May 7th, 2012 | 
Author: 
Fighting Gravity by Leah Petersen
Publisher: Dragon Moon Press
Genre: Sci-Fi, M/F, M/M
Length: 306 pages
Summary:
When Jacob Dawes is Selected for the Imperial Intellectual Complex as a child, he’s catapulted from the poverty-stricken slums of his birth into a world where his status as an unclass is something no one can forget, or forgive. His growing scientific renown draws the attention of the emperor, a young man Jacob’s own age, and they find themselves drawn to each other in an unlikely, and ill-advised relationship. Jacob may have won the emperor’s heart, but it’s no protection when he’s accused of treason. And fighting his own execution would mean betraying the man he loves.
AJ’s Review:
Although Leah Petersen is a new author to me, her debut novel is compelling with engaging characters, a complex plot, and a sensual, yet sweet romance that will warm your heart to the core.
Maybe it’s because I’m always rooting for the underdog…I’m not sure, but I simply fell in love with Jake Dawes. Here is a young man who as defied the odds and made something of himself. His character is witty, yet direct which at times lands him in a heap of trouble. Although he persists throughout the book that he’s learned his lesson from each incident his mouth has gotten him into, there are times that I had to question that contention. However, it didn’t deter from me enjoying the way Jake grew into himself as a man while gaining a better understanding of what he truly wanted in life as the story progressed. It was intriguing to compare the differences between his relationship with Kirti and his relationship with Pete, aka the Emperor.
Pete, The Emperor, is mesmerized by Jake even though he doesn’t come out and admit it up front. For me, the nature of their relationship was refreshing because Jake treated Pete like he did everyone else, which is what Pete found so endearing about Jake. The chemistry between these two was smoldering from the moment they met. Their conversations, banter, as well as their trials and tribulations had a way of drawing you so deep into the story that you felt more like a secondary character than a stranger on the outside looking in.
Ms. Petersen has penned a riveting story that will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride and leave you breathless at the end. The characters are engaging and three-dimensional, the world building is mesmerizing, the tragedies are pivotal and help the story to progress, and the love is sensuous. Although this is a sci-fi story, a lot of the problems that were presented in Fighting Gravity exist in today’s society, which made it very easy to relate not only to the characters, but also to the overall plot of the story. My hat goes off to Ms. Petersen because she has hit a home run with her debut novel, Fighting Gravity. Bravo!
Rated 5 Seashells and a Recommended Read by AJ!
Meet Leah Petersen
Leah, you have an amazing talent in that you can hold a book in your feet and read while knitting at the same time. How in the world did this little talent come about?
Necessity is the mother of invention, right? I’m one of those dreadful muti-taskers that has to do more than one thing at a time. I happen to be very flexible so I will hold a book on the floor or couch with my feet while I lean over my knees to read it, since my hands are busy with the knitting project. I can’t turn the pages with my toes, though. I have to use my hand. Since I can do that without disengaging from the knitting itself, it’s not a terrible disadvantage. Ebooks are easier. Still have the page-turning thing, but there’s less contortion involved.
What’s the age group for Fighting Gravity?
It was written for adults, but the main character is a teenager or less through at least ¾ of the book, and is only about 20 when it ends. So I think it will appeal to young adult readers as well. That said, it was written for adults, so I didn’t filter the content for a younger audience. It’s not raunchy, but it does include a sexual relationship between two men. Personally, I don’t think that’s something in and of itself that shouldn’t be read by teens, but many parents won’t agree with that. And, anyway, that’s a debate all by itself.
Tell us a little about what your life was like before becoming an author and what it’s like juggling a family and being an author?
My pre-author life was like everyone else’s. A 9-5, a mortgage, husband and 2.5 kids and the dog. It’s still like that, only now there’s a book out there with my name on it and deadlines for the next one. As for juggling being an author and having a family, I’ve always kept my life pretty obligation-free outside of my family, which gave me time to read and do gaming and stuff like that in and around the parenting gig. Now I just do less of the hobbies and fill that time with writing.
When you’re writing a story, which comes first, the character’s story or the idea for the novel?
Characters come first. I discover a complex character in an interesting and difficult situation, and then I try to figure out how I can torture them through a plot arc. 
Tell us about Fighting Gravity and please tell us you have an excerpt to share.
Fighting Gravity is a science-fiction love story. It’s about a brilliant physicist who is accused of treason essentially because some powerful people didn’t want a guy like him to be the emperor’s lover. It’s about his struggle against class-prejudice and finding happiness in spite of the fact that the world would hold him down merely because he was born into poverty.
Excerpt from Fighting Gravity:
“Happy birthday, by the way,” I said one evening almost a week later as the emperor accompanied me from the dining hall to the lab.
“Thank you,” he replied. “To you as well.”
“How did you know it was my birthday?”
“Oh, there’s not much I don’t know if I choose to,” he said with a smile.
“OK, I should have known that. I suppose I mean, why do you know?”
“In my position, I’ve found curiosity to be an asset. I don’t believe there is such a thing as knowing too much.”
That wasn’t a comfortable thought. How much he could know. How much he knew.
“I’m older,” he added after a long silence. I raised my eyebrows. “Only about six hours, but it counts.”
I had to laugh. “You’re one of the most powerful men in the galaxy and it matters to you whether or not you’re older than me?”
He shrugged. “Wouldn’t it matter to you?”
“That’s not the same thing. There’s a huge power differential between us. At least age would be something I’d have over you.”
“I get the feeling that power doesn’t mean that much to you.”
“Unless you mean as a function of energy.” I grinned at him. “No. I have no need for it. It would get in the way of my work.”
“What did you do for your birthday?” he said after a pause.
“Radiation measurements.”
He laughed. “No party?”
“With whom?”
“Haven’t you made any friends aboard ship? I know it’s only been three weeks, but you don’t seem to be the kind of person who would have trouble making friends.”
“Maybe you don’t know me very well. In my experience, there aren’t many people who are interested in being friends with me.”
“Maybe it’s they who don’t know you very well.”
I frowned, puzzled. When I looked at him again he was watching me. “And what have you concluded?” he asked.
“About what?”
“You look like you’re trying to decide something. My guess is you’re trying to figure me out.”
I thought about that before I replied. “You’re confusing,” I conceded.
He grinned. Reaching into his pocket, he produced something and handed it to me. “Here. Happy birthday.”
He’d given me a small box. I looked at him, surprised, but when he said nothing further I opened it. Inside was a pair of platinum cuff links with a raised imperial crest on them. “I thought they might be less objectionable than a ring.”
I frowned. “I didn’t get you anything.”
“I assure you, I don’t need anything.”
“Neither do I. That’s not the point.”
He shrugged. “It’s the thought that counts. We’ll just say you gave me something.”
“I’m sure you can say whatever you want, but I never thought of giving you anything.”
He stared at me in shock and then started laughing so hard he had to stop walking. We stood in the middle of the hallway and I watched both directions as I waited for him to get control of himself. If someone came along and saw him like this, it wouldn’t go well for me. When he caught his breath he said, “You never thought of giving me anything.” He repeated it as if it was the punch line to a good joke. “Not even just now, when I gave you something?”
“No,” I said. “I can’t imagine what I would get you.”
“Well, whether you realize it or not, you’ve been giving me a gift for the last ten minutes,” he said.
I grimaced. “You’re not going to say something weird like ‘the gift of your company,’ are you?”
He doubled over with laughter again. “No,” he answered when he’d composed himself. “No, I was going to say that we’ve been talking for more than ten minutes and you haven’t called me ‘Excellence’ once.”
I startled. “I’m sorry.” It occurred to me that I should have said “Excellence” just then.
He was grinning. “Don’t be. Isn’t that what I just said? No one’s ever done that to me before. It’s very disrespectful. I like it.
