Rachael Stapleton's Blog, page 9

Adventures of a Bookish Foodie: Salivating Over Salmon

Silverspoons & PlasticforksThere's something fishy about summer and this weeks cozy chef, Canadian, Author, Shelique Lize thinks it's Grilled Salmon with Brown Sugar and Soy Sauce Recipe! Salmon is one of the best sources of heart-healthy omega-3 fats and the high fat content keeps it moist even when slightly overcooked—so it’s a perfect option for the intense heat of the grill. Anyone who knows me personally will attest that I hate cooked salmon. I could eat salmon sashimi all day, however, this recipe has me reconsidering. I just might have to give it a try.

http://www.wildflyrods.com/Salmon-Fly... little trivia: Did you know mid-summer is the best time of year to find wild Pacific king salmon—the premier, largest, and most full-flavored species. I didn't. According to Cooking Light, Sockeye and coho salmon are also abundant during summer months and offer a milder flavor.



Ingredients: 1 – 1.5 lbs. salmon2 cloves garlic, minced1 tsp. salt1/4 cup soy sauce1/4 cup water1/4 cup brown sugar1/4 cup olive oil Directions: 1) Whisk all ingredients for marinade together (garlic, salt, soy sauce, water, brown sugar, olive oil). Place salmon in large zip lock bag and pour marinade in; swish around to coat all sides. Place in refrigerator and marinate for 1-2 hours.2) When grill is heated, place salmon on and grill 6-8 minutes per side, or until salmon is flaky. Serve and enjoy.Whisk all ingredients for marinade together (garlic, salt, soy sauce, water, brown sugar, olive oil).Place salmon in large zip lock bag and pour marinade in; swish around to coat all sides. Place in refrigerator and marinate for 1-2 hours.
When grill is heated, place salmon on and grill 6-8 minutes per side, or until salmon is flaky. Serve and enjoy.
Velicious Part OneShelique Lize
Publication Date: August 7th, 2014
Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Suspense
Book Description:
Justice Labelle always had her life perfectly planned.
Her goals were to graduate from University and get into law school.
Then one day, Justice tried to kill herself.
Well, not her technically. It may have been her body, but those actions weren’t intentional and the suicidal thoughts were not hers. Or, so she keeps telling her therapist and family. Justice is afraid she’s losing her mind and just wants to forget everything. But when her best friend is murdered, another one is being mind-screwed by a Vampyre, and her ex is back in town, looking as scrumptious as ever and very suspicious, maybe she isn’t all that crazy!
Amazon   Direct Purchase    About The Author:

I’m an awesome mother of two beautiful baby girls and wife to the luckiest man on the planet. I love anything to do with the paranormal world. I’m a proud Canadian but I dislike winter. Author, reader, blogger. Inspirational quotes, meditating and photography I appreciate. Sailormoon, movie-holic and hopeless Romantic. Shopaholic and I’m an Aries.

http://www.sheliquelize.com/
https://twitter.com/sheliquelize
https://www.facebook.com/Author.SheliqueLize
http://www.amazon.com/Shelique-Lize/e/B00MW88Y24
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8440204.Shelique_Lize

Rafflecopter GiveawayAug.7th- October 31st.
Direct link to entry form:http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/71d4f76c2

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Adventures of a Bookish Foodie: Jamaican Ackee and Saltfish

Please welcome Monday's Cozy Chef, Author Simone Salmon! Simone is a Jamaican born New Yorker, who enjoys cooking, especially Jamaican dishes and Ackee and Saltfish is one of her faves. Ackee and saltfish is Jamaica’s national dish. In Jamaica, the local drawl sounds more like, ackee and sall-fish. Saltfish is known as codfish in the USA and bacalao to Spanish folks. No matter the label, Simone assures us it's delicious. Jamaicans also prepare saltfish with callaloo or often with cooked vegetables.

Her novel, Camille and the Bears of Beisa – Drafnel takes place in multiple settings one of which happens to be her homeland, Jamaica, WI. In the novel, Catherine tells the story of her abusive childhood while she cooks leftover Jamaican food. According to one review Drafnel, the first novel in the Camille and the Bears of Beisa series by Simone Salmon, is a major genre-bender. Equal parts paranormal thriller, romance, sweeping sci-fi novel and folkloric fantasy all wrapped together, Salmon manages to weave them all into an absorbing whole. Drafnel is scheduled for release on August 28, 2015; you can read more of this review here.
http://naturespoisons.com/2014/03/24/... is a member of the Sapindaceae (soapberry family), as are the lychee and the longan. It is native to tropical West Africa in Cameroon, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe, Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
The scientific name honours Captain William Bligh who took the fruit from Jamaica to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, England in 1793 and introduced it to science. The common name is derived from the West African Akan akye fufo.

The fruit was imported to Jamaica from West Africa (probably on a slave ship) before 1778. Since then it has become a major feature of various Caribbean cuisines, and is also cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas elsewhere around the world.

Ackee can be toxic if eaten before fully ripening. Some people say ackee tastes and looks like eggs, however I strongly disagree. There is no other food that is close in comparison. You’re just going to have to eat it yourself to experience the flavors. Anywho, today I’m sharing the recipe for cooking ackee with saltfish because my kids and I get to enjoy this meal almost every Sunday for breakfast.

Ingredients – (Note: I borrowed the measurements from the Food Network, so you will need to play around until you figure out the right proportions because, honey, I cook by sight and taste.)

Photo Credit: Thedeliciouslife1/2 pound boneless salted codfish (or a 3lb bag of dried bacalao)
1/2 cup vegetable oil (I substitute with olive oil)
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped (I don’t use garlic)
1 sprig fresh thyme (thyme’s always good, but not necessary)2 onions, sliced (I use half of a large onion)
4 scallions, chopped (not necessary)
1 cup sliced assorted bell peppers (red, green, yellow, orange) (I use only green bell peppers)
1/4 Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped with seeds removed (or crushed red pepper flakes)
1 (20-ounce) can ackee, drained
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper


Photo Credit: FoodnetworkSoak the saltfish in water overnight or boil before cooking in the morning. If you decide to soak, make sure to drain the water once before morning. Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Saute all of the vegetables and spices. Add the saltfish and cook until tender and flaky. Last, add the ackee to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes or until the color is yellow. Stir in the black pepper and turn off the stove.
http://www.seriouseats.com/2010/08/br... meal should be served with dumplings and plantains – honey, if you can get your hands on some breadfruit, green bananas and yellow yam…hold-on while I salivate….phew – you’ll be going back for seconds and thirds. I’m not even gonna front - I end up eating this meal all day long.

