Sheryl Winters's Blog, page 5

J is for Jaden Zarie

J is for Jaden Zarie. She’s a one in a million fire talent capable of producing an enormous Fire Balls.

She’s married to Draven Winterbourn, the sexy shape shifting King of the Dragon-Changers.

That’s right people. Jaden married a freaken dragon.. and she likes it!

Skydreamer Sneak Peek Wednesday, May 14

As you know i’m giving you sneak peeks into Skydreamer. Excerpt number 5 is one of my favorites.

*  *  *  *

“We won’t need another Travel Sphere,” he says. “I know a short cut. Everyone on board.”He reaches for Adania and she takes his hand, clutching her handkerchief tight to her chest with the other. Serious blue eyes watch his every move. “Need help getting in?”

Draven doesn’t wait for an answer. He picks her up and tosses her high in the air before catching her and placing her in the front seat. Her infectious giggle rings out like bells. He surprises me by spinning me around before sliding me down his hard body. His kiss brushes my lips just as my feet touch the ground, then I’m in the air again and plopped down next to Adania with a resounding whoosh.

“Now,” he says, grinning, “this is the most important thing to remember.” He reaches over my shoulder to ruffle Adania’s hair. “Don’t fall out.”

Draven disappears toward the back. For a few moments, all is quiet. Then, the wagon lurches forward and my stomach drops to the souls of my feet.

“The ground is moving!” Adania screams. “We’re in the air!”

Above us is the smooth underbelly of a huge black dragon and all I can do is stare in awe. When Adania squeals to be set free, I realize Isla is clutching her arm so tight, the delicate flesh is turning red. “Isla, ease up on the grip, Adania isn’t going anywhere.”

In truth, we’re packed so tightly into the narrow front seat, there is little fear of any of us moving so much as an inch. I lean over the side to absorb the never-ending view.

My gaze follows the long, winding river stretching across the mass of greenness, which is the Plains of Ovlur beneath us. While over our heads, directly above us, is my husband. Flying. I’m married to someone who can change his form with a single thought and can fly.

* * * *

For fire talent, Jaden Zarie, life is far from a fairy tale. Blisters from any contact with water, check. Sleeping in a shed behind your greedy Uncle’s house, check. Ex-boyfriend scouting the bar where you work for one-night stands every night, double check.

When Jaden sets off to secure a new life with her two sisters, winning a contest with a huge pile of gold on the line seems like a quick fix.

Getting hitched to Draven Winterbourne, King of the Dragon-changers, and finding true love was beyond anything she could have hoped for.

But a friend turned enemy threatens to take it all away. When Jaden is thrust into an alternate universe and separated from her new husband and her sisters, she must summon up the courage to start over, alone, knowing she may never see any of them again.
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The Artisans by Julie Reece

I am so excited that THE ARTISANS by Julie Reece releases today and that I get to share the news, along with an awesome giveaway!

If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book by Author Julie Reece, be sure to check out all the details below. 

This blitz also includes a giveaway for 2 eBooks of THE ARTISANS (International) So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

About The Book:


Title: THE

ARTISANS
Author: Julie

Reece
Pub. Date:

May 12, 2015
Publisher: Month9Books
Pages: 300
Find

it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads

They say death can be beautiful. But after the death of her mother, seventeen-year-old Raven Weathersby gives up her dream of becoming a fashion designer, barely surviving life in the South Carolina lowlands.

To make ends meet, Raven works after school as a seamstress creating stunning works of fashion that often rival the great names of the day.

Instead of making things easier on the high school senior, her stepdad’s drinking leads to a run in with the highly reclusive heir to the Maddox family fortune, Gideon Maddox.

But Raven’s stepdad’s drying out and in no condition to attend the meeting with Maddox. So Raven volunteers to take his place and offers to repay the debt in order to keep the only father she’s ever known out of jail, or worse.

Gideon Maddox agrees, outlining an outrageous demand: Raven must live in his home for a year while she designs for Maddox Industries’ clothing line, signing over her creative rights.

Her handsome young captor is arrogant and infuriating to the nth degree, and Raven can’t imagine working for him, let alone sharing the same space for more than five minutes.