If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I have no idea. I’m sitting here racking my brains, but honestly, I don’t really want to meet any of the people I truly admire because what if they’re really a jerk in person, or uninteresting? I don’t want my illusions shattered.
Name 5 funny thing you would want your readers to know about you?
Ummmm, I don’t know what’s funny about me.
I didn’t excel in physics in school and wasn’t even particularly interested in it, yet I wrote a main character who is a brilliant physicist in our future. I always thought that was funny, as in funny because it’s ridiculous.
I once did a six-month research project on Star Trek: The Next Generation.
I like to stand outside in the rain.
I think mayonnaise may be one of the most disgusting things ever.
Why did you choose to write Gay Young Adult? What drew you to this specific genre?
I didn’t. That is, I didn’t intend plan for it to be Gay anything– that just happened. I don’t think it truly qualifies as YA, and I don’t plan on writing in that genre because I don’t think I have the mindset to write to a younger audience than where I currently am. I did choose the sci-fi aspect of it, but I always wrote sci-fi or fantasy and never plan to write anything else.
Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?
I plan to explore the emperor’s POV of the story in Fighting Gravity, at least in short pieces. I don’t conceive of my stories as themes or ideas. I can pick them out after I’ve carried the character through to the end of that story, but I’m too much of a character-based writer to try to address specific themes. Ideas come with the characters.
Is there a genre that you would like to try that you have not?
I haven’t written a novel-length fantasy yet, so I’m definitely going to do that some day. But I’m a solidly speculative-fiction kind of girl.
What can we expect next from Leah Petersen?
The sequel to Fighting Gravity. It’s currently titled Impact Velocity.
Thank you so much for joining us today at Infinity and Beyond. Please feel free to come back anytime.
About the Author
Leah Petersen lives in North Carolina. She does the day-job, wife, and mother thing, much like everyone else. She prides herself on being able to hold a book with her feet so she can knit while reading. She’s still working on knitting while writing.
FIGHTING GRAVITY is her first novel.
Twitter: http://twitter.com/LeahPetersen
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LeahPetersenAuthor
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Dark Heirloom by J.D. Brown
Series: An Ema Marx Novel, Book One
Publisher: MuseIt Up Publishing
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Length: 256 pages
Available AT: Amazon MuseItUp Publishing
Summary:
“You’re a vampire” is so not what Ema Marx wants to hear when she wakes from a two-day coma in a cryptic yet exquisite castle in northern Finland. Unfortunately, it explains a lot. Like why she’s able to see in the dark and walk through solid objects. What she doesn’t understand is why the other vampires expect her to have all the answers. It’s their fault she turned into one of them…right?
Jalmari’s hatred for his old-man intensifies when he’s ordered to bring that troublesome girl to their castle. He has a clan to run; there’s no time for babysitting newborn vampires no matter how they were converted to their culture. But when a two-thousand-year-old premonition threatens to take the crown and his life, Jalmari sees no other choice than to take out the catalyst, Ema Marx. Fortunately for Ema, she could also be the clan’s only savior.
The race to figure out her vampiric origins is on. And maybe she’ll get the hang of the blood-drinking gig along the way…
Excerpt:
Chapter One
A scream tore from my throat. The rapid slap of my sneakers against asphalt echoed through the alley. Wind ripped my hair and coat back as if trying to halt my escape. A chain link fence rose in the distance as I neared the end of the alley. Shit. I could have sworn this one opened to Clark Street.
Thud.
I froze. My heart pounded in my ears. Tears fell as I closed my eyes. Please, please, God…
His heinous laugh drowned out my ragged breath. Caught at a dead end, I had no choice but to turn and face him. He stood in the shadows, the darkness of his attire blended in with the night. Only the glow of his emerald-colored eyes gave him away.
Think, I shouted to myself. What does he want? My purse? My money? With a shaky hand, I pulled my wallet from my bag and flung it at him. He shifted his weight, dodging the wallet in one simple move. I stared like an idiot as it landed in the gutter behind him. Why is he chasing me if he doesn’t want my money? What else could he want?
He grinned, bearing a set of abnormally sharp, fluorescent-white teeth. Who the hell is this freak? He stepped toward me. My fists clenched as I stepped back. He took another step forward. My back pressed against the cold metal of the fence. Tears blurred my vision and fell as ice melted through the back of my coat. Chills rolled down my spine, sending a quiver to my lip. I swallowed the lump of panic building in my throat. “Leave me alone!”
He kept advancing, his eyes locked on my face, his gait slow with one foot in front of the other, like a cat. I shoved a trembling hand in my purse in search of my pepper spray. He snatched my wrist and yanked me to my knees. The contents of my purse spilled and scattered.
“What makes you think I want anything from you?” he sneered.
My chest heaved as I pushed myself up. From the corner of my eye, I glanced at the mouth of the alley, now behind me.
He scoffed. “You think you can run? Go ahead, mouse. Run.”
I did.
I was almost to the street when a thick shadow dropped from the sky. Two rock-solid fists shoved my chest. I fell backward. My head hit the pavement. Stars danced in the periphery of my vision as I struggled to sit up, but my limbs moved in slow motion.
Two hands, each finger adorned by a silver ring, gripped my shoulders and lifted me. My back hit something solid and cold—a brick wall. My feet dangled above the ground. He held me at eye level; his sour breath churned my stomach as his face inched closer to mine.
“I know what you’re thinking.” His voice was deep, smooth, as he rolled his R’s. “You’ve done nothing wrong. Nevertheless, once you kill one rat, you have to kill them all. Even a little mouse like yourself.”
My blood drained at the utterance of the word kill. I squirmed in his grasp. “Please, don’t hurt me.”
He clenched my jaw with one hand as his fingernails dug into my skin. I cried not from the pain, but from fear.
“Would you like to know a secret?” His hot breath caused bile to rise in my throat. “Only you disgusting rats can see our eyes glow. I’m sure you knew that already. I’m sure your mother told you the stories. I’ll bet you didn’t listen to her. I bet you thought they were just fairy tales and bad dreams, hmm?”
I had no idea what he was talking about. I concentrated on finding a way out of his grip, hoping his guard would slip while he continued his monologue.
“You know, when you find one rat, there are a dozen more in the nest.” He tightened his grasp. “Where’s your rathole, eh little mouse?”
“Let me go!” Pain manifested in every inch of my face. My jaw throbbed and my head spun. A stiff ache cut through my spine. Fear and cold shook my core. Exhaustion weighed down my struggling limbs. I just wanted it to end.
He studied my face for a moment, a frown tugged at his lips. “Very well.”
He released my jaw then reached back under his jacket. The sound of sharp metal being unsheathed pierced the night as he drew out a long silver dagger. My eyes widened at the emblems engraved on every inch of the blade and handle. I recognized them as Norse in origin. I also recognized the precise way in which he held the dagger level with my left rib cage. He’s going to stab me in the heart.
About the Author
J.D. Brown graduated from the International Academy of Design and Technology with a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her two Pomeranians. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, her writing is influenced by the multicultural urban society of her youth which she continues to visit each summer. J.D. loves paranormal characters; from vampires and werewolves, demons and angels, to witches and ghosts. Her writings are often a combination of suspense and romance. J.D. enjoys helping and promoting her fellow writers and leads an active life on the web. She also writes erotic romance for the MuseItHOT division under the pen name Danielle Ravencraft.
Links:
Website Blog Twitter Facebook
Wings of Desire by Arianna Skye
Publisher: Moonlite Publishing
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Lenght: 343 pages
Summary:
Not your (grand)mother’s fairytale…
Rhiannon Kinsley’s life goes from boring to downright crazy when a freak lightning bolt strikes her laptop. To make matters even more bizarre, strange words and symbols flash across the computer screen and she hears a mysterious voice. Time to call the men in white coats! Then Cerne Silverwing, an intriguingly sexy man, appears. He insists she’s a faerie princess whose fate will determine his own. What a crock! Now she knows who really needs those white coats.
