sinks back through the water. The lights flicker and his body arches. What just happened? I step back through the doorway, intent on making my way back to the tank. Mom clamps a hand around my wrist to hold me in place. The overheads wink a second time. Max gnashes his teeth. When the lights come back on, he’s still wearing board shorts. I release a breath I wasn’t aware I was holding. “Third time’s the charm,” Mom mutters. This time, the lights go out completely, plunging the room into darkness. I hear people scrambling, their shoes scuffing against the floor as they hurry around the chamber. A sloshing noise and then a damp hand too large to be Mom’s grabs mine, pulling me into the darkened hallway.
June 14, 2013
Wicked Cover Revel for WICKED HOPE by Tabatha Vargo !
Title: Wicked Hope
Author: Tabatha Vargo
Release Date: Fall 2013
Genre: Paranormal / Fantasy Romance
Presented by: As You Wish Tours
BLURB
There isn’t anything that Mage McPherson wouldn’t do for love, including steal someone’s spirit. After Adam is tragically lost to her, Mage discovers a spell that can bring him back. But things can never be that simple, and she learns the hard way that there are always consequences when it comes to magic. Adam isn’t quite the Adam she remembers and now whatever he feels, she feels...times two.
Adam Westcott knows three things. One, Mage McPherson is the love of his life. Two, thanks to Mage’s wonder spell they are now somehow physically connected. And three, there’s a part of him, right next to the heart that beats for her, that wants to kill her. The only option is to run, but it’s impossible to run away from yourself. The inner struggle within himself makes for a hard fight when yet another dark magic comes to call.
Sometimes it’s not evil that you must defeat, sometimes it’s love, and when the line between love and hate is at its thinnest, there’s no telling what can happen. But Mage won’t lose hope, even if destiny is being a witch.
EXCERPT
He’s here, just inside the electric-blue doors that mark the entrance to hell. I can sense him. The part of me that lives inside him calls to me. The connection is so strong that it takes my breath away. For a brief moment I begin to hyperventilate. Even if it wasn’t a matter of life or death, I’d still want to be here more than any other place on earth. Here, in a back alley of the city of sin.
I’m pulled towards him, so I waste no more time and push the doors open. The stench of lust and cigarette smoke invades my senses. The distinct smell of pheromones and overly sweet perfume mixes in for a very nauseating scent.
He’s knows I’m here. He can sense me the way I sense him and even though I can’t see him, I feel his eyes on me.
The loud techno music is distracting as I make my way through the crowded room. Half naked women rub themselves like horny cats against silver poles. One in particular catches my attention. She bends with the music allowing her platinum hair to fall over before she shakes it back and forth. She runs her hands up her knee high boots before throwing her head back—platinum locks thrashing around her narrow face. She looks down at me from her mini stage and mirror eyes flash with her overly seductive smile.
I turn away quickly and my eyes land on him. The moment I see him, the side of his mouth twitches into an evil smirk. Adam would never smile at me that way, and yet, there he is.
AUTHOR BIOTabatha's been writing since she could pick up a pencil. Her first publication was a little poem in her elementary school paper, from that point on she was hooked. When she was a teenager, she traded in her girly magazines for personalized writing notebooks.
At nineteen, she met her own personal prince charming and writing took a back burner for a while. She's now married to that prince and the mother of a beautiful seven-year-old princess/rock star. Once her daughter was born, writing came back into her life, and she finished her very first novel, Wicked Fate, in May of 2009.
She's now pursuing her English degree and she hopes to one day teach while continuing to write.STALKER LINKS Facebook Twitter Website Goodreads Amazon Profile BOOK LINKS Goodreads
Protected by Anna Applegate Review
I met Anna through facebook after a fan recommended I check out her page and after reading the description on her first book in the Ariya Adams Trilogy, I was beyond ready to read it. So imagine how excited I was when offered an ARC !
After reading so many paranormal books and them all basically in some way or another following the same plot- I gave it a rest for a while ...well..this isn't your basic vampire book. It slowly creeps up on you and leaves you going WOW I did not seeing that coming ! Anna knows how to keep pulling you in . Small hints through the book kept me on the edge of my seat ready to scream COME ON TELL US ALREADY !
I don't want to give away too much but I can say this is a start of what I know will be an amazing trilogy and book two could not be produced fast enough ! I'm sure I'll be over here stalking Anna's page for updates until then.
and how cute is the cover !!
