Saturday, October 25, 2014

Book Blitz: The Gateway Trilogy by Christina Garner - Excerpt & Giveaway




Release Date: 06/2014

Summary from Goodreads:
Ember has always known she doesn’t belong in this world. But when she tries to correct the mistake, she wakes to find herself in a mental institution.

She’s soon drawn to Taren, the mysterious boy with hazel eyes. He’s not what he seems, but what is he?

When chaos erupts, they are forced to flee the institution together, and the secret that Taren has been keeping brings Ember closer to understanding her own. And leads her to… the Gateway.


Buy Links:
Amazon (on sale for $.99)



Release Date: August 2014

Summary from Goodreads:

**Description Contains Book 1 Spoilers**

Two months have passed since Ember Lyons nearly died killing the powerful Root Demon threatening the Los Angeles Gateway. Physically healed, images of the day still haunt her and she can no longer access the power she once wielded. She can't talk about it with anyone at The Institute--not even her handsome, demon-hunting boyfriend, Taren. Besides there are bigger things to worry about: Gateways around the world are weakening, Keepers' Marks are fading, escaped lesser demons are populating Los Angeles, and it looks like the Root Demon wasn't alone.

When the Institute sends Ember and a team to Europe, she hopes to find answers and security on the journey, but another attempt on her life reminds her she's never really safe.

Then she's thrust together with the mysterious Alexander. Ember can't be sure if this charismatic man is her most formidable enemy or greatest ally. Either way, she needs him, because he's the only one who can bring her to... the Chasm.
Buy Links:
Amazon (on sale for $2.99)


Tether (The Gateway Trilogy Book 3)
Release Date: 09/23/14

Summary from Goodreads:
**Description Contains Book 2 Spoilers**

Ember was only trying to keep a promise when she jumped into the demon world. But instead of saving Cole and his people, she found herself just as trapped as they are. She lives and learns with the Daemon survivors while the demon threat grows every day.

Meanwhile Taren struggles with his guilt for not stopping Ember. He’s desperate to know she’s alive, but there's been no sign of her except in his own vivid dreams.

As they struggle to reconnect, the Gateways around the world weaken, and the demons begin to amass for war. The end is near and Ember must face her fears if she has any hope of saving the world – or herself.

With everything falling apart, her only hope is to find...her Tether.




Buy Links:
Amazon

Excerpt from Book Two

My heart skipped a beat. It was my birthday. And I had a boyfriend. A super-sexy almost super-hero like boyfriend. This birthday ruled. 
One last look in the mirror and I bounded down the stairs, slowing when I reached the bottom so I could project some semblance of cool as I walked toward the common room. 
I found Taren chatting with Callie.
“Wow,” he said, his hazel eyes widening and his jaw on the verge of dropping.
I blushed furiously and looked down. I’d tried too hard.
“You look...” he walked over to me and took my hand.
“Maybe a little overdone for a picnic?” I said. I should offer to go change; this was ridiculous. 
He smiled that semi-crooked smile of his and said, “Breathtaking.”
He gave me the lightest of kisses.
“Well, I’ll let you two get to your picnic,” Callie said with a mischievous grin.
“What was that about?” I asked. 
“She thinks you’re going to approve of your birthday surprise,” he said. Now he was grinning!
“Well, don’t keep me in suspense,” I said. “What is it?”
I readied myself to react with great enthusiasm when he told me we were going for a walk before my mom got here and we all ate lunch in the cafeteria. 
“Wait, what?” I was so busy mentally preparing I was sure I’d misheard him.
“A day pass,” he said again. “Or, part of a day, anyway. Long enough to get lunch at your favorite Indian restaurant.
Now my jaw dropped. “No freaking way,” I said.
“What can I say?” he said, putting a hand on my waist and pulling me closer. “I’m good.”
“You are,” I said, my grin nearly splitting my face. “You are so good.”
I threw my arms around him and squeezed him tight. “That is so the best gift you could have gotten me.”
Taren took my hand and led me out the front door. Before I was fully aware what was happening, we were walking down the path that led toward the parking area. My mind cycled through a litany of thoughts. 
Are you crazy? It’s all well and good to wish you could leave the Institute, but there are Dahrak demons out there. 
But it’s been months! And Indian food! And Taren went to so much trouble... 
And Reds will go to a lot of trouble— 
They’ll be guards everywhere— 
“You OK?” Taren said, interrupting my stream of thoughts.
“Yeah,” I said, squeezing his hand. “Just excited. And maybe a little nervous. It’s been awhile since I’ve been out in the real world.”
“Trust me,” he said, “up here is as real as it gets. Down there, all they’re concerned with is Botox and carbs. Besides, I’m here. And as long as I’m here, nothing bad gets near you.”
He put his arm around me and squeezed my shoulder, which pretty much settled things as far as I was concerned. I smiled and leaned into Taren as we made our way toward the edge of the Sanctuary. This was going to be my best birthday yet. 



