Karen Swart's Blog, page 75
March 26, 2014
Book Blast & Giveaway:Exodus: A Requiem for Jacob Forlorn by @lazarusInfinity
Exodus: A Requiem for Jacob Forlorn
lazarusInfinity
Genre: Dark Fantasy
ISBN: 978-1482537932
ASIN: B00BF25U02
Number of pages: 208
Word Count: 79,210
Cover Artist: Ryan Doan Illustration & Photography
Book Description:
Welcome to the dark side of love...
A dark fantasy filled with interracial romance, lust, betrayal and vengeance. What happens when everything you've worked for and sacrificed for is suddenly taken away from you? What happens when the greatest love you've ever known isn't what it seems? What happens when your most loyal childhood friends and family pass away? What happens when one man takes a fateful journey between love and hate, light and darkness...Heaven and Hell?
Jacob Forlorn is a beleaguered everyman escaping from the shadows of a bitter and broken past to find his place in life when he meets Miranda, a beautiful and mysterious woman with a past of her own. Drawn by love at first sight, a whirlwind interracial romance brimming with intense passion ensues, culminating in the birth of a beautiful child. But all is not well in paradise. Against the remains of a hidden past, something dark and deadly emerges, threatening to either warn Jacob or rob him of both his heart and his sanity. Jealousy, resentment and deception emerge, soon forming a deadly web of intrigue, lust and secrecy which all have repercussions far beyond anything he ever imagined.
As dark visions and nightmares haunt him repeatedly, Jacob soon begins to walk a very fine line between right and wrong, against a backdrop of misery and death that pushes him to the limits of his faith in God. Someone...or something is after him. The secrets of the past begin to destroy him both physically and spiritually, forcing him to make a dangerous choice.
Love. Lust. Betrayal. Vengeance. It all comes to an end and something has to give. The journey to Hell and back has now begun in this brooding and haunting dark fantasy.
**The sequel to EXODUS, REVELATION: THE RETURN OF JACOB FORLORN is also now available at all major retailers.
SAMPLE FROM EXODUS: A REQUIEM FOR JACOB FORLORN
PROLOGUE
It was in that moment that he finally came to terms with the end. The
peace that was to come; the peace that had all but eluded him too often in his
life would now embrace him like a lost child returning home. Lost in a
beautiful haze of absinthe and painkillers coursing through his system, what
was pain had now become exquisite pleasure. He took another slow drag
from one of the cigars a friend had given him days before, a beautifully hand
rolled Cohiba. The robust flavor added a distinct sense of finality to the
moment as the smoke exited his mouth, dancing gracefully through the air.
The lukewarm water soon to be diluted with his blood held a morbid yet
fascinating allure to his strained psyche.
His breathing relaxed and his mind crackling with a wondrous state of
euphoria, she soon appeared to him. His pulse slowly quickened as a faint
smile crept across his face. She knelt down next to the bathtub, a perfect
vision of intense beauty. There were no words between them. At this point,
none were needed. As he eyed the gleaming razor blade near her, he
reflected on the long, arduous road behind him. His childhood days of
laughter and dreams were all scorched by powerful visions of death and
destruction. So many of his friends and family members had long since
taken the long ride home, either through natural causes or the senseless
violence that forever framed that picturesque, brochure farce known as the
‘Big Easy’.
Too many young souls filled with potential; too many flames of hope
extinguished by vices that conspired against them. There had been way too
many funerals to count. He’d placed flowers on their graves so many times
that it almost felt as if he were going home every time he visited them. Not
this time, he thought to himself. No longer would he be on the outside
looking in; a mere witness to the party at the edge of the rainbow. This time
he would make his long due arrival in style.
All lights and cameras on him as the clouds finally enveloped his spirit. It
would now be VIP status all the way, with drinks on the house around the
clock. As he took one last drag from the cigar and let his head relax against
the warm tiles of the wall behind him, she smiled at him while taking his
hand. The energy that emanated from her touch immediately brought him to
a climax unlike any he’d ever felt. Made it mom, top of the world he
thought. It had been an era of madness, and it was time to finally let go...
CHAPTER ONE
New Orleans-October 2009
The powerful rays of the morning sun marched through the blinds of
his windows, invading the confines of his sparsely furnished loft apartment
in the Warehouse District. There definitely was no need for an alarm clock
in this place, he thought as he rose from an intense slumber. The eyelids of
Jacob Forlorn greeted the world with a sense of humility, accompanied by a
sharp pain creeping up his spine.
Another restless night in Hell, he thought as he reached for his cigar, a
beautifully hand rolled Cohiba. The taste was exquisite as he inhaled and
relaxing as a beautiful gust of smoke exploded from his lips. As he took his
time enjoying the taste, he noticed that the familiar flavor was intermingled
with another flavor as well which clung to his lips. A sweet, intense and
seductive flavor caressed them. What in the world, he thought as he soon
felt a warm sensation next to him. A delicate, feminine arm wrapped in
ivory sweetness soon came into the picture, wrapping itself around his waist
as if it were an extension of him. The moment caught him off guard to the
point that he almost dropped his precious cigar. Jacob looked over and
raised the bed sheets to see the most luxurious sight.
A perfect visual of sexual intensity lay before him on his second hand
air mattress that held more than several stories to tell. Flawless lines,
beautiful curves and a pair of the most perfect breasts he’d ever seen
welcomed his eyesight, distracting him from the pain in his back. She was
the most beautiful thing he’d seen in recent memory, next to him looking
more like a painting than an actual flesh and blood woman. He slowly
traced his fingertips across every line of her, enjoying himself more and
more until a stark and sobering thought echoed through his head. Who the
fuck is this?
What was pleasure then turned to confusion as he tried to
remember. Fighting the urge to continue staring at the beautiful vision in his
bed, he looked around his bedroom in a desperate search for
clues. Everything looked normal at first, until he looked over at his
nightstand. Jacob slowly arose from the bed; the pain coursing through his
back, quelled by a growing, familiar sensation. Damn morning erections, he
thought, looking down on a throbbing sight that more than deserved its own
Instagram profile. There was no time for that now, as he crept closer to the
nightstand struggling to piece it all together. Two empty absinthe glasses
rested next to a ruffled plastic bag of half-eaten mushrooms and a single line
of what was obviously cocaine. His throbbing erection went from 100 to
zero as he looked back at the woman. “Lord please don’t let me have a half
dead White woman in my bed,” Jacob said to himself. I don’t need this right
now, he thought.
Quickly sweeping away the line of coke and grabbing what was left of
the mushrooms, Jacob went into the bathroom, quickly flushing everything
down the toilet. This cannot be happening, and why couldn’t he
remember? He tried to calm himself as he turned on the sink, dousing his
hands in cold rushes of water that he splashed across his haggard
face. Staring at himself in the mirror, his gaze at his weary visage was soon
interrupted by the sight of fingernail marks and slight traces of blood all
across his chest. It was then that he began to remember that painful
sensation in his back calling to him. He reached around, feeling the painful
area only to retrieve his hand, noticing fresh blood on his fingertips. Baby
must have seriously put it on him for sure.
A familiar groan awakened his daze as he looked over to the feline
vixen slumbering in his bed comfortably. The sudden need for a stiff beer
called to him as he went to his kitchen. Still groggy from what was
apparently an intense night of debauchery, Jacob dragged himself to his
kitchen, opened the fridge and pulled out a fresh bottle of Newcastle. Icy
cold and flavorful, it was just the thing to calm him on this eventful
morning. Resting the bottle against his brow, embracing the cold chill
distracted him so much he never even noticed the long-legged, svelte and
completely naked mocha figure sitting on the kitchen counter drinking a
glass of orange juice.
“Good morning sharpshooter,” she said to him, a slick and ever so
sexual smile slithering across a pair of the most delicious lips he’d seen in
recent memory.
That sudden intense crash he felt was not his blood pressure or the
triumphant return of last night’s erection. It was a picture perfect bottle of
Newcastle exploding on the floor as he stared at her curvy figure. An
awkward moment of silence filling the space between them was soon
interrupted as she spoke.
“Robyn,” she said in a way that filled him with embarrassment due to
the fact that he couldn’t remember.
Standing there sheepishly, and completely naked, all Jacob could do
was stare at every inch of her, from those succulent lips all the way down to
her, well...lips.
“Oh no marathon man,” she said. “Last night was more than enough
and I’ve got to go to work soon.” She slid off the counter and sauntered
close to him, getting a generous handful of his crotch.
“Lori was right, you are good. Tell her I said thanks for the
hookup.”
He continued to stare, both nonchalantly and confused.
“Lori,” she said. “The White girl laying in your bed right now.”