Author: Anna ApplegateRelease Day: June 25th Release day event : June 25th 8:00pm Est Giveaways will be up for grabs ! https://www.facebook.com/annaapplegateauthor?fref=ts
Book Description: At the start of her senior year at Kingsbrook College, a small school in Northern Michigan, Ariya Adams has a perfectly normal existence. Determined to make this her best year yet, she attends her classes and hangs out with the friends she has come to love more than life.
That is until the arrival of the sexy and mysterious transfer student James Rymer, who captivates her affections almost instantly. With her emotions on the fritz for no apparent reason, and unsure if he shares her feelings, Ariya finds herself on an emotional rollercoaster in which everything she knows and loves is questioned.
When fantasy and reality mix, Ariya's world is turned upside down and she learns that "normal" isn’t what she thought it was. Danger soon comes for her and she discovers that everyone has been keeping secrets from her. The battle between one's duty and what feels right will have to be fought and it may be a struggle for Ariya to stay alive. When Ariya's life and the lives of the people she cares for most are endangered, she learns to never underestimate the power of blood
After reading so many paranormal books and them all basically in some way or another following the same plot- I gave it a rest for a while ...well..this isn't your basic vampire book. It slowly creeps up on you and leaves you going WOW I did not seeing that coming ! Anna knows how to keep pulling you in . Small hints through the book kept me on the edge of my seat ready to scream COME ON TELL US ALREADY !
I don't want to give away too much but I can say this is a start of what I know will be an amazing trilogy and book two could not be produced fast enough ! I'm sure I'll be over here stalking Anna's page for updates until then.
and how cute is the cover !!
Author: Anna ApplegateRelease Day: June 25th Release day event : June 25th 8:00pm Est Giveaways will be up for grabs ! https://www.facebook.com/annaapplegateauthor?fref=ts
Book Description: At the start of her senior year at Kingsbrook College, a small school in Northern Michigan, Ariya Adams has a perfectly normal existence. Determined to make this her best year yet, she attends her classes and hangs out with the friends she has come to love more than life.
That is until the arrival of the sexy and mysterious transfer student James Rymer, who captivates her affections almost instantly. With her emotions on the fritz for no apparent reason, and unsure if he shares her feelings, Ariya finds herself on an emotional rollercoaster in which everything she knows and loves is questioned.
When fantasy and reality mix, Ariya's world is turned upside down and she learns that "normal" isn’t what she thought it was. Danger soon comes for her and she discovers that everyone has been keeping secrets from her. The battle between one's duty and what feels right will have to be fought and it may be a struggle for Ariya to stay alive. When Ariya's life and the lives of the people she cares for most are endangered, she learns to never underestimate the power of blood
Friday Author of the Day Brenda Tetreault
Hey everyone ! I'm super excited to introduced Author Brenda Tetreault to you today as our Author of the Day !
Brenda grew up on the southern Oregon coast. All through school, she wrote, but put it aside when a counselor informed her that while she had a nice little hobby, she would never be good enough at it to pay the bills. After a short stint in the Air Force, during which she met and married her husband, Brenda settled down to be a military wife and the mother of a precocious little boy. It wasn't until her mid-thirties that Brenda began writing again, and after two years of writing, rewriting, and editing, she became a published author. Beginning in January 2009, she has published the six book series, The Bounty Cove Chronicles. Brenda is excited to be working on her new series, Brothers Immortal, and is anxiously awaiting the release of the first book in the series, Tempted- Coming Summer 2013!Brenda’s books are Paranormal Romances, and are written for the 18+ reader.
Follow Brenda:Twitter: @booksofbountyFacebookWebpage
The Bounty Cove Chronicles- *Book 1: The Witcher LegacyMelissa Witcher finally got her chance to settle down after a life of moving from town to town with her mother. She inherited the old family home and finally began to put down roots in Bounty Cove, North Carolina. Along with the house came the stories of ghosts haunting the property and a family history that had been kept from her. Melissa never put much faith in those ghost stories and looked forward to reuniting with her father to learn the secrets of the Witcher family. She wasn’t prepared for the instant and passionate chemistry that ignited between herself and the house’s caretaker, Michael Kemper, at their first meeting. She never dreamed that coming to Bounty Cove would possibly cause her to lose everything she has grown to hold dear, including her own life. Melissa should have taken those ghost stories seriously.*Book 2: The Devil’s Own AngelNick ‘Devil’ Damien left a lucrative career to settle in Bounty Cove, North Carolina in order to answer Fate’s silent call. While he’s happier than he’s ever been in his life, he sometimes finds himself wondering exactly what it is he’s waiting for. Then, one morning, he sees Angeline Carston, and again hears Fate whispering in his ear. Compelled to answer the silent call, he comes to the petite blonde’s rescue.
