Karen Swart's Blog, page 63
June 9, 2014
Book Blast & Giveaway: BRANDED Cavanaugh Brothers, #1 @LauraWrightRom
BRANDED
Cavanaugh Brothers, #1
Publisher: Signet
ISBN: 978-0451464873
ASIN: B00GSBM4XG
Format: Paperback, eBook and Audiobook
Release Date: June 3, 2014
In the small town of River Black, Texas, sits the Triple C—a working cattle ranch that sustains the town. But it also holds painful memories and shocking secrets for the Cavanaugh brothers....
When the Cavanaugh brothers return home for their father’s funeral, they discover unexpected evidence of the old man’s surprising double life—a son named Blue, who wants the Triple C Ranch as much as they do. The eldest son, Deacon, a wealthy businessman who couldn’t wait to leave the ranch and move on with his life, is looking to use his powerful connections to stop Blue at any cost. He never expected the ranch’s forewoman, Mackenzie Byrd, to get in his way.
Mac knows Deacon means to destroy the ranch and therefore destroy her livelihood. But as the two battle for control, their attraction builds. Now Deacon is faced with the choice of a lifetime: Take down the Triple C to feed his need for revenge, or embrace the love of the one person who has broken down every barrier to his heart.
AVAILABLE NOW:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Branded-Cavanaugh-Brothers-Laura-Wright/dp/0451464877/ref=tmm_mmp_title_0
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/branded-laura-wright/1117502499?ean=9780451464873
Indiebound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780451464873
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/branded/id760012729?mt=11
Standing there, hip cocked, in her gray dress and her black heels, those midnight blue eyes fixed on him, Mackenzie Byrd looked like she wanted to rip his head from his body and feed it to the squirrels. Better yet, use it as a receptacle for nuts come winter.
“You are one cold hearted bastard!” she said, stepping into the room.
Deacon tracked her movement. He barely remembered how she’d looked as a kid. Lots of mud, scraped knees, big eyes. But her attitude – that had stuck with him. She’d been all fireworks and fits. Now, however, he had both to contend with. Beautiful woman and ferocious hellcat.
“Mac,” Cole began as she came to stand before Deacon. “I’m really sorry about this.”
She shook her head. “Don’t. This wasn’t your doin.”
“Have something to get off your chest, Mackenzie?” Deacon asked, noticing just how tall she’d become. She was nearly eye to eye with him in those heels.
“I’m trying real hard to understand you, Deacon.” Her eyes moved over his face. “I’m trying to understand why you’d come to a funeral and act that way.” She put a hand up. “Forget for a moment that the man lying in the casket is your daddy.”
Deacon frowned. He wouldn’t forget that. Ever.
“Why would you choose to express yourself and your anger that way?” she asked.
“We all wanted to know the answer to that question,” Cole ground out.
“Is that right?” Mackenzie said, glancing over her shoulder. “And did you get an answer?”
Cole shook his head. “Nope.”
She turned back to Deacon. “So?” She put her hands on her hips and gave him a hard, impatient stare.
Not unlike his connection with his brothers, there was a flicker of need inside of Deacon to connect with Mac, too. The house, this land, all that had been in the good times, it was right powerful. But he wasn’t here to reminisce or release the demons inside him. Shit, he needed those demons. They’d made him rich. And they’d get him the Triple C.
“I don’t owe you an explanation, Mackenzie,” he said in a tone that he usually reserved for the Cavanaugh Enterprises boardroom.
Her eyes narrowed. “Oh, come on. Don’t go all corporate dickhead on me, Deacon Cavanaugh. I helped Cole here pull thorns out of your naked ass that time you fell in a briar patch.”
His lips twitched. “That was James.”
“Oh, right,” Mackenzie agreed, nodding. “You were the one who pissed yer pants when your brothers zapped you with a cattle prod.”
Both his brothers snorted and Deacon’s nostrils flared. “Are you done?”
“Not by a long shot.” She moved an inch closer. He could smell her perfume. Something flowery. Not at all what he’d expect from a foreman.
“What the hell’s happened to you?” she asked, her tone a little less aggressive than it was a moment ago. “I mean, you were never the friendliest kitten in the box when we were young, but you weren’t ruthless or heartless. Or shit, pointless.”
He looked down his nose at her. “You know exactly what happened to me, Mac. Cause it happened to you too, and to those two jackasses on the couch over there.”
She went pale instantly. And after licking her lips and clearing her throat, she uttered softly, “Cass.”
“That’s right.”
The answer moved over her, maybe even inside her, and she straightened her shoulders. “Are you telling me that these past six years you’ve been trying to buy, steal and bully your way to taking over this ranch because of Cass?” The pissed-off tone was back, and her eyes were flashing blue fire. And hell, that rich flowery scent – lilacs, maybe? – was pushing its way into his nostrils. “You stood up before a group of mourners and told them that their life, their work, the business that sustains this town, was gonna be destroyed because of Cass?” She laughed bitterly. “That’s insulting to her memory. And it makes no sense.”
“It doesn’t need to.” Not to you, Mackenzie Byrd.
“This was Cass’s home, Deacon. Where she ate and slept and played and loved you and Cole and James. She wouldn’t want this.” Her brow lifted. “So, either you’re being a heartless asshole or there’s something else going on here.”
Without hesitation, he said, “I’m a heartless asshole, Mackenzie.”
BROKEN 
Cavanaugh Brothers, #1
Publisher: Signet
ASIN: B00ISEF68G
Release Date: October 7, 2014
The Cavanaugh brothers left behind River Black, Texas, long ago. But after their father dies, bequeathing them the Triple C, a cattle ranch that sustains their small town, they return—and confront the painful memories of their childhood home and the truth about their sister’s murder…
For years, James Cavanaugh has traveled the world as a horse whisperer, but even the millions he’s earned hasn’t healed the pain he hides behind his stoic exterior. Forced to tackle old demons at the ranch, James throws himself into work to avoid his true feelings. Until he meets a woman who shakes the foundations of his well-built walls…
Sheridan O’Neil’s quiet confidence has served her well, except when it comes to romance. Tired of rejection, she’s ready to swear off men. But after being rescued from a horse stampede by the most beautiful cowboy she’s ever met, her resolve wavers. Only, as Sheridan uncovers James’s belief that no woman is safe with him, she wonders if such a wounded man could ever give in to love, or if some hearts are too broken to be healed…
Preorder Now:
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/broken-laura-wright/1118867539?ean=9780451464996
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/broken/id834652086?mt=11
Author of the Bestselling Mark of the Vampire series, Laura Wright spent the early years of her life immersed in the worlds of singing, acting and competitive ballroom dancing. But when she started writing, she knew she’d found her true calling. Laura lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband, two children, three dogs, two frogs and two fish. She’s been thrice nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, and loves hearing from her readers.
Connect with Laura:
June 8, 2014
Book Blast & Interview: Bitter Fruits by @SarahDaltry
Bitter Fruits
Eden’s Fall
Book 1
Sarah Daltry
Genre: New Adult Urban Fantasy Romance (18+)
Publisher: Escape Publishing
Date of Publication: December 1, 2013
ASIN: B00G2UXCNO
Word Count: 67K approximately
Book Description:
For fans of dark urban fantasy comes a novel that questions why forbidden fruit is always the most tempting…
A vampire-themed masquerade party isn’t really her scene, but Nora is sick of frat parties and bars. When she meets Alec, the appeal suddenly becomes clear. It’s obvious that they’ve been struck by the same intense mutual attraction, but Alec keeps his distance. Intrigued despite herself, Nora pushes a little deeper — and discovers Alec’s unimaginable secret…
Nora is not afraid of following Alec into the darkness, but the choice is soon taken from her. Someone is hunting her — someone tied to the secret and desperate to see it play out. But when Nora finally meets her aggressor, she finds herself hopelessly drawn to him. She needs to make a choice between the two men, but can she save them both, knowing one is destined to die?
“This book is one of the best paranormals I’ve read, and I’ve read a lot. Five stars hands down! I am proud to pass it on to all of you. Buy this book, devour it and enjoy.”
Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/WevHvXJYlHQ
Amazon Amazon UK Apple Barnes and Noble
He sits in front of me and brings me to his chest. Our flesh is hot and sticky where it touches and I can’t stop the ache between my legs. His breathing is ragged and he tightens his grip on the back of my head as he tries to slow it. I am hurt or angry or frustrated, but I don’t know which. He runs his hands along my entire body and I push against him, needing him and not knowing how to accept his denial.
‘I want you, Nora. I have wanted you since I saw you. You are gorgeous. However, there are secrets that… Please understand, the steps that you want to take will reveal things. This cannot end well for either of us. I don’t want to make you suffer, but I am fated to suffer. Don’t make me bring you with me into the darkness. I can’t bear to lose you.’
I sense the pain that grips him. The darkness that he speaks of sounds frightening, but I don’t feel fear when I face him and meet his eyes. ‘I will follow you anywhere. Dark or light. Stop trying to make my choices for me.’
Our lips meet again, but it is with doubt. Neither of us knows what will happen if we are to move forward, but I want to have a chance to find out.
My body is still crying out for him but now my mind is calm. I want him, but I want him when he knows that I’m ready for whatever that means. His hands touch me and his caresses are soft. We both slow our breathing and I try to let my will match his. When he pulls away, he gathers the picnic and looks at me with longing and a hunger I do not recognize. It’s not sexual, but desperate. Almost as a dying man looks in the last moments of his life.
‘In three days,’ he says, ‘I will meet you again at the church where we first met. In the meantime, I want you to look something up — and if you do not appear at the church, I’ll know that what you found changed everything.’
‘Okay,’ I say warily. I’ll do anything he asks, but his fear scares me. What kind of secrets can he possibly hold? Little right now could stop me from going to him in three days.
‘Find the name Charles Samuels. He was an Oxford student in the 1960s. And then we shall see how much of the darkness you are willing to face.’
‘I’ll look him up, but Alec, I’m going to be at the church in three days,’ I say.
‘For your sake, Nora, I hope that you’re not.’
Character Name: Nora
Character Bio: I’m a college senior from Delaware going to school in New England. I’m majoring in art history, English, and mythology. Things are a bit complicated right now.
Describe yourself what is your worst and vest quality?
Best I don’t know. Maybe that I’m smart and my academic background made everything that’s happened sort of become like a research paper, so I get a little focused and don’t let the weirdness throw me. Worst is definitely my sarcasm.
What is the one thing you wish other people knew about you?
I never meant for any of this to happen. I get pretty tired of being called a slut. Usually I’m the girl at the party everyone expects to drive them home. I didn’t intend to get caught in this mess and it’s a little bigger than the physical.