“Lori...right,” he said, finally managing to formulate words into a
stumble that was embarrassing yet somehow also cute.
Robyn smiled at him and casually kissed his cheek.
“I’m gonna get a quick shower. You have my number now so don’t
be a stranger.” And with that, she was gone.
As the familiar sound of the shower running awakened him from his
daze, the beeping of his cell phone on the counter awakened him even
more. A text had just come in, hopefully one that would somehow lift the
thick layer of fog permeating his cipher. As he picked up the cell, a familiar
name crept across his Blackberry.
“Lucian (Mobile): This is your morning wake up call bro. Awesome
night.”
Suddenly and without warning, it was as if everything hit him all at once
with the force of a sledgehammer. The bitter divorce followed by all the
courtroom drama. The lies and infidelity that he tried to pretend didn’t still
matter. The spiteful, vindictive emails from...her. The deaths of his best
friend and mother. The betrayal and threats from people he considered
family. The darkest moments of his life down in South Florida came
crashing down on him like a ton of bricks. The pounding marathon of shots
and beers with his friends slowly crept right behind. A marijuana induced
night of fun at House of Shock followed by drinks at Pravda. As the minute
details of the past several years and hours of the previous night crackled
through his brain, only one thought came to him as he stared out at the rays
of the morning sun. Lucian, what the fuck did you get me into this time?
"Just keep writing." Out of those simple words grew a dream that would instill a profound sense of purpose within a young kid born and raised in New Orleans, LA. With only his dreams along with an insatiable drive to be the best he could be, this writer would grow from penning children's literature in the 3rd grade to later writing stageplays and screenplays in college. Heavily influenced by a who's who of incredible writers from Langston Hughes, Claude McKay and Ralph Ellison all the way to August Wilson, Arthur Miller and Aaron Sorkin, lazarusInfinity has continued to stretch his creative boundaries to encompass all forms of writing. In addition to writing contemporary fiction and children's stories, he is currently at work on several screenplays along with another novel.
Website: www.lazarusInfinity.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lazarusInfinity
Twitter: www.twitter.com/lazarusInfinity
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lazarusinfinity
Goodsreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6545907.lazarusInfinity
March 25, 2014
Character Interview with Jennifer Ainsley of The Final Demon War
Today we have Jennifer Ainsley, the main character in today’s book blast, The Final Demon War by Sidney Stone. We would like to thank Jennifer for stopping by today and sharing her world with us.
Character Name: Jennifer Ainsley
Character Bio: Adopted daughter of the 170 year old billionaire Jonathon Tait. My mother and yiounger sister were killed in an accident on Jonathon’s estate. He adopted me when he began to have visions that I could be humanity’s protector in the secret war against the demons bent on destroying us. Jonathon manipulated me into a relationship with Head of Estate Security Andrew Walker but it didn’t matter how it happened; I love Andrew and Jonathon’s twins fiercely and will die to protect them. That’s exactly how Jonathon wanted it.
I am soon to graduate from Stanford and being as I grew up on a Napa Valley estate, I have excellent taste in food and wine. I also use Jonathon’s money to help the less fortunate and did not know of how my fate is tied up in with the demon war until the fateful night of my college graduation party.
Describe yourself what is your worst and best quality?
I have lived somewhat of a sheltered life until just recently. While I experienced great tragedy as a child I never let that define me and I relish every day that I am alive and live it to the fullest. I love all the people I care about deeply including Jonathon who has manipulated me my entire life. I guess my worst quality then is blindness to the man Jonathon truly was.
What is the one thing you wish other people knew about you?
By the end of the book people see me as this great warrior and mankind’s only hope against the demons, a gift from God as it were. I wish people still saw me as a human being and not as a symbol.
What is your biggest secret something no one knows about?
Only my lover Andrew Walker knows how much I really enjoy making love.
What are you most afraid of?
That I will fail the Jonathon twins and that they will perish.
What do you want more than anything?
For the war to be over, the twins to be safe, and that somehow I could be held by Andrew once again.
What is your relationship status?
I am in love with Andrew Walker, Head of Security for the Tait Estate.
How would you describe your sense of fashion?
Growing up in Napa Valley my fashion sense is Northern California eclectic. Understated, fashionable yet practicable.
How much of a rebel are you?
Not myuch of a rebel until I discover my destiny; then not even the military can control me at that point.
What do you considered to be your greatest achievement?
Saving the twins and the soldiers during the battle at the Tait Estate.
What is your idea of happiness?
Being with my new family.
What is your current state of mind?
Uncertain, mournful yet strong
What is your most treasured possession?
The love of Jonathon’s twins and Andrew.
What is your most marked characteristic?
When I wield the Sword of Jesus, I am an instinctual, fierce warrior who is unmatched killing demons.
What is it that you, most dislike?
Demons and this burden that has been placed on me. Too many people have died and I do not know why this has to occur.
Which living person do you, most despise?
Mordock, the head of the Demon Council.
What is your greatest regret?
That I have experienced so much loss in my young life.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Intelligence, character, worldliness.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Humor, loyalty, strength
Who is your favorite hero in fiction?
I was more of an athlete growing up than a reader but Annabeth Chase of the Percy Jackson series always struck a cord in me.
Which living person do you most admire?
Andrew Walker and Jonathon Tait are the two I admire the most.
If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
I would not want this burden and everyone I lost would still be alive.
What is your motto?
I will die to save the people I love.
If you would like to find out more about Jennifer and her world, check out the book blast below.
Book Blast & Giveaway: Jennifer Ainsley: The Final Demon War by @SidneyStoneAuth
Jennifer Ainsley
The Final Demon War
Sidney Stone
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Suspense/
Horror/New Adult
Date of Publication: December 2013
ISBN: 1491200960
ASIN: B00HFYK99Q
Number of pages: 308
Word Count: 102,400
Cover Artist: Pencilbox Studios
Book Description:
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” - Matthew 10:34
Demons are preparing to launch the Final War to destroy humanity.
Can one young woman wielding the Sword of Jesus ensure our survival and redemption?
Will she lose both her love and her soul in the process?
Available at Amazon in Paperback and Kindle formats
Please see following for Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest 284 word pitch and 1100 word opening chapter.
"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword"
- Matthew 10:34
Jonathon Tait, whose demon-enhanced 170-year-old life has helped make him the richest man in the world, secretly renounces his alliance with demons in order to save his twins and redeem himself in the eyes of the two women he loved and lost. Jonathon has visions that his beautiful college-aged adopted daughter, Jennifer Ainsley, may be the key to humanity's survival and works with an underground movement to fight back against both the demons and the human leadership that is guiding our civilization towards total annihilation.
Can Jennifer wield the Sword of Jesus to fulfill her destiny even as the planet hurtles towards its destruction? Is she mankind's only hope and can Jennifer save everyone that she loves; including her destined soul mate Andrew Walker, or are we all doomed?
Jennifer Ainsley: The Final Demon War is a gripping, fast-paced fantasy/horror novel grounded in the contemporary world. The characters are extremely likable and engaging, and a great deal of humor is successfully incorporated into the book, despite its often grim and macabre themes. There are several action packed tour-de-force chapters including “Scenes from the End” and “Kasey and Tracey’s Amazing Adventure”.
The book deftly tackles issues of greed, humanity's neglect for its weakest members, the race for power among individuals and nations, and the ability of love and courage to transcend personal weaknesses. It is a tale that combines horror and fantasy to tell a story of love, loss, sacrifice and redemption. It is the first chapter of an exciting new trilogy that deserves to find a wider audience.
Chapter One
Heather
Heather couldn’t believe she was going to die in front of her peacefully sleeping twins, who were oblivious to the unspeakable acts occurring in their nursery. These infants, this life, were all she had wanted, and in those lonely nights before sleep overtook her, she admitted to herself that she had been groomed for this since birth. She had been groomed to be a beautiful, nurturing wife to a wealthy and powerful man and she had been groomed to care for his children and teach them to take their rightful place in the world while she also maintained this lovely home—with a slew of maids, servants, and other staff of course. She threw the best dinner parties and had a special banquet hall included in the new Napa Valley estate just for that purpose. She knew all the right people to invite, and they raised all the right money for all the right charities.
Yet here she was in midair, swaying back and forth, seeing herself reflected in the rectangular Craftsman-style floor mirror she personally had picked out for the nursery. The demon Palvakia held Heather by her strawberry-blonde hair, a mane her husband Jonathon Tait called “gorgeously luxurious,” while her lithe and toned, almost split-in-two body, spilled her blood and guts onto the new Berber carpet (a lovely light blue she also had personally picked out for the nursery). How important Heather had thought every design detail of this room was. She had placed so much importance on the mundane materials that now meant nothing. She was escaping into the blackness now, the dark abyss whose passage she hoped ended with a consummating light. Was there light beyond death and beyond this horror?
