Saturday, March 28, 2015

Bittersweet by Michele Barrow-Belisle - Excerpt & Giveaway


Bittersweet
Faerie Song Trilogy, #2

Michele Barrow-Belisle 

Release Date: 03/24/15

Summary from Goodreads:

To save the Faery world and her mother’s life, Lorelei sacrificed everything, and the dangerous bargain she made in Nevermore had lasting repercussions. Now safely back in her own world, Lorelei seems the same to her highschool friends and her supernatural boyfriend. Yet love across dimensions is complicated, especially when an invisible Veil between the two worlds—the only bridge that links the pair, is sealing, threatening to separate Lorelei and Adrius forever.

Determined to find a solution, Lorelei resorts to using her new found powers. But when her friends succumb to the same mysterious illness that nearly took her mother’s life, Lorelei can’t help but wonder if her own dark magic is responsible. Still, the nightmares from Nevermore continue their icy hold. Someone from Adrius’s past arrives, determined to destroy Lorelei’s world starting with those closest to her, and Lorelei is forced to choose between her family and friends and a love that was ill-fated from the start.


Buy Links:


Excerpt

“One kiss and now you believe you love this creature? Preposterous. I will not have it. She has you hexed. Bewitched from your right mind. That is the only reasonable explanation to account for such impudence. Such lusting can only be derived from dark magic. It seeps from her pores, can you not feel it?” Mab, the Queen of Air and Darkness surveyed me with cold disdain before refocusing her wrath on her son. 
“I would never do that,” I blurted. “I’d never use magic to force someone into loving me.” Venus and I were very different that way.
Mab snarled. “Do not address me unless I have given you permission to do so,” she said. “I am the queen of this court. And you are nothing more than a whelp on the verge of losing her life.” Her cutting glare flicked back to her son. “I cannot allow this. You traipsing across lands following this…” she waved her hand in my direction. “It is madness. I prayed that after you'd taken a taste you would have been satisfied, satiated of such empty hollow carnal delights and moved on to saner tasks. Like serving your mother.”
“You removed me from your court, Mother. I no longer serve you,” Zanthiel replied evenly.
Mab’s voice lowered, and grew sickly sweet. “My darling, it was but to show you your love for me. Your loyalty lies within you still. It merely needed a subtle reminder.”
“By way of banning me from my home, and resigning me to live among thieves, shadows and the dead. It is an odd way of demonstrating motherly love.”
“There are many expectations of you. You cannot fulfill your duty with your mind blinded by your heart. This unhealthy obsession has you transfixed, Zanthiel. Can you not see? She has you immobilized.” Her voice grew louder and the rafters latterly shook. “And to what end?”
She looked at me, but I wasn’t certain she wanted me to answer, so I remained silent. I studied the chains enclosing Zanthiel’s hands and ankles. Could I break them open, dissolve them? What if something went wrong, and I hurt him instead? No, it wasn’t the right time. I glanced over at her statuesque guards, their skin blue from decades of cold. Two of them were studying me with a vile mix of curiosity and hunger. One caught my eye and he ran a bloated tongue across his chaffed lips. My stomach turned over.
“I am hers for as long as she requires my assistance. It has always been that way. Fated by prophecy. You know this to be true, Mother.”
He was having trouble speaking and yet his expression held that same icy glare. By looking at him you’d never know what pain he was in. But I knew him on a deeper level. I was beginning to see through his façade, like a smokescreen of glamour, I saw behind the mask. The fear and loathing and the inexplicable suffering as the iron ate into his flesh like acid.
The queen’s eyes narrowed and grew impossibly colder. “Why have you come? Surely you did not expect a grand and hospitable welcome. What purpose drew you into my court to face imminent death? Do speak now, whelp,” she said with sudden impatience. “And know that if you are caught lying I will cut out your tongue and feed it to the trolls.”
I shuddered, having no doubt she actually would. “We have a… request.”
I glanced at Zanthiel, blood seeping from the iron chains binding his wrists and ankles. I couldn’t let him continue to suffer. The poison would eventually seep into his bloodstream and kill him. Then she'd direct her wrath at me.
I took a tentative step forward, not fully convinced I wouldn’t be cut down where I stood, for being so bold.
But she leaned back against her throne and tapped a broken fingernail impatiently. “You have my full attention. Come out with it. What is this request of which you speak?” 