Enjoy! 
Simone

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of3lw5XxmKM
Simone Salmon, a Jamaican born New Yorker, is the mother of two sons and a Jack Russell terrier. Simone is still working on her exit strategy from Corporate America, but in the meantime she writes novels, poetry and expands her multisensory perceptions. She is a spiritual truth seeker who appreciates psychic phenomena and timelessness.  Music of all kinds, warm weather, lounging on the beach, and experiencing the unknown are just a few of her most favorite things.


Social Media Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drafnelTwitter: @miraclemindcoacBlog: OrigisimsWebsite: www.ssalmonauthor.comGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/ssalmonPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/simsalmon/
Preorder Links:Amazon: http://getbook.at/ssalmon-drafnel
Bookgoodies: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B013TAU6AG

Meet Kalli Lanford: This Week's Treasured & Tipsy Timeslip Traveller

Travel and make-believe go hand in hand. Whether we're in the present or the past, in a haunted castle, an enchanted forest or a broken down building, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and traveling the world can bring the imagination to life.

Please join this week's guest, Kalli Lanford, a native of San Diego, California, who grew up hanging out at the beach and playing sports. When she’s not nerding out at San Diego Comic-Con, she can be seen doing normal-people stuff like teaching high-school English, cooking delicious meals for her family, and attending her son’s football games. In her spare time, she writes new adult fiction and loves listening to hard rock. She hopes to live long and prosper, and that you will, too. #Travel #AuthorInterview #TreasuredTipsyTimeslip #RachaelStapleton

The majority of GAMMA RIFT takes place on a planet called Enestia after America, the main character, is abducted by aliens and taken there. Enestia is ruled by King Meallian. He lives in an expansive palace that includes a lab and cell block. His son, Prince Garran, also resides there along with his sister, Princess Murelle. While writing this book, I wished so badly that I could go to some of the places I describe in my novel. Of course, that would be impossible, but every time I re-read it, I go there in my head. Here are some of those places. To win a free copy of this book, enter the contest at the bottom of the page.

1. Enestia

Enestia is a planet three galaxies away from earth. It has two suns that burn the sky a beautiful magenta and it rains several times day. The average temperature in human measures is 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to these unusual climate conditions, a beautiful, fragrant moss, called jessom moss, covers the ground. Oil extracted from jessom is used to perfume many things on Enestia such as soap, shampoo, and other body and hair-care products. The landscape is also incredibly lush, and although there are scattered clearings, the majority of the planet’s surface is shaded by expansive trees.

2. The Ring of Reverence



The Ring of Reverence is a very sacred place on Enestia. A ring of stone statues encircle a small clearing near the palace. Each statue represents a member of the Enestian Royal House and is commissioned by an artist after a royal’s death. Royals are the only Enestians allowed to enter this memorial. Garran takes America to the Ring of Reverence, and they share a very special, life-changing moment there.

3. The Royal Palace



Being hundreds of years old, the palace has maintained its historical integrity although many upgrades have been made as new technologies replaced the old, such as virtual monitors in every room, plasma containment walls, and integrated computer systems. Enestian architecture is simple yet practical, and defined by high, curved ceilings dotted with lights. Like their buildings, Enestian furniture is dictated by clean lines and little adornment. Newer buildings have had their stone exteriors reinforced with an indestructible metal, but the palace will never see that renovation.



4. The Cuyamaca Mountains/Julian

I’ve been to the Cuyamaca Mountains many times, but the last time was years ago. This mountain range is east of San Diego and part of the Cleveland National Forest although Garran would describe its location like this: 32 degrees 56’31”N, 116 degrees 36,14”W. Since I’ve been writing about this awesome camping destination, I would love to go there again. Julian, a former mining town, is in the north section of the Cuyamacas. Gold was discovered in the Cuyamacas in 1870 and was part of the gold rush. Now the town is known for its small-town, country atmosphere and famous apple pies. America, was camping with her friends in these mountains when she was abducted by aliens. But had this not happened, I can guarantee that she and her friends would have drove into Julian for a day of shopping and apple cider.

5. Area 51/Roswell, New Mexico

Who wouldn’t want to go here? And I don’t mean driving by one of the government signs warning people to stay away (I’ve done that). I mean touring every building – even the most top secret areas. If there is a space craft there, along with its preserved alien occupants, I want to see them. And it there isn’t, than at least I’d know that truth about Area 51.

I know I would never be allowed to enter the compound, so being miles away from the facility is as close as I’ll ever get to an extraterrestrial – if some are being kept there.


Gamma RiftKalli Lanford
Release Date: August 18
Genre: New Adult
Publisher: Entangled Embrace Imprint
Book Description:
His secret (alien) crush...
I may be a Prince, but there are things that trouble me about my father's royal rule-the forced abduction, experimentation, and torture of alien creatures. The king has a new prisoner who's a carefully kept secret...
There's a young female who belongs to a little-known civilization I have been studying extensively. They are human, belonging to a small, undeveloped planet called Earth. She is pretty in a way I find unusual and compelling. Sometimes I sneak into the adjoining cell and we talk about everything and nothing, even as I find myself yearning to touch her strange, soft skin.
Skin that is being subjected to invasive tests and experiments. A body that's scheduled for a live dissection in fifteen days. And a life that will be terminated unless I risk my future and life to help her escape...

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/H9zKmFGVy9U
Add it to your GoodreadsShelf
Available at Amazon


About the Author:
Kalli Lanford, a native of San Diego, California, grew up hanging out at the beach and playing sports.  When she’s not nerding out at San Diego Comic-Con, she can be seen doing normal-people stuff like teaching high-school English, cooking delicious meals for her family, and attending her son’s football games.  In her spare time, she writes new adult fiction and loves listening to hard rock.  She hopes to live long and prosper, and that you will, too.
Author Website: www.authorkallilanford.com
Author Twitter: @kallilanford
Author Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorkallilanford
Newsletter: http://www.authorkallilanford.com/#!contact/c24ju

Giveaway Info:  Swag and Gamma Rift ebook
If winner is international they will get a $5 Amazon Gift Card


Entry form link a Rafflecopter giveaway http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba112ffc1133/

Book Launch Party: Cozy Mystery Series

You're warmly invited to join me Saturday August 15th as I mingle poolside at the lovely Sparacino home in Brooklin On, celebrating the release of my latest mystery suspense, Curse of the Purple Delhi Sapphire.

