Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Meet Your Baker by Ellie Alexander - Guest Post & Giveaway


Welcome to Ashland, Oregon, home of the world-famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the setting for Ellie Alexander’s debut mystery MEET YOUR BAKER.

MEET YOUR BAKER is a culinary mystery centered in the fictional bakeshop, Torte, with a mother/daughter pastry duo. It includes original handcrafted recipes. Meet Ashland!


In Ashland you’ll find an eclectic community of artists, outdoor adventure seekers, college students, farmers, retirees and a constant stream of tourists. At nearly 2,000 feet in elevation, its Mediterranean summers make it the perfect spot to watch Shakespeare under the stars or hike one of the surrounding peaks. In the winter, Ashland becomes home to ski enthusiasts with nearby Mt. Ashland, and plenty of backcountry trails.

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a charming English village with Ashland’s Shakespeare-inspired pubs, restaurants and shops.


Meander through Lithia Park where you’ll pass ancient trees, grassy patches and picnic benches, and wild deer. Be sure to get a glimpse of the towering Oregon Shakespeare Festival buildings, and stop to drink from Lithia’s mineral spring fountains.


Take Shakespeare’s stairs to “the bricks” where theater lovers and actors gather before performances.


Finally, end your day with a sweet treat at one of Ashland’s many divine bakeshops.


Be sure to check out the blog tour that is filled with reviews, interviews and guest posts by the author! The tour starts January 5th and runs through the 16th. Check out the schedule!


About MEET YOUR BAKER:

Welcome to Torte—a friendly, small-town family bake shop where the treats are so good that, sometimes, it’s criminal…

After graduating from culinary school, Juliet Capshaw returns to her quaint hometown of Ashland, Oregon, to heal a broken heart and help her mom at the family bakery. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is bringing in lots of tourists looking for some crumpets to go with their heroic couplets. But when one of Torte’s customers turns up dead, there’s much ado about murder…

The victim is Nancy Hudson, the festival’s newest board member. A modern-day Lady Macbeth, Nancy has given more than a few actors and artists enough reasons to kill her…but still. The silver lining? Jules’s high school sweetheart, Thomas, is the investigator on the case. His flirtations are as delicious as ever, and Jules can’t help but want to have her cake and eat it too. But will she have her just desserts? Murder might be bad for business, but love is the sweetest treat of all…

"Alexander weaves a tasty tale of deceit, family ties, delicious pastries, and murder.” ―Edith Maxwell, author of A Tine to Live, A Tine to Die

"Sure to satisfy both dedicated foodies and ardent mystery lovers alike." ―Jessie Crockett, author of Drizzled with Death


About the Author:
Ellie Alexander is a Pacific Northwest native who spends ample time testing pastry recipes in her home kitchen or at one of the many famed coffeehouses nearby. When she’s not coated in flour, you’ll find her outside exploring hiking trails and trying to burn off calories consumed in the name of research. Follow her on Facebook or Twitter to learn more.

Links: 

Giveaway:
Paperback copy of Meet Your Baker, Chai Tea, designer baking liners and a Starbucks gift card.
Open to US addresses only.
Ends 1/6/15


a Rafflecopter giveaway
This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

Monday, December 29, 2014

Doorknob Society by MJ Fletcher



Doorknob Society
Doorknob Society Saga #1

MJ Fletcher

Young Adult / Paranormal / Steampunk
Date Published: February 2012

 photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png

Chloe Masters’ world changes in a heartbeat and all she did was touch a doorknob.

When she was young Chloe’s mother vanished. Wracked by feelings of abandonment and anger she lost herself traveling with her fathers magic act, where illusions were part of her everyday life. Yet everything changes when they are pursued by a mysterious man in black out to kill her father. Touching a doorknob activates abilities she never knew she had and she finds herself thrust into a world of ancient societies and secrets.

When her father disappears it is a race against time to find answers before she loses whats left of her family. Now Chloe must choose who to trust, the man who will do anything for her or the one she can’t stop thinking about.

Book one of the Doorknob Society Saga.


About the Author

MJ Fletcher is the creator of the comic book series Adam Zero: The Last Man of Earth published by Ronin Studios. He’s also been published in Hope: The Hero Initiative and Digital Webbing Presents. The Doorknob Society was his first book series and still among his favorites. His other works include The Grimm Chronicles series and numerous novellas and short stories. He lives near the beach with his wife, daughter, and an insane dog.