Angeline Carston wants nothing to do with the tall, darkly handsome Devil Damien. She has enough to worry about without her hormones going haywire whenever he’s around; such as finding a place to hide, and escaping the unwanted attentions of a determined ex-fiancé. Then there’s the little matter of the secret she’s hiding. A secret so destructive that it could devastate everyone and everything she loves if she were to lose control of it.*Book 3: Then, Now, ForeverChance Younger and Molly Sinclair are strangers to each other.
So why is it that from the moment they meet they are both haunted by feelings of deja vu and visions of being together in another place and time?*Book 4: Shadow of DoubtBritt Darbonne has a dangerous mind; the kind that can make you feel exquisite pleasure with just a thought. He can also kill you with the same thought. Natali Sinclair doesn't care; she loves the man. But is love enough to save her sanity? Welcome to Bounty Cove; the little town where love conquers all and nothing is as it seems.*Book 5: A Ghost of A ChanceKate Morgan, after suffering unimaginable tragedy, leaves the hustle and bustle of Raleigh to settle in Bounty Cove. There, shy and reclusive Kate begins to slowly rebuild her life, content to live quietly in her little cottage in the woods. Wil Montgomery has spent fifteen years at the top of the Hollywood game. Without a word, he leaves the glitz and glamour for the solitude of the North Carolina coast. From the moment he meets Kate, Wil is unable to put the thought of her haunted blue eyes or the sweetness of her kiss out of his mind. Tucker Stratford died loving Kate Morgan. He's made it his mission in the afterlife to help her fall in love again. How can he convince Kate that he's found her Mr. Right when all she wants to do is live in her little cottage in the woods?*Book 6: Prophecies and DestiniesSeparated for twenty years, Lily Sullivan and Colby Miller are reunited only to find themselves fighting for all they hold dear. Can love, truly, conquer all? Can good, finally, defeat evil? With their friends by their side and at their backs, Lily and Colby are about to find out!
Purchase Link:Softcover or Kindle: www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=brenda+tetreault
And Coming soon from Brenda :
*Tempted (Coming Summer, 2013):A Vampire/Human hybrid with an allergy to blood.
A pretty socialite with a knack for getting into trouble.
Brought together by temptation and bound by passion.
Together their path is set on a collision course with…
The Brothers Immortal.*Teaser:… The phone rang four times, and she was about to disconnect the call when she heard the voice she’d both dreaded and needed to hear.
“Hello?”
His voice was rough and sleepy sounding, and in her mind’s eye, Sabrina saw him, wearing nothing more than black pajama pants, his chest and feet bare, silhouetted against the windows of his living room.
“Sabrina?”
“Hello, Roman.”
Her voice was almost a whisper, but Roman heard her just fine. “Good morning, baby,”
He listened to the soft sound of her breathing and waited her out, not pressuring her to talk.
“I almost hung up,” she said and Roman thought he heard her take a sip of something. Coffee?
“I’m glad you didn’t,” he replied, taking a gulp of his own lukewarm brew. It seemed getting Sabrina to talk was going to be like pulling teeth, but he was willing to be patient, remembering Morgan’s advice to not rush her or force her.
“Morgan is taking me to meet my parents,” she finally told him, and with that admission, the flood gates opened, and Roman simply allowed her to talk. Beneath her ramblings one thing became apparent: she was terrified of being rejected once again. When she finally wound down and she sank back into silence, Roman reassured her.
“Sweetheart, they have searched for you all your life; they want you in their lives, and they won’t turn their backs on you.”
She didn’t say anything for several moments, and he worried that the connection had been lost. Finally, he heard her sigh.
“Thank you.”
He smiled gently at the sweet sound of her voice and replied, “Anytime, sweetheart.”
“I better go,” she hedged, and he wondered if that was reluctance he heard coating her words.
“I love you.”
He winced and almost slammed his head against the wall for letting those words escape; what if it was too soon? What if he’d just scared her away for another week or longer? He held his breath, waiting for her reply. When it came, he felt the bitter bite of disappointment;
“Goodbye, Roman.”