But nothing is ever as it seems. Is Gideon Maddox the monster the world believes him to be? And can he stand to let the young seamstress see him as he really is?

Praise for THE ARTISANS

“The Artisans has all the elements I love – spooky intrigue, strong friendships, and a romantic tension to be savored.”  ~ Wendy Higgins, New York Times bestselling author of the Sweet Evil trilogy.“Read The Artisans in the middle of the night with a flashlight if you dare. The perfect blend of romance and horror with a strong female lead kept me reading through the night.”~ L.S. Murphy author of PIXELATED Bloomsbury Spark and REAPERJ. Taylor Publishing

“Wowza!!!! That book was so freakin’ good! Intense, insane, freaky at parts and sooooo good! I haven’t had emotions like this about a book in a long time!”~ Mindy Blogger @ Magical Urban Fantasy Reads

“The first thing I thought when I finished this book was ‘dang, I would love to see this as a movie’. The Artisans has such an awesome and haunting concept to it plus I just adore all of the characters.”~Jena Blogger @ Shortie Says

“The Artisans was a unique modern day retelling of Beauty and the Beast filled with mystery, romance and wonderful characters. From the first page I was completely lost in the wonderful setting that Reece created.”~Bridget Blogger @ Dark Faerie Tales

About Julie:

 
Born in Ohio, I lived next to my grandfather’s horse farm until the fourth grade. Summers were about riding, fishing and make-believe, while winter brought sledding and ice-skating on frozen ponds. Most of life was magical, but not all.

I struggled with multiple learning disabilities, did not excel in school. I spent much of my time looking out windows and daydreaming. In the fourth grade (with the help of one very nice teacher) I fought dyslexia for my right to read, like a prince fights a dragon in order to free the princess locked in

a tower, and I won.


Afterwards, I read like a fiend. I invented stories where I could be the

princess… or a gifted heroine from another world who kicked bad guy butt to win

the heart of a charismatic hero. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? Later,

I moved to Florida where I continued to fantasize about superpowers and

monsters, fabricating stories (my mother called it lying) and sharing them with

my friends.

Then I thought I’d write one down…

Hooked, I’ve been writing ever since. I write historical, contemporary,

urban fantasy, adventure, and young adult romances. 

I love strong heroines, sweeping tales of mystery and epic adventure… which must include a really hot guy. My writing is proof you can work hard to overcome any obstacle. Don’t give

up. I say, if you write, write on!

Connect with the Author:  Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads

Giveaway Details:
3 eBooks of

THE ARTISANS International
Ends on May

22nd at Midnight EST!


 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Merry May Blog Hop. Sheryl Winters Style

Welcome to my portion of Roane Publishing blog hop!��


First some good news! Roane Publishing will be giving away THREE e-titles as a Grand Prize!

I will be giving away an e-copy of Skydreamer.(See below for more details on Skydreamer)
How do we enter? For my portion of the contest, I ask you only to answer one of the following questions.

1. What is your favorite type of book to read? Paranormal? Romance? Mystery! etc.

2. What is your dream vacation? Fess up! Are you a Fiji girl/guy? A stay home and read on the couch type of person? Country? Islands. I want to know!

3. Why do you want to win a copy of Skydreamer? Don’t be shy? Tell the truth. Do you think it’s a cozy love story? A magical maze filled adventure or are you trying to fill that spot in your kindle?

There is no right or wrong answers, just have some fun with it.�� The winner will be picked May 15th. Don’t forget to hop on over to the Roane blog site to look at the other blog “hoppers.”��

Jaden is one in a million, a fire talent capable of bonding with a fire Esprit and creating fireballs of enormous proportions.

Draven Winterbourn is the devilishly handsome king of the Dragon-Changers, capable of changing into an enormous dragon. A man responsible for keeping the laws of his people.

When the two meet it was more than fate, it was true love.

So how can everything go so wrong between a couple who love so much?

��

Sneak Peek Wednesday, May 6th

If you remember we’re doing sneak peeks of Skydreamer. Today I bring you excerpt number 4!