About the Author
Christina Garner began writing stories at the age of six. Her first–about a young girl who busted up a nefarious ring of furniture thieves–was a huge hit with her mother. At eighteen, her aspirations as an actor had her loading up her Buick and setting off for Hollywood. Since then, she has written and directed 10 short films, including Rewind and Reminder, both of which received acclaim on the festival circuit. In 2006, she began writing screenplays. A year later, she even got paid for one. In May of 2011, her debut novel, Gateway, became an Amazon Bestseller. Chasm, Book 2 in The Gateway Trilogy, did the same.

When she’s not writing novels, Christina spends her time working in the movie business, traveling, watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer reruns, and playing with her dog, Griffin.


Author Links:
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Friday, October 24, 2014

Release Blitz: Beyond the Divide by Skye Callahan - Excerpt

Now Available!

Beyond the Divide (Fractured Legacy #2)

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Despite unanswered questions about the nameless entity that tried to steal her life, Kaylyn returns to the only kind of normal life she knows and takes on a new paranormal case. After investing everything they have in a farm, an unsuspecting family discovers that their problems run much deeper than the poor upkeep of the house and land. Can Kaylyn and the other investigators uncover what's behind the growing malicious activity? And how will they all deal with new warnings from beyond the divide?
Purchase Links: Amazon US, UK, CA, AU | Nook | Kobo | iTunes

Excerpt

Just as her weary eyes began to drift closed again, a shadow in the corner caught her attention. She squeezed her eyes closed for a moment, expecting whatever it was to disappear, but when she opened them again, the shadowed figure stepped forward into the light of the descending full moon.

She recognized the strawberry-blond woman from pictures and vaguely from her own dreams—Ida Troyer. Ida’s hands were clasped in front of her body, which appeared even more slender and frail in the dim lighting.

Kaylyn had a strong feeling Ida had played a large role in their overcoming the spirit attached to the Teague Hotel. A lot of the details were still jumbled in Kaylyn’s mind—a logical result when multiple entities are trying to gain control of your body, she figured. “Isn’t it, you know, frowned upon to stalk your son’s employee while she’s sleeping?” 

“I’m merely checking on you, Sweetie.”

“Mmh,” Kaylyn grunted and readjusted her blankets. Even spirits had to realize it was rude to check up on anyone before coffee. Since Jonah’s father had put in some kind of spirit ward on the house—the details of which Kaylyn wasn’t privy to, she was convinced she was still dreaming. Kaylyn waited for it to shift her to a new location as it had before—expecting, at any second, to see the walls of the abandoned hotel appear around her again.

But the walls of her new bedroom remained solid, and the apparition moved a step closer.

“It was you in the hotel, wasn’t it?” Kaylyn asked.

“Partially. I helped you direct the power to your mother so she could protect you while Jonah figured out how to break your bond with the entity.” Ida’s light Irish accent rolled through the room with a lulling effect. Jonah, not surprisingly, did not share his mother’s accent, and Kaylyn thought for a moment that it was a pity. Instead, his fluctuated between a thick Minnesota accent with hints of his time spent in Alberta and Paris.

“So, it is broken?” Kaylyn asked, looking for any form of confirmation that the evil entity wouldn’t be seeking her out again, leaving a trail of burned rooms, and missing bodies in its wake. Even if that confirmation came from a dream.

Ida remained silent for a few moments. “I need a favor,” she finally said.

Ida’s obvious refusal to answer the question was disconcerting. “Favor?”

Ida’s head turned slowly as her gaze swept around the room, she was in no hurry for whatever she’d come for.

Kaylyn knotted her fingers beneath the blanket, waiting to be swept into a nightmare, waiting for the apparition to ask for some kind of impossible feat. 

“Watch out for Jonah,” Ida said in a whispered plea.

