Mara Valderran's Blog, page 23
January 31, 2014
Feature Friday: Guest Post from Laurie Olerich Introduces Us to the Characters of Call The Lightning
This week's Feature Friday is a bit different than usual and very exciting! Laurie Olerich is here to introduce us to the characters of her novel Call The Lightning. And to giveaway some awesome prizes too!
Call the LightningPrimani Book TwoLaurie Olerich Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy Publisher: Laurie Olerich
Cover Artist: Angela BauerAmazon Kindle Amazon Print
Book Description: Bound by blood and flame...
Mica Thomas is not having a good year. First, her Primani Sean vanishes without a trace. Second, a sadistic demon wants to use her as leverage. Third, her totally unwanted powers are making her nuts. And then there’s Killian...his eyes hold secrets that confuse her and his every touch sends her blood racing out of control.
Killian has secrets--a lot of them. With Sean MIA, it’s up to him to keep Mica safe while her powers evolve. His protection takes a dangerous turn when she becomes a pawn in the game. Desperate to keep her alive, he drags her into his private world of ancient power and bloody altars with devastating consequences.
With their minds and bodies connected, is there room for Sean?
About the Author:
Laurie Olerich is the author of the new Primani series. Part urban fantasy, part romance, part paranormal...Three things she can’t live without! Laurie spent most of her life in the Northeastern United States and in Western Europe. She now lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her son and Dalmatian duo, Domino and Rambo. Desperate to escape the heat, she lives vicariously through Mica and her Primani by setting their adventures in the mountain coolness of New England and the rainy days of London. Before throwing caution to the wind and diving into a writing career, Laurie dedicated 20 years to her country by serving in the United States Air Force. Much of her time was spent around men with guns and cool toys...this explains her obsession with both.
Website Twitter Amazon Blog Facebook
Meet the characters from Call the Lightning!
Name: Mica ThomasJob: Human, Ops Specialist, EmpathMaker: Biologically, her human parents, but her powers come from Sean and KillianKey Skills: Observation, Marksmanship, Krav MagaPsychic Powers: Remote Viewing, Telekinesis,Mindreading, Healing, Precognition, ClairvoyanceWeapons: Sig Sauer P229, Bowie Knife, Silver Primani Blade Weaknesses: Primani with attitudeBackground: Irish/GermanFavorite Accessory: Heart-Shaped Locket
Name: Sean O’CahanJob: Primani, Tactical ExpertMaker: RaphaelKey Skills: Hand-to-Hand Combat, Explosives, Martial ArtsPrimani Powers: Controlling Behavior, Adjusting memories,Teleporting, Ghosting, Mindreading, TelekinesisWeapons: Silver Primani Blade, 10-inch Military Knife, Sig Sauer P250, H&K 417 RifleWeaknesses: Pride, Camaros, MicaBackground: Irish Druid/German CeltFavorite Accessory: Combat Boots
Name: Killian LeahyJob: Primani, New England Special Ops Div CommanderMaker: RaphaelKey Skills: Interrogation, Mission PlanningPrimani Powers: Teleporting, Ghosting, Mindreading, Adjusting Memories, TelekinesisBloodline Powers: Controls Natural Elements, Bends Astral Planes, Communicates with Ancient Gods, Master of Sgaine Dutre and Sgaine EironWeapons: Sgaine Dutre and Sgaine Eiron, Sig Sauer P250 .40 Caliber, Silver Primani BladeWeaknesses: What the hell is a ‘weakness?’Background: Irish (Bronze Age)Favorite Accessory: Faded Concert T-Shirts
Name: Declan ManningJob: Primani, Demolitions ExpertMaker: RaphaelKey Skills: Explosives, MarksmanshipPrimani Powers: Altering Moods, Healing, Influencing Behavior, Ghosting, TeleportingWeapons: Silver Primani Blade, 8-inch Military Knife, H&K 417 Rifle, Glock 37 Weaknesses: Surfable Waves, Crying Women, ChiliBackground: Irish CeltFavorite Accessory: Black Oakleys
Name: Dani TaylorJob: HumanMaker: Sara Taylor and an unknown hot guy from the 70sKey Skills: Getting What She WantsWeapons: Killer DimplesWeaknesses: Being Mica’s Best FriendBackground: Danish/IrishFavorite Accessory: Aric
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January 30, 2014
Thursday Takeover: Marisa Cleveland
It's Takeover Thursday! Today author Marisa Cleveland is stopping by to talk about the year of the novella and give away some prizes! She's also got a great list of novellas for you to check out. Be sure to read Pushed first, which just came out January 20th.
