Megan Morgan's Blog, page 35

Paranormal Bar & Grill Tour

October starts out warm and sunny, but this is the month when everything changes. Mornings grow frosty, leaves change colors, and the breeze takes on a bite.

Summer dies.

It’s a time for harvest celebrations. A boy loans a girl his coat. She snuggles a little closer and takes his hand. A riot of autumn splendor accompanies the farmer’s market where they stroll.

But the vibrancy of daylight doesn’t compare to the darkness of night. Is that chill on your neck the breeze or something else?

October night

You walk a tad faster and look over your shoulder. The trees creak when the wind whips through their branches—at least, you hope that noise came from the undulating bows.

You check under the bed and inside the closet before climbing under the covers. Sleep doesn’t come easy. The old house groans its complaints, and the night magnifies every innocuous noise until terror paralyzes you—because you know nefarious things go bump in the night.

Welcome to the Paranormal Bar & Grille Blog Tour

…where you can rub elbows with everyone from a gargoyle or vampire, to a creature from urban legend, or the ghostly realms of myth. Step up to the bar, grab a booth. You never know what’s on the menu, or if you might end up there yourself.

Sound like your kind of hangout? Then you’ve come to the right place. We’re a group of five authors who love nothing more than to trigger the chill that crawls up your back, the nervous glance tossed over your shoulder. We invite you to discover outstanding books and check out our awesome tour prizes.

Just be careful of what the bartender serves you. That heady brew may not be a beer, and witches can’t be trusted to provide effective antidotes.

Enter to win a $50 Amazon/B&N gift card

Leave a comment and check out the other stops on the tour for more chances to win!

There is something evil up Bergamot Holler, and it’s been targeting the Hall family for generations.

Patty Hall is fifteen years old. She loves stargazing, science fiction, and all things related to space exploration. This leaves her perfectly prepared for the wrong problem.

Patty is afraid her mother will send her to a care facility if she tells her what she’s seen. If she doesn’t figure things out soon, she’s going to join her father in the Hall family cemetery plot.

Patty has to come to grips with her own physical handicap, face the wilderness, and an ancient evil all alone if she’s going to survive.

Will O’ the Wisp is suitable for young adults. It involves elements of suspense, and is set in the mid 1970s.

EXCERPT:

Headlights made their way towards us along the Bergamot Creek trail. “Damn it. I wish people would just stay away.”

Pete looked at them and said, “They’re far enough away we can still watch. Besides, they might not stay once the road ends. Maybe it’s Mrs. Matthews with another one of her boyfriends.”

“That’s gross. I don’t care to see that again.”

“Satellite,” Pete said.

It was no Comet Kahoutek, but we watched it pass overhead and waited for the next one. The car turned out to be a van full of older kids. Three guys and two girls. They built a fire and took out a styrofoam cooler. They looked like students on their way to college somewhere.

I turned my radio off and pushed my lower lip into my upper. “I suppose they’re spending the night.” The sound of their car radio reached our ears.

“So what? We might catch another satellite or a shooting star before we have to go home.”

“Meteor. They aren’t really stars. And now we have light pollution.” I looked up once more and tried to have a good time.

“Holy crap. What’s that?”

I snapped to attention and looked at Pete. He was fixated down toward the campers. A ball of green light, about the size of a softball, drifted along the stream bank. It was darker than the fireflies, more the color of moss, but it glowed in the dark. It lit up the gravel alongside the creek.

“That has to be the king of all fireflies,” Pete said.

“Maybe it’s a cluster.”

It turned and headed our way. Pete crab-crawled away from the light.

The glow got softer. It headed back toward the campfire. It was like it couldn’t make up its mind.

A blond boy with surfer good looks walked away from the fire toward the glowing sphere. He said something to his friends, but I couldn’t hear it over their radio. They all stood and looked. He spread his arms wide then waved the thing toward the campfire like he was calling his dog.

The glowing ball started flickering and moved toward him. It hit his chest and pushed him back. Then it went — it went insidehim. He arched rearward, then forward, hit the ground and convulsed.

The girls screamed and ran.

“What the hell was that?” Pete said. “Oh my God! What was it?”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Just a fiction writer, trying to reach the world.

Craig came to fiction writing later in life than most authors. He always had to write, to one degree or another as part of various jobs. Early one winter morning, he conquered the Internet and didn’t feel like shoveling the sidewalk until the

sun came up. He tried a few pages of fiction and got hooked.

Craig doesn’t like limitations and calls himself a writer of speculative fiction. It’s a broad field, but he limits himself to science fiction, paranormal, and a bit of fantasy.

He has eight published works—six novels and two collections of short stories.

