Twilight Thursday

Farsighted (Farsighted Series, Book #1)

by Emlyn Chand

Review and Giveaway

Unfortunately for me, this was a dnf. I never really connected with Alex enough to want to finish the story, so instead of going on about that, I am going to let you decide for yourself with the following blurb and excerpt. Don't forget to comment for a chance to win a copy of this book. Please leave your email address as a way to contact you if you win.

BLURB:

Alex Kosmitoras may be blind, but he can still "see" things others can't. When his unwanted visions of the future begin to suggest that the girl he likes could be in danger, he has no choice but to take on destiny and demand it reconsider.

Alex Kosmitoras's life has never been easy. The only other student who will talk to him is the school bully, his parents are dead-broke and insanely overprotective, and to complicate matters even more, he's blind. Just when he thinks he'll never have a shot at a normal life, a new girl from India moves into town. Simmi is smart, nice, and actually wants to be friends with Alex. Plus she smells like an Almond Joy bar. Yes, sophomore year might not be so bad after all.

Unfortunately, Alex is in store for another new arrival--an unexpected and often embarrassing ability to "see" the future. Try as he may, Alex is unable to ignore his visions, especially when they begin to suggest that Simmi is in danger. With the help of the mysterious psychic next door and new friends who come bearing gifts of their own, Alex must embark on a journey to change his future.





EXCERPT:

“Did Dad tell you? A new tenant moved into the old pharmacy next door.”

“Really?” I ask, not letting on I already know. If I feign ignorance, Mom’ll divulge all the details. “What is it?”

“It’s a psychic shop,” Her voice crackles with excitement like a fire that’s just beginning to burn. “The All-Seeing Miss Teak. Isn’t that cute? Miss Teak, Mystic. Ha, I wonder if that’s her real name.”

I laugh. “That is funny. Never had a psychic in town before. What’s she like?”

“Oh, she’s very friendly. Why don’t you go over and say ‘hi.’  I’m sure she’d like to meet you.”

“Okay, I think I will.” I’m incredibly intrigued, because first off, it’s a psychic shop—how weird is that?—and second, its presence made Dad super uncomfortable—also very cool. I waste no time heading next door to check out the scene.

As I step cautiously into the new shop, a recording of soft, instrumental music greets me. I can make out chimes and a string instrument I don’t recognize but for some reason reminds me of snake charmers. The smell of incense fills my nostrils, which explains the burning I detected earlier.

“Hello?” I call out into the otherwise quiet room.

Nobody answers. I walk in deeper, sweeping my cane out in front of me in a metronome fashion. This place is new to me, so I need to be especially careful while moving around.

Thump! Despite my precautions, I stub my toe on something hard, big, and made of wood. Just my luck to stub the same toe twice in one day. I reach down to press my fingers into my throbbing foot to alleviate some of the pain. Something teeters before rolling off of the chest and across the floor; the sound it makes indicates a curved path. Suddenly, the object stops. Somebody’s stopped it.

“Hello?” I call again.

“Hello,” a deep, feminine voice responds, placing more emphasis on the first syllable than the second.
“I- I’m sorry I knocked that thing over. I didn’t mean to…” I hope she’s not angry. Probably not a good idea to get on a psychic’s bad side.

“That wasn’t just a thing, it’s a crystal ball,” she says as she walks over, sending my blood pulsing through my veins. I sense her looking at me for a moment before she places the ball back on top of the chest.
“Can it see the future?” I ask, allowing my curiosity to outweigh my uneasiness.

“No.” After a pause lasting several beats, she continues. “But I can see the future sometimes when I look into it.”

“Oh, okay.” I tighten my hand around my cane and turn to leave. It may not be the most polite thing to do, but all of this hocus-pocus stuff is freaking me out more than I would’ve guessed.

The psychic lady speaks again, stopping me cold. “Don’t run away, Alex Kosmitoras.” She must’ve spoken to Mom earlier today. That must be how she knows my name.

“I’m not running away,” I say meekly. “I’m just going back over to Sweet Blossoms.”

“Don’t run away,” she repeats—this time she speaks louder and with more energy. “Don’t run away from your abilities. They are gifts.”

“What?” I ask in confusion. What abilities is she talking about?