PushedA Bloodlines NovellaMarisa ClevelandGenre: ParanormalPublisher: Simeris Alliance
Date of Publication: January 20, 2014
Amazon
Book Description:
Time is not on everyone’s side…
Mortal mess-up Lucy Markson makes one tiny miscalculation and her soul ends up belonging to an evil demon. Forced to serve the newly fallen angels recruited by her master, she must take one of the fallen through the seven deadly sins.
Fallen angel Sawyer Succendo didn’t jump from heaven. He was pushed. And now he’s lost everything, including his halo – which contains his earthbound soul.
In a race with an evil demon to claim his lost halo, Sawyer must trust a woman designed for sin – literally. Learning the true power of free will, Sawyer just might save them both, if he can keep his mind on the plan and his hands to himself.
But if he can’t find his halo and save the girl, then he’ll be grounded forever.
About the Author:
Marisa Cleveland loves to laugh, hates to cry, and does both often. As a writer, she writes. Every day. If she couldn’t express herself through writing, music, and dance, she would die. She believes romance novels are the perfect “how to” books, because no matter the obstacles, the characters keep working toward their happily ever after. She loves to connect with writers and readers through social media.Website Facebook Hot Wips and Sassy Chicks Facebook Twitter Instagram Tumblr Hot Wips and Sassy Chicks Blog Goodreads Google+ Pinterest
THE YEAR OF THE NOVELLA by Marisa Cleveland
"It's better to have less than organize more."
For 2014, I'm focusing on downsizing. Actually, I've been downsizing for many years.
It all started in 1999 in Fairfax, Virginia, when my hubby and I thought we needed to fit in. We bought big... and we've been downsizing ever since.
From 3,800 square feet to 2,881 square feet, I've lost a lot of "stuff" over the years. But I don't miss any of it, and after browsing the Naples Charity Register, I'm more than excited to champion charities close to my heart.
So... In honor of downsizing, I'm giving away novellas, the downsized version of the novel.
Everyone who comments on this blog will have the chance to win, and it's an exclusive giveaway happening on this blog today only!
Steps to enter:
1. Comment on this blog - any kind of comment - what you love about the blog, what you love to read, what you're reading now, what you plan to do this weekend, anything... just a comment.
2. Check back throughout the day to see who the winners are.
If you win an ebook, you will be asked to email marisa@marisacleveland.com with the email where you'd like the book gifted. All ebooks will be gifted from Amazon.
Here is an incomplete list of the enovellas I"ve read and loved and want to share with you!!!
A CURSED MOON: A WEIRD GIRLS NOVELLA by Cecy Robson
A LITTLE BIT CUPID by Jennifer Shirk
CAN'T LET GO by Jessica Lemmon
IF YOU DARE by Jessica Lemmon
IN THE SERVICE OF THE KING by Laura Kaye
ON HIS LIST by Wendy Sparrow
PLAINLY MURDER by Isabella Alan
PUSHED by Marisa Cleveland
SECRET SANTA BABY by Robin Covington
SUCCUBUS LOST by Tiffany Allee
THE VALENTINE CHALLENGE by Marisa Cleveland
THE WEIRD GIRLS: A NOVELLA by Cecy Robson
TURN TO DARKNESS by Jaime Rush
WILD HEARTS by Tina Wainscott
Thanks so much for stopping by! I love to connect with people on social media, so I hope you'll find me and say hi!
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January 24, 2014
Cover Reveal: Hushed by Britni Hill
Today is the cover reveal for Britni Hill's new novel, Hushed, due out in March. And you guys...this cover? Wow! Seriously. Stay tuned, because there will be more on this novel soon!
