The Power of Unlawful Heroes and Heroines by Tricia Skinner, Author of Angel Lover

Today author Tricia Skinner joins us with a post about darker heroes and heroines. She has listed some of my favorite characters in her post, including Dexter Morgan and Black Widow. There is something intriguing about someone walking that fine line, especially when we never know which side they'll ultimately choose.

The Power of Unlawful Heroes and Heroines

By Tricia Skinner

Black Widow. Captain Jack Sparrow. V. Nikita. Sarah Connor. Jericho Barrons in Karen Marie Moning's Fever series, or Zoe in Firefly. What they all have in common is the "hell yeah" factor that makes heroes and heroines fresh and vibrant in today's urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels, television shows, and movies.

The draw for characters that will do anything necessary to reach their goals is what makes them so interesting to watch or read. Don't you sit a little straighter when reading how the hero or heroine plans to get information from a source. They're not planning to have a nice chat. They plan to break some bones, spill some blood, possibly threaten a few innocent people, all to get what they need.

This type of hero comes in many shades. We pay close attention to their motivations, and we crave tiny morsels of information that provide a clue to their way of thinking. What happened to them to make them so scarred inside? How could a woman be so hardened she doesn't think twice about spying on people who trust her? What makes a man sacrifice himself if he can only achieve vengeance first?

Often the character has been through unimaginable pain and heartbreak. The affect on a child's psyche, as with TV’s Dexter Morgan, could turn them into monsters as adults except for an outside influence. In this case, Dexter's adopted father.

But there are other characters that seem to revel in their chaotic nature. Captain Jack Sparrow couldn't walk a straight line, whether sober or full of rum. It's not his nature, and it wouldn't have made him as endearing to audiences if he was a clean and straight laced as the admiral, by comparison.

In my novel, Angel Lover, hero Kas is a good man with confidence issues. He’s not as powerful as the other three Nephilim on his team, and that weakness eats away at him. Yet that same aspect pushes Kas to do his best at all times. He’s courageous and crafty, and he’s willing to see a plan through to the end, no matter the outcome.

The flip side is Kas doesn’t see his abilities are special. He doesn’t see himself on the same level as his brethren, and that leads him to take risks he shouldn’t. He’s an assassin and should follow orders, but Kas abandons part of himself--the good part--in pursuit of victory.

That's the kind of story that sucks me in as a reader. Never knowing when the hero or heroine will slip into their darker selves to complete a mission makes for great reading or viewing material.

Angel Lover

Tricia Skinner

Paranormal Romance
Entangled Publishing
June 30, 2015

Amazon | B&N | Entangled | Goodreads

There's no danger greater than falling for your enemy...

The Nephilim are bound. Their powers cursed. But half-angel Kasdeja will do anything to free them from Heaven's tyranny. When Kas is approached by a striking, mysterious woman, she tells him his greatest enemies hold the key to his freedom.

Mariel keeps herself shrouded in secrets, using them to hide her true self. For she is not just employed by the Renegades--enemy fallen angels—she is a double agent, working on the sly for Heaven. Her directive is to seduce the gorgeous Nephilim—despite her insecurity about such sensual acts.

For Mariel is playing a dangerous game, and falling for Kas could only cause trouble; her assignment isn't just seduction. It's destruction.

About the Author

Tricia Skinner is an author of passionate dark fantasy. She is a features writer for Fresh Fiction and a project manager for Short Fuse. She began her writing career as a business reporter and wrote for The Detroit News, Investor’s Business Daily, MSN, and The Houston Chronicle.

Raised in Detroit, Tricia graduated with a BA degree from the nationally acclaimed Journalism Institute for Media Diversity at Wayne State University. She earned a Masters of Liberal Studies – Creative Writing degree from Southern Methodist University and will obtain a Masters of Fine Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University in 2017.

Diversity in genre fiction is dear to Tricia’s heart. She is represented by Laurie McLean, co-founder of Fuse Literary Agency.