Book One:
(cover linked to Goodreads)

Buy Links:

About the Author
Michele Barrow-Belisle is chocoholic author and artist living in southern Ontario, Canada with her super-sweet husband, brilliant son and a ridiculously affectionate cat. Often told by teachers to stop dreaming and get her head out of the clouds, Michele still spends much of her time lost in make-believe worlds, populated with fascinating and occasionally terrifying characters. Her passion for fantasy extends beyond her writing into her clay figure sculpt-ing, creating miniaturized replicas of the paranormal beings she writes about. Michele is as passionate about reading as she is about writing. When she’s not reading or writing, she can be found sculpting tiny fairy desserts in polymer clay. She also loves mocha lattes and watching fireflies at twilight. Did we mention she loves chocolate?

Author Links:
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Friday, March 27, 2015

Breath of Scandal by Sandra Brown - Review & Giveaway



Breath of Scandal

Sandra Brown

Suspense/Thriller
Grand Central Publishing
February 26, 2013

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes | Goodreads


On a rainy Southern night, Jade Sperry endured a young woman’s worst nightmare at the hands of three local hell-raisers. Robbed of her youthful ideals and at the center of scandal and tragedy, Jade ran as far and as fast as she could. But she never forgot the sleepy “company town” where every man, woman, and child was dependent on one wealthy family. And she never forgot their spoiled son, who with his two friends changed her life forever. Someday, somehow, she’d return . . . exacting a just revenge, freeing herself from her enemies’ grasp, and, perhaps, fulfilling a lost promise of love.


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

Breath of Scandal is one heck of a gut-wrenching story. Definitely not one you want to take on vacation or to the local pool. Also be sure to have tissues on hand-- if you're anything like me, you'll need them. Thank goodness this story had an uplifting side to it, because after reading about what happened to Jade in Palmetto, it was sorely needed.

Jade was an amazing character. After her rape by three well-to-do local boys, she was shunned, disbelieved, and left pregnant. Yep, basically run out of town. She made a promise to herself that one day, those responsible would pay. After becoming a successful business woman, she decided to hit those responsible financially.

I really liked the characters, both the protags and the villains. Those good-old-boys in Palmetto made my blood boil. The scenes between Jade and romantic interest Dillon were hot and spicy-- I really enjoyed them because Jade was finally finding happiness with a man. Fast-paced and full of intrigue, the novel was really hard to put down.

My only caveat: I wasn't kidding when I said the story was gut-wrenching. I really felt for Jade, which is a testament to great character development. But it made me heart-sick at times, and I could see some readers finding the subject matter disturbing.

About the Author

Sandra Brown is the author of more than sixty New York Times bestsellers, including DEADLINE(2013), LOW PRESSURE (2012), LETHAL (2011), TOUGH CUSTOMER (2010), SMASH CUT (2009), SMOKE SCREEN (2008), PLAY DIRTY (2007), RICOCHET (2006), CHILL FACTOR (2005), WHITE HOT (2004), & HELLO, DARKNESS (2003).

Brown began her writing career in 1981 and since then has published over seventy novels, bringing the number of copies of her books in print worldwide to upwards of eighty million. Her work has been translated into over thirty languages.

A lifelong Texan, Sandra Brown was born in Waco, grew up in Fort Worth and attended Texas Christian University, majoring in English. Before embarking on her writing career, she worked as a model at the Dallas Apparel Mart, and in television, including weathercasting for WFAA-TV in Dallas, and feature reporting on the nationally syndicated program “PM Magazine.”

In 2009 Brown detoured from her thrillers to write, Rainwater, a much acclaimed, powerfully moving story about honor and sacrifice during the Great Depression.