The line went dead, and Roman was left, alone and cursing in to cold light of the winter morning, without even the knowledge of her love to sustain him...
Brenda grew up on the southern Oregon coast. All through school, she wrote, but put it aside when a counselor informed her that while she had a nice little hobby, she would never be good enough at it to pay the bills. After a short stint in the Air Force, during which she met and married her husband, Brenda settled down to be a military wife and the mother of a precocious little boy. It wasn't until her mid-thirties that Brenda began writing again, and after two years of writing, rewriting, and editing, she became a published author. Beginning in January 2009, she has published the six book series, The Bounty Cove Chronicles. Brenda is excited to be working on her new series, Brothers Immortal, and is anxiously awaiting the release of the first book in the series, Tempted- Coming Summer 2013!Brenda’s books are Paranormal Romances, and are written for the 18+ reader.
Follow Brenda:Twitter: @booksofbountyFacebookWebpage
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The Bounty Cove Chronicles- *Book 1: The Witcher LegacyMelissa Witcher finally got her chance to settle down after a life of moving from town to town with her mother. She inherited the old family home and finally began to put down roots in Bounty Cove, North Carolina. Along with the house came the stories of ghosts haunting the property and a family history that had been kept from her. Melissa never put much faith in those ghost stories and looked forward to reuniting with her father to learn the secrets of the Witcher family. She wasn’t prepared for the instant and passionate chemistry that ignited between herself and the house’s caretaker, Michael Kemper, at their first meeting. She never dreamed that coming to Bounty Cove would possibly cause her to lose everything she has grown to hold dear, including her own life. Melissa should have taken those ghost stories seriously.*Book 2: The Devil’s Own AngelNick ‘Devil’ Damien left a lucrative career to settle in Bounty Cove, North Carolina in order to answer Fate’s silent call. While he’s happier than he’s ever been in his life, he sometimes finds himself wondering exactly what it is he’s waiting for. Then, one morning, he sees Angeline Carston, and again hears Fate whispering in his ear. Compelled to answer the silent call, he comes to the petite blonde’s rescue.
Angeline Carston wants nothing to do with the tall, darkly handsome Devil Damien. She has enough to worry about without her hormones going haywire whenever he’s around; such as finding a place to hide, and escaping the unwanted attentions of a determined ex-fiancé. Then there’s the little matter of the secret she’s hiding. A secret so destructive that it could devastate everyone and everything she loves if she were to lose control of it.*Book 3: Then, Now, ForeverChance Younger and Molly Sinclair are strangers to each other.
So why is it that from the moment they meet they are both haunted by feelings of deja vu and visions of being together in another place and time?*Book 4: Shadow of DoubtBritt Darbonne has a dangerous mind; the kind that can make you feel exquisite pleasure with just a thought. He can also kill you with the same thought. Natali Sinclair doesn't care; she loves the man. But is love enough to save her sanity? Welcome to Bounty Cove; the little town where love conquers all and nothing is as it seems.*Book 5: A Ghost of A ChanceKate Morgan, after suffering unimaginable tragedy, leaves the hustle and bustle of Raleigh to settle in Bounty Cove. There, shy and reclusive Kate begins to slowly rebuild her life, content to live quietly in her little cottage in the woods. Wil Montgomery has spent fifteen years at the top of the Hollywood game. Without a word, he leaves the glitz and glamour for the solitude of the North Carolina coast. From the moment he meets Kate, Wil is unable to put the thought of her haunted blue eyes or the sweetness of her kiss out of his mind. Tucker Stratford died loving Kate Morgan. He's made it his mission in the afterlife to help her fall in love again. How can he convince Kate that he's found her Mr. Right when all she wants to do is live in her little cottage in the woods?*Book 6: Prophecies and DestiniesSeparated for twenty years, Lily Sullivan and Colby Miller are reunited only to find themselves fighting for all they hold dear. Can love, truly, conquer all? Can good, finally, defeat evil? With their friends by their side and at their backs, Lily and Colby are about to find out!
Purchase Link:Softcover or Kindle: www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=brenda+tetreault
And Coming soon from Brenda :
*Tempted (Coming Summer, 2013):A Vampire/Human hybrid with an allergy to blood.
A pretty socialite with a knack for getting into trouble.
Brought together by temptation and bound by passion.
Together their path is set on a collision course with…
The Brothers Immortal.*Teaser:… The phone rang four times, and she was about to disconnect the call when she heard the voice she’d both dreaded and needed to hear.
