Karen Swart's Blog, page 91

Character Interview with Persephone from Daughters of Zeus by Kaitlin Bevis

I am so excited to have Persephone here today for an interview! After reading the books I can’t even begin to explain what an awesome girl she is. So sit back and catch some snippets from this amazing little queen, um kind of, um well read the books and you’ll get the picture. Trust me this is one girl you don’t want to miss out on.

Character Name: Persephone

Character Bio:

Persephone begins the series as a shy sixteen year old living in Athens, Georgia. She's not well liked by the girls of her school, but luckily her best friend Melissa does all the fighting for her. When not in school, she works at Demeter's Garden (her mom's flower shop), has a crush on the hot new senior, Joel, and a passion for the "Dusk" series. Her plan in life was to go to UGA, marry the rock star Orpheus, have twin girls named Harmony and Melody, and move into the house with the white picket fence on South Lumpkin street.

All of that falls apart when her mother announces that Persephone is actually a goddess. Persephone is sure her mother has lost her mind. It isn't until Boreas, the god of winter, tries to abduct her that she realizes her mother was telling the truth. The only place Persephone will be safe from Boreas is in the Underworld. But the only way to get there without dying is to become Hades' wife. After Hades assures her their marriage won't mean anything beyond granting her the ability to come and go from the living realm, Persephone agrees to wait out the winter in the Underworld. While there she learns how to control her powers and explores her growing feelings for Hades. But when Boreas takes her best friend hostage, Persephone knows the time to hide has come to an end.

 

What is your worst and best quality?

I'm impulsive, and that's a really dangerous thing to be in my world. I do things and say things without thinking through all the consequences. My best quality...I actually don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing given recent events. I have a very strong sense of justice. Unfortunately, my best and worst traits feed each other and get me into a ton of trouble.

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

I can't lie. Like, physically can't lie. So don't ask me something you don't want the answer to.

What is your biggest secret something no one knows about?

I really wish I could tell you. Actually, I really wish I could tell anyone. But I promised not to, and when a god makes a promise, it can't be broken. No matter who it hurts.

What are you most afraid of?

Becoming like the other gods. They're a lot more...harsh than I am. The decisions they make...the thinks they've done...I don't want to be capable of any of that

What do you want more than anything?

My normal life back. Or at least parts of it. If I could somehow go back to normal, but still keep Hades, I'd do it in a heartbeat. I know that sounds awful. People dream of being different, being special, but I'm so far from normal that I'm off the fricken map so deep into "here there be monsters" territory that I don't think I could find my way back if my life depended on it.

What is your relationship status?

I'm married...sort of. It's a complicated. Hades had to marry me to bring me down to the Underworld, and marriage is a sort of forever thing to the gods, but it doesn't mean the same thing to them that it means to us...erm, people, humans I mean. It's more political. But I wouldn't object to it meaning more.

How would you describe your sense of fashion? Bohemian. Think Aria from pretty little liars only with more long skirts and flowy clothes. I'm also a bit obsessed with floral patterns. It works for me.

How much of a rebel are you?

Hah...um, not one. At all. I do absolutely everything my mom ever tells me. I used to think she trusted me because all I'd have to do is promise I wouldn't break the rules and she'd pretty much let me do whatever I wanted...then I figured out I can't lie.

What do you considered to be your greatest achievement?

Ah...spoilers ;) You'll have to read to find out

What is your current state of mind?

I'm not the best of places right now. I've done something...kind of awful, and I can't undo it. I can't tell Hades, or my mom, or anyone because of this stupid promise I made. It's been stressful.

What is your most treasured possession?

There's this necklace Hades got me when we were on St. Mary's Island. It's an airplant necklace, ever heard of those? They're these little bitty plants that don't need soil to grow. He added this little pomegranate charm to it so it represents each of the realms I came from (my dad is Zeus, so hence the air part of the air plant). It's...well it's actually kind of weird looking, but I love it.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Well...recently I've become very outspoken, which is new for me, and it's gotten me into all kinds of trouble, but it's worth it. Before, I'd think the stuff I say now, but I'd never say it because I'm really not confrontational and I didn't have the confidence to, like, be upfront because I was so scared someone would shoot me down. I let my best friend fight all my battles for me, and while I love her for being willing to do that, I can speak for myself now. And that's really freeing.

What is it that you, most dislike?

I'm really kind of clueless about all this god stuff, which is not a good thing to be. There are so many rules and limits and things about myself that I need to know, knowledge that comes naturally to most gods that was kept from me. I don't like being kept in the dark.

