Karen Swart's Blog, page 106

Character Interview with Stormy Credence from Breaking The Storm

Today we have the awesome Storm Credence from Breaking The Storm by author Sedona Venez. She’s a feisty one so let’s get to know her!

 

Character Name: Stormy (Storm) Credence

                                                                                                            Zoe Saldana as “Stormy (Storm) Credence”

Describe yourself what is your worst and best quality?

<She winks at Knox>

My best quality is that I’m a very quick learner…

And my worst quality is that I get caught in useless details.

What is the one thing you wish other people knew about you?

Don’t let the tough veneer fool you. Underneath it all, I want what most women desire...to find a man that loves me for me…despite my imperfections.

<Knox gives her a hot smoldering stare and says>

I see you baby…and want it all.

What is your biggest secret something no one knows about?

Now if I tell you, it wouldn’t be much of a secret.

What are you most afraid of?

In the beginning, I was terrified of letting Knox into my heart but he’s stubborn…he broke down the walls.

What do you want more than anything?

To stop Luke a.k.a. “Stalker Luke”.

What is your relationship status?

<She gives Knox a saucy wink>

Single...

<Knox growls>

The hell you are...you're mine.

How would you describe your sense of fashion?

Depends on my mood...at work I'm corporate/business attire but after work, I'm Knox's sexy rocker chick.

How much of a rebel are you?

I'm a rebel all the way, in bed and out.

What do you considered to be your greatest achievement?

Facing my fears and beating the Credence Curse…for now.

What is your current state of mind?

Happy.

<She gives Knox a wink>

I've come full circle. It was rough but I know who I am and what I want...and I'm not afraid to fight for it.

What is your most treasured possession?

My family…we’re dysfunctional but I love them....especially my cousin and best friend Lightning.

What is your most marked characteristic?

My sarcastic wit

What is it that you, most dislike?

Dishonesty...I like people that are brutally honest. I don’t have the time or patience to read between the lines.

Which living person do you, most despise?

My father a.k.a. sperm donor…obviously we have major issues.

What is your greatest regret?

I let Kaydee manipulate me.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

<She bites her bottom lip and gives Knox a smoldering stare>

Honest, raw, intelligent and wicked in bed.

Which living person do you most admire?

Lightning…she keeps me grounded.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

Nothing. I don’t dwell on my imperfections…life is too damn short.

What is your motto?

It is what it is...

 

Find out more about Storm and her world.

Breaking the Storm

Credence Curse, Book One

Sedona Venez

Genre: New Adult/Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: One Wish Publishing

Date of Publication: August 6, 2013

Add it to your Goodreads To-Read List

Book Description:

THE CURSE

Stormy Credence was destined to succumb to the Credence family curse—they all did.

THE PASSION

When Stormy meets sexy band front man Knox Gunner, there’s no denying him. Willing to take a chance on love, Stormy breaks the most important Credence rule, no relationships—ever—a mistake that results in heartbreaking devastation.

THE GAME

Stormy is put to the test one more time, when the one man that she never wanted to see again—‘Rock Star’ Knox Gunner comes blowing back into her life—back to claim what’s his—Stormy. This time he will stop at nothing to prove that she belongs to him in every sense of the word…

 

 

About the Author:

Sedona Venez writes New Adult and Adult fiction novels inspired by her love of music, tattoos and sexy musicians.Sedona can be found online in all the usual haunts:  

Her Blog Facebook Twitter Goodreads

Book Blitz and Giveaway: Kiss The Bride by Jody Wallace

Kiss the Bride

By Jody Wallace

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC

Date of Publication: June 29, 2013

ISBN: 9781622662203

ASIN: B00DTDGJ3C

Number of pages: 140

Amazon BN

Book Description:

Herman Edward Heckley knows all about drywall, concrete, and nail guns. So what's he doing fighting off taffeta in a bridal salon? He’s maid of honor for his best friend, Caroline Oakenfeld, in her wedding to a pencil-necked geek. But the closer he gets to the ceremony, the more he wonders if he's been missing out all this time.