Brown recently was given an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Christian University. She was named Thriller Master for 2008, the top award given by the International Thriller Writer’s Association. Other awards and commendations include the 2007 Texas Medal of Arts Award for Literature and the Romance Writers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Author links:

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Thursday, March 26, 2015

Colorado Shifter Series by Kristen Strassel


We'd love for you to join us in celebrating the COLORADO SHIFTER Series by Kristen Strassel!


LION and the DOE
Colorado Shifters #1

Kristen Strassel

Adult Paranormal Romance/Shifters

Lion and the Doe

She’s not ready to let fate decide her mate…

For centuries, weredeer in the Colorado Mountains have met their fated partner during The Mate. They shift the autumn they’re ready to produce offspring, and spend the rest of their lives with their mate, for better or worse. 

But Daphne wants to be able to choose her own fate. In a town overrun by hunters and woods full of predators, it’s dangerous enough to be a weredeer. Yet, living in an arranged marriage seems even riskier. 

His instinct is to kill her, but he let himself get too close… 

Mountain Lions toy with their prey before killing it. Deer are their main target, and Woodland Park is ripe with choices during The Mate. Leo never expects his prey to shift to a beautiful human girl when he captures her, especially not one he’s had his eye on for a while. He can’t bring himself to hurt her, instead, he drives her wild with pleasure. But he knows he’s not her mate. 

When the lions of the mountain learn that Leo is falling for a doe, he’s forced to reveal his true nature to Daphne. Now that she knows she’s fallen for a predator, can she force herself to leave him, or will she listen to her heart and stay with Leo?




DOE and the HUNTER
Colorado Shifters #2

Kristen Strassel

Adult Paranormal Romance/Shifters

Doe and the Hunter

Chloe wants to believe in fairy tales…. 

The does in the herd have shunned The Mate, thinking of it as little more than an arranged marriage. But Chloe thinks the idea of being fated to someone forever is romantic. So excited about The Mate, Chloe can’t wait until the night of the ceremony, and heads out in the forest in search of her mate.
Cane’s tired of running…. 

Everything in his life has ended badly, and there was only one place left that felt like the right place to go: his family’s cabin outside of Colorado Springs. Cane had been dreaming of the forest, and something much more primal that was begging to be let out. 

When Cane aims his rifle at a doe in the forest, he has no idea she’s exactly what he’s been looking for.

A standalone story. Mature content.





COUGAR and the LION
Colorado Shifters #3

Kristen Strassel

Adult Paranormal Romance/Shifters
Goodreads
Amazon

Cougar and the Lion

Arielle Owens is forty, curvy, and looking for a change. As the only werecougar in the pride who has yet to find her mate, she feels more and more distant from her pride, and worst of all—her cougar nature. When Ari's sister buys her a personal training package for her birthday, she'll do just about anything to get out of it, but when she meets her new trainer, suddenly fitness doesn't seem so daunting.

Ten years ago Dylan Wylde was a weak and afraid werelion when he left Woodland Park. Now he's returned to work as a personal trainer, but he's also got something to prove to his estranged twin brother, Leo, the traitor who mated with a doe. When Dylan's first client at the gym turns out to be a werecougar, he makes it his mission to help her rediscover the untamed shifter inside her, but soon finds himself crossing a line that could have consequences for them both.

Rules have been broken. Traditions ignored. And when the mate is forever, no challenge can ever be ignored.




About the Author:

Kristen shares a birthday with Steven Tyler and Diana Ross. She spends each day striving to be half as fabulous as they are. She’s worn many hats, none as flattering as her cowboy hat: banker, retail manager, fledgling web designer, world’s worst cocktail waitress, panty slinger, now makeup artist and author. She loves sunshine, live music, the middle of nowhere, and finding new things to put in her house. 

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Snake in the Grass by M.E. Sutton - Excerpt & Character Interview



Snake in the Grass
Hero's Sword Vol. 4

M.E. Sutton

Middle Grade Fantasy Adventure
March 2, 2015

Amazon | Goodreads

Things are getting interesting at Tanner Middle School. The only official candidate for student council president is Jaycee’s nemesis, Trina Poppelman. Plus there’s a new girl in school. At first glance, she looks like she’d fit right in with the cheerleaders, but Jaycee senses something different about her.