“Hello?”
His voice was rough and sleepy sounding, and in her mind’s eye, Sabrina saw him, wearing nothing more than black pajama pants, his chest and feet bare, silhouetted against the windows of his living room.
“Sabrina?”
“Hello, Roman.”
Her voice was almost a whisper, but Roman heard her just fine. “Good morning, baby,”
He listened to the soft sound of her breathing and waited her out, not pressuring her to talk.
“I almost hung up,” she said and Roman thought he heard her take a sip of something. Coffee?
“I’m glad you didn’t,” he replied, taking a gulp of his own lukewarm brew. It seemed getting Sabrina to talk was going to be like pulling teeth, but he was willing to be patient, remembering Morgan’s advice to not rush her or force her.
“Morgan is taking me to meet my parents,” she finally told him, and with that admission, the flood gates opened, and Roman simply allowed her to talk. Beneath her ramblings one thing became apparent: she was terrified of being rejected once again. When she finally wound down and she sank back into silence, Roman reassured her.
“Sweetheart, they have searched for you all your life; they want you in their lives, and they won’t turn their backs on you.”
She didn’t say anything for several moments, and he worried that the connection had been lost. Finally, he heard her sigh.
“Thank you.”
He smiled gently at the sweet sound of her voice and replied, “Anytime, sweetheart.”
“I better go,” she hedged, and he wondered if that was reluctance he heard coating her words.
“I love you.”
He winced and almost slammed his head against the wall for letting those words escape; what if it was too soon? What if he’d just scared her away for another week or longer? He held his breath, waiting for her reply. When it came, he felt the bitter bite of disappointment;
“Goodbye, Roman.”
The line went dead, and Roman was left, alone and cursing in to cold light of the winter morning, without even the knowledge of her love to sustain him...
June 13, 2013
Welcome Andrea Staum Author of the Day !
Hey guys today I have Andrea Staum as Author of the Day . Make sure to give her a big welcome !
Meet Andrea:
Andrea L. Staum is a 2012 NaNoWriMo winner with Blood of the Sire, her first published novel. By day she works in a motorcycle dealership and by night she spends way too much time on her laptop. Andrea lives in south-central Wisconsin with her husband, two cats, and two ornery rabbits.Blood of the Sire releasing June 2013. When raiders attack Kalahtaya, it is up to Kitra, the village outcast to find help. Along the way she learns the truth behind the Elemental Guardians of the village and their connection to her family. She also must come to terms with her own past and accept the family she has long disowned as her granddaughter steps into the role of the Dragonchild in order to gather allies for the cause.
Find Andrea on Facebook orFollow her on Twitter
BLOOD OF THE SIREWhen Zabond's raiders come to the shores of Kalahtaya, Kitra, the village outcast, is sent to find allies by the village's Elemental Guardians. Forced to travel with the man she accuses of stealing her daughter and a granddaughter she has never known, Kitra soon uncovers the villages long forgotten past, as well as, learns how misguided her own memories have become.
The first book of lore reveals the birth of the Dragonchild and her tie to the Guardians of Kalahtaya.
Look for Blood Sire for in Kindle Edition and Paperback
Meet Andrea:
Andrea L. Staum is a 2012 NaNoWriMo winner with Blood of the Sire, her first published novel. By day she works in a motorcycle dealership and by night she spends way too much time on her laptop. Andrea lives in south-central Wisconsin with her husband, two cats, and two ornery rabbits.Blood of the Sire releasing June 2013. When raiders attack Kalahtaya, it is up to Kitra, the village outcast to find help. Along the way she learns the truth behind the Elemental Guardians of the village and their connection to her family. She also must come to terms with her own past and accept the family she has long disowned as her granddaughter steps into the role of the Dragonchild in order to gather allies for the cause.
Find Andrea on Facebook orFollow her on Twitter
BLOOD OF THE SIREWhen Zabond's raiders come to the shores of Kalahtaya, Kitra, the village outcast, is sent to find allies by the village's Elemental Guardians. Forced to travel with the man she accuses of stealing her daughter and a granddaughter she has never known, Kitra soon uncovers the villages long forgotten past, as well as, learns how misguided her own memories have become.
The first book of lore reveals the birth of the Dragonchild and her tie to the Guardians of Kalahtaya.
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Look for Blood Sire for in Kindle Edition and Paperback
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