Which living person do you, most despise?

I...can't answer that. Like, physically. I can not answer that question. But there is someone that I despise very, very much

What is your greatest regret?

Gods, *laughs*, if anyone around here was asking the questions you are...do you have any idea how much easier that would make my life? There's this thing that I can't tell Hades, like, physically cannot tell him, and if he would just ask me stuff like this, then the fact that I'm not able to answer him would be such a huge tip off! Augh!

Sorry. Like I said, I'm not in the best place right now. But to answer your question, pretty much that. All of that is my biggest regret.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Honesty. And not just in the being physically unable to lie sense. Just because the gods can't lie doesn't mean they can't mislead. Hell, my mother let me go sixteen years thinking I was human without speaking a word of untruth. I mean something deeper than words. I can trust what Hades tells me on every level, I don't have to analyze it for double-speak, I don't have to search for loopholes, or worry that he's leaving something out. He tells me everything, no matter how hard it is to hear, and I can't even express how much I appreciate that.

Who is your favorite hero in fiction?

Sailor Moon. I was obsessed with that show when I was little. She always felt real to me in a way that most heroes never did. She's not like Superman, this flawless, perfect being that also happens to be super powerful, she has major flaws, and she's terrified most of the time, and she's not afraid to lean on her friends when she needs them. I can completely relate to Sailor Moon.

Which living person do you most admire?

Orpheus. Surely you've heard of him? He's a rock star, and completely hot, but ignoring all that, he's an amazing person. I know, because I've met him. I LOVE being able to say that. I still can't believe that actually happened, but back to the story.

So it turns out, he's a demigod, and demigods can come and go from the Underworld...for some reason, Hades can explain it better than I can. They kind of fall into a grey area. But since they can come and go as they please, Hades made it to where all the entrances to the Underworld lead to Tartarus, which is a really horrible place. Only good people can cross the river and get out of Tartarus.

Anyway, Orpheus was out hiking with his wife one day, really nice woman by the way, and she gets bitten by a snake and dies. And he loved her SO much that he found an entrance to the Underworld, fought his way throught Tartarus, crossed the river, found the throne room, and begged Hades to bring her back. Can you imagine how scary that must have been? How much you would have to care about someone to literally walk through hell for them? Yeah, he's kind of my hero.

Remember to check out today’s book blitz to find out more about Persephone and her world.

Series Blitz, Giveaway and Review: Daughters of Zeus by Kaitlin Bevis

 

Book Info-

Title- Persephone

Series- Daughters of Zeus Book #1

By- Kaitlin Bevis

Genre-YA Paranormal

Blurb-

There are worse things than death, worse people too.

The "talk" was bad enough, but how many teens get told that they're a goddess? When her mom tells her, Persephone is sure her mother has lost her mind. It isn't until Boreas, the god of winter, tries to abduct her that she realizes her mother was telling the truth. Hades rescues her, and in order to safely bring Persephone to the Underworld he marks her as his bride. But Boreas will stop at nothing to get Persephone. Despite her growing feelings for Hades, Persephone wants to return to the living realm. Persephone must find a way to defeat Boreas and reclaim her life.

Links-

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15724908-persephone

Musa-http://musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=326&zenid=b864b1f25dd8379c4372cbee6ca0b106

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Persephone-ebook/dp/B008HYPD58/ref=la_B00875POAG_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1371825394&sr=1-2

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/persephone-kaitlin-bevis/1111973897?ean=2940014686051

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/181487

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Persephone/book-Gcimqk_7y0-LYRkfZGKqWA/page1.html?s=85GJFYf1YUq964dgoSyu0Q&r=2

Ibooks: https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/persephone/id550273478?mt=11

ARE: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-persephone-1041197-143.html

 

 

Book Info-

Title- Daughter of the Earth and Sky

Series- Daughters of Zeus Book # 2

By-Kaitlin Bevis

Genre-YA Paranormal

Blurb-

Some vows can never be broken.

Persephone thought she could go back to her normal life after returning from the Underworld. She was wrong.

The goddess Aphrodite is born among the waves with more charm than she can control. Zeus is stalking Persephone and her loved ones, and Thanatos is no longer content with Persephone's silence.

He wants her soul.

Persephone can't tell anyone about Thanatos' betrayal, and it drives a wedge between her and Hades. Her mother is still keeping secrets, and Melissa's jealousy of Aphrodite threatens to tear their friendship apart.