Blurb: When Tess meets step-brothers Blake and Jason, their differences and her past push her toward Jason even though she’s instantly drawn to Blake. Tess quickly learns people aren’t always who they seem to be when her relationship with Jason ends. A spring break trip pushes Blake and Tess together leaving them unable to deny the way they feel for each other. While they fall for one another Tess’ history with Jason leads them to try to keep their growing relationship a secret from their friends. Sneaking around and hiding behind doors adds a certain spark, but they both feel the countdown ticking, leaving them wondering when it will all come out and what will happen. An angry Jason spills a secret from his and Blake’s past that makes Tess question how real her relationship with Blake was. Secrets can ruin everything. Can the truth bring them back together?Add Hushed to your TBR list on Goodreads here! About the Author:Britni is the author of Tears in the Rubble and From the Rubble which were originally released by Rebel Ink Press in 2012. They have recently been combined and re-released as a second edition. Britni is a licensed cosmetologist and an admitted book addict. She's been writing and reading since she learned how.She’s always had an active imagination and now she gets to put it to use by sharing the stories in her head with the world. She is hard at work on her next release and counting down the days until she can share it with you.Britni’s inspirations come from the lively and interesting world around her. Friends and family add to the stories in her head constantly. Her love of music, movies, art, and people watching spark her ideas and help give them shape. Britni's goal is to use real life to shape realistic, engaging characters and stories.Visit Britni’s website, find her on facebook, or follow her on Twitter.
Blurb: When Tess meets step-brothers Blake and Jason, their differences and her past push her toward Jason even though she’s instantly drawn to Blake. Tess quickly learns people aren’t always who they seem to be when her relationship with Jason ends. A spring break trip pushes Blake and Tess together leaving them unable to deny the way they feel for each other. While they fall for one another Tess’ history with Jason leads them to try to keep their growing relationship a secret from their friends. Sneaking around and hiding behind doors adds a certain spark, but they both feel the countdown ticking, leaving them wondering when it will all come out and what will happen. An angry Jason spills a secret from his and Blake’s past that makes Tess question how real her relationship with Blake was. Secrets can ruin everything. Can the truth bring them back together?Add Hushed to your TBR list on Goodreads here! About the Author:Britni is the author of Tears in the Rubble and From the Rubble which were originally released by Rebel Ink Press in 2012. They have recently been combined and re-released as a second edition. Britni is a licensed cosmetologist and an admitted book addict. She's been writing and reading since she learned how.She’s always had an active imagination and now she gets to put it to use by sharing the stories in her head with the world. She is hard at work on her next release and counting down the days until she can share it with you.Britni’s inspirations come from the lively and interesting world around her. Friends and family add to the stories in her head constantly. Her love of music, movies, art, and people watching spark her ideas and help give them shape. Britni's goal is to use real life to shape realistic, engaging characters and stories.Visit Britni’s website, find her on facebook, or follow her on Twitter.
January 21, 2014
Teaser Tuesday: Borderlands Anthology Contest!
In October, I was lucky enough to interview with James Wymore and Aiden James, authors of The Actuator: Fractured Earth (which I also reviewed). Not long after that, James let me know about an anthology of short stories taking place in The Actuator universe that they were putting together, and the contest accompanying it. I am so excited to announce that the contest has ended and the entries are in and ready for your votes!
In August, 2013, author and acquisitions editor James Wymore and best-seller Aiden James released the first book in The Actuator Series, Fractured Earth. Our authors developed a world with endless possibilities, and we wanted to know where your mind would take it!Don't worry--this isn't a shameless plug for votes. ;) I opted out of the contest and submitted for publication only. I'm happy to say I got in, and now I need your help to vote on the stories in the contest. So you get the ultimate teaser package today by checking out the eleven entries on the website AND you also get a chance to win a Google Chromecast and your very own copy of the Borderlands anthology or a Curiosity Quills title of your choice.
