Margo Bond Collins's Blog, page 154
November 30, 2013
Waking Up Dead’s BEST WEEK EVER!
This last week has been absolutely fabulous, and I wanted to share it with everyone!
The first amazing thing to happen was that Waking Up Dead hit several genre bestseller charts in the UK; in itself, that would have been wonderful, but check out the company it was keeping when it hit #2 in Ghost Suspense in the UK:
At #6 in Horror in the UK, it was all Stephen King . . . and me!
And it also hit #1 in Paranormal Suspense in the UK!
By Thanksgiving day here in the U.S., Waking Up Dead was on bestselling genre charts in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and Germany.
If that weren’t enough, I found out that Waking Up Dead was chosen as the alternate read by the Vaginal Fantasy Book Club, hosted by Felicia Day, Veronica Belmont, Bonnie Burton and Kiala Kazebee.
I discovered this when I got a Goodreads notification that Felicia Day had posted about my book.
I had to check to make sure it was really THAT Felicia Day.
It was.
I got a little dizzy.
And their main choice for December is Laurell K. Hamilton’s first Anita Blake novel, Guilty Pleasures–more exciting company for Waking Up Dead to be keeping!
On Thanksgiving Day, I discovered I had been awarded the Liebster Award for Blogging (check back here soon for more information on the award!).
In a week of thanksgiving for all the great things in my life–family, friends, a life I love–I have been even more thankful than usual for all the readers who are reading Waking Up Dead and sharing it, and for those who follow and read this blog; you all rock! Because of you, this week has been just about perfect.
THANKS!
Spotlight On: Earth’s Magick by Mel Massey
EARTH’S MAGICK ~EARTH~ Book 1
Coming Soon from Solstice Publishing
Life in Trinity Hills, Texas goes from normal to deadly for Mela Malone. Whenever Mela falls asleep, a mysterious Hag creature tries to kill her. What begins as dabbling in protective spells from an ancient Grimoire, leads to her initiation into an ancient order of warrior witches known as the Elementai.
Mela learns war is coming with The Darkness and the Hag is only one of the evil creatures in its service. As an Elementai, Mela learns it’s her duty to find four part-human sisters who can help defeat the evil that threatens to return to the world. With every new discovery, Mela uncovers ancient secrets that complicate her quest further.
As war approaches, everyone must make a choice – fight with the Elementai for all life on Earth, or fight for The Darkness…
Author Bio:
Mel Massey studied Cultural Anthropology and History of Religion. Her husband serves in the United States Army and she is the mother of two adorable monsters. Mel spends most of her time talking to her imaginary friends.
November 29, 2013
Book Highlight and Giveaway: My Date from Hell
Title: My Date From Hell by Tellulah Darling
Genre: Young Adult
Series: The Blooming Goddess Trilogy, #2
Sophie Bloom’s junior year has been a bit of a train wreck. After the world’s greatest kiss re-awakened Sophie’s true identity as Persephone (Goddess of Spring and Savior of Humanity), she fought her dragon-lady guidance counselor to the death, navigated mean girl Bethany’s bitchy troublemaking, and dealt with the betrayal of her backstabbing ex, Kai (sexy Prince of Darkness). You’d think a girl could catch a break.
Yeah, right.
With Zeus stepping things up, it’s vital that Sophie retrieve Persephone’s memories and discover the location of the ritual to stop Zeus and Hades. So when Aphrodite strikes a deal that can unlock Sophie’s pre-mortal past, what choice does the teen goddess have but to accept?
The mission: stop media mogul Hermes from turning Bethany into a global mega-celebrity. The catch? Aphrodite partners Sophie and Kai to work together … and treat this suicide mission as a date. Which could work out for Sophie’s plan to force Kai to admit his feelings for her–if she doesn’t kill him first.
Add to that the fact that BFF Theo’s love life and other BFF Hannah’s actual life are in Sophie’s hands, and suddenly being a teenager—even a godlike one—seems a bit like … well, hell. Whatever happened to dinner and a movie?
The YA romantic comedy/Greek mythology fireworks continue to fly in My Date From Hell. Love meets comedy with a whole lot of sass in book two of this teen fantasy romance series. Breaking up is easy; dating is deadly.
Aphrodite
pointed her gun at me again, kind of casually. “Your problem is you’re too hung
up on the past. You gotta move forward with yer life.”
I heard
Hannah give a smothered laugh.
“You got
this cutie pie in love with ya, and instead of enjoying his company, all you do
is whine.” With a quick flick, Aphrodite opened the cylinder to reload.
“He’s not
in love,” I said.
She peered
at Kai. “Whattya talkin’ about? Sure he is. Everyone knows Kyrillos
loves Persephone.”
“I’m Sophie,” I ground out.
She waved
the gun around. “Ya ya. That too.”
That too?
I took a deep breath, folded my fingers over my palms and looked slightly to the
left of her in case I accidentally started blasting. Didn’t want to go down in history
as the girl who killed the Goddess of Love.