With the Dark Faerie forces threatening his kingdom, Cerne kidnaps Rhiannon and brings her to Fey, a land where magic knows no bounds. He’s performing a duty to save his kingdom and nothing more—a duty that will bring him his wings and the strengthened magic that comes with them. If he doesn’t unite with the princess as her consort, those wings will never grow. But this princess grew up in the land of laptops and instant messages, and she’s convinced they’re both crazy. Despite their differences, the two are thrust together to defeat the whip-wielding Dark Faerie Queen before she takes over the kingdom. Passion and peril aside, will Rhiannon and Cerne discover their true destiny?
Excerpt:
Cerne caught her hand in his and gave her a heated gaze. “I didn’t want to resort to this,” he said, his voice thick and heady. “But I’ve run out of options.” He pulled her against his hard-muscled body. With his thumb and forefinger, he lifted her chin.
Clenching her fists, she bit her lip. Tingling numbness filled her every pore. She attempted to pull herself from his embrace, but her body wouldn’t cooperate.
“Let me go! You’re frightening me.”
“It’s for your own good and the good of your people, my sweet.” He traced a finger lightly over her lips. “Soon you’ll understand.” He lowered his lips to hers and gently nibbled. Coaxing her mouth open, his tongue swirled with hungry strokes along hers.
She moaned softly as her traitorous tongue danced with his. Lessening his grip on her arm, he allowed her to press closer and rub her bikini-clad breasts against the hard ridges of his chest. Her nipples pebbled against the spandex of her swim top.
Stupid nipples.
She twisted her fingers in his dark mane, pulling him closer. Heedless of what she knew was right, she intensified the kiss. He hoisted her up onto his lap, letting her straddle the rock-hard erection that filled his trousers. Grinding her hips against his, she reached down to unfasten and untie the garment.
He pulled her hands away. “No, leannan. I just want to kiss. The joining must occur at Beltane—in Fey.”
“I’m not going to Fey—”
He reclaimed her lips. Intoxicating warmth spread throughout her body while he licked, sucked and nibbled. She gasped in pleasure and let his tongue probe the cavern of her mouth again. Light as a feather, she sighed in deep contentment. By God, was she floating? Closing her eyes, Rhiannon allowed him have his way with her.
“I’m sorry,” he breathed against her lips. “It was the only way.”
“What—” Her eyes flickered as spots danced before them until darkness took over.
What Dreams Can Make
They say everyone dreams, but not everyone remembers those dreams. Lately, my sleep has been plagued by dreams—more than usual. And these dreams are strange—like out of this world weird. It took me a while to realize what was happening. It is this incessant nagging that I call a muse. I’ve named him Henry,because a muse so annoying can’t possibly be a woman. And even more infuriating are those long extended vacations he takes without notice, leaving me here to fend all by my lonesome. But he always manages to save the day, in true muse fashion.
Right now Henry doesn’t want me to write only about faeries (Fey Chronicles Series) or Demons (Demons Unleashed series as Sidney Ayers). In one instance, he’s ready to take me out of this world—literally.
Yep, I’ve been having dreams that seem more like Star Wars than Lord of the Rings. Ray guns and space ships and stars exploding. It’s mind-boggling, because I don’t know anything at all about writing futuristic. I did try at one time to write one, but let’s just say there was failure to launch.
And when I’m supposed to be writing Demons, Henry sends me a dream about time-travelling back to ancient Rome. Quite a stretch from Star Wars. Then again, some of the dresses Princess Leia wore looked sort of like a toga—but I digress. Seriously though, out of all the time periods he could choose, he picks Rome? I said I wanted to write a ménage once, maybe he thought I meant orgy. Sorry Henry, I can’t handle more than three people, four at the most. There’s just too many body parts to keep track of. My props to anyone who can, though.
So the muse isn’t always on track with some things, but other times he’s spot on. Heck, apparently even muses are human—nah, not really, but they do think like us at times.
About the Author
Arianna Skye is the erotic pen name of paranormal romance author, Sidney Ayers. She loves infusing stories with humor. What would the world be without a little bit of laughter? Arianna writes a plethora of genres, ranging from historical, to paranormal, to contemporary.
A native of Michigan, Arianna still lives in the same town she grew up in. No matter how hard she tries, she just can’t seem to get away. Michigan is in her blood, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
To learn more about Arianna/Sidney and her books, you can visit either one of her websites at www.ariannaskye.com or www.sidneyayers.com
www.facebook.com/ariannaskyeauthor
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Choices by Liz Schulte
Series: The Guardian Trilogy, Book 2
Publisher: 4 Corners Press
Genre: Fantasy Fiction, Paranormal Romance
Length: 296 pages
Summary:
Hearts break. Loved ones are lost. Life keeps moving.
Olivia Martin’s afterlife was more dangerous and confusing than her life ever was. She thought she was ready to come back, to forget about Holden and to let go of the rage consuming her. Fulfilling her destiny as a guardian was all that mattered—the past could stay hidden in the crevices of her mind. However, when guardians are murdered and the evidence points towards jinn, she has to do something. To save anyone’s future, Olivia will have to confront the one person from her past she is terrified to see.
Holden waited for Olivia with the hope he would see her one more time. But when she didn’t return, he found salvation in darkness. The black and twisted road made it easier to forget what he lost than to live with the memory of what he had. An unexpected promotion shoves him into a world of intoxicating power and influence. Holden will have to choose between his new life and the woman he thought was gone forever.
From the ashes of Secrets, Choices are born that will change everything.
ELAING8
Bewitching Book Tours has been notified and will send you the book.
Seeking a Scribe by Marsha A. Moore
Series: Enchanted Bookstore Legend One
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Summary:
Lyra McCauley is a writer and loves fantasy novels, but until she opens a selection from bookstore owner Cullen Drake, she has no idea he’s a wizard character who lives a double life inside that volume…or the story’s magic will compel her from the edge of depression to adventure, danger, and love.
His gift to Lyra, the Book of Dragonspeir, was actually her copy, misplaced years ago. Lost in her pain following divorce and death, she fails to recognize him as her childhood playmate from the fantasyland. Friendship builds anew. Attraction sparks. But Lyra doubts whether a wizard is capable of love. She’s torn—should she protect her fragile heart or risk new love?
Opening the book’s cover, she confronts a quest: save Dragonspeir from destruction by the Black Dragon before he utilizes power of August’s red moon to expand his strength and overthrow the opposing Imperial Dragon. Lyra accepts the challenge, fearing Cullen will perish if evil wins. Along with magical animal guides, Cullen helps her through many perils, but ultimately Lyra must use her own power…and time is running out.
Excerpt:
Chapter One: Licorice Memories
The smell of anise greeted Lyra as she opened the door to Drake’s bookstore. It took her back to happy childhood memories. Licorice-shoe-string-rewards for following her parents’ requests to stay on the dock while they secured the family’s pleasure boat to its trailer. The aroma brought a fleeting remembrance of times long gone, a treasure now that her folks had recently passed. At ease with the familiar scent, she settled into browsing through rows of antique bookcases.
The shop owner stuck his head around a set of shelves. “Do you like tea?”
“Yes, I do.” Before she could finish speaking, he disappeared. “Is that the wonderful smell?” she called out.
Kitchenware clinked in the back room. Receiving no answer, Lyra followed the noises, scanning collections as she walked. This bookshop appeared established, but surely she would have remembered it from her last visit to the Lake Huron village five years ago. Books were her passion, especially fantasy. She paused in front of that section and studied its titles.