You can find the entries and voting on the Curiosity Quills website here. Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter for your chance to win the Google Chromecast--you can enter every day! Voting ends February 7th, so don't miss your opportunity to read these amazing stories and get a preview of what is to come in the anthology. If you haven't already picked up The Actuator: Fractured Earth, you can still find it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. Sound off in the comments and let me know which story was your favorite! I'm having a tough time deciding.
January 20, 2014
Release Day Blitz & Giveaway: Pushed by Marisa Cleveland
PushedA Bloodlines NovellaMarisa ClevelandGenre: ParanormalPublisher: Simeris Alliance
Date of Publication: January 20, 2014
Amazon
Book Description:
Time is not on everyone’s side…
Mortal mess-up Lucy Markson makes one tiny miscalculation and her soul ends up belonging to an evil demon. Forced to serve the newly fallen angels recruited by her master, she must take one of the fallen through the seven deadly sins.
Fallen angel Sawyer Succendo didn’t jump from heaven. He was pushed. And now he’s lost everything, including his halo – which contains his earthbound soul.
In a race with an evil demon to claim his lost halo, Sawyer must trust a woman designed for sin – literally. Learning the true power of free will, Sawyer just might save them both, if he can keep his mind on the plan and his hands to himself.
But if he can’t find his halo and save the girl, then he’ll be grounded forever.
About the Author:
Marisa Cleveland loves to laugh, hates to cry, and does both often. As a writer, she writes. Every day. If she couldn’t express herself through writing, music, and dance, she would die. She believes romance novels are the perfect “how to” books, because no matter the obstacles, the characters keep working toward their happily ever after. She loves to connect with writers and readers through social media.Website Facebook Hot Wips and Sassy Chicks Facebook Twitter Instagram Tumblr Hot Wips and Sassy Chicks Blog Goodreads Google+ Pinterest a Rafflecopter giveaway
January 16, 2014
Thursday Takeover & Giveaway: Pembroke Sinclair Says Whatever You Do, Just Write
Today's takeover is brought to you by The Appeal of Evil. No, not like devil horns are sexy. I'm talking the book by Pembroke Sinclair, which is the first in The Road to Salvation series. If Pembroke Sinclair sounds familiar, that might be because she is one busy bee. Since first getting published in 2009, she has put out everything from zombie novels to children's picture books. She's stopping by today to talk about her experience crossing between genres, and to give away some books and swag! As per usual, we'll get to know her and her book a bit before she takes it away.
The Appeal of EvilThe Road to Salvation SeriesBook 1Pembroke SinclairGenre: YA ParanormalPublisher: Booktrope
Date of Publication: January 17, 2014
Cover Artist: Ida Jansson
Amazon
Book Description:
Katie wants to invest her heart and soul in love, but she may lose both to Hell.
Katie, a senior in high school, is torn between loving the “good” guy, her childhood friend Wes who makes promises he doesn't keep and abandons her when she needs him the most, and the “bad” guy, the new kid at school Josh who is also a real demon from Hell.
Katie wants someone who pays attention to her and puts her first, but what is she willing to give up to find him?
About the Author:
In 2009, eTreasures Publishing published my first novel, a sci fi adventure story. Since then, they have published my two YA zombie novels, my religious zombie novella, two children’s picture books, and two novellas with romantic elements. I have an urban fantasy novel about dragons and a vampire novelette that was published by MuseItUp Publishing. Musa Publishing has published my novelette with romantic elements and a collection of short stories. I have a middle grade urban fantasy novel that was published by Little Devil Books. My nonfiction book about slasher films was published by Scarecrow Press.Writing is my passion. I enjoy creating fantastic worlds and memorable characters. I’m an active promoter of my works and love to talk to readers at book signings and readings. Doing giveaways on Goodreads has been an exciting experience, and having contests for readers has been fun. I actively promote various authors on my blog and participate in blog tours to promote my own work.
I write under several different pen names. For my children’s titles, I write under J.D. Pooker, and for my YA and adult novels, I write under Pembroke Sinclair. My nonfiction work is done under my real name.
I am a member of the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and am on a committee to create membership criteria for iPAL, which is a sister group to the Published Authors Liaison group and focuses on independent and self-published authors. I am also a member of the ALA and really enjoy doing library visits.
