Karen Swart's Blog, page 96

Book Blitz and Giveaway: Surrender, Lantern & Poison by Rhiannon Paille

 

Book Info-

Title: Surrender

Series: The Ferryman + The Flame #1

By: Rhiannon Paille

Published: October 2nd, 2012 by Createspace

Blurb-

How far would you go to save everything you ever loved?

Kaliel was warned about her love for the Ferryman. One day he will marry the land and leave Avristar forever. She doesn't listen, and because of what she is-- a Flame-- one of nine apocalyptic weapons, she sparks a war. In a desperate attempt to save her home and her love, Kaliel tries to awaken Avred, not knowing she may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17619613-surrender

Amazon Paperback- http://www.amazon.com/Surrender-The-Ferryman-Flame-Volume/dp/1480029858/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1372966842&sr=8-2&keywords=rhiannon+paille

Amazon Kindle- http://www.amazon.com/SURRENDER-The-Ferryman-Flame-ebook/dp/B00A55EZS8/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1372966842&sr=8-2

Barnes & Noble- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/surrender-rhiannon-paille/1115766263?ean=2940044579309

Kobo- http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/Books/surrender-the-ferryman-the-flame-1

Smashwords- http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/311741

 

Excerpt -

She didn’t wake up as the dream faded away, however, she felt her eyes open, the scene around her completely changed.
His eyes were different; one shone gold, the other a rich brown. She traced the patterns in the irises, noting their intricate architecture. There was something about him she recognized, but all she could concentrate on were those eyes. A gold band wrapped around his forehead, a headdress attached to it, golden snakes hanging off it. It resembled a chandelier, aside from its obvious use as a crown. He had olive skin and a narrow nose. His mouth was drawn up in a bright smile. His warm hand was on her shoulder. She tried to tear her gaze away from him. Something begged her to look at the sun, but her eyes were locked to his. Nausea kicked in and her heart raced.
Something is wrong! she thought.
Kaliel tried to move, but his grip and his focus on her sharpened. His eyes pleaded with her, imploring her not to look up. She closed her eyes; there was no way she could let it go. She felt the chalice in the other hand. There was water in it. She had drawn this scene over and over in her journal. She fought to lift her head to look at the sky.
“We have fulfilled our purpose.” His voice was even and calm. She feared that he caused the reasons for her distress.
“What purpose?” she asked.
“The war is over,” he said.
Why would that scare her? She fought to gain control of her emotions, but her knees buckled and heat rose up around her feet. It burned, sending pain shooting into her torso. She cried out and tried to pry her eyes open.
“Relax, my love. It will be over soon,” he said.
“Krishani?”
“Nay, they call me the Ferryman.”
“What?”
She tried to fight, but the fire was intense. It wrapped around her body, threatening to crush her insides with its intense heat. There was something else, though, a barrier between herself and the heat, a shield. She felt the violet aura surrounding her. It spiked off the edges of her body in its own wisps of flames, protecting her from the final axe of destruction.
“And you are the Flame.” There was no compassion in his voice.
The flames engulfed her face in their fury and she forced herself to look up. Smoke covered the sky. Flame-laced pieces of molten rock rained down on them. She gasped and tried to fight it, but with his hand on her shoulder, and his eyes on her, they seemed lost in their own world. She looked at him, his body engulfed in flames, only his mismatched eyes staring into hers through the waves of heat. “It’s over.” His smile faded as fire licked away his flesh.
“Kaliel!” A new voice. “Kaliel!”
Her eyes opened. She was drenched in sweat, her body trembling uncontrollably.
“What did you see?” Mallorn demanded.
She put a hand to her head, trying to shake away the horrendous images that stung. Her mouth moved, trying to form words, but her tongue was dry and her throat was scratchy. She longed for water. The waters. She needed to go to the lake. She pushed the covers aside and shook her head. She refused to explain what she saw, anything to keep him from knowing her dark secrets.
“I can’t stay here,” she said as her feet found the ground.
Mallorn had his hand on her arm, but she wrenched it away and ran out of the cabin into the night.

Book Info-

Title: Lantern & Poison

Series: The Ferryman + The Flame #1.5

By: Rhiannon Paille

Published: December 11th, 2012

Blurb-

This is SURRENDER from the villain's POV.

Hadwen is no more. The Daed have no choice but to travel to Avrigost to awaken Crestaos. They're thrown into a whirlwind quest for the Flames, not knowing how ruthless and sadistic Crestaos can be.

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16173759-lantern-poison

Amazon- http://www.amazon.com/LANTERN-POISON-Ferryman-Flame-ebook/dp/B00AGMVHB8/ref=sr_1_6?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1372966924&sr=1-6

Barnes & Noble- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lantern-poison-rhiannon-paille/1115446340?ean=2940044549258

Kobo- http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/Books/lantern-poison-the-ferryman-the-flame-1-5

Smashwords- https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/315332

Rhiannon is an up and coming Indie Author that writes Young Adult Fantasy books and some non fiction. She has a PhD in Metaphysical Science and Parapsychology. When she’s not writing books she’s reading minds, singing karaoke, burning dinner and sipping iced cappuccino despite her allergy to coffee. Some day she’d like to own a unicorn—as long as it doesn’t eat her. She's sold over 25,000 copies of her books worldwide.