Author Links
Twitter: fletch125
Instagram: mjfletcherwriter

Buy Links


 photo readingaddictionbutton_zps58fd99d6.png

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Forbidden- An Anthology -Happy Release Day!



Is there anything more scrumptious than forbidden love?

Amazon * Smashwords


Cloaked in Red: A Shattered Fairy Tale – Kelly Martin

Frederick Dodsworth has no desire to find love at Anthony Wexley's Christmas gathering. Yet when he lays his eyes on the beautiful Rebecca for the first time, he is beyond smitten.

Lust turns to love. Love turns to jealousy. Jealousy turns to betrayal.

How did Frederick Dodsworth become the most evil man in Darenset?  Simple. It started with a kiss.


For the Love of A Lady – Kristin Vayden

Jilted, rejected, unwanted.

Lady Esther Flanguard is all of the above… but that’s all about to change soon.

Because, Essie has a plan. And it’s sure to work brilliantly.

The only thing standing in her way is trying to convince Cross—her best friend’s brother—to go along with it.

Lord Crossby, Cross to those who know him well, knows that Essie’s plan is not a good idea.
Because Essie doesn’t know, is that he’s been in love with her for years. He refuses to leave this second chance left to fate. He lost her once, and plans to never lose her again.

So, knowing he’ll risk his heart, he agrees to play along with her disastrous plan. Silently vowing, that though Essie might be pretending…he isn’t, and this time he’s playing for keeps.


The Devil Duke Takes A Bride – Rachel Van Dyken

Who said being bad wasn't oh so good?

Benedict Devlyn, Duke of Banbury, has one thing on his mind and it isn't marriage. But things take a turn for the worse when his menacing aunt throws a hitch in his plans to remain the most sinful and talked about man in the ton. After all, a man cannot keep the reputation of being The Devil Duke when he is leg-shackled to some simpering spinster.

But his aunt, bless her heart, thinks she's dying, and believes her nephew's behavior is the only thing standing in the way between her entrance to heaven or hell. So she very lovingly and selflessly sets him up. With his childhood nemesis.

A young woman who, though she claims it was an accident, has nearly killed him thrice through her lack of grace and manners. It matters not that the minute he sets eyes on her at the Christmas ball, his blood boils with lust. He refuses to allow himself to fall prey to his aunt's ministrations.

That is, until he is compromised and stuck in an engagement to a girl who claims she'd rather jump from a moving carriage than marry him. Funny thing that, for the very minute she says no, he finds his heart very much wants to say yes. When she doesn't leap at the chance to marry him, he sets about to not only prove that he's worthy of her favor, but also worthy of her heart.


A Winter Wish – Nadine Millard

Mariah Bolton is as headstrong as she is clever, as strong-willed as she is beautiful. She enjoys her life and, apart from a rather snobbish mama, she is happy with her lot.

Imagine her consternation then when her world is turned upside down by the brooding and aloof Mr. Brandon Haverton!

Mariah and Brandon are forced to endure each other’s company more than either wants to when a snowstorm traps them in the same house.

They argue, they bang heads and they drive each other insane.

But something precious is blooming beneath the surface of all that ice. Something neither looks for but both need.

Can love melt the snow around Brandon’s cold heart?

Can Mariah be brave enough to take a leap of faith?

And can a Winter Wish help bring two souls together forever?


Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband and their snoring Boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her writing journey at 
www.rachelvandykenauthor.com



Nadine Millard:
Nadine hails from Dublin, Ireland though she now lives in a quiet town in County Laois. When she’s not writing her own books, she’s reading them. A lot!
She has three beautiful children, a pretty awesome husband and a seriously fluffy dog!
Her favourite thing to do to escape the cheerful chaos of her life is to read, drink coffee and wine and eat far more chocolate than she should. 

WEBSITE

Kristin Vayden:
Kristin's inspiration for the romance she writes comes from her tall, dark and handsome husband with killer blue eyes. With five children to chase, she is never at a loss for someone to kiss, something to cook or some mess to clean but she loves every moment of it! She loves to make soap, sauerkraut, sourdough bread and gluten free muffins. Life is full of blessings and she praises God for the blessed and abundant life He's given her.

WEBSITE

Kelly Martin:
Kelly Martin is the bestselling author of contemporary, historical, fairy tale, and YA romance. She has been married for over ten years and has three rowdy, angelic daughters. When Kelly isn't writing, she loves watching YouTube and drinking white chocolate mochas. 