When not writing, Tricia can be found reading, lifting weights, or geeking out over games, movies, and music. She has a Tom Hiddleston obsession, and she is Team Vader. Her family includes three Great Danes (so far).

Author Website: http://www.triciaskinner.com

Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorTrish

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

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/triciaskinner

Newsletter: http://www.triciaskinner.com/newsletter/

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Review: Sleepless by Michael Omer

Sleepless
Narrowdale #1

Michael Omer

YA Paranormal Thriller
January 10, 2015

Amazon | Goodreads

Don’t fall asleep. Don’t dream. Don’t get caught.

At the beginning of her freshman year of high school, Amy can think of nothing worse than moving to the boring, suburban town of Narrowdale. And that’s before she starts having the same nightmare over and over again, waking up every night to a creepy whistle outside her window and being haunted by a mysterious, menacing presence. Getting used to the new school becomes the least of her problems.

As she delves deeper to uncover the truth, she unknowingly edges closer to mortal danger. Terrible events that took place years ago threaten to happen again, but now Amy’s life is on the balance. Unfortunately, the one guy who is supposed to protect her, nineteen year old Peter, doesn’t believe her.

Some things seem to happen only in Narrowdale, where dark secrets hide beneath the surface…

As she confronts the mysteries of Narrowdale, Amy documents her experiences in her blog. The book contains live links to this blog.


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

Billed as a YA paranormal thriller, Sleepless, reads closer to lower YA or even middle grade. The plot, the characters, and even the writing have a very young feel to them. Not surprising since the main character is a freshman in high school.

Narrowdale is an odd town where strange things seem to happen to some of the residents. One of the first scenes in the novel, when Amy was listening to an odd exchange in a clothing store, was so intriguing that I can't stop thinking about it.

I liked the story idea but felt the execution was lacking at times. The pace was lightning fast which is great for younger readers, but I felt there were times when things were just too rushed. The characters came across rather one-dimensional. Don't get me wrong, I liked Amy and felt for her, but in a superficial way. Shane, Coral, and Peter are barely developed at all.

A sense of eeriness was pervasive throughout the story as Amy loses sleep night after night. Her desperation comes through quite well, and her behavior, especially at school is well-written. I enjoyed the links to Amy's blog posts-- it added something different to the mix. In the beginning the suspense was building quite well. Toward the end, however, everything happened so fast-- like BAM, and it's over.

I think this paranormal series has lots of potential because Narrowdale seems like an interesting town. While I didn't find this read scary or creepy at all, I think young YA and middle grade readers would.

About the Author

My name is Michael Omer, and I’m a writer, journalist and game designer. I wrote and published my first novel when I was sixteen, and figured I’d keep at it. Since then, I have published two more novels, and wrote… who can even count how many? I’m happily married to a woman who keeps pushing me to write more, and have three kids who insist I should stop writing and come play with them. I also have two dogs.

Author links:
http://strangerealm.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12576598.Michael_Omer

New Release Alert! Beneath the Cape - The Superhero Anthology - Review

Beneath the Cape
The Superhero Anthology

Created with the sole purpose of benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project.

Publication date: July 1st, 2015.
Only available through September 30th.
Contemporary, New Adult, Superheroes, Military, Anthologies

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

Goodreads

Superheroes. Save the world and protect mankind.

But what’s beneath the cape? Behind the mask? Under the steel-plated façade?

Eight bestselling New Adult romance authors have come together to bring you seven stories about superheroes and what it takes to win their hearts. From the skies, to the cities, to the ocean, our superheroes face death, fight villains, conquer evil and—

Find love.

The world is full of heroes. Every-day men and women who risk their lives for the sake of others—for life, liberty, freedom, and justice. Often these men and women are wounded—physically or mentally—in the line of duty. Therefore, we have created this anthology with the sole purpose of benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project.

Because heroes should never be forgotten.