*�� *�� *�� *

The spherio opens with a click and I place the orb into its proper slot. I don’t quite trust the twinkle in his eyes, but he’s practically quivering with excitement. As usual, I can’t resist him. Grasping his hand, I allow him to pull me toward my co-workers, all of whom laugh and wave, no more able to resist their king’s good mood than I am.

He heads toward Isla’s apartment and I lift one wry eyebrow. “This is your surprise? I do know where my sister lives.”

“Guess again.” He taps twice on the door before it slides open.

“Draven!” True to form, Adania ignores me and runs to hug his legs.

“What am I, chopped up troll? I am so invisible,��� I tease. ���No hug, no I love you���”

“Oh, Jaden.” Adania rolls her eyes, then races to the kitchen.

Draven follows her.

“Mr. Dirty watched it for you,” she says seriously, pointing at the golem, which is staring at two sacks. One is empty and the other is full.

Draven picks up both bags and waves to Isla’s Esprit, Icia, who is parked in the corner. Her little girl head is on alert, tuned to our presence.

I smother Adania in hugs and kisses���which she pretends to hate���before locking the door after us.

Draven turns to me, surprised. “Is Isla okay? Does she often leave Adania alone? Do we need to stay?” His questions seem to come out of nowhere.

“Icia is in the corner on top of the icebox. Nothing gets past her. Isla’s probably in the other room, changing clothes. Or taking a bath.��� Isla has never fully trusted anyone with Adania. Not even me.

“Does she need a break?���

I give his question serious consideration as we move to the outdoor ledge. Isla likes Draven. She’s said so on more than one occasion, maybe just this once she will unbend when it comes to Adania.

“I’ll see if she’ll let us keep her overnight.” Worth a try. She won���t allow it, but maybe this time���just this once���she���ll let me help.

* * *

For fire talent, Jaden Zarie, life is far from a fairy tale. Blisters from any contact with water, check. Sleeping in a shed behind your greedy Uncle’s house, check. Ex-boyfriend scouting the bar where you work for one-night stands every night, double check.

When Jaden sets off to secure a new life with her two sisters, winning a contest with a huge pile of gold on the line seems like a quick fix. Getting hitched to Draven Winterbourne, King of the Dragon-changers, and finding true love was beyond anything she could have hoped for.

But a friend turned enemy threatens to take it all away. When Jaden is thrust into an alternate universe and separated from her new husband and her sisters, she must summon up the courage to start over, alone, knowing she may never see any of them again.

 

Print

Createspace (Best Option)

Amazon

Digital (eBook)

Amazon

Amazon UK

Barnes and Noble

Smashwords

Bookstrand

All Romance eBooks

Kobo

Skydreamer Sneak Peek Wednesday, April 29th

Ready for another sneak peek of Skydreamer? How about excerpt #3

*�� *�� *�� *

He wasn’t kidding. He really can’t cook.

Isla and I grimace our way through burnt steak and eggs. I’m so used to Esmay burning my meals, I have no problem swallowing it, but Adania is another matter. She folds her arms and refuses to eat what is served. By the time breakfast is over, I decide never to let him cook again.

Draven offers seconds and thirds, which we politely refuse. He polishes off the remains, inhaling his food the way Isla does ice water, his leg jammed tight against mine. “Grab your things. It’s time to find the shops,” Draven says as we pile our dishes into the sink. He flaps a dismissive hand at us. “Don’t worry about those. The cleaning people will be here soon. They’ll take care of them.”

I draw on the tight cloth jacket I’ve been using for the last three years, poking my fingers through the hole in my pocket for fun, while Isla wrestles Adania’s shoes onto her.

Draven surprises us by picking Adania up and hoisting her onto his shoulders.

“Lookie, Jaden, Isla!��� she squeals, her excited giggle ringing through the hallway. ���I’m taller than you!”

Isla stops at her apartment to get her hand bag and Draven pulls three glowing light green orbs out of one of his pocket. ���Preset and ready to go, so you three won’t get lost on your way home.��� He gives an apologetic shrug. ���I’m almost out, or we’d use them to get there, too.”