Caroline has been missing out, and she knows it. She’s been in love with Heck forever, but frittering her life away until Heck wises up isn’t part of her life plan. She’s agreed to marry her boyfriend so she can move on with her life. But the closer she gets to the ceremony, the more she realizes she has to resolve her feelings for Heck.

For better or for worse.

 

Giveaway

  1 Acorn necklace and earring set - this nature inspired jewelry set features mocha brown shell pearls which are capped with exquisite finely detailed antique brass acorn caps, antiqued brass spacer beads, antiqued brass chain. The necklace measures 17" + 2" extender & finished with a antiqued brass lobster clasp. ~~Gorgeous Set includes matching earrings. Open to US Shipping

 

 

 

 

 

Jody Wallace grew up in the South in a very rural area. She went to school a long time because there was always something new to learn and ended up with a Master's Degree in Creative Writing. Her resume includes college English instructor, technical documents editor, market analyst, web designer, and general all around pain in the butt. She currently lives in Tennessee with her family: 1 husband, 2 kids, 2 cats. One of her many alter egos is "The Grammar Wench", which should give you an indication of her character. She is a terrible packrat and likes to amass vintage clothing, books, Asian-inspired kitchenware, gnomes, and other items that threaten to force her family out of the house. She also likes cats. A lot.

Ms. Wallace's approach to writing is to tell as many outlandish lies as she can get her readers to swallow. Her dream is to be moderately well-paid for this service. When her stories end up spicy, she releases them as Ellie Marvel.

Ms. Wallace is active in RWA and occasionally conducts writing workshops. Among topics she's been known to cover are training sessions for contest judges (she coordinated her local RWA chapter contest for many years), point of view, dialogue punctuation and creativity enhancement.

Since she has a split personality, here are two author photos taken by Rebecca Walk of Rebecca Walk photography in Nashville, TN. You can decide for yourself which one is Jody and which one is Ellie.

Website: http://www.jodywallace.com/

Blog: http://blog.jodywallace.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodywallace

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JodyWallaceAuthor

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1321322.Jody_Wallace

Book Blitz: Remember This by Kenya Carlton

 

Remember This

Kenya Carlton

Genre: African American Romance

Book Description:

Ex-ballerina turned rehab designer Cece Newman competes in a reality show that could give her fledgling company the boost that it needs. Assigned a relic of a house in a renovation challenge, Cece soon becomes suspicious of the producer’s intentions. When she finds the house is one of many properties her ex-fiancé and baby daddy Brock Thorn owns, Cece is convinced that she is being set up for failure. Ready to drop the project and what’s left of her career, Cece has to find a way to ignore the handsome athlete while she navigates around his kooky family. Cece must also convince their daughter that mommy and daddy won’t be getting back together again, a job easier said than done—especially when the attraction between the two is hotter than ever.

The biggest hit Brock Thorn took on or off the field occurred when Cece Newman left him at the altar. Five years later, Brock is more determined than ever to get answers from his baby’s momma. Even in regards to joint custody of their daughter, Brock’s only form of contact with Cece is through her loving, protective sister Lily. Brock packs up his high profile life and digs his heels in at the crappy house he’s inherited—the very one Cece is set to renovate. As he dodges cameras and uninvited family members, Brock must get to the bottom of his failed romance with Cece—especially if he has any chance of getting back the life that was lost when Cece left.

 

 

 

Native of Chicago Illinois, Kenya worked in the Network operation Center for PBS and TLN television stations. Executive producer of her own production company Black R.O.K Productions Kenya produced a pilot for travel series Destination Everywhere, Independent short film Dawn shown at the Chicago Latino film Festival, and wrote and directed the documentary Our Africa. Writing titles available; Jaded, Sweet as Sin, Brazil re-issue, Devil’s Play, and Remember This.

Kcbookcafe.com

Twitter @kcbookcafe

Author Interview: London Casey author of The Boys of Downcrash Trilogy

Today we have author London Casey for an interview, she will also be sharing her books with us so make sure to check them out. Book three was just recently released.

Did you always wanted to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?

I always wanted to be a writer. It was just something that clicked inside me and never let go. I love my job and would never give it up for a second.

When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?

The second I wrote my first sentence. Don’t as what… I don’t remember.