WEBSITE


Friday, December 26, 2014

Billy Bobble Makes a Magic Wand by R.S. Mellette

Billy Bobble Makes a Magic Wand

R.S. Mellette

Middle-Grade/YA Sci-Fi Adventure
December 8, 2014

Amazon * Goodreads


"E = mc2 is no longer the most powerful force in the universe. Your wand is."

Twelve-year-old Billy and his best friend Suzy Quinofski didn't mean to change the universe. Billy, a quantum physics prodigy, just wanted to find a way to help his hoarding, schizophrenic mother – and maybe impress a coven of older girls in high school. Suzy, his intellectual equal, wanted to help her friend and cling to her last remnant of childhood, a belief in magic. Together they made Billy a real, working, magic wand, and opened a door to the Quantum World where thoughts create reality, and all things – good and bad – are possible.

My Review: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review

Billy Bobble Makes a Magic Wand  is an upper middle-grade, lower YA urban sci-fi novel featuring two kids, Suzy and Billy, who are perhaps a bit too intelligent for their own good. Both have genius level IQs and are high-school freshman at twelve years old. The story begins with Suzy at a police station trying to explain Billy's disappearance to the police. It seems he managed to create a magic wand and... poof.

Suzy and Billy are both very intelligent, but Suzy seems to deal with people a bit better than Billy does. Both talk down to kids and adults and frequently come across as smart alecks-- and that's being nice. I spent some time trying to determine how two such smart kids only skipped two grades. They are both so rooted in science and logic, they find it difficult to function in the real world. Billy's home life is hard to say the least, and it seems to just make everything worse.

I enjoyed the interactions between Billy and the other kids at school. So much of what he said went right over their heads leaving them dumbstruck. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him when it came to his home life and mother. I also liked the coven of witches. Though they weren't main characters, things were interesting whenever the entered a scene.

While some aspects of this book were quite entertaining, I felt it moved a tad slow. Being geared toward middle-grade/lower YA, I think this could pose a problem with a youth's shorter attention span. The novel also featured lots of science-- especially physics, which I thought was fine, though I can see it confusing younger readers who haven't had a physics class. Overall, I found Billy Bobble Makes a Magic Wand a fun, if not slow read, with endearing characters and an interesting plot.


About the Author

R.S. Mellette has written, directed, designed and acted in theatre, film, television, and publishing for over 30 years. His credits in various jobs include XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS, NUTTY PROFESSOR II: THE KLUMPS, BLUE CRUSH, and his own JACKS OR BETTER, which won Dances With Films Best Screenplay award in 2000. He has been working with the festival ever since.

His novel, Billy Bobble Makes a Magic Wand, is due out in December 2014 from Elephant’s Bookshelf Press. For novelists, Mellette blogs for From The Write Angle. For filmmakers, he writes for Dances With Films.

Also find him on AmazonGoodreadsTwitter and Facebook.

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Book Review: The Cinderella Theorem by Kristee Ravan

The Cinderella Theorem

Kristee Ravan

YA Fantasy
March 10, 2014

Amazon

Summary from Goodreads:

Fairy tales are naturally non-mathematical. That is a fact, and fifteen-year-old Lily Sparrow loves factual, mathematical logic. So when her mother confesses that Lily’s deceased father is (a) not dead, (b) coming to dinner, and (c) the ruler of a fairy tale kingdom accessible through the upstairs bathtub, Lily clings to her math to help her make sense of this new double life (1 life in the real world + 1 secret life in the fairy tale world = a double life).

Even though it’s not mathematical, Lily finds herself being pulled into a mystery involving an unhappy Cinderella, a greasy sycophant called Levi, and a slew of vanishing fairy tale characters. Racing against the clock, with a sound mathematical plan, Lily attempts to save her fairy tale friends while proving that normality = happiness.


My Review: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

The Cinderella Theorem is a cute YA fantasy about a logic, math-oriented girl who learns her father is the king of a fairy tale kingdom. Though it's billed as a YA novel, I thought it read more like middle-grade and would appeal to younger YA readers. Warning: if you have a math aversion, you might want to avoid this book. Math is life to young Lily, and it can be found on every page.

I can't imagine what it would be like to be fifteen, see the world through a strictly logical mind, only to find out everything you thought fantasy to be fact. But main character Lily rises to the occasion to use her math skills to save the day. I liked Lily, it would be hard not to since she was a rather sweet girl-- however the overall voice grated on my nerves at times.