The simple request didn’t bring relief, only more questions. “He’s my boss; I think it’s implied in the job description.” Not to mention she felt her debt to him burrowed into her core—where it was reluctant to give her any peace. Most of her injuries were healing, but they were still sore enough to bring back flashes of that night with every movement. There was a small cut on her left hand where Jonah had released her blood to break the bond with the entity and a burn on her right palm where Jonah’s protective necklace had seared into her skin as she channeled power from beyond the living world.

But she’d gotten off lucky. Jonah had a matching burn on his left palm and three fractured ribs from protecting her from flying debris. And her sister, Cole, although physically okay, was now dealing with the loss of her fiancé’s brother.

“Remember,” Ida said, interrupting Kaylyn’s thoughts, “going forward doesn’t always move you farther from the demons of the past.”



Catch up with the first book--free for a limited time! Fractured Legacy

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Kaylyn Anderson’s fascination with abandoned places and dark creatures kindled her work as a paranormal investigator. But when dreams begin to distort reality, she questions what is real and pulls away from everyone she trusts. The opportunity to investigate the Teague Hotel–a long-abandoned landmark that has always piqued her curiosity–provides a chance to redeem herself. Unraveling the hotel’s secrets won’t be easy, but Kaylyn soon finds herself the target of a dark entity that has been trapped in the building for decades. If Kaylyn stands any hope of defeating the spirit, she’ll have to accept that her fears are real and convince fellow investigators that she hasn’t lost her mind. 

Purchase Links: Amazon US, UK, CA, AU | Nook | Kobo | ScribD


About the Author: Skye Callahan

Skye Callahan is an Ohio-girl who has spent a lifetime chained to the imaginary worlds of the characters who live in her head. In elementary school she began writing down these characters' stories to share with her friends and teachers. Although the paranormal was always her area of focus, she has recently followed her interest in BDSM and dark romance to venture into other realms. When she isn't spending time with the voices in her head, she loves spending time with her husband and two ferrets.
Amazon Author page: http://amzn.to/1gVX96i 
Facebook Page: http://on.fb.me/Hmwsrp 
Twitter: http://bit.ly/HchK5M @Skye_Callahan 
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/19NyoTs 

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Release Day Launch: The Collectors' Society by Heather Lyons - Excerpt, Review & Giveaway

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Holy cannoli! It's here!!! We are extremely excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for Heather Lyons' THE COLLECTORS' SOCIETY!! THE COLLECTORS’ SOCIETY is an Adult Romantic Fairy Tale, full of adventure and fantasy. This is Alice as you have never seen her before...

The Collectors' Society front cover
 

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** Kobo ** iTunes

THE COLLECTORS’ SOCIETY Synopsis:
From the author of the Fate series and The Deep End of the Sea comes a fantastical romantic adventure that has Alice tumbling down the strangest rabbit hole yet.
After years in Wonderland, Alice has returned to England as an adult, desperate to reclaim sanity and control over her life. An enigmatic gentleman with an intriguing job offer too tempting to resist changes her plans for a calm existence, though. Soon, she’s whisked to New York and initiated into the Collectors’ Society, a secret organization whose members confirm that famous stories are anything but straightforward and that what she knows about the world is only a fraction of the truth. It’s there she discovers villains are afoot—ones who want to shelve the lives of countless beings. Assigned to work with the mysterious and alluring Finn, Alice and the rest of the Collectors’ Society race against a doomsday clock in order to prevent further destruction . . . but will they make it before all their endings are erased?


Excerpt:

“Do you find my ability to converse lacking, Doctor?”
He chuckles softly, no doubt remembering how I wasn’t chatty with anyone, himself included, for the first month of my stay. To be fair, it is difficult to carry on an invigorating discussion when one is shaking so hard from withdrawals they fear they might shatter into thousands of painful pieces before a single word can be uttered. Plus, there was the whole bit of how once I did open up, I raved liked a lunatic about things no normal person could imagine being true.
“Certainly not,” he says to me. “But as I must stay at the Pleasance and you must go forth into the world, it will do you good to practice on somebody new.”
“Then send in one of the orderlies. Or one of the nurses. I’ll happily chat with a staff member.” One of his bushy, out-of-control eyebrows lifts high into his forehead. “There are people out there who are quite content being solitary,” I point out. “Who do not need to converse with anybody but themselves and their dogs.”
He sets his pen down. “What about cats?” Rigor mortis sets in ever so briefly at this question. “You father said you were quite fond of cats growing up. There was one in particular that you favored. Dinah, was it not?”
“I’m—” I have to clear my throat. “Lately, I wonder if perhaps I’m more of a dog person after all.”