Blog Web Goodreads Amazon Facebook Twitter:
Take it away, Pembroke!
Shifting Gears Between Genres
I write an eclectic mix of stories. I’ve written Western (modern, not historical), horror, sci fi, fantasy, and nonfiction. I’ve written adult, YA, middle grade, and children’s books. I’ve written short stories, novelettes, and novels. And the reason I did was to get better at writing.
I’ve discovered in the years that I’ve been writing that novels are my favorite to create. All of the other forms have their place, and I enjoy reading them, but I really savor taking the time to flesh out my characters and let them tell their story in as many pages as they need. I enjoyed attempting to write short stories, and it was a good exercise in brevity, but it wasn’t me. I’m not saying I’ll never write another short story or novelette again, I still may, but the chances are slim.
I would like to tell you that I have a favorite genre to write in, that sci fi is my favorite or I’m only going to write fantasy, but that’s not true. If you had asked me that question several years ago, I would have had a different answer. But now, I really enjoy every single genre I write in. It’s a challenge. It stretches my brain and makes me think about writing in different ways. Hopefully, it makes me a better writer.
Shifting gears between genres isn’t difficult. When a story pops into my head, it’s pretty insistent about how it wants to be written, and it doesn’t shut up until it’s on the page. When one is done, another is usually waiting right behind it.
I try not to limit myself to one type of story or one genre because I don’t think it’s fair to me. I strive to become a better writer, and I believe that challenging myself in different ways will make me that way. I’m sure there are those out there who think mastering one genre will be more beneficial instead of trying to master all of them, but that’s not what I’m trying to do. I’m trying to tell a story, and I’m not going to stifle my ability just because it may not fit into the right category.
Writing should be about what makes you happy. If that means writing in one genre, do it. If that means experimenting with different things, go for it. Whatever you do, just write.
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January 9, 2014
Excerpt & Giveaway: Vision of Shadows by Vincent Morrone
Vision of Shadows (Vision #1) by Vincent Morrone
Title: Vision of ShadowsSeries: Vision seriesGenre: Young Adult, Paranormal RomanceRelease Date: December 30, 2013Is Bristol Blackburn about to meet the love of her life...or her killer?
After the death of her parents, Bristol Blackburn's life is thrown into chaos and she's forced to move to Spirit, a small town where shadows are stirring. As she learns to navigate her new school and figures out how to keep her psychic abilities secret from her family, Bristol comes face to face with the boy who makes a regular appearance in her dreams: the gorgeous, possibly deadly, Payne McKnight. Soon she’ll find out if Payne will be the love of her life, or the end of it — and she has no idea which possibility scares her more.
And that's not even the worst of it. Strange shadows are haunting her dreams, and they're up to something that could put Bristol and the lives of everyone she loves in jeopardy.
You can purchase Vision of Shadows on Amazon or add it to your to-read list on Goodreads.
You can find more about Vision of Shadows on the Entranced site, you can also find more buy links here as soon as Vision of Shadows is available.
Want to chat with Bristol, the main character of this series? Well she has her own twitter account.
Vision of Secrets (Vision #0.5) by Vincent MorroneVision of Secrets (Vision #0.5) is the prequel to Vision of Shadows (vision #1).
Bristol understands secrets. She's got plenty of her own, ranging from the annoying ghost that keeps showing up and attempting to sing Copacabana, (badly) to the visions of a terrifying future that is getting closer each day.Bristol knows secrets can kill. She's getting flashes of a boy racked with guilt over his secret. And a girl who's prank might lead to someone's death.
Vision of Secrets is a free prequel introduces you to Bristol Blackburn before the explosive events in Vision of Shadows and let's you see how a young girl deals with her Visions of Secrets!
You can add Vision of Secrets to your to-read list on Goodreads.
You can download Vision of Secrets for free from smashwords here.