Alone, Persephone turns to a human boy for comfort. But will their relationship put him in danger?

Sacrifices must be made, and Persephone must choose between her human life and her responsibilities as a goddess. If she doesn't, she could lose them both.

But will either life be worth choosing once Zeus is through with her?

Links-

Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16240988-daughter-of-the-earth-and-sky

Musa: http://musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=503

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Daughter-Earth-Daughters-Zeus-ebook/dp/B00ARA2YK2/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/daughter-of-the-earth-and-sky-kaitlin-bevis/1114018019?ean=2940016124100

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/267337

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Daughter-of-the-Earth-Sky/book-WaPLppy9pUysEAVoCa28Lg/page1.html?s=ZwemYx4mrkSYkDVgZNAJLw&r=1

Ibooks: https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/daughter-of-the-earth-and-sky/id590558106?mt=11

ARE: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-daughteroftheearthandsky-1044959-143.html

Excerpt -

I'd been here before. My bare feet glided over the leaf-strewn path, unharmed by the rocks and twigs crunching beneath me. Massive live oaks draped with Spanish moss created a canopy above me, transforming the forest path into a tunnel of speckled sunlight. The air was heavy with humidity. The moist heat pressed against my skin and stole the breath from my lungs. By the time I reached the path’s end, my Eeyore nightshirt clung to my skin.

"Dungeoness." I came to a halt when I recognized the sprawling ruins of the ancient ivy-covered brick and stone manor.

Athens Academy took my class on a week-long trip to Georgia's coastal islands freshmen year. Cumberland Island was a major highlight because of the sea turtles, wild horses, and these ruins.

"Good job, Persephone,” I muttered, kicking at a branch. “You’ve figured out where you are, but how did you get here?" I knelt to pick up a smooth, white stone, tucking damp tendrils of hair behind my ears so I could see better. The rock looked and felt real. I ran my hand over the smooth stone, turning it over and tracing the shape. The weight of it in my hand reassured me.

I turned, hoping the path held some answers, but it was no longer there. I stood on the grass-covered shoreline looking out to sea. In the distance, a girl stood thigh high in the ocean, clad in a gown of strategically placed sea foam. Although her back was to me, I could tell she was perfect. The curly ringlets of hair cascading down her flawless cream skin matched the intense orange of the sky as the sun sank in the sea.

I glanced down at my sun-kissed skin, self-conscious. She was really pretty. A movement caught my attention and I glanced up as she looked over her shoulder, aquamarine eyes meeting mine. Then she spoke. I was shocked to hear Boreas' cold voice roll off her tongue. "Zeus lives."

I stumbled backward. Boreas, the god of winter. My mind flashed back to that horrible day in the clearing last winter. Boreas’ cold laughter. His fingers digging in my hair as he pulled me across the frozen ground. Melissa’s eyes widening as she choked on her last breath. The rush of power that gave me the strength to put Death himself, and Boreas, under my control.

A soul for a soul. I’d bargained with Thanatos, the god of death, and killed Boreas without a second thought, saving my best friend.

Now images shoved their way through my thoughts: Cumberland Island, two sunsets, lightning cracking in the sky. My mind screamed against the onslaught. I gritted my teeth and forced myself to think the word that would make it all stop.

I bolted up in bed with a gasp. A weight in my hand made me look down. I unclenched my fist, revealing the white stone from Dungeoness.

5 out of 5 Stars

Daughter of The Earth and Sky

Daughters of Zeus #2

Kaitlin Bevis

She thought she had destroyed the god that wanted to harm her and her family, what she didn’t know was that there was more hands to this game.

Persephone, Hade’s wife and Daughter of Demeter have saved her friends from the evil god Boreas. But with his death a far deeper truth was revealed. Returning home to a human world she struggles to fit in. She isn’t normal anymore, she isn’t human anymore. And to add to her problems Thanatos has bound her to a promise without her knowing about his betrayal.

Now not only does she need to find her father and stop him, she is also tormented by Thanatos and his reapers, and can’t say a word about it. Then Zeus sends her a new problem, Aphrodite. Will she be able to save everyone, if she can’t save herself?

The journey continues with Persephone. She has a hard time trying to figure out how she can tell Hades about Thanatos, trying to fit back into her old life and failing badly at everything. When Aphrodite shows up her life takes and even worse tumble. I love how we see her grow from scared human girl, to a young woman trying to fight not only for her life but for many others.