There was a whole slew of intriguing and fun secondary characters in this novel, not mention lots of funny scenes. Just the whole Dad emerging from the bathtub is enough to set the mood for craziness. I did not like the footnotes on the bottom of the pages. While they were very cute, they still drew me from the story which I found irritating. Take a look at the synopsis with the math symbols-- the book is written like this. It might appeal to some people, but it was another thing that kept me from becoming immersed in the story.

Overall I thought The Cinderella Theorem was a cute fantasy that would appeal to a young YA audience. There were lots of laughs, fun characters, and mayhem in a fast-paced plot.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Christmas is Murder by Carolyn Arnold - Excerpt


Just in time for the holidays- a Christmas-themed cozy mystery by Carolyn Arnold!

Christmas is Murder

Carolyn Arnold

Cozy Mystery

Do you love Christmas and cozy mysteries?

“Christmas is Murder” is a touching--and comical--seasonal cozy. It will have you wanting to stoke the fire and top up that glass of eggnog.

Albany’s the perfect image of a winter wonderland, and Sean and Sara’s friend Jimmy is going to be Santa Claus for the upcoming Christmas parade. The trees and decorations have been selected and the gifts have been purchased. The season has truly cast its magical spell--until Sean and Sara’s neighbors die in a horrible house fire.

While the fire department ruled holiday-related hazards as the cause, Sara suspects there’s more to it. Her determination to find the truth has her and Sean toeing the line between what’s legal and what’s not.

As they sort out fact from fiction, the McKinleys make the final decision about whether or not they should open a private investigation firm.

Excerpt

Chapter 2
“Marshmallow World”


“Sara.” Sean became motionless, and speechless, when his eyes fell on what was before them.

“The Wilsons?” She took one step, but Sean held her arm.

“You can’t go in there, darling.” The desperation in his eyes said it all—it wasn’t safe or practical.

“Excuse me. We’re going to have to ask you leave.” A uniformed man approached them. The label on his hat read Chief.

“Are they okay? Was anybody hurt?”

A voice came over his radio and indicated the blaze was coming under control.

The chief nodded to Sara and gestured for them to move back.

For some reason, even though he answered in the affirmative, with a nod, she sensed it had more to do with directing them to the side than denoting good news.

“Who are you two?”

“I’m—” Her voice was shaky and Sean took over.

“We’re the McKinleys, from next door. Sean and Sara.”

“What caused the fire?” Sara asked.

“This time of year we get a lot of calls.” He gestured to the Christmas lights that dangled from the Wilsons’ eaves like eerie shadows, carrying haunting memories of happier times.

“The Wilsons, are they—”

Plumes of smoke exited the front window. The firemen kept spraying.

The chief’s crease lines took on sharp edges. His mouth fell into a straight line. “I’m sorry to say this, but they didn’t make it.”

“Oh, darling.” Sara turned toward Sean and he held her tight.

“What happened?” Sean asked.

“They were both found in the living room. They were rushed away immediately, but the call came en route to the hospital. For what it matters, I don’t think they suffered. I think they were asleep on the couch when the fire started and died from smoke inhalation.”

Even though her back was to the man, Sara sensed his heart was broken over the situation. She imagined his gaze on her.

“Well, you don’t need all the details.” His gravelly voice confirmed her suspicion.

“I assume there will be an investigation into the cause of the fire,” Sean said.

Sara straightened and turned to face the chief, her shoulder remained tucked under Sean’s armpit, their torsos as close as possible with their bulky winter coats.

“It’s standard protocol.”

“Did they have any family? People—”

“Mrs. McKinley, arrangements for the notification is being made as we speak.”

“We just met them this afternoon.” The statement fell as a guilty confession, remorse over not knowing them underscored every word.

“They have a daughter who lives in town.”

“Please, what is her name?”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you that.”

Sean tightened his hold on Sara. “We understand, Chief—I’m sorry, what is your name?”

“Harold Fox.”

“We got it,” a voice called over the radio.

The men, who were spraying the front, turned the water off and lowered the hose. The smell of fire clung to the air. The snowfall that had earlier cast a magical spell had taken on the weight of loss and sadness.