The stories:

Reaping Angels by Laura Thalassa:
The Executioner’s touch can kill.
Angel’s can heal.
A villain and a hero. One who stood for death, and the other for life. Mortal enemies until the impossible happened.
A touch.
A kiss.
And now, a manhunt.

Cat Love by Sunniva Dee:
A sexy thriller about the animal in all of us.
Aidan uses his superpower to stabilize minds at the Hollyreed Specialist Hospital. Ulani uses hers to chase rats on rooftops. Until she’s caught and deposited in Aidan’s care.
At the hospital, Aidan finds Ulani's room empty—save for a cat, whose fur retracts in favor of silky skin and a vamp-gorgeous femme fatale.
Aidan’s obsession with Ulani grows, while patients go missing.
Making the couple use their powers to bring criminals to justice.


Gypsy Love by Angela McPherson & Lynn Vroman:
For two hundred years, Adrian vowed to seek revenge against the Gypsy woman who bound his spirit for eternity.
Until her.
The one man Mia wants only exists in dreams.
Until he doesn’t.
The curse may be broken, but not without a price.
One love must end for another to begin.

The Only Difference by Magan Vernon:
The Only Difference between a hero and a villain is what they do with their power.
Leonel "Short Stack" Garcia-Shapiro's life changed the night he decided to stop one of his fraternity brothers from taking advantage of a girl. Now he can't stop thinking of that girl and how he can save her.

Heroes by Christine Zolendz:
Kelly Black can’t believe she’ll be the new teaching assistant to Alexander Masters. The Alexander Masters—the head of the entire biology department. As soon as they begin to work together sparks fly and danger swirls around them.

Breaking Through by D. Nichole King:
Two years after her brother Nate died during a Navy operation, aquator Nautia Olson’s nightmares began, and her ability to manipulate water became erratic. Anger, fear, joy, desire—they all trigger disaster.
Now, the Navy wants her for a top-secret mission, but Captain Riley Barton has his reservations. He’s read her file. He knows the damage she’s capable of, and yet—
If he can harness her ability—break through her walls—
She’ll be unstoppable.

Villain by Cheryl McIntyre:
How can you tell a hero from a villain?
If you’re Ember Willis and the villain is Lanely Frost, you can’t.
How can you tell a superhero from a delusional young woman?
If you’re Lanely Frost and the woman is Ember Willis, you don’t care.
For both, finding the balance between right and wrong and love and lust are not the only battles they’ll face.

I was lucky enough to receive the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I adore anthologies. They are a great way to discover new authors. When they also benefit a fantastic cause, well you just can't go wrong. Each story in this anthology is novella length, and they are all quite enjoyable. I read it on the lanai of our vacation rental in Grand Cayman. Perfect summer reading.

One thing I really liked was how different the stories were, and yet they all seemed to mesh together so well. I love a good hero, and I love to hate a good villain. Mix it all up and that's even better.

The first story pulled me in with the alternating first person viewpoints- I always enjoy seeing things from multiple perspectives. I loved Ulani, the kitten shifter, along with the thrilling mystery in Cat Love. The gypsy love curse in the third novella was intriguing, making the story a real page-turner. The Only Difference had a wonderful contemporary feel to it. Number five was electric- literally and figuratively :) Breaking Through ends with a cliffhanger- I really enjoyed the intriguing plot but wish I didn't have to wait for the rest of the story. Villain was character driven with great interactions between Ember and Lanely.

I highly recommend this anthology to everyone 18+ (some of the stories contain adult material). The variety of plots and characters keep the pages turning. Not to mention, all of the novellas are fast-paced and rather difficult to put down.

About the Authors

Angela McPherson: author of the new adult Distraction series and the paranormal Hope's Decree.

Cheryl McIntyre: author of the new adult Sometimes Never series, Dirty, Infinitely,  the paranormal Dark Calling, and the erotica Hard.