Kaitlin keeps you glued to this series, I just couldn’t put it down. So many twists and turns. In some parts I wished I was in the book so I could just spill it all to Hades and watch him go all dark lord on the bad guys. Kaitlin had pity on me and that part was beautiful. I have to say that this series is starting to grow on me. I can’t wait to read what’s going to happen next. Another whopping 5 Stars from me.

 

 

Book Info-

Title- The Iron Queen

Series- The Daughters of Zeus Book # 3

By- Kaitlin Bevis

Genre- YA Paranormal

Blurb-

Life is hell for Persephone. Zeus will stop at nothing to gain access to the living realm and the Underworld, and as the only living god with a right to both, Persephone’s in trouble. Captured and tortured beyond the limits of her resolve, Persephone must find the power to stand against Zeus. But will she be strong enough?

Meanwhile, Hades contemplates desperate measures to rescue his queen. Persephone never thought of herself as dangerous, but there’s a reason gods never marry for love. A being with the power to destroy all of creation shouldn’t place more value in one individual than the rest of the planet. But Hades...Hades would break the world for her.

To save the world and stop both Hades and Zeus, Persephone must make a difficult choice. One that may cost her everything.

Links-

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17189031-the-iron-queen

Musa: http://musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=587

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Iron-Queen-Daughters-Zeus-ebook/dp/B00CUFSIIY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1371826095&sr=1-1&keywords=9781619376045

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-iron-queen-kaitlin-bevis/1115360048?ean=2940016701929

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/317007

ARE: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theironqueen-1211958-153.html

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

About the Author-

Kaitlin Bevis spent her childhood curled up with a book, and a pen. If the ending didn't agree with her, she rewrote it. She's always wanted to be a writer, and spent high school and college learning everything she could so that one day she could achieve that goal. She graduated college with my BFA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing, and is pursuing her masters at the University of Georgia.

Her young adult series "Daughters of Zeus" is available wherever ebooks are sold. She also writes for truuconfessions.com and Athens Parent Magazine.

Links-

Webpage: www.kaitlinbevis.com

Blog: www.kaitlinbevis.com/blog

Amazon Page: http://www.amazon.com/Kaitlin-Bevis/e/B00875POAG/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Goodreads Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6150699.Kaitlin_Bevis

Authorgraph: http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/KaitlinBevis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kaitlin-Bevis/224768864266454

Tumbler: http://kaitlinbevis.tumblr.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KaitlinBevis

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/kbevis1/

Linked In:http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kaitlin-bevis/35/383/622

Google Plus:https://plus.google.com/109348246034296581186/posts

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Kbevis

ARE: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html

Cover Reveal: Flirting With Chaos by Kenya Wright

Title: Flirting With Chaos Author: Kenya Wright Genre: New Adult Rock Star Erotic Romance Publisher: Omnific Publishing Release Date: November 19, 2013
Add to Goodreads Synopsis: 
Can two mentally unstable best friends have sex and not drown in chaos? 
Rain's been washing blood off her hands for far too long. After five years, she accepts the fact that she"s still a little crazy but feels as if she's finally gotten it all under control. 
Parties, drugs, and sex flood Jude's life, and music and scandal run through his veins. He's the son of a rock god and grandson of a jazz legend. It's no surprise that his own star is on the rise, and with so many groupies vying for his attention, his childhood best friend Rain keeps him anchored in reality. 
She's nothing like him--an art student with no idea of her own beauty, who would rather curl up with a sci-fi novel than party in the spotlight. Everything changes when she asks him for a unique favor: she wants him to take her virginity. He's more than willing to oblige, but things get complicated when his pervy father gets involved. Meanwhile, intense feelings rise to the surface, ones neither Rain nor Jude are prepared to deal with. 
If their relationship has any chance for survival, she must finally confront the demons of her past, and he must face the addictions of the present. When the smoke clears, will they find that sex between best friends was a good idea, or will they discover they had been Flirting With Chaos the entire time? 
  Short Teaser   An intricate pattern of colorful tattoos decorated both of his arms. It was a mural of his life—stars that intertwined with musical notes; guitars interlocked into microphones; nude, big breasted angels riding hulky demons. Those arms and that face had adorned the covers of magazines for years. Now he represented a legend of rock history. To obtain his interview would mean lots of money and skilled maneuvering through his agent, publicist, bodyguards, entourage, and any of the other people that walled him away from society.  
Kenya Wright always knew she would be famous since the ripe old age of six when she sang the Michael Jackson thriller song in her bathroom mirror. She has tried her hand at many things from enlisting in the Navy for six years as a Persian-Farsi linguist to being a nude model at an art university.   However, writing has been the only constant love in her life. Will she succeed? Of course. For she has been coined The Urban Fantasy Queen, the Super Iconic Writer of this Age, The Lyrical Genius of Our Generation. Granted, these are all terms coined by her, within the private walls of her bathroom as she still sings the Michael Jackson thriller song.   Kenya Wright currently resides in Miami with her three amazing, overactive children, a supportive, gorgeous husband, and three cool black cats that refuse to stop sleeping on Kenya’s head at night. Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ YouTube ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon

Chasing Flames Blog Tour– MHZ Book Reviews and Giveaways reviews Chasing Flames

 

Today our blog stop is over at MHZ Book Reviews & Giveaways. Head on over and check out their review for Chasing Flames.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Chasing Flames Blog Tour– Jammed Packed Stop Over At Eclipse Reviews

 

Today our stop is over at Eclipse Reviews. They have a jammed packed stop for us today, so head on over and check it out!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz and Giveaway: Chasing Flames by Emily Fogle

 

 

Book Info-

Title: Chasing Flames

Author : Emily Fogle

Genre: YA Paranormal

Audience: 13 and up

Formats: Paperback and E-book

Publisher: Anchor Group

Cover By: Robert Immings

Editor: Melissa Ringsted

Pages: 169 pages

Published Date:      Oct 31, 2013

 

Blurb-

Aydah Bell was happy in her normalcy; she was never the class clown or the sports hero, never the beauty queen or little Ms. Honor Student. One day, after a pointless family mini-vacation, Aydah returns to school and finds that her sheltered little world has turned upside-down. Besides the fact that she is beginning to crave raw meat, people are also disappearing.

 

Suddenly, an alarming disappearance in the quiet and serene city she calls home puts the whole town into high-alert. One of Aydah’s schoolmates vanishes during the weekend and is conveniently replaced by a newcomer. To Aydah’s surprise, the new boy is the completely beautiful and oh-so mysterious Liam Bailey.

Aydah finds herself drawn to Liam. He consumes her thoughts and she aches to be with him. In the mix of passion, jealousy, and hatred that follows, Aydah is too distracted to see the horrible fate headed straight for her.

 

Excerpts-

There was so much pain. My skin was on fire and sweat dripped from every pore of my body. There was nothing I could do to make it go away, nothing in the world that could stop it. My flesh was being ripped from my bones, and my insides were being torn out. I was dying … what else could it be? Nothing besides death would feel so terrible. My head pounded and my brain ached. Hot pokers seared into my eyes, and my ears throbbed with sharp, shooting pains.

 

***

 

For just a moment more, his fingers continued to touch my forehead. He was perfectly still. His eyes were riveted to my face, like he was memorizing every line, every curve, with his fingertips and copying the image of my features into the palm of his hand. When he lowered his hand slowly, the tips of his fingers traced the bridge of my nose and followed down my jaw line. Frozen feathers, velvety and invigorating, awakening my body with their soft tickling chill. He cupped my chin in his hand and I could feel how powerful he was. He could bring down a mountain, reducing it to dust, but he was also gentle. There was safety in his stone caress and tenderness. The tips of his fingers rested beneath my chin and lifted my head slightly. As he brought his face to mine, my heart caught in my chest and my breath stopped completely. My head was a tornado of want and need. The temperature of my skin began to boil, but Liam’s skin sent a shiver down my spine. I was burning with fever, but shivering against the cold.

 

Book Links-

Goodreads / Smashwords / Barnes and Noble / Amazon

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

   

 

About the Author –

Emily Fogle was born and raised in Southern California. Her dream and ultimate goal was to get her Master’s degree in English and become a teacher with enough time to write, as well. However, she soon found out that the best dreams often come true when they aren’t planned. Instead of fulfilling her teaching goal, real life took over and she married the man of her dreams. She now has an amazing 7 year old son and another beautiful baby boy on the way.

She dedicates the majority of her time taking care of her family, volunteering at her son’s school, and being a Cub Scout Den leader. And though she loves every minute of it, the thought of being a writer still tugs at her heart. So, after the busy days are done and everyone is finally sleeping quietly, she squeezes in time for all the other loves in her life: the characters running wild inside her head.