You can find him at the following locations:

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00ILXBXUY

Blog: Entertaining Stories https://coldhandboyack.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColdhandBoyack

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Virgilante

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9841203.C_S_Boyack

Behind a legend lies the truth…

As a child, Eve Parrish lost her father and her best friend, Maggie Flynn, in a tragic bridge collapse. Fifteen years later, she returns to Point Pleasant to settle her deceased aunt’s estate. Though much has changed about the once thriving river community, the ghost of tragedy still weighs heavily on the town, as do rumors and sightings of the Mothman, a local legend. When Eve uncovers startling information about her aunt’s death, that legend is in danger of becoming all too real . . .

Caden Flynn is one of the few lucky survivors of the bridge collapse but blames himself for coercing his younger sister out that night. He’s carried that guilt for fifteen years, unaware of darker currents haunting the town. It isn’t long before Eve’s arrival unravels an old secret—one that places her and Caden in the crosshairs of a deadly killer . . .

EXCERPT:

“The phone might be on the fritz,” Eve said as she carried Doreen Sue’s glass to the sink. “I’ve been getting a lot of strange calls with screeches and clicks. I had the phone company check it out, but they couldn’t find anything wrong with the line.” Whatever their verdict, she still wasn’t convinced the odd calls weren’t the fault of an electronic malfunction.

“Screeches and clicks?” Doreen Sue paused mid-dial, pressing the receiver to her chest. “I’ve heard that happens sometimes when a family member dies.”

Eve rinsed the glass with water, then set it in the drain board to be washed later. Something cold slithered down her back. “Excuse me?”

“Your Aunt Rosie.” Doreen Sue bobbed her head as if the answer was obvious. “She might be trying to communicate with you.”

Eve started to laugh, then quelled the instinctive reaction when she noted Doreen Sue’s expression. The woman wasn’t joking.

“Spirits often try to converse through electricity and everyday instruments like TVs, lights, and phones. I know it sounds silly, but I follow all of that stuff…horoscopes, psychics, UFO theories.” A wave of her hand said she took only half of it seriously. “I’ve seen some strange things around here, especially by the TNT. I’ve never seen the Mothman, but I remember reading an article about a medium who was convinced her dead husband tried to communicate with her through phone calls. She heard things like amplifier feedback, insect noises, and strange clicks whenever she answered the phone.”

Eve felt her face drain of color. After talking to a disembodied “thing” in an igloo at the TNT, she should have no problem believing her dead aunt was reaching out to her. She’d sat in the living room only days after arriving and voiced that wish aloud. Aunt Rosie, I wish I understood what was going on. I wish there was some way you could talk to me. The phone calls had started not long afterward. Fluke or answer to her request?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mystery & Suspense…with a dash of Myth & Romance

Genres:

Mystery, Psychological Thrillers, Supernatural Suspense, Romantic Suspense

Quirky fact I don’t want anyone to know:

(or maybe I do)….I saw a UFO when I was six. Probably why I write some of the stuff I do.

~ooOOoo~

Bio:

They say everyone has a story to tell.

I wrote my first childish “masterpiece” at six and was immediately bitten by the writing bug. Since then, I’ve been composing nonstop, and have dabbled in multiple genres over the years, writing everything from fantasy, westerns, and horror to inspirational fiction, romance, and sci-fi. It took me a while to find my niche, but I’ve settled comfortably into the mystery/suspense genre (with a just a dash of romance tossed in).

Several of my earlier works have strong romantic themes, but all are infused with threads of mystery. I have a passion for folklore, myth, and urban legends and that attraction often factors into my writing. You’ll find threads of archaic tales and mysterious places woven throughout many of my novels.

I am a member of the International Thriller Writers and a past president of the Central Pennsylvania Writer’s Organization. If I’m not camped out at my keyboard or have my nose buried in a book, I’m likely looking up blurry images of cryptids on Google, sorting through vintage photographs or imagining life as a cat.

Relevant Links:

Website: https://maeclair.net

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mae-Clair/e/B009I61ND0

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mae-clair

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6468716.Mae_Clair

Newsletter: http://maeclair.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b0a5feceefdac32ff722e6690&id=11fb698a31

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaeClair1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maeclairauthor/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/maeclair/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+MaeClair

Kensington Publishing: http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/author.aspx/29541

My name is Zoe Tempest. Just let me say, I had no intention of becoming a vampire hunter. My world revolved around the trendiest clothes, the boy of the week and shopping.

My life was as close to perfect as a seventeen year old can get. I had everything. Then my parents were murdered and my world came crashing down.

After their funeral, I went to live with my uncle Julian Kilmer. That’s when everything changed. In a manner more terrifying than anything I could have imagined.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Living life. Writing fantasy.

Sandra writes YA Fantasy, Paranormal and Historical Romance, and Metaphysical Nonfiction. She lives in sunny North Carolina with her husband, a brood of critters and an occasional foster cat. Although shopping is high on the list, her greatest pleasure is sitting on her screened in porch, listening to the birds, sipping coffee or a latte and enjoying a good book. She’s a vegetarian and a Muay Thai enthusiast.