Do you do another job except for writing and can you tell us more about it?

I’m lucky enough to write full time right now. It’s a dream come true!

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?

The last of The Boys of DownCrash trilogy is titled Some Kind of Hell.

Annie and Logan get their chance… but can they survive dark secrets and scary surprises in life, love, and music?

What can we expect from you in the future? ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?

Lots of new adult books! I have another trilogy coming and a collaboration with romance author, Karolyn James.

What genre would you place your books into?

New adult romance

What made you decide to write that genre of book?

I just love everything about new adult romance. It’s edgy, it’s real, and full of romance. It’s real.

Do you have a favorite character from your books? And why are they your favorite?

I love Tatum from Torn To Pieces. He is just so tall, so sexy… and a drummer.

How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?

I’ve been writing since I was a child. The inspiration came when I started reading. I wanted to do the same thing… create stories.

Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?

I write anytime I can. I’m not picky with where. As long as I have headphones… I can disappear anywhere!

Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?

Yes and no. I promise I won’t, but I do. I love seeing the reaction of readers – good and bad.

Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?

I try to go in with a title. I like have the title revolve around the book and I always have some kind of outline when I write.

How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?

I try to get names that fit the personality. I imagine the people and let the names come. For places, I try to keep it the same. I like making up cities and giving them their own vibe.

Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?

I try and imagine all my characters before I write them. I’ve very organized - lol

Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?

ALL OF THE ABOVE! I’m not picky…

Your favorite food is?

Sushi

Your favorite color is?

Blue

Thanks for being here today London, and now a little bit more about London’s New Adult Trilogy.

The Stronger, Safer Kind
(The Boys of DownCrash #1)

All Scarlett wanted to do was thank the sexy stranger who helped her push away a drunk, grabby college boy at a bar. When that stranger identifies himself as Tripp and then takes the stage as the lead singer and guitarist for rock band, DownCrash, everything in Scarlett's life begins to change.
Her best friend, Andy, confesses his love for her and leaves her with what should be an easy decision to make... yet each time she looks in Andy's eyes, she can't help but face her secret, nightmarish past.

The only thing that makes Scarlett feel better is Tripp... but Tripp isn't just a bad boy rockstar, he's hurt. He's in pain. He tries to hide his pain in a bottle, but Scarlett believes that, perhaps, their secrets can help each other.

Friendship and love is suddenly put to the test, and Scarlett is torn... Will she choose an easy, comfortable, happy life or a life clouded with mixed signals, raw emotion, and intense romance?

 

Amazon - Kindle

Barnes & Noble - Nook

Kobo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Torn to Pieces

(The Boys of DownCrash #2)

Trying to forget about the promises she was forced to make as a young, naive eighteen year old, Maggie creates a false persona that paints her as the girl who never says no...

However, once she lays eyes on the drummer of DownCrash, everything clicks. From his sexy lip ring to the way he stares at her from the stage, Tatum becomes everything Maggie has ever fantasized about. 

When trouble catches up to her in a parking garage after a DownCrash show, and Tatum shows up out of nowhere to protect her. For the first time in years, she is intimidated by a man's kindness and sexiness, and not by his temper and jealousy. As real feelings begin to grow Maggie is faced with her past and wonders if she'll ever be able to escape the promises she once made to keep the promises she wants to make right now.

Amazon - Kindle
Barnes & Noble - Nook
Kobo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

***The final book in The Boys of DownCrash trilogy!***

Some Kind of Hell (The Boys of DownCrash #3)

In the trilogy finale, shy DownCrash bassist, Logan, has his sexy eyes on Maggie's best friend, Annie. But Annie is still reeling from the way her relationship ended. She's hurt, angry, jealous, and the last thing she wants is some wannabe rockstar looking for his next hookup... although it may just be what she needs.

Logan wants more for his life. The past is living in his apartment, which forces him to spend nights in his car to avoid reliving the nightmare over and over again.

When Annie's guard comes down, tragedy strikes and their lives will be changed forever. Determined to win Annie over and help DownCrash get signed to a record deal, Logan has his work cut out for him. His gorgeous body and no-bullshit personality may just be the key to both...