Christine Zolendz: author of the paranormal Mad World series, the new adult Beautiful series, and Triple X. 

D Nichole King: author of the paranormal Spirit trilogy, and the new adult Love Always series.
Laura Thalassa: author of the paranormal The Unearthly series, the sci-fi new adult The Vanishing Girl series, and the dystopian new adult The Queen of All that Dies series.
Lynn Vroman: author of the young adult fantasy The Energies series, the young adult lesbian Summer Confessions
Magan Vernon: author of the new adult short series Forever Wild, the young adult The Only series, the new adult My Paper Heart series, and the sci-fi My Alien Romance series, and the contemporary Life, Love, and Lemons.

Sunniva Dee: author of the paranormal Halos series and the new adult/erotica Deepsilver series.

Authors' contact info:

Angela McPherson:

Website: http://angelamcphersonblog.wordpress.com

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

Twitter: @abt3mcpherson

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7074174.Angela_McPherson

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Angela-McPherson/e/B00EJ4535K

Instagram: https://instagram.com/angela.mcpherson/

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

TSU: http://www.tsu.co/Angela_McPherson

Cheryl McIntyre:

Website: http://cherylmcintyrebooks.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CherylMcIntyreauthor?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CherylHMcIntyre

Christine Zolendz:
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ChristineZol?ref=hl

Website: http://www.christinezolendz.com

Blog: http://christinezolendz.blogspot.com

D Nichole King:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dNicholeKing

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

Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/D.NicholeKing/e/B00JHOR7WO/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1433361413&sr=8-2-ent

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7762889.D_Nichole_King

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

Website: http://www.dnicholeking.com/ 

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/-CsJD

Laura Thalassa:

Website: laurathalassa.blogspot.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraThalassa

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7152490.Laura_Thalassa

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

Lynn Vroman:

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

Website: http://lynnvroman.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lynn_vroman

Magan Vernon:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Magan-Vernon/215620155165079

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaganVernon

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5237606.Magan_Vernon

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/authormagan/

Blog: http://www.thepunchingbagfightsback.blogspot.com/

Sunniva Dee:

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/SunnivaGR

Facebook: http://bit.ly/SunnivaFB

Twitter: http://bit.ly/SunnivaTW

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/SunnivaP

Instagram: http://bit.ly/SunnivaInst

Spotify: http://bit.ly/SunnivasSpotify

Tsu.co: http://www.tsu.co/SunnivaD

New Release Alert! Lucia's Web by Sue Searles

A warm welcome to fellow Clean Reads author, Sue Searles! Her new suspense is filled with creepiness along with splashes of humor.

Lucia's Web

Sue Searles

Clean Reads

June 16, 2015

Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Creepy characters and shadowy scenes are woven through this suspense-filled story, steeped in strangeness with splashes of humor. When Ali Duncan advertises for two tenants to share an upmarket apartment with her, she has no way of knowing the series of cryptic events that is about to unravel.  When one housemate turns out to be a quirky nonconformist, the other a Gothic misfit, she has to rely on her own defective judgment to find her way.

With circumstances stacked against her, whom can she trust when she finds herself alone in her quest for normality, but nothing in the house is as it seems?

Excerpt

I sucked in a deep breath and held it, then wiped sweaty palms on my trousers. I’d only arrived home ten minutes ago and hadn’t relaxed enough to freshen up or change out of my work clothes.

Get a grip, Ali. I shouldn’t be so nervous—this was my apartment, my advertisement. So I was in charge.

It took me a little over eight seconds before I snapped myself out of my trance. If Lucia James had seemed distant and sociably inept on the phone, meeting her in person only solidified my impression of her.

Pin-straight hair, dyed jet black with purple streaks, hovered just above a sorry pair of sagging shoulders. A thick, black fringe fell across an insipidly white face, barely hiding brown eyes bordered top and bottom with a heavy band of eyeliner. Black lipstick sapped the girl of any natural color and made her look deathly pale. She clutched a brown leather bag across her chest, and a black leather jacket and studded jeans rounded off the look. The girl bit her lip and dipped her chin, her nervousness palpable.

