Showing posts with label urban fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label urban fantasy. Show all posts
Wednesday, 22 November 2017
Thursday, 1 June 2017
Monday, 24 April 2017
Monday, 17 April 2017
Thursday, 6 April 2017
Tuesday, 1 November 2016
Author Interview & Giveaway Children of the Veil by Colleen Halverson
Children
of the Veil
The
Aisling Chronicles
Book
2
Colleen
Halverson
Genre:
Urban Fantasy
Publisher:
Entangled
Date
of Publication: October 26, 2016
ISBN:
9781633757738
ASIN:
B01LZDAFQY
Number
of pages: 400
Word
Count: 120K
Book
Description:
Elizabeth
Tanner has one goal: to find her mother in whatever dimension she’s
imprisoned. But to do that, she has to face her estranged father, and
to do that, she needs a shot of whiskey…or seven. But after an
attempt on her life and the return of her lost love, she wakes up
with one hell of a hangover and a whole barrage of questions.
Finn
O’Connell doesn’t know why the Fianna want him to aid Elizabeth
in her search, but he’ll take any excuse to be near her again.
Together, they dive headlong into the shadows of her mother’s
secrets and find themselves embroiled in a Fae rebellion that will
test Finn’s loyalties and their love.
With
the Faerie realm verging on chaos, Elizabeth and Finn will embark on
a quest that will lead them from the streets of Chicago to London’s
seedy Fae underground. But rescuing Elizabeth’s mother means
journeying to a place Finn can’t follow, and Elizabeth is forced to
make a choice between finding her at last or saving her own soul.
Teaser
Excerpt:
Elizabeth
Tanner has one goal: find her mother and free her. But after an
attempt on her life and the return of her lost love, her search leads
to more questions than answers. Finn O’Connell doesn’t know why
the Fianna want him to help Elizabeth, but he’ll take any excuse to
be near her. Diving into the shadows of her mother’s secrets throws
them into a Fae rebellion that will test their love, and rescuing
Elizabeth’s mother means making a choice between finding her or
saving her own soul.
About
the Author:
As
a child, Colleen Halverson used to play in the woods imagining worlds
and telling stories to herself. Growing up on military bases, she
found solace in her local library and later decided to make a living
sharing the wonders of literature to poor, unsuspecting college
freshmen. After backpacking through Ireland and singing in a
traditional Irish music band, she earned a PhD in English with a
specialization in Irish literature. When she’s not making up
stories or teaching, she can be found hiking the rolling hills of the
Driftless area of Wisconsin with her husband and two children.
CHILDREN OF THE VEIL is the follow up to her debut urban fantasy
novel, THROUGH THE VEIL.
twitter:
https://twitter.com/cbhalverson
facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/cbhalverson/
***
Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?
CHILDREN OF THE VEIL came out of my head fully formed. I had no idea what the story was going to be before I began it, but I did have a bit of a vague notion where I wanted to end up. Elizabeth and Finn have a tendency to drag me to some wild places, and most of the time I have no choice but to follow them. I’ve become a bit more responsible lately with trying to plan novels, but I write to discover and I believe my best ideas arrive in the moment of composition. Every time I start a book, I’m like Bilbo Baggins running through the shire, shouting, “I’m going on an adventure!” Sometimes I have moments where I might need to pause, backtrack, regroup, brainstorm, but I always push forward. Every novel I’ve written has been an incredible journey, and I always emerge a different person at the end of writing one.
Do your characters ever want to take over the story?
Oh, yes, absolutely. My characters always ruin my good intentions! But this openness works for me. When I don’t listen to my characters carefully, that’s when the story rings false. It may take me several drafts to understand their motivations and sometimes their choices just baffle me, but I keep digging in my revisions to discover the core truths that fuel them and decisions. If a character says, “We’re going into the spooky woods,” then we’re going in the spooky woods, regardless of whatever it is I had planned.
What is your favourite food?
Sushi. I live in the country, so I only eat it about once or twice a year on my birthday. The waiter always asks if anyone else is coming to join me…
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Neither? Maybe both? As a wife, mother of two small children with a full-time job and a lot of crazy characters to take care of, my schedule is really not my own. I’m up at the crack of dawn getting kids to school and going to work and then writing and editing well into the night. I hope someday I’ll have the luxury to choose one! :)
Where do you dream of travelling to and why?
My husband and I travel a lot, but one day I would really love to go to Nepal and backpack through the foothills of the Himalayas. I’ve always been attracted to the mountains, and I’ve been a practicing Buddhist for almost ten years now. I would love to visit the ancient temples and see the dramatic views firsthand.
Do distant places feature in your books?
Yes! Elizabeth and Finn travel to all sorts of distant places like Ireland and London. They also travel to the Faerie realm and the fourth dimension, but I’m not sure if that counts.
Do you listen to music while writing?
Always. I wrote most of CHILDREN OF THE VEIL listening to the latest Of Monsters and Men album, Beneath the Skin. When I’m feeling unmotivated, I snap on my noise-cancelling headphones, set that on rotation, and I’m flying.
Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
CHILDREN OF THE VEIL is the sequel to my debut novel, THROUGH THE VEIL. Readers who followed Elizabeth and Finn through the first book, will go on a journey from Chicago to the Faerie realm, to London as they search for Elizabeth’s mother. It contains a lot of romance, but it’s also a story about family secrets and the power of complete and unconditional love in the face of incredible adversity. In many ways, this is also a bit of a coming-of-age story for Elizabeth. In THROUGH THE VEIL, we see Elizabeth come into her Fae powers, but in CHILDREN OF THE VEIL, we will see her struggle as she learns to wield and focus her abilities.
What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?
Ah, where to start with this question? I think the one thing I’ve learned about publishing is to stop looking for validation from others—in editors, readers, reviewers. I think when I first started out, I was so terrified of being awful, so I sought out confirmation of my talent in anyone who could supply it. But this way madness lies! What I’ve learned is that you have to have complete and utter belief in yourself, your voice, and your creative vision. This doesn’t mean you turn away from valuable feedback and criticism, but you have to be prepared to stand by your work and radically accept the fact that you are on an artistic journey. Whether people love your writing or not is inconsequential, in the end. The question for you, the writer, is not “did people like this?” But rather, “am I a better artist for creating this novel? Am I walking away from this experience a little wiser? A little stronger in my storytelling abilities?” If the answer is yes, then you cannot fail.
Is there anything you would do differently?
No. I have been truly blessed by my experiences in publishing so far. Perhaps the only thing I would have done differently is to start writing sooner.
Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?
I grew up in a family of professional musicians, so music has been a big part of my life. I also sing and play guitar. I think growing up in that creative environment really helped fuel my commitment to my craft, but more importantly, I saw a lot of the struggle, the rejection, and the business side of things. My father is a composer and he wrote every night after teaching college band. My brother is a jazz musician and is now a professor, but he practices several hours a day. Talent is important. The love is important. But artistic success is a marriage between that passion and a lot of hard work.
Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?
Everyone sucks at first. Everyone. I once read an excerpt from a first draft of The Great Gatsby and I was horrified by how just god awful it was. Excellence takes time and many, many revisions. You need to give yourself time to experiment, try different things, and uncover your voice. It’s not something that happens overnight. Also, find your writing tribe. If you’re serious about writing, find people who have similar goals and swap your work at every possible opportunity.
What are three words that describe you?
Resilient. Creative. Driven.
What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?
Charlotte Bronte. The voice in Jane Eyre still reads as strong and fresh as it did 150 years ago.
List of previous books if any
THROUGH THE VEIL
Any websites/places readers can find you on the web
***
Tour
giveaway
Signed
copy of THROUGH THE VEIL, Book 1 The Aisling Chronicles
Signed
copy of CHILDREN OF THE VEIL, Book 2 The Aisling Chronicles
A
select collection of pins, patches, and stickers from Creepy Company
$50
Amazon Gift Card
OPEN
TO US ONLY
Wednesday, 31 August 2016
Audio Book Spotlight: MudMan by James A. Hunter
The Golem Chronicles
Book 1
James A. Hunter
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Shadow Alley Press
Audiobook Date of Publication: August 10, 2016
ASIN: B01BX7PT7M
Number of pages: 415
Word Count: 111,000
Cover Artist: Lou Harper
Book Description:
Levi Adams is a soft spoken, middle-aged Mennonite man—at least he tries to be when he’s not murdering people.
Levi’s a golem, a Mudman, crafted from the muck, mire, and corpses of a World War II concentration camp—killing is just a part of his DNA. He doesn’t like it, but unfortunately he’s been saddled with a divine commission to dole out judgment on those who shed innocent blood. After seventy years as a cold-blooded murder machine, however, Levi’s trying to change his grisly nature. And the AA meetings and church services are helping. A little. But when he runs across a wounded girl, Sally Ryder, during one of his “hunting expeditions,” he realizes self-help may have to go on the back burner.
Someone is attempting to revive a pre-Babylonian murder god, and the road to rebirth is paved with dead bodies. Lots and lots of them.
Now, Levi must protect Ryder—the key to an unspeakable resurrection—and defeat a Nazi mage from Levi’s murky past. But the shadowy mage holds a terrible secret about the Mudman’s unorthodox birth, one offering insight into Levi’s morbid compulsion for bloodshed. It’s a secret Levi would pay anything to uncover: maybe even Ryder’s life. If Levi isn’t careful, he may end up turning into the monster he always imagined himself to be.
Audible
***
Excerpt:
ZERO:
Awakening
June, 1943
He blinked his eyes open for the first time: a newborn stealing his first look at the world, which, in a way, is exactly what he was. Except no squealing, rosy-cheeked infant had ever been so big, so ugly, or so filled with blood-boiling rage. Never had a child been so appalling. He squinted at first, letting in only the merest trickle of light because even the wan illumination from the moon, which loitered over the world like a fat thumbnail, was harsh to his virgin eyes.
Smells came next: the scent of musky earth, the harsh tang of powdery slaked lime—used to mask the reek of decay—and buried beneath that, the sour stink of rotten flesh and burnt hair.
The sky spit down a misty drizzle, fine droplets of cool water that turned his gray skin slick. After a few moments more his eyes adjusted fully, allowing him, at last, to survey his surroundings. Mud and muck, deep brown and goopy, lined everything. It squished beneath his shoulder blades, clung to his arms and legs, and liberally coated the corpses crudely piled to his right. Despite the mud, the bodies appeared almost white, like angry specters waiting for him, welcoming him to this new hell with silent screams and vacant eyes.