What is your biggest secret something no one knows about?
I’m slightly jealous of my roommate.
What are you most afraid of?
Losing either Alec or Caleb.
What do you want more than anything?
For any of this to make sense.
What is your relationship status?
Yeah… it’s complicated. ;)
How would you describe your sense of fashion?
Jeans? Is that a fashion sense?
How much of a rebel are you?
I’m really not. Maybe mentally, but I’m pretty much just a boring average girl.
What do you considered to be your greatest achievement?
Outside of saving the world? Lol. Passing statistics.
What is your idea of happiness?
I think I’ve found it, weird as it may be to anyone else.
What is your current state of mind?
I’m happy but there are so many unanswered questions.
What is your most treasured possession?
I really don’t know, to be honest.
What is your most marked characteristic?
My sarcasm.
What is it that you, most dislike?
Ignorance.
Which living person do you, most despise?
Well, that’s complicated, too. How do you define living?
What is your greatest regret?
I have no regrets anymore but I was scared I would have several.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Kindness and intelligence
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
A friend. I like someone who doesn’t play games.
Who is your favorite hero in fiction?
Probably Jane Eyre. She’s badass.
Which living person do you most admire?
Henry. He’s damn smart.
If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
I wish I had the answers and wasn’t scared.
What is your motto?
Well, it could be worse. I could have to retake statistics.
Sarah Daltry writes books in a variety of genres, including the NA contemporary series, Flowering, and YA gamer geek comedy, Backward Compatible.
Book Blast & Interview: Son of Dragons by @AndreaRCooper
![Son of Dragons Banner 450 x 169_thumb[1]](http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9KMws0L6Jjg/U5Rb2Tn0ygI/AAAAAAAAJfM/PFfC4_n3ptE/s1600-h/Son-of-Dragons-Banner-450-x-169_thum%25255B2%25255D.png)
![clip_image002_thumb[1]](http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iqcbBDXfYIs/U5RcCE0D_NI/AAAAAAAAJfs/z_rAHAyF0Uo/s1600-h/clip_image002_thumb12.jpg)
Son of Dragons
Book 2
Legends of Oblivion Series
Andrea Cooper
Book Description:
In a time of false peace, the dead rise as soldiers for the Warloc’s scheme. For thousands of years he has stood ready for the final battle. Though the witch and her cursed Elvin have destroyed his physical body, now with his protégé, he has honed a new way to wage war.
Shunned by her own people and weary-hearted from centuries of lost loves, Elvin warrior Mirhana scours the land to silence the undead. Her heart has turned as cold as the sword she wields, until a prince seeks her aid.
Never has Prince Landon met a woman like Mirhana. Both beautiful and deadly, she haunts his dreams. The battle at hand becomes more enchanting than fighting to remain true to his unseen betrothed.
When a traitor emerges, new alliances are tested and the only remaining hope is to follow the prophecy and find the ... Son of Dragons.
Son of Dragons Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/MF-W60brqL8
Crimson Romance Amazon BN iTunes
Books in the Legends of Oblivion Series
The Garnet Dagger – Book 1
Cursed in Shadow – Book 1.5
Son of Dragons – Book 2
Clean from the bath, Landon let the air from the open window dry his hair. Dressed only in trousers, he leaned against the windowsill.
He thought he smelled the hint of roses and heat on the breeze. Movement from the street below caught his eye. He leaned out, squinting into the night.
Torches lined the cobbled street corners. A cloaked figure waited. Then the innkeeper rushed outside. His hands flew in gestures as the figure nodded.
Then he pointed to the window where Landon watched. At the same instant, the cloaked figure followed his finger’s path to Landon. Green eyes that seemed to glow met his.
Landon jumped up and cursed when his head hit the bottom of the window. When he looked back, both figures were gone.
Thinking the innkeeper would send guards, he waited with his sword in hand and his stare riveted on the door. No one came. He must be getting paranoid, thinking there was a ghost or enemy around every corner. His eyelids grew heavy as he waited for a fight that failed to materialize. Finally, he rolled his shoulders back to ease out the tension.
Still, he couldn’t stop thinking about those piercing emerald eyes. They’d belonged to a woman; he could tell. There was intelligence and cunning in them. Her stare felt as though she saw through the façade he often wore as prince and to please others, and into his kajh.
A woman who was not afraid, but used to being feared. It unnerved him, yet excited him. His pulse quickened and his loins tightened at the thought of those eyes filled with passion for him.
Better get some sleep before the night was gone. Tomorrow, he’d tell Gillespie about what he saw. He doubted he could explain those captivating green eyes that continued to haunt him even now.
Review:
“We are introduced to new and wonderful creatures, and meet up with those we know and love from the first book, as each character's unique role and journey begins to intersect... and each will have a pivotal role in the outcome of an epic battle that is about to take place. Deception, self discovery, and sacrifices will be made, as each character's true role is uncovered... and in these magical lands, nothing is at it seems…Still, the book builds on the last with new and enchanting worlds, exciting creatures, and breathtaking originality. ..A really fun read, and a complimentary addition to the Legends of Oblivion series!”
-4 1/2 stars Moonrise Book Blog
Character Name: Prince Landon
Character Bio: Landon has been sheltered in the palace his entire life. He yearns to be free, yet wants to earn the respect of his people and father in battle rather than in blood and title.
Describe yourself what is your worst and best quality?
My worst quality is that I am too trusting, not realizing people have ulterior motives. My best quality is that I live freedom and life as though it could be snatched away from me for the sake of my people at any moment.
What is the one thing you wish other people knew about you?
That I would give my life to see Mirhana and my kingdom safe.
What is your biggest secret something no one knows about?
That I have had dreams of making love to Mirhana in the clouds.
What are you most afraid of?
I am afraid of being in a loveless marriage with Kavith, my betrothed. Her letters leave me feeling empty inside. She is full of conceit and arrogance.
What do you want more than anything?
I want to love Mirhana and roam the countryside with her.
What is your relationship status?
I cannot give away too much, but I am betrothed to Kavith at the beginning of the book and I fall in love with Mirhana.
How would you describe your sense of fashion?
I usually have a servant who picks out my clothes and dresses me. It was an adventure when I had to wash my own clothes in a hot spring.
How much of a rebel are you?
Rebel enough to leave my palace behind in search of a woman whose description from my liegeman made my mind fantasize about her. However, her inner and outer beauty when I met her far outshined my imagination.
What do you considered to be your greatest achievement?
Loving Mirhana – or rather convincing her that she loved me.
What is your idea of happiness?
Being in love with Mirhana and being able to marry her without starting a war with Kavith’s kingdom.
What is your current state of mind?
I worry about the deadwalkers threating my kingdom. I worry about the Warloc and his protégé that is determined to raise him from the dead. I am worried about my betrothal with Kavith and my love for Mirhana.
What is your most treasured possession?
My dragon pendant, because it was given to me by my grandmother.
What is your most marked characteristic?
My determination to complete something.
What is it that you, most dislike?
Evil
Which living person do you, most despise?
The Warloc’s protégé because she has infested the land with the deadwalkers and it will be worse if she brings the Warloc back from The Forgotten Lands.
What is your greatest regret?
Following my father’s last order of my betrothal before he succumbed to an illness that leaves him unable to move or communicate.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Since I am a man, it would loyalty.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
There are many … how can I pick just one? Kindness to those who need it.
Who is your favorite hero in fiction?
Richard Cypher/Rahl from the Sword of Truth series. I admire his determination to be with his love despite all the obstacles.
Which living person do you most admire?
Stephen King – how he can create all of the stories he does and still sleep through the night amazes me.
If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
I would change that I was born a prince. I would rather be a normal person.
What is your motto?
Live life to the fullest.
Growing up in Houston, Texas, Andrea has always created characters and stories. But it wasn't until she was in her late twenties that she started writing novels.
What happened that ignited the writing flame in her fingers? Divorced, and disillusioned by love songs and stories. They exaggerate. She thought. Love and Romance are not like that in the real world. Then she met her husband and realized, yes love and romance are exactly like the songs and stories say. She is now a happy wife, and a mom to three kids (two boys and a girl).
Andrea writes paranormal and historical romance. When not writing or reading, one may find Andrea dancing in Zumba.
She believes in the power of change and counting each moment as a blessing. But most importantly, she believes in love.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreaRCooper.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndreaRCooper
Author Website: www.AndreaRCooper.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6934877.Andrea_R_Cooper
Blog: http://andrearcooperauthorblog.wordpress.com/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/andrearcooper/
June 7, 2014
Cover Reveal: Walk the Right Road: The Complete Collection Series by @LEckhart
BOOK INFORMATION TITLE – Walk the Right Road: The Complete Collection SERIES – Walk the Right Road AUTHOR – Lorhainne Eckhart GENRE – Mystery/Thriller – Romantic Suspense PUBLICATION DATE – February 2014 LENTH (Pages/# Words) - 900 PUBLISHER – Lorhainne Eckhart COVER ARTIST – Steven Novak
'A 2013 Readers Favorite Award Winner'
“There was not a human emotion I did not go through while reading this book. I will forewarn you, you will need a box of tissues and a punching bag while reading this dynamic tale.”-Romance Junkies “I loved every single book on this collection. Each story could be read individually but reading each book in order gave great perspective to the next. As I started this series one at a time I will give each book a separate review. But I will say here that I loved Eckhart's writing style and her ability to develop a cohesive story line around strong characters is refreshing! I am looking forward to reading more of her books.” – Reviewer, Cheryl “Lorhainne Eckhart is a master storyteller and this collection is a steal. It includes all of the books in the Walk the Right Road Series.” – JRA *Warning - This series is not for those looking for a light easy read. It is filled with rough language, sexual tension, and steamy hot romantic suspense! WALK THE RIGHT ROAD: The Complete Collection includes all the books in this sizzling suspense series. THE CHOICE: One woman. Two men. And a choice that could kill here. LOST AND FOUND: A hit and run. A deserted country road. A parents' worst nightmare. MERKABA: Everyone thought he was dead and that's how he needs it to stay. But the secretive dark haired beauty could ultimately be his undoing. BOUNTY: Most cops have a past. A past they can speak of. A past they can share. But not Diane... BLOWN AWAY: The Final Chapter: Imagine that the man who's been the source of all your misery shows up on your doorstep. Imagine this man wants your forgiveness for every bad thing he's done to you and your friends. Would you believe him?