About the Author:Born and raised in Brooklyn NY, Vincent Morrone now resides in Upstate NY with his wife. (Although he can still speak fluent Brooklynese.) His twin daughters remain not only his biggest fans, but usually are the first to read all of his work. Their home is run and operated for the comfort and convenience of their dogs. Vincent has been writing fiction, poetry and song lyrics for as long as he can remember, most of which involve magical misfits, paranormal prodigies and even on occasion superheroes and their sidekicks.As they say in Brooklyn: Yo, you got something to say to Vincent? Check out http://vincentmorrone.com/ where you can learn about Vincent and leave him a comment. You can also connect with Vincent on Twitter https://twitter.com/Vince524 and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Morrrone.
You can find and contact Vincent Morrone here: Website: http://vincentmorrone.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Morrrone Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vince524 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7143975.Vincent_Morrone
Vincent also participates in a group blog called YA Rush which consist of YA and NA Entranced authors. You can find YA Rush here:Website: http://yarush.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YArush1 Twitter: https://twitter.com/YArush6 Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/yarush6/
There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of Vision of Shadows. Here is what you can win: - 1 Vision of Shadows Pen- 1 Vision of Shadows Calender- 1 Vision of Shadows Pen & calender- 1 Vision of Shadows Pen and calender in a Vision of Shadows canvas bag- 1 Vision of Shadows Pen, calender in Vision of Shadows canvas bag and an e-copy Vision of Shadows
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Excerpt:
Now it was my turn to grin. “Yeah, girls who talk to ghosts are rather
unique.”
“That’s not what I mean,” Payne insisted. “You’ve never told anyone
about your secret before, have you?”
I didn’t answer, but I didn’t need to.
“I cannot begin to tell you how touched I am,” Payne said. “Not only
that you’re helping me, but also that you trust me. I know how big a deal it
“It’s not.” I shrugged. “Not really.”
Now Payne touched my cheek, and my skin tingled underneath his
fingers. “It is. Bristol, you’re braver than I am.”
I looked up into Payne’s magnificently dark blue eyes and saw it. The
emotion that I always saw in my Payne loves me dreams. It was the look in
his eyes he got when we were making love, or at least would get if we ever
did. There was a connection between us that went beyond anything I’d ever
known. I knew Payne could feel it, too.
Payne brought his other hand up, gently caressing both sides of my
face. In that moment there was no doubt he would kiss me. I was ready. I
didn’t care about anything else.
When I heard the laughter from behind me of a little boy, it took me a
second to blink back into reality. I backed away, and Payne’s face fell.
“We’re not alone,” I explained.
Jared McKnight had appeared, his little dog sitting obediently by his
feet, its tail whipping back and forth. Jared had his hands by his eyes as if
ready to cover them. A huge smile was plastered on his face.
“I can’t believe Payne was gonna kiss a girl!”
I closed my eyes and sighed. Well, he was!
January 6, 2014
Weekend Wrap Up: My Review of KIYA: Mother of a King by Katie Hamstead
KIYA: Mother of a King by Katie HamsteadMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the problem with starting a really good book: You can't put it down and finish it within the span of two days.
KIYA: Mother of a King was everything Hope of the Pharaoh was and more. Katie Hamstead really took everything up a notch, especially the tension as Tut took his place as pharaoh and the love triangle from book one came to a head. There were times I wanted to slap both Malachi and Horemheb.
I love that we get to see that Naomi's strength--her heart--is also her biggest weakness in this book. She's compassionate and loving, and it is hard for her not to show love to those she holds dear, even when it means putting her morals on the line.
Queen Kiya and Naomi are supposed to be two separate people, but it seems like we are getting to see more and more of how much the two have in common, even if it easier for others (and sometimes Naomi herself) to view them as different people. Kiya is clever and charismatic, to the point of being able to seduce anyone in the room just with her presence, but we get to see how those traits were there with Naomi as well when the annual festival comes around.
New foes are introduced, and surprising new friends. Kiya had a big impact on Nefertiti's daughters in a very contrasting way. One wishes to be more like her while the other hates her almost as much as Nefertiti does. The differences are very refreshing and it is nice to see how someone can be raised to hate someone and up idolizing them instead.
This book is full of intrigue and action, while balancing it out with romance and the every day heartbreaks and joys of family life. I'm sad that the next book will be the end, but I'm excited about what comes next.