Links-

Amazon Author Page- http://www.amazon.com/Rhiannon-Paille/e/B004NPY784

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/RhiannonPaille?fref=ts

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4653530.Rhiannon_Paille

Smashwords- https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...

Twitter- https://twitter.com/RhiannonPaille

Website- http://www.yafantasyauthor.com

Author is giving away a signed paperback set of “Surrender”, “Justice” and “Vulture”, along with a Print Package. Open to US only. (This is 2 separate prizes)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Interview with Jen Minkman author of The Waves.

Today on the blog we have author Jen Minkman for an interview. Her new release The Waves was just released. Let’s find out more about her and her novel.

 

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

I dreamed of becoming an astronomer when I was little. When it turned out I needed to be a maths whizzkid for that, I had to let go of that dream, but I always thought I could write cool stories about space travel and stars later in life :) So far, I haven’t written a real sci-fi book yet, but I’m working on one.

When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?

When I found a publisher in the Netherlands willing to take on my manuscript (in Holland, I am trade-published).

How long did it take to get your first book published?

Oh, quite long! I queried for a full year before my current publisher e-mailed me and asked me to call him. (In Holland, we don’t work with agents; writers query the publishing houses directly)

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

I teach English and Dutch at a secondary school in The Hague and I love it! I like languages and I always try to make the kids enthusiastic about them too.

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

would you say?

My latest book in English is called The Waves, and the summary would be something like:

‘When Walt discovers his world isn’t quite what he always believed it to be, how much is he willing to let go? And does he need to?’

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

In Holland, I’m represented by Ellessy Publishing House. Across the border, I self-publish my books (which I translate to English myself).

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?

In the case of The Waves, it took me about one month, but that book is a 37,000-word novella. In the case of Shadow of Time, my debut novel in English, it took me almost a year to write it because it required so much research.

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

I usually write paranormal/romantic stuff, so more of that is definitely coming up in the near future. My next book (‘The Boy From The Woods’) is slated for release in English in December 2013 (and in Dutch in January 2014), and I have yet another paranormal romance that needs to be converted into an English book and will be called ‘The Space In Between’.

What genre would you place your books into?

They all fall into the YA/NA category, whether they be dystopian (like The Island series, of which The Waves is part 2), paranormal, sci-fi or contemporary.

What made you decide to write that genre of book?

Reading Stephenie Meyer triggered me to write a paranormal romance with a Native American theme. (because I like Jacob very much!). After that, the paranormal stories just kept bubbling up and I kept writing. I love YA, because it’s somehow more innocent and less gritty than adult fiction.

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

I like all my characters, but I think two of my favourite ones are Josh (the brooding hero in Shadow of Time) and Saul (the bad guy in The Island and The Waves). I loved writing them.

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

I wrote my first story on my dad’s typewriter when I was ten, and I haven’t stopped since. I guess reading inspired me to write: I was a real bookworm when I was a kid, so I was always engrossed in some exciting fantasy story (my favourite genre as a child).

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

I can basically write anywhere as long as I have my laptop with me: in my study, in the living room, in coffee bars, on trains… Once I start writing, it’s kind of hard to stop me, really! I don’t have a routine, but I do have to feel relaxed and undistracted. That’s when I can switch on my ‘hyperfocus’ (courtesy of a light form of ADD) and have a go at it for hours on end.

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

Yes, I do. It’s always nice to see what people thought of one of your books, even if they hated it. I might learn something from bad reviews, but they don’t stop me from writing stuff I like to write.

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

Both! In the case of The Boy From The Woods, the title came first, but in the case of Shadow of Time, I had to think for a long time before coming up with that title. The Island wasn’t very hard to come up with, and The Waves was an easy choice too.

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

Mostly, I just go with the first name that comes to mind. I think you subconsciously pick a name that suits the character you’re about to create. In the case of some character names in the Island, as well as place names in Shadow of Time - they are inside jokes for my sister, who reads all my stuff. :)

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

go along?

As I go along. The characters manifests themselves as I write them. I hardly ever decide on someone being like such-and-such before I start writing a book, unless a certain character trait has a pivotal part in the plot.

Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables

type of "The moral of this story is..")

No, I’m not that preachy. But people somehow always take away something from my stories, even if I’m not consciously aware of putting messages in there.

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

I’m not a big fan of hardbacks. I love buying ebooks, but I always want the paperback version if I like a book enough to read more than once. I call them the ‘keepers’ and my bookshelves are full of them :)

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

I love way too many books to have one favourite, but there are a couple of books I keep re-reading: The Tricksters by Margaret Mahy, The Power of Five book series by Anthony Horowitz (the old edition), The Mother Earth Trilogy by Thea Beckman (a Dutch author) and The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury.

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

Some books transfer very well to movie. I liked what they did with Beautiful Creatures, but I hated what they did to one of my favourite Dutch childhood books called ‘Letter to the King’. That movie was LAME. :(

Your favorite food is?

Sushi!

Your favorite singer/group is?

David Bowie, The Beatles and Tori Amos. Queen and Sigur Ros are also pretty awesome.

Your favorite color is?

olive green or peacock blue.

Remember to check out today’s spotlight to find out where you an find Jen and The Waves.

Book Blitz and Giveaway: The Waves by Jen Minkman

 

Book Info-

Title- The Waves

Series -The Island # 2

By- Jen Minkman

Publication Date- October 4th, 2013

Blurb-

The first memory I have of my grandfather is of a moment that we share together.