This is an open event and I look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones so bring friends and family! Both of my books will be available for purchase and signing as well the debut novel of my fellow Solstice Publishing author and friend @A.B Funkhauser.
OFFICIAL BOOK LAUNCH PARTY
Hostess: Connie Di Pietro-Sparacino
54 Selkirk Drive, Brooklin, On
www.RachaelStapleton.com

All attendees will get a free pdf copy of my short story, Dinner in the Dark emailed to them.

Meet Lola James: This Week's Treasured & Tipsy Timeslip Traveller

Travel and make-believe go hand in hand. Whether we're in the present or the past, in a haunted castle, an enchanted forest or a broken down building, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and traveling the world can bring the imagination to life.

Please join this week's guest, cupcake-loving-romance-writer Lola James, as she takes us on a virtual tour using her own personal photos. Walk the streets of New York as it pulses with an irrepressible energy. Tired now? Order a glass of champagne and get lost in the City of Lights. Lastly we'll stop by Greece for a glimpse of the Gods. #Travel #NewYork #NYC #AuthorInterview #TreasuredTipsyTimeslip #RachaelStapleton #GrandCentralStation #Lola James #Paris #EiffelTower #Greece

Thank you for having me today on The Mysterious Ink Spot. If you know me I love to travel and for some reason I always pick fun locations for my books. Today I will tell you about two locations that I love and one I hope to visit, and two are in my new book The Spellbound Series.

I will start with New York! I love the city.


I’ve been there about five times and that still doesn’t seem like enough. I have some personal pictures that I’ve taken to share. I wish that I could have seen NYC in the 20’s. I know it was probably a bad time with prohibition and the start of the great depression but come on its New York.







I love the city lit up at night, that’s probably my favorite part! In Spellbound, Ben has ties to New York. Not only is it the place that he became vampire, but it’s the city that he met his good friend Emilian, and the place where he’ll find a love of his own right on the subway.

The next city I’ve fell in love with and that's Paris. 
Photo Credit: The Telegraph
First it was the food. I mean the French are known for their flavorful foods.

But then there's the art and the best I found was at the Louvre Museum. Then there's the history.... Ah the history.




Notre Dame de Paris.









































I was happy and lost in the City of Lights but I loved every moment... Even my badly timed selfie in the middle of the street in front of the Arc de Triomphe. But nothing could top falling in love with this lemon meringue pie Lastly there’s Greece.
I am going to visit Greece one day. Greece is fictionalized to me.

I mean there's turmoil going on in the country, now but it still doesn't take away from the beauty and culture there.

I love the attire of ancient Greece. Gowns every day, arm cuffs, Greek food, what’s not to love about ancient Greece?

In Spellbound Greece serves as the birthplace for the main character Toni, buts also the home of the gods. Many locations in Greece are mentioned but none are as beautiful as this… a location in Witch Bound.






The Spellbound Series

Books 1-5Lola James
Book Description:
The journey of a spellbound woman, her friends, and the men who vie for her affections as she falls headlong into a world of vampires, witches and Greek gods.
Who will she choose as her one true love and how many lives will be turned upside down in her quest to fulfill her eternal destiny?
Friends become enemies and enemies become deadly as each seek to find the one thing that will bring true fulfillment.
Excerpts:
Bound to Remember, Book One
“Hello.” I held out my hand. “I'm Doctor Toni Hollander, but you can call me Toni.”He stared at me as if he was looking right though me, ignoring my extended hand. A wave of embarrassment washed over me and I pulled my hand back. Maybe I imagined that stare thing with him a minute ago. My thoughts retreated to Kevin. He had only been the last in a long line of failed relationships and I was starting to wonder if my terrible taste in men had struck again."Where are my manners? I am Benjamin, but you may call me Ben" He pulled my hand into his, with a toothy grin.
Unbound, Book Two
Hades closed the space between us. “I will return soon, my sweet.” He took my hand, kissing my fingertips, before releasing it. Then the three gods and Dawn disappeared. Ben and I stood alone in the hallway as I moved closer to him. The lust from our kiss still lingered thick between us.“Ben . . . I—”“Shhh.” His finger touched my lips, stopping my rambling. “We have only a short time, and I need to plead my case to you; so let me show, rather than tell you why it should be me you pick for eternity.”
Bound to You, Book Three
“I’ve missed you already. I don’t know how I survived without you for so long.” His warm lips kissed the top of my hand. If my cheeks could blush, they’d be the darkest shade of red.I had to clear my throat and shake my head from the swoon-worthy trance Hades had me in. “I’d like to have my place back, but Ben compelled my landlord to get me out of my lease.”His lips trailed to my finger, then fingertips, creating sensations throughout my body. “My Antonia, I want nothing more than to fulfill every desire in your heart. It’s such a beautiful heart. I know that you love me, and that you will make your decision when you are ready. I can wait. I’ve waited so long for you, and I’d continue to wait an eternity to be with you.”Imaginary butterflies fluttered in my stomach and I felt my heart slipping into his hands. I knew his words were true; he would wait.
Bound by Fate, Short
“I have something for you.” It was the same line she sang every time. Her voice was the perfect pitch to allure any human and I felt my body being pulled toward her. I wouldn’t even greet her anymore when she came; I tried to block her out.“Benjamin, I have something for you.” I didn’t want to go, but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to possibly see Toni. She’d promised me that I could see her one day—to see if she was truly happy; so I gave in each time and went to Aphrodite. I always waited here for her to arrive, for she had me at her beck and call.
Abound Christmas, Short
Snow was falling and I heard her charming giggle. The sound enchanted me. I looked down and I was holding her mittened hand in mine.“I love you, Benjamin,” she said. I looked carefully, trying to make out her face, but caught only her profile bundled under a furry hood and scarf. I glanced around, noting that we were in a carriage riding through Central Park, passing snow-covered trees.
Witch Bound, Book Four
My melancholy thoughts broke as I heard my name being called—I wasn’t paying attention to details anymore. I hadn’t left the building in the last 24 hours and I was exhausted. The sounds of the hospital continually echoed in the fog of my thoughts. I played Doctor Stevens’ words in my head on repeat, but the memory of Hermes’ first touch in Hades’ temple still sent chills down my back. My daddy taught me better than to fiddle between boys. “Always pick the man, Dawn,” he would say. Thinking of my daddy reminded me that I needed to call him. I could only avoid his calls for so long.
Rebound, Book Five
“Does beauty run in your family as well?” A nervous chuckle escaped me. What a cheesy pickup line.“You’re nervous, aren’t you?” she asked, batting her eyelashes and making sweat swell on my forehead.“Yes.” I nodded. Why was I being so honest? I cleared my throat. “I’m Ben, by the way.” I extended my hand.She looked at me then my hand before gently wrapping hers in mine.“And I am Thalia.” The warmth of her hand made everyone on the train disappear.
About the Author:Lola is a fool for a love story, a sucker for a cupcake, and let’s not talk about what she’d do for a Klondike bar. She enjoys long walks on the beach and movies that involve chainsaws. By day she’s the HR Lady and by nightfall she puts on a cape to become a romance writer.
Website: www.lolajames.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/1lola_james
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/lola_james
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLolaJames
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jameslola
Tumblr: http://honestlylola.tumblr.com/
Shelfari: http://www.shelfari.com/authors/a3614031/Lola-James/
Instagram: authorlolajames
Blog: http://lolajames-author.blogspot.com
The Fate Series Blog: http://thefateseries.blogspot.com/
The Spellbound Series Blog: http://spellboundseries.blogspot.com/
Barnes and  Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/lola-james
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lola-James/e/B0062OX1P4/
iTunes Books: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/lola-james/id527770676