How he knew anything was beyond him, since this was the first day of his life, the day—or rather night—of his unnatural birth. Surely, no baby pushed and fought its way into the world with dark and grisly thoughts of murder and death lingering in its mind, with knowledge of mass graves, heinous experimentation, and hasty executions. But he knew such things. Fragments of memories floated and swirled inside his skull, dancing a slow funeral dirge, parading incoherent snatches of imagery through his head.
The Wehrmacht march through the streets in their black spit-shined boots and high-collared, gray wool uniforms. Smart and dashing, those uniforms, dressing up the face of murder in civility and pageantry …
The Luftwaffe soars overhead. The buzz of the single-prop Focke-Wulf and the thunderous roar of the colossal Messerschmitt transport planes fill the air with their racket …
He clutches a small boy to his chest, his body trembling as he hides, holding his breath for fear of being heard. Terror and panic wriggle in his guts as the black-garbed Schutzstaffel—the SS—make their way from door to door, fists rapping on wood, rifle buttstocks smashing out windows, booted feet kicking their way inside …
Then, train cars, loaded to capacity, roll through his thoughts. Bodies press up against one another so tightly he can’t breathe—except he isn’t a he, but a she. And she is searching for her sister. They’d been separated in all the chaos …
So many images, circling around, each screaming more loudly than the last, each demanding he lend them an ear or an eye or a hand. He clutched at either side of his head. Broad, fleshy palms pressed in as though he could simply pulverize the images and send them back to whatever nightmare they’d come from. But they kept coming, and as they came—faster and faster, like a hail of automatic machine gunfire—his chest began to itch and burn. It felt like someone had taken a cherry-red fire iron and jabbed it into the meat covering his breastbone.
A huge hand flew to the pain, his fingers finding crude markings etched directly into the skin, cut deep into the muscle below. As he touched the mark, the jagged wound, the voices and visions coalesced into a single demand. A demand for retribution. The anger came next, flowing from the brand like gasoline pumping through his veins, scorching his insides and propelling him to action. He lumbered to his feet, the muck squishing around his thick toes, and made for the muddy wall of his earthen womb. In reality, an open grave. He dug his digits in and used his flabby, though powerfully built, arms to pull himself upward and free.
He lay on the edge of the pit for a long beat, charting the lay of the land, eyes scanning the dark, which covered everything like a velvety blanket. In the distance, not so far off, he saw a squat building. Some sort of bunker, outlined by the faint glow of light bulbs. He wasn’t surewhat he was. Where he was. Or how he’d gotten there. But, as the brand burned in his chest, he was certain of one thing: someone—or, perhaps, lots of someones—had quite the butcher’s bill to account for, and he was ready to collect.
***
Hey all, my name is James Hunter and I’m a writer, among other things. So just a little about me: I’m a former Marine Corps Sergeant, combat veteran, and pirate hunter (seriously). I’m also a member of The Royal Order of the Shellback—’cause that’s a real thing. I’ve also been a missionary and international aid worker in Bangkok, Thiland. And, a space-ship captain, can’t forget that.
Okay … the last one is only in my imagination.
Currently, I’m a stay at home Dad—taking care of my two kids—while also writing full time, making up absurd stories that I hope people will continue to buy. When I’m not working, writing, or spending time with family, I occasionally eat and sleep.
You can visit me to find out more at www.JamesAHunter.wordpress.com
www.JamesAHunter.Wordpress.com
www.twitter.com/@jamesahunter13
www.facebook.com/WriterJamesAHunter
Thursday, 12 May 2016
Author Interview & Giveaway: The Vampire's Rival by S.J. Wright
S.J. Wright first began writing stories when she was twelve years old. She has been a cashier, a receptionist, a factory worker and has served a multitude of other roles over the years. Her favorite role has been that of a mother to her two sons.
The Undead in Brown County series takes place in Brown County, Indiana. She began writing the series in October of 2010. In February of 2011, she published her first novel The Vampire's Warden as an ebook on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Since then, she has released five more books in the series.
https://www.facebook.com/SJ-Wright-Author-112757705475522/
https://twitter.com/SJWrightAuthor
http://www.amazon.com/S.J.-Wright/e/B004O36Z0S
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/520196.S_J_Wright
***
Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?
I’m one of those authors who lets the story direct her. Planning out the book ahead of time sometimes creates a barrier to what might have been really promising alternative ways to tell the story.
Do your characters ever want to take over the story?
Often! My characters are headstrong and a few are quite impulsive. They demand that the story is their own.
What is your favourite food?
Pizza!
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Morning person, absolutely.
Where do you dream of travelling to and why?
I would love to see Europe. I am especially interested in English history and the War of the Roses, so London would be a dream come true.
Do distant places feature in your books?
Almost every setting in my books is based in my home state of Indiana.
Do you listen to music while writing?
Sometimes. I find it helpful to listen to hard rock during exciting scenes.
Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
The Vampire’s Rival is the sixth book in my series, Undead in Brown County. My main character goes through some serious changes in this one. For me, the character was growing a bit stale. I wanted to liven things up, change the situation for her. That definitely happened!
What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?
I’ve learned that there are tons of different aspects to self-publishing. You really have to be your own cheerleader, publicist, advertising manager and much more.
Is there anything you would do differently?