I’m sitting on his knee looking out over the harbor. Grandpa is smoking a pipe. He points at the horizon. “Look, Walt. Our ships are out there. And one day, another even more beautiful ship will appear at the horizon. A mighty ship to take us all away. And Annabelle will be at the front deck with open arms, inviting us all to join her on board.”

“Why don’t we sail to her ourselves?” I inquire wide-eyed.

“Because she promised she would come,” granddad replies. “And in that promise we trust. It’s only the Unbelievers who think they can do everything themselves. They have no faith in the Goddess.”

Walt lives in Hope Harbor, an island community that has put its trust in salvation from across the sea. The townspeople wait patiently, build their ships to sail out and welcome the Goddess, and piously visit the temple every week. Horror stories to scare their children are told about the Unbelievers on the other side of Tresco.

But not all is what it seems. Walt has questions that no one can answer, and when his best friend and cousin Yorrick is killed in an accident, he digs deeper to find out the truth about the origins of Hope Harbor’s society… and the secrets of the temple.

Return to the world of The Island and discover what Walt's life was like before and after he met Leia!

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18136040-the-waves

Jen Minkman (1978) was born in Holland, in the town of Alphen aan den Rijn. When she was 19, she moved between The Hague, Salzburg (Austria), Brussels (Belgium) and Cambridge (UK) to complete her studies in intercultural communication. She is currently a teacher of English, career counsellor and teenage coach at a secondary school in Voorburg, Holland. She tries to read at least 100 books a year (and write a few, too!). She is a published author in her own country, and translates her own books from Dutch into English for self-publication.

In her spare time, she plays the piano, the guitar and the violin. For every novel she writes, she creates a soundtrack.

'I have always been drawn to writing. My first book was a sci-fi novel at the age of eight, which I painstakingly typed out on my dad's typewriter and illustrated myself. Nowadays, I stick to poetry, paranormal romance, chick lit and/or fantasy. In my home country, I am the first-ever published writer of paranormal romance, and I will gradually make my books also available in English (seeing I have to re-write and translate the books myself, this will take some time!).

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5808037.Jen_Minkman

Website-http://www.nwelsaturay.com/jenminkman/index.html

Twitter- https://twitter.com/JenMinkman

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/JenMinkmanYAParanormal?fref=ts

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Series Blast, Review and Giveaway: Nephilim Warriors by KA Young

 

 

Book Info-

Title- Prophecy Of The Female Warrior

Series- Nephilim Warriors Book # 1

By- K.A. Young

Genre- Mature Audiences 18+-Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy

Blurb-

Anna Wilkins is a prototypical housewife. She buys groceries, picks up the dry cleaning and hosts dinner parties.

Everything was picture perfect from the outside looking in until the life she was born to live collided with the life she was living. Her husband is murdered by a creature from another realm, a creature that is only visible to her. Through her pain, his death awakens a part of her she didn't know existed. She is then thrust into a life of Vampires, Werewolves and Sexy Nephilim Warriors.

Drawn to her by a bond as old as their race, a Nephilim Warrior finds Anna at her darkest hour and seeks to arouse what lies dormant within her. The scorching sexual attraction she and the Warrior feel for one another may be beyond anything either of them can control...

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17610357-prophecy-of-the-female-warrior

Amazon- http://www.amazon.com/Prophecy-Female-Warrior-Nephilim-ebook/dp/B0092ICWB6/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1

Barnes & Noble- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/prophecy-of-the-female-warrior-ka-young/1112676473?ean=2940044490505

 

Book Info-

Title-Destiny Of The Female Warrior

Series- Nephilim Warriors Book # 2

By- K.A. Young

Genre- Mature Audiences 18+-Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy

Blurb-

Nothing has ever come easily for the last female warrior of the Nephilim. Now that Anna has found her place in the world, she has much to learn about her new role as Queen. As the mating bond becomes clear, emotions run high as one of the sexy warriors must step aside while the other takes Anna as his Queen and assumes the throne.

It is a wild ride, as Anna must return to Georgia to deal with a vampire that is waging war on residents of her hometown. Luckily, she has her best friend/paired sorceress Elise around to keep things interesting. Anna struggles to find the perfect solution that would allow her to remain loyal to her past as well as honor the responsibility of her present.

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17610593-destiny-of-the-female-warrior

Barnes & Noble- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/destiny-of-the-female-warrior-ka-young/1114942487?ean=2940016543482

Amazon- http://www.amazon.com/Destiny-Female-Warrior-Nephilim-ebook/dp/B00AMQ601A/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1

5 out of 5 Stars

Destiny of The Female Warrior

Nephilim Warrior’s # 2

KA Young

The story continues a year after Anna became the queen of the Nephilim people. Anna is battles the love trio between the two brothers, but as time passes her mate in revealed. But a new threat have risen to throw Anna’s life into turmoil. Her ex brother in law, now vampire, is killing off those close to her to lure her out and take her for himself. Will her mate be able to save her, or will she fail into the clutches of the now rogue vampire.

Wow, Anna have a few problems on her plate this time. I have to say that this heroine is starting to grow on me. I can’t help but to continue on with her story to find out if she can beat all the odds against her and fulfill her destiny. She is strong, loyal and compassionate. But she also make mistakes just like all of us. I simply love her.

