Cathrina Constantine's Blog, page 34

I have to say~ I love this Blog Hop! It's fast, simple, a...

I have to say~ I love this Blog Hop! It's fast, simple, and easy. Whether it's a long or short post it helps me to mentally go over my week, which tends to fly by. 

Now, hop over to Lexa Cain's and join in this fun weekly Celebration. Lexa's wonderful co-hosts are:L.G. Keltner @ Writing Off The EdgeTonja Drecker @ Kidbits Blog

1. This week I'm celebrating one week closer to spring. 

2. Having a sleepover with my grand baby.

3. Went to dinner with my sister and cousin which is always a good time.

4. Getting closer to my final book release and then all my book babies are back on the market. And for some reason I feel that I can breathe a sigh of relief. I don't know why I feel that way, because the promoting never seems to stop.

5. Hoping y'all have a fantastic SuperBowl Weekend!!!

***Party On***

Prah, Constantine, Baryeh Reviews #romance #love

We're Baaack!! Our review team had a much needed hiatus to celebrate the Holidays with our friends and families. For the Month of Love or Februarywe pickedThe Game of LovebyMelissa Foster

In GAME OF LOVE...
Ellie Parker is a master at building walls around her heart. In the twenty-five years she's been alive, Dex Remington has been the only person who has always believed in her and been there for her. But four years earlier, she came to Dex seeking comfort and then disappeared like a thief in the night, leaving him a broken man. .
Dex Remington is one of the top PC game developers in the United States. He's handsome, smart, and numb. So damn numb that he's not sure he'll ever find a reason to feel again. .
A chance encounter sparks intense desires in Ellie and Dex. Desires that make her want to run--and make him want to feel. A combination of lust and fear leads these young lovers down a dangerous path. Is it possible to cross a burned bridge, or are they destined to be apart forever?
Cathrina's Review
I was hooked at the very beginning in The Game of Love by the gorgeous and sexy Dex Remington. He's a good guy with a heart of gold and a body to match. 
In walks Ellie, Dex's one and only true love who'd vanished four years earlier, and he is instantly back to being her greatest supporter. Ellie had a rough upbringing. Her foster home experiences had damaged her, and she'd hardened her heart against love altogether. She was basically afraid of love.
The author, Melissa Foster brings us back in time, quite a bit, to give us much, and sometimes too much background. The story seemed to slow down in these sequences, and there's plenty of thinking going on. Perhaps I'm not a good judge for this romance novel due to the fact I enjoy a faster paced novel. However, you may feel differently.
Now head on over to read Nana Prah's review and Empi Baryeh's review. 

#IWSG Insecure Writer's Support Group

http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html
Join Alex J. Cavanaugh and a multitude of writer's in this monthly hop to help support one another!

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Alex's awesome co-hosts for the February 3 posting of the IWSG will be Allison Gammons,Tamara Narayan, Eva E. Solar, Rachel Pattison, and Ann V. Friend! 

I've been too busy in my personal life to even think about my writing insecurities this month. I guess that's a good thing. I just hope my writing insecurities don't attack me all at once.

But I would like to encourage aspiring authors today. Read. Read. And Read some more. Not only in the genre you plan on writing. I acquire inspiration from all kinds of books. Remember to keep it simple. Write what you love. Don't fall into what's popular at the moment because reading trends revolve faster than a boomerang. 




If you're at the query stages, put on a suit of armor. And PERSEVERE. This saying always struck me, and I'd sometimes think ~ Yeah, right. But it's so true:

It only takes one Yes!!

I'm Celebrating a One Hour Re-Release Party on Facebook f...

I'm Celebrating a One Hour Re-Release Party on Facebook for Wickedly They Dream on Feb. 21st from 3:00 ~ 4:00 EST.
Facebook Link:https://www.facebook.com/events/1553445681634109/
I'm aways a nervous wreck while hosting these events, that's why I only have it for 1 hour. 
If you'd like some exposure for your book and for yourself as an author, and if you're willing to donate an ebook, I will post it on the event. I usually play caption games or something easy. And I will leave it open for a few days just in case people can't make that time. I will pick the winners of the ebooks by Feb. 25th. 
If anyone is interested please email, message, or comment below for me. Coming Soon: February 20, 2016Published by: Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly ~ CHBBGenre: A Gripping Paranormal Fantasy.
Evil never rests.
Jordan hoped her life would change after the fiery death of the devious sorcerer, Asa Trebane. She was wrong. The Black Order of the Cult is gearing up to select a new Supreme Leader, and Lucifer will be judge and jury.
Seeley, Jordan’s mother, is possessed with a curse, and even the priests can’t find a solution to defeat the evil devouring her. Jordan must dig deeper into the Satanic realm and joins forces with a wicked witch to save her family from the clutches of Hell.
However, when things go awry with her guardian angel, Markus, Jordan is shrouded in her own longing as she faces the darkness without his light.
There’s trouble in paradise and souls are at stake as Jordan fights to hold onto a normal teenage life ~ the angel she loves ~ and a family that hangs in peril.