Relevant Links:

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/nkjfqmc

Blog: https://sandracox.blogspot.com

Website: http://sandracox1.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SandraCox.Author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sandra_Cox

This gripping, edge-of-your-seat mystery/thriller will have you thinking twice about booking that idyllic cottage in the country. Nothing in this woodland paradise within the Forest of Dean is what it seems.

The Wenstrops have it all: health, wealth, and happiness. Until everything falls apart. Helen gets arrested for murder, and yet is either unable or unwilling to give a defence. During her detention, vital evidence goes missing and tensions run high.

Meanwhile, in the woods, malignant forces gather power.

EXCERPT:

“Mrs. Wenstrop, I am arresting you for the murder of your husband.” The policeman grabbed hold of her forearms and continued, “You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention, when questioned, something which you later rely on in Court. Anything you do say may be used in evidence.” The officer snapped the cuffs closed around her trembling wrists, and then gave her a hard look and asked her: “Do you understand?”

“Yes.” Dullness, from deep shock, fogged Helen’s brain.

She kept glancing toward the door, which led to the hallway, where she knew the narrow stairs would take her up to the bedroom—to where her husband’s dead body still lay. She had left him lying in bed, and he looked for all the world as though he were asleep. But she and the police knew better. Helen wondered if this was some kind of crazy, twisted April fool. But no, it was after midday, so the joke would have to have been given up by now. Besides, Geoff would never put her through this—no matter how angry they might have been with one another over the past weeks. This was for real. Her brain refused point blank to process her situation. Even though she had killed him with her own hands, she couldn’t accept that he was dead. They would never, not in a million years, believe her story. No, they were more likely to admit her to the mental hospital than anything else. Hell, she couldn’t even believe her tale herself.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

The author who gets write into your head.

Genres: Multi-genre

Quirky Fact I don’t want anyone to know: Wrote the entirety of The Glade while listening to the Twilight movie soundtrack. And she’s not mentioning the glass of white (ahem) ‘grape juice’ that kept finding its way to her computer station.

Author Bio:

Harmony Kent is famous for her laughter, and has made quite the name for herself … she’s also, um, a writer … and fairly well known for that too. She’s even won a few awards. Harmony lives in rural Cornwall with her ever-present sense of humour and quirky neighbours and refuses to admit to her age.

If you catch her at work, you’ll see that she also offers editing, proof reading, manuscript appraisal, and beta reading services. Not to mention being passionate about supporting her fellow authors.

Links to Harmony and her books:

Website: www.harmonykent.co.uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/harmony_kent

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HarmonyKentOnline

Amazon US Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Harmony-Kent/e/B00CO0AR7U/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Amazon UK Author Page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Harmony-Kent/e/B00CO0AR7U/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/HarmonyK

A cold stone heart breaks more easily than it beats. Than it loves.

Damien was a loyal warrior, killed in battle in 1203. Because of his true heart, he was given the option to pass on to his eternal reward or exist in another state of being as a protector… until he could resume living the life he’d been cheated of. A soldier by nature, he chose the latter. And he waited centuries—as a gargoyle—growing increasingly bitter about his choice. Then he sees her.

Rina is a hard worker and loyal friend. But she has the worst luck. One night, after saving her best friend from a violent assault, she finds herself at the attacker’s mercy. Then, out of nowhere, a savior comes and rescues her.

With only an angel to guide him, Damien must make the right choices to win Rina’s heart, or be forever damned as a grotesque mockery of the guardian he once was.

EXCERPT:

He gasped but only succeeded in inhaling thick embers. “I hate it when you do that to me, Anael. What the hell?”

“Not what, Damien,” Anael said. “Where. It’s against the rules, but you needed to see.”

“Hell.”

“The first level.”

Damien choked on clouds of brimstone and looked around. Bodies hung on racks, some scourged by demonic creatures wielding whips of fire, others stretched until their limbs tore off only to reassemble and stretch again. Some souls were skinned and devoured, the torment cyclical, never-ending. Giant beasts with nine-inch claws and twelve-inch teeth tore people into bloody shreds. They gnawed on the bones of writhing beings, snarling and snapping at anything near them.

There was no blessed retreat into unconsciousness or death. This was their other side, their ever-after, their eternity. The tormented endured each torture, alert and unprotected. Impossibly hot gusts of wind howled through the cavern, tossing the departed from one horror to the next. And the maniacal screeches of the tormentors were only overpowered by the anguished wails of the damned.

“I’ve seen enough.” Damien’s words were barely intelligible through his coughing and wheezing.

“Are you certain? This is only the first level. The second level hosts souls feeding on their own entrails, or having a myriad of sexual violations forced upon them. Rape. Sodomy. Bestiality. And then there’s—”

Damien clutched Anael’s arm. “Enough!”