It was insane, Heather thought, that her husband, the man she loved and admired, was watching this scene unfold with an expressionless face as Mordock, a repulsive and despised demon, stood next to him. Mordock was in human form right now, unlike the demon who had torn her in half, but Heather still felt the evil lurking underneath. She had tried to banish Mordock from their lives and had pleaded with her husband to stand up to him. Yet Jonathon had done nothing to remove him from their lives or to stop Mordock from carrying out her murder. If there was a light at the end, how could the Keeper of Light cause this to happen or not prevent it in the first place?
And what of the twins? Alexander and Sophia were so beautiful and full of life, with old-soul eyes, even as infants. My lovely babies, Heather thought with her last bit of consciousness. Who will keep you from harm? Can your father somehow be your guardian angel? Will he succeed with you where he failed with me? The darkness with the light behind it is approaching. Will I see you in heaven? How long will I have to wait? Hopefully a long, long time…
Heather took her last breaths just as Palvakia began to devour her. To her horror, though, death did not come instantaneously. A morbid trick of the demons is to keep their victims on the cusp of dying so they can witness themselves being eaten. Heather couldn’t even scream as the pain ripped through the ever-decreasing parts of her body.
When Palvakia was finished, not one ounce of the physical being that once had been Heather Tait was left in the room. Even the carpet was clean…and the twins continued to sleep peacefully.
Sidney Stone is a hiker, deer whisperer and non-pretentious wine connoisseur. An addicted reviewer on Yelp, he is also creator of affordable housing (although technically he is homeless part-time), thinks The Replacements are the best band of the Eighties and loves to boost his LinkedIn count with people he doesn't know.
He lives in both Northern and Southern California while constantly traveling to Orange County to visit his son, who can now beat his father at ping pong and chess rather easily (and is charmingly arrogant while doing it). A graduate of UC Irvine and Pepperdine University, Sidney wishes he chose at least one university to attend that had a college football team to root for.
The first scene Sidney thought of for Jennifer Ainsley: The Final Demon War included a rather large massacre (take that for what it is worth). However, inspired by the works of Stephen King, Dean Koontz and Clive Barker; the book's violence is offset by dark humor and deep human emotion just like in real life where Sidney's darkness is offset by creatively placed sarcasm and an overwrought romanticism. For example, while Jennifer Ainsley: The Final Demon War is a Fantasy-Horror novel, Sidney also still tears up at the end of both Field of Dreams and An Officer and a Gentleman.
Contact him at www.sidneystone.net or https://www.facebook.com/sidneystoneauthor
https://twitter.com/SidneyStoneAuth
Cover Reveal & Giveaway ~ DARKNESS BOUND by @JTGeissinger
DARKNESS BOUND
Night Prowler, #5
Publication Date: June 24, 2014
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Available Formats: Paperback/e-book/CD/Audible.com
Tough, smart, and seriously ambitious, reporter Jacqueline “Jack” Dolan despises the secretive clan of shape-shifters known as the Ikati—and has become determined to destroy them. After she writes an editorial arguing for their extermination and turns public opinion against them, the Ikati vow to fight back. They plot to send one of their own to seduce the reporter, then blackmail her into writing a retraction.
Women practically fall at the feet of hulking, handsome Hawk Luna, and Hawk relishes the idea of conquering and destroying the fiery redhead who’s caused so much trouble for his kind. The last thing he expects is to develop real feelings for her, but their liaison awakens a hunger in him that he cannot deny. He kidnaps Jack and brings her to his Amazon jungle colony, but the two lovers are soon embroiled in deadly colony politics and threatened by a looming global species war.
As the danger around them grows closer, Jack and Hawk’s forbidden passion may build a bridge between two ancient enemies—or cost them both their lives.
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/darkness-bound-j-t-geissinger/1117760206?ean=9781477820100
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18812785-darkness-bound
GRAND PRIZE: signed copy of book 4 in the series, Edge of Darkness (US only)
2 RUNNERS-UP: will EACH receive an eBook of Shadow's Edge, book 1 in the series. (International)
J.T. Geissinger’s debut novel, Shadow’s Edge, was published in 2012 and was a #1 Amazon US and UK bestseller in fantasy romance and romance series. She has been nominated for the prestigious RITA® award from the Romance Writers of America for best paranormal romance for her second book in the Night Prowler series, Edge of Oblivion.
A life-long lover of reading and a self-professed “book addict,” she didn’t realize her dream of writing a novel until a milestone birthday forced her to take stock of her goals in life. Always believing the right time to commit to putting pen to paper would magically announce itself, it took waking up one cold January morning with a shiny new zero as the second number in her age to kick start her determination.
Starting on that very day, she wrote what would become Shadow’s Edge in a little over four months and submitted it to several literary agents. Nothing happened. Thinking that was the end of that but by no means willing to give up on her dreams of being published, she began work on a second manuscript.
Then, during a trip to Italy in honor of their 10th wedding anniversary and the honeymoon she and her husband never took, she received an email that would change her life. It was from an agent, Marlene Stringer of Stringer Literary, and it contained the three words every aspiring author longs to hear: “I loved it.”
Marlene sold the manuscript to Montlake Romance who published it six months later. Hitting the #1 Amazon bestseller lists within weeks of publication, Shadow’s Edge was book one of the Night Prowler novels. Book two, Edge of Oblivion, was published in October 2012 and will be followed by Rapture’s Edge in June 2013, and Edge of Darkness in fall 2013. There are six books total planned for the series.
Connect with J.T.:
March 24, 2014
Book Blast & Giveaway: Wolf’s Strength by @AmbrielleKirk
Wolf’s Strength
Caedmon Wolves, #5
Tension grows between old rivals.
Cold-blooded murder sparks a feud between rivals that could lead to the deadliest civil war in Pack history. Alpha Devin Caedmon and his council are forced to risk all that is precious to protect their bloodline. Tristan Arnou, Caedmon’s rival, isn’t the only force trying to tear down the unity holding them together. The source of the threats must be eliminated before their entire race is destroyed.
Forbidden love burns like a wildfire.
There is one woman who Blake DeLuca loves more than anything else. Naomi Valentine. Despite the escalating battle and power struggles between their respective packs, the erotic fire between these two lovers has yet to be extinguished. Naomi’s heart belongs to Blake, but her allegiance lies with Arnou. She’s left with two choices: Assume her duty or accept Blake’s eternal bond?
In Wolf’s Strength, secrets are exposed and memories that should have been buried have resurfaced. The game of deception is a deadly one. There can be no peace until the bloodshed ends.
AVAILABLE NOW
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Wolfs-Strength-Caedmon-Wolves-Ambrielle-ebook/dp/B00IWB1ECM/
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wolfs-strength-ambrielle-kirk/1118887926
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-wolf039sstrength-1436549-178.html
"Stop the car. Someone's in trouble."
Blake DeLuca sat straight up in the passenger side seat with each one his senses heightened in alarm. The sharp scream of the woman echoed in his head just like it had done across the evening atmosphere just moments early.
The scream was a cry for help and it sounded like someone was in despair.
"You heard it too?" Dawson asked, as he swerved into an empty lot and brought the Maserati to a screeching halt.
Blake's body lurched forward from the blunt maneuver, but he didn't waste a moment's notice. He was out of the car in three seconds flat, rushing toward the sounds of scuffling in the alley. His wolf was just below the surface of his skin urging him toward the incident. Plus, they were in unmarked territory where there was sure to be human eyes everywhere even at this odd hour of the evening. Dusk had just fallen, but that didn't mean every human was all cozy in their homes.
Dawson was right behind him, his running footsteps crunching the gravel and broken sidewalk with determination.
With their keen sense of smell, it didn't take them long to find the scene of the crime. Blake stopped short of revealing their arrival too soon, keeping his body positioned behind the shadow of a long dumpster. The woman screamed again, but louder this time.
There were three of them. The intricate pattern inked on the left shoulder designated them as belonging to the Other clan.
They had a Caedmon female backed into a darkened alleyway. A man lay dead on the pavement next to them. The deep gaping slit on his neck and the pool of blood draining from his throat evidenced that a cut to the jugular was a cause of death, if not the main one. What little clothing the female wore were tattered and torn about her body. The dead male didn't look that presentable either. Anyone could tell they'd put up a fight and as a result a man had paid with his life.
"We just wanted to have some fun with you, that's all," one of the men from the Other clan taunted. He and the others moved closer and closer to the frightened woman. "Your friend there shouldn't have stuck his snout where it doesn't belong."