Meet Robert Pruneda: This Week's Treasured & Tipsy Timeslip Traveller

Travel and make-believe go hand in hand. Whether we're in the present or the past, in a haunted castle, an enchanted forest or a broken down building, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and traveling the world can bring the imagination to life.

Please join this week's guest, horror author, Robert Pruneda, as he takes us on a spooky journey into the haunted places of the United States. #Amityville #TheStanleyHotel #TheQueenMary #MuseumofDeath #ClintonRoad #Alcatraz Island #Travel #AuthorInterview #TreasuredTipsyTimeslip #RachaelStapleton #RobertPruneda #Horror 
As a horror author, it’s only natural for me to want to visit locations that are considered haunted or just downright creepy. Since I grew up in Austin and still live in Texas, I’ll stick to locations throughout the United States that I’ve never visited. So hop in the car with me while we travel across the country for a spooky adventure.

The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, ColoradoStephen King is one of my favorite authors, so it only makes sense to visit the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, which was the inspiration for Stephen King’s novel The Shining. He used the Stanley as his model for the Overlook Hotel after he and his wife Tabitha stayed in Room 217 (the haunted room in the novel) while they were vacationing in Colorado on October 30, 1974. How fitting, right? They were also the only overnight guests before the hotel shut down for the winter. Many people believe it is haunted, and of course, we can go on a ghost tour while we’re there. When I eventually make a visit to the Stanley Hotel, I’ll be sure to stay in Room 217. The Queen Mary Hotel – Long Beach, CaliforniaAnother hotel I would love to visit is the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. I first discovered this location while watching a special “Haunted Locations” special on the Travel Channel. I think movies like Ghost Ship (2002) and Triangle (2009) triggered this desire for me to stay on the Queen Mary without actually going on a haunted cruise. I’ve never been to Los Angeles either, so when I eventually make my way there, I plan to stay at the Queen Mary Hotel in Long Beach. Honestly, I would travel to California just to go on the various paranormal tours available and learn more about this fabled haunted ship.Museum of Death – Los Angeles, CaliforniaIf a horror author is going to stay on a haunted ship so close to Los Angeles, it would be a crime not to visit the Museum of Death. That place is probably one of the creepiest locations on earth, which is exactly why I want to visit it. From what I’ve read it even has a real guillotined head on display and various torture devices. Not to mention actual crime photos of the Charles Manson murders. I know it’s a bit morbid to want to visit a place like this, but hey, it might give me some inspiration for a future novel. J Alcatraz Island – San Francisco Bay, CaliforniaWhile I’m visiting California, I would make a trip down the coastline to visit “The Rock” in San Francisco. Aside from the obvious historical reasons, people also visit Alcatraz Island because of strange occurrences that visitors and park rangers have reported, including the faint banjo twangs of the infamous gangster Al Capone. The National Park Service manages all tours to Alcatraz Island, so there aren’t any official ghost tours, but they do give night tours. That seems like the perfect way to explore such a historical sight, while also getting in a bit of that creepy factor. Who knows? Maybe Al Capone will even play a few tunes for me on his banjo while I’m there. Amityville House – Amityville, New YorkThe house located at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York is the most haunted place in America according to many experts in the paranormal field. Made famous for Jay Anson’s The Amityville Horror: A True Story and subsequent series of movies, the Amityville house has quite a fascinating history. I recommend reading up on it if you don’t know the actual story behind the original movie. Hollywood embellished what actually happened, of course, but the The Amitvyille Horror is based on a true story. Personally, I would never live in that house, but I sure would love to visit it and chat with the current owners. Clinton Road - West Milford, New JerseyIf I’m taking a road trip across America in search of some hair-raising destinations, then on my way back home to Texas I’ll travel down the most haunted road in America . . . Clinton Road in West Milford, New Jersey. I recently discovered this ten-mile narrow, winding stretch of highway while doing some research on the Internet. I have to admit, the information I read about this road gave me a bit of the heebie jeebies. I’ve driven down some spooky roads before, but none that had so many stories of hauntings, serial killers dumping bodies, Satanic rituals, phantom trucks, and even a ghost boy who likes to toss quarters at you. That’s just a few of the things that can potentially give you goosebumps while traveling at night. You can imagine how your mind could play tricks on you if you’ve done a bit of reading up on the folklore about Clinton Road. Other LocationsThose were just five eerie locations out of many that I would love to visit. Others, to name a few, include the Saint Louis Cemetery in New Orleans, the Trans-Allegeny Lunatic Asylum in West Virginia (and other abandoned asylums), and the St. Augustine Lighthouse in Florida. Have you been to any of the destinations I mentioned? If so, I’d love to read about your personal experiences or other haunted locations in the comments. Also, be sure to enter my Rafflecopter contest for a chance to win a copy of my supernatural occult horror novel Devil’s Nightmare, published by Forsaken.



www.SharkbaitWrites.com
Buy Devil’s Nightmarehttp://bit.ly/DevilsNightmare

<Rafflecopter Contest>


Devil’s NightmareDevil’s Nightmare Series Book OneRobert Pruneda
Genre: Horror
Publisher:  Forsaken Imprint Booktrope Publishing
Date of Publication: July 15, 2015
Cover Artist:  Laura Hidalgo
Book Description:
Veteran homicide detective Aaron Sanders thought he’d seen it all, but nothing could have prepared the seasoned detective for the mutilated remains of a kid’s parents or the equally vicious deaths of three boys at another crime scene.
As Aaron works to solve the cases and protect his only witness, an orphaned child, he learns of an ancient curse that leaves him questioning all he’s ever believed. Now, to save himself and the child, Aaron must confront his own inner demons, and some he never knew existed. But if he does, will he make it out alive? 
Devil’s Nightmare is an occult suspense horror novel by Robert Pruneda, who shakes readers with his visually graphic scenes, supernatural twists, and disturbing settings in this first installment of the Devil’s Nightmare series.