“Do you understand now?”

Damien looked up and howled, his throat burning, his voice mingling into the sounds of all the other lost souls, an agonizing dirge melodic only to Satan himself.

When he thought the devil’s name, the most sinister laugh echoed through the cavern, a shadow given voice and power. It sent chills down his burning spine. The demons cheered, their victims cowered, and Damien cringed, seeking escape that would only be denied him.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Staci Troilo. Writing Relationship Wrongs.

Genres:

Romance, Suspense, Paranormal, Mystery, and Mainstream

Quirky fact I don’t want anyone to know:

The socks in my sock drawer and the books on my shelf are arranged in rainbow order.

Bio:

I’ve always loved fiction, ever since my parents read me fairy tales when I was little. Today, my interests are much more eclectic. I love getting lost in sci-fi battles, fantasy realms, horror worlds, suspenseful intrigues, and romantic entanglements.

As goes my reading, so goes my writing. I can’t pick a single genre to focus on, so I don’t even try. I’m proud to say I’m a multi-genre author.

When I’m not reading or writing, I’m spending time with family and friends, possibly cooking for them, or maybe enjoying an afternoon in the pool. To learn more about me, visit me at http://stacitroilo.com or connect with me on social media.

Relevant Links:

Website: http://stacitroilo.com/

Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/stacitroilo

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/staci-troilo

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/staci_troilo

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bPgAI5

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stacitroilo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorstacitroilo

FB Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/stacitroilosnovelidea

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/stacitroilo

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+StaciTroilo

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/stacitroilo

Enter to win a $50 Amazon/B&N gift card

Leave a comment and visit the other stops on the tour for more chances to win!

Filed under: Giveaways, Guest Posts, Holidays Tagged: books, guests, lyrical press, paranormal, romance

Halloween Book Blast

Happy Halloween! Today starts Reading Addiction’s Halloween Sale blast. A whole bunch of chilling books for 99 cents and up (including The Bloody City)–and you can also enter to win a $10 Amazon gift card. The blast and contest goes on until November 6th, so enter today and also pick up some cheap, spooky books!

Enter to win a $10 Amazon gift card

WELCOME TO THE HALLOWEEN SALE BLAST! 
 
Click on any of the below book covers to be taken to the page that has more information on the novel as well as the buy links! Please make sure to scroll down as each page will consist of many titles in that same genre!



Novels On Sale for $0.99!

 

Novels on Sale $1.99 and Up!

 

Enter to win a $10 Amazon gift card


Filed under: Giveaways, Holidays, Promotion, The Bloody City Tagged: paranormal

The Black Werewolves Box Set by Gaja J. Kos

Today I’m hosting Gaja J. Kos and her paranormal romance/urban fantasy box set The Black Werewolves. Gaja is giving away a $30 Amazon or B&N gift card, so make sure to comment, check out the other stops on the tour, and enter the Rafflecopter giveaway!

Enter to win a $30 Amazon/B&N gift card

Leave a comment and check out the other stops on the tour for more chances to win!

Enter the world where myth becomes reality, where long forgotten gods walk the earth, and where love forms bonds that cannot be broken even in the raging winds of battle.

Box set contains: The Dark Ones, The 24hourlies, Chased (novella)

EXCERPT:

Rose felt his muscles flex in graceful movement as he sprinted towards the courtyard that lay just beyond the alley. As soon as they left the narrowness of the walls, he leaped into the air and extended his wings, each bat taking them higher, until she could see the length of her street coming into full view below them. The simargl used the wind currents, leisurely taking her in a semi-circle around her neighborhood, before rising higher, his fur and his feathers shimmering in the unimpeded rays of sunlight.

The wind brushed against her skin as they gained speed; it would have been painful for a human, their less protected skin exposed to the elements like this, however, she welcomed the coolness it brought, knowing she still had the luxury of doing a half-shift at any time, should the strokes of fresh air become too aggressive for the tough, but nonetheless more sensitive human form.

The green landscape of Slovenia lay outstretched below them as the simargl kept a steady course, leaving the concrete circle of Ljubljana in the distance and taking them further southeast.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JV1LNKY

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1147386191

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940153207483

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/ebook/black-werewolves-box-set-the-dark-ones-the-24hourlies-chased-volume-1

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gaja J. Kos is the international bestselling author of the urban fantasy series BLACK WEREWOLVES and the erotic paranormal romance novellas DROWNED. She is also a bilingual poet with 12 published poetry collections.

Gaja resides in Celje, Slovenia, with her husband and two Chinese Crested dogs.

Webpage: gajajkos.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/gajajkos

Twitter: twitter.com/missaudreyrey

 

Enter to win a $30 Amazon/B&N gift card

Leave a comment and visit the other stops on the tour for more chances to win!