View all my reviews
January 3, 2014
Feature Friday: The Goddess's Saga by Maria Hammarblad
Touch of the Goddess The Goddess's SagaBook OneMaria Hammarblad Book Description:
Drinking and flying is a bad combination. Stephan Forks learns this the hard way when he rams another ship in spite of the vastness of space. A moment later, a strange woman stands on his bridge, looking around with a frown. She's clearly a figment of his imagination. Nothing in his colorful past of smuggling and smaller crimes prepared him for people appearing out of nowhere.
Maria Callaway has carried more names and appearances than she can keep track of, and she's bored beyond belief. When she runs into Stephan, he seems to be an amusing pastime. He's interesting, disorganized, pursued by pirates, and handsome. A little too handsome, actually. Maybe she should leave?
Neither of them can foresee the chain of events set in action from their meeting. Adventure and danger go hand in hand during the upcoming days, and the collision resonates not only through their own lives, but changes the destiny of the world as they know it.
Amazon
Wrath of the GoddessThe Goddess's SagaBook TwoMaria Hammarblad Book Description:
When genetically engineered Stephan Forks and demigoddess Maria Callaway attempt to settle down on a rural world, the result isn't entirely positive for the locals. Despite good intentions, the two wreck havoc with everything they do.
Their friend Leila offers them to tag along for a job, and leaving the planet seems like a good idea. An adventure could be fun, and how hard can it be to rescue a stranded artificial intelligence?
The journey turns out to be more than they bargained for, and Maria finds herself lone protector of the universe. Deprived of her friends and family she only has Stephan to lean on, and her human companion might not be up for the challenge.
In the midst of battle and chaos, their destiny awaits.
Amazon
Return of the GoddessThe Goddess's SagaBook ThreeMaria Hammarblad Stephan Forks should be dead. When he opens his eyes to an endless desert, he suspects he might have ended up in hell. It doesn't seem fair after staving off a threat that could have eradicated the universe, but life isn't fair.
His girlfriend, demigoddess Maria Callaway, is blissfully unconscious and shows no signs of waking up. At least she's there, and her presence indicates he might be alive after all.
The situation is desperate, and does not get better from discovering they're trapped on a world outside the regular universe. A world lacking the basic means of survival, but rich in heat and sand, battered by a relentless sun. Saving himself and Maria will require him to face impossible odds as well as ghosts from the past.
Amazon
The Goddess's Saga, compilation volume
About the Author: Born in Sweden in the early 1970's, Maria showed a large interest for books at an early age. Even before she was able to read or write, she made her mom staple papers together into booklets she filled with drawings of suns and planets. She proudly declared them, "The Sun Book." They were all about the sun. She also claimed, to her mother's horror, that her being on Earth was a big mistake and that her alien family would come and bring her home at any moment. This never happened, but both the interest in space and the passion for bookmaking stayed with her.
As an adult Maria's creativity got an outlet through playing bass in a number of rock bands, and through writing technical manuals and making web pages for various companies and organizations. She did write drafts for a few novels, but the storytelling muse was mostly satisfied through role playing online on Myspace. It was here, while writing stories together with people from around the globe, she stumbled onto Mike. They started talking out of character, and she moved over to Florida to him late 2008. Today the two are married and live in the Tampa Bay area with three rescue dogs.
Besides writing and playing bass, Maria enjoys driving off-road, archery, and Tameshigiri.
Fun Facts
Favorite color: BlueFavorite food: Chicken with cashew nutsDoesn't eat: MammalsFavorite TV Show: Star Trek TNG and LeverageFavorite animal: Border CollieQuotes: "Full Speed Ahead" and "Caffeine is good for you"
Find Maria on the webWebsite: http://www.hammarblad.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariahammarblad Blog: http://www.scifiromance.info Twitter: @mariahammarbladGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4114780.Maria_Hammarblad Publisher's website: http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com
January 2, 2014
Thursday Takeover: Becca C. Smith
It's Thursday Takeover! Becca C. Smith is stopping by today to talk about meeting her writerly hero, Terry Brooks. In case you missed the promo post on December 16, here's a reminder of who Becca is and what her book Atlas is about:
Atlas The Atlas Series Book 1Becca C. SmithGenre: Urban FantasyPublisher: Red Frog PublishingDate of Publication: 11/14/13Cover Artist: Stephan FleetAmazon Kindle Book Description:
Kala Hicks is part of a covert elite military team that answers directly to the President of the United States. But during an emergency mission aboard Air Force One, Kala is shocked to discover that the real threat is none other than the President himself. Defying her commanding officer, Jack Norbin, Kala takes the shot, and her life changes forever.