About the Author:
Robert “Sharky” Pruneda is a native Texan, video game “enthusiast” [addict], and fan of all things horror. He left a career in the newspaper industry in 2011 to pursue the life of a nocturnal author, brainstorming new and creative ways to creep out his readers. He doesn’t only write horror though.
He also pens the occasional family-oriented tale just to keep from going completely nuts with all those creatures of the night whispering in his ears. When he’s not pulling ideas out of his twisted brain, you’ll likely find him on social media or fighting alongside his fellow gaming buddies where they all get shot up into Swiss cheese (or turned into little bite-sized chunks because of “Sharky’s” obsession with explosives). Medic!
Pursue your dreams . . . and never look back.
https://twitter.com/SharkbaitWrites
http://facebook.com/AuthorRobertPruneda
https://www.goodreads.com/SharkbaitWrites
http://www.amazon.com/Robert-Pruneda/e/B004WDX2PG
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Newsletter sign up http://bit.ly/SharkyNewsletter
Tour giveaway
2 paperback copies US Shipping
2 ebook copies
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Let's Talk Witches and Magic with Best-selling Author Marie Lavendar

Herb Gardens, Book of Shadows, Black Cats--is anyone else obsessed with witchy books these days. 
Credit: Wayward WiccanOne of my favourite aspects to write about when it comes to witches is the Book of Shadows. Traditionally, a Book of Shadows was a record of your tradition’s lore, copied directly from the Book of your coven elders. Containing structures of rituals, the law and lore of that tradition. These days, it is more commonly used to document everything magical or witchy: research, spells and rituals. I bring this up because today we're interviewing Best-selling Author Marie Lavendar who has a new children's fantasy book coming out, A LITTLE MAGIK.
If you were a witch in the past--what would your home look like?

A lovely, mysterious cottage, I'm sure. But, I really like Victorian homes such as the one on Practical Magic or on the TV series, Charmed. So, maybe a witchy Victorian house. I would have loved to be a witch! Maybe I'll be one in my next life, hmm?

What is your favorite book that involves magic?
Hmm...that is hard for me to answer. There are so many. P.C. Cast's YA series, House of Night, has a lot of cool magic. Also, I do love the Harry Potter film series. The first movie was great! Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampires Series has some magic as well, but that's a bit too adult for kids.





What is your favorite movie that involves witches or magic?
My favorite is Practical Magic. I love Sally's story in that movie.

Why did you choose to try your hand at children's books?

I sort of stumbled into it. A few months after Magick & Moonlight was released last year, little Rosie came to me, demanding for her story to be told as well. It was a fun, refreshing experience to write from a child's perspective, and the book did very well with beta readers!


A Little Magick
New Book Release: Children's Fantasy

Little Rosie goes to stay with her uncle. There she meets some new friends…and some enemies. She doesn’t know that her emotions will trigger something unusual. So far from home, suddenly Rosie has become a full witch like her mother. For a time, it is great fun to use her powers the way she wants, but can Rosie figure out how to use these newfound powers for good or will she be lost to the dark side forever?










Excerpt
She gasped when he shoved her back. He was bigger than her and he pushed her hard enough that she ended up landing on her butt in a pile of mud. It had rained the previous night so some of the ground was still wet. Stunned for a moment, she lifted her muddy hands and her backside smarted a little.

When the kids began to laugh, she felt tears sting her eyes. She lifted her chin, and then got to her feet. She wiped her dirty hands off on the front of her shorts.

“You’re nothing! Just because you’re here with your uncle, you think you’re better than anyone else.”

“No, I don’t,” she whispered. She looked over at Tina, who didn’t seem to be arguing with Taylor. She liked Tina, and she didn’t understand what the boy was saying, but she was starting to think he thought he was better and tougher than anyone.

“Rosie…what kind of name is that? That’s dumb. Your parents couldn’t think of anything else?”

“It’s short for Rosanna. It’s spelled with an A, but it sounds like ‘ah’.” She lifted her chin. Suddenly, she liked her name. It was different and that wasn’t a bad thing.

But, they all laughed. Taylor scowled. “Listen here, runt. I’m in charge of this neighborhood so don’t even think anyone will go into your treehouse anymore.”

She glanced at Tina, who was quickly easing closer to Taylor. Rosie’s chest hurt. Tina wasn’t her real friend? She realized then that the girl had only been nice because her mother had probably asked her to. She wished she was back at home. Lisa was a true friend. And her parents would never say these things. Neither would Uncle Adam.

But, she was here in Seattle. Everything was different.

“What, you can’t speak?”She looked around at the others. They were laughing along with Taylor. Tears began to roll slowly down her cheeks. She wiped them away with the back of her hand.

Purchase Links
Amazon: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00YJSGE40
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/547154
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-little-magick-marie-lavender/1122044476
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/a-little-magick-magick-series-book-2
Goodreads Link
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25652268-a-little-magick
Author Bio
Bestselling author of UPON YOUR RETURN and 20 other books. Poetry winner of the 2015 PnPAuthors Contest. Honorable Mention in the 2014 BTS Red Carpet Book Awards. Finalist and Runner-up in the 2014 MARSocial's Author of the Year Competition. Honorable mention in the January 2014 Reader's Choice Award. Liebster Blogger Award for 2013 and 2014. Top 50 Authors on AuthorsDB.com. Winner of the Great One Liners Contest on the Directory of Published Authors.

Marie Lavender lives in the Midwest with her family and three cats. She has been writing for over twenty years. She has more works in progress than she can count on two hands. She is a multi-genre author. Since 2010, Marie has published twenty-one books in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, fantasy, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry. Her current series are The Heiresses in Love Series, The Magick Series and The Blood at First Sight Series. Feel free to visit her website at http://marielavender.com/ for further information about her books and her life. Marie is also on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

A list of her books and pen names are as follows:

Marie Lavender: Upon Your Return; Magick & Moonlight; Upon Your Honor; Second Nature; "Lovers Like Us" (from the book anthology, Poets & Writers in Action); A Little Magick

Erica Sutherhome: Hard to Get; Memories; A Hint of Scandal; Without You; Strange Heat; Terror in the Night; Haunted; Pursuit; Perfect Game; A Touch of Dawn; Ransom; Leather and Lace

Kathryn Layne: A Misplaced Life

Heather Crouse: Express Café and Other Ramblings; Ramblings, Musings and Other Things; Soulful Ramblings and Other Worldly Things


Author Links

http://marielavender.com/
http://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/
http://marielavenderbooks.blogspot.com/
http://marielavender.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/marie.lavender.58
https://www.facebook.com/MarieAnnLavender
https://twitter.com/marielavender1
https://plus.google.com/u/0/+MarieLavender/posts
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/marie-lavender/27/187/10a
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6938764.Marie_Lavender
http://authorsdb.com/authors-directory/1578-marie-lavender
http://www.pw.org/content/marie_lavender
http://manicreaders.com/marielavender/
http://amazon.com/author/marielavender
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJu8HjRVYCFOqcIoX6ZxdqQ/videos

Meet Nathaniel Danes: This Week's Treasured & Tipsy Timeslip Traveller

Travel and make-believe go hand in hand. Whether we're in the present or the past, in a haunted castle, an enchanted forest or a broken down building, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and traveling the world can bring the imagination to life.