AMAZON KINDLE US / AMAZON KINDLE CA / AMAZON KINDLE UK / BARNES & NOBLES NOOK / SMASHWORDS / ITUNES
Prologue It was too quiet. Unnaturally quiet. The sort of unusual quiet that happens right after a big storm rips through. But there hadn’t been one—a storm, that is. This was just another sunny day, exactly like hundreds of other brisk autumn Fridays on this off-the-grid, rustic island of Las Seta in the Pacific Northwest. DEA Agent Sam Carre squinted from the blazing sun that brightened the calm blue sky as he walked out of the shade. From the edge of the old-growth forest, he glanced back into the heavy foliage to where he’d separated from his partner, Diane, two hundred yards back along the hidden fence line. This island was an absolute crown jewel to any logging company but a nightmare for Sam’s team. It provided too many hideouts, the wrong kind—the dangerous kind—along with the perfect cover for marijuana agriculture. Sam popped on his dark glasses and cut around three parked cars. He snagged his black jeans on some thorny bushes as he hurried toward the six solid sure-footed male agents in front of the wrought-iron gate protecting Lance Silver’s secure estate. “Nobody goes until I say so.” Sam kept his authoritative voice even and his charming grin hidden as he thought about slapping steel cuffs around Lance Silver’s wrists. Tonight they’d celebrate, because today they finally had all the proof they needed to bust Silver and lock him up for life. He was a dangerous and connected man who had, until now, controlled the highway of drugs flowing down the west coast across the country, with deep ties into South America. “What’s taking Diane so long? Can she even make it over the fence?” Agent Donaldson, a junior member on the team, pulled his ball cap over his prematurely balding head. He stood with Agents Craig, Daniels, Green, Mercer, and Winters. They were suited up in their Kevlar vests and dark glasses, weapons holstered and ready to go. Sam cursed under his breath. Donaldson was pushing it again. It’d only been five minutes since Sam’s partner, Diane Larsen, climbed the security fencing, leading four agents, two of them women, into the forest behind the house. And this was after she’d disarmed the wire triggering the alarm. Sam wasn’t in the mood to argue with the young agent who liked to challenge Diane’s authority. He undermined anything she did, which was absolute crap. Diane, the only woman on this team with a leadership role, worked ten times harder than any of these guys. She was kind hearted and respectful—yet capable of kicking ass when she had to. She’d been a rock for Sam when he needed a supportive friend to help him keep his head together. But since she’d fallen apart at the field office—the news her dad had died after accidentally mixing up his meds had hit her hard—she’d been getting all kinds of grief, especially from Donaldson. One incident, just one time, and it was all these tough-ass pricks could remember. Sam moved away from the gate and back into the shaded forest to see if he could spot Diane. “That kid’s really vying for Diane’s spot,” said Agent Green as he dogged Sam’s heels. He resembled a middle child, always trying to fit in, his round baby cheeks a contrast to his quarterback shoulders. “Yeah, well, he ain’t going to get it.” Sam crouched down. “Can’t see anything.” Green chuckled softly. “These damn renegades love this off-the-grid wilderness. It’s the perfect hideout. Nothing but a bunch of hippies, musicians, and artists live here.” Green spat on the ground a few inches from Sam’s black boots. “Hard for those families raising kids here, you’d think. No electricity, no stores.” Sam breathed in the clean air. “Sam, we’re inside,” Diane’s low, silky voice whispered over the radio. “Let’s go, let’s go.” Sam signaled the six men with him. Mercer stepped forward to cut the padlock with heavy bolt cutters. It broke, and he yanked the chain and tossed it to the ground. He and Green flung open the double gates. Sam jumped into the passenger side of the first car, and Donaldson climbed behind the wheel. As he slammed the door shut, Donaldson floored it. Craig, Daniels, and Winters followed in two cars behind, whipping up a trail of dust. Green and Mercer raced behind on foot. Two hundred feet up the long, narrow driveway, the two-story estate house appeared magically out of the secluded forest. It rivaled any mansion from the Old South, with a fancy porch, woodwork, and gardens on all sides. Nothing moved, not even a curtain shielding the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Lance Silver had people, a lot of them. The place should have been buzzing right about now. Sam pulled the warrant from under his Kevlar vest. He flicked the holster of his Glock and ran his fingers through his short brown hair. His gut warned him something was wrong. Where was everyone? They shouldn’t have been able to drive in without creating mayhem. This had been too easy—and too easy meant a problem. “Shit!” Sam pressed his hand to his earpiece. “Keep your heads up, eyes open. Something’s not right here.” As a seasoned cop, Sam had learned the hard way to see things others didn’t notice. And he analyzed. It was a coping mechanism that had become his mode of survival, especially after what happened to Elise. They pulled closer to the front door. He felt the downward slide of something he couldn’t put his finger on, but Sam knew—something was off. Donaldson slammed the brakes and skidded to a stop at the front door. Sam braced his hand on the dashboard before jerking open his door and jumping out into a cloud of dust. Donaldson bounded over the hood and raced Sam up the stone stairs. Craig and Daniels hurried around the side of the house. Winters, Green, and Mercer flanked Sam. Donaldson banged on the door. “DEA, open up.” Nothing, no response, and Sam really listened. By now, they should have heard footsteps, some kind of rustling from inside. Beads of sweat covered Donaldson’s face, and he appeared to vibrate, as if he itched to kick open the door. “Open it.” Sam stepped to the side, holding up his gun. Craig took the other side. Donaldson pulled up his knee and kicked hard with the heel of his black boot over the dead bolt, letting out a rough oomph. The doorframe splintered as the mahogany door crashed open. “DEA, we have a warrant,” Sam called. His adrenaline pumped, and he aimed his weapon and went in. Everything went into slow motion. Details stood out. In his peripheral vision, Sam caught a glimpse of the shining black steel of a gun and nearly crapped in his pants. It took a second to register it was his gun—his image in a floor-to-ceiling wall mirror. It filled both sides of the massive front hall. “Christ almighty,” he muttered before gripping his weapon and shouting to the others: “We’re in. Green, Winters, check the basement. Donaldson, upstairs.” His gut twisted tightly as he struggled to listen. Where was the scrambling, the shouting, something—anything to break this chilly silence? “DEA, show yourself,” Sam shouted again, clearing the front hall and the sunken living room, through an open archway to a huge chef’s kitchen, which was extremely neat and tidy. Not even a measly cup had been left sitting on the counter. Floor-to-ceiling windows filled every room. He could see Diane and the four agents out back behind the solar panels as they searched the outbuildings. Sam frowned and leaned against the double-pane glass door. This massive house was silent except for his agents, who were scouring every room. Winters’ deep voice grated through Sam’s earpiece: “Basement’s clear.” Everyone checked in. The garage, the greenhouse, all empty. This upscale, state-of-the-art, energy-efficient estate had been abandoned. Not even the caretaker remained. “Sam, there’s no marijuana. There’s no equipment,” Diane said through his earpiece. Beads of sweat popped out on Sam’s forehead. Beneath his Kevlar vest, his snug T-shirt stuck to his well-sculpted back. The radio buzzed with furious updates from their twelve-man team on the mainland, which included the Sequim sheriff’s detachment, the Coast Guard, Interpol, and the DEA. This had been a simultaneous sweep of all Lance Silver’s property, both here on Las Seta and in the underground truck trailer at his compound across the water in rural Gardiner, Washington. All empty. Sam pressed his microphone close to his mouth. “Diane, where are you?” He slid open the glass kitchen door and walked onto the massive stone patio overlooking the pond and the luscious, well-tended rose garden. He slumped against the patio door and tried to rub away the pulsating pain between his eyebrows. Since this investigation started, he’d begun to experience a sudden sensitivity to light and sound. It could be gone in several hours, but the usual warning had been there for the last few days—a blue aura in his peripheral vision, black spots. But he ignored it, told himself it was the stress of running what had started out as an independent investigation by the DEA but had escalated into an international taskforce targeting the marijuana grow-ops running rampant on the isolated islands in the Pacific Northwest. World-renowned high-grade marijuana was being shipped and traded for cocaine and guns. This was big time, a major business and an international problem that law enforcement had yet to defuse. As if they could. “What’s wrong?” He never heard Diane approach. Her words stretched out long and loud. It took forever for his senses to override the roaring in his ears. His blood began to pound through his body, pulling him deeper into throbbing misery. “Here, take this.” He opened his eyes when Diane tapped out three pills from a small bottle. He didn’t question it. He just swallowed. There wasn’t much Sam wouldn’t take from his trusted friend. Diane was a woman of medium height and build, compact and tough, with tan short-cropped hair, the type of woman who didn’t distract a man with flirtatious curves. But she was the kind of partner who’d do the gritty groundwork while keeping her partner focused, which was what she had done on the boat ride over this morning, ignoring Agent Donaldson’s crude jibes, guzzling coffee with Sam. “If you don’t pull it together, some woman on this team’s going to fulfill her dream and have you bedded and nursed before we can wrap this up.” Whatever she gave him took the edge off the pain, which would have otherwise been blinding. “Eat this.” She tossed him an energy bar. He didn’t argue, ripping open the foil wrap with his teeth and chewing the gritty bar. “He knew we were coming,” he said. “Click off your radio, Sam.” He ripped the headset from his ear. “You know we followed the letter of the law to make sure this scumbag didn’t get off on some technicality. All those stakeouts—we did our homework, Diane. We know who the little guys are, every fucking one of them on the street. We have video footage and rock-solid evidence that the drugs were here!” Sam pounded the fleshy part of his fist against the smooth fir siding. “Agent Carre, you better get in here and see this,” Donaldson beckoned quite arrogantly, undermining his superior, Diane, by not addressing her. Diane, one to always hold her emotions close and rarely show what she thought, tilted one eyebrow up as her face hardened. This prick was deliberately pushing her buttons and deserved a one-on-one ass kicking. Personally, Sam would have liked to plant his foot far up that kid’s ass by now, except this was Diane’s fight, and if she wanted those guys to respect her, Sam couldn’t fight it for her. Sam and Diane followed Donaldson down a long hall, which resembled an art gallery, to Lance Silver’s study in the solar glass wing. Green, Mercer, Winters, and Craig looked up, but only Winters—a big, dark Irish and African-American guy with long, fuzzy hair—would honestly look at Sam. The tension multiplied when the other tough guys turned away slightly, crossing their arms and glancing awkwardly at Lance Silver’s palatial mahogany desk. All of its drawers hung open. “We found this in the top drawer of the desk.” Donaldson appeared to own the room when he picked up a crisp yellow piece of paper from the cluttered desk and passed it to Sam. Diane peered closer, her head never topping Sam’s shoulder. His vision cleared. Bold black letters spelled out his name. He didn’t miss how still the room had become. He could feel the heat from every agent while they waited for Sam to explain, but then Diane ripped the note from his hands and stepped in front of him. “What the hell is this, some kind of game?” she snapped. No one answered. Sam was ready to clear out. When he replaced his headset, he could hear his boss, Dexter, shouting over the radio, bypassing Sam as he spoke directly to Diane. Diane pressed her hand to her ear to listen. “I want your asses back here now,” Dexter said. “We got a problem. A tip was called into the Sequim sheriff’s detachment telling us to check Sam’s locker at Ocean’s gun club. The tipster said we would find a key to Lance Silver’s estate and implied that my golden boy is on Lance’s payroll.” Sam looked up so fast that his head spun. Dizzy, he stepped back and leaned against the mahogany bookcase. “What the hell? That’s bullshit.” Dexter yelled, “There’s a chopper en route to get you now. Two deputies from the Sequim detachment just opened your locker, and they found a key, along with five pounds of marijuana.” Sam’s blood chilled. The bad feeling he had earlier had just become a clear epiphany. He could almost see that suave, tight-assed bachelor, Lance Silver, laughing at him. Instead of Silver going to jail, all this shit flying around had landed hard right on top of Sam. Not only did he look like the leak in Lance Silver’s back pocket, doubt of Sam’s true allegiance was painted on the faces of the agents surrounding him. He could feel their censure. Amazing how quickly they turned. They thought he had tipped Silver off about the raid. Pissed and completely furious, Sam gazed hard at all of the turncoats until each one stepped back. He wasn’t about to dignify this with a response, not after how hard he had worked to nail that bastard, following every lead the other agents missed or brushed off. Sam hadn’t missed a thing—he lived for this investigation. He had breathed life into it and lost sleep because of it. Those guys should have known that out of anyone, Sam wouldn’t be the one to betray this team. He ground his lips together so hard that they trembled. He felt as if the rug had been ripped right out from under him, and he was positive he could hear a toilet flushing six months of steady, solid work away. How could this have happened again? Why was he such a target? Well, for one, this was Las Seta, an unpoliced, reclusive island, part of the San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest. History alone should have warned him this job wouldn’t be easy. The explorers and adventurers who had claimed this island over a hundred years before landed there quite by accident, for one reason or another. Whether hiding or running from something, they had all insisted on a land free from politics and civilized order. Families and clans remained year after year, protecting each other, and, staying true to tradition, they followed their own way of doing things. So, while Sam hunted Lance Silver, Lance Silver and the island of Las Seta had changed the rules of the game and ambushed Sam.