About the Author

CAROLYN ARNOLD is the bestselling author of the Madison Knight series, the Brandon Fisher series, and the McKinley Mysteries. Her love for writing dates back to her teen years, but her passion was reignited in 2006 when a fellow employee said "tell me a story." Since then Carolyn has never looked back.
Her writing has since been compared to New York Times Bestsellers such as JD Robb, Mary Higgins Clark, Sue Grafton, Michael Connelly, Tess Gerritsen, and more.
Carolyn was born in 1976 in a rural town of Ontario, Canada, and she currently lives with her husband and two beagles in a city near Toronto.
For more information on the author visit https://carolynarnold.net/

Links
Amazon – http://ow.ly/G4Zr3
Amazon UK – http://ow.ly/G4ZrS
Barnes & Noble – http://ow.ly/G4Ztr
iTunes – http://ow.ly/G4ZuE

Monday, December 22, 2014

Whiskey Witches by S.M. Blooding

WWS1banner


WW-S1-6

Whiskey Witches
Season 1

S.M. Blooding


Detective Paige Whiskey comes from a long line of witches. They may not all be the most powerful, but they are outspoken and supportive of their community. She alone has no gifts. She can’t summon fire, can’t read minds. She knows the arcane. She’s studied it. That, along with her connection to the Whiskey Witches, lands her some pretty strange cases. Like the sacrificial murders of St. Francisville, Louisiana. There’s a killer on the loose, choosing people in a vain attempt to raise a demon. Not just any demon, though. A man born long ago, made a demon in order to protect the Gate to Hell. Together with demon hunter, Dexx Colt, her kitchen-witch grandmother, and her paranormal investigator brother-in-law, they unravel a conspiracy far bigger than a few simple murders, and re-discover Paige’s gift. She’s a demon summoner and she’s key to the killer’s plan.

Buy on Amazon / Kobo


Meet the Author:


SM “Frankie” Blooding lives in Colorado with her pet rock, Rockie, and Jack the Bird. Jack has refused to let her to take up the piano again, but is warming to the guitar. It might help that Frankie has learned more than two strings. She’s added a few more Arabic words to her vocabulary, but don’t invite her into conversation yet—unless, of course, you’re willing to have a very . . . slow . . . conversation. She’s dated vampires, werewolves, sorcerers, weapons smugglers and US Government assassins. Yes. She has stories. She’s also an investigator with a local paranormal investigation group, Colorado Paranormal Rescue!


Find out more about her at:

Facebook /Twitter /Website

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop!!


Welcome to my stop on the Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop! I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season :)

Some of my favorite holiday things: holiday cookies, snowmen, the smell of a real Christmas tree, chocolate peppermint martinis, and of course, the look on my everyone's faces when they open their presents.

For my giveaway, I'm featuring several prizes:
A $10 Amazon gift card- open intl (if you can use the card, then you can enter to win the card) - 1 winner
An ebook copy of either Shadow Fire, Stolen Moon, or Tortured Souls- available in Mobi, ePub, or pdf - 1 winner, also intl
Set of three signed bookmarks - US/Can only - 5 winners

This is a huge giveaway hop! Be sure to visit the other blogs on the Linky for more great prizes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A City Full of Santas by Pooja Sardana - Giveaway

A City Full of Santas


A City Full of Santas

Ranked as #1 BestSeller on Amazon India

This Christmas is special; really special for Santa. Read this lovely Christmas tale that would re-define the meaning of Christmas. A must read for everyone. Just like Pooja's other books, this book brings love, warmth, and a special message. A story that parents would love to read to their children.


add to goodreads


PoojaAuthor Pooja Sardana

Pooja Sardana, is a mother, a teacher, an illustrator, an author, a visionary and the co-founder of PictureBookTree. Her books and her initiative - PictureBookTree have been widely covered in Indian media and abroad. Titled as one of the Unsung Hero in 'Saga of the Unsung Heroes of India" , she continues to touch lives of many through her books and her work. Her picture books for children can be availed free of cost by NGOs or individuals working with Under-privileged children. If you work with under-privileged children, you can drop an email at Picturebooktree (AT) GMAIL (DOT) COM to receive your free copy.



Praise for the Book

"Such a lovely story that brings back the meaning of Christmas, one that many will want to read." 

"Parents/teachers will enjoy reading this story to their children. The children will be full of questions and want to discuss Santa's surprise."

"Artwork "pops" off the pages pleasantly and storyline has a great message. A fine addition to any Christmas collection and it is a children's book that I would recommend!"