Please welcome this week's guest, Nathaniel Danes, a self-diagnosed sci-fi junkie with an over active imagination. Mostly blind, he writes to create universes where he has no limitations. #Travel #AuthorInterview #TreasuredTipsyTimeslip #RachaelStapleton #NathanielDanes #Scifi #Blackhole #Space #NASA #HungerGames #BattleofTours #CharlestheHammer #History
There are so many places throughout time I want to visit that is was a challenge to narrow it down. While my novel is classified as military science fiction, like all things, its roots are buried in the past in more ways than one. My first stop on my epic journey would be to witness the Battle of Tours in France in 732 AD.
I pick a battle because the main character in my story draws upon the rich military history of mankind to protect it in the future. I pick the Battle of Tours because it perfectly illustrates the razors edge that all of history was built on and shows how easily it all could’ve changed if not for one man in the right place at the right time.

For those who aren’t familiar with it, the fate for all of western civilization and Christianity was decided at the Battle of Tour where Charles the Hammer led his newly constructed Frankish Army against the juggernaut Muslim invasion force. If he hadn’t rallied his nation to his banner and defeated the invaders on that October day in 732 AD, all of Europe would’ve fallen under Muslim rule. More should be aware of how close the matter really was.
As a science fiction author, it kind of goes without saying that I spend a lot of time thinking about the future. And, for my next stop, I would like to see the future at a time with humanities understanding of the universe allows it to extend its reach beyond the Sol System and see what’s really out there. Believe it or nor, but NASA has reworked the math of what it would take to build a real life warp drive and think it is in the realm of possibility in the next century or so. We are currently conducting research to lay the ground work for future generations to achieve that goal. Below is a rendition of what NASA believes our first warp drive capable ship will look like and I’d like to here for her maiden voyage.

Finally, I would want to visit the edge of the event horizon of a black hole. Black holes are the most powerful force in all of nature but there’s also a certain level of mystery and beauty to them. My novel takes place mostly in space and the effects of time dilation plays a critical role in the story line in regards to the main character’s relationship with his daughter. A black hole represents these aspects of those elements. 

The Last Hero TrilogyBook One 
Contact with a race of pacifists convinces mankind to lay down its weapons and keep the peace. The last Medal of Honor recipient, Trent Maxwell, trades glory for the comforts of a family after the U.S. Army disbands. All that ends when an alien menace attacks the New Earth colony, which forces a crash mobilization. Trent finds himself reactivated and traveling through space to distant worlds, in order to stop this new enemy. During the century long journey of death, love, and loss, he also deals with the law of relativity that wreaks havoc with his daughter.

Excerpt:

Trent knelt down where Anna could throw her arms around his neck. She pulled against him tight and started crying again. Tears rolled down his face as he whispered, “I love you more than you can understand. I’m sorry.”

Her cries downed out his soft words.

After a minute, Trent summoned all of his strength to break free of her hold. Standing, he shared a look with Madison. She wrapped him in a loving, warm hug.

This time she did the whispering, “Remember what I told you. Make them pay.”

He pulled away, nodding as he placed his hand on Anna’s sobbing head.

“I’ll see you both again someday. I promise.” The words bound him to a promise he wasn’t sure he could keep.

Author Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nathaniel-Danes/1528587637363979
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nathanieldanes
Blog: http://nathanieldanes.blogspot.com/
Website: www.nathanieldanes.comAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/nathanieldanes
Book Links:
Amazon (Pre-Order): http://www.amazon.com/Last-Hero-Nathaniel-Danes-ebook/dp/B00NI5UGPI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1410517044&sr=1-1&keywords=the+last+hero
Bookgoodies: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00NI5UGPI

Meet Lacey Edward: This Week's Treasured & Tipsy Timeslip Traveller

Travel and make-believe go hand in hand. Whether we're in the present or the past, in a haunted castle, an enchanted forest or a broken down building, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and traveling the world can bring the imagination to life.

Please welcome this week's guest, fellow Canadian and author Lacey Edward. She writes mainly paranormal romance fiction but enjoys throwing in a little mystery and suspense for good measure and to keep things interesting. #Travel #AuthorInterview #TreasuredTipsyTimeslip #RachaelStapleton #LaceyEdward #Voodoo #NewOrleans #NewEngland #Hogwarts #HungerGames #RememberingRaven #Allegra #ParanormalRomance
Photo Credit: Garden of ShadowsAre you ready for an adventure? I’m going to take you to my all-time wish list of places to visit. They only exist in my mind (or someone else’s), but I’d still love to visit!
1. The Little Shop of Secrets

The Little Shop of Secrets is the New Orleans occult shop in my series, Remembering Raven. In the shop, you can sit and enjoy some delicious, steaming tea with fresh beignets while perusing occult books, spell casting items, potions, oils, and other items of interest. I would love to enjoy a hot mug of spiced tea or sweet lemonade and find a new spells book while waiting for my Tarot card reading from psychic, Raven LeClaire.

2. Shadow Grove Credit: http://hd4desktop.com/65492-awesome-f... small New England town of Shadow Grove is the setting for my upcoming Young Adult series on the supernatural. Shadow Grove is a small, misty town surrounded by a beautiful, thick forest that is almost as large as the town itself. Populated by wolves, foxes, and various other animals and beings, the people of Shadow Grove largely stay away from the eerie forests, as they have inspired several myths and folklore over the centuries. I would love to visit the centuries-old library where a certain spell book can be found buried in a shelf where only a select few could ever find it. After a quick trip to the local occult shop for some ingredients, I would love to cap my trip off with a visit to the town’s oldest coven for some practical magic!