I closed my mouth when I realized I’d been staring. “Um, sorry…come on in.”

I stepped aside to let Lucia enter. Her brown eyes darted furtively around the spacious lounge, then focused on an invisible speck on the hardwood floor.

“So, do you live nearby?” My eyes remained on her as I asked the question and tried to size her up.

“No, I’m not from around here. I don’t know many people in Umhlanga yet.” A shoulder raised two inches, then went back down.

“Where are you from?” I studied her, trying to draw the girl out of whatever spell she was in.

“Eastern Cape.” Her eyes remained averted, the brown leather bag clutched like a lifeline across her chest.  The long fringe hung like a thick, black curtain over her right eye, and I had to resist the urge to reach out and pull it aside.

“So, what brings you to Durban?” I honestly wasn’t trying to sound pushy, just curious. Besides, it was a reasonable question, not so? When Lucia didn’t reply, I crossed the room and closed the front door to give her time to answer. Just as I turned back to face her, she jerked her head away and averted her eyes back to the floor. I felt my frustration levels start to rise. So Lucia could quite easily look at me, as long as I wasn’t looking back at the same time?

I held my palms together and tried to shake off the girl’s unsettling presence. “All right, so…the rent is fourteen grand, split three ways. With water and lights, say an extra grand, we can round it off at five grand each. How does that sound?”

Lucia bit her lip hard and her eyes darted around the room briefly. “Sure. Whatever.”

“Rent’s due by the first of each month.” I tried to keep it upbeat, to sound much friendlier than I felt. “I’d like to check references before I make a final decision.” I gave Lucia a pressing look, one intended to communicate that I wasn’t too convinced about her yet. And in case she hadn’t been looking, I’d made sure she heard the threat in my tone.

“That’s no problem, you don’t have to worry about me not paying or nothing.” My warning didn’t seem to rattle her one bit.

I drew in a deep breath and gathered my thoughts. “Right, so we have a domestic worker who comes in once a week. Name is Thandi.”

Lucia met my eyes for the first time since she’d stepped foot in the place. “A-a cleaning lady?” There was measured trepidation in her voice.

“M-hmm. That’s okay, right? With all three of us girls working—”

She waved her hand. “That’s okay, I’ll clean my own room.” Lucia returned her grip to the bag and her gaze to the floor.

I narrowed my eyes at her, unsure how to respond. For somebody trying to gain approval, she was being surly and aloof, if not downright rude. “Well, if you’re sure. Just let me know if you change your mind.”

She gave a quick nod, obviously just to appease me.

Lucia’s tone was as colorless as her complexion, and lacked any kind of verve or energy whatsoever. The girl was as insipid as a jellyfish, with a personality to match.

About the Author

Sue Searles has written several books, ranging from women’s fiction and short stories to poetry and children’s books. Having worked on various forms of storytelling since childhood, writing has been a lifelong passion.

Now somewhat older and wiser, she is passionate about thinking outside the conventional box, and conveys messages that are thought-provoking and life-changing.

Her inspiration comes mainly from studying people, reading, and daily life.

     Sue is happily married and lives in sunny South Africa with her husband and son.

www.suesearlesbooks.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/Sue-Searles-Author/1434957063477372?fref=ts

https://twitter.com/sue_searles

https://www.pinterest.com/searles0490/

Instagram – Sue Searles

Darkness Brutal by Rachel A. Marks - Giveaway

Check out the promo event for Rachel A. Marks' Amazon Bestseller Darkness Brutal. 
This is the first in her exciting YA fantasy series. 