Why Write

When I began my writing adventure I really didn't know what I was in for, or what would actually become of it. I just knew I had a story to tell and I wanted to get it down on paper, and then eventually a computer.

A tale had exploded from my head and after many revisions, rewrites, editing, and a year or so later, I had my first novel. I'm paraphrasing here because I don't want to bore you with my task of the endless query process and depressing rejections. Let's approximate, it took...a while before I signed a contract.

I didn't go to college. I didn't take creative writing courses. I didn't know the first thing about writing. But, I was a voracious reader. I find it a pleasant diversion of humdrum life to venture into a variety fantastic novels. 
Now ~ a few books and years later, I've learned quite a bit about grammar, pronouns, adverbs and adjectives (which I tend to overindulge in) and needless to say I'm still at the learning stages. Like life, I believe writing is an everyday learning process.

Then comes the unceasing and mindboggling marketing, promotions, and not only book promos, but promoting yourself as an author. Then after all that, book sales go into the dumpster. To get books into the public eye through promo newsletters, its beneficial to sell your baby at the low price of 99 cents. All that hard work for pennies seems ludicrous. Kindle ebooks, if you're an indie or self-published author are generally priced between $2.99 - $4.99, and I believe that's a steal.

It would be awesome to make scads of money for our novels, or have our books be a main source of income, but that's highly uncommon. Only if you're J.K. Rowlings, James Patterson, Stephen King .... etc... and/or happen to get your book made into a movie, then you might be swimming in dough. If your writing a novel and hoping for riches and notoriety,  then you'll be disappointed if that's your expectations. 

Usually between the revisions and the unceasing edits, I'm not a happy camper. I realize editing puts the varnish and shine on our books, but I start to dislike re-reading my words a gazillion times.  

After all my complaining and thinking about the arduous, long task of writing a novel, I'm asking myself....


Why do I write? 

I've been asking myself that question a lot lately. Definitely not for the money. 


I finally realized something! 

Last week I was adding words to my WIP, and I found myself smiling. Yes, I was smiling ~ because I liked it. I enjoyed the fantasy world I was creating. I liked being transported to another place and time just like when I'm reading. And, I have learned a few things. My style and grammar and punctuations are getting easier to handle.


Will I continue on my writing path? 

For now, I can't seem to stop the stories from drilling into my skull, at least for the time being. It's a dream to be bigger and better, but I must remember to just write the best that I can ~ to entertain readers, and myself.


If you're an aspiring writer, write what makes you happy! And write for the Love of it!!

#CelebrateTheSmallThings

I have to say~ I love this Blog Hop! It's fast, simple, and easy. Whether it's a long or short post it helps me to mentally go over my week, which tends to fly by. 

Now, hop over to Lexa Cain's and join in this fun weekly Celebration. Lexa's wonderful co-hosts are:L.G. Keltner @ Writing Off The EdgeTonja Drecker @ Kidbits Blog
**Celebrating Otis**
I had two litters of Labrador puppies, and I held Otis in my hands when he took his first breath, and I held him in my arms when he took his last.
We've had a few dogs over the years, but none compare to Otis. He was one of the good ones! He wasn't a barker or in any way mean or nasty. He didn't need to be leashed in the front yard because he never ran after people, or left our sides. 
He lived for walks, playing ball, and for swimming, until he could no longer run or swim. Otis was greatly loved, and he loved us unconditionally in return. He lived to a ripe old age of 14 and half years.

#CelebrateTheSmallThings

I have to say~ I love this Blog Hop! It's fast, simple, and easy. Whether it's a long or short post it helps me to mentally go over my week, which tends to fly by. 

Now, hop over to Lexa Cain's and join in this fun weekly Celebration. Lexa's wonderful co-hosts are:L.G. Keltner @ Writing Off The EdgeTonja Drecker @ Kidbits Blog
I'm so happy that my edits are complete for my release of Wickedly They Dream on February  .

Again, I'm asking my wonderful blogger friends to help me promote this sequel to Wickedly They Come. Please message me or leave a comment below. And remember my blog is always open to promote my fellow authors!!!

I have nothing in the works, so I won't be bugging anyone again for quite some time.

We had an appointment at the vets ~ were going to say goodbye to Otis last night, but again, he looked at me with those big eyes and I melted. I'm not ready. He's not ready. So we take it hour by hour, day by day...

Have a Great Weekend!!! 