“Nope. It’s
just desire,” I said with faked calm. “Kai is so resistant to the idea of being
in love with me that your arrows don’t work. Besides which, when he actually does
fall so hard for me that he doesn’t know which way is up, I want him to know he
chose that of his own free will. That he chose me.” I threw him a sweet smile.
“Chose you?”
Kai got this look of “have we had this conversation before?” on his face. My smile
got tight.
Aphrodite
scooped up a saclike pink purse laying on the ground. She rooted around in
it. “Desire is part of romantic love, silly,” she said to me.
She pulled
out a handful of bullets and dumped them in Festos’ hurriedly outstretched hands
before turning back to Kai. She gestured with the still-open chambered revolver
toward him. “Your body knows what’s what. Stop fighting it.”
Kai glowered
at her.
She laughed
it off, reloading. “And you,” Aphrodite said to me, as she plucked more bullets
from Festos’ hand to load into the chamber. “Yer just as bad with your own issues.”
She couldn’t
know about my insecurities around Persephone could she? Aphrodite narrowed her eyes
at me.
I gulped.
Aphrodite
shot me a look of disgust and popped the final bullets into the chambers. She gestured
at each of us in turn with one pink, sparkly manicured finger. “I’m gonna start
gettin’ real mad about how youse is all dealin’ with love.”
“There’s
a whole bunch of drags around here where love is concerned,” Festos agreed.
“Thanks
so much for inviting him along,” Theo said to me.
I grimaced
an apology at Theo, then shot back at Festos, “Seems there’s a whole bunch of dogs
here, too.” I looked between him and Kai.
“Oh don’t
forget Pierce,” Festos replied cheerfully. “He’s a total mimbo.” “He is not,” Hannah
defended. “He’s pure love.”
Aphrodite
threw her a fond smile. “I like you, girlie.” “Love in name, hormones in game,”
Theo countered. “Look at us all in agreement,” Festos replied.
“No, because
you’re talking about lust,” I protested.
“Lust is
pretty good too,” Aphrodite said, “but it ain’t nothin’ like the real thing.” She
clicked the cylinder into place and looked at me. “We got a deal? You’ll get Jack
to kill the campaign?”
“You’ll
undo the love thing?” I asked.
“Nope. You
could do with a little love in your life. Kyrillos is obviously brimming with love
for ya now,” she ignored Kai’s snort, “so you’re gonna enjoy it.”
“Meaning
what?” I asked.
“A date,”
Kai piped up. “I’d say I’m ready now.” He arched an eyebrow as if to say “ball’s
in your court.”
“I think
it’s a great idea,” I slid my arm around his waist and pressed myself up against
his side.
A look of
surprise flashed across his face. “Perfect.”
I could
outdate him any place, any time. I brightened. This was going to be fun. The touching
part wasn’t a downside either.
“The fate
of the world does dee-pend on you loving each other,” Aphrodite said. “So, good.
We’ll start with a date.”
“Still say
it’s a euphemism,” Festos burst out. “And Kai doesn’t date.”
Kai snaked
his arm around my waist before pressing his fingertips into my hip. “Never wanted
to before. Sophie’s the exception.”
“The euphemistic
exception?” Festos asked. “Shut up,” Kai and I fired at him in tandem.
Festos took
it in stride, waggling his eyebrows cheerfully at Theo who pretended to look disapproving
but totally wasn’t. Even Hannah didn’t bother to hide her smile.
“Only thing
is,” I told Aphrodite, “I have to be back at school by Sunday morning. I have a
meeting I can’t miss. So I’ll have to get this thing with Jack done quickly to have
time for the date.”
“Going together
to find Hermes is the date.” Aphrodite looked at me like I was an idiot.
“You two need as much together time as possible.”
No way.
I needed all my wits about me to handle Kai. Something that couldn’t happen if I
had to track down Hermes at the same time. I tried a new tactic. “A date involves
dinner and a movie. Something romantic. Finding Hermes hardly counts.”
She pinned
me in her gaze. “Had so miny of them, Miz Expert? All a date is, is two people spendin’
time to deepen their attraction.”
“Or kill
it,” Hannah piped up.
Aphrodite
scrunched up her nose. “Huh?”
“There are
far more first dates than second,” Hannah explained. “Which means that after spending
time, those people realized they were not a match.”
“What she
said,” I seconded.
Aphrodite
narrowed her eyes at Hannah. “I don’t get ya. You talk like that but you’re so brim
up with love.”
“I’m a confounding
enigma,” Hannah replied cheerfully.
Aphrodite
threw her hands up. “Enough’a this nonsense. You’ll go together to find Hermes.
And you’ll be date-like doin’ it.”
That sounded
like a threat.
“Almost
like you planned it that way,” I said to Kai.
His smile
grew wider as he gave my waist a squeeze. “Told you I get what I want. Feel
free to let that sink in.”
Tellulah Darling
noun
1. YA romantic comedy author because her first kiss sucked and she’s compensating.
2. Alter ego of former screenwriter.
3. Sassy minx.
Geeks out over: cool tech.
Squees for: great storytelling.
Delights in: fabulous conversation.