The owner appeared, holding a pewter tray with a teapot, two cups, sugar jar, spoons, and napkins, which he laid on the corner of an old library table. She watched him carefully pour the tea and hand her a cup. He was about her age, mid thirties or a bit older, and handsome. His medium brown hair, peppered with gray at the temples, grazed his shoulders in wavy layers, and his beard was trimmed into a neat goatee. He wore long shorts, a knit golf shirt, and sandals—typical casual attire for this island resort community.
She set down her bag from the drugstore and accepted his offer with a smile. “Thanks. My name’s Lyra.” She blew across the hot surface of the tea to cool it and then inhaled the anise-scented steam. She closed her eyes to fully enjoy the memory. “Ah!”
“Afternoons of boating and licorice with your parents? Right?” he asked.
Her mouth dropped open. How did he know that?
He slurped from his cup. “Go ahead, take a sip. My folks gave me the same reward for taking my kid sister along on bicycle rides.”
Forgetting all about the tea, she asked, “How do you know my childhood memory?”
“Taste it.” His lips curled into a sly grin as he took another gulp.
She cautiously took a tiny sip, just enough to wet her lips and the tip of her tongue. The flavor flooded her mouth, and her mind swam with wonderful memories. The taste transformed into that of gigantic popcorn balls the sheriff’s wife down the street made for Halloween trick-or-treaters, accompanied by images of Lyra’s costume—a red, fringed gypsy skirt borrowed from Mom. Next came a pumpkin flavor and vision of holding a cold piece of “punky-pie” in her five-year-old hand. Another swallow returned her experience back to anise. “What is this? How did you know?”
“Let me introduce myself.” His grin spread into a smile as his eyes met hers. He took a step closer. “I’m Cullen, Cullen Drake, and I know many things. What I don’t know is what sort of books you like to read.”
His keen interest caused heat to rise in her cheeks. “Well, actually I have several favorites, all fantasy and magical realism. You have a number of authors I like in this section.” She turned to refer to the shelves behind her, but found non-fiction hunting guides instead. “This case held classic fantasy a moment ago!”
Cullen put down his cup. “It moved. It’s over here, and I have just what you want.” He slid an old-fashioned library ladder along its track, set the locking device, and climbed straight up to the top shelf.
Lyra followed, walking between four comfortable leather club chairs grouped on a Persian rug. A portrait of a young girl and a man wearing a cloak caught her attention. Something seemed familiar in the child’s smile.
The noise of books sliding on shelves distracted her. She moved to the base of his ladder and glanced up. The ceiling of embossed tin panels decorated with Victorian teardrop chandeliers and paper Chinese dragons made a unique combination, to be sure.
But Lyra was more curious about the strange happenings in the store and its owner. He was certainly odd, although not the bookish, geeky sort who usually ran bookshops she frequented. He had an athletic frame and strong legs.
“Can’t find it!” he exclaimed and quickly descended. His brow furrowed, he dusted off his hands on his shorts. “I’ve got to find that volume for you. If you don’t mind me saying, there’s a sadness about you. The book will make you happier than you’ve been since those days of licorice shoe strings.”
“After magical tea and shifting bookcases, I almost believe you.” She laughed to cover her concerns. Even four months after it was final, she worried that the loneliness she felt after her divorce blazed like a beacon on her forehead. But, Cullen knew so much—it startled her…actually, intrigued her. Her ex didn’t ever see inside her, didn’t want to. This man read her as though he knew her. Did he? He seemed so familiar.
“Once I find that book, I promise, you’ll be pleased.” He stroked his goatee. “Hmm. Where did I last see it?” The twinkle in his gray-blue eyes captivated Lyra. “Will you be here for the week? I can look for it and call you later.”
“I’m staying the rest of the summer with my elderly Aunt Jean. She owns a lovely cottage at the end of Walnut overlooking Lake Huron. I thought I’d keep her company and give her time away from her nurse during my teaching break. While I’m here, I plan to write my novel.”
“Great! You’re a writer? What do you teach?”
“Yes, and I teach American Literature at Southern University in Florida. Seems like you already would’ve known that since you jumped into my childhood memories,” she stammered, attempting some humor. Taking a long draught of the tea, her mind filled with memories of her pet dachshund wiggling next to her, displacing a row of dolls. Another part of her past he knew—impossible! Her forehead beaded with sweat.
“No, only thoughts associated with a lot of emotion, like the happiness of snuggling with your dog.”
“How?” she exclaimed, shaking her head. “I don’t understand.” Her mind swam, trying to grasp what happened. She desperately needed some fresh air. With trembling hands she set the cup down.
“I realize it must seem odd, but the book I’m looking for will help explain.” He leaned closer with a smile that somehow reassured her. “This is Saturday. If you can come by next Wednesday morning, I think I should have it for you by then…if you’d like.” He paused and looked into her eyes, waiting for a reply.
“Yes…I’m curious.” In spite of the confusion, she found herself agreeing. “Wednesday will work.”
“Fine. Let me take down your number in case I can’t find it.” He walked to the counter and located a notepad and pen. She dictated her number and full name, which he repeated, “Lyra McCauley, a lovely Celtic name for a pretty lady.”
“I think I need to go now. Thanks for the tea.” With shaking fingers, she collected her shopping bag and headed toward the door.
He escorted her out and offered his hand to shake, the corners of his goatee lifting into an inviting grin. “Enjoy the rest of your weekend.”
Lyra smiled and looked into his eyes, trying to discern his unusual clairvoyant gift. “You too.” The initial touch, of his palm against hers, sent electrical shivers along her arm. She jerked, yet didn’t let go, fascinated by the strong emotions flashing through her mind—attraction, excitement, and acceptance. After an awkwardly long pause, she dropped his hand, half-stumbled over the threshold into the sunshine, and took a long, deep breath.
She ambled to an outdoor café a couple blocks farther down Tenth Street, while her mind buzzed with questions. How did he know those things about her? She dropped onto a seat at an empty table, shaded by an umbrella. He was fascinating and frightening at the same time…and familiar. Her divorce and loss of her parents left her lonely. He intrigued her.
“May I get you something to drink while you look over the menu?” The waitress interrupted with a bright young voice, a college student working a summer job.
Startled back to reality, Lyra murmured, “Just water, please.” Alone in a crowd of lunch goers, her thoughts returned to the bookstore and many unanswered questions.
The waitress placed a glass of water in front of her.
She almost hated to drink and remove the sweet aftertaste of anise from her tongue.
About the Author
Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. Her creativity also spills into watercolor painting and drawing. After a move from Toledo to Tampa in 2008, she’s happily transforming into a Floridian, in love with the outdoors. Crazy about cycling, she usually passes the 1,000 mile mark yearly. She is learning kayaking and already addicted. She’s been a yoga enthusiast for over a decade and that spiritual quest helps her explore the mystical side of fantasy. She never has enough days spent at the beach, usually scribbling away at new stories with toes wiggling in the sand. Every day at the beach is magical!
Website: http://MarshaAMoore.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MarshaAMoore
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/marshaamooreauthorpage
Fantasy Faction staff page: http://fantasy-faction.com/staff-members?uid=38
Goodreads author page http://www.goodreads.com/marshaamoore
Google + https://plus.google.com/u/0/100564214132835514192/posts
April 5 Promo/Excerpt
RUINED by Kinley Baker
Series: Shadowed Love, Book One
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Length: 282 pages
Also Available at: Barnes and Noble Kindle Amazon Paperback
Summary:
Jessa is one healing away from death. Under the thrall of her gift, the Court’s Senior Healer risks giving her life in exchange for her patient’s.
Vale is a rebel ruler. When his brother is killed, he’s given the throne and the decree from the Court to produce an heir or lose his family’s hold on the land–and his deceiving advisors aren’t afraid to use murder as a weapon if their directive to stay away from the Senior Healer goes unheeded.