Series: The Dark Cycle #1

Release date: July 1st 2015

Publisher: Skyscape

Purchase: Amazon | B&N

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Aidan O’Linn’s childhood ended the night he saw a demon kill his mother and mark his sister, Ava, with Darkness. Since then, every three years the demons have returned to try to claim her. Living in the gritty, forgotten corners of Los Angeles, Aidan has managed to protect his sister, but he knows that even his powers to fight demons and speak dead languages won’t keep her safe for much longer.

In desperation, Aidan seeks out the help of Sid, the enigmatic leader of a group of teens who run LA Paranormal, an Internet reality show that fights demons and ghosts. In their company, Aidan believes he’s finally found a haven for Ava. But when he meets Kara, a broken girl who can spin a hypnotic web of passionate energy, he awakens powers he didn’t know he had―and unleashes a new era of war between the forces of Light and the forces of Darkness.

With the fate of humanity in his hands, can Aidan keep the Darkness at bay and accept his brilliant, terrifying destiny?

About the Author
Rachel A. Marks is an award-winning author and professional artist, a cancer survivor, a surfer and dirt-bike rider, chocolate lover and keeper of faerie secrets. She was voted: Most Likely to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse, but hopes she'll never have to test the theory.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

One winner will get $25 Amazon Gift Card, and 2 winners will win any one of Rachel's 8x10 artwork. Click here to view the gallery

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Paranormal Research by Jessica Freeburg, Author of Living in Shadows

I am so excited to welcome Jessica Freeburg to the blog today. She is a fellow Clean Reads author, and her debut novel, Living in Shadows is a great read.

I should know since I was one of the editors :)

This book kept me turning the pages long into the night. I had to constantly remind myself to edit because I kept getting lost in Vivian's story.

If you love the paranormal, I highly recommend picking up Living in Shadows.

Jessica not only writes about the paranormal, she investigates it too! I love checking out haunted sites in America and abroad. It provides great inspiration for writing.

Paranormal Research

(How it Inspires Me as an Author)

by

Jessica Freeburg

I began performing paranormal investigations about 3 years ago after signing with my literary agent. She encouraged me to create a name for myself and connect with my potential audience even before my manuscript was sold. Since the novel she was representing was a paranormal piece, and because I’ve always loved those reality ghost hunting shows on T.V., I decided I should visit haunted locations and blog about it. That idea eventually led to me forming my group, Ghost Stories, Inc. We are a group of creative professionals who go to historic and often reportedly haunted locations for creative inspiration.

As a group, we’ve been to a variety of places, including locations in California associated with the Charles Manson murder spree. One of my favorite group outings was our hike through the wilderness to find Spahn Ranch. It’s not marked, and the buildings have since burned down, so it was a struggle to find it, but once we did, it was very emotional. Just being in the place where Charles Manson sent his followers out and instructed them to “do something witchy,” caused our giggly group of explorers to become silent. Our mood just shifted. It was incredibly surreal. We also performed an investigation at the home of David Oman, which is located near the entrance of the estate where Sharon Tate and her friends were murdered by the Manson Family. His home has been featured on a variety of “ghost” shows on T.V. Walking up the road leading to the house in the dark, we realized, this is the path the murders walked that night. It was heart wrenching to think about what their intent was as they walked up that same road.

Some people think visiting places like that is morbid, and I suppose it can be. But for us it’s not a celebration of death or murder, it’s not even really about looking for ghosts or proof of the paranormal. It’s about connecting with the past in a way that might allow it to inspire creative works that can invoke thought. We don’t focus on the ugly part of death, but on the beauty of life and that unknown ever-after.

There’s a quote attributed to George Santayan that I love. “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." That inspires me, especially as a children’s author. I want to make reading fun, so I love creating a good story that keeps the reader turning the page, and I like to use the voices from the past to inspire my work…to bring those voices alive for the next generation of readers. Sometimes I can do that through a work of fiction like the SHADOWS SERIES, and other times, it’s through nonfiction, like with my next book about the Holocaust which is part of a series called TANGLED HISTORY that is due out in the fall of 2016.