Writes about: where love meets comedy. Awkwardness ensues.
Sassy girls. Swoony boys. What could go wrong?
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads
Hosted by Good Choice Reading Promotions
Spotlight On: A Vampire’s Christmas Carol
A Vampire’s Christmas Carol (Novella)
by
Cynthia Eden
Blurb:
This holiday season has bite.
Ben Prescott hates Christmas—he’s a vampire, and to him, there’s certainly nothing jolly about the holiday season. While the humans are running around being merry, he’s hunting in the shadows. Ben plans to spend the holidays his way…by stalking deadly prey.
But fate has other plans for Ben.
Three visitors are coming Ben’s way…A demon who will force Ben to face his past, a ghost who will show Ben the present he could have, and a shifter who will reveal the darkness that waits in Ben’s future. Unless Ben can change his ways, he may just turn into a real monster, one who can’t be saved by anyone or anything.
‘Tis the season…to be undead.
Ben’s redemption rests in the hands of the one woman he loved and lost—Simone Laurent. If Ben is going to have a chance at being more than just the beast in the darkness, he has to prove himself to the lovely Simone. A very hard task, considering that, once upon a Christmas Eve, Simone died in Ben’s arms…
Warning:
This book features one very tortured vampire, a sexy ghost from his past, and hot scenes designed to melt the winter snow. Plenty of action, adult situations, and steamy times are ahead. Happy holidays!
Available for purchase at
Excerpt
Lust clawed through him. The need, the red-hot desire, seemed to
burn Ben from the inside. He grabbed
Simone, yanked her flush against him. His mouth locked on hers. He’d always
tried to be so careful with her in the past. Played the gentleman because she mattered.
He wasn’t
a gentleman any longer. Ben wasn’t even sure what he was. He just knew he
needed Simone naked, and he had to be in her.
He carried her back to his
bedroom. He ignored the glittering New York skyline. She was the only thing he
could see. Desire pounded through him. His cock was so swollen that he hurt
and—
His teeth were extending.
Stretching in his mouth.
Ben dropped Simone on the bed
and stepped back, horrified.
“Ben?” Simone sat up on the bed and pushed back the
blonde hair that had tumbled forward. “What’s wrong?”
She was so gorgeous and
sexy staring up at him. Looking at him
with those wide, dark eyes.
I’m going to hurt her. He grabbed for the control that he’d always
held so easily in the past. Only that control was broken. Shattered. “You need
to leave.”
About the Author
USA Today Best-selling author Cynthia Eden has written over twenty-five novels and novellas. She was named as a 2013 RITA® finalist for her paranormal romance, ANGEL IN CHAINS, and, in 2011, Cynthia Eden was a RITA finalist for her romantic suspense, DEADLY FEAR.
Cynthia is a southern girl who loves horror movies, chocolate, and happy endings. She has always wanted to write (don’t most authors say that?), and particularly enjoys creating stories about monsters–vampires, werewolves, and even the real-life monsters that populate her romantic suspense stories.
Cynthia’s foreign sales for her books include translations to Japan, Germany, Thailand, Greece, and Brazil.
(Back in the day…) Cynthia graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Alabama where she studied Sociology (because people interest her) and Communication (because she likes to write about said people). Cynthia has worked as a college admissions counselor, a teacher, and as an editor. But now, Cynthia is thrilled to be spending her days making up stories.
Giveaway
A $100 Gift Card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Presented By
Spotlight on: The League of Skull and Bones, Book 1 of the Grimm Chronicles
Jess Grimm has the ability to travel to any dimension in the multiverse. There’s only one problem… it’s killing her.
Jess is a in a race against time to find a device that can slow the progression of the power inside her, but she isn’t alone. Others want her power, and they don’t care how they get, or if she is dead or alive when they do.
The only person willing to help her is the mysterious Ronan Sparrow a member of the League of Skull & Bones, one of the very groups that want her power. But what does Ronan want in return? Can Jess trust him or will she find herself alone with enemies on all sides?
The League of Skull & Bones, Book 1 of The Grimm Chronicles
Prologue
I wasn’t alone in the dark.
Snarls and growls surrounded me, running my blood cold. I moved my head from side to side, scrunching my eyes, trying desperately to catch sight of the beasts before they reached me. My crimson swords weighed so heavily in my hands that I felt as if I’d been fighting for what seemed like eternity.
Claws and fangs suddenly slashed out from the darkness and I did my best to defend myself, though in my heart I knew it was a losing battle. The beasts were overpowering me and soon I wouldn’t be able to stop them. No one was coming to save me. I was alone.
Talons slashed across my back and warm blood trickled down as pain shot across my spine. I stumbled and the beasts—I was sure—tasted victory. They moved in at me in waves. I spun my blades trying to battle the never-ending tide, trying to survive.
It was hopeless. For every monster I took down, another two took its place. I wanted to live, I wanted to fight, but the agonizing pain of my flesh being torn and sliced was too great to bear. I couldn’t go on. The jaws of one of the beasts clamped on my wrist, and I lost my grip on one of my swords. It fell from my hand and clattered to the ground and with it went my last vestige of hope.