But Vale burns to possess Jessa. The heat between them leaves a wake of smoke, and even the powerful forces above want to bind them in a union that lasts forever. Vale taking another would be a betrayal neither could survive.
Their enemies fear a child born of such a powerful Healer and Warrior, but the true threat lies in the bond forged in shadows and fused in fire.
Excerpt:
“You.” Fury burned hot under Jessa’s skin as she glared at Vale. “Who do you think you are, demanding I come live in this castle? You can’t just order your guards to enter a woman’s home and pack up her things.”
“Well, I did.” Vale came around the desk and propped one hip against it, more of a threatening than casual movement.
“Someone tried to kill me. It makes sense that I have my Healer close by.”
She released a pent-up breath. “Why couldn’t you have explained that instead of mandating?” Silly. Her imagination had run away with her. The king needed his Healer. But the realization he didn’t want her made her angrier.
“Because I didn’t want to give you the option of saying no.”
She most definitely would have said no.
“If you would have explained your reasoning, I would have complied. Your safety and health come first, even if I-”
“Even if you what?”
“Loathe you.” She bunched her fingers into two fists, seriously tempted to hit him. For all the nonexistent pain it would inflict upon him.
“Do you?” His tone deadened with calm. “Because I can’t stop thinking about you.”
“That’s normal.” She brushed off the claim. “I saved your life.”
He moved in a blur. A true Shadow Shifter. One second he stood near his desk, the next he had her in his arms, one locked around her waist and one hand tangled in her hair. Their lips almost brushed.
“I can’t stop thinking about you.” His murmur played down her spine, leaving a tingling trail. His scent invaded her. His voice embraced her like bare skin against satin sheets.
Her heart beat fast, her pulse jumped.
She disliked him, but didn’t want him to let her go.
“Have you been thinking about me?” His soft tone feathered over her flesh.
“Only how much I dislike you.” Lust pulsed in her belly.
He pulled her head back gently by her hair, so they looked straight into each other’s eyes. Their bodies pressed tightly together. “Liar.”
A Realm Divided
Thank you for allowing me to visit The Readers Roundtable today! I’m excited to share a little about Ruined.
I love romance novels with a passion, and I read every subgenre. I also love fantasy and the escape into different worlds. A lot of the time the problems in alternate dimensions end up being similar to our own. Couples struggle to come to terms with their relationships. Societies struggle to establish a place for themselves in the world. This is what led to the foundation of the Realm of Shadows. I thought a divided realm would be the perfect setting for a forbidden couple.
The Realm of Shadows in Ruined is formed by three groups: The Shadow Shifters, the Varner, and the Gaspar. The way their societies are structured plays a key role in the events that unfold. My fascination with romance and relationships led to three groups of people that are very different.
The Shadow Shifters use the shadows to shift at lightning speed. They believe in the spirits of their Ancestors and are blessed with four spiritual gifts: Warrior, Healer, Seer and Sensitive. Their system is antiquated, so women don’t have the same opportunities we have in our modern day culture. The Shadow Shifters came from our world in the 600s and not much about the structure of their society has changed.
The Varner are a group of muscular warrior males who have been traveling to alternate realms since the destruction of their home realm, Heketoro. They have arohas, which are destined mates. An invading army attacked while the Varner army was away securing resources, and their women, children and elders were slain in a vicious slaughter. The Varner culture revered their women above all else, but then they were left with no one to worship. They deeply mourn, but they also need to discover how to prevent the extinction of their race.
The Gaspar are portal makers with the ability to create energy portals to alternate realms. They treat their women as slaves. Their system is very male dominated, and the women have no choices. The women are told they have no powers, and are not taught the skills necessary to explore their strength.
These three groups are from three different ends of the spectrum. The Varner worships their women. The Gaspar enslaves their women. And the Shadow Shifters have an antiquated view of their women. The fun part of writing about the Realm of Shadows is seeing these cultures clash. This definitely plays a part in Ruined, but even more of this occurs in the next book. Book Two is Caleb’s story, and he struggles in examining what it means to revere a woman and how change might be a good thing.
The Shadowed Love Series is about change and understanding how combining cultures can result in the best future for them all. The characters fight to come to terms with understanding new ways. But most of their goals are the same in terms of desiring a secure and safe future. It just takes them a while to figure out their goals might be more similar than each group initially believes.
I hope you’ll explore more about the Realm of Shadows in Ruined. It’s a realm full of magic, shadows, and embracing the forbidden. A world where the stakes range from saving the race to saving the realm. There are happy endings because I love romance, but the journey is a fantasy quest, and I’m thankful to anyone who gives traveling the road a chance.
About the Author
Kinley Baker is the author of the fantasy romance novel, Ruined. She read her first romance at the age of thirteen and immediately fell in love with the hero and the genre. She lives with her husband and her dog, Joker, in the Pacific Northwest. As a firm supporter of all supernatural lifestyles, she writes fantasy romance, paranormal romance, and urban fantasy.
You can find Kinley at:
http://authorkinleybaker.blogspot.com
http://www.goodreads.com/kinleybaker
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kinley-Baker/196649877015210
Posted in Bewitching Book Tours, Fantasy Romance, Guest Post, Kinley Baker, Ruined, Self-Published | 
1 Comment »
Illicit Magic by Camilla Chafer
Series: Stella Mayweather Paranormal Series, Book 1
Publisher: Audacious
Genre: Fantasy Romance, Paranormal
Length: 214 pages
Available At:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/mzGZrI
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/iFNS1c
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/lX5PLb
Nook: http://bit.ly/jmrAO9
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/iEShAn
Summary:
More than three hundred years after the most terrifying witch hunts the world has ever known, it’s happening again.
Racing from attack by the ruthless Brotherhood in London to the powerful witch council in New York, twenty-four-year-old novice witch Stella has to put her faith in strangers just to stay alive but she might not be any safer in their midst than from the danger she is running from.
Sent to an extraordinary safe house by the sea to learn her craft, Stella finds there is more than one dark secret in her new family: Étoile’s sister is spoken of in fear and sadness; Marc is supposed to be a powerful witch but is missing his magic; where does the owner of their safe house vanish to every day and why does Evan have the eyes of someone not quite human?
There is only one secret that someone will do anything to keep quiet, but whose secret is it and will Stella have to pay the price for silence?
Amazon UK Top 10 contemporary fantasy bestseller
Amazon US Top 45 fantasy bestseller
Amazon US Top 50 contemporary fantasy bestseller
AJ’s Review:
Illicit Magic is a tantalizing read that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat wondering if Stella Mayweather will be able to outsmart the Brotherhood with the help of her new friends. Ms Chafer provides the reader with a combination of mystery, romance, angst, and danger in this action-packed story full of lies and deceit. Will Stella figure out who to trust before it’s too late?
My heart went out to Stella as she enlightens the reader about her situation in the beginning of the story. It’s obvious that being uprooted from one foster home to the next has taken a toll on her life and created the individual that she currently is when we first meet Stella. I just wanted to be her friend so that she realized that she wasn’t alone in this world. But don’t fret, Stella’s life quickly changes in my opinion for the better as she embraces her true destiny and comes to terms with the danger that’s been lurking in the background, watching and waiting to burn her at the stake. Stella’s first encounter with the Brotherhood had my heart pounding as I wondered whether or not she would find safety before they caught her. Illicit Magic is told from Stella’s point of view, which actually worked for me because the reader was not only able to gain a better understanding of how Stella felt about her life and the things that were going on around her, but also the reader was able to see the things Stella was missing that were obvious to the person looking in from the outside, and isn’t that how life is sometimes? We often miss the obvious when we’re too close to the situation, which was exactly the predicament Stella found herself in on more than one occasion. 