Lorhainne Eckhart is a 2013 Readers Favorite Award winner, frequently a top 100 bestselling author on Amazon in Romance, Westerns and Police Procedural. Author of over 25 titles which includes novels, collections, and short stories. She writes three genres, western romance, romantic suspense and military romance and has sold more than 250,000 eBooks since her bestseller The Forgotten Child landed on the Amazon Bestseller list for Westerns and Western Romance. The German Foreign rights for The Forgotten Child have since been acquired by a major publisher, retitled The Forgotten Boy and released March 18, 2014, now a top 100 overall bestseller on Amazon. Lorhainne lives on sunny Salt Spring Island with her family where she is working on her next book.
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1 - Epub/mobi of The Outsider Series: The Complete Collection 1 - Epub/mobi of The Deadline a Rafflecopter giveaway
June 5, 2014
Book Blast, Giveaway & Interview: Valens Remembered, The Story Begins by @gryphoenix
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Valens Remembered, The Story Begins
Valens of Legacy, Book 1
Sherrel Lee
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy Romance
ISBN: 9780985249687
ASIN: B00CSTZSE4
Number of pages: 92
Word Count: 26,324
Book Description:
Do you love reading about ShapeShifters? Psychics? Genetically Engineered Monsters?
Get your free copy of Book One of the Valens of Legacy series now.
As Larinda Nix Thomas buries her adoptive parents, who died in a deadly echo of the accident that took her birth parents, hidden documents reveal that she is being threatened by a sinister force and that she shouldn't trust even her closest allies. Fate demands she accept her place among the Valens as a shapeshifter, a unicorn, which brings more changes to her life than she could have imagined and puts her on a collision course with her ultimate destiny. In this first book of the Valens of Legacy series myth is rewritten, fantasy and science fiction blend to create a chilling story of death, loss, and discovery.
Struggling to make a life for herself on the streets of Seattle, Washington--Jemma a, runaway is battling to stay safe and unmolested, find legitimate work, and secure an education. Concerned social workers search for her and other runaways to return them to the lives they escaped from. True friends are few and life has made it hard to trust anyone. The memory of loving family no longer exists.
Meet the women who can't remember their past. Discover their stories. Begin the journey into the world of the Valens of Legacy.
Larinda
Larinda Nix Thomas watched, eyes filled with tears, as her parents’ coffins were lowered into the ground. The rain took no pity on the mourners who had gathered. It blew in past the edges of the tent, dousing everyone who had come to say their last goodbyes.
Grant Mayfair and Griffin Hawke, senior executives with Legacy Protection Services and personal friends of Larinda’s family, stood sentinel beside her. Larinda struggled to hide how much she blamed them for her loss. Legacy, and all the resources at their disposal, hadn’t protected her adoptive parents. Grant and Griffin hadn’t been there to safeguard Boyd and Fiona, and now she was forced to stand beside their graves.
Larinda hugged herself, stroking her shoulder where the mark that resembled a unicorn was hidden under her jacket. Today the comforting habit didn’t work.
Grant reached out and drew her hand into his. “I know you’re hurting,” he murmured. “It’s so difficult to lose those you love to a senseless accident.” He gave her hand a squeeze and raised it toward the numerous friends, employees, and customers who had come to share her grief—and whose safety and livelihoods depended on the company her parents had built. “You can trust that I’ll be here for you,” Grant said. “Help take some of the burden off your shoulders.”
Reclaiming her hand, she gave Grant a weak smile. It didn’t last long.
Senseless accident? Or something far worse? The thought swirled through Larinda’s mind.
Ambassador Magellan came forward to shake her hand. “Larinda, please forgive me. I have duties to address, but I had to let you know Legacy’s services are not in jeopardy because of your loss. I’m sure Mr. Hawke is very capable of stepping in until you are better prepared for such vast responsibilities.”
Larinda stared blankly at the politician as he walked away. Step aside? I know I’m not completely prepared for this, but—just let Hawke take over? Looking at the faces of the men and women who gathered to comfort her, she suddenly wondered how many of them expected the same thing.
Her parents had carefully groomed her in preparation for the day she would take control of Legacy. She had been immersed in Valens culture and schooled in the obligations she would inherit from the day she had become a member of the family. Even at that young age, she’d understood that their pride and high standards were the reason for the success of the two-hundred-year-old company. Boyd’s parents had established the global enterprise and built it into a world-renowned security firm celebrated for protecting presidents and kings.
They had depended on her to carry on when they were gone. She was a Thomas, even if not by birth, and as long as her family survived, they would remain in control of Legacy. It was the least she owed the people who had given her so much.
Character Name: Misty Shaw
Note from Sherrel – Misty is one of the youngest members of our team and perhaps a little young for your romance seekers out there – but she’s funny and brave and willing to learn anything to help Legacy get the jobs done and -- we won’t tell her --but she is very much a favorite of mine.
Character Bio: Only one quarter Valens, I am16 years of age want everyone to think I’m much older. I was able to shape shift from the day I was born – or the first time I saw and realized what a puppy, kitten, or other baby animal was. My parents (dad ½ Valens, mom human) were accepting but confused and a little worried that I’d let other kids see me morph. I wasn’t supposed to be able to change from human, and no other Valens we ever heard of could become a variety of baby animals. Mom was extremely happy when she discovered I couldn’t turn into a reptile. She particularly dislikes alligators in the pool. Of course the only one we have is an air filled float but--
Describe yourself what is your worst and best quality?
I guess I would have to say my worst quality is I love to spy on people. Family, friends, Cerberus it just doesn’t matter, and I am so good at it because of my best quality, the ability to turn into anything from the tiniest mouse or bat like a newborn up to how they look when they are about a year old. It better than being a fly on the wall!
What is the one thing you wish other people knew about you?
I really wish that I could tell my friends and non-Valens family members about what I can do. I mean, it’s awful to have to pretend you can’t change just because your totally human cousins are visiting for the week and when I do change Mom and Dad get so ---freaking crazy, like I’m going to be discovered and studied under a microscope or something.
What is your biggest secret something no one knows about?
I want the author to write me into my own breakaway series. Maybe my new friend Elyna and I can have some adventures – or maybe I can find a guy. I mean the people at Legacy are great, but they’re almost all old. I want some friends who can get me.
What are you most afraid of?
I terrified of the Humani snake boys. I can change and fly away but I keep thinking that one day I’ll still get bitten. My friend Declan is
What do you want more than anything?
I know it’s impossible. Everyone says I am special and unique, but I keep hoping there is a guy out there for me that can change like I do – into a variety of different shapes that aren’t based on the legend or lore of any society.
What is your relationship status?
Really? I have no relationship unless you call Declan bossing me around a relationship. And no way would I go out with him, he’s ancient, over a hundred years old. I’m keeping my eyes open for one of the Valens that hasn’t gained their power to morph. You know, they can’t do that until there around 18 or older – so far no luck. Jemma and Hawke don’t usually let me hang out with the newbies – maybe they’re afraid I’ll get hurt or Cerberus will find out about my abilities.
How would you describe your sense of fashion?
I honestly don’t think I have a sense of fashion. I’d rather be in animal form and stay that way as much as I can. Of course I have to dress when we are out in public and on jobs, so I let Jemma help me. We are kinda’ learning about fashion together and she has an awesome assistant who helps her find the styles look best on her. You know, she lived in foster homes or on the street most of her life and never really got into the clothes things before she came to Dallas.
How much of a rebel are you?
I guess my parents would say I was the wild child, not just because I can change from human to animal but because I was pretty hard to control, but after Jemma found me and I got the join Legacy Security – well I’ve really settled down. Now I loose all that animal energy on trying to stop Cerberus from creating any more of those monsters.
What do you considered to be your greatest achievement?
There are a couple of things I’m proud of. I guess my greatest achievement so far is getting Declan, the Amarok to respect me. He’s a tough one, and he growls at people a lot. I have also been able to travel with the team and been an important member of Legacy and Jemma believes I am capable of doing whatever she needs me to do. That’s big.
What is your idea of happiness?