#NewRelease

Blurb:Don’t stand out. Blend in. Remain invisible. Those are the rules I lived by—the rules I  thought  would keep me alive. 
I was wrong.
Wynter Reeves is a law-abiding citizen of the State, a willing conformist whose daily life is haunted by terrorism and oppression. With the constant threat of death hanging over her like a shadow, she forces herself to live by a strict set of rules, all in the hope of ensuring she is never noticed. However, on her twenty-first birthday, as she prepares to take the placement exam that will determine her future within society, she begins to show symptoms of a rare and debilitating illness—ultimately attracting the attention of the State. Taken into the custody of the feared research facility known as the DSD, her worst nightmare becomes reality.
Ripped away from the life she knew, Wynter is forced to become the test subject of the mysterious Dr. Richter. Through him, she learns the true and terrifying nature of her condition: a disease called Ultraxenopia.
Excerpt:
“Her blood type,” she whispers in a hushed voice to the man. “It’s . . . changing.”I may not know much about science, or anything medical having to do with the human body, but I know enough to be fairly certain that what she’s saying isn’t possible. Not naturally at least.I gape at the man, but he doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t even seem to react to this news. His eyes simply follow the code for a while, his fingers rubbing his chin as if deep in thought.When the process is finally complete, the sphere stops spinning and sinks back to the desktop, landing with a soft thud against the glass surface. Within seconds of touching down, the metal shifts until it’s once again nothing more than a silver bowl filled with blood.The man straightens up, but his hand remains planted on his chin. Everyone in the room watches him in silence, as if waiting for him to speak.Including me.“Fascinating,” is all he says.Without warning, he looks over at me, and my heart rate increases when his lips curl into a smile. For some reason, his expression is unnerving.He begins to move toward me, his footsteps echoing off the floor—the sound growing louder as the distance between us shrinks. His gaze never leaves mine.Stopping just in front of me, he flashes a kind smile. “Hello, Wynter,” he murmurs. “My name is Dr. Richter. I’ll be taking care of you.”Taking care of me?“Why am I here?” I breathe. My voice is shaky, and the dryness in my throat is apparent in each raspy word. “What are you going to do to me?”“Shh, hush now,” he whispers. “All of your questions will be answered in time.”He smiles once again, only breaking eye contact with me to glance down at his hand. I follow his gaze, the fear re-emerging when I see him pull a syringe from the depths of his coat pocket. His eyes flash back to mine, and I know he can sense my fear as well as the piercing screams tightly lodged in my throat.“But for now,” he croons as he injects the syringe into one of the tubes in my right arm, “you must sleep.”He takes a step away from me, that disconcerting expression still plastered across his face. I try to say something, but I can barely get out a single word before I feel the effects of the liquid as it enters my system. It rushes through me like a cold chill.I want to fight against it, but it’s hopeless.As the drowsiness returns to pull me under yet again, the doctor’s smile is all I can see.
M. A. PHIPPS


Social Media
Official Webpage: http://maphipps.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormaphipps/Twitter: https://twitter.com/authormaphippsGoogle+: https://plus.google.com/+MAPhipps/postsGoodreads:https://www.goodreads.com author/show/13682371.M_A_PhippsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormaphipps/Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkOGI201TU2Z1r0ZRW_aFogPinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/authormaphipps/

Book Links
Amazon Links: smarturl.it/UltraxenopiaGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28463043-ultraxenopia

Release Party
https://www.facebook.com/events/1686861688252250/

Book Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZrqauqWFRI

#Cloaked #supernatural #fantasy #CelebrateTheSmallThings

CLOAKED by T.F. Walsh Is Now Out

I purchased my copy and can't wait to start reading it!!
Cloaked Blurb:Raised by an overly protective wulfkin pack, Daciana leaps at the chance to venture into the human world for her one-year independence ritual. But after someone steals the endangered bear cubs she’s been assigned to protect, she must locate them or lose her job and return home in disgrace. The sexy inspector on the case isn’t making this any easier. He knows nothing of her kind, and wulfkin rules forbid relationships with humans.

Newly divorced Inspector Connell Lonescu trusts no one but himself. He’s convinced relationships are a waste of time and thinks burying himself in work will ease the pain. Yet he’s attracted to the gorgeous and mysterious Daciana, even if there’s something slightly odd about her. Can Connell learn to trust the sexy but secretive woman? 
Cloaked is the prequel to Cloaked in Fur, book 1 in The Wulfkin Legacy Series. Find out how Daciana and Connell fell in love and set in motion the paramount events that forever change their lives and those around them.
Cloaked is only 0.99c Grab Your Copy:AMAZON | B&N| KOBO |  GOOGLE PLAY | iTUNESPublisher: Crimson Romance
Coming SoonCloaked in Secrecy (Book #2) – March 2016Cloaked in Blood (Book #3) – May 2016SIGN UP HERE for T.F. Walsh’s newsletter to keep up to date with latest releases, special offers, and exclusive content.
About The AuthorT.F. Walsh emigrated from Romania to Australia at the age of eight and now lives in a regional city south of Sydney with her husband. Growing up hearing dark fairytales, she's always had a passion for reading and writing horror, paranormal romance, urban fantasy and young adult stories. She balances all the dark with light fluffy stuff like baking and traveling.