Filed under: Giveaways, Guest Posts Tagged: guests, paranormal, romance, urban fantasy

Going to Chi-Town!

Next weekend I’m going to Chicago with my best friend! We always seem to end up going there at least once a year. It’s only a six hour drive from where I live (Cleveland) and we have friends we usually stay with there, so most of the time it’s a relatively cheap trip. We’ve taken Amtrak there as well, which was lots of fun. We both love Chicago and I’d really like to live there someday.

Me and the bestie all dressed up to rock Chicago!

So it’s probably no surprise I write about Chicago a lot. It shows up either directly or peripherally in a lot of my writing. My entire Siren Song series is set there, and even in my upcoming Kentucky Haints series, the main character is from Chicago (though the series takes place in Kentucky). Every time I visit Chicago I discover some new thing and I try to include it in the next book I inevitably write that’s set there. I think the best compliment I’ve ever gotten was from my best friend–last time we visited Chicago, we were out at dinner and she brought up a description of Chicago from one of my books and said it was the best description of the city she’d ever read. I might be a little obsessed!

It’s important to write what you love, though. That’s the lesson to be learned here. When you write what you love, and you write it joyfully and honestly, the result is going to be something that you just might get a compliment on. Also, writing is going to be a lot more fun, and even the days when the words feel more like work than play, you’ll be creating something that feels right to you.

What’s your Chicago?

Filed under: About Me Tagged: me, personal life, pictures, writing

Paperbacks and Things To Win!

I’ve received the advance paperback copies of my upcoming release, Black Mountain Magic! This is my first self-published effort and I had these made through CreateSpace. It just took a little trial and error to learn some technical know-how, and the service is free. Aren’t they lovely?

I’m giving away two of these paperback copies on Goodreads! The contest goes until November 18th. If you would like to enter, just click the button below!

Speaking of contests, there’s still time to enter to win a Kindle Fire loaded with 13 paranormal romance books (including my book The Wicked City). The contest closes October 31st!

Good luck!
Filed under: Black Mountain Magic, Giveaways, Kentucky Haints, Monday Funday, Publications, The Wicked City Tagged: books, paperback, paranormal, romance, urban fantasy

The Otherling by Heather M. Walker

Today I’m hosting Heather M. Walker and her paranormal romance, The Otherling. Heather is giving away a hand painted set of two wine glasses, painted to resemble stained glass and a ten card tarot reading (US/Canada only). So make sure to comment, check out the other stops on the tour, and enter the Rafflecopter giveaway! Heather is also here today to talk about the main character of her book.

Enter to win hand painted wine glasses and a tarot reading!

Leave a comment and check out the other stops on the tour for more chances to win!

ABOUT MY WITCHY MAIN CHARACTER

by Heather M. Walker

Annaleah has to be one of my favorite characters to write about and develop. Even though she has had some terrible experiences with bullies in her past, I admire her so much because she has the strength to continue to be true to herself, and to be herself, no matter the difficulties she faces for it. To me, that makes her somewhat or a heroine, and a role model. So many people have such a gorgeous inner light, but they are afraid to let it shine, afraid that the cruelty of the world will make it into something shameful and ugly.

I tried to convey to my readers, especially the ones who have been bullied or shamed for being different than others, that it is okay to be yourself. The world needs more unique people. How boring and drab would our world be if we were all the same? Yet, so many people will only like and accept others who are like them, because in my opinion, they feel threatened by others whose soul shines with many colors, instead of just one.

Being bullied these days has gotten even more damaging than when I went to school. People are actually dying over the hurt and pain being caused by it. Annaleah is a hope I share with those who are going through this. I truly hope that those being hurt and feeling alone can find some strength in her character.

Like Annaleah, I too have gone through stages of being bullied or excluded from social activities, based soley on the fact that I am a white witch myself. I have borrowed a few experiences in my own life to help mold some of her background.

One of my favorite parts of Annaleahs character is that no matter what she goes through, her heart remains pure. She loves fiercely, and even though she is a rather innocent type character, she is unbelievably strong. Her will is amazing, and her determination helps her in her time of desperate need. I admire her grit, her courage, and her loyalty. It’s the mix of these characteristics together I feel that makes her come alive.

I was sad when the story ended, though of curse, it had to, as all books do. I felt that she had become a real person, and saying goodbye was hard.

So who knows, there may be more for her to tell as time goes by. We will just have to wait and see.

In the deep south of Doltree, Georgia, not everything is what is seems. Long accustomed to life as an outcast, the beautiful and demure Annaleah Grace has learned to stand apart from the crowd with dignity. Being the daughter of a white witch and a white witch herself, living in a town of devout Christians, has earned her more than a few raised eyebrows.