Blood drained from my body and my vision faded. I would soon black out, and then the beasts would feast on me. A scream bubbled in my throat and my mouth fell open, but no sounds came out. I closed my eyes, not wanting to see my own death and hoped that darkness would take me before the beasts did.
I bolted out of bed, my mouth still open in a silent scream, and my sheets tangled around me soaked with sweat. I stood at the foot of my bed, my breathing coming in ragged gasps.
The nightmares came almost every night. I couldn’t escape them no matter how hard I tried. I yanked at the sheets, dragging them off me and tossing them back onto the bed.
I’d worn only an old t-shirt to bed, though now I wished I had worn more. I didn’t want to see my scars, didn’t want to be reminded yet again, but I couldn’t stop my fingers from tracing over the ugly scars that marked my arms and upper torso.
I walked from the top floor of my loft, down the stainless steel steps to the kitchen area. I yanked open the fridge and grabbed the container of milk and took a gulp. I placed it back in the fridge and slammed the door closed. I slipped down onto the couch that faced the large windows dotting the walls of my loft and sighed at the breathtaking view of Paris. It always calmed me.
My fingers mindlessly drifted over the scars on my arms. They were a reminder of the very real night I had been trapped in a nearly unwinnable fight. Monsters had surrounded me and had almost killed me. If it hadn’t been for my friends, I would have died.
But I hadn’t died, or had I? I was far from the girl I had once been. Once I was the prettiest girl in school, and the girl who had hit every club and had had a blast when she had moved to Paris. But after the vicious attack everything had changed, most of all me.
My fingers suddenly stopped, settling on the edges of identical tattoos on both my forearms. I glanced down at the image of a Skeleton Key. My scars refused to cross paths with the tattoos, as if they knew that they dared not go near them.
I slid my finger over the tattoo, and felt a buzz of power run through me. These unwanted tattoos were another reminder of something else entirely. But unlike my scar, I had chosen these.
The monsters may not have gotten me, but these tattoos were a different matter. They marked me for death.
I pulled my knees up into my chest and took a deep breath. Maybe I would wait here until dawn. Then I wouldn’t have to worry about any more nightmares or death that constantly stalked me.
I sat alone in the dark looking out on the City of Lights, awaiting the dawn and praying that I could keep death at bay and that I wouldn’t hear the sound of monsters.
Available on
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SIGN UP HERE.
MJ Fletcher was born in New Jersey and now lives by the beach with his very understanding wife and daughter. He has been writing since he first stapled pages together as a child and called them a book. He finally realized his ambitions when his comic book series Adam Zero The Last Man of Earth was published by Ronin Studios. His other comic book work includes Digital Webbing Presents and The Hero Initiative. His first novel The Doorknob Society released in 2012 was nominated for a Cybil award in the young adult category. He has continued writing the Doorknob Society Saga his rollicking steampunk adventure series as well as working on numerous other writing projects.
Website † GoodReads † Twitter † Facebook † GoodReads
Excerpt: Give Me Hope by Zoey Derrick
Give Me Hope
Author: Zoey Derrick
Series: The Reason Series (#2)
Genre: Paranormal Romace/Fantasy
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: Nov 19 2013
Blurb/Synopsis:
An Angel is he…
From the first moment he saw her, MIKAH BLAKE was seized by an inexplicable need to protect Vivienne Callahan, a fragile but fiery young woman who’s awakened a slumbering power within him. With his encouragement, Vivienne has begun to turn her life around, and things seem to be heading in the direction of a slow but certain happily-ever-after. But that happy ending is side tracked by a rising evil that is determined to destroy her.
When her dark past comes back to claim her, Mikah is caught in a whirlwind of events that lead him down a path he was born into but never understood. Until now.
Can Mikah save Vivienne? Will his love be enough? Will he be able to control his angelic powers and use them to protect his newfound love?
___________________________
Book Links
___________________________
Author Info
It is from Glendale, Arizona that Zoey Derrick, a mortgage underwriter by day and romance and erotica novelist by night, writes stories as hot as the desert sun itself. It is this passion that drips off of her work, bringing excitement to anyone who enjoys a good and sensual love story.
Not only does she aim to take her readers on an erotic dance that lasts the night, it allows her to empty her mind of stories we all wish were true.
Her stories are hopeful yet true to life, skillfully avoiding melodrama and the unrealistic, bringing her gripping Erotica only closer to the heart of those that dare dipping into it.
The intimacy of her fantasies that she shares with her readers is thrilling and encouraging, climactic yet full of suspense. She is a loving mistress, up for anything, of which any reader is doomed to return to again and again.
___________________________
Author Links
Amazon Author Page
___________________________
Excerpt
I pull the detective’s card from my pocket, dial the number and wait.
“Hhhello?”
The voice is tentative, groggy from sleep. Not like the confident officer I met last night. “Detective Stevens?” I ask.
He clears his throat. “Yes.”
Much better. “This is Mikah Blake. We met last night.”