Eli had me frustrated all over again. Pure Alpha male he is just damn right out stubborn. I love her protective nature and the possessive claim he has over Anna. His all the drooling Alpha male we all want to read about, but, he can also drive you crazy in the progress.

The author have insured for a few hold your breath moments in the second edition to this series. There was a time that I almost started to panic for Anna’s sake. But sure enough the Nephilim world surprised me again. Well-deserved 5 stars from me.

 

 

Book Info-

Title- Blood Kiss

Series- Nephilim Warriors # 3

By-K.A. Young

Genre-Mature Audiences 18+-Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy

Blurb-

Julie manages her life the best way she knows how, by waking up everyday and putting one foot in front of the other, along with a little help from modern medicine. Most days she holds things together pretty well; as the mother of twin toddlers and a wife to a husband she can barely stand she still manages to keep up appearances and paste a smile onto her face. Until dreams of a sexy vampire plague her nights leaving her panting when she wakes.

Julie begins to struggle with her own urges though she dare not admit aloud that she now has a taste for blood. She longs to indulge her desire by taking the vein of the vampire that makes her quake with need. How much longer can she keep the creature inside of her at bay? Only time will tell if Julie is strong enough to resist her darkest desire or if she even wants to try.

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17901888-blood-kiss

Amazon US http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Nephilim-Warrior-Series-ebook/dp/B00DLATI0E/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Amazon UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blood-Kiss-Nephilim-Warrior-ebook/dp/B00DLATI0E/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372168562&sr=1-3

BN.com http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blood-kiss-ka-young/1115814333?ean=2940016713267

Nook UK http://uk.nook.com/ebooks/blood-kiss-by-ka-young/2940016713267

Trailer- http://youtu.be/ynhSHYJgptM

K.A. Young is a paranormal/ urban fantasy romance author that lives with her family in the South. She began writing because her mind was swimming with incredible stories that were begging to be told. Her love for reading began as a small child when she realized that a good book was an instant escape to a mystical land that could be reached anytime and from anyplace.

Links-

Amazon Author Page- http://www.amazon.com/K.A.-Young/e/B0094KQZSS/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1372015015&sr=8-1

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6527572.K_A_Young

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/KAYoung/275242202579809?ref=hl

Twitter- https://twitter.com/KAYoungBooks

Website- http://www.kayoungbooks.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz: To Have and To Haunt by JA Howell

To Have & To Haunt The Possess Saga  #4 Genre: Dark Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy Release date: October 4th, 2013

Ghosts aren't the only thing that can haunt you... Nolan and Harley have been in paradise for the last year, head over heels in love. When Nolan proposes and they find out Harley is expecting, it seems they both will have everything they ever wanted.

Or will they?

Nolan’s kept the horrors of his past locked away. After all, he has Harley and Finley’s Pub is doing great. None of it matters anymore, right? But when the news of nuptials and babies has the opposite intended effect with his estranged mother, the ghosts of his past come rushing back, and the memories of them are terrorizing him nightly. But he can’t tell Harley. On the verge of marriage and parenthood, Nolan must figure out a way to deal with his past, or let it consume his future with Harley.

Harley’s always known she wasn’t normal. Seeing Brody’s ghost only confirmed that. But now a killer is on the loose in Midtown and she’s having visions of each victim’s death. Will she be able to help them and accept just how different she truly is? Pregnant, engaged, and contending with an overbearing mother-in-law, Harley isn’t sure she can take on the responsibility and the future laid out in front of her.

They say love conquers all. But as Nolan and Harley struggle with their own secrets, will their love be enough to keep them together?

Or will the things that haunt them finally tear them apart?  

Kindle-http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FLK0XO2

     

About the Author- J.A Howell is an office drone by day, and a writer by night. Her love of writing took off when she was eleven years old and decided to fill a composition notebook with stories to read to her friends. Many years (and notebooks) later, not much has changed. She still loves writing and sharing her works with others. When she isn’t writing, she can often be found trying her hand at whatever artistic pursuit strikes her fancy. J.A. Howell resides in Apopka, FL with her husband and their menagerie of animal children.

Website-http://midtown-underground.com/                    

Character Interview with Lydia Dunham from Her Wicked Sin by author Sarah Ballance

Today on the blog we have Lydia Dunham from Her Wicked Sin by author Sarah Ballance. Sit back and let’s get cracking.

Character Name: Lydia Colson Dunham

Character Bio: Lydia is a young Puritan midwife and acting physician in Salem, MA 1692. In an effort to leave behind a troubled, tragic past, she pretends she is married and her husband is away in travels…until the night she meets a handsome stranger and her world is upended. Faced with accusations of witchcraft and a conviction that could end her life, Lydia struggles firsthand with the horrors and events of what became known as the Salem witch trials.

Describe yourself what is your worst and vest quality?

I have found myself to be a bit naïve. I never imagined lies—accusations that I was a witch—could be taken as truth, especially not with such dire consequences. I think belief in others can be a wonderful quality, but I believed a little too much and nearly died for it. I still maintain my trusting nature, though I am now a bit more wary of contentious neighbors!

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

After my arrest, I was forced from Salem with no chance to reunite with my neighbors. I would like them to know of my innocence and well-being, though I cannot risk returning to do so.