My first and second books were much more popular than the rest in my series, so I guess I would try to stick more to the formula I used for those two books as well as the marketing techniques I used back then.
Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?
My own personality. I’ve suffered from severe depression for most of my life and have found it hard to be myself in a lot of ways. These books helped change that. Although my characters can be irate and impulsive, it’s a reflection of the things I’d sometimes like to do myself.
Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?
Work it out in your head what needs to happen next in your book. Don’t be afraid to write something and have it turn out all wrong. You can always go back and change things. Don’t put a lot of pressure on yourself to be perfect. Just keep writing.
What are three words that describe you?
These days, I can probably be described as somewhat hopeful, excited about life and ready for new adventures.
What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?
My favorite book has to be The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory.
Blurb of your latest release or coming soon book
My next series, As the Wolf Runs, will focus on the adventures of two immortals. Kate Wood never expected to be in the position to be handed a sword and given the job of hunting down dangerous rogue vampires. And Alex, her friend and protector, is growing more and more attached and attracted to Kate as they work their way through the dangers of being vampire assassins. Can they survive together or will circumstances tear them apart?
List of previous books if any
The Vampire’s Warden
The Vampire’s Curse
The Vampire’s Redemption
The Vampire’s Release
The Vampire’s Consort
The Vampire’s Rival
Any websites/places readers can find you on the web.
https://www.facebook.com/SJ-Wright-Author-112757705475522/
https://twitter.com/SJWrightAuthor
***
Undead in Brown County
Book Six
S.J. Wright
Genre: Paranormal romance
Publisher: Read and Wright Publishing LLC
ASIN: B01E05LNK6
Number of pages: 107
Word Count: 32,000
Cover Artist: S.J. WrightAmazon
Book Description:
A surprise visitor shows up at Sarah and Michael's lake house in Indiana. His story is one that intrigues and frightens Sarah. What frightens her more is the growing attraction she begins to feel for this new vampire.
Can she choose between Michael and a vampire she barely knows? Or will that choice be taken from her?
***
Tour giveaway
3 digital copies (winner’s choice Kindle or PDF)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thursday, 10 March 2016
Author Interview & Giveaway: Gifted Thief by Helen Harper
About the Author:
After teaching English literature in the UK, Japan and Malaysia, Helen Harper left behind the world of education following the worldwide success of her Blood Destiny series of books. She is a professional member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and writes full time although she still fits in creative writing workshops with schools along with volunteering to teach reading to a group of young Myanmar refugees. That's not to mention the procession of stray cats which seem to find their way to her door!
Helen has always been a book lover, devouring science fiction and fantasy tales when she was a child growing up in Scotland.
Helen currently lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with far too many cats - not to mention the dragons, fairies, demons, wizards and vampires that seem to keep appearing from nowhere.
You can find out more - and learn how to get a FREE copy of Corrigan Fire - by visiting Helen's website: helenharper.co.uk
Contact Links
Website: http://helenharper.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarperFire
Twitter: @HarperFire
***
Interview:
Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?
I’m a total pantser - I write by the seat of my pants and just go where the story takes me! I think I’m always going to be a reader first so what I love about writing is not know what’s going to happen the next. The characters usually tell me where the story is going to go next! Where do you dream of travelling to and why?
I’ve always had itchy feet and I’ve spent the better part of the last twenty years travelling. I lived in Thailand for a year when I was eighteen then, somewhat later in life, moved to Tokyo. Now I’m in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where the weather is hot and life is good! With that said, however, I’ve always wanted to go to South America. I know South East Asia very well but South America has always seemed exotic and with so many interesting and varied cultures. I’ll get there one day!
Do distant places feature in your books?
I tend to base my books in the UK. It’s so rich in terms of history and mythology that it’s just ripe for all kinds of urban fantasy stories. As a Scottish lass, it’s also obviously a part of the world that I know well. I love taking places that I’ve visited and then imagining wild and wonderful plots that could occur.
Do you listen to music while writing?
Nope. I block out any sounds when I’m writing so music wouldn’t work for me!
Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
Gifted Thief is the first book in a new series set in Scotland - but a Scotland that’s very different to the one we know. Rather than being joined to England in the eighteenth century, the entire Lowlands area was over-run by demons. Now only the Highlands remain free although they’re run by a tight knit group of Scottish Clans. The main character is a young Sidhe woman called Integrity who, ironically enough, is a career thief! She should have been living a life of wealth and privilege but her father slaughtered her Clan when she was just a baby and she was dumped as an orphan on someone else’s doorstep. All Sidhe are Gifted with magical abilities when they are thirteen years old but Integrity ran away before that could happen. She’s perfectly happy to stay as far away from that world as possible … but circumstances conspire against her.
What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?
I think after a few years of doing this, I have a very good grasp of what I can do myself and what I need to hire other people to do for me. I don’t have any eye for covers so I’m very lucky in that I have a wonderful cover designer who’s able to put my ideas into reality. Equally, despite having been an English teacher in a former life, it’s vitally important to still have a professional editor look at each book. I’m always learning new things though. Writing is a bit like life - you never know it all!
Is there anything you would do differently?
I have a strong group of fellow writers who I chat to online and I think that if I could go back, I would tried to find similar groups far earlier as the support you can get from others who are doing the same as you is absolutely invaluable.
Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?