     Now, incredibly, her writing dream is also coming true. Her first novel, Dragon Wars, is being published by Anchor Group. Emily feels sincerely blessed to have been given so much in life and can’t wait to start the next chapter.

Media Links –

Facebook / Goodreads / Twitter/ Website

Character Interview: Aydah Bell from Chasing Flames by Emily Fogle

Today on the blog we have Aydah Bell from Chasing Flames by Emily Fogle for an interview. Sit back and find out more about this girl and her world.

Character Name: Aydah Bell

Character Bio:

Meet Aydah Bell: Like her name, Aydah is a little odd. Her entire life has been spent living inside her safe little bubble, in her well hidden town, smack dab in the middle of southern California. She and her best friend, Adam have been social outcasts since kindergarten. Besides from being the quiet, loner girl, Aydah has always stood out for another reason too: her bizarre, science experimental worthy, white hair. She was actually okay with being the weirdo, if it meant flying under the radar of her judgmental peers with Adam by her side. However, Aydah’s life is about to be turned upside down with the sudden onslaught of disappearing locals and the arrival of a mysterious new boy.

 

                                      

 

Describe yourself what is your worst and best quality?

They might be one in the same … my hair!! When I was younger, I was the freak with the white the hair. But now that I’m a little older, it’s grown on me. I’m okay being the outcast with the freaky hair.

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

I don’t really care about what other people think of me. I’ve got Adam and that’s really all that matters. He is my best friend and understands my weirdness.

What is your biggest secret something no one knows about?

Well, and I can’t believe I’m actually admitting this, but a while back I noticed that raw meat actually seemed tempting! I know, totally gross and oh-so gag inducing!! But seriously, I can’t help it. It really does smell good.

What are you most afraid of?

The dark. When I was younger, it was really bad.

What do you want more than anything?

Between us … Liam. I don’t know why he finds me interesting, but I really don’t care!

What is your relationship status?

It’s complicated.

How would you describe your sense of fashion?

I wouldn’t!! I’m a jeans and flip-flop kind of girl! Other than that, I’m lost in the world of fashion.

How much of a rebel are you?

I’ve always done what I’m supposed: been a good daughter and a good student. Since Liam came to town, however, my sense of just following the rules and doing what I’m told is being tested.

What do you considered to be your greatest achievement?

Does being a good daughter and student count? I won a contest in English once. It was a pretty big deal. They used my paper to grade other papers against for district testing. I guess I was kinda excited about that.

What is your idea of happiness?

Staying inside my little bubble. Although, I’m willing to expand my bubble to include Liam … even if no one else wants me to.

What is your current state of mind?

Confused. Let’s just go with that … it sounds better than thinking I’m an idiot.

What is your most treasured possession?

My stuffed wolf that Adam gave me when we were kids.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Did I mention my bizarre, white hair??

What is it that you, most dislike?

Talking to people and government class. Definitely government class!

What is your greatest regret?

My selfishness and what I did to Adam …

What is the quality you most like in a man?

I had never thought of boys in that way before. Not until I met Liam and smelled the sweetness of his skin and heard the music in his voice. I like that he’s a mystery, and, even though it’s infuriating sometimes, I would be lying if I said I didn’t like the cockiness behind his self-confidence.

Who is your favorite hero in fiction?

I love Roland. All the DT fans will know who I am talking about!

Which living person do you most admire?

My dad. He’s strong and loving.

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

If you had asked me two years ago – maybe even one year ago – I would have said a lot of things. But now, I’ve learned to embrace my dorkiness, for the most part. I guess I would be a little less awkward around Liam, though … maybe not be so spazy.

What is your motto?

Fly under the radar.

Remember to check out today’s spotlight to find out more about Aydah and her world.

New Release!! Poisoned Web, The Deizian Empire Book Two by Crista McHugh

 

Poisoned Web

The Deizian Empire

Book Two
Crista McHugh

Genre: Fantasy Romance /

SF Romance / Paranormal Romance

ISBN: 978-1-940559-99-5

ASIN:

Number of pages: 278

Word Count: 78K

Cover Artist: Jaycee Delorenzo

at Sweet ‘N Spicy Designs

Book Description:

The fate of the empire hangs on one slave breaking her silence…

As the Deizian Empire prepares for the upcoming wedding of Emperor Titus Sergius Flavus and Azruha, one mystery remains unsolved—the sudden and unexplained death of the former emperor. And as her wedding gift to Titus, Azurha wants to give him answers. She suspects an unknown poison was involved, and her search for the truth enlists two unlikely allies.