I like my life and am pretty happy, but I don’t think I’ll really be completely happy until I have someone I can share with – really share. A guy who appreciates my ability – most of the Valens just think what I do is cute – and who wants to love me like my dad loves my mom. You might think I’m to young to think about love and stuff – but I’ve seen what a great thing loving someone is and even though my friends at Legacy have not been overly cozy at times, you should see what I’m seeing lately – it gets pretty touchy feely around the office –even Jemma, my boss and the Phoenix who is the leader of all the Valens sworn to protect the humans – seems to be softening up. She and Hawke look a lot happier lately and she doesn’t always look like she doesn’t trust him like she did when I first met her.
What is your current state of mind?
I guess I never thought about it. I’m totally crazy happy to be part of Legacy but I miss my family sometimes. Not something I talk about around the office – and I do see them and stay with them when we’re in Dallas and I don’t have to be at work.
What is your most treasured possession?
I have a charm bracelet my grandmother gave me. She has collected charms that represent the different animals I’ve morphed into since I was little. She gives me a new charm every year. I keep it in a special box at home when I travel, I’d die if I lost it.
What is it that you, most dislike?
It’s easy to say I dislike Astrid Van Horn and Horace Gruen, the leaders of Cerberus – but more than I hate them I hate what they have done to the poor Humani. They created these creatures, part animal and part Valens and they don’t
What is your greatest regret?
Thank goodness I’m not old enough to have any yet. I look at Declan and Jemma, Hawke, Miranda and Amelia, I see things in their faces sometimes what makes me a little afraid to grow up and when some of the people I was getting to know at Legacy were killed – I don’t know how to say what I feel.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
My dream man would be someone handsome of able to be like Griffin Hawke, with maybe a little of the rogue like Declan can be” thrown in to the kettle and cooked up rich”, like my grandmother would say. That guy would be – well I’d probably faint if I ever met anyone like that, and if he could shape shift like me – I’d drag him home and hide him under my bed. (Mom would shoot him if I put him in my bed, but I’d be tempted.)
Who is your favorite hero in fiction?
Tavi from the Jim Butcher, Codex Alera series. He’s awesome, smart, and what a life he lives with all those alien creatures around him going to war, and trying to wipe out him and the others he’s with . I can really understand some of the stuff he goes though.
Which living person do you most admire?
That’s a really hard question but I guess outside of Legacy I most admire Katy Perry – not because she can sign and is famous, but because she was willing to fail before she would give up on her dream to do what she knew was best for her - and she gets out there and does it her way.
If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
I wish I could be tall and graceful but instead I am a little be clumsy when I am human – maybe someday I’ll learn
What is your motto?
Know the truth even if you have morph into a spy.
5 ebook copies of Valens Rise, Book 2, The Valens of Legacy Series - Electronic format of choice (US, Canada and international)
5 prize packs open to US Shipping Only- Each prize pack contains -1 Paperback of Valens Remembered, The Story Begins , Book 1 of the Valens of Legacy Series; 1 Paperback of Valens Rise, Book 2, the Valens of Legacy Series; Valens Remembered lined note book; Bookmark; Coupon for Valens Rise from Smashwords; Key-chain with image of a Phoenix
Wrangler of a fearsome Yorkiepoo named Rogue (Half Yorkie half Poodle weighing in at a hefty five pounds). Obsession controlled writer with a passion for making up names and twisting myths.
Sherrel, as the daughter of an Emmy winning cameraman, learned early in life the dark secrets of creating all those incredible fantasy characters for the large and small screen.
Refusing to be crushed at the discovery the monsters, aliens, and Robby the Robot weren't real, Sherrel's imagination soared. She became a SELF-proclaimed voyeur of special-effects and expert at fictional character creation.
Website: http://sherrellee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sherrellee.valens
Amazon: http://ow.ly/liYNS
Twitter: @gryphoenix
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5763208.Sherrel_Lee
StoryFinds: http://storyfinds.com/author/8166/sherrel-lee
Book Blast, Giveaway & Interview:Sidekick by @AuraleeWallace
Sidekick
Auralee Wallace
Genre: Fantasy/Superhero
Publisher: Escape Publishing
Date of Publication: 1 June 2014
ISBN: 9780857991591
ASIN: Will be available end of April
Number of pages: Approx 172
Word Count: 73 818
Cover Artist: Danielle Mait
Book Description:
Heroes meets Kick-Ass in this brilliant and hilarious debut about a girl who just wants to save the world...
Bremy St James, daughter of billionaire Atticus St James, has been cut off from the family fortune and is struggling to survive in a world that no longer holds its breath every time she buys a new outfit. To make matters worse, her twin sister is keeping secrets, loan sharks are circling, and the man of her dreams — a newspaper reporter — is on assignment to bring down everyone with the last name St James.
Things are certainly looking bleak for the down-and-out socialite until a good deed throws her into the path of the city’s top crime-fighter, Dark Ryder. Suddenly, Bremy has a new goal: apprentice to a superhero, and start her own crime-fighting career.
Ryder has no need for a sidekick, but it turns out the city needs Bremy’s help. Atticus St James is planning the crime of the century, and Bremy may be the only one able to get close enough to her father to stop him.
Now all she needs to do is figure out this superhero thing in less than a month, keep her identity secret from the man who could very well be The One, and save the city from total annihilation.
Well, no one ever said being a superhero would be easy...
When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?
Great question. I have struggled with this one a lot. Honestly, it wasn’t until I signed my contract for my debut novel, Sidekick, that I found I could say I was a writer without feeling the need to blush. It truly isn’t the right way to look at it. I was a writer before. I am a writer now. But it’s sometimes hard to see it that way.
How long did it take to get your first book published?
About a year. I began my quest for publication by submitting my work to agents. It didn’t take long for the rejections to start coming in. Luckily, I had a couple of agents take the time to tell me that they loved my work, but that the whole “superhero” thing would be a hard sell. A blogger friend of mine suggested I submit directly to publishers – let them be the judge of its salebility. In particular, she sent me the link for Escape Publishing. The submission guidelines stated that they welcomed manuscripts that were “rule-breaking” and “cross-genre.” Well, Sidekick was definitely both of those. I joyfully signed my contract not long after.
Do you do another job except for writing and can you tell us more about it?
Until recently, I was a college professor (English/psychology). My husband’s job moved us to a new city, and we decided this was the perfect opportunity for me to write fulltime – or as fulltime as possible given that we have three small children. There is always the possibility that I will go back to teaching part-time. I miss the students.
What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?
Sidekick.
It is just like Cinderella…if Cinderella wanted to be superhero instead of princess.
How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?
Four to six months. I could probably write more quickly, but life often gets in the way.
What can we expect from you in the future? ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?
I have already begun to write the sequel to Sidekick. I just love spending time in the superhero world. I am also trying my hand at a cozy mystery.
What genre would you place your books into?
I have struggled a great deal with this. Urban Fantasy is probably the most appropriate label for Sidekick, but I can’t deny its Chick Lit antics and the debt the story owes to the comic book world.
Do you have a favorite character from your books? And why are they your favorite?
Bremy St. James definitely. Writing Bremy is kind of like having Lucille Ball for a best friend. I never know what she’s going to do next.
Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?
So far, yes. I have become a Goodreads addict. I may need to find a support group.
How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?
The name, Bremy, is actually a mixture of my daughters’ names, but for my other characters, I have a friend who helps me out. She is very particular about names, and if I choose one she doesn’t like, she is relentless in the voicing of her displeasure…but, oftentimes, I have to admit, she comes up with something better.
Are character names and place names decided after their creation? Or do you pick a character/place name and then invent them?
I usually have a character in mind first, but I name them almost immediately thereafter. I have to know who it is I’m talking to.
Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?
Characters usually do develop throughout the course of the book, but I have to have something in mind before I begin. I don’t like flying blind.
Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The moral of this story is..")
There are probably more than I would like to admit. I tend to think of Sidekick as just a playful romp, but it does have a more serious message. I have been frustrated with the number of female protagonists who seem passive, sad, and wedded to tragedy. I have two daughters. I want them to be inspired to enjoy life. I want them to go after their dreams. I want them to try and fail and then try again. I do realize there’s a lot of “I”s in those sentiments. My daughters will choose their own paths in life. I just hope I can contribute to a culture of empowerment rather than victimhood.
Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?
For a long time, I was a hardback holdout. Then a friend of mine convinced my husband to buy me an ereader for my birthday. At the time, I just given birth to my third child. Let me tell you, it didn’t take me long to realize breastfeeding and ebooks make a winning combination.
Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favorite/worst book to movie transfer?
Best: The Shining. (I know Stephen King didn’t like all the changes…but come on, how can you not love Jack as Jack?)
Worst: One For the Money (No matter how hard I try, I just can’t accept Katherine Heigl as Stephanie Plum)
Your favorite food is?
Toss up between sushi and salt and vinegar chips! Oh, now I’m hungry.
Auralee Wallace has played many roles in her life, including college professor, balloon seller, and collections agent. She is now living her dream of writing humorous women’s fiction. When this semi-natural blonde mother of three children (and psychiatric nurse to two rescue cats) isn’t writing or playing soccer, she can be found watching soap operas with lurid fascination and warring with a family of peregrine falcons for the rights to her backyard.
Book Blast: A Tale of Witchwood Park by S.W. Develin
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A Tale of Witchwood Park
Witchwood Park
Book 1
S.W. Develin
Genre: Young reader/Fantasy
ISBN: 978-0-9886294-1-7
ASIN: B00J44ZO54
Number of pages: 61
Word Count: 15465
Cover Artist: Damonza
Book Description:
“I am older than you can comprehend. I am eight.” – Emily Spellmaker.
Emily Spellmaker is missing. She didn’t return to Witchwood Park Elementary this year and Kendra, the shy little girl she befriended, is heartbroken. Kendra waits alone on the park bench after school each day until the Tuesday a troll walks out of the woods. He chooses Kendra, Jimmy (the school bully), and Daniel (an outcast) to come on a magical journey where they must overcome an evil queen and her Army of the Faceless to free an enslaved land. In the process they learn who they really are and what friendship means, while getting closer to solving the mystery of Emily Spellmaker.
Available at Amazon
They were falling.
“What’s happening?!” Jimmy shouted. “Where’s Daniel?”
Jimmy and Kendra had jumped through a hole in the top of the sky. There was no water to swim in and no ground beneath it. They were simply falling, from hundreds of feet above the kingdom.
Kendra looked around. Daniel was nowhere to be found.
“I don’t know!” she shouted.
Jimmy and Kendra reached desperately for each other. They clasped hands and watched as they fell toward certain doom.
They could see the whole of the kingdom below. There was the central mountain Tree Stump had told them about, with the False Queen’s giant castle atop. A river ran from the north of the kingdom, around the mountain on both sides like it was an island, and into an endless, shining sea in the south. To the northwest were rock-strewn plains with volcanoes and rivers of lava. To the southwest was a welcoming and vast, lush forest. And to the east…was nothing but an impenetrable wall of grey clouds.