50_Amazon_PaypalBook Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 1/4/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, December 19, 2014

Deja Vu Blogfest - Character Interview - FREE eBook


As both a writer and a reader, one of my favorite author features is a character interview. I love learning more about the characters in the books I read. Today I'm featuring a character interview by two characters from my novel, Tortured Souls. Kacie Ramsey is the main character. She is interviewing Logan Finley, her romantic interest and all around great guy. This interview first appeared in August as a "Characters Welcome" feature.

On a side note, Tortured Souls is still FREE on Amazon through the end of today (12/19/14). Be sure to get your copy before it's too late!


Kacie Ramsey's Interview of Logan Finley

Hi! My name is Kacie Ramsey. Kimber Leigh told my story in Tortured Souls. Since I was kind of the star in that book, I'd like to introduce you to my boyfriend, Logan Finley. He's my rock in Tortured Souls and in life (lately anyway). As I become more involved with the Orion Circle, he keeps me from becoming completely lost. He's also responsible for my training.

See, the Orion Circle is more than just ghost hunts. I'm learning Tae Kwon Do on a rather intense schedule—one year to black belt. Crazy, huh! Weapons training is also a must. Wooden stakes are so 1700's. I chose silver daggers. They work on vampires and werewolves. Yep the myths are true, werewolves are weak against silver. With vampires, destroy the heart or separate the head from the body and they're toast. A sharp dagger works better than a wooden stake—though I've only practiced on a dummy.

K: Thanks for agreeing to the interview, Logan.
L: Anything for you, Kacie.

K: You're a physical medium like me. Tell our audience what that is, exactly.
L: On the most basic level, I can see, hear, and communicate with ghosts.

K: What do the ghosts look like?
L: Well that depends on how powerful the spirit is, and how they wish to be perceived. The newly dead tend to appear in their death state, as a translucent image. I think it takes a while for a ghost to realize that they're capable of changing their appearance. Residual spirit energy normally appears as wispy, silver images. Every once in a while I come across a spirit powerful enough to manifest so thoroughly that they appear human.

K: How old were you when you saw your first ghost?
L: I don't remember, but my mom said I was babbling at the spirits when I was still a baby.

K: Your mom and dad are both clairvoyant as well. What are their abilities?
L: My mom is a sensitive, which means she can feel energy and emotions around her. Even if she can't see a spirit, she can feel its presence through the energy. She's also a Wiccan high-priestess descended from a long line of witches. Mom has a natural affinity with plants. They speak to her, and she instinctively knows how to mix the most amazing potions. My dad is a physical medium and prolific author.

K: You have another psychic ability you tend to keep a secret. Will you share?
L: As you know, I'm nowhere near as strong a physical medium as you are, Kacie. I believe it's because I possess a second ability that pulls on my energy. I have little control over this ability, which I find infinitely annoying.

K: It's nothing to be ashamed of. I think it's really cool!
L: Fine… I'm a diviner. I have visions of the future, sometimes just by brushing up against someone. I never know when it's going to happen. Not to mention, the visions aren't always clear. Remember when I had that one about you when we were at The King's Ransom Inn. I knew you were in trouble but had no clue why or how to help. I hate feeling helpless.

K: You have an awesome car— a Mustang Shelby GT500 that sports an equally impressive price sticker. Tell us how you managed to snag that car.
L: I tell fortunes…

K: What was that? I couldn't hear you.
L: I read Tarot cards for the rich and famous. My client list is secret, so don't bother asking.

K: Are your predictions accurate?
L: Yes… almost always. I seem to be skilled at channeling my divining ability through Tarot cards.

K: Will you do a reading for me?
L: What, now??

K: Yep.
L: Fine. But with your ability to attract trouble, I don't know if this is a good idea. Do you have a deck… of course you do. Okay, normally I use a Celtic Cross layout, but I want to make this quick, so we'll use the 3-2-1 spread. I'm going to shuffle these nine times, then you'll pick six.

K: Okay, now what?
L: The three cards at the top set the scene, where you are now. So this is all normal… you're content with the present, but feeling anxious about the future. There is also a hint of indecision.

K: So that's good?
L: Does it sound like you right now?

K: It sounds like everyone at our high school, Logan.
L: Hmm. These next two cards represent the near future—where you're heading. This isn't as good. I see strife and hard work. Looks like we'll snag a case soon.

K: Par for the course. Next?
L: This last card is the projected outcome of the middle two cards. And this is… fine. The Tower card is perfectly fine.

K: You don't look like you think it's perfectly fine. What's wrong Logan?
L: You're going to start practicing your daggers an extra two days per week.