When she meets the handsome, yet snarky, Professor Bainbridge with whom she will be teaching at the local University, everything in her life abruptly changes. Something about him seems intimately familiar to her in a way she can’t totally identify. Even though he’s brusque and intimidating, Annaleah is drawn by his otherworldly eyes and foreign mannerisms.

With the help of angels, both Holy and fallen, she discovers just how unique she truly is. Dreams become a meeting place between this reality and the next, and Professor Sebastian Bainbridge’s true identity is revealed.

When her dreams begin to be more than dreams and she wakes up with Georgia red clay she walked through during a nightmare still wet on her feet, Annaleah knows something intense and powerful is going on, and that somehow, Professor Bainbridge is part of it. She is determined to embrace the profound destiny that awaits her and the Professor, even if that means taking up a sword to fight the Devil himself.

EXCERPT:

Sebastian caught Annaleah neatly in his arms, and encircled her in his wings, holding her so close she felt she could melt right into him and together they would burn as one being. Tears came to her then, spilling down her cheeks and falling onto her breasts, a silver light coming from them as they fell. Sebastian opened his wings then and placed a finger under her chin, tilting her head up to look into his mirror eyes. As she saw herself in them, glowing and alive and beautiful, it felt so very right. Sebastian wiped the tears from her eyes, slowly, gently and with great care. His eyes never left hers as he bent his head down, until right before the moment when he caught her lips with his, and everything in the world ceased to exist but their kiss. In that sacred, glorious moment, as their lips pressed together, she was pierced to her heart with all-consuming adoration, and from behind her she felt a great motion, as if she had moved something with a great weight on her back. Confused, and a bit shocked, she broke the kiss, turning to see what was happening behind her.

Sebastian laughed despite her apparent confusion and said, “Oh Annaleah my darling, did you forget?”

Feeling a bit betrayed by his laughter when he could plainly see her distress, Annaleah asked, “Did I forget what?”

At this Sebastian outstretched his magnificent wings to their full height and length, blocking out the sky and the moon hanging therein.

“Your wings Annaleah; you forgot you had wings.”

BUY LINKS:

The Otherling is just 99 cents during the tour!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Otherling-Heather-M-Walker-ebook/dp/B01DEC2670

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-otherling-heather-m-walker/1123579627

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/624990

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Heather was born into a military family, and has lived everywhere from Mountain Home, Idaho, to a small town in England called Bloxham. She eventually settled down In LaGrange, Georgia with her partner of 15 years, Billy, her 7 year old daughter Makaylah, and her 4 indoor cats. She considers herself first and foremost, a mother. She enjoys being a writer, a jeweler, a glass artist, a painter, and avid crafter. It has been her life long dream to publish a book, and she has lovingly worked on “The Otherling” in its various stages for almost 3 years. Heather loves to read, mostly horror, fantasy and occult books. She studies angelology, mysticism, Wicca, psychology and the human mind. Her writing goal is to create a book that comes to life in her reader’s hands and minds, and places them there in the middle of the story. It is her deepest wish that “The Otherling”, as well as her other written works, will accomplished this, and make a home in the hearts of all those who read her words.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeatherMWalker6

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011566055965

Blog: http://heathershappyhaven.com/

Enter to win hand painted wine glasses and a tarot reading!

Leave a comment and visit the other stops on the tour for more chances to win!

Filed under: Giveaways, Guest Posts Tagged: guests, paranormal, romance

Write More! Do More! Moooore!

I have a bad habit of overwhelming myself with projects. I try to work on multiple stories and usually end up scattering my brain because I’m going in too many directions. I know I need to write or edit one thing at a time, but my mind starts hopping around going “if we write MORE things though, we’ll have MORE things that will get finished quicker!” Only, that’s not really the way it works. I end up taking much longer to complete things than if I had just concentrated on one project at a time.

I’m sure there are some writers that can work on multiple projects and bring them to successful completion. However, I’m not like that–or, I haven’t taught myself to be like that yet–so the overbearing anxiousness to complete a bunch of stuff all at once is counterproductive for me. I’m dealing with that this morning, as I have several projects started and I’m trying to organize which one I’m going to work on when. The only thing it’s doing is making me feel overwhelmed and keeping me from writing anything at all.

I don’t know why I insist upon trying this route over and over when I know it doesn’t work for me. Maybe I think someday it will? Maybe I think my laziness and procrastination will magically disappear so I can create from the time I awake until the moment I go to sleep? Maybe I think I’ll actually stop being distracted by the TV, internet, and a million other shiny things and get more writing done? HA!

As I move into my self-publishing ventures, I find myself even more anxious. I thought the opposite would happen, that I’d feel more relaxed without the pressure of publisher deadlines. Instead, I realize I’ve put the burden entirely on myself to create and produce and I need to do so much. Write more! Edit more! More projects! I’m going to try to calm down and focus on one thing at a time instead.