Things are getting interesting in Mallory, too. Lady Starla is expecting an Imperial envoy to discuss new taxes. She plans to oppose the measure and asks Lyla to stand by her side in a show of support. However, when the envoy goes missing, the situation becomes a lot more serious than a proposed tax increase.

In this fourth installment of the Hero’s Sword series, Lyla and Roger hit the road to find a missing envoy before Starla pays the ultimate price for his disappearance. Along the way, Jaycee learns that winning isn’t always the end-game result.

Character Interview

Character: Roger Woodbridge

Tell us a little about yourself

Certainly. My name is Roger Woodbridge. I am the chief steward on the estate of Mallory. That means I handle the day-to-day affairs of the estate, making sure the staff of the manor do their jobs, handling minor problems--small things that don't require Lady Caval's attention. I also act as a kind of mentor, if you will, to Lyla Stormbringer. She is a fine young woman, but she has much to learn about herself.

What's the biggest challenge for you?

I suppose balancing the needs of the estate with the needs of the people. Sometimes they are the same. But often while it might be more convenient to sweep things aside and focus on what is best for Mallory's position in the Empire, that doesn't always translate into what is best for people. Truth is often inconvenient, but is usually the best course of action. Add to that the fact that Lyla needs my guidance. As I said before, she's a fine young woman. But she is often hesitant. She needs someone to encourage and support her. I guess that person is me.

You lost your own daughter when she was young. How does that affect your relationship with Lyla?

There is no doubt Lyla is a, well, surrogate daughter to me. I wish for her all the things I would want for my own child: success, confidence, happiness. I think it deepens the relationship a steward has with a hero. Other stewards can just send their heroes on a quest and leave them alone. But I want to help Lyla--and protect her, I guess. At least as much as I can. I think she appreciates the efforts. Or at least I hope she does. She appears to be fond of me, as well.

Tell us something about yourself that we don't necessarily know.

I like working with wood, carving things. It helps me relax.

What is your goal in the story?

To protect Mallory and Lady Caval, first and foremost. This is my home. I have served the Caval family for years, as did my father before me. I have a great amount of loyalty to the family, perhaps more even than to the Empire as a whole (after all, I don't know the Emperor personally). Second, to shepherd Lyla on her quest--and I don't just mean the problem at hand, although that's important, too.

What can we expect from the story?

Adventure, of course. Danger. But also loyalty and truth. And the lesson that it is important to know who you are--and stay true to that person. 

Excerpt

     An hour later, our Imperial guest had still not arrived. We’d all just been picking at the food, excellent though it was. I threw aside my napkin and stood. “Well, it’s time. If I may borrow a horse, my lady, I’ll set out immediately.”
     “You will do no such thing,” Roger said, also standing. “You may have to ride for several hours on the High Road, and it will be dark by then. No one, no matter who she is, should be traveling alone at night. I will go with you. Give me a few minutes, and I will also round up some men to accompany us on the search. My lady.” He laid a hand on Starla’s shoulder and hurried out of the dining room, beckoning me to follow.
     “Where do you think he went?” I followed Roger to the courtyard, where he waved to a passing servant.
     “I don’t know, but I’m worried. Look, a storm is rolling in.” He pointed to a massive gray cloud bank that was darkening the sky. “I need six men, armed, saddled, and ready to ride, and I need them as fast as possible,” he said to the servant.
     “Get my horse ready. I’ll be right back.” I ran up the manor steps and made a beeline for my room. There was no way I was heading out without my sword and bow. I grabbed them from the corner where I’d left them and made it back to the courtyard in record time.
     Roger had been busy, hustling people along. Six men were mounted, weapons at hand, ready to ride out. Roger held the reins for two more horses. “Are you ready? Good. Let’s get this search—”
     “Whose horse is that?” One of the mounted men pointed toward the road entrance to the courtyard.
      I looked up. A chestnut-colored horse, without a rider, wandered toward us. I could see it was saddled and wore a saddle blanket made of dark cloth with what looked like gold trim. I ran toward it.
     The animal stopped as I grabbed the trailing reins. I wasn’t an expert on horses, but this looked like a well-bred animal, something a noble would ride. The blanket was indeed trimmed in gold and made of dark purple cloth, brushed to the softness of velvet. I recognized the Imperial crest in the corner.
     “Only an official messenger, or a member of the Imperial court, would use a blanket with that crest.” Roger had come up behind me, and he examined the blanket. “This is an expensive saddle and tack, too. I would guess this is our envoy’s horse.”