“Oh, of course. What can I do for you?”
“I sent you an email this morning that shows your boy Riley meeting his dad outside my building around two this morning. I have a security detail working on the full video exchange.”
“Are these cameras yours? The ones used to capture these images?”
“Yes, I had the security system installed a couple years ago, the previous one was shit.” I can hear my own irritation coming through. “If we find something you can use, you call your evidence boys and have them come get it.”
“Uh…that’s great. Thank you.” I can hear it in his voice: He’s not used to being told how to do his job.
“Don’t thank me yet. I want a report on Vivienne’s building from last night.”
“It doesn’t work like that, Blake. This isn’t quid pro quo here. What is your need to know?” The skepticism can be heard in his voice and the pain in my back spikes.
“Because when I arrived here this morning, there was a cab parked outside. Still is. I’d like to know when it arrived.”
“I can’t do that, Mr. Blake.”
“Don’t give me that bullshit. Why don’t you call your guy parked down the block from her apartment and ask him. Then we can move on from there.”
“Alright, hang on.” There is a series of clicks. Then he comes back on the line. Ring. “Blake?”
“Yup.” Ring. “Thanks, Detective.” I know he’s violating company policy. Ring. And, I know it’s killing him to give in to my demands.
“Yeah.” Irritation fills his voice. Ring. “Just don’t say anything when he answers.” Ring.
Click. ”You’ve reached the voicemail of Officer Anders. Please leave—” Click.
“What the hell?” Stevens says. “It’s ringing, so it’s on. But why not answer?”
“Let’s find out, shall we?”
November 27, 2013
Interview with Author Rebekkah Ford
Welcome today to Rebekkah Ford, author of the Paranormal YA Beyond the Eyes trilogy. She has graciously agreed to answer a few questions for us today! Keep reading for more information about the trilogy!
_____________________
1. What do you write about? Tell us a little about your previously published works.
Right now, I write paranormal stories. My Beyond the Eyes trilogy is about a heartsick teenage girl (Paige Reed) who has been receiving premonitions for years from a ghostly voice. One day she receives a haunting one about herself, which changes her life forever. She goes from being an emotional teen to a kickass girl who is destined to protect humanity against the dark spirits dwelling inside soulless humans.
2. How do you handle bad reviews?
I try to get something positive out of it, and I read some of the good reviews I’ve received. I also remind myself that every author has had a bad review. It’s part of the business. You can’t please everybody.
3. Tell us a little about your work in progress.
In The Devil’s Third a witch tells Nathan to relay a message to Paige. Her guide Moradin will be taking her on a journey through the heavenly realms. It’s been decided by her council. So right now I’m writing the novella of Moradin showing Paige things we can only imagine, but has been ingrained on our very soul.
4. Any advice for aspiring writers?
Write what you love. Don’t go by what’s popular now because it might not be by the time your book gets published. You need to read a lot as well. Believe in yourself, even if others don’t believe in you. And remember, the more you write, the better you become. It’s an ongoing journey that never ends.
5. What is your personal writing process?
I think of a story, flesh out ideas, write out the characters and a loose outline, then I start writing. I don’t stop to edit. I just write and take notes on the side when needed.
6. Who are a few authors you look up to?
JK Rowling, Anne Rice, George Orwell, and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
7. What book are you reading now?
Devlin’s Descendent by Felicia Tatum
8. What inspired you to write your first book?
My passion for telling stories.
9. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
In my Beyond the Eyes trilogy I wouldn’t have made it appear so dark. I honestly think it sends out the wrong message, like it’s a horror story, and it’s not really.
10. What do you find particularly challenging about writing?
I work a full-time job, so finding the time to write and get in that “zone”is challenging at times.
11. If there was one message you could send to everybody who reads your books, what would it be?
Thank you for reading my books. I appreciate it and hope you enjoy them. Your support means a lot to me.
12. What inspires you to write?
Reading other stories or watching a TV show or movie.
13. Where can readers find you and your work?
Blog: http://themusingwriter.blogspot,com
Facebook Author Page: http://www.Facebook.com/RebekkahFord2012
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RebekkahFord
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Beyond the Eyes -298 pages
Published -June 2012
“A thrilling, wholly satisfying first book to a new young adult series. It will keep you wanting more.” –Valentina Cano, Carabosse’s Library
“Beyond the Eyes is haunting yet passionate. This breakout novel is quick and hip, a saucy must- read.”–Charles Land, Judas Pistol
Blurb:
Paige knows evil exists in this world, but she never imagined it would want something from her.
In the small town of Astoria, Oregon, surrounded by deep forest and endless mountains, another world thrives . . . a menacing one where dark spirits dwell in soulless humans. Seventeen-year- old Paige Reed lives in this lush, picturesque setting. She’s not your average teen, though she appears to be. Not only is she heartsick, but she’s been receiving cryptic premonitions from a ghostly voice since the age of four. After she hears a haunting message about herself, supernatural occurrences begin to confuse her.