What is your biggest secret something no one knows about?

No one but my husband knows of the lie I perpetuated for so long—that I was not, in fact, married, but a widow. But I regret not the mistruth, for it brought me the man with whom I am now joined.

What are you most afraid of?

My greatest fear has been that of having my past exposed. Though I acted in my own defense, there are many who would judge me nonetheless.

What do you want more than anything?

Aside the health and happiness of my loved ones, I want nothing more than to see an end to the accusations that have brought ruin to so many of my friends and neighbors.

What is your relationship status?

Henry and I remained married and are expecting our first child.

How would you describe your sense of fashion?

During my time in Salem I dressed the same as the other Puritan goodwives: in modest, faded clothing kept clean and in good repair, hoping to blend in. Even though I am now removed from the community and my husband is of great wealth, I still prefer simple dress over extravagance.

How much of a rebel are you?

Secretly, I have rebelled quite a bit against what is expected of a woman. I refused to accept harsh treatment by a man—even though it was my duty to concede to him—and fought for my life and my freedom. But in doing so, I quietly worked to fit in—to avoid attention at all costs. In a strange way, it was part of my rebellion to do so.

What do you considered to be your greatest achievement?

For now, breaking free of my past. But with the upcoming birth of my child, I cannot imagine a greater feat than to bear life.

What is your idea of happiness?

To be free from great worry. For so long I carried the burden of my past sins, only to have that replaced by accusations of witchcraft. Now, with those times past, I find contentment to be one of life’s greatest joys.

What is your most treasured possession?

Though he is no possession, I simply adore Henry’s magnificent black stallion, Willard. He is a bit of a rogue, but a stunning, gracious beast all the same.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Henry is relentlessly enthralled by my eyes, which are a most ordinary shade of blue. I know not what he sees, but his attention is quite profound and enchanting.

What is it that you most dislike?

Though certainly it is of no great issue, I must say the powdered wigs worn by the wealthier colonists are absolutely dreadful!

Which living person do you most despise?

My one-time friend Rebecca Mather, who first accused me of being a witch and thereafter ensured everyone in Salem thought the same. She is by this time responsible for many accusations and hangings. Things continue to grow worse, though she cares not. She is a ghastly woman.

What is your greatest regret?

The loss of my babe, who was stillborn.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

A gentle nature. After suffering at the hands of a man who cared only for his ability to punish, I most admire someone who uses not his physical strength, but his heart.

Which living person do you most admire?

Certainly my husband. He took a great stand for my honor, and he did so not for propriety but out of love.

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

A year ago I would have changed so much, but now I would not change a thing. Every decision brought on by my character led me to where I am today, though if I could bring back my family and my lost babe to enjoy this life alongside, I cannot imagine a greater joy.

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

Book Blitz and Giveaway: Her Wicked Sin by Sarah Ballance

 

 

Her Wicked Sin

Sins of Salem
Sarah Ballance

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Date of Publication: 9-9-13

ASIN: B00EMT2D5K

Number of pages: 147

Amazon

Book Description:

Salem, MA 1692

On a moonless night, he rides into the winter forest on his beast as black as midnight...

Dashing stranger, Henry Dunham, comes to Salem on a mysterious errand, but is thrown from his horse in the dead of night and rescued by the local Puritan midwife, Lydia Colson.

Haunted by her past, Lydia is running from her own dark secrets, avoiding intrusive questions by pretending her dead husband is simply... away. But when she and Henry are caught in a compromising situation, one punishable by Puritan law, he saves her from scandal by claiming to be her errant spouse... and claiming her bed.

Forced to fake a marriage, Lydia and Henry find their passion overwhelming and their vows a little too real. As their lies become truths, a witch hunt closes in on Lydia, threatening not only their burgeoning love, but her life.

Excerpt -

Murder.

Lydia Colson’s nightmare lived and breathed on these moonless nights. When the world was at its darkest, remnants of her haunted past seemed to lurk in every shadow, denying her again and again 

the chance to start anew. No matter how justified the actions of her past, the peace she had hoped to find in Salem Village escaped her. It was her burden to bear.

The cruelly twisted body in her path was not. 

Though stationary, the sight had crept upon her with silent ease, an aberration on a cold, lonely stretch of road with nothing but the woods to keep company. Lydia purposefully avoided night travels here, but babies did not keep time, and Goody Louder’s child had chosen to make entry in the witching hour. As a physician and midwife, it was Lydia’s purpose to see to the birth, and what a child he was. Healthy and rowdy, the stout babe named John had a roar not to be ignored. The first instance of life never failed to 

bring joy, to make Lydia forget. But now an unsavory reminder of her past misdeed rested in the dirt, nearly buried in forest litter.

And he was not alone. A stallion, the same pitch as the night, danced and pawed the earth. Its capsized rider jerked, his long frame shuddering when the hooves clipped his torso. Might he be alive?

“Easy,” Lydia said, fighting for her own control as she edged closer. She placed her hand on the animal’s rump, her fingers tingling alongside the quivering flesh. The contact revealed tightly bunched muscles alongside a tension made visible in the rolling whites of the beast’s eyes. “Easy, boy.”

At the more intimate distance, she could see the man’s leg caught in the stirrup and bent unnaturally to his position on the ground. He’d fallen from his mount. Had he been dragged? What bit of the path visible in the night showed little sign of disturbance, though the wind might easily have stirred the leaves to hide 

remnants of a struggle.