Soon Stella’s past and present collide as we discover that there is a traitor in her new safe haven. Moreover, as the mystery unfolds and secrets are revealed, the reader becomes more aware of how special Stella is and why everyone is out to kill her. Although it didn’t take much to figure out who was responsible for all of the attacks on Stella as the story progressed, Ms. Chafer did provide the reader with a few unexpected twists and turns as more secrets were revealed and the plot thickened. Initially, some readers may view Stella as a whiny individual by the way she describes her life, but I disagree. I think she’s a strong young woman who has been dealt a “sh**ty” hand in life, but perseveres and develops into a strong woman who learns how to control her magic and ultimately becomes a force to be reckoned with in order to save her life and the life of her new friends. This young lady has gumption and I like that in my heroines.
Evan is the hero that every girl dreams of in a fairy tale or in Stella’s case, a nightmare of mass proportions. He’s strong, sexy, smart, and definitely not of this world. Yet, the best thing about Evan was his patience with Stella as she struggled to find her way and become comfortable in her own skin. Don’t get me wrong, there were plenty of times that Evan was a hardass and I wanted to slap him, but then again, the people who really care about you should be honest and above board when life is slapping you in the face and you’re in constant fear of being burned at the stake. I enjoyed watching Evan and Stella’s relationship grow at a reasonable pace and hope to learn more about Evan in the next book in this scintillating series.
The secondary characters were well developed and helped the story progress. Each of them had their on quirks, secrets, and hidden agendas. I found the dynamics between them and Stella rather interesting given that Marc was the epitome of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hide. Can we say moody much???? In addition, it was obvious that Etoile and Seren, her sister, possessed a vast amount of power. However, there were times that I didn’t like how quickly Etoile was willing to use her powers on Stella. Kitty was sweet and I liked how she befriended Stella, which was something she had craved since her parent’s death. Although there were a few editing errors, it wasn’t enough to pull me out of the story. In addition, the picturesque scenery that Ms. Chafer provided in regards to the different locations Stella moved around to as she continued to fight off the threat of the Brotherhood, acted as another secondary character that not only increased the depth of the story, but made this fantasy romance a little more realistic for this reader.
Illicit Magic is an enticing read with engaging characters and action-packed adventure that will have you biting your nails as you delve deeper into the mystery, madness and mayhem of Stella Mayweather’s life. Things aren’t always as they seem as secrets are revealed, the plot thickens, allies become enemies, friendships are tested, and love begins to blossom. Therefore, if you haven’t picked up a copy of Illicit Magic by Camilla Chafer then you’re definitely missing out. I can’t wait to see what happens in Unruly Magic, the second book in the series.
Rated 4.5 Seashells by AJ!
EXCERPT
Sharp, murmured voices passed me on the wind. I couldn’t make out what they were saying but there was the sound of confusion and dissent; then a barked order calmed them. I caught the sole word “silence” from a low voice as it hissed past me. The footsteps shuffled and stamped again but no one uttered a word. It was like they were all listening for me. I felt like a fox, terrified and cornered, knowing that the beagles were just behind me, waiting to catch my scent.
Above me I could just see the first quarter of the moon breaking in the sky, casting a dim glow over the city. My jacket was a dark padded cord, good for blending in with both the hedge and low light. My breath was catching like little puffs of cloud in the air so I pulled up my cheap, striped scarf and covered my mouth to keep the plumes from straying to where they could be seen.
Without moving the rest of my body, I strained my head towards my pursuers, the scarf tightening about my neck until I tugged it loose again. I tried to count how many footsteps I could hear as they shuffled, fanned out and regrouped.
With only my pounding heartbeat for company I waited for what seemed like eternity. I tried to count Mississippi’s to gauge the time but my mind stumbled over the count and I threw the thought away. I waited for seconds, minutes, hours for them to rush past me, or at least turn and stamp a different way, hoping miserably that they really hadn’t seen me dart into this street.
Finally I couldn’t hear a thing but the blood rushing in my ears. Had I made it up? Was I really paranoid enough to think someone would bother following me? Probably. Possibly. It wasn’t the first time I’d been extra cautious, but it was the first time since the news has been full of murder. I shivered and tried to shake away the icy fear.
Edging my way across the privet, the leather of my long boots brushing against each other as I sidestepped, my toes scuffed against the scrub of garden. Fronds of hedge needled my back through my winter coat as I brushed by and fresh drops of dew slid uncomfortably past my scarf and inside my collar.
With my mouth set in a firm, grim line, clamped so tightly shut I was close to grinding my teeth, I poked my head forward, mere millimetres from the hedge but enough to see a gloved hand shoot towards me and grab my coat, the fingers clawing at my shoulder to snatch a handful of material and drag me into the open. A gasp escaped me. How had they gotten so close without me realising? Another hand, yellowed at the fingertips and reeking of tobacco, reached for my neck.
A gruff male voice snarled, “Gotcha!”
I shrieked and my whole body went rigid as I closed my eyes tightly. The air went thick and heavy around me, the cold momentarily disappeared and the blood in my veins surged as electricity crackled through my body. For the merest second all the low light and dull sounds of the city disappeared as the power rushing through me overwhelmed and took possession of me.
With the hand at my neck and the fear pumping alongside the electricity, I thought I would die in this moment, but when I opened my eyes again I was on the other side of the street, looking at my attacker grasping at the air where a second ago my neck had been. I saw his fist punch savagely through the air where my jaw should have been. If I had still been there, he would have smashed it for sure.
I felt dizzy and willed myself not to faint. The last of the shriek ebbed in my throat as I realised that I had barely focused on the task but had ended up exactly where I thought I should be when I’d glimpsed that section of empty street. Perhaps my strange gift (I never could decide what I should call it) only worked properly when I was terrified. Moving through space wasn’t something I had even been able to control before. And right now, I wasn’t afraid to admit that I was absolutely, gut-wrenchingly, terrified.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Camilla and I’m the author of the Stella Mayweather Series, an urban fantasy/mystery. The series starts with Illicit Magic and a lonely young woman, Stella, who has been caught up in a terrifying witch hunt and is whisked thousands of miles away to what she thinks is safety to learn her craft. The series is a blend of magic, mystery and romance with a splash of humour – and while the girls really do go all out to save themselves, there’s always a hunky guy or two on hand to help them out. The series continues with Unruly Magic and Devious Magic, both out now.
I live in London, England, but I try to travel as often as I can – I’ve been all over the US and Europe. In my day job I’m a journalist and editor so I write for magazines, newspapers and websites throughout the world (my favourite assignment was spending a week riding rollercoasters – if you listen carefully you can probably still hear me screaming) but writing fiction has always been my first love.
Web links:
Website: www.camillachafer.com
Blog: www.camillachafer.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CamillaChafer
Twitter: @camillawrites
Schedule Illicit Magic
Posted in 4.5 Seashells, AJ, Audacious, Bewitching Book Tours, Camilla Chafer, Contest, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Illicit Magic, Paranormal |
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Choices by Liz Schulte
Series: The Guardian Trilogy, Book 2
Publisher: 4 Corners Press
Genre: Fantasy Fiction, Paranormal Romance
Length: 296 pages
Summary:
Hearts break. Loved ones are lost. Life keeps moving.
Olivia Martin’s afterlife was more dangerous and confusing than her life ever was. She thought she was ready to come back, to forget about Holden and to let go of the rage consuming her. Fulfilling her destiny as a guardian was all that mattered—the past could stay hidden in the crevices of her mind. However, when guardians are murdered and the evidence points towards jinn, she has to do something. To save anyone’s future, Olivia will have to confront the one person from her past she is terrified to see.
Holden waited for Olivia with the hope he would see her one more time. But when she didn’t return, he found salvation in darkness. The black and twisted road made it easier to forget what he lost than to live with the memory of what he had. An unexpected promotion shoves him into a world of intoxicating power and influence. Holden will have to choose between his new life and the woman he thought was gone forever.