“You already know. Watch. Listen. Be open to your gifts.”

I turn to face Miss Teak, but find she’s already gone, returning to wherever she was before I got there.
Is it safe to leave? I trail my fingers across the wooden box I ran into earlier; a thick coat of dust clings to the tips as I pull away. If this shop just opened, why is it already so dirty? I wipe my hands over my shirt to get the gritty substance off. Shivers rock my whole body. Something about this place is wrong, and I’m not sticking around to figure out what. Tapping my cane along the floor, I’m able to find the exit without knocking into anything else.


REVIEWS:

Alex Kosmitoras might not have a magic wand or vampiric strength and speed, but he is a totally swoon-worthy hero that any mom would be proud to let her daughter date.  -- Melissa Luznicky Garrett, author of Turning Point

You don't have to be psychic to know that Farsighted is going to take the world by storm. Vampires are so last year.  -- Kimberly Kinrade, author of Forbidden Mind

An epic battle of good versus evil that moves at breakneck speed to a stunning and totally unexpected conclusion.  -- Terri Giuliano Long, author of In Leah's Wake

Is Alex blind? Yes. Bullied? Yes. A victim? Absolutely not! Emlyn Chand expertly tackles high school bullying, making Farsighted both an entertaining and an educational read. -- Kevin Carey-Infante, Author of Bani's Dilemma

There's nothing blurry about Farsighted. With keen insight, Emlyn Chand creates complex characters that pop off the page. -- Lauren Clark, author of Stay Tuned

Psychic or not, you'll never see the end for this one coming! Emlyn Chand is pioneering "the next big thing" for YA.  -- Emily Reese, author of Second Death

*Winner of the Alternative Booker Award, 2011
*Winner of the WritersType First Chapter Competition, September 2011

BUY LINKS:

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Farsighted-Emlyn-Chand/dp/0983930805/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1
B&N - www.barnesandnoble.com/w/farsighted-emlyn-chand/1106607652
Smashwords - http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/91611

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Emlyn Chand has always loved to hear and tell stories, having emerged from the womb with a fountain pen grasped firmly in her left hand (true story). When she's not writing, she runs a large book club in Ann Arbor and is the president of author PR firm, Novel Publicity. Emlyn loves to connect with readers and is available throughout the social media interweb.

Visit www.emlynchand.com for more info. Don’t forget to say “hi” to her sun conure Ducky!

Wistful Wednesday

 Book Description (From the Author's website)

16 year old Grace was reared in the wilderness. Her first pet was a bear named Simon. Her first potty, an oak tree. And, her first swing, a forest vine. Grace has lived in the Smokies all her life, patrolling with her forest ranger father who taught her everything he knew about wildlife, tracking, and wilderness survival. 

When Grace's dad goes missing on a routine patrol, unlike everyone in her sleepy mountain town, she refuses to believe he’s dead. After finding a Cheetos bag and stolen government file, Grace is convinced she’s one step closer to proving all the non-believers wrong.

One day, while out tracking clues, Grace is rescued from imminent danger by Mo, a hot guy who has an intoxicating accent and a secret. Grace has never felt a connection like this before, certainly not with her ex-boyfriend, the adoring, but decidedly unrugged, Wyn. 

After a few run-ins with the town's police chief, her father's partner, and some new evidence, Grace travels deeper into the wilderness that has always been her refuge only to learn that her father's disappearance is not a mere coincidence. 

Soon she’s enmeshed in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. And it’s going to take a lot more than a compass and a motorcycle (named Lucifer) for this kick-butting heroine to emerge from an epidemic that’s spreading like wild fire, threatening everything and everyone she’s ever loved.

My Thoughts:

Let me just say if I'm ever lost in the woods or need to find someone, Grace Wells is the girl I'd want by my side. For one thing, she knows the woods like nobody's business and for another, she never gives up. Even when it seems that everyone's against her, she just keeps pushing on to what she thinks is right. She won't let anyone stand in her way - even her own mother. And when the chips are down, she'd have your back. What more could you ask for?