One of the men kicked the dead body and grinned. "He's dead. Now we can play some more."
Blake emerged from the shadows with rage and curiosity running through his system.
"Help!" The woman cried out as she finally noticed he and Dawson folding in behind the Other clan.
The biggest one swung around and his gaze focused on the new threat. His irises were a murky dark gray which was very unusual for someone of the Other clan. Their eyes usually sparked a bright silver, especially when they were provoked and up to no good. But this man's powers were literally seething from his pores, kind of like a Caedmon's would do, but in far less vivid colors. Although Others were the human branch of Caedmon kind, they couldn't shift and their abilities and powers were reduced. Only through the wolf genes were the powers and Caedmon spirit more potent.
"Look what else we got," the biggest one said through clenched teeth. "More mutts. I wonder if they're even worth earning a dull blade. The last one fell quickly--like a limp rodent." He held up his knife, demonstrating the sharpness by pressing a pointer finger to the tip.
Dawson growled next to him. 'Let me do this one in.'
The statement came to Blake through projection. After claiming the lost relics and on the night of the delegation, this gift, along with others, was afforded to all six members of the Council. Thought projection was something that was only shared among mates and close siblings, so to have something this rare in common with his fellow Council members who were like brothers to him was a precious gift.
'But there's three of them.' Blake projected back. 'The one with the most kills wins.'
'Game on.'
Blake pointed to the dead Caedmon on the ground. "Why is this man dead?"
"For the same reason you will be lying dead next to him," one replied, taking a step forward to show his seriousness. "Not being able to mind his own business."
"Westcott was trying to help me!" The woman blurted out, then shrank back into the building when the biggest one, presumably the leader, turned on her.
"Shut up, tramp!" he hissed at her and rushed her with the knife. "You were asking for it. I'll save you for last...after I get through with these scumbags."
Blake acted quickly, his wolf on the surface egging him on. He reached the offending male with lightning speed, grabbing him tight around the wrist. His determination was made clear as he snapped the offender's carpal bone in two. "Now that's no way to talk to a lady."
He hollered in pain and dropped the knife.
There was some scuffling behind them and Blake figured that Dawson had got into it with the other two. Dawson had just reached the age when a young male wolf was most aggressive. So Blake was almost certain that he would have lured them into a fight one way or the other.
His own opponent caught him off guard, throwing a punch with his other fist. It missed Blake's jaw by only a centimeter.
Blake shoved the big brute hard into the stone wall.
When the body hit, spittle and sweat flew away from his neck and face. He stumbled away from the building, shaking off what was likely the result of being disoriented from the hit. The brute appeared to give up but then he sprang back up with a second knife, slinging it in the air at him.
The blade caught Blake in the upper forearm. He bit his bottom lip and snatched the thing out. Blood pulsed from the wound down his arms through to his hand. He dug his fingers into his palms while the blood rage gathered in his fists.
Blake's eyes glazed over and he began seeing everything in a vivid red, but things were clearer, nonetheless. His body shuddered as he fought down his wolf, angry and ready to emerge. There was no subduing this animal any longer. The wolf was his other half, they completed each other, and they both hungered for revenge.
Blake's canines ripped violently from his gums.
He heard a squeak and discovered that the woman was still standing there, unmoving and shocked from what she was seeing. He caught her gaze and held it.
"Run. Never come back in unmarked territory again," he said to her.
She wasted no time gathering up her ripped skirt and running out of the alley.
"I'll carve you," his opponent screamed. "I'll slice your throat just like your dead Doctor there." His fingers shook as he pointed.
"Will that be before or after I stuff your mouth with your own guts?"
The next thing the coward pulled out from behind his back was a pistol.
Blake ducked out of the pathway of the first bullet. Within seconds his bones snapped and molded. His skin grew hot and stretched until he became the wolf. But it wasn't he who earned the first kill. Dawson had already ripped into the throat of one.
An enemy's treachery fueled the wolf's rage. The need for revenge of a murdered brethren harkened. As a Council member, he had pledged long ago to protect his people by any and all means necessary. Above all else, he wasn't ready to die tonight--not by any man's hand and not by a gun.
The third and fourth bullet came too close to his head and he sprang into action. He leapt into the air, hurling himself at the offender.
His claws dug into a meaty chest as he drove the man's body into the ground on his back. The wolf offered very little mercy when it came to cold blooded murderers.
Blood rushed into Blake's mouth as he tore into the man's stomach, pulling out a mass of guts and tossing them in heaps on the ground. This murderer's screams were too loud. The only mercy the wolf afforded that evening was putting him out of his misery by ripping into his throat to end it all.
After the kill, Blake's wolf spun around ready for more, but Dawson's wolf had just taken down the last man.
They shifted back into their human forms almost at the same time, heaving in and out with deep raged breaths trying to recover. Dawson stumbled to the opposite side of the wall, clutching his side.
Blake rushed over to him. "Were you hit?"
He held up his palm. "Dude, I'm fine. The bullet isn't deep. I got this."
Dawson was brother to the Alpha, son to a male descending from the original line of Caedmon ancestors. Despite his youth, Dawson was probably ten times more powerful than Blake was. In a matter of seconds, Dawson had expelled the bullet on his own and succeeded in stopping the blood leakage.
Blake pried a pistol from one of the dead man's cold fingers. He held it up to the light from the moon. "Just as I thought. This gun is hot. The serial number has been stripped. Bullets are probably untraceable too." He dumped the remaining bullets from the clip into his palm.
Dawson picked up a shell from the ground and pocketed it. "They popped off too many rounds during the scuffle. Chances that someone nearby heard are high. Let's get out of here."
They bent together to pick up the dead Caedmon from the pavement. When they reached the car again, they popped the trunk and slid him inside.
"I'll drive this time." Blake gestured to his wounded side. "You need time to mend." He pulled his cell phone out of his jacket pocket and hit the speed dial key then the number 9. His call was answered promptly.
"M-9."
"Max, we need another clean up," Blake replied, as he slid into the driver's side seat.
Max blurted out an expletive on the other end. "This shit is getting serious, ain't it?"
"Roger that."
Multi-published author Ambrielle Kirk writes erotic, paranormal romance, and urban fantasy. Ambrielle lives in Atlanta, GA where she works in the accounting and finance industry. She holds a Master's Degree in Accounting. Since graduation she's worked in the public and private accounting sectors. She is the wife of a loving husband, and the mother of a beautiful girl. She works and writes full-time. A bestselling author in several sub-genres at ARe and Amazon, she has also earned a 2012 Swirl Award in the paranormal category. She's a PAN member of RWA, FF&P special interest chapter of RWA, and co-founder and treasurer of Cultural, Interracial, and Multicultural special interest chapter of RWA. Ambrielle Kirk is also an admin at the blog, IRMC Books.
Connect with Ambrielle:
Webpage http://ambriellekirk.com
Blog http://ambriellekirk.com/blog.html
Facebook Personal Page https://www.facebook.com/ambrielle.kirk.9
Facebook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmbrielleKirk
Twitter https://twitter.com/AmbrielleKirk
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/ambriellekirk
March 23, 2014
Hellhound Defined is now available on Amazon–and we have a huge sale!
Hellhound Defined is now available on Amazon, and to celebrate I am having a huge sale on the entire series. Happy reading guys.
Book Info -
Title: Kasadya Hellhound Defined
Series: Kasadya, #4
Author: Karen Swart
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Audience: Young Adult 14 years and up
Formats: E-book and Paperback
Publisher: Karen Swart
Cover by: Melody Simmons
Edited by: Blue Butterfly Editing
Date Published: 21 March. 2014
Blurb -
Kasadya: Hellhound Defined (Book #4 of the Kasadya Series)
For centuries his only reason for existence was to destroy evil. But when he finally found his mate, that all changed for the deadly Chax De Luca. When the hellhound Kasadya captured his heart, he surrended it to her, thinking he’d finally found what he’d been looking for. Little did he know that his mate would sacrifice herself to save them all.
His fury is legend. His wrath, merciless. His love for his mate, undeniable. He’s going to hell to retrieve his heart, and if that means that he must destroy hell itself, then so be it.
Kasadya awakes to a world in peril, her mate forever changed, and a war filled with evil creatures intending to enter Earth’s realm and destroy all that she holds dear. Can she complete her divinity in time to save her loved ones and mankind? Will she have to choose? Or will all be lost in the final battle?
The final battle is here, and with it, secrets are revealed and worlds are changed forever.