From the ashes of Secrets, Choices are born that will change everything.
AJ’s Review
One word comes to mind when I think of Liz Schulte’s newest release, Choices…FREAKIN’-FAN-TASTIC!. Ms. Schulte is a new author to me and I have recently discovered that I’ve been missing out on an awesome series. Choices is a riveting story packed with action, adventure, suspense, lust, and secrets that will change Olivia Martin’s life forever. I was biting my nails, sitting on the edge of my seat wonder what was going to happen next.
Although this is the second book in the series and I haven’t read the first one, it wasn’t hard figuring out what was going on. However, I must admit that now I need to pick up the first book in the series, Secrets because I want to be up to full speed when the third book is released. I instantly liked Olivia and being a person who would rather be behind the camera instead of in front of it, found it very easy to relate to her. Her life has been turned upside down, which has made her an active participate instead of a bystander on the sidelines and she’s kicking butt, taking names, and embracing the new journey life has thrust her into.
Holden is simply sexy as sin and I must admit, this bad boy had me swooning. His charisma and intensity makes it hard for a woman to deny. I can see why Olivia is in this predicament. While Quintis is the good guy, trying to help Olivia, he just isn’t doing it for me. Maybe it’s my inner psyche that just loves a bad boy. Who knows? All I know is that if I were forced to choose, demons, hell and Holden would be my choice hands down. Yet, I must admit that Ms. Schulte has created a fascinating love triangle.
The secondary characters were well-developed and made the story more enticing. I loved Femi who is a woman that takes no prisoners. I’ll have to checkout the short story on her as well. In addition, Choices is well-written and the plot is well-developed. The more the story progresses, the more the reader is allowed to gain a better understanding of the complexity of the situation. Yet, at the same time leaves so many questions unanswered.
Choices by Liz Schulte is a captivating story that incorporates a myriad of emotions that not only ranges from love to lust to betrayal, but also will have your heart pounding, your body in heat, and at times, your anger level will reach an all new high as you navigate with Olivia through this cobweb of secrets and lies. If you haven’t checked out The Guardian Trilogy what are you waiting on? I guarantee that you will find it as scintillating as I did and will be kicking yourself for missing out on this awesome series from the beginning. Bravo Ms. Schulte! You’ve hit a home run with Choices and I’ll definitely be recommending The Guardian Trilogy to my friends. I can’t wait to read Consequences to see what happens next.
Rated 5 Seashells and a Recommended Read by AJ!
About the Author
Many authors claim to have known their calling from a young age. Liz Schulte, however, didn’t always want to be an author. In fact, she had no clue. Liz wanted to be a veterinarian, then she wanted to be a lawyer, then she wanted to be a criminal profiler. In a valiant effort to keep from becoming Walter Mitty, Liz put pen to paper and began writing her first novel. It was at that moment she realized this is what she was meant to do. As a scribe she could be all of those things and so much more.
When Liz isn’t writing or on social networks she is inflicting movie quotes and trivia on people, reading, traveling, and hanging out with friends and family. Liz is a Midwest girl through and through, though she would be perfectly happy never having to shovel her driveway again. She has a love for all things spooky, supernatural, and snarky. Her favorite authors range from Edgar Allen Poe to Joseph Heller to Jane Austen to Jim Butcher and everything in between.
Liz would love to hear from you and what you thought of Dark Corners.
Please stop by and visit at any of the below mentioned networks:
http://enteringbatcountry.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/liz.schulte
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4755336.Liz_Schulte
http://www.lizschulte.com/p/lizs-books.html
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Liz-Schulte/182081915177084
Twitter- https://twitter.com/#!/LizSchulte
Femi’s Guide to the Abyss
Hello! Femi here. I have the pleasure of being your tour guide today.
Liz asked me to take you on a tour of the Abyss, probably because I’m the coolest species she knows and my life as a bounty hunter means I know the dirt on everyone. So hold on and follow me.
Oh, keep your hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times. Lots of things here bite.
The Abyss is a world that is overlapping with your world. It houses everything your legends and mythology talk about, plus some more. I, for example, am a Sekhmet. No, I’m not the lionness headed goddess, just a descendent.
The abyss has vampires (often more trouble than they are worth), werewolves (avoid them at all costs), elves (a little stuffy, but generally nice), hobgoblins (tricky devils), ghosts (don’t make eye contact or they will haunt you for ages), and way too many to name them all.
Liz told me (she’s bossy) to talk about guardian and jinn because her books are about Olivia and Holden.
Jinn have only one thing on their mind ever, power. They were once human and made a deal with a demon (for whatever reason) to become more powerful. In return they have to inspire humans towards their weaknesses. Mostly they deal in the seven deadly sins: Lust, gluttony, sloth, envy, vanity, wrath, and greed. They trap people in their webs until they lose all hope and their souls are easy pickings. Not the sort of people you want to hang out with.
Guardians are souls who died before their time or, in rare instances, souls who were destined to be guardians. They’re responsible for helping and inspiring people. They’re what most people call guardian angels, but they’re not angels, just former humans who have the grace guide others. They always mean well, but can often be a drag. Mostly pacifists who never question their lives or orders.
Now Olivia and Holden (the people Liz mostly writes about) are an odd pair, but I have a feeling something about them just works. I don’t know Holden well (I doubt anyone does), but I have gotten to know Olivia really well and she lights up when she talks about him. Let me just say, she isn’t like the other guardians. I’d say more, but Liz is reading over my shoulder and threatened to bump me off if I mention any spoilers. (Yikes, writers are sort of nuts.)
Well, it was fun hanging out with you, but I have bounties to catch and ass to kick.
Later!
Femi
Posted in 4 Corners Press, 5 Seashells, AJ, Choices, Contest, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Guest Post, Liz Schulte, Paranormal, Recommended Read |
24 Comments »
Finding My Faith by Carly Fall
Series: Six Saviors , Book 2
Published By: Westward Publishing
Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Paranormal, Horror
Length: 74,886 words
Available at: Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, ARe
Summary:
Growing up in a small Northern Arizona town, Faith Cloudfoot’s life was spent playing in the forests surrounding her house under the protective eyes of her father, and learning about the legends of her Native American heritage.
Yearning for more out of her life, she moves to Phoenix, Arizona at the age of twenty-three where she is kidnapped and almost killed.
Rayner has a special ability, one that weighs on him like a curse. He can see spirits trapped in between life and their final resting place. Because he can’t do much to help them, he studiously ignores them. He concentrates, instead, on working with his fellow warriors to right the wrongs caused by the evil criminals from his home planet.
When Rayner sees Faith in her spirit form while investigating a lead in Phoenix, his attraction to her is immediate, yet he follows his own personal code and ignores her cry for attention. When he realizes that she may be a stepping stone to getting him home to his own universe, he engages Faith and begins to use her as a means to an end: going home.
As the attraction grows stronger, Rayner finds himself breaking all sorts of self-set rules, as well as the code of ethics set by him and his fellow warriors. When Faith nears death, Rayner realizes that he must do everything in his power to save her, because if he doesn’t, he may just lose himself.
Excerpt:
By the time Rayner bolted through the door, Faith had gotten her ducks back in a row. She had fallen asleep briefly, only to be woken up by a nightmare. The man who had kidnapped her hovered above her bed, telling her she was never going to wake up. She had eventually woken up, proving him wrong, and proceeded to have a serious meltdown that constituted her trying to find the light switch, hitting a bunch of buttons on the phone and somehow reaching Rayner.
“I’m sorry,” she said when he flew through the door. “I’m sorry. I-I had a nightmare…”
He stared at her, breathing hard, his dark eyes scanning the room.