Amazon - Kindle
Barnes & Noble - Nook
Kobo

 

 

 

 

 

 

Were can you find London?

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/london-casey

http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=%22London+Casey%22&t=none&f=author&p=1&s=none&g=both

@london_casey

https://www.facebook.com/LondonCaseyAuthor?ref=hl

www.LondonCasey.com

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7010542.London_Casey

Book Spotlight: Breaking The Storm by Sedona Venez

Breaking the Storm

Credence Curse, Book One

Sedona Venez

Genre: New Adult/Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: One Wish Publishing

Date of Publication: August 6, 2013

Add it to your Goodreads To-Read List

Book Description:

THE CURSE

Stormy Credence was destined to succumb to the Credence family curse—they all did.

THE PASSION

When Stormy meets sexy band front man Knox Gunner, there’s no denying him. Willing to take a chance on love, Stormy breaks the most important Credence rule, no relationships—ever—a mistake that results in heartbreaking devastation.

THE GAME

Stormy is put to the test one more time, when the one man that she never wanted to see again—‘Rock Star’ Knox Gunner comes blowing back into her life—back to claim what’s his—Stormy. This time he will stop at nothing to prove that she belongs to him in every sense of the word…

 

 

Sedona Venez writes New Adult and Adult fiction novels inspired by her love of music, tattoos and sexy musicians.Sedona can be found online in all the usual haunts:  

Her Blog Facebook Twitter Goodreads

Book Spotlight! Unnatural by Author Leah D.W

 

 

Book Info -

Title: Unnatural by Leah D.W

Genre: Paranormal

Audience: Young Adult

Formats: Paperback and Ebook

Publisher: Bayou Brew Publishing

Cover By: Paradox Book Covers

Editor: Monique O'Connor James

Pages: 228 pages

ISBN-10: 1483990478

ISBN-13: 978-1483990477

ASIN: B00C4XJ4W6

Date Published: 31 March 2013

Blurb -

Witches scheming in the night,

Werewolves hunting during a full moon,

A vampires eyes ever watching...

This collection of short stories is filled with the dark tales of the supernatural and the powerful. Roaring dragons wings shadow the skies and ghosts aren't as deadly as rumors may tell.

Enter a world of the paranormal, but be warned: not all fairy tales end in a happily ever after.

Book Links -

Goodreads / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords / Amazon / Amazon UK

Excepts –

I concentrated, focusing my mind and spirit to the centre of my being, near my beating heart and then all at once let myself go.The change always hurt in the beginning. A warm spark flared in the middle of my forehead and then travelled down my body, lighting tiny sparks of heat along my limbs. My scales would sizzle and start sliding off of me in large dark globs of melted armour. I would always close my eyes. To watch the transformation nauseated me so much I would get stuck in the middle of it; between my beastly form and my birth form.

“What is this place?” Zoey asked, holding Percy close.

“Haven’t you seen a dungeon before?” the man chuckled and walked to the far end of the cages.

Zoey slowly followed, looking at each and every cage she passed. Some had dried blood or even fresh blood in them and on the sandy walls of their backs. Zoey suddenly wished she had turned around and ran for it. She bumped into the man. He had stopped and she had been too distracted to notice. He turned to her and lifted an eyebrow down at her. His dark eyes swam with blue clouds, swirling round and round. Her breath caught in her throat and she stepped back, bumping into Percy. He didn’t seem to find anything at fault. He gave her a smile that came across as friendly and turned his back to her again. She wrapped her hand around Percy’s collar. Her hands trembled as a single word crossed her mind.

Necromancer.

***

The mark on her forehead pulsed and she lightly touched it. When she looked down at her pale fingers they were stained brightly with her red blood. It was bleeding again. Pain pounded behind her eyes and she fell forward, catching her weight on the window sill.

Anna gasped as she ignored the fresh pain and looked at her hand that had slipped past the shield Haven had put up. She could feel his magic trying to block it, but it only turned cold instead of pushing her back.

She grinned. She let the pain from her mark wash over her and the rest of her hand slowly crept out of the window. Anna clenched her teeth as the pain became like a lick of hot oil over her skin. Soon she managed to slip her entire body out of the shield.