A smell of sweat mingled with a distant trace of smoke, hinting danger. The horse snorted and hopped, the strain on the stirrup eliciting a groan from the prone man. Would he lash out from his pain?

Lydia bundled her nerves against the perceived threat and scoffed at her insecurities. This stranger was in no position to cause her harm, but should he try, the mistake would be his.

She had killed before, and she would gather within herself to do it again.

$50.00 gift card Can be winner's choice of amazon or bn or another ep vendor

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Sarah and her husband of what he calls “many long, long years” live on the mid-Atlantic coast with their six young children, all of whom are perfectly adorable when they’re asleep.

She never dreamed of becoming an author, but as a homeschooling mom, she often jokes she writes fiction because if she wants anyone to listen to her, she has to make them up. (As it turns out, her characters aren’t much better than the kids).

When not buried under piles of laundry, she may be found adrift in the Atlantic (preferably on a boat) or seeking that ever-elusive perfect writing spot where not even the kids can find her.

She loves creating unforgettable stories while putting her characters through an unkind amount of torture—a hobby that has nothing to do with living with six children. (Really.) Though she adores nail-biting mystery and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, Sarah writes in many genres including contemporary and ghostly paranormal romance.

Her ever-growing roster of releases may be found on Amazon , Barnes & Noble, Kobo, For the Muse Publishing, and ENTANGLED PUBLISHING.

Website: http://www.sarahballance.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahBallance

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/sarah.ballance.author.news

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4103362.Sarah_Ballance

New Release and Giveaway: The Waves by Jen Minkman

 

 

Book Info-

Title- The Waves

Series -The Island # 2

By- Jen Minkman

Publication Date- October 4th, 2013

Blurb-

The first memory I have of my grandfather is of a moment that we share together.

I’m sitting on his knee looking out over the harbor. Grandpa is smoking a pipe. He points at the horizon. “Look, Walt. Our ships are out there. And one day, another even more beautiful ship will appear at the horizon. A mighty ship to take us all away. And Annabelle will be at the front deck with open arms, inviting us all to join her on board.”

“Why don’t we sail to her ourselves?” I inquire wide-eyed.

“Because she promised she would come,” granddad replies. “And in that promise we trust. It’s only the Unbelievers who think they can do everything themselves. They have no faith in the Goddess.”

Walt lives in Hope Harbor, an island community that has put its trust in salvation from across the sea. The townspeople wait patiently, build their ships to sail out and welcome the Goddess, and piously visit the temple every week. Horror stories to scare their children are told about the Unbelievers on the other side of Tresco.

But not all is what it seems. Walt has questions that no one can answer, and when his best friend and cousin Yorrick is killed in an accident, he digs deeper to find out the truth about the origins of Hope Harbor’s society… and the secrets of the temple.

Return to the world of The Island and discover what Walt's life was like before and after he met Leia!

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18136040-the-waves

Jen Minkman (1978) was born in Holland, in the town of Alphen aan den Rijn. When she was 19, she moved between The Hague, Salzburg (Austria), Brussels (Belgium) and Cambridge (UK) to complete her studies in intercultural communication. She is currently a teacher of English, career counsellor and teenage coach at a secondary school in Voorburg, Holland. She tries to read at least 100 books a year (and write a few, too!). She is a published author in her own country, and translates her own books from Dutch into English for self-publication.

In her spare time, she plays the piano, the guitar and the violin. For every novel she writes, she creates a soundtrack.

'I have always been drawn to writing. My first book was a sci-fi novel at the age of eight, which I painstakingly typed out on my dad's typewriter and illustrated myself. Nowadays, I stick to poetry, paranormal romance, chick lit and/or fantasy. In my home country, I am the first-ever published writer of paranormal romance, and I will gradually make my books also available in English (seeing I have to re-write and translate the books myself, this will take some time!).

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5808037.Jen_Minkman

Website-http://www.nwelsaturay.com/jenminkman/index.html

Twitter- https://twitter.com/JenMinkman

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/JenMinkmanYAParanormal?fref=ts

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz: The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Tanith Davenport and Anne Bronte

 

 

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
Tanith Davenport and Anne Bronte

Genre: Erotic romance

Publisher: Total-e-Bound

Date of Publication: 6 September 2013

ISBN: 978-1-78184-444-1

Cover Artist: Posh Gosh

Total e-Bound Print eBook

Book Description:

Into the quiet village of Lindenhope comes Helen Graham, an attractive young widow and mother. Living alone with her son at Wildfell Hall, her seclusion attracts curiosity from the local people, in particular Gilbert Markham, whose interest in her is soon edged with desire—and Helen, despite herself, begins to reciprocate his love for her.

But when scandalous rumours begin to circulate about Helen’s behaviour, Gilbert is filled with anger and jealousy. Helen attempts to clear her name by offering Gilbert her diary, which reveals the dark, passionate story of her former marriage to debauched rake Arthur Huntingdon, whose sexual and sensual desires fill her with excitement and pleasure but precipitate a gradual descent into hell.

Gilbert believes he could forgive her anything, but the lies continue to spread, threatening Helen’s peace of mind and, above all, her physical safety. Will the secrets of Helen’s past get in the way of their future?