Even though the protagonist of this story is a girl, I think this is the type of story that will appeal to boys as well as girls. Partly due to the way it's written - it's very straightforward, no flowery prose here - and partly due to the premise of the story. At times, Grace is all tomboy, hiking in the woods, fly fishing, tracking down clues to her father's disappearance, but when she meets a cute, mysterious boy in the woods, she's reminded that she is, indeed, a girl. Not a sappy, I'll-wait-for-the-guy-to-rescue-me kind of girl, but the kind who can go a little weak in the knees when kissed by someone she's attracted to without losing her ability to kick ass and take names when the moment calls for it. And believe me, she does, Not that she's superwoman and doesn't have any faults, because she does - the number one being that she tends to push people away from her, especially when they get too close.

Which brings us to Mo and Wyn. Sigh. Mo is the cute guy from the woods who turns Grace's world upside down and reminds her that it can kind of be fun being a girl. He's good-looking, mysterious, and tends to keep secrets - number one being what he's doing out in the woods all the time. He's there when Grace needs him, which she can only say about one other person in her life at present - Wyn. Grace and Wyn have known each other their whole lives, they have a history, and she may or may not still have feelings for her. And oh, yeah, he just might share them. But the path to happiness is never clear and this one has a fork in the road, one marked Wyn, the other marked Mo. Not a bad place to be, actually. How can she choose between them when each one gives her what she needs when she needs it?

There are a lot of twists and turns in this book that snake through it in the same deceptively calm way as the river that plays a powerful role in the story. Just when you think you have it figured it out, you will be proven wrong. It kept me guessing all the way to the end and even then, I was taken by surprise. I won't spoil it here, but let's just say, it sets up nicely for a sequel. Although some major questions are answered, other aren't and they will keep you wondering what will happen next long after the book is done.

Final verdict: A unique story told with skill that will appeal to anyone who enjoys mystery, adventure and a kickass heroine.

(ebook provided by author for review)

Twilight Thursday

My Special Guest Today:

Lindsay Townsend

author of A Christmas Sleeping Beauty

Excerpt 1.

His roving eyes fixed on the single ornament. "I know she likes yellow iris."

A dry pitter-patter of applause startled him. "Well done, Orlando! There may be hope for you yet. She loves Christmas, too, and we are fast approaching Christmas Eve. Three days to go, by my reckoning."

He was about to reply, with some sarcasm, that he too knew it was the darkest, longest day of the year, the winter solstice, but a thread of caution made him ask, "Three days?"

"Three days to learn of her, to woo her, to begin to care, my prince."

"For a kiss?"

"Have you ever been in love, Orlando? Have you ever felt what a true kiss is like?"

Orlando said nothing, for the fairy guardian was plainly talking nonsense.

"Should you fail, you will be spirited back to your own lands, with no memory of this place."

"That is unjust—"

"Truly, Prince? As just and fair as the gold coach that carries you, while your footmen wear broken shoes?"

Excerpt 2

The girl curled on her side, fast asleep in the middle of the twilight-blue silken sheets, was glorious, fit for any prince, even for him. Small, with long, glossy black hair, she had a lithe, flawless figure and the most perfect pink little mouth. Lips sweeter than sugar cane, he wagered, congratulating himself for a third time.

He rolled her onto her back and straightened out her slim, taut limbs. She did not stir. Her breath was sweeter than peppermint and her skin like ivory, tinted faintly with rose. In this gloomy chamber, unlit by windows or torches, she glowed like a pearl, as if lit from within. Her nightdress was white and trimmed with lace, the kind of old-fashioned gown his grandmother used to wear. He imagined himself ripping it from her, plundering those lush pink lips for kiss after kiss as she gasped her thankfulness and gratitude, and he made her his, right here in the great bed. And after that, of course, the kingdom would be his, for her parents would make him their heir.

A swift marriage in the cathedral before Christmas, and all would be well. He would hire tutors for her, to teach her the modern ways, but if she was as soft and obedient as his grandmother had been, then all would be very well indeed.

And I am going to marry her, he thought.

He tugged off his boots and sank onto the bed. He would kiss her forehead first and then her mouth, he decided. He caught her wrists in one of his large hands, so she would not scratch him when she woke.

Her flesh was warm and fragrant. A small pulse thudded in her temple as she responded to him. The weariness of his long hunt for this fabled kingdom dropped away as he knelt on top of her, careful not to crush her with his weight, and lowered his head.