She dropped down to the dew covered grass below the window, her heart pounding in her chest. She let her hands graze over the ground and her lips curved into a smile.

She ran.

Author Interview with our Spotlight Author Leah D.W

 

Today our spotlight author Leah D.W joins us for an interview. I would like to the opportunity to thank her for the interview. Now let’s get to know her!

Did you always wanted to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?

Actually I never thought I would become a writer, not even a published writer! I wanted to be a chef before my passion for writing grew. I took a course and actually became a certified chef and even got into a culinary school after I matriculated. I always wrote stories throughout my life, just small things for my friends and family and then I decided to try and write longer pieces. That is when it all started. Mind you, I first wrote things like my own version of The Power Rangers and a novel about fairies. My stories expanded as I watched more movies and I became greatly interested in mythology. With that knowledge my imagination took off.

Do you do another job except for writing and can you tell us more about it?

Yes, I help my father manage a high school tuck shop, not very glamorous but I get a good salary for it. I sometimes do little jobs here and there for some extra money as well, but I would love to work in my local bookstore.

Who is your publisher? Or do you self-publish?

I did consider self publishing at first but then I met the wonderful ladies at Bayou Brew Publishing through Facebook. I first became an editor for them and then I told them about my own work. I would never have known that this chance meeting through a book page would get me published. These ladies took a chance in my writing and I am so thankful for their support.

What can we expect from you in the future?  ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?

Many more books! Haha I have ideas and planned out a lot of stories with amazing characters. Though my main genre is paranormal I do have plans of trying out others, mainly historical fiction and murder mysteries.

What genre would you place your books into?

Paranormal romance, and I do try to add some comedy and lots of action.

What made you decide to write that genre of book?

I am just a huge fan of the supernatural and mythology. I have researched it and I am currently studying ancient civilizations as well. I am very interested in those subjects and so I write about them too.

Do you have a favorite character from your books? And why are they your favorite?

I have several, but one of my favourites would be Vee. She is featured in my vampire novel The Runaway’s Secret and is the best friend of the main heroin. She is so much fun and it is never a dull day with her around. She can make anyone smile, which helps to lessen the intensity of a story and really, who doesn’t love the quirky side-kick? I love her positive attitude, even when monsters are around, and her fun way of seeing things. Only she would be happy having a vampire as a best friend.

How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?

I’ve been writing since grade 6, I was about 13 years old. I really got into it when I received praise from my teachers for writing great creative writing essays. I would then take my essay and let the story carry on. That’s how it all began.

Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?

It depends on the story. Sometimes I would have a title and then create a story for it or plan out a story and get a title once I know more about it.

How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?

Well they find me haha. I get a story and then try to match it with the right kind of characters. I would either create a character and find a name to match their personality and looks or like I said they would come to me. They would just suddenly appear and tell me their names and who they really are. Yes, I know it sounds strange but I’m not the only author who works that closely with the characters. It is great and helps a lot to make their stories grow deeper.

Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?

I do plan out a few traits before writing, the basics of their personalities, but as the story goes on I would notice a few things of them and reveal that to the reader. For example in The Runaway’s Secret there is one character who I never thought would be a smoker haha so when I discover some extra pieces then I add them to the character profile.

Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?

I mostly prefer paperback. I read better with the actual book in my hands and it is easier to read in any place I want to be like outside or in bed. I do have ebooks, but I would rather have the paperback.

What is your favorite book and Why?  Have you read it more than once?

My all time favourite book is Graceling by Kristin Cashore. I have read it about seven times and will still read it over and over again. It has everything I love about a story; action, mystery, romance, magic and a mythical land with its own unique creatures. It is an amazing read and though I love many others I will always have this book as my number 1.

Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favorite/worst book to movie transfer?

Only some books do. There are movies that are so far from what was in the book it upsets me. Like Percy Jackson. I absolutely loved the series but the movie was so different from it I didn’t enjoy it at all. It is a good movie but not like the book at all. One of the best of course is Harry Potter, because I could see what I had read on screen which is awesome.

Your favorite food is?

Chocolate! Yes, it is a food haha

Your favorite singer/group is?