Nathan Caswell seems to peer into Paige’s soul, evoking a magnetic energy between them they cannot deny. They’re connected. But he’s no ordinary guy. He tracks dark spirits and becomes alarmed when they set their sights on Paige.
When two power-hungry malevolent beings make demands on her, she realizes then the fate of mankind rest in her hands. Her world quickly turns inside out where the impossible becomes possible, and in the end she’s faced with a life changing decision that will not only alter her existence but the world as she knows it.
Can a deeply troubled teen overcome her own demons in order to fight those lurking about? With the past and present colliding, Paige must make the ultimate mortal choice. Will it be the right one?
Dark Spirits – 321 pages
Published – February 2013
Blurb:
Now immortal, Paige is emotionally and physically stronger than ever. She must find the location of the ancient incantations to prevent mass genocide. But the war against good and evil is spawning another war–a battle between the dark spirits themselves. Paige is saddled in the center of both growing revolutions and is ready to take on the dark forces. But Nathan’s overprotectiveness prevents her from taking action, and he’s hiding things.
Paige’s personal life gets more complicated when Brayden arrives back in town and offers the equal partnership she desperately craves from Nathan. Then there’s Carrie and Tree, her two best friends and only family she has left. Unfortunate circumstances thrust them into Paige’s dark world, giving her no choice but to allow Nathan to arm them with combat techniques in hope they’ll be able to protect themselves.
Meanwhile, Paige is having visions and discovering abilities she was unaware of. When Anwar comes to visit, his weird behavior alarms her. Could he be turning to the dark side?
Time is running out. Paige not only needs to find the incantations but also to untangle the bands around her heart and make a decision that could leave her with a life worse than death–a life of betrayal from the ones she trusted most.
“Even more thrilling than the first. This is a captivating series you won’t put down and will leave you hungry for more.”–Felicia Tatum, author of The White Aura
“Paige is a strong courageous character and Dark Spirits will make your heart pound with the emotion and action!”–Julie Huss author of the I Am Just Junco series
The Exciting Continuation Of The Beyond the Eyes Trilogy: Released November 2013.
Blurb:
If you could have the power to control evil, would you want it?
In a rainy, misty town filled with moss-covered trees and dwarfed by wooded mountains, Astoria, Oregon, holds many secrets and eighteen-year-old Paige Reed is one of them. She’s immortal, has magical abilities she’s discovering, and harbors King Solomon’s power inside her. With his incantations, she can control the dark spirits who lurk among societies in soulless humans.
But her problems are mounting.
Her best friend slips into a coma, and Paige must tap into her newfound powers—powers she’s unsure of—to save her.
Through this ordeal, Bael who once commanded a legion of black souls, forces Paige to make a pact with him, causing her to abandon the ones she loves. When she finds out where Solomon’s spells are and tells Bael, she begins to have second thoughts about her agreement with him.
Will she risk everything to claim the spells that hold the power to control the dark spirits so she can enslave him? Or will her one true love find her before she makes a horrible mistake that could damage her for life?
And most importantly, what does the Devil’s third mean and what is Bael really up to?
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Where to connect with Rebekkah Ford:
Blog: http://themusingwriter.blogspot.com
Facebook Author Page: http://www.Facebook.com/RebekkahFord2012
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RebekkahFord
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/rebekkahford/boards/
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Rebekkah’s Bio:
Rebekkah Ford grew up in a family that dealt with the paranormal. Her parents’ Charles and Geri Wilhelm were the directors of the UFO Investigator’s League in Fairfield, Ohio, back in the 1970s. They also investigated ghost hauntings and Bigfoot sightings in addition to UFO’s. Growing up in this type of environment and having the passion for writing is what drove Rebekkah at an early age to write stories dealing with the paranormal. Her fascination with the unknown is what led her to write the Beyond the Eyes trilogy.
November 26, 2013
Spotlight On: Luminous by Jasmine Angell
Title: Luminous
Author: Jasmine Angell
Series: The Psyne Series (#1)
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Saga Ventures, LLC
Release Date: Aug 12 2013
Editions/Formats Available In: eBook
Blurb/Synopsis:
What would you do if the world you loved was taken from you forever?
…and what would you sacrifice to get it back?
Magical, Mythical, Mesmerizing…
A powerful race of beings lives and works among us and we don’t even know it. To us, they are known as mermaids, sirens and water nymphs, but they call themselves the Psyne. They have lived on Earth since ancient times, wield powerful magic and have only one weakness—love.
When Psyne suddenly start disappearing around the globe, the remaining aquatars are evacuated to their home world and a ban is placed on Earth. Ilauria, a devoted servant to the Psyne Council, can’t abide abandoning the missing eight, and with the help of her long-time friend, Shivan, and a subversive member of the Venvian Psyne named Adante, she embarks on a harrowing rescue mission to uncover who or what is powerful enough to subdue her kind.
What Ilauria discovers will cause her to question her loyalties, re-examine her dual nature, and will shake the very foundations of the truths her society holds dear.