Author Links: Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon
I have to say~ I love this Blog Hop! It's fast, simple, and easy. Whether it's a long or short post it helps me to mentally go over my week, which tends to fly by. 

Now, hop over to Lexa Cain's and join in this fun weekly Celebration. Lexa's wonderful co-hosts are:L.G. Keltner @ Writing Off The EdgeTonja Drecker @ Kidbits Blog
Buffalo had quite a snowy week. I love the winter white wonderful that's now our back yard. 

Otis is still with us, and that even surprises me. The old guy huffs and puffs and stares at me with those big eyes, and I melt. (I am writing about my dog)

Not much to report in my life. But on the writing front, I'm quickly going over an old manuscript that I love, and hoping to get it prim and polished for publication some day. 

Also, I'm waiting for my editor to send back Wickedly They Dream which will be Re-Released in February so I can get started on her editing suggestions. I'm praying it'll be painless.

I actually do plan on taking that breather...hopeful soon...

#NewRelease #Romance #Fantasy #Paranormal

***Happy Book Release Day to Nana Prah***
Time is ticking away for Adjoa Twum. She has until the end of the year to find a guy, fall in love, and marry. Or else, her father will disinherit her from the family business. 

Adjoa hasn’t had success with the dating game. No man meets her expectations. Esi, her cousin, suggests a fake relationship with Adjoa’s best friend, Kwame Opoku, to pacify her relentless father.

Kwame thinks Adjoa’s request is ridiculous. Posing as her boyfriend might get tricky, but he can’t say no to those beautiful eyes. Once the falsified relationship begins, things heat up. He discovers deep feelings for her, feelings that might lose Adjoa and her friendship. 

Should they take the chance and up it to the next level? 

AMAZON BUY LINK:http://www.amazon.com/Entwined-Destiny-African-Romance-ebook/dp/B019X8VZNA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1452453289&sr=1-1&keywords=entwined+destiny

NEW AND RECENT RELEASES:

After centuries of encroaching evil, now the Time Lords will rise. 

After a vicious attack, Tukil and Katelyn are mortally wounded and find themselves in the care of the Elven people. Under direction of Mindin, the pair must learn to use the powers bestowed on them in order to chase back the seeping darkness plaguing the lands. That evil power has set his eyes on the Time Lords, and he won’t stop until he or the lords are dead. 

In order to end the evil president’s dark reign, Tukil and Katelyn are forced to leave the safety of the Elven kingdom. They make their way to Libyon Country to cut off the male’s army led by none other than an old enemy. Tukil is forced to leave Katelyn behind as he goes on an arduous journey to seek help from the Griffons, and to reach their high nests, he must climb the peaks of the Harkok Mountains. 

Finally, after a harsh battle, the Time Lords face their greatest enemy, but the question remains: Who is stronger? Will the lords be able to banish the darkness for good, and thus help end slavery and prejudice against the Libyons, or will they perish in the attempt? 

AMAZON BUY LINK:http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ADR6UNU/?tag=authl.it-20

The dead don’t always rest easy... 
Retired detective, Danny Mancini, is haunted by nightmares after he found out that paranormal creatures exist. All he wants is to forget them…especially a certain half-vampire. When cursed werewolves show up trying to kill him, he is forced to go back to the Paranormal Investigative Division for help against a powerful old enemy. What he was not expecting was a dead ex showing back up after twenty-six years.
AMAZON BUY LINK:http://www.amazon.com/Mirandas-Rights-Paranormal-Detective-Book-ebook/dp/B01ABM4M32/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1452455797&sr=1-4&keywords=miranda%27s+rights


A Gripping Dark Fantasy! 

A Destined Prophecy: “The White Warrior will be one with Lucifer and God will weep.” 

Haunting visions and supernatural talents are the norm for the sixteen-year-old warrior, Jordan and her mother Seeley. Together with their formidable angels they find themselves in peril when a wicked sorcerer is determined to fulfill the prophecy to his lord, Lucifer. 

After an ominous vision of spirits inhabiting teenagers in a local school, Jordan enrolls in the social culture of teendom at Elma High to combat soulless demons. She encounters Mark, a mysterious new classmate, who is hell bent on keeping her unscathed from the forces of evil. 

The fight between Heaven and Hell is escalating—and Earth is their battleground.
AMAZON BUY LINK: http://smarturl.it/wickedly1