3. Hogwarts

As a far of the JK Rowling series, I have always imagined visiting Hogwarts and sitting in on a few classes. Since my nickname in grade school was Miss Perfect, I think I would make a “perfect” Hermione Granger. First, though, I would need to make a pit stop at Olivander’s to buy my wand (or rather, to have my wand choose me) and have some butter beer at the Leaky Cauldron. Then, off to Hogwarts for some Divination, Potions, and Defense Against the Dark Arts.

4. Forks

An obvious choice for a paranormal romance/suspense writer, however, I’d love to visit the Cullen home, see the majestic trees surrounding the property, and visit the Quileute reserve. If I meet up with a vampire or werewolf pack, all the better.

5. District 13 and the Capital

Finally, I’d love to visit the Capital as well as District 13 about a year after the last book in the Hunger Games series. Is Peeta still baking? How is Katniss doing? What kind of trouble is Gale getting into? I love imagining the future lives of characters I have enjoyed reading about. I guess that’s why I find it hard to actually end a series. I keep thinking about one more book…

Thanks for accompanying me on my journal of fictional places. One bonus stop – the set of the Divergent series at the end of book two (Insurgent). A romantic at heart, I like where the series and the characters are at the end of the second book, so I’d love to visit Abnegation and Daultless and the other factions as well as the factionless. I’d love to see if I am brave enough to jump off the train at Dauntless and jump off the building into the Dauntless headquarters.


Remembering Raven: Allegra
Remembering Raven
Book 3
Lacey Edward
Genre: Paranormal romance/suspense
Publisher: Asselin Group Online Publisher
Date of Publication: May 22, 2015
ASIN: B00Y1NZJIK
Word Count: 20,000

Book Description:

Raven LeClaire is starting to move past the two horrible murders that have targeted her Tarot reading clients. Although she has vowed to stay actively involved with solving these highly puzzling deaths, she is finally allowing herself to get closer to the handsome Viktor Thorssen. The two of them feel the centuries old connection between them and have given into everything that sort of bond brings with it.

Raven’s best friend and business partner, Allegra Canelle, has been acting like a school girl since she has met the elusive and mysterious Philippe. Because of her relationship with him, Allegra has been shirking all of her responsibilities including holding up her end of things at The Little Shop of Secrets. She agrees to sell her half of the shop to Raven so that she can be free to spend more time with Philippe.

Raven is finally beginning to be truly happy in life. She has a thriving business that she can now call her own. Viktor and she had a relationship filled with both undying love and passion. Not only that, but she has recalled much of their previous life together in the 14th century.

Not everything is happy, though. She has seen danger ahead for Allegra as well as a new Tarot client and neither of the women will listen to her. When tragedy does strike seemingly without warning, Viktor makes a decision that will change the lives of all of them. Believing that he is doing the right thing, he is not fully prepared for the reaction that he gets from Raven.

Whatever else may happen, however, Viktor is determined not to lose the love of his life – his soul mate – ever again. No matter what it takes to keep them together, he will do it.


Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/evxEIxVuT3E
Available at Amazon

Excerpt:

“Surely, Viktor, you cannot argue that your wife is the fairest in the land,” Kol said with a flourish. “And that is why the lovely Raven will be mine.”

“Kol!” Allegra cried. “What is wrong with you?”

“Allegra, do be quiet,” he said. “Or I shall be forced to silence you.”

“Silence me?” she shouted.

Before any of them could take a breath, Kol leaped to his feet and snapped Allegra’s neck with his bare hands.

“I did tell her to be quiet,” he said as he pushed her body out of the chair.

“Raven, Raven, wake up, love,” a voice whispered urgently in her ear. “You are dreaming. Wake up, now.”

Raven drew in a quick, deep gasp of air and bolted upright in bed. She was simultaneously sweating and shivering. Viktor wrapped his arms around her and drew her to him.

“It is ok now, my love,” he said. “You were having quite a dream.”

“No,” she said.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, it was not a dream,” she replied.

“Ah,” Viktor said. “So it was another memory?”

“Yes, and it was clearer and more frightening than any nightmare I’ve ever had.”

“Do you want to tell me about it?”

“Maybe,” Raven said. “I think I probably should. Allegra was in this one.”

“Yes, that is to be expected because she was a very close friend to you during that lifetime,” Viktor assured her.

“I know. But this was kind of awful, Viktor.”

“In what way, my love?” he asked.

“Well, she was killed,” Raven replied. “Right in front of us.”

Imperceptibly, Viktor’s body tensed. He tried to control it, but she picked up on it.

“What do you know about that?”

“I…I really do not know much,” he said. “What did you see happen?”

He listened intently as Raven recounted her dream/memory to him.

This is bad, he thought. At this rate, she will be remembering her own death without any help from me. I do not believe she is ready to handle that yet.

“Something keeps trying to break through,” she said. “I do have one question from this dream.”

“What is that, love?” he asked.

“I’m wondering about Allegra’s companion in the dream. The one who killed her,” she said. “Viktor, just who is Kol?”

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About the Author: 
Lacey Edward was born and raised in Canada. She writes mainly paranormal romance fiction but enjoys throwing in a little mystery and suspense for good measure and to keep things interesting. Her first experience with vampires was the Barnabas Collins book she read in grade eight. She devoured it and never looked back – well, maybe over her shoulder once or twice.

Lacey lives in the country with her husband and two daughters. They enjoy skiing and sliding in the winter, swimming, golfing, and boating in the summer, and music all year long. Lacey also tries to keep up her mixed martial arts skills, just in case one of her unsavory characters comes to life…

For up to date promotions and release dates of upcoming books, sign up for the latest news on her website: www.laceyedward.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/laceyedwardau...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/laceyedwardbook
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/author/laceyedward

 

Treasured & Tipsy Timeslip: Traveller Scott A. Lerner

Travel and make-believe go hand in hand. Whether we're in the present or the past, in a haunted castle, an enchanted forest or a broken down building, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and traveling the world can bring the imagination to life.

Please welcome this week's guest, author and attorney Scott A. Lerner. #Travel #AuthorInterview #TreasuredTipsyTimeslip #RachaelStapleton

I would love to travel to Ancient Egypt. I find their culture fascinating enough to make it a part of the Fraternity of the Soul Eater. I would love to have been around in ancient times but would settle for being there during the late 1800s through the 1920s. I could be around during the great archeological discoveries. My book takes place in modern times, but the magic from Ancient Egypt is referenced throughout. After all, the deities are not dead, only buried beneath the sands of time waiting to be called upon. 