March 21, 2014
Book Blast & Giveaway: Of Fur and Fangs Boxed Set
Of Fur and Fangs Boxed Set
D’Elen McClain, Skhye Moncrief, Sky Purington, Celeste Anwar & Teresa Gabelman
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Date of Publication: February 2014
ASIN: B00IITRM8S
Number of pages: 672
Word Count: 336 K
Book Description:
Things don’t shift any better than this. One cutting edge read after another, of Fur & Fangs brings you six steamy paranormal reads from five best-selling authors.
FANG CHRONICLES: MANDY’S STORY
By D’Elen McClain
Every beastkind knows you don’t mess with a Kodiak bear—everyone that is except Mandy, the wolf-pack Alpha’s sister. When Mandy hears whispers that the bad attitude bear, Honey, has chosen a mate, she takes matters into her own hands because her wolf decided months before that Honey was hers.
Excerpt-
“I’m giving you to the count of three before I shift and tear this cage apart.”
Mandy’s green eyes flashed. She checked out the bars and then gazed back at him. “Hmm. It might hurt, but go ahead and give it a try.” She flipped her long brown hair over her shoulder.
His low growl swelled as it traveled up from his chest. “One…”
Her pouty lips curved slightly. “I’m not a child, and the number counting thing is ridiculous.” Eyelashes swept down over her green eyes and then went back up almost in a practiced move.
Nine hundred pounds of Kodiak bear exploded within the steel bars. Large tuffs of brown fur stuck out between the solid three-inch slats of metal, leaving no room for movement. He pushed his weight against the steel, and when nothing gave so much as an inch, he went completely wild, which did exactly... nothing.
She gave him her bored look again. “Are you finished throwing your temper tantrum?”
Website/Blog- www.fangchronicles.com
BIG BAD BEAST
By Skhye Moncrief
Each wants the other, but neither can stand to be in the same room together…And each has secretly lusted for the other like a dark explosive sin. Stand back and watch the fireworks light up the Minnesota Territory’s post-apocalyptic sky because the BIG BAD BEAST can’t help but to huff and to puff and to blow Josie’s house in…
Excerpt -
Interesting way to see if I feared nightfall and being preyed upon by alien monsters. "I thought I'd ask for sanctuary." I shot him a firm glance, challenging him to think otherwise. "Avoid Bounders one night." Why not? The alien creatures could dine upon my carcass tomorrow night. This game of cat and mouse with this young Shifter could be pretty entertaining. I'd just play along to see how long it took for us to get around to introductions. Then the fireworks start.
"Then?" he asked.
The door creaked.
Jaguar spun to the doorway.
One filling with an extremely large form. Shadows draping his features. Shifter though. Too big for a Normal. Apparently, Augustus had enough sense to keep an adult around to keep the hormonal antics to a minimum here.
"Shouldn't you be guarding the gate?" a familiar unsettling voice asked.
My whole being shuddered and quaked.
In fear. I think. Hostillian.
My gut actually had the audacity to do somersaults.
Website- http://skhyemoncrief.com
FERAL FASCINATIONS
By Skhye Moncrief
Their blood lust flares hotter than a solar storm…She seduced an earthling to create their were-assassin blood bond. Shanghaied to fight a war between vampires and werewolves, his gut shouts escape. But humanity needs a hero. Colliding in a universe of psychic mind-reading games, each realizes trusting the other is as dangerous as buying into their FERAL FASCINATIONS.
Excerpt -
My mouth watered where I sat across the table from the bloodied mixture. The succulent smell of blood isn't what I remembered from a lifetime of fistfights and accidents back on Earth. No. I could have done without the blood smell then. Now, the metallic tang rooted in my nostrils with a sweetness that begged for a chug-a-lug.
My mouth watered again.
Drink it and I cave. To give in means I relinquish the last vestige of choice I have. But the scent calls to me.
Nausea roiled in my gut.
Was that an intuitive sign to abstain? You stupid gut that only makes sense on Earth.
She settled into the bed, shoving the blade back in its boot.
Funny thing about the glass's contents. It had some kind of magical power because my captor blurred into the background behind the shimmery blueness of the liquid. Faded into a smear. And my woody didn't pitch a fit.
Website- http://skhyemoncrief.com
THE GEORGIAN EMBRACE
By Sky Purington
When Devin, a mysterious stranger claiming to be from the future, appears on her Georgian's worksite everything changes for eighteenth century Isabel. Even as smoldering, unavoidable desire ignites between them they must struggle to stay one step ahead of the time-warping house caught in Calum's Curse. Better yet, the rival werewolf determined to finish the legacy it began.
Excerpt-
Devin gently seized her wandering, worried hand and shook his head, voice strained. “I’m fine, lass. Please sit.”
“No. You’re not.” She frowned. “What is it?”
After pouring three glasses of wine, Calum sat behind his desk. “Do as he asks, Isabel.”
She glanced between the two. Both were clearly troubled. Though reluctant, she slowly sat. “What’s happened?”
Calum looked to Devin. When Devin shook his head, he continued. “There have been some unfortunate changes.”
A chill raced up her spine. “Tell me.”
“The wolf…” Calum cleared his throat then said, “Has left its mark.”
Fists clenched, her heart skidded to a stop. Devin. Frightened, she looked his way. His smoky green eyes were unusually pale. Sensuous lips were cut into a thin, grim line and the skin around his eyes drawn. “What does he mean?”
“Did Lucas never tell you how he became the beast he is?” Devin drained his wine, eyes locked with hers. “Did he never mention the bite of the werewolf?”
Website- http://www.skypurington.com
CARNAL THIRST
By Celeste Anwar
When Danior found the woman being drained of life by one of his clan, for some unfathomable reason, he knew he could not allow her to die. Against the ruling of the council, Danior secrets her away, taking her through the change from human into vampire and forever changing life as she knows it. But the move ensures they will be outcasts--hunted to the death by his people.
Excerpt-
Maggie gritted her teeth and jerked the poker out of the wall. “Look, I don’t know who you are, and I don’t know what you had in mind when you brought me here, but I’d like to leave now.”
He shrugged. “Unfortunately, I can’t allow that. You’ve been bitten.”
Her eyes widened. “You son of a bitch! You’re the one that attacked me, aren’t you?”
He smiled faintly. “Not I.”
She wanted to wipe that smug look off his face with the poker, but she didn’t want to get that close to him. If he was the one who had attacked her, he had thrown her around as if she was some shrimpy ninety pound weakling. “Why is it that I don’t believe you?”
Again, he shrugged, as if it was a matter of indifference to him one way or the other.
She studied him for several moments when he didn’t respond. “You can’t keep me a prisoner here.”
He looked at her with interest. “Why not?”
Website- http://www.romancewiki.com/Celeste_Anwar
THE PROTECTORS DAMON
By Teresa Gabelman
The Vampire Council Warriors have been ordered to train social workers how to protect themselves against vampire attacks. VC Warrior Damon DeMaster’s and social worker Nicole Callahan clash at their first meeting. Even as sparks fly and tensions mount, Nicole and Damon depend on each other to protect the children of both races against the new drug hitting the streets, Crimson Rush.
Excerpt -
“I still think you are taking grave risks that you are ill equipped to take, human,” Damon scowled, his voice a low deep rumble of authority.
“Yeah, well, it wasn’t you who put that child in the hands of a monster, vamp,” Nicole shot back. If he thought to scare her with the big bad vampire warrior thing he had going on, he was sadly mistaken. Backing down wasn't an option when it came to her job.
“Ah....okay,” Duncan stepped in not liking where this was heading. “Everybody partner up.”
Mitch glared a warning at Nicole, who just shrugged and mouthed, “He started it.” Taking a quick peek at the warrior, she noticed his smug grin. Oh yeah, this was going to be a problem.
Website www.teresagabelman.com
$25 Amazon Gift Card
Book Blitz: The Cowboy and The Vampire by @cowboyvamp
Let ‘er buck!
The Cowboy and the Vampire Reboot
The phrase “you can’t judge a book by its cover” is a lie. It’s a damn lie. People do it all the time. Art is truth.
To mark the upcoming May 2014 release of the third book in The Cowboy and the Vampire Collection, the series was treated to a gothic western makeover, with artwork commissioned exclusively for the series.
“We wanted to give readers something special and the new covers get right to the heart of the series,” said co-author Hays. “Go on and judge the books by these covers! They bring together the paranormal and the western elements perfectly, setting a dark tone with just a hint of the humor.”
“Each time you look at the images, you see something a bit different, even more of the opposites-attract romantic theme pops, and the overtones of simmering passion,” said co-author McFall.
Get caught up on the love between Tucker and Lizzie now before the release of book three.