Don’t think about the end result! Enjoy what you’re doing and write a book that you would want to read yourself. If you’re not passionate about what you do, no-one else will be.
What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?
First and foremost, I’m a reader so to pick out one book or one writer is next to impossible! I do often hark back to the authors I loved in my younger years - Julian May, Piers Antony, Raymond Feist and JRR
Blurb of your latest release or coming soon book
Integrity Taylor should have been a Clan princess. Instead she's lived a life on the very periphery of society. Now that she's learnt more about her heritage, however, and the magic that she's capable of wielding, she's not going to hide in the shadows any longer. The once-in-a-generation Sidhe Games are going to provide the perfect opportunity for her to win back her birthright - and the fact that she'll be going head to head, toe to toe and mouth to mouth with golden haired Byron Moncrieffe might just be the icing on the cake.
List of previous books if any
See all of Helen's books here:
http://www.amazon.com/Helen-Harper/e/B00AUB1L48
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Helen-Harper/e/B00AUB1L48
The Blood Destiny series
Bloodfire
Bloodmagic
Bloodrage
Blood Politics
Bloodlust
Blood Destiny Box Set (The complete series: Books 1 – 5)
Also
Corrigan Fire
Corrigan Magic
Corrigan Rage
Corrigan Politics
Corrigan Lust
The Olympiana series
Eros
Lyre
The Bo Blackman series
Dire Straits
New Order
High Stakes
Red Angel
Vigilante Vampire
The Dreamweaver series
Night Shade
Night Terrors
Any websites/places readers can find you on the web.
http://helenharper.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/HarperFire
***
by Helen Harper
Urban Fantasy
Orphan. Runaway. Thief.
Since the moment I was ripped from my mother's womb, I've been an outcast amongst my own kind. The Sidhe might possess magical Gifts, unbelievable wealth and unfathomable power but I don't want a thing to do with them. I ran away from their lands in the Highlands of Scotland when I was eleven years old and I've never looked back. I don't need a Clan. I've got my own family of highly skilled thieves who mean more to me than any Sidhe ever could.
Unfortunately for me, the playboy heir to the Moncrieffe Clan has something I desperately need. To get it back, I'm going to have to plunge myself back into that world, no matter what the consequences may be. I suppose it's just as well I have sense of humour. I think I'm going to need it.
By bestselling author Helen Harper, Gifted Thief is the first book in the Highland Magic series.
***
Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thursday, 3 March 2016
Guest Post & Giveaway: Liar's Game by Anna Wolf
Liar's Game
The One Rises
Book Five
Anna Wolfe
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal
Date of Publication: February 1st, 2016
ISBN: 9781311994134
Word Count: 75,900
Cover Artist: Kip Ayers
Book Description:
The Seer yanks his chain, and Silas could swear she does it for fun. Knowing that she manipulates everyone around her hasn't helped him at all over the last two centuries.
His little band of misfits has come apart. Edie is gone and refusing to speak to him. Mark is still trying to figure out how to control his ability and the Seer has ordered him to keep the boy in the dark. And Callie tempts him with a life he cannot have.
A seat on the powerful Witches Council has opened up and Silas is stuck in the middle of the machinations unfurling over which faction of the witches will gain the upper hand. Angry witches, lies, and murder are just the start.
Events in the Windy City will push Silas to the edge and reveal an unexpected enemy.
Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes and Noble
***
Guest Post
by Anna Wolfe
***
About the Author:
Anna Wolfe is a college professor by day and a novelist by night. In fact, writing urban fantasy is the only reason she is still (mostly) sane post-dissertation. When she isn't writing, teaching, or dicking around on the Internet, she is probably cooking with her husband or watching trashy television.
You can visit her at: http://anna-wolfe.com
Sign up for newsletter here:
http://anna-wolfe.com/contact/update-sign-up/
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/wolfeanna
***
Tour giveaway
3 e-copies of Liar's Game
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Wednesday, 2 March 2016
Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Whispers by Sophie H. Morgan
Whispers
The Divided Kingdom Series
Book Two
Sophie H. Morgan
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Date of Publication: 03/01/2016
ISBN: 9781619230903
ASIN: B018VL0860
Number of pages: 342 pages
Word Count: 102,929
Cover Artist: Kanaxa
Book Description:
He’s no pushover. And she ain’t no fairy princess.
No one would guess that Sapphy, awesome whirlwind of Maze badassness, grew up sheltered in the Fae realm. Witnessing a murder drove her into the humans’ broken cities to hide, but now she’s back, going undercover to keep history from repeating as the tournament to choose a new Fae queen dawns.
The only pebble in her shit-kicking boot is the jaw-gritting interference of Nathe Amergin, a Fae Enforcer whose solemn violet eyes set her skin to sizzle.
After the loss of his beloved sister, Nathe saved his last shred of sanity by clamping a lid on his emotions and forging a path to justice. When this frustrating, blue-eyed, my-go-or-I’ll-blow female informs him of a possible threat to the realm, his offer of support is genuine, if reluctant.
While he’s willing to work with her to protect his people, this sinful smart-ass skates perilously close to unleashing an avalanche of passion that, as the final choosing looms and whispers turn to screams, could bury them both.
Product Warnings
Contains ear-blushing sex between a flighty Fae with a mean air jab and a grounded Elemental who makes her earth move. Add a murderous queen clinging to power, and sabotage that strikes out of thin air. Anyone got ear plugs?