Modius Varro’s thirst for knowledge caused an uproar in Emona three years ago and exiled him to the border town of Madrena. But when Titus falls victim to the same poison, his expertise in medicine becomes essential in solving both the riddle of the former emperor’s death and finding a cure to save the current one. His search leads him to far reaches of the Alpirion realm, to an ancient culture shrouded in secrets, and into the arms of one slave who must break her silence to save the empire.

Excerpt:

A roar ripped through the city of Emona, slapping against the walls of the Imperial Palace and making them quake under the force of the noise. The members of the Legion stiffened, their fingers tightening around the hilts of their swords. And all but two of the slaves ran deeper into the inner confines of the palace.

Izana and Farros stood in the middle of the courtyard, refusing to shrink in fear like the other Alpirions.

She glanced at her fellow slave, meeting his gaze in a silent challenge before bolting toward the outer wall. Neck and neck, they raced, the sun beating down on their skin and the thin shimmer of sweat that coated it. Izana ducked under Farros’s well-muscled arms when they reached the narrow staircase to the upper ramparts, using her smaller size to her advantage. She wanted to be the first person to see the newly engaged imperial couple enter the palace. She needed to see her mistress wearing the crown proclaiming her to be the future empress. And she prayed that this would be the first step in gaining freedom for her people.

Her lungs burned in protest as she ran into the wall, but her heart leaped with joy. Even though the carriage carrying Emperor Sergius and his bride-to-be was over a mile down the road, the crowd still cheered outside the palace walls. The people loved Lady Azurha, loved that she had been one of them, that she had walked along these very streets before she found her way into the palace and won the heart of the emperor. By now, the whole city knew how she’d saved his life from Pontus, one of the emperor’s cousins who coveted the throne for himself.

But very few knew the whole truth—that Azurha was the Rabbit, the most feared assassin in the empire. Varro had made those directly attending to the imperial couple swear to this a secret, but how quickly had the gossip spread before he made them take that oath?

Farros leaned against the wall beside her, his massive chest still heaving from their race. Did he know the truth?

“I think my lady’s fears were for naught,” she said, sweeping her hand toward the crowded streets below. “Look at how they cheer for an Alpirion empress.”

His dark eyes glinted with cynicism. “They cheer now, but how long do you think it will last? How many Deizians will bend their knee to a former slave?”

“More than you think.” But his words jabbed a sliver of fear into her chest. She chewed her bottom lip as she started counting the enemies Lady Azurha had made in the last three weeks. For starters, there was Governor Hostilius and his spoiled daughter, Claudia. Not to mention some other Deizians who believed the emperor was soiling the royal line by marrying a woman outside their race.

As though he knew what she’d been thinking, Farros gave a slow nod. “The Deizians may be few, but they hold all the power.” The muscle rippled along his jaw before he added, “For now.”

Nervous laughter bubbled up from her throat. “Are you suggesting someone is plotting to overthrow the emperor and his people?”

“Our people managed to withstand Deizian conquest for centuries.”

The dark intensity of his statement quickened her pulse. She took a step back, studying the man beside her. Farros was built more for the gladiatorial ring than the imperial household, where he worked in the stables. The sleeves of his tunic rose high enough to partially expose a tattoo on the inside of his bicep. He stared at the procession below, the sun reflecting off his freshly shaven head and coppery skin, the corded muscles in his forearms flexing as he pumped his hands into fists. If he wanted, he could snap her neck in a matter of seconds.

He looked back to her, his face sliding into the flirtatious smile he normally wore around her. Only now, she knew it was a mask. She’d glimpsed the man behind it.

“Why do you look so worried, Izana?”

“Because you talk like a man destined for trouble.”

Farros took her hand and pulled her back to the wall, caging her between his body and the stone bricks. The pounding of her heart drowned out the celebration below, but she still heard his low voice whispering in her ear, “As slaves, we’ve been told that as long as we obey our masters, we have nothing to fear. But that may not always be the case.”

Her breath caught, giving her a few precious seconds to choose her words carefully. “You are not my master.”

“Come now, Izana,” he continued, his hot breath bathing the hollow of her neck where the mark of her former owner was still visible. “How many men have mastered you over the years?”