The Orbs are so malleable, I have to resist the urge to sink my fingers into them. I slide them into my good pocket next to the gold before carefully pulling my fingers out, so I won���t touch them too much.

Draven lowers Adania to the floor and fiddles with the lock as Isla catches up with us. “Jaden, do you still have that coin purse I gave you?”

I pull the heavy leather pouch out of my pocket and hold it out for him.

“Good. You’ll need it today.”

*�� *�� *�� *

For fire talent, Jaden Zarie, life is far from a fairy tale. Blisters from any contact with water, check. Sleeping in a shed behind your greedy Uncle’s house, check. Ex-boyfriend scouting the bar where you work for one-night stands every night, double check.

When Jaden sets off to secure a new life with her two sisters, winning a contest with a huge pile of gold on the line seems like a quick fix. Getting hitched to Draven Winterbourne, King of the Dragon-changers, and finding true love was beyond anything she could have hoped for.

But a friend turned enemy threatens to take it all away. When Jaden is thrust into an alternate universe and separated from her new husband and her sisters, she must summon up the courage to start over, alone, knowing she may never see any of them again.

Print

Createspace (Best Option)

Amazon

Digital (eBook)

Amazon

Amazon UK

Barnes and Noble

Smashwords

Bookstrand

All Romance eBooks

Kobo

 

Goodreads contest. Your chance to win!

Do you want to win your own copy of Skydreamer? Now’s your chance!

For fire talent, Jaden Zarie, life is far from a fairy tale. Blisters from any contact with water, check. Sleeping in a shed behind your greedy Uncle’s house, check. Ex-boyfriend scouting the bar where you work for one-night stands every night, double check.

When Jaden sets off to secure a new life with her two sisters, winning a contest with a huge pile of gold on the line seems like a quick fix. Getting hitched to Draven Winterbourne, King of the Dragon-changers, and finding true love was beyond anything she could have hoped for.

But a friend turned enemy threatens to take it all away. When Jaden is thrust into an alternate universe and separated from her new husband and her sisters, she must summon up the courage to start over, alone, knowing she may never see any of them again.

See below for contest details.

Win 1 of 2 AUTOGRAPHED copies of Skydreamer, a paranormal romance that’s been described as ‘An awesome combination of magic, dragons, action and adventure with a captivating storyline that held my attention. I could not put this book down!’

Goodreads Book Giveaway


Skydreamer
by Sheryl Winters

Giveaway ends May 29, 2015.

See the giveaway details

at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Skydreamer — Sneak Peek Wednesday, April 22nd

So if you remember from last Wednesday, i’m giving you tiny little sneak peeks into Skydreamer. Here is excerpt number 2.

* * *

���Draven Winterbourn and Jadelentha Zarie, please place your hands on top of the Iyardar Stone.���

After a moment���s hesitation, I touch the crumbly gray stone with shaking hands and Draven���s large tan fingers cover my own.

Electricity travels from the stone, passing through the tips of my fingers and zipping through my entire body. His hold on my hands tightens and soon, my fingers feel as if they have been placed in a vice grip���one that grows progressively tighter, until I am forced to channel Esmay.

Sparks shoot into the palm of his hand and he lets go. The look he gives me does not bode well for our impending marriage.

Laughter erupts in fits and snorts behind us, but a sharp hand movement by the queen silences them.

I shouldn���t have done this. I���ve made a big mistake. I fold my arms against my chest, feeling sick. The longer I stand there, the more determined I am to leave. Humiliated in front of dragons and humans and whatever else is standing behind us. Let him find another bride���someone who wants to be mortified and have her hand crushed.

���Draven and Jadelentha, you are about to enter an exclusive contract for marriage. What say you?���

I glare at the stone to avoid their eyes, suddenly furious I ever let Isla and a stupid rock decide my life.

For once in your life, make a decision for yourself.

���I have some questions.���

The dragons behind us begin whispering. Soon, the room rumbles with sound.

Beside me, the queen���s teeth clench, a sure sign I���ve annoyed my soon-to-be-mother-in-law. ���Now?��� she practically shrieks.