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http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NTRlOWM0MjVjNzgyNDUyYmI3ZGQ0M2U0MTFiYjAwOjExNQ==/
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Book Links
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About the Author
Jasmine was born in Tucson, Arizona, the oldest of two children. She spent her teen years living in Phoenix, Arizona and then attended the University of Arizona in Tucson where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing. She married and moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where her husband attended graduate school at the University of Utah. There she adopted a love for the changing seasons, snowboarding and the beauty of the mountains.
She spent several years working on a literary novel but found her heart wasn’t in it. Finally she quit her day job to write full time and embraced her life-long love of fantasy fiction. She wrote Luminous, the first novel in the Psyne series (pronounced “sign”) and followed it up with the sequel, Prism, due out the summer of 2014. With a third series novel in the works and no end in sight, Jasmine will be spending a great deal of time in the Psyne Universe over the next several years. When she’s not writing or spending time with her family, she loves to horseback ride, dance, make elaborate costumes just for the fun of it, and is always planning her next decadent tea party.
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Author Links
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Excerpt: THE ANNOUNCEMENT
Ilauria proceeded down a short set of iridescent stairs and breached the invisible membrane holding the ocean back. She dove into the water gracefully and her dress rippled away as she shifted into her Psyne form. Her legs gave way to an opulent fish tail that shimmered blue, green and purple depending on how the light hit it.
Shivan dove in after her, shape shifting with ease.
Like the quintessential mermaid, Shivan’s tail propelled her through the saltwater. The delicate scales of her tail were the same light green color of her eyes and narrowed from her hips only to fan out into resplendent flukes. Gold bands encircled her arms above the elbows and ribbons of light green fin hung from them as a faint glow emanated from the pale skin of her face and arms.
Ilauria paused suddenly, eyeing the two immense statues that flanked the entrance to Aquatarius. They were Psyne, like Ilauria and Shivan, and seemed to stare down at them, their eyes gleaming defiantly with their abundant hair spread out behind them. They were pinnacles of strength, a tribute to the ancient Psyne who had sacrificed so much in order for their descendants to live in peace, without fear of the Fury, their mortal enemies.
Then as quick as Ilauria had paused, she was off again with a flick of her peacock-colored tail, as graceful as a seal.
Shivan pushed against the water and followed her.
The silence of the water enveloped them, with the exception of far off whale song and it was a welcome sanctuary from the babbling voices of Aquatarius.
But it didn’t last long.
As easily as hearing verbal speech, the telepathic announcement from the Council went out to all Psyne:
As of this moment, all aquatars are being recalled from Earth and travel to that planet is hence forth banned.
Psyne as far as the eye could see halted in mid-swim and took in the news. Hearing the Council’s decree again cemented the raw feeling in Shivan’s throat as they swam onward without missing a beat.
As they rounded the edge of a swaying kelp forest, Shivan looked back at Aquatarius looming behind them. The walls of the aquatar headquarters shimmered with mother-of-pearl and were bathed in the blue light of the zenethen energy spheres hanging suspended in the water above it. Shaped like a sea star, the monolithic structure possessed five towers, one between each arm, the intricate spires swirling up towards the ocean surface.
Shivan set off after Ilauria, thrusting her tail to keep up with the furious pace Ilauria had set through the ocean. Their pale skin glowed in the dark water until the sea floor of opalescent sand began to slope ever steeper and the water began to lighten with the shifting bands of sunlight filtering through the waves above.
They swam past a gamboling herd of giant seahorses tossing their heads as Shivan studied Ilauria’s calm demeanor, knowing it wasn’t like her friend to be so stoic.
Ilauria, are you okay?
Shivan felt her telepathy gently blocked by her friend and she didn’t persist but her worry grew more intense. Perhaps she was going to need time to adjust to this new reality where the Council would abandon their sisters.
Blog Tour and Giveaway: Shifty Magic by Judy Teel
Shifty Magic
by Judy Teel
…some people will do anything for revenge.
A tough PI struggles to track down a vengeful serial killer only to discover that the murderer holds the key to her secret magical heritage.
Book One in the YA13 paranormal/mystery series Dangerous Magic by Judy Teel. “Expect action, on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense, and the perfect touch of romance.”
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Excerpt
I inched forward, far enough to see past the end of the alley and into the loading area of the abandoned Walmart. Only one stubborn streetlight on the other side of the broken security fence cast its inadequate glow across the cracked asphalt. Shadows pushed around the edges of the open space, deepening where they cluttered up against rusty dumpsters and smashed crates.
My heart thudded against my ribs at the sight of the woman standing just inside the slash of light, huddling in on herself, shaking. She was average height and on the plump side, around twenty like me, with light brown hair. Unlike me, her boobs looked ready to spill out of the low-cut halter top she wore, and her tight micro skirt was so close to showing her goods that if she twitched, I’d be scarred for life.
Three male vamps cruised around her like sharks. Their fangs were displayed like sharp, curved knives, their features sunken parodies of a human face, more like fleshy skulls as their insatiable hunger gained control. I wondered how much money they’d offered to lure her out of her zone and into such a dangerously secluded area. Maybe all they’d needed was to promise her the erotic trip that their venom gave. Either way, she’d made a fatal error.