A Very Unusual Romance
The Cowboy and the Vampire
Book 1
Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall
“Deliciously dark.” – Booklist
Welcome to LonePine, Wyoming, where the best of the American west faces off against the rise of the undead. It’s a love story for the ages.
Worlds collide when a broke cowboy and a glamorous big city reporter fall lipstick over boot heels in love. But she carries a 2,000-year-old secret in her veins that will test their unusual romance.
Saddle up for a hilarious, existential gallop through the dying west with an army of ancient bloodsuckers in hot pursuit.
Blood and Whiskey
The Cowboy and the Vampire
Book 2
Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall
“Strong writing, funny characters … riveting.” – Kirkus Reviews
Welcome back to LonePine, Wyoming. It’s like any other slowly dying town in the modern American West. Except it’s suddenly lousy with vampires.
Cultures clash as the vampire illuminati ride into town to settle ancient scores, test loyalties and thrash out a new world order. Can the fragile relationship between a cowboy and a vampire survive lust, betrayal and country music?
Grab the reins and hold on tight as Tucker and Lizzie stampede through rural America and across the vampire afterlife, desperate to protect their unlikely love.
A Tangled Publishing History
The first book of this series, A Very Unusual Romance, was published in 1999, long before the vampire craze. With comparisons to Anne Rice and Zane Grey, the book gained a devoted following with initial sales of more than 10,000 print units. Fast forward a decade, and the publisher (Llewellyn) brought out the book as a second edition in 2010, aiming to capitalize on the Twilight mega-hit. Meanwhile, the authors wrote the second book in the series — Blood and Whiskey — bringing it out under their own imprint (Pumpjack Press, 2012). In 2013, they gained the rights back for the original book, and now, with book three poised for publication in May 2014, the restored Cowboy and Vampire series has been redesigned with exclusive art and is coming out for the first time in 15 years as a complete collection. Yippi-ki-yay!
Between the two of them, Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall have worked in writing jobs ranging from cowboy-poet to energy journalist to restaurant reviewer to university press officer. After they met, their writing career took center stage when they wrote the first book in The Cowboy and the Vampire Collection as a test for marriage. They passed. Clark and Kathleen now live in Portland, Oregon.
Connect with the authors:
www.facebook.com/cowboyandvampire
@cowboyvamp (twitter)
@cowboyvampire (instagram)
About the artist
When asked about his biggest artistic influences, Aaron Perkins says there are too many to name, but when pressed mentions Gustav Klimt, Modigliani and the full-on art deco and nouveau movements, abstraction expressionism and surrealism. Aaron is also a big fan of concert poster art. That heady and diverse collection of inspiration shows up in The Cowboy and Vampire Collection covers.
Connect with the artist:
An interview with the artist here
His website: www.aaronperkins.com
March 20, 2014
Character Interview with Lilly Weston from Sinister Stitches
My characters are either naked or dressed to kill. Given they’re all monsters stalking the city of New Gotham’s twisted, cracked, and cobbled streets, the criminal wardrobe is part of the job description. Rockabilly princesses, corpse brides, leather queens…my city is full of them. Where do they get their menacing threads?
There is boutique hiding out between the fractured, narrow store-fronts lining the foggy docks. The shingles are ribbed and black. Washed, peeling paint and displays offering views into wicked leather and lace studded glam. The mannequins are ghoulish beauties stitched together from whatever was left from the last fool to cross one of the sinister witches.
Push open its shabby, frosted front door. Tiny white flakes of paint will pepper the wind like spectral dust and the minute you set heel onto waxy polished oak floors and step into the candelabra fire-light you know…
This is where the magic happens.
Welcome to Sinister Stitches
“…apparel for a wicked fairy tale.” A spicy trinity of black magic sisters breathe star-dusted dreams to life with their gothic apparel boutique. They are schooled in the old ways of “fabric-bending” by the Needlewitches of old. With this knowledge, they’ve created an entire line of clothing that all share the same basic design element: one-size fits all. Each garment will magically tailor itself to its wearer once worn. There may might be some “twirling” required, but a vampire’s steady hand should turn every wardrobe change into a stolen moment.
Care to take a peek at what the Sinister Stitches has to offer?
Check out some of the questionnaire Cynthia Rayne’s Lilly Weston from Hell on Wheels was asked to fill out after she wandered into Sinister Stitches.
THE WITCHES WHO STITCH QUESTIONNAIRE
Please provide the witches with your name: Lilly Weston
Please provide the witches with the following:
Hair Color: Blond
Hair Length: [X] Short and Sassy, [ ] Medium and Modern, [ ] Lush and Long
Eye Color: Deep blue
Skin Tone: [ ] Ghoulish, [ ] Snow White, [ ] Cina-baby, [ ] Mochalicious, [ ] Dark Chocolate,
[X] Other: Sun-kissed
Please provide the witches with your measurements and body-type.
a.) Height: 5’8
b.) Body Type: [ ] Skeletal, [ ] Lean and Tender, [X] Lean and Tough, [ ] Ripe and Edible
Do you have any extra extremities? Place an “X” to all that apply.
[ ] Horns or [ ] Halo
[ ] 20 ft. of Hair or More
[ ] Gills and Fins or [ ] Hooves
[ ] Wings (Span: )
[ ] Tail (How many: )
How many heads do you have?
Er, just the one.
Do you have arms and legs? If so, how many?
A pair each. I got lucky. A lot of military men and women ship stateside missing arms and legs. And other things.
How dead are you? [X] Living, [ ] Undead, [ ] Astral Form
Alive and kickin’ ass. Though, there are times when I feel halfway dead. I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in years.
What are you? (Species/Breed)
A breed apart. I’m a former Marine. Oorah!
What is the occasion? (Ideas include: Wedding, Funeral, Sabbath, etc. Oh, and seduction is a valid occasion. The more details, the better.)
I don’t know if I’d call it an occasion. I need something to wear to my new fake job. As a stripper. My jeans and combat boots won’t cut it on the pole. I’m getting intel on the Raptors, the outlaw motorcycle club who took my sister, Rose. Cowboy, a hot biker from a rival MC, is also looking into the Raptors and I wouldn’t hate making him go non-verbal with the wardrobe.
What’s the occasion setting? (Beach, haunted castle, grand ball, etc.)
The Pussycat Palace. Yes, that’s the really the name. Why didn’t they just call it Vagina Hut and be done with it?
Will you be running for your life at some point in the evening? (Helps with shoe selection.)
I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to haul ass out of there. Cowboy says I have a serious temper and a hair trigger. I’m just honest and don’t put up with douchebags. Unfortunately, the palace is chockfull of douches.
Will you be set on fire? Better yet, will you be setting other people on fire?
This “witch” thing is a marketing gimmick. Right? But to answer your question, my weapon of choice is a gun, not matches.
Will you be grave-robbing? (Dirt is a dressmaker’s tedium.)
Hell no.
Is your neck a dinner plate?
Definitely not. Wow. You all take marketing seriously. I wouldn’t mind if Cowboy gave me a hickey, but I draw the line at bloodletting.
Do you hope to be naked at some point in the evening? (All right, dirty birds. Such questions are actually intended toward the weres and shifters in regards to their transformations.)
Only nearly naked. It’s a strip joint. Show a little skin. Get a little info. But no fully monty.
Describe your last brush with Death in two sentences. (Helps us plan for the unexpected.)
A roadside bomb that I walked away from. Rest of my squad didn’t.
Do you need a secret compartment for weapons, wands, tampons, etc.?
Hell yes. That is a big wardrobe concern. Stripper wear can be on the skimpy side and I got a lot to conceal. My .38 special and a derringer. Not to mention my lock-picking kit. I have to be prepared to shoot down a biker trying to get a bit more than he paid for.
What are your three favorite colors?
Red. Black. Blue.
What two colors rattle your kettle?
Purple. Yellow.
Please pick a style that you feel embodies you the best. If none apply, feel free to surprise us by providing your own brilliant description in the “other” slot.
[ ] Rockabilly Starlet: This is for the spoonfuls of sugar. The good-natured and naughty girl next door types. Candy is the business and fairy tales are ultimate. More often than not, her head is in the clouds and her nose in the book. Our dreamers.
[X] Leather Queen: This is for the warrior princesses. The type of girls who give boys a run for their money and wear tight jeans just watch the little vampires come undone. Hands for fighting and these heels for ass-kickings. Our protectors.
[ ] Medieval Mistress: This is for the no-nonsense girls. The ones who know better because they’re ten steps ahead. They’re schemers—they might be shy, or they might not be. More importantly, they’re selective. Our wisdom.
[ ] Gothic Dame: This for the mysteries. The ones no one can quite make heads or tails out off. She’s a mixture, a melting pot of sugar and sinister. She might be Rockabilly Starlet one day, or a Medieval Mistress other days. Our sisters.