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

The Collectors' Society is a unique romantic fairy tale with an amazing cast of characters, including two of my favorite literary heroes of all time: Alice and Huck Finn. This novel had me from the first page where we meet Alice recovering from her Wonderland visit in an asylum.

What amazes me is just how well Ms. Lyons nailed the voice of Alice. The story is told from her point of view, and I absolutely love her version of Alice. She's smart, spunky, tough, and amusing. Finn is such a swoon-worthy character... it's no wonder Alice can barely resist him. These two together are fantastic.

The plot is fascinating, combining alternate universes with books and time travel. At times it can be a bit confusing. The reader is thrown into this bizarre world with Alice, and we stumble along with her as she learns about the Collectors' Society. There were times when my head was spinning from the influx of information-- I'm somewhat surprised that Alice didn't throw her arms up and march right back to the asylum.

What makes this novel truly intriguing is the cast of characters from different novels. I couldn't wait to find out who we'd meet next. The plot is very fast-paced at the beginning and the end. But there were some places in the middle where it dragged just a tad, and I found myself skimming sections. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel, and I loved the characters.

If you are a fan of classic literary characters and fairy tale romance, then this is one book you do not want to miss.



Author PhotoAbout Heather Lyons: Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.      

Website ** Author Goodreads ** Twitter ** Facebook ** THE COLLECTORS’ SOCIETY Goodreads

Book Blitz: Prisoner by Skye Warren & Annika Martin - Giveaway

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Prisoner
Annika Martin, Skye Warren
Publication date: October 23rd 2014
Genres: New Adult, Romance

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  Synopsis: He seethes with raw power the first time I see him—pure tattooed menace and rippling muscles in shackles. He’s dangerous. He’s wild. He’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. So I hide behind my prim glasses and my book like I always do, because I have secrets, too. Then he shows up in the prison writing class I volunteered to teach and he blows me away with his honesty. He tells me secrets in his stories, and it’s getting harder to hide mine. I shiver when he gets too close, with only the cuffs and the bars and the guards holding him back. At night, I can’t stop thinking about him in his cell. But that’s the thing about an animal in a cage—you never know when he’ll bite. He might use you to escape. He might even pull you into a forest and hold a hand over your mouth, so you can’t call for the cops. He might make you come so hard, you can’t think. And you might crave him more than your next breath.

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About Annika Martin

Annika Martin is a New York Times bestselling author who loves writing stories about criminals – some of her tales are dirty and fun (kinky bank robbers!) others are dark and intense (Prisoner collaboration). She also writes gritty, sexy romantic suspense and urban fantasy as RITA-award winning author Carolyn Crane.


About Skye Warren

Skye Warren is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of dark romantic fiction. Her books are raw, sexual and perversely romantic.
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Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Blog Tour: The Gifted Trilogy by Erin Manbeck - Excerpt, Interview & Giveaway


The Gifted Trilogy
by
Erin Manbeck


Gift of Sight
Gifted Trilogy #1

Amazon  

Feisty, smart mouth Regan thought that breaking up with her boyfriend Sam was going to be the start of her independence.  Instead, she is manipulated and dragged into a world where sharp, sarcastic wit isn't going to save her.  Turning to her Gram for help, the only remaining relative she has, Regan is upset to find out that her grandmother has been keeping family secrets of her own all these years.

With a vengeful goddess using people to try and bring Regan to the Underworld, Gram brings in three Guardians to protect her.  Given the short version of what is expected of her, loaded with a lot of expectations for her future, Regan knows first-hand that life is too short.  She isn't letting anyone make life-altering decisions for her despite finding out that the vengeful goddess has placed a price on her head.

This book will make you laugh, feel connected to the characters, and leave you wanting more.

Warning: Adult language and sexual situations.


Gift of Power
Gifted Trilogy #2


Power equals responsibility.

Despite declaring to those closest to her that she will take her position as Queen, Regan’s first priority is not to rule, but to find her parents.  With Jake at her side, she is determined to learn how to use her new powers and hide from her destiny, as well as the Council, a little while longer.