Writing LIVING IN SHADOWS for me was a journey through my own questions about spiritual energy. Throughout my life, I’ve seen things that I couldn’t understand, things that I can only classify as paranormal. Through my personal faith, I’ve come to a place of accepting these things as a sign that we live on beyond this lifetime. Some people think ghost stories are scary, but I think they’re cool because it only confirms to me that we live on. And when we do have what seems to be an interaction with a spirit during one of our investigations, I am humbled and feel honored that they would choose to interact with us.

I feel so lucky that I get to make money as a writer. And I love that I can blend my passion for history and the paranormal into my work. As strange as it may sound, ghost hunting has made me a better author, a more thoughtful human and it has allowed me to connect with my readers on a much more personal level than I could otherwise, and that is a huge blessing.

Living in Shadows

The Shadow Series, Book One

Jessica Freeburg

YA Paranormal

Clean Reads

June 16, 2015

Amazon | B&N | Clean Reads

Vivian is able to see things other people can’t.  Things like shadows that move without a maker and hover over people, feeding their depression and fueling their self-destruction.  She also sees kind spirits, guiding and guarding their loved ones against the shadows.

When Vivian’s mother and brother die in an accident, the only option is to reunite with her estranged father at his new home in another state.  Unfortunately, there are shadows in the house, and Vivian tries to avoid them during this time of heartache and anger.  Her brother’s spirit warns about an especially strong shadow at the top of the stairs, one inhabiting the bedroom of a girl who disappeared fifteen months ago.

Once the spirit of the missing girl reaches out to Vivian, she learns the girl was murdered in that bedroom while staring into the eyes of a trusted person possessed by the shadows.  The girl’s spirit is restless, her undiscovered body lies buried in a shallow grave, not far from Vivian’s home.

With her brother’s assistance, Vivian searches for answers in hope the girl’s spirit can move on.  But the shadows are intent on protecting the killer’s identity.  They stalk Vivian.  Her life depends on releasing her own pain and anger, because the shadows won’t stop until she stops searching…or until death finds her too.

Excerpt

Vivian’s feet planted on the second step from the landing, causing her father to stop abruptly to avoid crashing into her back.

Rebecca was still walking toward the room. “I’ve always thought this pink room would be perfect for a girl.”

“Stay away from the door, Vivian. This shadow is evil. You can’t let it know you can see it!” Thane disappeared before the dark spirit could see him speaking to Vivian.

“Where’s your bedroom?” Vivian pretended not to know as she turned toward her father.

“It’s just at the end of the hallway,” he replied pointing away from the room where Rebecca was standing in the open doorway. She’d already flipped the light on. Pale pink wallpaper dotted with tiny white and fuchsia flowers burst into view behind her.

A shadowy figure darted across the dimly lit room like a large, black dog rushing to examine an unfamiliar house guest, pausing just inches from Rebecca. It was at least a foot taller than her, even as it stood in front of her hunched over awkwardly, partially hidden from Vivian’s view by the bedroom wall flanking the doorway in which her stepmother stood. Its head cocked sharply to one side as it seethed like an angry cat.

Vivian wanted to scream for Rebecca to get out of that room. Instead, she took a deep breath and said calmly, “If you don’t mind, I’d like to have a room closer to yours.”

Rebecca and her father exchanged looks. Vivian held her breath, while the vaporous shadow figure reached a jagged, bone-thin finger toward Rebecca’s face and gently stroked her cheek, its bulk still partly obscured by the wall that separated the room from the hallway. Rebecca shifted her gaze to Vivian, unaware of the touch.

Most people never knew the spirits were present. They didn’t hear them, they didn’t feel them, and they didn’t see them like Vivian did. Sometimes Vivian wished she was one of those people. Life would be so much simpler.

“Of course.” Rebecca flipped the light off as she stepped out of the doorway. The vapor sucked itself sharply back into the shadows of the room. An unearthly shriek pierced Vivian’s ears as Rebecca pulled the door shut behind her.