[ ] Other: _____________________
Who is your favorite fairy tale villain?
I don’t have a favorite. I am a heroic kind of girl.
If you could be any fairy tale princess, who would it be?
I have always been fond of Mulan. She is in the military and fights for her people. I can relate.
Now, tell us the twit you hate most.
The asshat who took my sister. I’m not sure who he is. But he just vaulted to the top of my shit list.
Anything else you’d like to add…
After many barrels of chocolate, a dash of magic, and furious sewing…Sinister Stitches’ Leather Queen,Brenda Dweyer presents Lilly’s Completed Dress“Court Marshall”
Posted near the wall in a sheer lace tunic, hooker heel boots and nothing else, Brenda the She-wolf lowers her aviator shades on the bridge of her nose with gleaming black nails:
Damn—I’m good. No really. Who comes up with sh#t like this on a daily? Me, that’s who. Real witches call me, Brenda. Boys just bow down to the mother#cking majesty.
First of all, this outfit is actually a three piece set. Note the bustier is accented with a bald eagle broach from Bits and Pieces. (We’re not really sure what it does---but Elsa the Troll assures us it’ll be a game-changed when you’re in a tight spot.)
The vest is cotton and pleated with manticore leather—in other words, it’s bulletproof and inflammable. The buttons are very special. Very special. Rub one of them and you’ll release “Toad Lure.” It’s just a little bit of magic we picked up from Black Briar’s Alchemy.
It should really help you...dance.
And the shoulder tassels...well, the tassels are just f#ck all cute.For concealment, I have fashioned a forest green camouflage waistcoat with large Queen Victoria brass buttons. There is an “x” holster stitched in back of the waistcoat for your pistols and three clips.
Oh, and before I forget, the stiletto heels are made out of fey adamantyum just in case sh#t needs to get a little dicey. Likewise, we’ve stitched you matching camouflage gauntlets. They offer concealment pouches for various small blades and a small lock picking set.
Speaking of which, the black velvet knee high boots from Hellish Hells are fitted with a general purpose holster in each boot for whatever doesn’t fit in your braces. You know, like a tube of Fire engine red lipstick, another gun...you know—the essentials.
So, why don’t you make your way down to club, do a little dance...
Make a little love.
Get down, girl, and let the devil take the wheel. (It’ll be fun.)
--
IMPORTANT BULLETINS from THE PIXES:
Fancy a tour of New Gotham? Check out New Gotham’s Survival Guide! It might save your life! (Link: http://sophieavett.weebly.com/new-got...)
For more information about Sophie Avett’s New Gotham novels and Sinister Stitches series and recent release, ‘Twas the Darkest Night, please check out her website: http://www.sophieavett.weebly.com.
For more information about Cynthia Rayne and Lilly Weston’s adventure in Hell on Wheels, please check out her website: http://cynthiarayne1.blogspot.com/
Image Credit: photovova
Image Editing Credit: Sophie Avett and Elaina from For the Muse Design!
Twas the Darkest Night A New Gotham Novel
A Sinister Stiches Spin-off
Sophie Avett Genre: Erotic Gothic Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Skeleton Key Publishing
Date of Publication: March 15, 2014
Number of pages: est. 355 pages Word Count: est. 160, 000
Cover Artist: Elaina, For the Muse Designs
Book Description:
Remember the story about the troll who lived under the bridge—yes, well, that twit didn't have to pay rent.
Owner and operator of Bits and Pieces, and resident expert on charms and glamours, Elsa Karr is a witch with a sour frown and a list of things to do as long as Thor’s hammer. Top of the list is saving her father's shop from ruin. If she isn't trying to claw her way out of debt, she's arguing with her cat, Fenris, or shoveling carts of cake into her gob. She's not interested in romance or the vampire who rents the flat above her shop. All she wants is a little peace and chocolate--fine, all right! All right! The vampire is kind of screw all cute. (Curse him.)
The disgraced son and heir of the Wingates House vampire clan and a mad-man to boot, Marshall Ansley spends most of his time working and dodging his mother's phone calls. Marshall is beyond family. He's beyond everyone, actually. Don’t be daft, he especially doesn't do…Christmas. But behold, the plague brings an original flavor of annoyance this year when his boss tasks him with acquiring the account of a recluse fey and her upcoming Gothic clothing boutique, Sinister Stitches. That is the ONLY reason he's bothering with his shrewish landlord. No, that's it. No…really. Fine, if you insist, the witch might be a tad bit...all right, she's adorable. (Damn her.)
Scrooge meets Scrooge. Dominant meets Dominant. Tempers…spark. In each other, they may unfold a tale that only comes to pass on the darkest of nights.
About the Author:
Sophie Avett is kind of a nerd. Like not even one of the cute, hip ones everyone brags about nowadays. More like the socially awkward hippie who eats way too much bread and dreams about being a dragon from behind towers of mythology books. Um...yeah. Picture old, tattered paperbacks and comic books--mostly Batman and Wonder Woman--dwarfing a tiny desk, with just barely enough room for the troll who writes there and the 70 pound hell-hound that insists of laying it's wet nose on top of her bare foot.
Granted not the most exciting existence, but she tries to make up for it by writing romances populated with her own peculiar ilk of paranormal beasties. Trolls, wyverns, the obscure Nordic brownie--she likes to keep things interesting. And bloody. (And mostly naked--but, we'll keep that bit between us.)
Sophie Avett loves to hear from her readers. (Hi, mom.) So if there's something on your mind, feel free to leave a message after the scream.
http://sophieavett.weebly.com/about.html
(Mom, seriously…you can just call me.)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SophieAvett
Post-Its, the Blog: http://sophieavett.weebly.com/post-its-the-blog.html
Brimstone Pub, the Blog: http://thebrimstonepub.com/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7779293.Sophie_Avett
Take a trip to New Gotham!
A paid vacation to New Gotham is an expensive affair. So, the ravens have decided to cover the cost of travel and fashion this delightful "Carriage Charm."
"Naked wizards and scheming vampires? Where do I sign?!" all the witches scream and random sparks of black magic crackle across the ceiling.
We're getting to that, dearies...
An Appointment for Tea with Mrs. Potts the Storymaven (aka Fairy Godmother) will require the use of the earrings the pixies have fashioned out of raven skulls, AKA, "Raven Ear-wings."
The baubles should land the winners in New Gotham's clock-tower square. It could be that they do nothing at all. Or you might end up in oblivion. Good luck with that. The crickets will read about it in the papers, no doubt.
“What do I have to do?” everyone screams and waves their good silver stakes in the air. (Good girls.)
How to Win the Vacation of a Lifetime...
You have to fill out information in the Rafflecopter form at the bottom of the tour stops
Win a Dress from Sinister Stitches!
Sophie Avett's ravens have partnered with the Witches-Who-Stitch to offer a special prize. It’s a dress featured in Sophie’s upcoming release, ‘Twas the Darkest Night. The sinister witches made it special for Elsa but after many carts of cake offered to the trinity in sacrifice, they have agreed to stitch an exact replica for one lucky witch.
“What do I have to do?!” everyone screams and fails theirs arms like deranged daisies. (Just go with it.)
How to Win a Dress...
You have to sign up via the Rafflecopter form that will be posted at the bottom of each and every Sinister Stitches Tour Stop
At the end of Sophie Avett’s Bewitching Book Tours campaign (March 17 to March 31 2014) the ravens will announce a winner and gather that witch's measurements via email.
Well?
What are you waiting for?