Unfortunately, someone has been watching and reporting every move Regan makes.  She is disheartened to find out the Council is already eagerly awaiting her arrival in Ireland and have apparently started to plan her future…one that does not include Jake.

Regan must decide just how much she is willing to sacrifice to protect her people from a vengeful goddess, while also weeding out the traitor among them.  In the end, will she have the strength to withstand losing any of them?



Gift of Prophecy
Gifted Trilogy #3


Regan’s arrival in Ireland may have heightened her powers, but it has also given Agrona and her minions more cause to make sure she never makes it to her coronation.  With every attack and the harsh welcome she receives from the council, Regan is more determined than ever to prove why the deities have chosen her to be the Queen.

Although, part of her has accepted that she may have to make the ultimate sacrifice, it isn't until Regan finds herself in the Otherworld being handed over to Agrona that the reality hits her.  Will Jake and her family survive without her?



Excerpt from Gift of Sight

Sam’s response was to hit Regan in the face again, but this time on the opposite side.  “Isn’t it simple, Regan?  I want you and that smart mouth to come with me.”

Through the tears that had started to fall down her face, she replied, “So you plan on beating me into submission?  I don’t work that way you know that.  Besides, what real man hits a girl?”

Regan, SHUT UP!

Is what she thought, but it was too late.  Sam punched the side of her head, which caught both her temple and part of her eye.  She instantly saw stars and could feel the blood trickling down the side of her face.

Damn it!  I think he just split my eye.  He’s got gorilla hands.  How have I never noticed those huge man hands?

Then, like a light had switched on in Sam’s head, he gently started to run his hand down the side of her face.  “I can’t wait for the black eyes to appear on your lovely face.  They will have to temporarily take the place of those dark circles I’d gotten so used to seeing.  What happened to those eyes, Regan?  Your trademark circles seemed to have disappeared over night.  Is it because you slept with that dog?  I expected so much more from you, Sweetie.”

“No, nothing happened, Sam.  Please stop hitting me.  You are wasting your time.  I made my decision.  I don’t want to be with you and I won’t be going back with Gram and the rest of them.  They bound my powers so I can stay here and be normal.  Please just let me go.”

“You’re lying!”





Interview with Erin Manbeck

Tell us about your main character. Who is Regan?
Regan is part of me, except I don’t have powers or the super-hot body, but her character is mostly a version of myself.  She doesn’t let others make decisions for her, she gets out front and makes them, taking charge.  Regan is faithful to her friends and family, and once you are in her circle, you’ve earned her respect and she would do anything for you.  Regan might be young and trying to keep her life simple, but she is destined for so much more.  Despite her ability to butcher common everyday sayings and her easy way of dropping the F bomb often, she is strong, smart, quick witted, and will face the challenges straight on that are forced upon her throughout the trilogy.  She’s never been a crier or very emotional, but you get to see a softer side of her come out as the story progresses.

Are any of your characters inspired by people in your life, past or present?
Pretty much all my characters are based on people I know.  The dialogue that will have you laughing that takes place between Regan, Piper, and Maggie is on the same lines of what I have with my Best Friends Jeni and Keri.  They too wish they had the bodies of their characters, but we all swore if they ever wanted to make this into a movie…we would hire a trainer and maybe get a little work done to look younger.  Okay, I volunteered for the work to be done, but I’m sure they would be on board.
I almost had to take the books away from my mother, who finally got past the language, because she kept asking me if she was Gram in the book.  I had to tell her to keep reading and she would figure out who she was.  When she finally did…she got to keep her books because she was happy.

Do you listen to music while writing? Is so, what music inspired The Gifted Trilogy?
I listen to music all the time.  Either at work or in the car, when I hear a song that makes me think of my writing, I make a note of it.  Here is a link to YouTube where you will find my playlists for all three books.  I made a trailer for the first book and I’m in the process of doing the same for the rest.  I just need to find the time.  I don’t have a specific taste in music…I love it all.  I grew up listening to the oldies in the car with my parents and falling asleep with POP or techno on my headphones as a teen.  Moving to the south, I was introduced to country, which I’m having a bit of an issue with, but if I like a song…I just do.  Jeni and Keri introduce me to a lot of that.  Hard Rock speaks for itself.  Nothing like blasting Disturbed while you’re on a road trip.