A snap behind him had him sprawling off her, knife ready, shielding his prize.

He relaxed, realizing a log had collapsed in the fireplace, and turned back.

"None shall take her from you, eh, Prince?"

Out of nowhere, a woman had appeared beside the carefully laid fire. She was nearly as tall as himself, with iron-gray hair and a handsome, if sharp, face. She was robed in the latest fashion and carried a sheath of yellow iris which she proceeded to arrange into a tall blue vase beside the bed. "I suppose you tried to defend her, at least."

Orlando fingered his dagger. "Who are you, woman? Some kind of ghost?"

"There." She gave the flowers a final shake. "These are some of her favorites. Have you brought flowers?"

"What for?"

"For the princess!" She gave him an expression he had last seen on the harassed face of his Latin tutor. "Do you expect to woo her with nothing?"

Cursing under his breath, even as he felt the heat of his temper pound in his head, Prince Orlando decided things had gone far enough. He slammed his knife back into its sheath. Next, defying the mysterious stranger, or rather ignoring her, he lifted the sleeping young woman into his arms and kissed her firmly on the lips.

Her head fell back a little, but she slept on.


Blurb:


Handsome, confident, a touch arrogant, Prince Orlando thinks that now he has found Sleeping Beauty, his kiss will wake her at once. When it does not, he realizes he has much to learn about life and love.
Princess Rosie, trapped in her enchanted sleep, dreams of a mysterious man. Is he a rescuer or a nightmare? She must fight to recover herself and all before Christmas, for time is running out.


About the Author:

Lindsay Townsend is fascinated by ancient world and medieval history and writes historical romance covering these periods. She also enjoys thrillers and writes both historical and contemporary romantic suspense. When not writing, Lindsay enjoys spending time with her husband, gardening, reading and taking long, languid baths – possibly with chocolate.

AUTHOR: LINDSAY TOWNSEND

BOOK TITLE: A CHRISTMAS SLEEPING BEAUTY

PUBLISHER: MUSE IT UP PUBLISHING

BUY LINK: http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&product_id=196&flypage=flypage.tpl&pop=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1&vmcchk=1&Itemid=1

As well as writing for Muse It Up I also write for Kensington Zebra and Bookstrand. I have two other stories coming out in December - my latest medieval historical romance, THE SNOW BRIDE (coming out Dec 27th with Bookstrand) and a re-issue of my romantic suspense, THE ENGLISH DAUGHTER (coming out with Lysandra Press).

My website is here: http://www.lindsaytownsend.net

Wistful Wednesday

Motivation

by

Suzanne Gravelle

author of Unfinished

Motivation is a great word, just saying it is motivating unless you are consumed with negativity, self doubt and fears.

What you are trying to get motivated about dictates how much energy you need to put into getting motivated to accomplish the feat in front of you. Cleaning the garage or closet can take a lot to talk ourselves into it. If someone says, “I will help, let’s work together to get it done so we can relax,” those people are motivators. On the other hand, likely you wouldn’t need much motivation to pack for a trip to a warmer climate.

When we are unable to motivate ourselves to get out of bed or a negative state of thinking and feeling, motivators become most important to us. When I was in the middle of a life altering transition compounded by a devastating heartbreak I could not even motivate myself to go to the kitchen make tea. However, motivating and encouraging words from well-meaning friends and family were the last thing I wanted to hear.

The only thing that kept me motivated was the knowledge that when my home sold I would be able to embark upon my “Self Imposed Exile”. I wanted and needed to be alone to explore why I suddenly became the most de-motivating person I knew even though I was the exact opposite my whole life. Until this time, I was always a motivator.

17 months and 60,000 km after leaving my home town I finally found the motivation to move from my place of despair, but it did not come easily. Many nights sleeping alone in a strange bed in a strange town I would ask myself, “What happened to me? Why don’t I want to get up? Why? Why? Why?”

Most importantly, I wanted to find the answers to help me become the person I knew I once was. I could once again be a person who once inspired and motivated others with my energy and positive way of living. And what did it take? I had to listen to myself carefully. It required self-motivation to keep moving forward and truly believing the motivational words that came out of my mouth. The same words I did not want to hear from well meaning friends and family.