What if she changes into a dragon and eats me? Despite what Isla says, I am positive she can do it.

Face the fire, Jaden. Turn and face him.

��* * *

For fire talent, Jaden Zarie, life is far from a fairy tale. Blisters from any contact with water, check. Sleeping in a shed behind your greedy Uncle’s house, check. Ex-boyfriend scouting the bar where you work for one-night stands every night, double check.

When Jaden sets off to secure a new life with her two sisters, winning a contest with a huge pile of gold on the line seems like a quick fix. Getting hitched to Draven Winterbourne, King of the Dragon-changers, and finding true love was beyond anything she could have hoped for.

But a friend turned enemy threatens to take it all away. When Jaden is thrust into an alternate universe and separated from her new husband and her sisters, she must summon up the courage to start over, alone, knowing she may never see any of them again.

Print

Createspace (Best Option)

Amazon

Digital (eBook)

Amazon

Amazon UK

Barnes and Noble

Smashwords

Bookstrand

All Romance eBooks

Kobo

Skydreamer –Sneak Peek Wednesdays.

Don’t you hate reading the blurb off an Ebook but your unsure about the writing? Let’s face it blurbs tell nothing. For the next few Wednesday’s i’m going to give you sneak peeks into Skydreamer. So without further ado, I bring you excerpt one.

* * * *

������The Contest is open to all women between the ages of twenty-one and thirty. Contestants are required to bring their own reagents. The use of Alchemy is strictly prohibited. Chance of winning twelve hundred gold per round is one in������

Voices press in on me from every side. The week of constant traveling has done me in. All I want to do is hide in the vego and sleep. I don���t even care if we have enough for dinner tonight. I feel trapped by the chattering voices of the crowd mashed up with the officials on the Dais.

���I heard the King���s mother set up this contest herself. Talk about the ultimate mama���s boy. He has to be uglier than a troll if his mother has to marry him off this way,��� someone suggested.

������ high possibility of death,��� came a skeptical voice, ���but with twelve hundred gold per round, everyone should enter.���

���Which one is Draven?��� a shrill voice demands.

���Are you blind?��� Came the reply. ���He���s the one good looking one with the light brown hair. The one standing next to King Evrid.���

���You said he was ugly!���

It doesn���t matter who this Draven is. We are only here for Adania. If we win, every silver goes to her schooling. She���ll have a roof over her head and decent clothes. Nothing else matters.

My fingers sink back into the dark blue Legal Sphere I received earlier. The tiny ball settles into my palms with only a light sizzle and its message sounds inside my head.

All contestants will enter into an exclusive competition. The winner will win a one-year marriage with Draven Winterbourn, King of the Dragon-Changers. Iyardar Stone to choose the winner. In the event Draven Winterbourn does not agree with the Iyardar Stone, he has the right to veto said contestant and select one of his choosing from the remaining contestants. As stipulated, marriage duration will be one year, unless both parties���

���Is the Iyardar Stone a diamond, or a ruby?��� I whisper to Isla. ���And how does it choose a winner if it���s a rock?���

* * * *

For fire talent, Jaden Zarie, life is far from a fairy tale. Blisters from any contact with water, check. Sleeping in a shed behind your greedy Uncle’s house, check. Ex-boyfriend scouting the bar where you work for one-night stands every night, double check.

When Jaden sets off to secure a new life with her two sisters, winning a contest with a huge pile of gold on the line seems like a quick fix. Getting hitched to Draven Winterbourne, King of the Dragon-changers, and finding true love was beyond anything she could have hoped for.

But a friend turned enemy threatens to take it all away. When Jaden is thrust into an alternate universe and separated from her new husband and her sisters, she must summon up the courage to start over, alone, knowing she may never see any of them again.

Print

Createspace (Best Option)

Amazon

Digital (eBook)

Amazon

Amazon UK

Barnes and Noble

Smashwords

Bookstrand

All Romance eBooks

Kobo

 

H is for Harpy

Harpy.

A harpy is a winged bird like human who flies, screams a lot and has a wicked temper.

Kinda like me before my coffee in the morning.

 

Fact: There are no Harpies in Skydreamer.