K: But that'll make it five days a week! When will I find the time?
L: You're also going to start training with Blake using regular steel daggers.

K: Logan, what did you see? You're scaring me! Why Blake?
L: He's a werewolf, and you need to learn to fight one. You need to get used to the speed… they move pretty fast in human form too.

K: Calm down! This Tarot card thing was a bad idea.
L: No it was a very good idea. I should've known with the fourth anniversary coming up.

K: Fourth anniversary of what? Logan, where are you going?
L: To talk to Blake and set up your training.

K: Logan it's just a Tower on the card. How bad could that be? Logan? It isn't even upside down. I thought upside down was bad…

Well, uh, thanks for joining me for the interview of Logan Finley. I guess it's over now since he just ran from the room. It looks like there's going to be excitement for the Orion Circle on the horizon. But werewolves… why did it have to be werewolves?


Thursday, December 18, 2014

The Wanderer's Children by L.G. O'Connor - Character Interview

Hi, everyone! Welcome to my stop on The Wanderer's Children blog tour, hosted by TLC Book Tours. The Wanderer's Children is the second book in The Angelorum Twelve Chronicles by L.G. O'Connor.

I'm excited to share an interview with character Michael Swift. Enjoy!!


The Wanderer's Children
The Angelorum Twelve Chronicles #2

L.G. O'Connor

Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
December 16, 2014
Collins-Young Publishing


Synopsis from Goodreads:

The Wanderer’s mission three decades ago: secretly sire children to hide his bloodline, and protect them until their destinies can unite in the final battle between good and evil. That time has come...

Cara Collins, the First of the Holy Twelve, longs for one last peaceful weekend with her bridesmaids as she plans her wedding to Simon Young, her former Trinity Guardian, before duty calls with the Angelorum to gather the Twelve and prepare them for battle. Life, as she knew it, has changed; weird is Cara’s new normal. Her newly acquired Nephilim DNA is wreaking havoc on her and those closest to her as her body transforms into Amazonian proportions and an overabundance of pheromones threatens to land her in hot water with Simon—not to mention a sudden suspicious outbreak of “insta-love” among her friends.

Michael Swift, Cara’s Trinity Messenger, has spent months running from his attraction to Cara’s brazen best friend Sienna, the only woman who has ever skirted his considerable defenses. But if he wants a future with her, he must confront his tormented past head on, or risk losing her and destroying the future of the Angelorum.

As dark forces and outside threats gather, Cara has more to worry about than fitting into her wedding dress and playing Cupid to her friends. A second encounter with rocker Brett King shows Cara once again that there are no coincidences. One of the Wanderer’s children, Brett and his secret siblings are the key to gathering the rest of the Twelve.

When the newly forming team finally comes together, an unexpected revelation shakes them to their core. They must all look deeper into their souls as new secrets come to light to discover what's really at stake in the final battle between good and evil…if betrayal and Lucifer don’t rip them apart first.


Interview with Character Michael Swift

I’m so thrilled to have adult contemporary fantasy / paranormal romance author, L.G. O’Connor, here today my blog. The Wanderer’s Children, the second book in her four-book series, The Angelorum Twelve Chronicles, launched this Tuesday, December 16th. Or is it a five-book series? I guess it is if you count the prequel novella that comes out this spring. Congratulations on your launch, L.G., and welcome!

[LG] Thanks for having us, Kimber! I’m here today with one of the leading men from the A12 series, Michael Swift. (Michael coughs into his fist to hide his blush) Rather than me doing the talking today, I’ll hand it over to Michael.

[Michael] Thanks, L.G. Kimber, glad to be here. (shy smile, shifts on his stool)

[Kimber] It’s good to have you guys. To start, Michael, why don’t you tell us a bit about where you’re from…

[Michael] I was born in Chicago, but moved to Brooklyn, New York in high school. New York is home for me now. I’ve stayed in Park Slope.

[Kimber] Why don’t you tell us a little about The Wanderer’s Children?

[Michael] Well, the A12 Chronicles are really one story told in four parts. The story starts with Trinity Stones, when my friend and the Soul Seeker in my Trinity, Cara Collins, turns twenty-seven and inherits $50 million. But the inheritance is just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak, as Cara learns the truth. She’s been chosen to lead the final battle between the Lucifer and his minions and the Angelorum in defense of mankind. She won’t find out why she’s inherited the money until the end of the series. Kudos to L.G., you can jump right into the second book without reading the first if you don’t mind a few spoilers. (chuckles) If you read the first book after the second, you can see all the hints L.G. left out like Handsel & Gretel breadcrumbs.