“We just thought you might like a bit more privacy, but there’s a room right next to ours.” Rebecca smiled at James as she walked past the stairs where Vivian’s body had rooted itself.

Vivian closed her eyes against the high-pitched screeching, as if not seeing would somehow stop her hearing, as well.

About the Author

Jessica Freeburg has always been inquisitive and loves the challenges of all that life, and the afterlife, has to offer. Her fascination with history and the paranormal fuels many of her creative works. She embraces the fringe and relishes in the examination of what others may take for granted. As the founder of Ghost Stories, Inc., Jessica has performed paranormal investigations at a variety of reportedly haunted locations. LIVING IN SHADOWS: BOOK ONE OF THE SHADOWS SERIES is her debut novel. Her second book, a middle grade nonfiction about the Holocaust will be released in the fall of 2016. She is a news correspondent for the wildly popular paranormal radio show DARKNESS RADIO. She also serves on the editorial staff of FATE Magazine and is the Assistant Regional Advisor for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators for the state of Minnesota. In addition to writing books, she enjoys working in screenwriting and documentary production. She lives in Lakeville, MN with her husband and three children.

Social Media Links:

Twitter: @jessicafreeburg https://twitter.com/JessicaFreeburg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicafreeburgauthor?fref=ts

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jessicafreeburg/

Author Website: www.jessicafreeburg.com

Ghost Stories, Inc. Website: www.ghoststoriesinc.com

What Happened to Mr. Nice Guy?

Bad Boys. We love to hate them and hate to love them.

They're everywhere in fiction, from the vampire with stalker tendencies to the motorcycle gang leader, the powerful werewolf, to the billionaire playboy. We read about these aggressive males and their questionable behavior and then swoon when the leading lady finally bags them. They change their ways out of adoration for the only woman they could ever love.

Seriously?

This is wrong on so many levels-- I could write a dissertation on it.

Okay, I admit, there are times when reading about a bad boy makes me swoon. I'm human and I'm female. But so many times the bad behavior that is supposed to be romantic is downright creepy. Sneaking into the leading lady's room to watch her sleep? Not romantic. Stalking her to make sure she doesn't get into any trouble? Also not romantic. I could go on but you get the picture.

We wonder as a society why so many girls and women fall for lousy men and return time after time to an abusive relationship. Whenever we present creepy stalker behavior as romantic, we are adding to the problem. Sure people change over time, but to build a relationship expecting a leopard to change its spots... not the smartest thing to do. I think we've all had that relationship where we fell for what could have been instead of what was. It's normal human nature, and it usually yields disastrous results.

Why can't an alpha male just be nice?

I like to write about powerful men who are nice and good at heart. Perhaps that isn't as exciting as a brooding, possessive jerk, but "I happen to like nice men". Remember that quote from The Empire Strikes Back? Han Solo is the epitome of the type of man I'm talking about. He may be a smuggler and claim to be out for number one, but anyone can see it's mostly an act. He wears the image of a bad boy over a heart of gold interior. This guy can make you swoon, yet you can still take him home to meet the parents.

Am I asking too much? No, I don't think so.

My male leads are emotional, can be petulant at times, they make mistakes, and they admit to them (even though it's hard). They get jealous-- as readers will see in the second Orion Circle book coming this summer. My guys have a tendency to mouth off when they're upset or confused, but they learn and grow from these instances. They may desire to protect the female lead, but will never stifle her. They are supportive and secure in themselves (most of the time anyway).

You will never see them bully anyone but the bad guys-- perhaps they take a bit too much pleasure in that, but who can blame them? Sometimes they tease and flirt outrageously, but they don't lie... much (they are human after all). My guys are kind to children and animals. Don't let this fool you, for they are by no means saints. They are just decent people trying to do what they think is right.

So tell me. What do you like to see in a male lead? Do you like brooding alpha males? How do you feel about the stalkerish tendencies portrayed as romantic?