Most of us have listened to motivational speakers. I know a few personally and I now speak to groups myself. There is no question they have the ability to ramp up a room full of people. But is it sustained when we leave? Not often and it is frustrating to the speakers because it is their job to motivate. What I have learned from my close relationship with them is that they can “tell” me how to do it and say all the right words. However, if we do not take an active part in using the motivational skills we learned from them and that we have naturally, we have a constant battle to stay motivated and working positively toward the life we want to live. Thank goodness I got back to the point where I listen to my own words.

For more information about Unfinished by Suzanne Gravelle, visit http://www.amazon.com/Unfinished-Suzanne-Gravelle/dp/192700506X and you can follow her journey on her blog – http://ontourwithsuzanne.blogspot.com.  


For more information about Unfinished by Suzanne Gravelle, visit http://www.amazon.com/Unfinished-Suzanne-Gravelle/dp/192700506X and you can follow her journey on her blog – http://ontourwithsuzanne.blogspot.com.  


About Unfinished

This is a true story of a woman who experienced such a profound awakening that she could no longer live the same way, the same life she was just one week before. She could no longer ignore the woman who was screaming to be set free from the ties that bind her to a life she no longer desired or recognized. The transformation to become the woman she really wanted to be has propelled her upon the most remarkable self-discovery journey of her life. She sold her home, gave up her career, kissed her children, grandchildren and friend’s good bye, got into her vehicle and just drove away…ALONE. Where was she going? 30,000km later she finds herself in the most unlikely place to try to piece her life together, trying to make sense of the constant feeling of being UNFINISHED. (To order your copy – http://www.amazon.com/Unfinished-Suzanne-Gravelle/dp/192700506X)


About Suzanne Gravelle


Suzanne Gravelle is 49 Years old and has 3 children, 2 grandchildren who live in Nova Scotia.  At the time this book goes to print she is single and homeless by choice, still travelling, seeking that place of comfort she will eventually call home.

She spent most of her life living in Nova Scotia but her formidable years aged 10-25, were spent living on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. She resigned as a Real Estate Agent in Nova Scotia, to embark upon this most incredible journey, driving, exploring Canada and writing this book. To read Suzanne’s extended bio, visit http://bookpromotionservices.com/2011/11/10/suzanne-gravelle-bio/

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Wistful Wednesday

Review: Fracture by Megan Miranda

In a striking debut, readers will be spellbound by this unforgettable story of life and death ... and beyond.

Eleven minutes passed before Delaney Maxwell was pulled from the icy waters of a Maine lake by her best friend Decker Phillips. By then her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead. And yet she somehow defied medical precedent to come back seemingly fine-despite the scans that showed significant brain damage. Everyone wants Delaney to be all right, but she knows she's far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can't control or explain, Delaney finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her altered brain now predicting death, or causing it?

Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who recently emerged from a coma with similar abilities. At first she's reassured to find someone who understands the strangeness of her new existence, but Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature-or something much more frightening?

For fans of best-sellers like Before I Fall and If I Stay, this is a fascinating and heart-rending story about love and friendship and the fine line between life and death.

What I Tought:

I'm not sure how I feel about this story. From the blurb above, I expected a story wioth more of a paranormal twist, but that aspect of the story was played down to the point of virtual nonexistence. I also expected more action, but there was very little to speak of. Instead, this was a study of human nature and how that drives the characters actions. Now thiere's nothing wrong with that - I enjoy a good character study - but this was just...depressing.

The overpowering theme of this story is death. It begins with the main character, Delaney, nearly dying in an accident on a frozen lake and when she awakes from a coma no one beleived she'd survive, she is obsessed with death. She is drawn to the rooms of other patients who are dying and when she leaves the hospital, she is drawn to the homes of people who are dying. And the way it is described is kind of creepy, but it's part of Delaney's new existence, so I went with it. Now here I thought more could be done with this aspect of the story, but it isn't. (Spoiler Alert) This new "ability" is never really explained or utilized. it just kind of...is, which left me unsastisfied. I like to know the why of things and since I didn't get an answer in this case, I was left feeling empty.