How did it feel when you finished writing the trilogy? Was it hard to let go of your characters?
I cried at one point and as I mentioned earlier, I’m not a crier.  My hands were actually shaking when I hit the submit button on Amazon.  It was thrilling, scary, and I felt accomplished.  I was determined to write this book, not realizing it would turn into a trilogy, and couldn’t help the sense of relief when it ended.  The feeling was short lived because I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters and what I could do with them next.  Instead, I decided to start something new and see where that would bring
me.  August 18th a released a YA paranormal suspense called Dreamless.  It is a stand-alone book, but I have already written the prologue for the next book because I’m going to try and turn it into a series.

Who is your favorite character in the trilogy?
My favorite would be Regan because it’s me.  Pretty much all my characters represent real people in my life, so I will choose myself.  I’m not looking to hurt my mother’s feelings when I don’t choose her.  I mean if I didn’t choose her.  I mean her character, Veronica, is my favorite.  Love you, Mom!

Describe your writing routine? What do you have to have nearby in order to get into the zone?
I pretty much have to wait until my son and husband are asleep, and then I grab a Diet Pepsi and my laptop.  My dog Jackpot usually lays at my feet as I sit in my husband’s Philly chair and type away.  All I need to get into my zone is piece and quite.  I tried so many times to write a little while my husband and son were awake, but every time I found myself in a groove, I was interrupted.  I would stop what I was doing to help my five year old and normally tell my husband to Google what he was looking for, but by time I got back to writing, it was like starting all over.  I’m nocturnal, so when I start writing a book I try my best to knock out a chapter a night and get in bed before 1am.  I don’t write every night but the nights I do, that’s how I do it.  I have the worst sleeping habits, but luckily, I work with people who continue to keep the coffee pot filled.

What’s the hardest challenge you face as an author?
Getting the word out about my book is the first.  Then it’s keeping up with my blog, website, Facebook, twitter, and every other social media outlet.  Finally, it’s getting people to write reviews.  So many bloggers are already bogged down with requests, that it’s almost impossible to find someone who has the time to do it.  I did make the mistake of answering a request on a social site from someone who said they would be willing to do a review for me.  I should have done my research first, which I will in the future.  If the person doesn’t read your genre and prefers books on history and such, of course you should expect a bad review.  I felt sort of used, but it’s one of many lessons I’ve learned since I started.  If the review is bad and it is coming from someone who actually prefers the genre I write, I can respect that.  Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, but don’t use me.

What do you do when you’re not writing?
If I’m not working, I’m trying to spend as much time with my family as possible.  I absolutely love to read, so when I finished “Dreamless” it was time to play catch up on the books I missed.  Again, as the rest of the house is asleep, I’m reading.  I’m only a couple books shy from hitting my goal of 50 books read this year and I already have the books selected, so bring it on.

What were your favorite books as a child?
You’re probably going to hate me, but I did not like to read much as a child.  I only read when school book reports were due and it was usually what the teacher chose.  I spent most of my childhood outside, playing soccer usually.  I didn’t start reading for myself until a few years ago and I couldn’t stop.  I love escaping into new worlds and reading about my new book boyfriends.

Is there anything you’d like your readers to know about you or your writing?
Here is something no one else knows.  When I started the second book, Gift of Power, it started out very angry and hateful.  My beta readers were a little surprised by the turn I took.  When I reread what I had, I found myself laughing hysterically.  You see, I had quit smoking at the time I started writing the book and apparently took my frustrations out on my writing.  Not a very smart move at all, double the work in the end because I had to find my happy place once again.

Do you have any advice for new writers just entering the shark infested waters?
Do your research and always have your book edited by someone who is legit.  You want reviewers who enjoy your genre and you want editors who will take the time to do it right.  You can’t take it all on yourself.  Unless you are a grammar Nazi and are perfect, you will never find the mistakes in your own book that are blatantly obvious to others.  I have read my books probably a hundred times and each time I found something new that I forgot, and that was before I handed it over to the editor who then found the other million things I didn’t see.  I suggest you analyze your tolerance of patience before you submit your work, because if you are expecting to be an overnight success and don’t get it, you will want to quit and that’s not the answer.  Keep pushing and find those bloggers who read your genre and offer promotional ads.  They help and it’s a start.  Self-promotion is hard, but there are professionals out there that will help you and they don’t cost as much as you think they do.  It will cost you some money out of your pocket if you’re an independent author, but if you do it right, you will make it up in sales, hopefully.