They were falling straight for the castle.
As they fell the ground became clearer and clearer. The False Queen’s soldiers were coming out of the castle barracks. Two red shapes began to rise into the sky beneath them.
“Dragons!” Jimmy screamed.
Jimmy was right. There were two, giant red dragons flying toward them.
“Maybe they are good dragons?” Kendra asked.
In response, the closest dragon shot a burst of yellow flame past Jimmy. The next shot wasn’t going to miss. Kendra and Jimmy held each other and waited to be fried. Then a terrifying roar like nothing they had ever heard shattered the air. It must have filled the entire kingdom below. The red dragons heard it, but the sudden fear on their evil, snarling faces was coming from something they could see…
Jimmy and Kendra looked up.
A massive, black dragon, larger than the two red dragons combined, was flying directly above them. It opened its jaws and launched green dragon fire down at them. The stream of blazing hot flame rushed past them and hit its true targets, the red dragons. When the flame cleared, the red dragons were plummeting back to the ground.
The black dragon grabbed Jimmy and Kendra, one in each of its back claws, then turned and flew away from the army below. Kendra wanted to see if they had faces, but that was the least of her worries right then. In a matter of minutes they were low above the trees of the giant forest. The dragon dropped them both into the treetops.
Jimmy and Kendra crashed through the branches and onto wooden platforms built high in the trees. They were shaken, but alive and together. Through the trees they watched the shadow of the great dragon disappear over the mountains in the north.
S.W. Develin lives in West Chester, Pennsylvania with his wife, Julie, and their three children: Brigid, Jack and Garrett. He has a dog named Pink, a cat named Floyd, and a small kitten disguised as a cow.
June 4, 2014
Book Blast & Giveaway: For Her Protection by @amberabardan
For Her Protection
Personal Protection, #1
Print Length: 190 pages
Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing Inc
Publication Date: May 30, 2014
ASIN: B00KGC00OS
You shouldn’t mix business with pleasure.
Yet pleasure seems to be the one and only thing on Charlize’s mind the moment Connor steamrolls into her life. Desperate to save her family company, prove she’s more than a pretty face and worthy of being CEO, pleasure is a distraction she can’t afford.
She doesn’t want a bodyguard, especially not one whose caveman heroics kick her libido into hyperdrive. But surrounded by enemies and an attacker on the loose, there’s only one man she can trust with her life.
Connor knows better than to get personal with clients. Yet there couldn’t be anything more personal about his feelings for Charlize. From the moment he clapped eyes on her he wanted nothing more than to throw her over his shoulder and really give her something to scream about. He’ll get his uptight she-cat to unwind, preferably one orgasm at a time.
With Connor in her office, her home, driving her to sweet, merciless distraction, there’s only so long Charlize can resist his sexy, dominant brand of protection
Amazon UK:
Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/for-her-protection-amber-a-bardan/1119571147?ean=9781419990465
Kobo:
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/for-her-protection-2
After spending years imagining fictional adventures, Amber finally found a way to turn daydreaming into a productive habit. She now spends her days as a graphic designer but her nights writing sizzling tales about heroes with tough exteriors who are warm inside.
She lives with her husband and children in semi-rural Australia, where if she peers outside at the right moment she might just see a kangaroo bounce by.
Website: http://amberabardan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amber-A-Bardan/524949987538196
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amberabardan
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19300339-for-her-protection
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/amberabardan/
Book Blast, Giveaway & Interview: Euphoria-Z by Luke Ahearn
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Euphoria-Z
Book 1
Luke Ahearn
Genre: Thriller/Zombie Apocalypse
Publisher: Luke Ahearn
Date of Publication: May 19, 2014
ISBN-13: 978-1497497382
ISBN-10: 1497497388
Number of pages: 409
Word Count: 118,099
Cover Artist: Steven J Catizone
Book Description:
Civilization shuts down as throngs of speechless hedonists fill the streets in deadly revelry. They feel only pleasure and never pain, even as they are injured, maimed, and mutilated. Few people remain in the world unaffected, left to witness the madness unaware that things are about to get unbelievably worse.
Cooper is among the few survivors of a conspiracy to depopulate the world. One week ago, college was his biggest concern. Now he is on a dangerous journey to find his sister as an ever-present threat of nightmarish proportions engulfs the world, throwing him in the path of some of the most malicious people that ever walked the earth.
The present, Monterey, California
“Fuck!” The wiry, gray-haired old man felt his eyes go wide with surprise, but he quickly got his shit together. Jasper scowled; now he was very pissed off. He might stoop and shuffle when he walked, but he didn’t take any shit.
Some big fat bastard was bear-hugging him from behind. He could see white mountains of wet flab before his eyes, and he smelled vomit. He felt a massive wet belly and man tits pressing against his back. Large folds of cold wet flesh engulfed him, and he shuddered at the sensation.
He hated hugs, especially from men, and hugs from big fat sweaty bastards were absolutely unacceptable. He carried his best spiked hammer, an old-school Craftsman from back in the day, before the gooks were making them. He was just itching to use it. The fat bastard was yelling something in his ear.
“I love you! I love you, man!”
“Ahhh, geez!” Jasper twisted out of the flabby cocoon and took a few steps back. What he saw disgusted him. It was a giant fat kid, a head taller than himself, who looked like a giant baby, all hairless and soft. The kid was smiling like an idiot, and that made Jasper even more pissed off. Food smeared the kid’s face and ran down his chins in greasy streams between his man tits and over his belly. All Jasper could think was that all that shit was all over his back. Now he would have to burn his shirt and take a long, hot shower.
The kid wore nothing but baggy white underwear soaked in sweat. Jasper shuddered at the clammy coldness on his back. His flannel shirt clung to him and felt like a cold, wet bathing suit.
“I love you, man!” The big fat kid smiled as he came at him for another hug.
“Ahhhh! Fuck you!” Despite his advanced age, Jasper moved with an efficiency and force that spoke of his many years as a carpenter. He brought the spiked hammer down on the kid’s skull, and it collapsed inward with little resistance. He liked the sensation of cracking a head but hated wasting the time to do it.
The kid dropped to the concrete like a wet sack. He was still smiling, which made cracking his skull less enjoyable. Jasper wished he could bash every asshole around with his trusty hammer. He looked around to make sure another shithead wasn’t looking for a hug.
A woman came at him, hooting so loud he could hear it over the crowd, waving her tits at him. He took her out too, with an easy smack between the eyes. He had enough of this shit. He cracked a few more skulls for fun, but he got bored. It was always the same: an easy tap to the skull and the moron dropped, still smiling.
The streets were crammed with people, and they were all acting crazy. Jasper just wanted to get home. It seemed everyone was congregating downtown, streaming in from the surrounding neighborhoods. People were walking in large groups, arm in arm, naked and clothed, dancing, running, and hugging. It all made Jasper sick, just god-awful sick.
He tried to go all the way downtown and almost got caught up in the crowd. People were pushing and jamming each other into doors until they cracked open. He heard the crash of large plate-glass windows, but no one reacted. In fact, he saw people just getting pushed through the windows in a wave. He could tell that people were getting seriously injured and killed, and he just wanted to get the hell out of there.
He left at the right time. The press of the massive crowd smashed and suffocated, ground and trampled, and killed many—and the party continued to grow. No one screamed in panic or pain. No one yelled for help or dialed 911. And no one stopped to offer assistance, an apology, or true human interaction of any kind. Everyone was bent on doing exactly what they wanted to do, and what anyone else wanted didn’t matter to them in the slightest.
In any place where people gathered for a good time, the crowds were thick. The mall was packed, but the hospital was empty. The wharf was so full that hundreds fell into the icy waters of the bay. The office parks and businesses were dark and silent. Some groups formed parties on random streets for one reason or another.
A large majority of the city was empty, devoid of people. Most left their homes and walked away, leaving doors unlocked and often wide open. They would join a group and wander away.
There were still a few souls hiding indoors who were anything but euphoric. They watched with fear and horror the goings-on outside their windows. Jasper had been one of these, but he needed his goddamned pills and had to drive through all this crazy shit to get them. Of course, when he got to the damn pharmacy it was closed. He had tried to call ahead, but no one answered the phone. He was pissed. He wanted nothing to do with this crazy shit. He didn’t want to see any of it and certainly didn’t want to walk through it. He saw quite a few people doing things he had only seen in his buddies’ dirty magazines. But there was one thing every single person was doing: smiling like a retard with a lollipop—every single one.
At first, he thought all the outlandish behavior was confined to idiots, kids, and queers. It had to be some new drug to get them this nuts, he thought. But too many people were acting bonkers, too many people who just didn’t fit the behavior.
He walked as quickly as he was able away from the crowd and back to his car. He’d seen some shit in his day, but in the last few the world had descended into pandemonium. There were reports that almost everyone around the world was walking away from their jobs, no matter how critical. Everything was grinding to a halt. Transportation, communication—private or military, trivial or critical—everything was just going belly up. Jasper had known this day was coming ever since the blacks were allowed to vote.
And the crooks in Washington didn’t know anything. They said it was an unknown virus and creatively named it Euphoria-Z. Z because they didn’t know what it was, only what it did. And their advice? Stay indoors and away from crowds, bunch of geniuses.
Jasper had never expected he would need to kill people, not since the war, but in the last few days he had been forced to. The streets were crazy, and he wouldn’t even be outside if he hadn’t needed his pills. He felt as if he were the only sane person for miles. He looked at his feet and wondered, only briefly, if something were wrong with him? No, couldn’t be, he thought. None of this was right. The world had gone crazy.
Did you always wanted to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?
Always
When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?
Not until recently. I’d been published for well over ten years, but for some reason, never considered myself a writer. I started to question this and realized my definition of a writer was wrong. I read somewhere a long time ago that if you are writing, you are a writer; when you stop writing, you are not. I just accepted that I am writer because I decided to consider myself one. Being a writer is a call no one can make but the individual.
How long did it take to get your first book published?
Literally overnight. Over ten years ago, I was up at the wee hours of the morning, surfing the web. I have no idea what I was looking for, but the last thing on my mind was getting published or submitting a book proposal. I came across the submissions page for a publisher that was looking for computer game development books. I spent about twenty minutes filling in the submission form, skipping large chunks of it. There were questions like, “why do you think there is a market for a book of this type?” and I would answer, “because you are looking for people to write these types of books.” Then I went to sleep and forgot about it completely. The next day, I did all my usual stuff: coffee, etc., and when I checked my email later in the morning, there was a message from the publisher. The subject line was something like, “Can you call me ASAP?” So it turns out, they had an author who took an advance, blew them off, and never even started working on the book. Worse still, he was lying and telling them all along he was making progress on the book. He was a well-known author of these types of books at the time, so they took his word for it until it was close to the launch date. They asked me if I could write a book in two months, so I said yes. I had a lot of leeway as I wrote the book, since they were desperate to get a book (any book) finished and on the market. I ended up writing a book that sold far better than any of the original author’s work. I was fortunate, blessed, whatever (I hate the term lucky for personal reasons) and after I blew the doors off the joint with that first book, the publishers were coming to me.