Samhain | Amazon UK | Amazon
***
Excerpt:
“Where is she?” Nathe ran a hand down the back of his head, rubbing at the pressure point in his nape. “How did you fare at the dress shop? She must look acceptable, Tomas.”
“Trust me. Saphaia looks…acceptable.”
The edge of humor was not welcome. Not tonight. “Where is she?” Nathe stressed. “The announcements of competitors will begin soon. It will not look correct if she hasn’t mingled first.”
Tomas blinked at the rush of words. “You’re nervous.”
“I am not.”
“Like a virgin on her wedding night.”
“Can you stop thinking about sex for one moment, Tomas? This is serious. So many aspects of this plan can fall apart if she makes one wrong step.”
“Do you have so little trust in her?” Tomas pushed his hands into the pockets of his dress suit, a little more fashionable than Nathe’s own, the color of a good claret that complimented his dark skin.
Nathe sniffed. “You have known her one day. How can you have so much?”
Tomas shrugged, ignoring the giggles of passing noblewomen as they headed for the buffet. “She is a straightforward woman, a species I could get used to. Even attracted to.”
“What does that mean?”
“As I said, she is an intriguingly open woman. No false modesty. And she has an enticing form.”
Dark emotions swirled in Nathe’s gut at the thought of Sapphy pressing her lips to Tomas, her body astride his friend’s.
The earth threatened to tremor beneath him until he quelled it. “What happened at the gown shop?”
“We bought several outfits. We talked about life and love.” Tomas tilted his chin. “Are you looking in that direction, my friend?”
“No.”
“Then I pity the blind man.” With those puzzling words, Tomas slapped a hand on Nathe’s arm. “For all the good it may bring you, she’s on the stairs.”
Hit with a flood of relief, Nathe twisted to where Tomas now pointed.
And stood frozen.
His breath halted, his heart pounded once before forgetting its next action entirely. The dancers melted away, the shouts of laughter and revelry faded, even Tomas blurred until there was but the dark.
And her.
Sapphy stood poised at the top of the marble staircase like an angel from a painting, one graceful hand brushing the bannister, her face in profile as she looked away.
Her long, lithe body was wrapped in silk. The gown was a waterfall of blue, darkest blueberry at the bodice melting into crisp ice at the hem. Baring creamy white shoulders, it cupped her round breasts, slipped down to a waist he could span with both hands, before flaring out to the floor.
Her face had been painted, her lips a pale pink, her eyes a dramatic storm of smoke and ice. Sapphires trickled from her earlobes and graced her throat, simple, understated, elegant.
But it was her hair that was magnificent. A sweep of silvery-blue, the color of ice crystals on the verge of melting, it had been left loose to wave down to her hips, the different blues shimmering in the electric lights. A crown of bluebells adorned her head, a dramatic contrast between sensuality and innocence. The awakening.
She moved like the wind she called her own when she began to descend, a rolling of her hips that had Nathe’s blood sizzling, snapping, aching for her. His body stiffened, but he drifted toward her, unable to stop himself. Drawn together, he thought. Magnets.
And still there was nobody but them as he met her at the middle. She spoke not a word, but her eyes remained watchful, knowing. Even bluer now that her true colors had been revealed. They blistered him with a knowing look.
With a small smile, she held out a hand.
In the dreamscape, every movement was slow, and his taking of her hand was no different. Raising it to his lips, he inhaled the scent of her skin, brushing his lips over her knuckles, lingering.
His eyes flicked up. Breathless was how she looked, sensual and slumberous as she watched him out of hooded eyes.
His groin was on fire, his belly in knots as he longed to yank her to him, gather her skirts up and ride them both to ecstasy.
She waited for him to speak, but he couldn’t find the words to describe her beauty, every one trite and cliché. Every one fell short.
So he took the hand he still held and pressed it inside his jacket, against his racing heart. As her smile floated away, he moved in as close as the steps allowed.
“I burn,” he said softly. He held her gaze as his breath whispered across her cheek.
She quivered.
***
Sophie H. Morgan is a paranormal romance author with a love for hot guys, sassy heroines, and HEAs that seem impossible. When not at the keyboard working out ways to drive her characters into each other’s arms, you can find her rambling about the English countryside with her crazy spaniels, shopping for one more pair of shoes, or devouring yet ANOTHER romance novel with ANOTHER bag of raisin cookies.
Website: http://www.sophiehmorganauthor.wordpress.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sophiehmorganauthor
Twitter: @SophieHMorgan
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/SophieHMorgan
***
Tour giveaway
3 pair of custom created earrings by Bewitching Book Swag- open to US Shipping
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Tuesday, 23 February 2016
Release Day Giveaway: Chaotic War by Lia Davis
Chaotic War
Sons of War Book 3
by Lia Davis
Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Blurb:
While Zavier Sullivan may be the calm, reserved brother, his dragon is not. Especially since the beautiful, unorganized demi-goddess, Danielle Roberts—a.k.a Elle—moved into the mansion and into his life. She disturbs his OCD and makes him yearn for things he shouldn’t, but he can’t stay away from her. Nor can he deny her anything. Including his blood.