 About the Author

I’m an author in hiding…I still work full time, but don’t ever look over my shoulder to see what’s on my computer screen.  Chances are you will find me secretly writing.

Besides family and friends, I love to laugh.  It may be at the expense of those I love, but they get me, so I usually don’t offend too much.

Honesty…I can’t help it.  I usually say way I feel, but with a little guidance, I’ve learned to be more tactful.

I’ve worked in plenty of environments (trucking company, correction officer and I was in the military to mention a few) so I guess you can say that’s where my mouth and attitude come from.  Either way, as long as I get my morning cup of coffee people are safe.

The Trilogy is complete and I also have a new stand-alone book called “Dreamless”.  It’s a Paranormal Suspense that’s a bit lighter on the language, but will keep you guessing who the Nightmare really is.


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Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Scared of Things that Go Bump in the Night??


Always on Call
The Orion Circle

With Halloween just around the corner, focus turns to the things that go bump in the night. Many believe that the veil between the physical world and the spirit world is at its thinnest on October 31. I could go on and on about Halloween traditions and how they were designed to confuse the spirits who crossed that veil. Fear has always played an enormous role in human civilization. Sometimes it amazes me that some of the things scaring us now are the same as those which plagued our ancestors centuries ago. It takes nothing more than a quick look through the Orion Circle archives to realize just how similar we are to our forefathers.

The Orion Circle was established in the year 1633 in the British Colonies in the New World. Their original purpose was to hunt down and destroy anything paranormal. Mainstream belief back then was that the paranormal was an affront to God… thou shalt not suffer a witch to live and all that. Most members were prominent Church officials and townsfolk. Back then the main paranormal worry was witchcraft. Anyone with special or odd abilities was under constant surveillance. After the Salem witch trials, the Orion Circle disbandedcompletely disillusioned, having been a major influence in the deaths of innocents.


Then something intriguing happened. Members of the supernatural community picked up the moniker, using it for their own organization. What better way for witches and wizards to hide than behind the banner used to persecute them? As time progressed, so did science and over time, society became ‘enlightened’. Belief in the paranormal faded until it became nothing but a flight of fancy at best, or in more cases, insanity. From the late 1800s through the mid-twentieth century, Orion Circle members spent more time helping people with paranormal abilities escape from insane asylums than any actual investigations. The one exception was the rise of the spiritualist movement which provided a cover for some of the supernaturally afflicted around the turn of the century.

During this time, the USA was expanding at an astronomical rate. Towns cropped up overnight in areas previously devoid of human existence. This drove the supernatural creatures farther away resulting in fewer sightings, which led to eventual myth status for these creatures. The smart ones learned to adapt and flourish in human society. Those unable to pass as human hid in the national parks. I doubt the government realized what an incredible service they provided to the supernatural community with the inception of the national park system.

It wasn’t until the 1960’s that the Orion Circle was finally able to function in the capacity its supernatural founders intended: Investigation into the paranormal. This research continues to this day. Doctors, scientists, and philosophers call the Orion Circle home. They study and ponder the origins of paranormal creatures. What turns someone into a ghost? Why are there so few considering the number of dead people throughout the ages? Are zombies corpses re-animated through voodoo magic? What was the origin of the vampire? The werewolf? —So many questions that lead to more questions.

In order to find time to research the paranormal, Orion Circle officials realized that they needed an army of investigators to provide raw data and to handle the day to day issues. Though they wouldn’t admit it, Scooby Doo, was a major inspiration—a group of teenagers hunting ghosts (well crooks dressed up as ghosts). There were hundreds of talented high school and college students all over the USA, dying for adventure. Add in the mystique of a secret society and the Orion Circle had its warriors.



Today the Orion Circle has chapters in all major universities and many high schools in the larger metropolitan areas. The members usually have supernatural abilities or highly honed technical skills. In Tortured Souls we meet the San Antonio chapter of the Orion Circle. Texas is a hotbed for supernatural activity, keeping these members quite busy. Ghosts, witches (the dark ones, not the nice, normal Wiccans), werewolves, and vampires are all normal investigative fare for the Circle. Many members are avid cryptozoologists, searching the country for supernatural creatures thought to be myth.

So the next time an eerie noise wakes you up in the middle of the night, or you find some strange looking paw prints in your yard, be sure to contact your local chapter of the Orion Circle.