Singer would be Kelly Clarkson and group is Lady Antebellum. There are many more like Pink, Evanescence, Bruno Mars, Olly Murs and I still enjoy some Backstreet Boys songs.

Your favorite color is?

Blue

Your favorite Author is?

Cassandra Clare (my idol!)

 

More about Leah D.W.

I am 21 years old and currently a journalism student at my local university. I live in South Africa in a town called Bloemfontein with my family and two beloved dogs. I have been writing since the age of 13 and my first published work is a short horror story titled Dracula’s Mistress. I am busy working on a number of novels and I am an editor/proof reader for Bayou Brew Publishing.

I love writing in the genres of paranormal romance, fantasy fiction and historical fiction and I am a proud bookworm with a mountain of reads stacked up in my room. I am also studying criminology in order to be able to write mystery horrors.

The book that has been published is Unnatural, a collection of paranormal short stories that are full of action, adventure and amazing characters.

I also have short stories in various anthologies. Love Kills, Unhappily Ever After; fairy tales with a twist and Soul Games. My novel The Runaway’s Secret, a vampire paranormal romance, will be released in May.

Media Links -

Facebook / Blog / Goodreads / Google + / Amazon Page

Author Spotlight! South African Paranormal Author Leah D.W

 

Today we have my fellow South African Author Leah D.W as spotlight author. We are going to learn more about her and her books! So without futher ado…

 

 

 

I am 21 years old and currently a journalism student at my local university. I live in South Africa in a town called Bloemfontein with my family and two beloved dogs. I have been writing since the age of 13 and my first published work is a short horror story titled Dracula’s Mistress. I am busy working on a number of novels and I am an editor/proof reader for Bayou Brew Publishing.

I love writing in the genres of paranormal romance, fantasy fiction and historical fiction and I am a proud bookworm with a mountain of reads stacked up in my room. I am also studying criminology in order to be able to write mystery horrors.

The book that has been published is Unnatural, a collection of paranormal short stories that are full of action, adventure and amazing characters.

I also have short stories in various anthologies. Love Kills, Unhappily Ever After; fairy tales with a twist and Soul Games. My novel The Runaway’s Secret, a vampire paranormal romance, will be released in May.

Media Links -

Facebook / Blog / Goodreads / Google + / Amazon Page

Cover Reveal: Patch Up by Stephanie Witter

 

Book Info –

Patch Up by Stephanie Witter

Genre: Contemporary New Adult novel with a slow building romance.

Publisher: Anchor Group

Cover Artist: Cover It Designs

Editor: Melissa Ringsted

Length: over 85 000 words.

 

 

 

Due to some shocking scenes, this novel is not intended for readers under 18.

Blurb:

Skye followed her long time boyfriend to Seattle for their first year of college, but he dumped her after only a week. The relationship brought only pain and destruction in Skye's life, and yet, she can't bring herself to open up and live her life.

"What if I am already broken into pieces?"

She hates to be touched, hiding under her oversized shirts and behind her wild frizzy hair. Even her bubbly roommate can't reach her. And yet ...

"I'm the guy who knows how you can hurt so much that your insides feel like they're cut and bleeding."

The tall, handsome, and tattooed TA in her psychology class changes everything when he literally collides with her and confronts her. For the first time in a long time, she wants to try and open up to this guy whose dark, intense eyes can't hide his own pain despite his dazzling smile getting to her.

However, just when she's starting to live again, her ex-boyfriend comes back, breaking her time and time again, making it all the more complicated.

She wants to fight for herself and for this building thing with the TA, even when he pushes her away, but can two broken people patch each other up?

"I never thought colliding with someone could change lives, but it is possible."

Goodreads

 Excerpt:

(The first meeting)

Without paying attention to my surroundings, I turn to my left to walk toward the row closer to the door where a seat is available. I take a step and collide with a hard body, almost toppling me over on the ground for the second time in less than an hour. A strong hand grips me firmly by the forearm. My body stiffens and my breath catches in my throat. It’s as if I can’t move besides yanking my arm free without looking up to see who I collided with.

“Are you all right?” he asks me in a deep and calm voice.