There’s a million ways we make ourselves crazy as writers. Do you find yourself trying to do too much and overwhelming yourself?

Filed under: Behind The Scenes Tagged: creativity, me, personal life, writing

A new release!

Well, I’ve gone and pulled the trigger on my self-publishing endeavors! I’m really excited about this venture and I can’t wait to see how it turns out. I’ve had a crash course in formatting documents for various types of book files, but it wasn’t too frustrating. Okay, I lie, there was definitely some hair-pulling involved–but next time it’ll go smoother because I know what I’m doing now, right? Right?!

I’m proud of how the cover turned out, too. It was far less frustrating to create, I think because I knew exactly what I wanted ahead of time and I’d found the perfect picture (that being my sassy yet sultry heroine). The story is a bit of a twist on shifter romance with a southern flavor and a dash of humor.

I’ve decided to release it on November 15th (just in time for holiday buying!) and I’ve put it on pre-order at all major retailers. It will eventually be on B&N if you’re a Nook fan, but Nook’s self-publishing service takes longer before you’re approved and can put books up. As soon as it’s available on Nook, I will add the link.

I will be doing some promotional stuff and giveaways in the near future and after it’s released. If you like to review books of this sort, or have a friend who does, please let me know here or shoot me an email, I will be happy to provide you with a review copy! This is a full-length book, 270 pages.

Black Mountain Magic – Kentucky Haints #1
Available November 15th

Witches and Lycans and hillbillies, oh my!

Lorena Mills is a witch, but she’s not very good with potions and incantations. Working for a government agency that puts down dangerous uprisings of supernatural creatures, she does much more paperwork than spell casting. When her less-than-magical job lands her in the small Appalachian town of Blue Ditch, Kentucky, in the shadow of Black Mountain, her life starts to get a whole lot wilder.

In the forests surrounding the town, Wolvites—twisted, bestial creatures who hunt and kill humans—are posing a threat. When handsome, charming, and altogether reckless local Deacon Kelley insists on taking matters into his own hands, Lorena has more than monsters to worry about. He won’t stay out of her way, and he won’t take no for an answer.

Deacon is a Lycan–in modern terms, the non-shifting descendants of werewolves–and he and his family have protected Blue Ditch for generations. But now, something too sinister to be controlled by their efforts alone is stirring, and the Wolvites are far more vicious than they’ve ever been. Will Lorena be able to stop the threat and uncover the deadly secrets surrounding it before it’s too late?

To keep the town, and Deacon, safe, she’ll have to—and she’s really starting to like this town.

Pre-order at:
Amazon | Kobo | Smashwords
Filed under: Black Mountain Magic, Cover Reveal, Kentucky Haints, Promotion, Publications, Works Tagged: book covers, information, paranormal, release date, romance

Ch-ch-ch Changes

I’ve made a big important decision about my writing career, and I thought I would share it with all of you today. After much thought and consideration (and a lot of research), I’ve decided to make some changes that feel right, and I think I’m finally in a good place to make them.

I’ve decided to become a hybrid author.

What the heck is that?

If you’re unfamiliar with the term, no, I won’t be splicing my genes with some other author to make myself into some sort of weird book-writing chimera. A hybrid author is an author who is both traditionally and self-published. It’s something a lot of the hip kids are doing now, as it gives an author more creative options. I am currently only traditionally published, but that’s about to change.

Why have I made this decision? Here are a few reasons:

I have an established readership/following now. It’s small, but it’s mine, dammit! Hopefully through my already established social media presence and this blog, I can show up to the self-published party without worrying that not a single person will have any idea who I am. I’ll have a few people to mingle and eat cake with in the corner.
I want greater creative and career freedom. I don’t just mean with what I write (I’m still sticking to largely paranormal romance and some smutty stuff here and there) but also as far as covers, distribution, and promotion. I have some graphic design ability (check out my Twitter, Facebook, and G+ accounts for my graphics-making chops) and with a stock photo account in hand and some visions in my head, I think I can make myself some pretty killer covers that I’ll cherish.
I’ve gotten better at writing. I’m not as green in the self-editing and plotting arena as I used to be when I was a wee writer. This does NOT mean I won’t still make use of beta readers and professional editors, but I think (or hope) I know enough now not to make a fool of myself.
I know the business side of writing a lot better than I used to. I also learned all I could about self-publishing platforms, pricing, and formatting.
Even if the whole venture flops, I’ll still be ahead. My income from writing now is minimal, so even if the response to my self-published work is lukewarm, I’ll probably be making about what I am now with traditional publishers. But if it does even slightly better than lackluster…I’ll be ahead!

I’m excited about this experiment. I want to be my own boss, so to speak, even if my employee is a pain in the butt. Will I continue to publish traditionally? Of course. I just want to open my options.