Ever since arriving at the home of the Sons of War, Elle has been plagued with dreams of the past and future. The visions are taking a toll, causing her debilitating headaches and ruining her sleep, but she doesn’t know what it all means. Her mother, Nyx, the Goddess of Night, has never bothered to show up and explain things to her. Until she arrives and unlocks Elle's powers, promptly transforming her into a half-daimon, half-goddess. Now, Zavier may be her only hope of holding onto her humanity, but can she bond with him after everything she’s seen? Especially in the midst of everything the Sons and their mates are going through.
Available at: Amazon | iBooks | BN | Kobo | ARe | Goodreads
***
Excerpt
Elle’s breathing came quicker a moment before she jerked awake, sitting straight up beside him. She glanced around as if dazed. After a few moments, she glanced to him and frowned. “How long was I asleep?”
“Not long. Maybe twenty minutes.”
After scrubbing a hand down her face, she stood and walked to her side of the room. He let out a sigh at her attempt to put space between them. There was no amount of space that could stop him from smelling her, sensing her strength and passion for painting. He was betting she’d had another dream. What worried him was that he couldn’t tell how bad it was because she’d shut him out emotionally.
“I’m going upstairs to talk with Drake and Seth. I think I found Rayna.” He waited for her response, which was immediate.
“Really? That’s great.” She spoke through the curtain. Her silhouette moved toward the table, and a few moments later, she picked up her paint palette and a paintbrush.
“Did you need me to bring you anything?” he stood and moved to the door.
She sighed. “No. Just need some time alone.”
He almost argued that she spent too much time alone, not eating like she should and not sleeping. But he let it go, for the moment anyway. However, his dragon wasn’t going to wait much longer before the beast insisted they claim her.
But he couldn’t do that. Not yet.
Without another word, he forced himself to leave her and crossed the basement to the stairs. He’d work in Markus’s study for the rest of the afternoon so he wouldn’t be tempted to drag Elle up to bed. They’d only end up arguing. Elle clung to her independence like a security blanket. Every time he tried to help her, she got mad and they ended up in a fight.
How in Hades was he supposed to woo her into a mating?
Once on the first floor, he sent a telepathic request to Drake and Seth to meet him in the study. He wasn’t surprised that the males were already there. What did shock him was Seth’s hair standing on end. When Seth glanced up at him, Zavier narrowed his gaze. The male had dark circles under his eyes. Eyes that held his dragon in them. “You all right?”
A low growl rumbled from Seth, then he cursed and threaded his hands through his hair, fisting handfuls along the way. “No.” He stilled and cocked his head as he stared at Zavier. “You found her.”
Holding up a hand, Zavier said, “Possibly. What’s wrong with you?”
Seth was the playful one. Next to Zavier, the male was the calmest of the five of them. However, in that moment, he made Ty seem like the gentle dragon. Power fueled by his emotions swirled in the room and thickened the air around him. Seth got up from his seat at the small, round table next to the window and advanced toward him. “Give me the address. I have to go to her now. Before it’s too late.”
Zavier stood his ground. He didn’t like to be ordered around. And he typically liked to avoid conflict, but Seth clearly needed—or wanted—an ass kicking. “It might not be her. Then what? We waste time chasing a ghost?”
“Show. Me. The. Address.” Seth growled out each word, his eyes going complete dragon.
Snarling back, Zavier stepped forward, only to have Drake step between them and grab the front of Seth’s shirt. “Get your shit together. Don’t let your dragon think for you. It’s a lonely life having to hide from others because you let your dragon rule your emotions.”
Seth stared at Drake, blinked once, and then focused on Zavier. “Fuck.” He stepped back with his hands raised. He dropped his shoulders and paced the room, his body still tense and a little twitchy.
Glancing at Drake, Zavier raised a brow. That was the most the male had spoken at one time while not actively searching for Garrick. Drake especially didn’t talk about his past. Ever.
***
In 2008, Lia Davis ventured into the world of writing and publishing and never looked back. She has published more than twenty books, including the bestselling A Tiger’s Claim, book one in her fan favorite Ashwood Falls series. Her novels feature compassionate yet strong alpha heroes who know how to please their women and her leading ladies are each strong in their own way. No matter what obstacle she throws at them, they come out better in the end.
While writing was initially a way escape from real world drama, Lia now makes her living creating worlds filled with magic, mystery, romance, and adventure so that others can leave real life behind for a few hours at a time.
Lia’s favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, reading, writing, chocolate, coffee, nature and hanging out with her kitties. . She and her family live in Northeast Florida battling hurricanes and very humid summers, but it’s her home and she loves it! Sign up for her newsletter, become a member of her fan club, and follow her on Twitter @NovelsByLia.
Connect with Lia: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest |
Authorgraph | Amazon Author Page
***
Giveaway:
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Friday, 27 November 2015
Book Spotlight: Marked by Fortune by Anne Gimpel
Marked by Fortune
Ann Gimpel
Dream Shadow Press
95K words
Release Date: 11/10/15
Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance
Amazon
Tumble into a dystopian world where magic rules and hope is hard to find.
Book Description:
Magic levies a steep price on anyone brave enough or stupid enough to dabble in it.
Wizards never forgave Ned for not being one of them. They didn’t exactly come out and say his life was expendable, but they didn’t have to. He figured it out fast enough when they conscripted him into their long-running war the second he was old enough to fight. Isolated, different, he puzzled out how his brand of magic worked on his own. When he’s finally, finally sent on a solo mission, he vows to make the most of every single moment of freedom.