Every girl needs a dress for a wicked fairy tale.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
March 17 Guest blog Erotica by Cori Vidae http://www.corividae.com/shiny/
March 17 Spotlight Book Liaison http://www.bookliaison.net
March 17 spotlight Sapphyria's Steamy Book Reviews http://saphssteamybooks.blogspot.com/
March 18 Character Interview Bitten By Love Love Reviews www.bittenbylovereviews.com
March 18 Spotlight Behind Closed Doors http://bcdromance.blogspot.com
March 18 Guest blog The Snarkology www.melissasnark.blogspot.com
March 19 Interview Eclipse Reviews http://totaleclipsereviews.blogspot.com
March 19 guest post Books & Tales: http://booksandtales.blogspot.co.uk/
March 19 Spotlight and review Penny For Them... http://pennyforthemuk.com/search/label/tour
March 20 Spotlight Author Karen Swart http://authorkarenswart.blogspot.com/
March 20 Interview Words Without Limits www.fiercedolan.com
March 21 Guest blog Magic and Mayhem http://MagicMayhemBlog.com
March 21 Interview The Simple Things in Life Https://pwrspot.blogspot.com
March 24 Guest blog (all week feature) Kay Dee Royal http://www.kaydeeroyal.blogspot.com
March 24 Interview Darkest Cravings - Adult Blog http://darkestcravings.blogspot.com
March 25 Guest blog Erotica For All http://eroticaforall.co.uk
March 25 Interview All I Want and More http://alliwantandmorebooks.wordpress.com/
March 26 Guest blog Fangs, Wands & Fairy Dust http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/
March 26 Interview Butterfly-o-Meter Books http://butterfly-o-meter.com/
March 27 Spotlight Shut Up & Read http://shutupandreadgroup.blogspot.com/
March 27 Spotlight and review The Book Review http://www.cluereview.blogspot.com
March 28 Guest blog and review Romantic Reads and Such http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress.com
March 28 Guest blog Aly's Miscellany http://alysmiscellany.blogspot.com/
March 31 Spotlight Share My Destiny http://sharemydestiny.blogspot.com
March 31 review Nicky Peacock Author http://nickypeacockauthor.wordpress.com/
Book Blast & Giveaway: Twas the Darkest Night by Sophie Avett
Twas the Darkest Night
A New Gotham Novel
A Sinister Stiches Spin-off
Sophie Avett
Genre: Erotic Gothic Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Skeleton Key Publishing
Date of Publication: March 1, 2014
Number of pages: est. 355 pages
Word Count: est. 160, 000
Cover Artist: Elaina, For the Muse Designs
Book Description:
Remember the story about the troll who lived under the bridge—yes, well, that twit didn't have to pay rent.
Owner and operator of Bits and Pieces, and resident expert on charms and glamours, Elsa Karr is a witch with a sour frown and a list of things to do as long as Thor’s hammer. Top of the list is saving her father's shop from ruin. If she isn't trying to claw her way out of debt, she's arguing with her cat, Fenris, or shoveling carts of cake into her gob. She's not interested in romance or the vampire who rents the flat above her shop. All she wants is a little peace and chocolate--fine, all right! All right! The vampire is kind of screw all cute. (Curse him.)
The disgraced son and heir of the Wingates House vampire clan and a mad-man to boot, Marshall Ansley spends most of his time working and dodging his mother's phone calls. Marshall is beyond family. He's beyond everyone, actually. Don’t be daft, he especially doesn't do…Christmas. But behold, the plague brings an original flavor of annoyance this year when his boss tasks him with acquiring the account of a recluse fey and her upcoming Gothic clothing boutique, Sinister Stitches. That is the ONLY reason he's bothering with his shrewish landlord. No, that's it. No…really. Fine, if you insist, the witch might be a tad bit...all right, she's adorable. (Damn her.)
Scrooge meets Scrooge. Dominant meets Dominant. Tempers…spark. In each other, they may have unfold a tale that only comes to pass on the darkest of nights.
“Pardon the interruption, Ms. Karr, but are you ready for dinner?”
She forced her hand to her side and tossed a flat frown over her shoulder. “Indeed, vampire.”
Leaning against the door frame, Marshall was the picture of bloody elegance. Black slacks with a matching vest. A deep wine shirt. He’d left the top buttons undone. It was rich simplicity, and he wore it sickeningly well. Damp, disheveled locks drifted over his eyes as he peered at the blue marble on the coffee table with interest. She breathed in deeply, thoroughly appreciating the combination of his sandalwood body wash and amber cologne. His mouth quirked and she swallowed twice before she could speak. “Huldra, I—”
“And then be done with it, Elsa.” Ingrid reminded her firmly, but added in her signature sultry burst of frost. “Otherwise, enjoy. For both of us.”
Marshall lifted his eyebrows slightly and Elsa flushed and snatched up the speaker. “Ignore her.” She tapped the orb and it died into a mundane glass marble. “I’m ready.” She levered herself out of the chair and tossed the ball back in her bag. It clanked and rattled, circling until it dropped deep into the depths of the magical pocket.
He reached out for her hand. “Come here.”
She draped a black fur stole over her forearm and eyed his palm with suspicion. “Why?”
“I mean you no harm,” he promised.
Their gazes locked, time stilling between the two of them. She searched his expression and found nothing but the steely shrewd regard of a predator. Her feet felt heavy, leavened. She did not come to any man’s beck and call. Never. Never again. She offered her hand, but did not budge an inch. If he wanted her cooperation, he would appeal to her on her terms.
Marshall did not hesitate to take the distance between them, coming to stand so close, so quickly she back-stepped, the back of her shins bumping against the chair. Snowy blue eyes were almost black in the shadows. His cool slender finger closed around her wrist and he hauled her against the solid wall of his chest, his embrace sealing around her like a coffin.
“Stubborn little witch.” He yanked and something popped free from her dress. She hardly noticed. She was gone. Yearning for the individuals folds of the thin skin stretched across his bottom lip, wondering whether each individual wrinkle was a crevice of flavor. What would he taste like? Her tongue snaked out to tease the line of her mouth and she found it a poor substitute for his.
Marshall showed her the writing on the small tag he’d apparently pulled from her dress. “Twirl to activate skirt,” his voice rolled over the words in a deep murmur. It vibrated it in his chest and her naked shoulders tensed as she stifled a shudder. He took a step back and guided her around. He studied from hooded eyes. Slowly. So very slowly. He savored. Without reserve or shame.
One time around. Then two. Then a third. Every time their eyes would meet, her skin grew warmer as desire deepened the snowy depths into a profound sapphire blue. Her knees were weak, but as he drew her around faster and faster it didn’t seem to matter. Nothing seemed to matter. He became her only point of focus in a world quickly blurring beyond what she knew. Beyond what she could readily understand.
Magic. It crackled to life, sparking across the textile and thread. Energy tickled her naked thighs and the limp silky material puffed and inflated into a billowing bell of smoky black tulle. “What …” Unfamiliar excitement danced in Elsa’s veins and she reveled in the fabric twirling about her. Wispy and light. Akin to smoke and shadows, the bottom hemmed by a ring of gray fog.
Marshall finally drew her to a stop and she mopped her hair back out of her face, breathless. He didn’t immediately close the distance between them again, and Elsa couldn’t control her legs as they carried her across the floor until the hem of her large skirt covered his slick black dress shoes. Their gazes held. They stood enthralled in the moonlight. Pale light beating down them like a blessing.
“Beautiful,” he whispered and backed away toward the door, drawing her along with him.
Tethered to him by their entwined fingers, Elsa allowed her feet to carry her across the oak, and she couldn’t help but feel like somehow, someway, Marshall had finally caught her.
![clip_image002[5]](http://lh5.ggpht.com/--3_P0qRoxtY/UyiXT1XRcCI/AAAAAAAAG2s/F9PtWd9YqWw/s1600-h/clip_image002%25255B5%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg)
Free e-Book Copy of ‘Twas the Darkest Night
The first five people to comment on one of Sophie Avett’s Bewitching Book Tour Stops will automatically win a free e-book copy of ‘Twas the Darkest Night. Available formats include: mobi, pdf, epub, and prc.
Interested parties should leave their email address and which format they would prefer at the end of their comment. The ravens will keep tally and submit prizes! (If your e-reader format is not listed, contact the ravens directly via the contact form and the ravens will fashion a book especially for you!) Likewise, any winner of Sophie Avett’s contests will also receive a free e-book copy of ‘Twas the Darkest Night.
1 Carriage Charm
1 set of Raven earrings
1 Sinister Stitches Dress
Sophie Avett is kind of a nerd. Like not even one of the cute, hip ones everyone brags about nowadays. More like the socially awkward hippie who eats way too much bread and dreams about being a dragon from behind towers of mythology books. Um...yeah. Picture old, tattered paperbacks and comic books--mostly Batman and Wonder Woman--dwarfing a tiny desk, with just barely enough room for the troll who writes there and the 70 pound hell-hound that insists of laying it's wet nose on top of her bare foot.
Granted not the most exciting existence, but she tries to make up for it by writing romances populated with her own peculiar ilk of paranormal beasties. Trolls, wyverns, the obscure Nordic brownie--she likes to keep things interesting. And bloody. (And mostly naked--but, we'll keep that bit between us.)
Sophie Avett loves to hear from her readers. (Hi, mom.) So if there's something on your mind, feel free to leave a message after the scream.
http://sophieavett.weebly.com/about.html
(Mom, seriously…you can just call me.)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SophieAvett
Post-Its, the Blog: http://sophieavett.weebly.com/post-its-the-blog.html
Brimstone Pub, the Blog: http://thebrimstonepub.com/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7779293.Sophie_Avett