Additionally, I’m going to be making a major overhaul to my woefully neglected newsletter. As soon as my first self-pubbed book comes out (details soon) I will be offering free stories as an incentive to those who sign up. Those kind few of you who are already signed up, I will make sure to contact you to offer you these free stories as well!

I’m a little nervous and a lot eager. Watch this space for lots of news in the near future!

Filed under: About Me, Behind The Scenes Tagged: books, creativity, information, me, personal life, updates, writing

Bewitched by Nancy Fraser

Just in time for Halloween! Today I’m hosting Nancy Fraser and her vintage (1960’s) historical, Bewitched. Nancy is giving away three prizes! She’ll be giving away a $15 Amazon/B&N gift card, a second prize of a $5 gift card, and a third prize of a digital copy of her novella Only Yours. So make sure to comment, check out the other stops on the tour, and enter the Rafflecopter giveaway!

Enter to win one of three prizes!

Leave a comment and check out the other stops on the tour for more chances to win!

Chicago, Fall 1964

Allison Stiles is the epitome of responsibility. Guardian to her two rambunctious younger brothers, she also runs a home daycare. While she doesn’t have time for a vacation, she really needs a diversion.

Enter Eric Thomas, her new neighbor. Tall, dark and handsome and just what she needs to get her mind off her responsibilities, even if only for a short time.

Moving into the house he inherited from his uncle was not part of Eric Thomas’ plan. Yet, starting a new business ties up a good portion of his capital, so he forgoes the fancy downtown apartment for the quaint Rogers Park neighborhood.

Now if he could just get his mind off his sexy neighbor and back on the business at hand.

EXCERPT:

Allison Stiles gathered up a book by her favorite romance author in one hand and a cup of tea in the other, then crossed the padded alphabet flooring and stepped out onto the enclosed front porch of her Rogers Park home. The neighborhood was old but well kept, the people warm and inviting. The shouts of children playing in the street drew her attention for a brief moment.

She wrapped a thin shawl around her shoulders and settled comfortably into the double-wide porch swing, set her teacup on the nearby window ledge, and opened her book to the first page. Given the week she’d had, she welcomed this chance to unwind, to do nothing but kick back and relax.

“I don’t know what we’re going to do with these two. They’re headed for juvenile hall, I tell you that.”

Principal Garner’s harsh rebuke swirled around inside her head like the colors from a child’s kaleidoscope, forcing her to set aside the book in favor of a sip of calming, herbal tea. As much as she hated to admit it, the man was right. Benny and Phillip were a handful and quickly getting on the edge of her very last nerve.

“We’re sorry, Sis.” Benny’s apology filled her thoughts.

“We didn’t mean to do anything bad. Honest.” Phillip’s younger, softer voice tugged on her heartstrings.

Her brothers’ penchant for trouble and the subsequent call to the principal’s office was just the icing on the cake. She’d spent the entire week wiping runny noses and disinfecting child after child in an effort to keep this first round of seasonal flu from infecting her and everyone around her. She needed more than a cup of tea and a great read. She desperately needed a vacation. Unfortunately, her obligations didn’t allow much down time.

At the very least she needed a distraction of some sort.

The loud slam of a car door and a man’s muttered curse pulled her from this latest bout of self-pity and to the closest window. With the tips of her fingers, she slid the hand-made paper skeleton aside and stared out across her toy-strewn yard.

There in front of her, his arms filled with boxes, minus the one he’d dropped on the ground, stood the most handsome man she’d ever seen. A real-life Adonis, complete with dark, wavy hair and broad shoulders. When he turned toward the porch, she was gifted with an unencumbered view of his narrow hips and taut backside, both of which were encased in a pair of impossibly tight jeans.

She swallowed back the lump in her throat and licked her suddenly-dry lips. As distractions go…this one was darned-near perfect.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bewitched-Nancy-Fraser-ebook/dp/B01L5T1XFA/ref

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bewitched-nancy-fraser/1124468351

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Like most authors, Nancy Fraser began writing at an early age, usually on the walls and with crayons or, heaven forbid, permanent markers. Her love of writing often made her the English teacher’s pet, which, of course, resulted in a whole lot of teasing. Still, it was worth it.

Published in multiple genres, Nancy currently writes for four publishers. She has published twenty-two books in both full-length and novella format. Nancy will release her 25th book in early 2017. She is currently working on a Valentine’s Day novella, her next Rock and Roll novella, and a story about a racy Scot titled “Kilty Pleasures”.

When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five wonderful grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and reading when time permits. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.

Website: www.nancyfraser.ca

Blog: http://nancyfraser.ca/wordpress/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nfraserauthor @nfraserauthor

Facebook: http://facebook.com/nancyfraserauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7206382.Nancy_Fraser

Enter to win one of three prizes!

Leave a comment and visit the other stops on the tour for more chances to win!

Filed under: Giveaways, Guest Posts Tagged: guests, romance