Do you do another job except for writing and can you tell us more about it?
I have many nonfiction books on the market, I’ve been a game developer, game artist, 3D art content provider, art director, and I sell physical art/props. I make life-sized pirate skeletons, skull lamps, and have been commissioned to do numerous custom props for plays and retail displays.
What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?
Euphoria-Z is a traditional zombie apocalypse novel with plot twists, well-developed characters, and a unique beginning.
Who is your publisher? Or do you self-publish?
Self-published. I put a lot of thought into the decision, and it was an easy one to make.
How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?
The first draft takes one month. I really like the writing process, so when I write, I write six to ten hours at a stretch. Once the first draft is being beta read, I get the marketing process going. Soon after that, the beta feedback starts to come in. By then, I am starting the second draft, taking the readers’ feedback into consideration, and that can take another month.
What can we expect from you in the future? ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?
The sequel to Euphoria-Z is in the works. I have a thriller coming out and an old school sword and sorcery novella as well.
What genre would you place your books into?
Thriller, Post-apocalyptic, Zombie
What made you decide to write that genre of book?
I’ve wanted to write a post-apocalyptic novel for a while, but I started this book when my son went off to college. It was a way to be with him (yes, in a kind of weird and imaginary way) because I knew I would miss him. It has helped me personally.
Do you have a favorite character from your books? And why are they your favorite?
The lead character in my sword and sorcery series Dark Deeds and Black Magics. Xanthus is a city-dwelling scoundrel in his late teens who can go anywhere in society, but fits in nowhere. His family is wealthy, so he is not trusted or even liked by the poor and working class. But his family is nouveau riche, so he is not accepted by the old money, either. He is left alone in a large city to babysit his wealthy father’s home and is incredibly bored, so he dabbles in thievery, debauchery, and rarely a bit of responsibility. He meets a few other oddballs and they generally participate in shenanigans that are sometimes orchestrated by the gods. I love writing him because I love the setting of Kingspoint, the massive maze-streeted city with its magics and dangers. The prequel to the series is available now and contains a sample of the actual series.
How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?
Professionally published for ten years. My wife.
Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?
No.
Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?
Yes. You can learn a lot from your reviews and make valuable connections. But is important to learn to read a review, too. A lot of writers get really upset at negative reviews (I do, too, at first) but a bad review can be valuable. You need to determine whether the review is accurate, personal, or just stupid.
If you get a bunch of reviews that all say the same bad things about your book in a constructive way, you need to pay attention. If there are repeated comments about bad grammar, misspellings, and the same plot hole, then you need to fix the problems. Good feedback is hard to get so take it, act upon it, and (sincerely) thank the people who took the time leave a review. Maybe even offer to get them a free copy of your next book and ask them to be a beta reader. People who bothered to read your book and leave a genuine review (especially a critical one) are valuable! I don’t want my wife’s feedback on my zombie novel, she hates those kinds of books. But if I find someone who loves zombie novels, has read hundreds of them, and writes thorough reviews on them – I want that person tearing my book apart like ahh… a zombie tearing a human apart!
If there is one review that just rips you a new orifice with all destructive and no constructive feedback, then DO NOT respond in any way. You will never get anything but more upset. Report it if you want, but move on with your life. The best antidote to a negative review is more positive ones, so work on the things that will get you those positive reviews. And trust that most readers are pretty good at reading the reviews, poking around, and determining the validity of the review.
And some reviews are just ridiculous, like one-star reviews because the Internet is slow, or there is too much violence in a book entitled The Most Violent Book in the World, UPS not leaving the package at the right house, or things along that line. Maybe you could ask the person ONCE to edit the review because you have no control over UPS and sometimes they will. But again, don’t expect anything, don’t get threatening, be as nice as you can, and then let it go. Don’t wait for anything to happen and don’t follow up. Again, readers see one-star reviews and read them. If they start with my favorite one-star line “I didn’t read this book, but…” then they will instantly know to ignore the review. The Amazon review system really works. People will vote and the most useful reviews will rise to the top (positive and negative); a good book will sell, and a bad one won’t.
Readers aren’t stupid, so you should not only seek legitimate reviews, but encourage your family and friends to NOT leave glowing five-star reviews. In fact, ask them to find a flaw or two about the book and even mention upfront that they are a friend or family member. Readers appreciate that more than the extra star. I recommend a book by Richard Peters, Quit Wasting Time and Sell More eBooks, because he lays out a realistic approach based in honesty and not trickery. It is a slower, harder start, but you will build a solid readership. Anyone can buy reviews and fake likes, etc. but they don’t help you and, in fact, usually end up hurting you in the long run.
Sorry, was this a yes or no question? J
Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?
I usually start writing on an idea and the title emerges from the fiction. I find that trying to title a novel (with exceptions, of course) before I even began is futile. If I don’t have a strong idea of the title after the first third of the first draft, there is something wrong with the story.
How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?
I use a common name for whatever period or region I am writing about. I spend very little time choosing a name. I usually go to Google and type in something like “most common boy names 1955” or whatever year the character was born, and then choose from the list. The reason I choose quickly is because I like to let the character own the name. Think of the common first name Michael. Now add the common surnames Myers, Corleone, or Scott. These three names evoke three very different images of a man created by the characters themselves.
In Euphoria-Z, Tug is the nickname that Abel Tugerson goes by. The nickname really says the most about him, evoking the image of a tugboat or a chronic masturbator who tugs a lot. I named him Abel Tugerson without thought and as his character evolved, the nickname emerged. I then rewrote the introduction of his character, introducing him as Tug from the beginning.
“Abel Tugerson, Tug to everyone and anyone since he could remember, stood in the bed of a beat-to-shit pickup truck as it rolled slowly down the 101. It was covered in rotten flesh and putrid streaks of gore.”
Of course, there are stories where name research and thought is required such as a sci-fi novel with an alien race or where the character’s name might be part of the fiction, but so far, I’ve just named my characters and moved on quickly.
Are character names and place names decided after their creation? Or do you pick a character/place name and then invent them?
Characters are usually named after I write about them a bit. In Euphoria-Z, all the locations’ names are real and correspond with real places. I visited all these places before I used them as settings, but still I allowed myself to tweak a few a little. The only real fabrication is the parking structure in the book, but the area around the airport is still pretty accurate.
Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?
I decide on character traits as I go along, for the most part. The characters evolve as I write them. I may have a vague notion of a character, there may be a specific detail that I know I want to exist, but the characters really evolve as I write.
Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The moral of this story is..")
I don’t consciously attempt to send a message, I just want to entertain people. I want to give people an experience, a vacation, an escape. But I’m sure my attitudes and opinions bleed into the story, so I would say there are messages coming through. One belief I have that is represented in this book is that people often rush to judgment as to whether something is good or bad. I also believe that there are a few people in the world that are very malicious and the majority of good people are too nice to deal with them, so the bad people often have great sway over our civilization. We need to be less offended by the slight of a word or name and look at the tolerance we have for gangs, criminals, politicians, and the run-of-the-mill assholes that are just abusing our system and not contributing to it.
In the area of messages in fiction, a huge pet peeve of mine is when I am immersed in a book and suddenly I am reading a two-page rant which is clearly the author’s opinion. My opinions might come through in the fiction, but I attempt to be true to the characters and loyal to the reader. I don’t care if I agree with an author one-hundred percent; I will toss a book aside if I find myself reading a rant on any topic. I want to be entertained, not lectured.
Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?
eBook! I do love old books as collectibles, but I have a long history of dealing with paper books. I remember how hard it was to find a decent book to read. I had to go to the library or bookstore. The selection was limited, books could be expensive at the store, and the book was always checked out at the library. Books take up a lot of physical space, too (especially when you are an avid reader and they pile up quickly). After a while, I had to deal with them to make room for more books, and a box of books can be very heavy. It was hard to decide what book to let go of, what book to keep, and where to keep them. At one point, my wife and I had a storage unit with hundreds of books all stacked up in probably thirty boxes. After a few months and a few hundred dollars, we finally realized how foolish it was to store all these books. Then we had to spend hours and hours dealing with them. Do we toss them, keep them, sell them, donate them? It was a lot of work.
And reading a physical book, for me anyway, required the constant adjustment of a light source, holding the book up (I don’t know how many times I dropped a book on my face while reading), and looking up a word was a pain. Now all my books are on my tablet, I can carry hundreds of books with me (maybe thousands), they are easy to read, I can read anywhere I want, I can read samples of a virtually unlimited supply of books anywhere I am, look up words with a touch—you guys know all this. Best of all, my house is now as empty and clean as an illiterate person’s house.
What is your favorite book and Why? Have you read it more than once?
I read almost everything more than once. I would say The Hobbit is my favorite book. It’s what really woke up that part of my brain that said, “I want to be a writer.” I know I’ve read it all the way through at least eight times and then chunks of it at various other times. I love the first half of the book in particular.
Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favorite/worst book to movie transfer?
I think depends on what you mean by transfer. A book and a movie are such different things it’s like asking if lemons transfer well into lemonade? They are different things that have different sets of criteria for judging them. The quality of a movie that is based on a book has more to do with the moviemakers than the book.
Among my favorite book to movie adaptions is Pride and Prejudice, the Keira Knightley version. That was a great book and great movie (It's been many years since I had such an exemplary vegetable). I love The Godfather but the book left me feeling like, meh. I’m sorry but the book is crap compared to the movie. I can watch the movie over and over. I’ve probably seen it twenty-five times or more (you gotta get up close like this... badaBING!). I guess books can be a very rich source of inspiration and information for a film maker even if they are poorly written. I love the book Jurassic Park. I’ve read that one several times too. When the movie first came out I loved it. I didn’t go expecting a book experience, I went expecting to see special effects. I didn’t think about the movie for several years and the next time I tried to watch it I was stunned at just how bad it was. I mean, I just couldn’t watch it!
Your favorite food is?
Mexican.
Your favorite singer/group is?
Def Leppard and of course, they are not on iTunes.
Your favorite color is?
I don’t have one color I would want to paint the entire world. There isn’t one color I would choose for most things by default when given a choice. There are too many variables when choosing a color in any given instance.