Faith crossed her arms over her chest and looked at the floor, as if by doing so she could keep from throwing herself at Rayner and begging him to like her. She looked him over. He stood before her, the most perfect man she had ever seen. His huge chest and his feet were bare, his jeans barely hanging on to his hips. His blond hair fell around his face, and he pushed it back with his hand. The hoops in his ears glittered, along with the hoops in each of his nipples. And, good God, there was something so terribly sexy about them.
The flush of embarrassment crept up her face, and she wished she had waited even a minute before calling him.
“You’re okay,” he said gruffly.
She nodded, tears stinging her eyes again.
“Faith?”
The tears burst forward, as did her anger, angst, and fear. “You know, I thought that while I was trapped in that hell, that maybe, just maybe, we shared something. The way you acted like you cared was a very real performance, Rayner. Oscar worthy.”
His silence only made her angrier.
“You told me to hold on. For you, Rayner! You told me to hold on for you, and I did. And then once I was back among the living, you put as much distance between us as you could!” She began pacing, the tears of anger flowing freely now. She stopped and met his eyes. “Was it all a big trick? Just to make sure I lived? And if it was, then why did you do it? To make yourself feel better for not letting someone die?”
When he didn’t answer, she yelled, “Okay, if that wasn’t it, then what was it, Rayner? Am I that awful to you? Do I disgust you that much?”
She knew she was very close to hysteria, and she needed him to leave.
“Get out!” she screamed. She listened to the shrill in her voice and realized that, no, she wasn’t close to hysteria, but it had arrived at full throttle. “Get the fuck out!” she screamed. “I hate you, Rayner! I hate you for making me feel this way!”
The tears were streaming down her face, and she felt like hitting something. She saw through the waterfalls from her eyes that Rayner stood at the door staring at her like she was some strange, new animal he had just encountered at the zoo. He didn’t say anything for a moment, but then quietly asked, “How do I make you feel, Faith?”
Somehow, this angered her even more. How dare he ask that? Why did he care? He’d made it pretty clear that he didn’t. He’d thrown her in this pretty room all by herself and done his best to keep his distance from her, sometimes acting as if she didn’t exist.
“How dare you!” she said, marching over to him. “How dare you ask that?”
She brought her fist back and launched it forward, but Rayner caught her fist before it made contact.
They stood at an impasse. Faith ready to let loose all of her aggression, anger, and sorrow, but Rayner not letting her.
Their eyes locked, and neither moved or spoke for a moment.
“You listen to me, Faith,” he said in a quiet controlled voice laced with anger. “You think I don’t find you attractive?”
She didn’t say anything.
“You’re wrong,” he bit out. He stepped closer so that their bodies were almost touching. He picked up a lock of hair and ran it through his fingers, his eyes never leaving hers. He dropped it, then ran his hand over her cheek. As he loomed over her, touching her tenderly, he looked angry—wickedly angry. His dark eyes glared at her as though they had fire burning in the center of them. “You, Faith Cloudfoot, are the most beautiful thing I have ever laid eyes on.” He took her fist and slowly opened it so her palm was flat. He then took her hand and placed it on the front of his jeans.
“You feel that, Faith?”
Oh, yes, she felt it. It was long and thick, and her body exploded in a primal need and desire. Her mouth went dry and she was certain she wasn’t breathing.
“That has been my constant companion since the second I laid eyes on you.”
He took her hand away and curled it into a fist again, holding it in his hand in the exact way he had caught it.
“I’m achingly aware of how beautiful you are, Faith. I fucking ache,” he practically hissed. He took his thumb and ran it over her bottom lip.
“It’s taken everything I have in me to not make love to you, not to fuck you,” he said in almost a whisper. He leaned his head down so that their mouths were close, and she swore she was going to get the kiss she so desperately wanted.
Just before their lips met, he moved to the side and kissed her cheek. “But I can’t,” he whispered fiercely. He took her earlobe between his lips and bit it softly. Chills shimmied up her spine, and she felt her knees ready to buckle. She tried to pull her hand from his, but he only held on tighter. “It’s too dangerous for both of us,” he whispered slowly into her ear. “You could end up killed, and that, my beautiful Faith, is something I’m not willing to let happen.”
He looked down at her, and she finally found her voice. “How?” she whispered, “How could I end up dead?”
About the Author
Carly Fall lives in Arizona with her incredibly supportive husband, their son and their dog.
She enjoys the weather in Arizona, and when she isn’t writing, you can find her spending time with her family, or lazily floating in the pool.
Carly has spent twenty years writing business materials, and Shackled to the Night was her first foray into fiction.
For more information on upcoming books as well as freebies and giveaways, visit her website at www.CarlyFall.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carly-Fall/135934843166283
Twitter: CarlyFall1
Posted in Bewitching Book Tours, Carly Fall, Fantasy, Finding My Faith, Horror, Paranormal, Sci-Fi, Westward Publishing |
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The Host by Stephenie Meyer
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Sold by: Hatchette Book Group
Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy Romance
Length: 625 pages
Summary:
The author of the Twilight series of # 1 bestsellers delivers her brilliant first novel for adults: a gripping story of love and betrayal in a future with the fate of humanity at stake.
Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed.
Wanderer, the invading “soul” who has been given Melanie’s body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn’t expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.
Melanie fills Wanderer’s thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves-Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body’s desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she’s never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.
Featuring what may be the first love triangle involving only two bodies, THE HOST is a riveting and unforgettable novel that will bring a vast new readership to one of the most compelling writers of our time.
Sydney’s Review:
When I first read the summary of The Host, I thought Invasion of the Body Snatchers, but this story is so much more. Ms. Meyer’s has created a compelling story with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing with the flip of every page. I devoured The Host in two days, as this was the best 600 pages that I’ve read in a long time when it comes to sci-fi.
Melanie/Wanderer is a feisty, strong-willed human who not only fights to maintain her body, but eventually gains an ally in the Wanderer. While initially, I didn’t like the Wanderer, as the story progressed she became more human to me and slowly but surely, won my heart. The complexity of the situation and the characterization was well-developed as the reader is provided an in depth story from the Wanderer’s perspective.
Jared was simply delicious and my heart went out to him as he fought to save the love of his life, while dealing with the unexpected feelings that prevaled for the Wanderer as the story progressed. I must admit that I had a hard time viewing the “Souls” as the enemy. For me, it was more like they were just a race who was trying to survive. Unfortunately, I wasn’t happy with their decision to take over human bodies.
There were many times that just when you thought you had a firm grasp on what was happening, Ms. Meyer’s incorporates an unexpected twist that not only keeps you off balance, but also increases the angst and intensity of the story. Before all was said and done, I couldn’t help but root for Melanie and the Wanderer to discover a way to find their Happily Ever After.
The dynamics between the Wanderer/Melanie and the secondary characters at time is just heart wrenching, especially the scenes that involved the Wanderer/Melanie and her brother Jamie. Each of the secondary characters increased the depth of the story without overshadowing the main characters. Although the story begins with a love triangle, Ms. Meyer’s increases the complexity of the plot by adding more to the mix and that’s all I’m saying. You really need to read The Host in order to grasp the dynamics between the characters, both main and secondary, as well as better understand the obstacles that the Wanderer/Melanie are facing on a daily basis.
The Host by Stephenie Meyer’s is a well-written, enthralling story with engaging, fascinating characters that will help you experience a myriad of emotions that entail everything from anger to sadness, joy to hope, and eventually, love. The emotions are palpable, the sacrifices are detrimental, and the danger is eminent. I’m actually hoping that they turn The Host into a movie. I’d love to see if the vivid descriptions provided by Ms. Meyer’s in this tantalizing story would match the pictures I developed in my head as I read the story. With that said… This is one sci-fi story that you don’t want to miss. So, pick up a copy of The Host if you haven’t done so already. You won’t be sorry!
Rated 5 Seashells and a Recommended Read by Sydney!