Still, I kept reading because I hoped maybe some of my questions would be answered. Like what was the purpose of Delaney's new abilities? What is going on between her and her best friend Decker - who happened to be the one who saved her from the lake - why is he so devoted to her, but she's ambivalent to him? And why is she obsessed with death? Rather than get these answers, I only got more questions.

To complicate matters more, in comes a character named Troy, who has the same abilities as Delaney. In fact, whenever she shows up where someone's dying, he's there first. Now from the blurb, I kind of expected more from the relationship between delaney and Troy, but once again, I was disappointed. I won't give it away, but their relationship was not what I thought it was going to be. And I think that sums up my entire opinion of this book: It was not what I expected it to be. The writing was fine, the premise unique, but I think it failed to deliver on its promise - at least for me.

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Tantalizing Tuesday

Indie Publishing My Way

My Journey in a Nutshell

by

S.R. Johannes

Since I got serious about writing in 2004. I’ve had 4 books go to acquisitions.  Yes four. Two of those - a MG and Nonfiction book – almost sold BEFORE I had an agent. After I signed with a top agent in a top NY agency, I had TWO more books go to acquisitions with her – a tween paranormal and this book – Untraceable. The tween was in noncontractual revisions at a couple houses for over a year only to not sell. Instead of giving up, I edited this book. My agent sent it out to a few editors.  It also went to an acquisitions meeting at one house but didn’t make it. Another house said the wilderness angle wouldn’t sell unless it was a dystopic book like Hunger Game.

My agent didn’t know what else to do. She didn’t want to send my book out on another round without editing but she didn’t know how to give me a fresh perspective. I wanted this book to go out. We separated. Which sucked.

Needless to say, I was depressed. I’d worked so hard for nothing. After spending time wallowing in my self pity, eating chocolate, and yelling at the world from my office window, I came to the conclusion Untraceable didn’t have a future in traditional publishing – no agent would touch it since it had been submitted - so I went out on a limb and decided to do it myself. And blog about it.

That was a hard decision. Unfortunately, even today, the view of self-pubbing is very negative. Many feel self-pubbed books are of a low or cheap quality and usually come from people who were not good enough to get published.

Here are a few things to take into consideration if you decide to self-pub:

1 If you do it for 100$ it will look like a 100$ book.

Self-Publishing is not free. There are costs involved – especially if you want to do it right. I say, you get out of it - what you put in. Do what it takes to make it right or don’t do it at all.  Spend some money to make sure your book is of high quality and doesn’t look self-published then you might get your foot in the door.

2) Everyone Judges A Book by its cover

I think it’s critical to have a good cover that does not look self-published. A quality, high res, and unique cover. I saved money to hire a photographer to do my cover because I wanted something original and high quality. I wanted my book to blend in to the other traditional books that were so successful. I didn’t want to give anyone a chance to say – “Oh this is self pubbed”. Because then my book never gets a fair shot. And trust me, you will get turned down just because it is self-pubbed. It sucks and is totally unfair but it’s true. So make sure it looks good. The cover sells books.

3) Don’t skip the editing

I had my book edited by a children’s editor and then paid to have it copyedited when it was done. I’ve spent a long time on this book to make sure I was proud of it. And I am. Self-pubbing is a short cut to the long publishing process. It is NOT a short cut to writing, revising, editing, revising, and editing.

4) Commit

Self-pubbing is HARD. It may seem like the easy answer but it is not. You do it all ON YOUR OWN. Getting reviews, doing blog tours, cover, typography, editing, formatting. It is a long and arduous process and is a huge time commitment. Before and after you publish. It doesn’t end. Don’t do it if you don’t have the time to put into it. Don’t do it if you feel uncomfortable marketing and promoting yourself (in a classy and non pushy way).

This has been a hard road for me, but I’m proud of where I’ve landed. I did this book my way and I feel I did it the rigth way for me.

Basically, Untraceable is the book no one believed in but me. This book is my blood, tears, sweat, fears, and dreams all bound in 300 pages.