About the Author


Mary Sutton has been making up stories, and creating her own endings for other people’s stories, for as long as she can remember. After ten years, she decided that making things up was far more satisfying than writing software manuals, and took the jump into fiction.

She writes the HERO’S SWORD middle-grade fantasy series as M.E. Sutton and finds a lot of inspiration in the lives of her own kids. A lifelong mystery fan, she also writes crime fiction, including THE LAUREL HIGHLANDS MYSTERIES, under the pen name Liz Milliron. Her short fiction has been published at Uppagus.com, Mystericale.com (Fall 2013), and in LUCKY CHARMS: 12 CRIME TALES (December 2013).

Links
http://marysuttonauthor.com
https://twitter.com/marysutton73
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMarySutton

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

A Curse Unbroken by Cecy Robson - Review, Excerpt & Giveaway




A Curse Unbroken
Weird Girls #5

Cecy Robson

Urban Fantasy Romance
Loveswept
March 10, 2015

Amazon | Barnes | iTunes | Kobo 
Goodreads Series Link


Fans of Keri Arthur will love the Weird Girls, four sisters cursed with supernatural powers. In Cecy Robson’s latest urban fantasy romance, the search is on for an unholy grail, while evil is licking its wounds—and looking for revenge.

The preternatural world is changing. After a massive magical throwdown tore apart the established order, the dark elements are rebuilding their ranks unopposed. Celia Wird’s world is changing, too. She’s the mate of the pureblood were Aric, and his Warriors are honor-bound to protect her family as she and her sisters recover from unimaginable horrors.

Celia hesitates to reveal the true extent of the Wird sisters’ trauma, but they aren’t the only ones keeping secrets: Aric and the werewolf Elders are tracking a stone that grants limitless power. So is a tough coven of witches. Then Misha, a master vampire with his own plans for the stone, sends Celia after it. Can she and the vamps beat both the weres and the witches to the treasure before it falls into the wrong hands?

Fearing for Celia’s safety, Aric begs her to stay out of the hunt. What they don’t realize is that they’re the ones being hunted. But Celia’s ready to prove that she’s not easy prey.


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

A Curse Unbroken was actually the first book in the series that I read. I know, I know, it's book five. But Ms. Robson did a great job explaining prior events in a way that allowed me to follow the plot. Would I recommend it as a standalone? No. Why? It left me wanting to read books 1-4, so I would recommend just reading the series in order.

Loved the characters! So many intriguing characters with fascinating powers, I just couldn't get enough. Shifters, weres, witches, vampires-- it's a paranormal addict's dream come true. I liked main character Celia. She was tough yet vulnerable, sweet and sassy. Not to mention, the scenes between Celia and Aric were quite steamy!

The novel starts out with a thrilling action sequence that was rather amazing. I enjoyed the interactions between the sisters and am really looking forward to reading the prior books to learn more about them. There was so much going on in this story: lots of action, mystery, intrigue. It kept me turning the pages.