Excerpt -

He was already in the room when I entered. I felt his hands rest on my shoulders from behind and he gave a low chuckle at my gasp of surprise. I was in my nightgown—Rachel had helped me disrobe before retiring herself—and his breath heated the nape of my neck as he teased his fingers along the silk edging. I had chosen the material deliberately. It clung to my body, the sheen of the fabric highlighting every curve.

“Would you like me to undress, Arthur?” I asked.

“No, Helen,” he answered, pressing a kiss to my shoulder and sending a chill along my spine. “I want to undress you myself.”

My heart quickened, but I held myself still as slowly he slid the gown from my shoulders. The cool air on my skin made me shiver, my nipples hardening as the soft material dropped past my waist to land lightly around my feet, exposing my naked body to his gaze. I closed my eyes, feeling conscious of my bare skin, the curls at my quim, the growing wetness inside me.

“Don’t move,” he commanded, and with his fingers he began a slow, tortuous glide along the curve of my spine. I felt one hand slide around my ribs to cup my breast, his thumb brushing against my nipple, and I was unable to suppress a moan as sparks of pleasure radiated from that tender spot. Instantly the movement was repeated, his other hand mirroring the motion until I cried out, overwhelmed by the unfamiliar sensation.

“I love that this is all so new to you, my Helen,” Arthur whispered in my ear as I let my head fall back onto his shoulder, my body weakening as he continued his sweet assault on my breasts. My knees began to tremble. I clenched my fingers tightly, aching for his hands to move lower, to touch me where I had touched myself so often while thinking of him, but afraid he would think me too wanton if I asked. So new to me, indeed! What would he think if I touched myself in front of him? Would he be surprised? No—he would not, I was sure. But he might insist on pleasuring me himself, and my clit pulsed at the thought, imagining myself on the edge of ecstasy, him removing my hands and holding them until I begged him to bring me to completion.

He slid his hands down to my hips, leaving me moaning at the loss, and turned me to face him. Before I could stop myself, I reached my hand out to touch his swollen member, which jutted towards me, almost brushing against my stomach. He groaned as I closed my hand around the tip, which was glistening and sticky with moisture, hardening farther under my touch.

How strange it was to know that I had such power, that I could bring him such pleasure with only a simple touch! I tightened my grip, feeling the skin move as I tugged, but before I could continue he had caught both my hands in his and was holding them at my waist.

“My darling,” he said, with a smile, manoeuvring me backwards as he spoke until my calves hit the edge of the bed. “If I let you do that, I shall lose all control, and that will never do. Lie back for me—let me see you waiting for me.”

Trembling, I lay back on the bed, my breath coming faster as he stood watching me, his casual gaze lowering to rest at my quim. Instinctively I parted my legs, blushing as I felt the moisture seep from inside me and dampen my folds.

The smile on his face took on a possessive, lascivious quality.

“How beautiful you are,” he whispered. Slowly he placed one knee then the other on the bed, the mattress dipping under his weight as he moved towards me. He laid one hand on my breast, my heart beating rapidly beneath.

“Arthur,” I gasped.

He lowered his head and kissed my nipple, laving it with his tongue, then trailed more kisses down my body—my ribs, my stomach, my hips—until I was trembling with anticipation. His breath rushed over my quim, and for a moment I thought he would kiss me there—oh! How I wanted that!—but instead he paused, watching me with desirous eyes, and slowly slid one finger inside me to the second knuckle.

“So pure,” he whispered, caressing me as I moaned. He reached forward with his thumb and swept it back and forth over my clit. I cried out at the sensation, my body convulsing. It was so much sweeter, so much more pleasurable than when I had touched myself, and I longed for him to continue.

“Helen,” he growled, “tell me you want this.” I recognised the words from our first kiss, and felt my heart bound and my quim tighten at the knowledge that now I could be truthful. Now I could tell him what I wanted.

“I want this, Arthur.”

“Tell me how much you want this.”

“I want this more than anything,” I moaned. His finger was still moving inside me, his thumb still applying delicious pressure, and my wetness was leaking onto his hand and the bed.

“How long have you wanted this, Helen?”

Oh, he was torturing me! “Since I first met you,” I whispered, shifting my hips to match his touch. He smiled and crooked his finger inside me, touching a spot that made me clap a hand over my mouth and shriek—the pleasure was exquisite, and I was on the verge of begging him to take me.

“Tell me what you want, and I’ll do it.”

I arched my back, aching for him. “Please, Arthur, take me.”

 

Tanith Davenport began writing erotica at the age of 27 by way of the Romantic Novelists' Association New Writers' Scheme. Her debut novel "The Hand He Dealt" was released by Total-e-Bound in June 2011 and was shortlisted for the Joan Hessayon Award for 2012.

Tanith has had short stories published by Naughty Nights Press and House of Erotica. She loves to travel and dreams of one day taking a driving tour of the United States, preferably in a classic 1950s pink Cadillac Eldorado.

Tanith's idea of heaven is an Indian head massage with a Mojito at her side.

www.facebook.com/TanithDavenport

www.twitter.com/TanithDavenport

www.tanithdavenport.com

www.tanithdavenport.blogspot.com

Book Blitz: Her Ghost Wears Kilts by Kathleen Shaputis

 

Her Ghost Wears Kilts
Kathleen Shaputis

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Crimson Romance

Date of Publication: August 26, 2013

ISBN: 978-14-4405-7215-9

ASIN: B00ECGP8XM

Number of pages: 240 approximately

Word Count: 69,660

Amazon iTunes

Book Description:

Drag queens, a ghost and murder, oh my. Love spirits through the modern day tale of inheritance and greed, crossing the vale between worlds.