People were incredibly stupid about vampires. They had no idea what they were dealing with.
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About the Author
I live in North Carolina with my boisterous family–husband, three kids, a dog and a geriatric bunny–and yup, I’m Southern so occasionally I let a “y’all” slip out. Maybe more than occasionally.
I love my job and dedicate as much of my time to writing as I can. When I’m not doing the weaving of the adventurous and romantic tales, I’m running errands, driving people around (or crazy depending on your perspective), and generally pretending I’m a grownup.
When I was fifteen, I knew I wanted to be a novelist–wanted to write for Harlequin actually. But the calling to tell stories came a lot earlier than that, I just didn’t know what it meant.
I had a lot of growing up to do before I could manage it, though many would claim the growing up part didn’t take–you know who you are–but I finally have my dream job.
Life rocks—so should the books you read!
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Contact Judy Teel
Webpage: http://judyteel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JudyTeelBooks?ref=hl
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/judyteelbooks
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008K8WHHI
Shifty Magic for Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shifty-magic-judy-teel/1115409891?ean=2940016703961
Shifty Magic for Kindle: http://amzn.com/B00CXQ7EOE
November 25, 2013
Second Verse
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Review
I loved Second Verse! I’ve been completely fascinated by ghost stories and YA novels lately, and this book does a great job of combining them.
What I like about this book: Lange and Vaughn are great together; their intense connection is well written. I like the idea of The Hunt: the town’s “fake” murder mystery. As the new girl in town, Lange’s attitude toward The Hunt is perfectly believable. The séance is appropriately creepy. Lange’s and Vaughn’s growing fascination with murdered girl Ginny is great, and the fact that they’re being stalked is terrifying. I don’t want to give too much away, but I highly recommend this paranormal thriller. This books is perfectly terrifying in the best way!
Five stars.
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About the Book – About the Author – Prizes!!!
Welcome to another exciting publishing house spotlight tour from Novel Publicity. Join us as two new titles from Luminis Books–we’re calling them the Luminis Dyad–tour the blogosphere in a way that just can’t be ignored. And, hey, we’ve got prizes!
About the prizes: Who doesn’t love prizes? You could win either of two $25 Amazon gift cards, an autographed copy of Second Verse by Jennifer Walkup, or an autographed copy of its tour mate, The Field by Tracy Richardson. Here’s what you need to do…
Enter the Rafflecopter contest
Leave a comment on my blog
That’s it! One random commenter during this tour will win a $25 gift card. Visit more blogs for more chances to win–the full list of participating bloggers can be found HERE. The other $25 gift card and the 3 autographed books will be given out via Rafflecopter. You can find the contest entry form linked below or on the official Luminis Duo tour page via Novel Publicity. Good luck!
About the book: Can love last more than a lifetime? Can Murder? Bad things come in threes. In Shady Springs, that includes murder.
Lange Crawford’s move to Shady Springs, Pennsylvania, lands her a group of awesome friends, a major crush on songwriter Vaughn, and life in a haunted, 200-year-old farmhouse. It also brings The Hunt: an infamous murder mystery festival where students solve a fake, gruesome murder scheme during the week of Halloween. Well, supposedly fake.
Weeks before The Hunt, Lange and her friends hold a séance in the farmhouse’s eerie barn. When a voice rushes through, whispering haunting words that only she and Vaughn can hear, Lange realizes it’s begging for help. The mysterious voice leads Lange and Vaughn to uncover letters and photos left behind by a murdered girl, Ginny, and they become obsessed with her story and the horrifying threats that led to her murder.
But someone doesn’t like their snooping, and Lange and Vaughn begin receiving the same threats that Ginny once did. The mysterious words from the barn become crucial to figuring out Ginny’s past and discovering how their own past is connected to hers. They must work fast to uncover the truth or risk finding out if history really does repeat itself.
Pick up your copy of this Young Adult/ Paranormal/ Thriller l through Amazon US, Amazon UK, or Barnes & Noble.
About the author: When Jennifer Walkup isn’t writing or reading, she’s spending time with her husband and young sons, listening to Red Hot Chili Peppers, and coming up with costume ideas for Halloween. She’s obsessed with good coffee and new recipes and likes broccoli on her pizza, flowers in her hair, flip-flops on her feet, and the number 13. A member of SCBWI, Jennifer also serves as fiction editor for The Meadowland Review and teaches creative writing at The Writers Circle. Second Verse is her first novel. Connect with Jennifer on her website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, or GoodReads.
Luminis Books was launched in January, 2010 by husband and wife team Tracy Richardson and Chris Katsaropoulos with a mission to publish thought-provoking literary fiction for children and adults. We publish what we love: Meaningful Books That Entertain. Our award-winning books engage and inform readers and explore a wide range of topics from love and relationships, teen sexual assault and homelessness to string theory, consciousness, and the Universal Energy Field. Luminis Books is a proudly independent publisher located in Carmel, IN. Learn more at www.luminisbooks.com.
Learn more about Second Verse‘s tour mate HERE.