Fury sizzled through her veins, driving away her fear. She rammed her elbow under his ribs. The air whooshed out of his lungs, and his arms retracted to cradle his injury, allowing her to escape. She retreated until she was well out of arm’s reach before replying, “I’m no longer engaged in that business, and unless you wish for me to tell my mistress everything, you’ll keep your hands to yourself.”

Her feet flew down the stairs in tempo with her pulse, never stopping until she was safely within the palace. Thankfully, Farros didn’t give chase. He was probably still doubled over on the ramparts.

Varro, the palace steward, stood beside the locked doors leading to the emperor’s private quarters. He pressed his hand against the plate as she approached, his brown eyes never missing a thing. “Is something wrong, Izana?”

She shook her head. “The sun was very warm today. I’m sure Lady Azurha will be ready for a dip in the tepidarium when she returns.”

Varro nodded, even though his expression told her he didn’t quite believe her. It didn’t matter. Once she was behind those doors, she was safe. But despite the cool tile beneath her bare feet, her cheeks still burned, and her gut twisted as though it held a den of snakes.

From now on, she needed to be wary of Farros.

About the Author:

Growing up in small town Alabama, Crista relied on story-telling as a natural way for her to pass the time and keep her two younger sisters entertained.

She currently lives in the Audi-filled suburbs of Seattle with her husband and two children, maintaining her alter ego of mild-mannered physician by day while she continues to pursue writing on nights and weekends.

Just for laughs, here are some of the jobs she’s had in the past to pay the bills: barista, bartender, sommelier, stagehand, actress, morgue attendant, and autopsy assistant.

And she’s also a recovering LARPer. (She blames it on her crazy college days)

For the latest updates, deleted scenes, and answers to any burning questions you have, please check out her webpage www.CristaMcHugh.com

Find Crista online at:

Twitter: twitter.com/crista_mchugh

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CristaMcHugh

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3035791.Crista_McHugh

Book Blitz and Giveaway: Rendezvous With Hymera by Melinda de Ross

 

Title – Rendezvous With Hymera

Series – N/A

Author – Melinda de Ross

Genre – Paranormal Romance

Publication Date – September 13, 2013

Publisher – Planettopia Publishing - http://planettopiapublishing.wordpress.com/

Cover Artist – Ionut Augustin Coliolu

Book Blurb/Synopsis

"An impulsive decision changes her life forever. When Clara DeVine decides to take a vacation she has no idea what twists of fate she has triggered. First she has a reunion with Colin Lambert, the boy she was in love with during high school. She discovers that the tall, dark and unbelievably sexy man he had become was also reciprocating her feelings and so begins an intense, smoldering love story.
In parallel with this intervenes the ghostly appearance of a mysterious woman, followed by a series of scary episodes. Strange things happen in the strange place where Clara has landed and she and her lover are constrained to find out what happened to the mystery woman. Her fate, which had been sealed by some very dangerous yoga practices, seems to be connected with the much controversial Philadelphia Experiment, a fact that is discussed only in whispers, behind closed doors."

BUY LINKS:

Amazon Kindle Link – http://www.amazon.com/Rendezvous-with-Hymera-ebook/dp/B00F739ER0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381099516&sr=8-1&keywords=rendezvous+with+hymera

Goodreads Link – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7163748.Melinda_De_Ross

AUTHOR BIO:

Anca-Melinda Coliolu was born on the 4th of July 1986 in Alexandria, Romania. She graduated a Mathematics high school, has a Law degree and has been a professional target shooter for ten years, being a multiple National Champion and holds a National Record at this sport.

She has been working as a journalist since high school until present, writing for several newspapers.

She is married to Ionut-Augustin Coliolu and currently lives in Romania.

SHARE YOUR STALKER LINKS HERE:

Amazon Author Page – http://www.amazon.com/Melinda-De-Ross/e/B00E6V9O1K/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Website/Blog – http://melindadeross.wordpress.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Melinda-De-Ross/513999791983330

Twitter – https://twitter.com/Melinda_DeRoss

Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7163748.Melinda_De_Ross

GIVEAWAY

$10 Amazon Gift Card

3 Kindle copies of Rendezvous with Hymera

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Chasing Flames Blog Tour–Today we kick off the tour over at…

Today we kick off the tour over  at:

Black Words-White Pages Teen/Young Adult

http://blackwords-whitepagesteenya.blogspot.com/

Book- Marks The Spot

http://caughtinasnyderwebb.blogspot.com/

Kelly P's Blog

http://kellyatx.blogspot.com/

Head on over and check out these great stops.

 

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