My eyes wander from my red Converse to his dark boots. I have to calm down. I’m being ridiculous. Calm down. I take a deep breath and look up slowly. Long, muscled legs in beat up dark blue jeans, an old black leather jacket open over a dark grey V-neck sweater that showcases an impressive tall body with broad shoulders and finally, longish and messy black hair, perfect straight nose, full lips, high cheekbones and expressive soft dark eyes that lock with my bluish-greyish ones. He looks older with his goatee perfectly trimmed. A perfect hot mess many girls would say. I’m just intimidated by this stranger, though.

“I’m fine,” I reply, my voice even. I push away some of my untamed locks and curse my auburn frizzy hair that is always all over the place.

 

 

Stephanie Witter is a French dreamer. She started English at three and fell in love with the language. Always with a book - or two - close by, she soon started reading in English when she couldn't wait to see Harry Potter translated in French. After a while, reading wasn't enough and she started writing young adult and new adult contemporary novels always filled with drama. Now she hopes to translate English novels in her mother tongue as her everyday job. By My Side is her debut novel.

Goodreads / Twitter/ Facebook / Blog

Review: 5 out of 5 Stars for Malevolent Gateway (S.P.I.R.I.T # 2) by Dawn Gray

 

5 out of 5 Stars

Malevolent Gateway (S.P.I.R.I.T # 2) by Dawn Gray

Anna returned hometown Burke Flats because her ghost friend said she must come and help solve the evil surrounding the marsh. She knocks on the door of her friend Blake and together they prepare for the final battle against this evil. But when Anna runs into the SPIRIT team leader Will Stiles she knows that this time they might actually solve this problem.

Together Anna, Will and the team sets out to discover what is turning the marsh into a graveyard, yet no bodies were ever found. As they start revealing the secrets around this marsh, everyone is shocked at what caused it. Together they fight back to set things right and give the lost souls the rest they are so desperately looking for.

Suspense, Suspense and Suspense. A hell of a ride again from author Dawn Gray. The SPIRIT team delivers yet another epic adventure that will leave your nerves in scatters. I was hooked immediately and couldn’t put his down until I was done. The characters and plot is was very well executed and you wont be disappointed. Gray make sure that you’re nerves are all over the place. I was turning pages as fast as I could to discover the reason why such evil was loose and killing. Well deserved five stars and I recommend this to all.

 

Blurb -

The Green Mountains of Vermont is a wonderland of picturesque valleys and hills, a landscape of fields and small towns that are hidden treasures. However, they can also hide many secrets.
Burke Flats, located in the upper right hand corner of the state, the Northeast Kingdom, has many skeletons in its closet.
Lieutenant Will Stiles and his group of men, the S.P.I.R.I.T. team, are called in to investigate the strange happenings around the marshlands of Burke Flats. For generations the marshes have been a place of ghostly lore, disappearances, and strange deaths.
Anna and Blake call the Flats home, but when the deaths begin to pick up in numbers they are more than happy to have the help of the military’s new elite. Will having the S.P.I.R.I.T. team so close open up a world of evil that they aren’t prepared for? Can a member of a different unit help spread some light on the subject? Join Anna, Blake, Will, and his team in a fight against a stronger malevolent presence than anyone ever expected.

Where to buy -

Goodreads / Smashwords / Amazon

 

Being raised in both the Northeast corner of Vermont and one of the larger cities in Massachusetts has given Dawn, a divorced mother of three, the unique ability to mix the spookiness of a small town ghost story with the fast pace action of city life.
Island Pond, Vermont was every child's wonderland, with looming mountains and small towns nestled in the valleys, its simple lifestyle gave Ms. Gray the ability to let her imagination run wild, thus creating her unique style of writing, where the stories speak for themselves.

Big city living, in her teenage years to the present allowed her to harvest that energy and creativeness to bring to life some of the most unique characters, such as Michael Raven and Julian Deveraux.

Although Vampires are her most used basis for characters and settings, Ms. Gray's novels also venture into those of other supernatural realms, with ghosts, witchcraft and werewolves coming into play in several of her upcoming manuscripts.

Look for future novels, the next five of the Vampire Legacy, and an upcoming film on Raven to put this determined mom into the spotlight.

 

Media Links -

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