Baillie thought life was content, successful in the Pacific Northwest until her bookshop became haunted. Inheriting a Scottish castle leads her on a wild adventure of Celtic chaos where she meets her gorgeous ghost. Finding her life in danger, Baillie calls the diva squad to the rescue: her friend Gillian Nation and his girls.

Will she choose her normal, safe existence or grab onto an unusual love that makes life magical?

Excerpt -

Chapter One 
The cat flattened itself to the carpet near the front bookcase, ears lost against its orange-striped head, frozen in fear. A terrified hiss leaked through his open mouth and, slinking backward, the cat spun and ran toward the back of the store.  Catching a brief flash of orange out of the corner of her eye, Baillie shook her head. “Now what’s gotten into Sebastian? Must be a mouse.” She fanned her painted fingernails along the spines of books stacked on the shelf beside her. Listening to the hushed clicking sounds of her nails against the bindings as she walked down the aisle, she inhaled the intoxicating aroma of paper and leather around her. She loved opening her bookshop every morning, where antique classics, used and new volumes of various sizes filled the shelves around her. Framed paintings by local artists dotted the walls between the bookcases.  “Morning,” Baillie called to the previously owned hardbacks without the slightest apprehension of appearing insane. She talked to inanimate objects all the time—great audience, no heckling. Besides, I’m alone in here unless you count the cat, and you can’t count on that spoiled feline for anything. Where did he dash off to just now in such a hurry?  A thin volume of poems lay exposed on a shelf. “You don’t belong here,” Baillie said, sweeping it up to reshelve. She hesitated; the book cover felt cold in her hand, the worn leather chilling her fingers, sucking the warmth from her fingertips in seconds. She quickly shook her head to keep her thoughts from running amok. Of course the book was cold; in the Northwest, things always seemed cold.  “I swear someone helps themselves around here at night. The least they could do is put the books back where they belong when they’re done.” She turned and pushed a ceramic bookend aside and placed the wayward book next to the others as a quick chill shivered down her spine.  “Hey, Einstein, ol’ buddy.” Baillie grabbed an ornate feather duster from a brass umbrella stand nearby and took a few housekeeping swipes against the framed lithograph hanging on the wall. “Dang, I’m looking more like you every day.” She checked her reflection in the glass. “Tell me, did you see who moved Robert Burns’ book of poems last night? Maybe I need to borrow your glasses —going blind in my old age and missed putting it away after closing.”  Baillie turned, whistling the theme song from Fame, at the end of the aisle. She missed seeing the slow, deliberate movement as the same book silently shifted out from the shelf. The dark brown edition slid away from the other poetry books, hanging suspended for a moment, then lay back on the empty surface of the shelf. The ceramic bookend moved, closing the empty gap.  The front door of the shop opened with a tinkling of metal chimes. “It’s just me,” yelled a female voice as she came in.  “I’m in the north quarter, Sally. Would you turn on the computer?” Baillie responded from somewhere behind the walls of books. “Time to open up, I guess.”  “No problem, boss.” Sally dropped her purse under the counter. 
Baillie knew her assistant’s routine by heart: She’d click the black toggle switch on the power strip with the toe of her shoe, sending juice to all the electronics at the same time. Baillie heard the calculator, printer and credit card unit each create its own hum as Sally pressed the power button.  “How are the hot flashes this morning?” Sally asked.  “Midlife under control, thank you very much young whiner.” Baillie dusted another shelf with a few fast swishes. “You can kick the personal heater on for a while.”  “Just a little damp for June this year, you know. Some of us don’t have the benefit of hormonal heaters,” she taunted.  “I heard that!” Baillie continued up and down the aisles, swishing the duster back and forth. Suddenly, a bitter cold swept around her, sending a blinding chill through her body. She gasped from the icy shock. Baillie couldn’t catch her breath as the splash of numbing cold flowed into her heart and out again, pounding inside her chest. The reddish blond hairs on the back of her exposed neck stood on end. Her teeth chattered against the chill, like Lucy Ricardo locked in the meat freezer.  “What the …?” She leaned against the shelving for support. “Whoa.” Baillie blinked rapidly and focused on her right hand, more specifically the beige metal shelf under her crimson-painted fingernails. The metal felt warm, warmer than her soul at the moment. Goose bumps traveled up her bare arms and under her short-sleeved blouse. Titles describing Scotland and its clans stood in military straight rows in front of her.  As quickly as it had struck, the air around her trembling body returned to normal temperatures. She took a shaky breath, mentally searching for some logical explanation for the bone-chilling cold. “Who turned the air conditioner on?” she whispered to herself with mock confidence. Looking around the cramped quarters of bookshelves as she moved away, the store seemed peaceful. She dropped the feather duster into a stand with a soft thud. 

 

Kathleen Shaputis, author/ghostwriter, lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Bob, where curling up with icy Diet Coke, writing romantic comedies is her ultimate paradise.

www.shaputis.com

Twitter

Facebook

Pinterest