If you like darker urban fantasy, I think you'll enjoy the Weird Girls series. Just start at the beginning rather than the middle like I did :)

Excerpt

     Four more knights charged behind him on horses . . . wild, bucking horses. I only recognized Koda because his midnight hair hung from his helmet.
     Horses clearly weren’t taken by werewolf charm. And it seemed my wolves would never become accomplished equestrians. One by one, the horses flung them from their backs like sock monkeys. They landed against the sand in a loud clash of noise, half groaning, half laughing . . . and failing to see the one horse thundering toward Emme. I dashed toward her as the large animal continued to kick.
     The speed and agility that made me so formidable were hindered by spasms of pain that continued to claim me. While I ducked away from the horse’s legs, and managed to yank Emme from its reach, I couldn’t avoid the smack of its tail.
     The horse’s essence hit me like a thunderbolt and I fell into a violent seizure. The world spiraled around me, and what felt like slivers of glass raked against my skin. I clenched my jaw, trying to hold back my cries and work through the misery of my unplanned change.
     The banging of tin signaled my knight’s approach. “Celia, it’s okay,” Aric said. “I’m here. Just breathe, sweetness. Breathe.”
     It took several long minutes for my convulsions to recede and my torment to end. I rose on four very long and wobbly legs to stare down at my mate. Aric tugged off his helmet and threw it aside, reaching to stroke my face. Fear darkened his features. “Are you all right?” he asked.
     I whinnied to assure him I was fine and nudged him with my nose.
     He swiped at his face. “This is a disaster.”
     Gemini took a step forward. “Aric, just ask her,” he said quietly.
     My sisters and friends gathered around us. Aric let his hand fall to his side and slowly fell to his knee. For a moment, he simply stared. But when he spoke, I could sense his devotion in every word. “Celia, you have been my princess since the first time I saw you. Now, I’d like you to be my queen for the rest of our lives. Will you marry me?”
     My vision blurred as giant tears leaked from my eyes and rolled down my long fuzzy face.
     “Scratch once for yes, twice for no!” Bren yelled.
     I thought I’d always be ready to hear those words. And there I was, a damn horse. So instead of allowing this moment to be robbed from me, I closed my eyes and took in everything that was Aric—his scent, warmth, love, and all that had brought us together. Someone threw the quilt around me as I felt my body shrink and my bare feet slide along the sandy beach.
     For the first time, I managed to reclaim my human form following an accidental change, and I welcomed it for everything it allowed. Aric tucked the quilt around my naked skin and drew me to him, waiting patiently for me to answer. The lump in my throat tightened. After all the times I’d thought I’d lost him, was this really happening?
     It took the soft graze of his knuckles against my cheek to assure me this was more than a dream. My body trembled and so did my voice. “Yes,” I managed.

About the Author

Cecy Robson is the New Adult author of Once Perfect, Once Loved, and Once Pure and the award-winning author of the Weird Girls urban fantasy romance series. A self-proclaimed professional napper, Cecy counts among her talents a jaw-dropping knowledge of useless trivia, the ability to make her hair big, and a knack for breaking into song despite her family’s vehement protests. A full-time writer, registered nurse, wife, and mother living in the Great Northwest, Cecy enjoys spending time with her family and silencing the yappy characters in her head by telling their stories.


Author Links:  Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads | TSU | Google+

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Cover Reveal! Reflected by Majanka Verstraete - Giveaway

I'm excited to reveal this ethereal cover-- perfect for the paranormal genre!

Reflected

Reflected
Mirrorland #2

Majanka Verstraete

Young Adult, Paranormal Mystery, Romance, Dark Fantasy

When Alison was stuck in Mirrorland, all she wanted was to be alive again. Now she’s gotten her revenge by inhabiting Piper's body and trapping her behind the mirror. But pretending to be Piper is more difficult than she imagined it would be.

On top of that, the borders between Mirrorland and the real world are crumbling. Danger abounds, demons appear in high school, and if wasn’t for the help of a new mysterious guy, Alison might not have escaped. But there’s more to this guy than meets the eye, and she’s determined to find out what, especially since it might be related to her own supernatural problems.

Meanwhile, Piper tries to convince the Horseman of Death to help her return to her own world, but he's got his own hidden agenda, which may cause more serious risks. Can Piper find a way to restore the balance before both worlds collide?

Author Bio

Majanka Verstraete

Majanka Verstraete begged her Mom to teach her how to read while she was still in kindergarten. By the time she finished fifth grade, she had read through the entire children’s section of her hometown library.

She wrote her first story when she was seven years old, and hasn’t stopped writing since. With an imagination that never sleeps, and hundreds of possible book characters screaming for her attention, writing is more than a passion for her.