It would also be fantastic to see the future, since I am not limited to a specific time period. Maybe I could see the world a few hundred years down the road. I would know if society’s doing fine like in Star Trek or not doing as well, as in Planet of the Apes. I would also know what stocks to invest in. Will Apple still be around? I would love to see if we have flying cars. I have been wanting one for years. Will our robot overlords be cruel or kind? The future would certainly be a great destination, no matter what the location.


I wouldn’t mind a trip to Woodstock, New York, in August of 1969. I hear they had a concert that would have been fun to attend. Although the rain and mud might have been a tad unpleasant. Yet the great music would more than make up for it. 

In truth I live in a great time and a great place. My books, which are part of a series, take place in Champaign, Illinois—a town less exciting than New York and less scenic than Malibu. Yet, thrills and paranormal creatures of the dark can haunt anywhere at any time. With books and movies available online, you can find adventure anywhere.
The Fraternity of the Soul EaterA Samuel Roberts Thriller Book 3Scott A. Lerner
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Thriller
Publisher: Camel PressDate of Publication: June 15, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-60381-289-4ASIN: Not yet available
Number of pages: 218Word Count: 57k words
Cover Artist: Sabrina Sun
Book Description:
It’s been a while since Samuel Roberts was called upon to save mankind, and he’s getting restless. His girlfriend Susan thinks he’s a danger junkie, and he’s worried he has a hero complex. He’s back to his usual small-town lawyerly duties in Champaign-Urbana, handling divorces and helping people beat DUI raps. But then a young fraternity pledge calls. During an initiation ceremony he witnessed the live sacrifice of a young woman, but he had so much alcohol in his system that no one believes him. Except Sam. Lately Egyptian lore has been creeping into his life, his dreams, and his movie preferences, and he’s pretty sure he knows why. Evil is knocking on his door again.
Is the call welcome? Why can’t Sam be satisfied with his comfortable legal practice and gorgeous redheaded girlfriend? Maybe it’s because he knows that, as inadequate as he may feel to the task, he and his friend Bob may be humanity’s only hope against ancient supernatural forces combined with modern genetic engineering. Come hell or high water. Or in this case, the underworld or subterranean pyramids.
The Fraternity of the Soul Eater is the third book in the Samuel Roberts Thriller series, which began with Cocaine Zombies and continued with Ruler of Demons.
Available at Amazon

Excerpt:
She was wearing tight black jeans and a low-cut cropped T-shirt that exposed ample cleavage. A golden ankh dangled between her breasts. On one forearm was a tattoo of a bird I assumed to be a lark, and on the other, a tattoo of a hawk. Her bright blue eyes matched her hair. She was striking looking but by no means beautiful. A slight muffin top was made more visible by her short shirt, and she had apparently broken her nose at least once in her life. She smelled like sandalwood and cinnamon.I would never cheat on Susan, but I had to admit there was something sexy about Lark. I tried to put my prurient thoughts away and deal with the issue at hand. Also, the ankh made me wonder if she was playing for the other side. I was not a big fan of birds, which for me had always been a harbinger of bad luck. “So what is it that you couldn’t tell me at the courthouse?”“I’m a graduate student at the University of Illinois and heard from a friend about Chris’s case. I went to the preliminary hearing to get more information.”“That’s fine—it’s an open courtroom—but I can’t tell you the specifics of his case.”“I am here to help you, not the other way around.”“Cool!” I leaned back in my chair, trying to look casual. “Tell me what you know.”“My sister was at a party at that fraternity three years ago. She has not been seen since. I believe she was killed there. I can’t prove it, but I have been trying to ever since.”“Did you call the police?”“No, I called Pizza Hut.” She sighed. “I’m … sorry. This whole thing …. it’s hard to talk about. Yes, I called the police and the FBI. I even hired a private investigator.”“No luck?”“None. In fact, they all told me to let it go.”“I take it from the fact you are here that you didn’t ‘let it go.’ ”“You take it right. I was attending the University of Iowa. I was close to getting an MFA in fine arts but I transferred to the University of Illinois a year and a half ago. I’ve been investigating the fraternity ever since.” As she spoke Lark moved her arms about in quick gestures, reminding me of the bird she was named for.“What have you learned?”“For starters, I believe your client.”“Why?”She hesitated, as if pained by what she was going to relate. “Last year I dated a guy named George Hammond. He was a rich kid, kind of a geek, but he was okay. I essentially stalked him until he agreed to go out with me. At first I was only interested because he was pledging the fraternity. I know I was using him, but he was using me too. When he got accepted into the fraternity he told me a few of their secrets.”“Any chance I could chat with George directly?”She shook her head, a little violently. “Not unless we hold a séance. I’m sorry. I appreciate you speaking with me, and I don’t mean to be sarcastic. George died in a car accident. Actually, he was murdered, but I can’t prove it.”“What did he tell you?”“Every fall the fraternity sacrifices a girl. Their choice is based on her not having much in the way of family or money. They want someone who won’t be missed. The organs are removed as though she is to be mummified. Since there’s no pyramid to bury them in, the bodies are not wrapped or mummified or even kept.”It was difficult to absorb what she was telling me. “That is nightmarish. What the hell do they do with the bodies?”She jerked her shoulders up and down in a shaky shrug. “Who knows?”“Why would they do such a thing?”She looked mournful now. “George didn’t know. It may have been to test the pledges’ loyalty to the fraternity. He said they would commit the murder at a hidden temple and that the members would have to chant ancient prayers as part of some strange ritual. The leaders of the fraternity told him that the girls’ souls were being fed to the ‘Soul Eater,’ but George didn’t think they were serious.”“Do you believe what George told you?”“Yes.”“Why?”She looked me hard in the eye. “My sister is missing.

About the Author:
Author and attorney Scott A. Lerner resides in Champaign, Illinois. He obtained his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and went on to obtain his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign. He is currently a sole practitioner in Champaign, Illinois. The majority of his law practice focuses on the fields of criminal law and family law. Lerner’s first novel and the first Samuel Roberts Thriller, Cocaine Zombies, won a bronze medal in the mystery/cozy/noir category of the 2013 Independent Publisher (IPPY) Awards. The second book in the series is Ruler of Demons. The Fraternity of the Soul Eater is book 3. Book 4, The Wiccan Witch of the Midwest, will be released on Halloween, 2015.
You can find Scott online at: www.scottlerner.camelpress.com
www.facebook.com/ScottALernerAuthor
www.goodreads.com/author/show/6479067.Scott_A_Lerner
www.scottlerner.camelpress.com
www.twitter.com/scottlernerauth

Tour giveaway
5 eBook copies of The Fraternity of the Soul Eater


Link to giveawaya Rafflecopter giveaway http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba112ffc1054