Your favorite Author is?
That’s like asking me to pick a favorite child.
Luke Ahearn has over 20 years of professional game development experience and has authored numerous nonfiction books on the topic. He ran his own computer game company for ten years and currently owns MasterWerxStudios, an animatronic prop shop in Monterey, CA.
June 3, 2014
Cover Reveal: Raven Falling by @mistileemurphy
Presented by:
Title: Raven Falling
Series: Shadows and Light #1
Author: Misti Murphy
Audience: Adult
Genre: Paranormal Fiction
Formats: E-Book
Publisher: Misti Murphy
Cover by: Yocla Design
Raven Mackenzie has a normal life, a great job in finances and a never-ending closet. At the end of a hard day the only thing she wants is to spend time with her best friend Luke, her constant companion since they were teenagers.
Ash is an Angel of Death and for thousands of years he’s been taking souls to the other side. Now he faces his toughest mission. He made a promise to Raven’s father, a promise he intends to keep. He must help Raven survive no matter what the cost. Even if it means taking her into a world he hates.
When Raven meets Ash, her normal life is rocked to its core. No longer a human but an Angel of death, she is given a choice. She must decide between eternal torment and murder.
As Raven’s world crumbles around her, she finds herself torn between the decision she must make, her past, and the future she wants.
Will Raven be able to make the right choice before time runs out?
RAVEN STOOD in the middle of Ash’s living room. It was not what she had expected. The furnishings were sparse, and thick with dust. Nothing about the place spoke of the man in front of her. His intensity, and his impeccable taste, obvious by the clothes he wore should have been noticeable in his belongings. Instead, his house looked like it should be tore down, and the way he fidgeted, shuffling his weight from one foot to the other made her think he wanted to be anywhere but here.
In the kitchen, he put the kettle on to boil and pulled a chipped blue mug from a cupboard, plunking a tea bag into it. “I hope you don’t mind it black.”
The room seemed to grow smaller with every moment she watched him, his agitation rubbing off on her. The air was thick with dust and she coughed, wondering if it would be rude of her to leave so soon. Her gut twisted, now he was not paying any attention to her, she couldn’t shake the feeling something was wrong.
He pushed the mug, the string of the tea bag still hanging down the side, in front of her and she took the warm cup. Sipping her tea, she followed him into the living room, noting the fading yellow paint, and threadbare carpet, full of waxy-edged burn marks. Abandoned, she thought, was the feeling she got from the house.
The night was not turning out the way she had wanted it to. He flung himself down into the armchair and waved for her to sit. She looked at the couch, and hoped her tetanus shots were up-to-date. It sagged heavily in the middle and she was sure she could see the end of one of the springs poking out of the worn upholstery.
She wanted to go back to when the night had promised kissing, when she had been excited to be going home with this good-looking stranger.
Together they sat in silence, the clock ticking quietly in the background. She waited impatiently. The longer she waited the more frustrated she got. Her nerves frayed with how weird the situation was, but she could not bring herself to leave. He had not made a move to speak, or to look in her direction, as if he had forgotten she was there.
He watched her as she shifted in her seat, unable to get comfortable. The hardness of the worn-out couch was causing her butt to go numb. Having sobered up considerably and the warmth of the tea having dissipated, she stood up to leave. There was no point in continuing this night and her bed called in a soft and inviting voice.
His voice sliced through her. “This is more difficult than I thought it would be. I have to tell you something important and I need you to listen.”
“What?” She gaped at him, as she slid back on to the couch. What could he possibly have to say that she needed to hear?
A shiver swept up her spine and she tried, unsuccessfully, to shake it off. She didn’t go home with random guys, no matter how handsome they were, or how good they smelled, and now he wanted to tell her something. Her heart was beating hard with the sense of danger, but she was stubborn too, and she would stay until she knew what she needed to know, whatever it was.
She had trusted him enough to leave the club with him, so she could give him the benefit of the doubt. She jostled her legs as she considered whether she might need to run away. Having run track all through high school, she knew she was fast, and hoped with a head start she would be able to outrun his long legs. She stared at the door for a moment and then gave him her full attention, not wanting him to realize what she was thinking. He rubbed his hands through his glossy black hair, making it look even more styled than it already was.
“I don’t know how to start this…,” he said, looking around the room, at anything but her. “I’m just going to have to tell you and hope you will not be too difficult to persuade.”
She didn’t know if he was trying to frighten her, but every word added to the uncertainty of the situation, and had her struggling to keep her eyes from the door. She wished for the second time that night she had chosen to wear ballet flats instead of heels. She was slowly deciding heels were not a girl’s best friend.
He sat forward, knotting his fingers under his chin and resting his elbows on his knees, looking her over as if she were an exotic specimen under a magnifying glass. “I don’t want to scare you, but I can’t see how I am going to tell you this without you freaking out.”
“Just tell me!”
“I’ve been sent to…mentor you through your testing.”
She had no idea what he was talking about, but he was right, she was freaking out. His eyes told her he was worried about her reaction, but his words were having that exact effect. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I have no choice… You have no choice. I was sent to watch you until… It’s time Raven. You are one of the chosen, one of ours and now it’s time.”
What the hell was happening? She felt like she was on the verge of a breakdown. Somewhere between dancing with Tarra, and now, her mind had simply vanished. She needed the full story, and she was no longer willing to wait to hear it.
However, he continued to circle his point.
“Your father was my friend. I promised him that when it was time, I would be there to help you.”
She did not understand why he would bring her father into it. He could not possibly have known her father, Sam. He had died fifteen years ago, and she had never seen Ash before tonight.
She had at first glance assumed he was not much older than she was, and on second glance she would not place his age over thirty-five. Even if he did have a full nine years on her, she didn’t really think he would have been the type of person her father would have known.
She stood up, her hands automatically going to her hips. It was a stance that had gotten her through many difficult situations. “Whatever you are trying to tell me, you need to tell me now. I am two seconds away from walking out the door.”
“Right.” He stood too, towering above her, causing her to step back. “Let me get straight to the point then. It is my job to know who you are, to protect you, and to help you survive. Your father was an amazing man. He was a very gentle man but he had a hard job, one that I am afraid you will inherit in a very short time, and I promised him I would prepare you for it. Your father was an angel. He and I, we are of the same line. We are Takers of Souls.”
“Takers of Souls?” The concept was familiar and she searched her memory. “Angels of Death? Shouldn’t there be only one?”
She couldn’t begin to process his far-fetched story, but the fact he thought he was an angel of death scuttled her nerves. She could see it in his eyes, in the way he talked that he truly believed what he was telling her. Oh, God, was she going to die tonight?
What if he was stuck in his own fantasy world? How could he know enough about her to get her here, alone, in such a dangerous situation? Could he have been watching her, following her and had she simply not noticed? She tried to remember if she had seen him before, but she knew she would have remembered him. Anyone who saw him would have to notice him.
Her legs jiggled with adrenaline. Despite wanting to run, she felt compelled to listen to him, to stay and hear him out.
Every word he said sounded like the truth. It was only her brain, which kept her from believing, from falling under his spell. Her brain was a logical thing and would require proof. Something she was sure he would be unable to provide. She glanced at the door for the millionth time.
“Your father is dying, Raven, and even though he fell many years ago, his role has not been replaced. When he passes, that role will be yours. You are being called to serve.”
“Wait! What do you mean my father is dying?” Raven could not believe what she was hearing. Her father had died. She had been at his funeral; it was the last time she had gotten to say good-bye to the man who had meant so much to her.
She could still remember that day clearly. She had held her mother’s hand as they entered the church. Inside she could hear the voices of the many people who had come to say good-bye to her father. His coffin had been at the front of the room, and they had had to walk past the rows of pews to where her father’s body rested. Her mother had been broken as they stood beside the coffin saying their final good-byes; she had squeezed her mother’s hand, holding on as she watched her mother’s tears trailing silently down the woman’s cheeks.
She had wanted to comfort her mother, but didn’t know how to reach out to the woman who had shut down completely on hearing the news of her beloved husband’s death. They had stood silently hand in hand for a long time, staring at the man laid out in a black suit.
She had wondered why her father had been in a suit, and not in his customary uniform of denim and a T-shirt. It was the only time she could remember seeing him in a suit and it had looked so wrong on him. His skin had been pale, tinged blue and his eyes closed, and she hoped that he was only sleeping, although she knew, that he would never wake up. She had leaned closer and whispered to him, “Don’t leave me, Daddy.”
The tears had flowed freely then, dashing a mad race down her cheeks, as her mother pulled her quickly to the front pew where they sat silently side-by-side for the rest of the funeral. She hadn’t gone to the cemetery, although she had wanted to. Her mother had sent her home to prepare for the visitors that would arrive shortly after they lowered her father into the ground.
“My father died a long time ago,” she said.
“No. He didn’t.” His voice was quiet, and sliced through her like steel. Raven stopped and turned.
“Yes…” He had her questioning herself. “… he did.”
“Your father is an angel. Angels are immortal beings, and as such, he cannot die. However, to hide himself and you from us, he has had to siphon off his immortality, now he is getting weak and they will find both of you.” He was coming toward her, his hands moving rapidly as he talked.
“Them? Do you mean God?”
“No! I mean them!” He hissed, rolling his eyes heavenwards. “The Shadows. God is for humans—those that don’t know any better.”
“So my father is not dead?”
“Yes.”
“You’re lying. Why are you lying to me?” she snapped and took a step toward him, her hands balled in fists at her sides.
She did not want to believe him anymore than she wanted to go through the pain of losing her father a second time, adding to it the misery of finding out he had abandoned her all those years ago.
“Unfortunately, Raven, that’s not your choice to make. You are required for service. It’s time to face your past and your future.” He was stalking her across the room and she took another step back, the back of her knees hitting against the coffee table. There was nowhere for her to go.
“Why? Why should I?” She did not know why she kept having this conversation with him.
“Because you are the only heir your father had. As our leader, he must be replaced by his own bloodline, and when he dies that role will be assigned to you. You don’t get a choice in whether you accept it, only whether you survive it.”
Misti Murphy has lived in a fantasy world most of her life. She is away with the faeries, the angels, vampires, shifters and dragons.
Misti writes to give voice to her imaginary friends, who want a real life on paper, where they can be free to be themselves.
When she's not writing, she is almost always reading anything she can get her hands on. She reads word like they are chocolate, and must be devoured in one sitting.
She can often be found multi-tasking effortlessly while reading a book and spending time with her husband, four children and two dogs.
She loves chocolate as much as she loves reading, and enjoys baking desserts that result in diabetic comas. In her downtime she procaffinates with friends and stalks Facebook.
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