The moment the President is killed, a supernatural force speaks to Kala, telling her that she has to commit one act of atrocity every four days… or the world will end. Thrown into a reality she never could have imagined, Kala faces off with creatures of legend; from demons determined to make her fail and plunge the Earth into chaos, to angels who don’t trust her to do the job and are willing to kill her to claim it for themselves.
Pitted against the forces of good and evil, Kala must choose whether to save the world by doing the unthinkable, or sit back and let it burn. And four days later, she’ll have to do it again.
About the Author:
Becca C. Smith received her Film degree from Full Sail University and has worked in the Film and Television industry for most of her adult life. In 2010 Becca published her first novel, Riser followed by the sequel, Reaper, in 2011, and the finale, Ripper in 2013. In 2012 Becca wrote the children’s novel Alexis Tappendorf and the Search for Beale’s Treasure. She is also the co-author of the teen graphic novel Ghost Whisperer: The Haunted.
Becca currently lives in Los Angeles, CA with her husband, Stephan and their two cats Jack and Duke.
Website: http://www.beccacsmith.com
Blog: http://therisersaga.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Riser-Saga/140711422626243
Twitter: https://twitter.com/therisersaga
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4201733.Becca_C_Smith
Thanks for stopping by, Becca! Take it away!
Books and Brooks
I’ve been reading Terry Brooks since I was eleven. He was the first author I picked out on my own, everything I had read up until then was either a recommendation or stolen from my sister’s bookshelf ☺. Once I got my hands on his books I’ve been reading them ever since. And I’m spoiled, he writes a book every year.
I met him once when I was fifteen. My mom and dad drove me to the mall to get all my paperback books signed. When I stood in the long line waiting anxiously to meet my hero, I realized that everyone else (which happened to be all adults, I was the only kid) had hard cover books for him to sign. I immediately felt self-conscious (a symptom of teenager-hood) and I made my dad hold my large stack of paperbacks and I picked just one for him to sign. The beat up, falling apart, “Sword of Shannara.”
When my mom and I finally arrived in front of Mr. Brooks, I couldn’t move. I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t do anything but just stare at him. I was in fifteen-year-old awe at the fact that my genuine hero was sitting in front of me. He was so nice!
At my lack of speaking ability he assumed my mom was there for the signing, but my mom quickly told him it was, in fact, the mute standing beside her.
He tried everything to get me to talk. He just kept smiling and being the extremely kind person he is. Finally he held up a book from each of his series and asked me to point to which one I liked best. I pointed to the Shannara book and he said, “What if I told you I’m going to come out with a new Shannara book next year.”
Inside I was bursting with excitement. I couldn’t believe it! He hadn’t written a Shannara book in years. (This was 1988 and Brooks hadn’t released a Shannara book since 1985 and in kid years 3 years is an eternity, remember waiting between Star Wars films, torture!!)
So I finally uttered my first words to the man that was about to write another book in my favorite series.
I said (and I’m not kidding), “No.”
Yep.
I meant, “Nooooooo, really???? Holy crap, that’s amazing!!” But all that came out was a very small, “No.”
My mom laughed and said I was just nervous which thank goodness Mr. Brooks already figured out. He was just as kind as can be and signed my brand new “Wizard at Large” book and my falling apart “Sword of Shannara.” Such a great guy.
There’s just nothing like reading a good book. It’s the love of stepping into another place and feeling like I’m there and I know these people intimately.
That’s why I love writing so much. It’s such an amazing feeling creating your own world and the characters in it. I just hope people have as much fun reading my book as I did writing it!
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