In the second book, the Wanderer’s Children, we find out that someone chosen by the Angelorum had secretly sired children to hide the bloodline, and those children are part of the Twelve. One of them is rock star, Brett King. Great guy. He’s a bit blown away when he finds out. Then again, we all were. We all had normal lives before this… Cara had a chance encounter with him in the last book. (Michael glances at L.G.) Which I guess wasn’t so ‘chance’ after all.

[L.G.] (shrugs and smiles cryptically) There are no coincidences, remember?

[Michael] We finally meet Lucifer in this installment. He and two his Lieutenants, Achanelech and Escher Grant, take the next step in their big plan to thwart us. And then there’s all the hooking up. (shakes his head and sniffs) Cara’s like a walking Cupid.

[Kimber] Yeah, I hear that things heat up between you and Cara’s best friend Sienna in this part. What did you think the first time you met her?

[Michael] (laughs) I wanted to throttle her within about 3o seconds. Let’s just say that we had a hate-hate relationship from the moment we laid eyes on each other.

[Kimber] What was your second thought?

[Michael] The same but worse.

[Kimber] So it wasn’t love at first sight then. When did it all change for you?

[Michael] (gives her a royal-blue eyed stare and winks) You’ll have to read Trinity Stones to find out.

[Kimber] What do you like most about her?

[Michael] She can come off a little strong and intimidating when you first meet her, but that’s just how she protects herself. But now, I see that vulnerable side of her, and I understand why she’s Cara’s best friend. She’s got a generous heart. She’s smart, sexy, and she puts up with me (gives her a crooked smile). She can be pretty impulsive too sometimes, but that works for me probably as much as it works against me.

[Kimber] How would she describe you?

[Michael] (rests his elbows on his thighs) Ha! Yeah. Depends. When we first met, she thought I had a major stick up my…ahembutt. She wouldn’t say that any more though. I think she’d say that I was a good partner, and that she appreciates my opinions, especially in business. She’s a fashion designer for Nico Alda and I used to model. I have a pretty decent eye for design, so she’s been consulting with me on her current collection.

[Kimber] What made you choose to own a dojo and to be a martial arts instructor? And to be a male model before that?

[Michael] (shrugs) I started modeling when I was sixteen. It was the best way to make good cash in high school and on breaks from college. But I’ve studied martial arts since I was really young. (wrings his hands nervously and averts his eyes) I knew it’s what I had to do with my life. Teach people how to defend themselves…

[Kimber] What’s your biggest fear?

[Michael] Not going there, Kimber.

[Kimber] Okay, got it. How do you relax?

[Michael] Sparring with Simon, Cara’s fiancé and my former Trinity Guardian. It’s a great way for me to let off steam. That and… well, the other one involves Sienna (winks).

[Kimber] What’s the best piece of advice you ever received and from whom?

[Michael] (nods, clenches jaw, and says quietly) Find forgiveness somewhere in your heart to let go of the past. It’s the only way you’ll ever be able to move on. My father told me that… after he died. (L.G. squeezes Michael’s hand, and give’s Kimber the high sign)

Well, that’s a wrap. L.G., Michael, thanks for stopping by today! Check out L.G.’s links below, connect with her on Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, or her blog “Creating the WRITE Reality”. To buy her books, check out the links below!

L.G. is running a $1.49 launch sale on Smashwords (all eBook formats available) now through 1/1/15 for The Wanderer’s Children. Use Coupon code: RN38C at checkout.

Until next time…

About the Author

L.G. O’Connor is a member of the Romance Writers of America. A corporate strategy and marketing executive for a Fortune 250 company, she writes adult urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and contemporary romance. She is currently working on the third book in the Angelorum Twelve Chronicles, Book of Four Rings, for publication in 2015. In addition, she is writing an adult contemporary romance series set in Morristown, New Jersey. L.G. lives a life of adventure, navigating her way through dog toys and soccer balls and loaning herself out for the occasional decorating project. When she’s feeling particularly brave, she enters the kitchen . . .

Find & Follow L.G. O’Connor Online:

Purchase TRINITY STONES:  Indiebound | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple iTunes | Amazon |www.TrinityStones.com
Purchase The WANDERER'S CHILDREN: Edelweiss | SmashwordsAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple iTunes | www.WanderersChildren.com