Fleeing the tide of doom wiping out humanity, Amanda and her family escape to a remote corner of California, where they eke out a hardscrabble existence. With her parents at each other’s throats and her brother mysteriously gone, Amanda runs up against malevolent power beyond her wildest imaginings. Captured by the undead, she’s about to join their ranks when Ned shows up.
Attraction ignites—hot, urgent, delicious—but celibacy may well be the price of Ned’s magic, and he can’t risk his power. Or can he? Even though he stands to lose everything, Ned doesn’t hesitate after Tantalus—one of the insidiously beautiful dark gods—kidnaps Amanda. Defying a direct order from his wizard battle lord, he goes after the woman he loves. Even if she can’t ever be his, he’ll be damned if he’ll leave her to the dark god’s whims.
Excerpt:
Ned crouched amid the remains of what was once downtown Sacramento, using a convenient, partly-decimated building as cover. The rest of his unit hid in close proximity—at least he hoped they did. A low, whistling noise ratcheted his heart into hyper drive. Enemy magic. Maintaining his crouch, he spun, searching the late afternoon gloom for clues. Not quite sure what tipped him off, he leapt out of the way just before a concrete block exploded, showering him with debris.
“Whew! Way too close.” The words tore out of him before he could stop them.
He drew his lips into a disgusted snarl and wondered for the thousandth time how he, a human mage, ever got mixed up with the wizards’ war.
Because the bastards didn’t give me a choice.
Sweat trickled down his forehead. His leather headband caught some of it, but a few drops fell into his eyes. They stung like hell, and he shook his head to disperse the salty liquid. The beginnings of a headache throbbed behind one temple.
“Landarik.” Ned focused his commander’s name into his mouthpiece. “Where are you?”
“Right behind you.” A voice dripped sarcasm into Ned’s ear.
“Son of a bitch.”
Ned whipped around. Landarik stood so close, Ned’s braids slapped against the wizard’s helmet. “I wish you wouldn’t do that,” Ned sputtered through clenched teeth. “I hate when you sneak up on me. Especially when it could’ve been one of them. You’re lucky I didn’t blast you.”
“Like your puny human magic would’ve made a dent. Cut the shit. What do you want?”
Speaking through the slit in his bronzed helmet, Landarik looked like a robot. Only his blond braids, with debris tangled in them, ruined the automaton image. He must’ve noticed Ned’s stare because Landarik gathered his ratty braids and tossed them over his shoulders.
“I’m beat. Request permission to return to the caves.”
“Mage or no,” Landarik grunted, “you humans are more work than you’re worth. I have no fucking idea what the goddess had up her sleeve when she created those like you.”
“Fine. Neither do I. Now can I go?”
“I release you—but only because you’re more worthless than usual. Return no later than first light.” Whistling sounded again. Without apparent thought or effort, Landarik raised a hand. A bolt of power flew from his fingertips and vaporized a small building a hundred yards away.
“How can you know so…precisely?” Ned sputtered.
Landarik tipped the visor of his helmet up. Extraordinary blue eyes shot darts at Ned, and the sharp-boned features characteristic of the wizard race twisted in irritation. “I’ve told you and told you,” he lectured in a patronizing voice that grated on Ned’s nerves. “Hold your inner parts still, human. If you managed yourself better, you’d hear where the enemy is hiding.” He snorted. “Sometimes I find it difficult to fathom how you’re still alive.”
“You and me both,” Ned mumbled.
Sketching a rectangular portal in the hot, dusty air, he jumped through into the Ways, picturing the wizards’ caves as he did so. Wizards developed the Ways thousands of years ago so they could travel to distant locations. Their harmonics were so well matched to galactic magnetics, they remained fully functional despite minimal maintenance.
As he sped through the dimension carrying him to a few hours of safety, Ned’s empty stomach clenched in anger. It wasn’t fair for Landarik to expect him to know everything the vetted wizard warriors did. Most of them were hundreds—if not thousands—of years old, while he was a mere…well, something. Young, anyway. In truth, he wasn’t precisely sure of his age. Wizards lived so long they didn’t bother keeping those types of records.
Ned didn’t know if it was fortune, or her opposite, but he’d drawn his first breath in a wizard stronghold. He had little memory of his first few years, but around the time he turned five, one of the wizards—the acolyte master, Karras—took notice of the little human who carted power after him the same way other youngsters dragged beloved toys.
***
Ann Gimpel is a national bestselling author. A lifelong aficionado of the unusual, she began writing speculative fiction a few years ago. Since then her short fiction has appeared in a number of webzines and anthologies. Her longer books run the gamut from urban fantasy to paranormal romance. Once upon a time, she nurtured clients, now she nurtures dark, gritty fantasy stories that push hard against reality. When she’s not writing, she’s in the backcountry getting down and dirty with her camera. She’s published over 30 books to date, with several more planned for 2015 and beyond. A husband, grown children, grandchildren and three wolf hybrids round out her family.
Find Ann At:
www.anngimpel.com
http://anngimpel.blogspot.com
http://www.amazon.com/author/anngimpel
http://www.facebook.com/anngimpel.author
@AnnGimpel (for Twitter)
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