She writes about all things supernatural for children of all ages. She’s tried to write contemporary novels before, but something paranormal always manages to crawl in.
Majanka is currently studying for her Master of Laws degree, and hopes one day to be able to combine her passions for law and writing. When she’s not writing, reading or studying, she likes watching “The Vampire Diaries” and “Game of Thrones,” spending time with her friends, or playing “World of Warcraft.”

Links

Giveaway
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Monday, March 23, 2015

Review -- Twice Upon a Time - An Anthology Edited by Joshua Allen Mercier


Twice Upon A Time
Fairytale, Folklore, & Myth Reimagined & Remastered

Multiple Author Anthology
Edited by Joshua Allen Mercier

Fairy Tale/Folklore Retelling
January 14, 2015
Bearded Scribe Press


Fairytales don’t always happen once upon a time. Fables don’t always have a happy ending.  Sometimes the stories we love are too dark for nightmares. What if waking Sleeping Beauty was the worse thing the Prince could have done? What if Rapunzel wasn't in that tower for her own protection—but for everyone else’s?

Assembled by The Bearded Scribe Press, TWICE UPON A TIME combines classics and modern lore in peculiar and spectacular ways. From Rapunzel to Rumpelstiltskin, this unique collection showcases childhood favorites unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Both traditionally-published and independent authors will take you on a whirlwind ride through fairytale and folklore, myth and majick. Cherished stories are revisited and remastered into newly-treasured tales of hope and heartache, of adversity and adventure.

Edited by Joshua Allen Mercier. Cover artwork by Luke Spooner.


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

I'm going to start by saying WOW. Not since Brothers' Grimm have I been so entranced with a collection of short stories. What made this anthology fantastic was the imagination and creativity that went into each individual story. These authors weren't just hacking up old stories and regurgitating them. The stories in Twice Upon a Time were unique and compelling -- all of them. The stories range from modern to fantasy to sci-fi, and each one captured my interest.

This is also not some short anthology thrown together. It featured so many stories, I couldn't even begin to offer individual reviews of each one-- I'd be here all night. If you like fairy tales, then Twice Upon a Time is a must-read! One note though-- this anthology is not for the faint of heart, for some stories are dark, some are gory, and some are twisted. And I loved every minute of it.




Sunday, March 22, 2015

Cover Reveal! Bittersweet by Michele Barrow-Belisle

I'm excited to reveal the cover for Bittersweet by Michele Barrow-Belisle - Book #2 in the Faerie Song Trilogy!


Bittersweet
Faerie Song Trilogy #2

Michele Barrow-Belisle

YA Fantasy
Astraea Press/Clean Reads
March 24, 2015


To save the Faery world and her mother’s life, Lorelei sacrificed everything, and the dangerous bargain she made in Nevermore had lasting repercussions. Now safely back in her own world, Lorelei seems the same to her highschool friends and her supernatural boyfriend. Yet love across dimensions is complicated, especially when an invisible Veil between the two worlds—the only bridge that links the pair, is sealing, threatening to separate Lorelei and Adrius forever.Determined to find a solution, Lorelei resorts to using her new found powers. But when her friends succumb to the same mysterious illness that nearly took her mother’s life, Lorelei can’t help but wonder if her own dark magic is responsible. Still, the nightmares from Nevermore continue their icy hold. Someone from Adrius’s past arrives, determined to destroy Lorelei’s world starting with those closest to her, and Lorelei is forced to choose between her family and friends and a love that was ill-fated from the start.




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About the Author


A dreamer at heart, Michele Barrow-Belisle has always lived with one foot in this reality and one foot in another, one of her own imagining. So it follows that she would grow up to write about and sculpt the characters from those enchanting worlds she knows and loves so well. As a fan of everything romantic, her young adult novels are populated with witches and vampires and faeries. Michele resides in southern Canada with her hubby and son who indulge her passions for writing, reading, lattes, and most of all chocolate. 

She also loves shoes. 

Did we mention the chocolate?

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