About the Book:

Stay-at-home mom’s teen wilderness thriller proves girls can be tough and independent without living in a fantasy world or possessing special powers.
Untraceable, by author S.R. Johannes, gives teens a realistic heroine set in today’s world and - somehow - makes getting back to nature cool again.
ATLANTA, GA (November 29, 2011) – With the popularity of Twilight and Hunger Games, contemporary thrillers for teens have been practically nonexistent. Shelli Johannes-Wells hopes to change all that with the release of her debut young adult thriller, Untraceable, the first in The Nature of Grace series. The book will be available Nov 29th in ebook and paperback at all major bookstores.
Set in the Smoky Mountains, Shelli brings her love of nature back to teens. In a world where teens spend an average of thirty hours a week in front of some kind of screen, Untraceable makes it cool - yet thrilling– for kids to get outside again.
Grace has grown up in the woods. Her first swing was a forest vine and her first pet, a wounded bear cub. When Grace’s forest ranger father goes missing on a routine patrol, she heads off into the Smoky Mountains in search of him. Soon, she’s enmeshed in a web of deception and murder that challenges everything she knows about the wilderness, survival, and self defense. And, it’s going to take a lot more than a compass and a motorcycle (named Lucifer) for this heroine to emerge from town conspiracy that’s spreading like wild fire, threatening everything and everyone she’s ever loved.
“When people ask me what the book is about, I always say, a contemporary thriller with kickbutt teen heroine, an unsolved mystery, a rollercoaster adventure, and – of course - two hot boys. That usually gets girls interested.”
When Shelli started writing the book, there were a few things on her mind. “I wanted to create a tough character who didn’t need to turn to a computer for entertainment. Someone who was tough and feminine with an honest love of natural things in this world. I guess I wanted my character, Grace, to be the Katniss Everdeen of today’s real world in the unexplored setting of Gary Paulson’s Hatchett.”
"Grace is a spunky, independent, nature girl who doesn't need a boy to save her. With wilderness survival, a juicy love triangle, and more twists and turns than a roller coaster, this fast-paced novel had me holding my breath until the very last page—and still begging for more!"  -Kimberly Derting, author of The Body Finder series

"This thrilling story is a dramatic entanglement of mystery, deception and teen romance. The action flows like a brisk mountain stream interspersed with rapids, holding suspense to last page." - Kirkus Reviews

###

About S.R. Johannes:

S.R. Johannes lives in Atlanta Georgia with her dog, British-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess, which she hopes- someday- will change the world. After earning an MBA and working in corporate america, S.R. Johannes traded in her high heels and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and a love of writing. You can find her hanging out online and visit her at srjohannes.com.

Where to Buy:

* The paperback (can be purchased here.)

ISBN 10: 0984799125, ISBN 13: 978-0-9847991-2-1

* The Kindle ebook can be purchased here.

ISBN 10 - 0984799109, ISBN 13 - 978-0-9847991-0-7

* Other ebook Formats (ePUB, Nook, iBooks, Sony and more) - can be purchased here 

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Wistful Wednesday

Today I have the pleasure of welcoming author Laurie Bowler into the Moonlight. Welcome, Laurie!

Laurie Bowler:

My Books and Why

I Love to Write

Firstly let me introduce myself and a little about my books. My name is Laurie Bowler and I live in the United Kingdom. I am the author of a whole host of books there seems to be a never ending desire to write. My books are as follows: Moon Rising, Sunrise to Sunset, Golden Horizons, Serena Embracing Darkness, Depths of Darkness, Locum, Order of Blood, Hacked Up, Bloodthirsty Gruesome Tales, Death Bite.

The Moon Rising series consists of Moon Rising, Sunrise to Sunset, Golden Horizons and Order of Blood, they have been the most inspirational books for me to have written, from all 3 I have learnt so much about the writing process and I have managed to pursue my talent and create so much more. Since writing this series my nickname has become ‘The Writing Machine’ because I don’t stop writing, I’m always finishing a book and delving straight into another one.

There are so many reasons why I enjoy writing. At first, it was only a hobby and something I decided to do suddenly in November 2009, and now I have found myself developing further with the plots and characters that I create.

Every day is a massive learning curve, reading reviews and hearing readers thoughts and feelings teaches me many different aspects that |I could incorporate into my writing, and for this I am grateful.

As well as the reasons to fulfil my enjoyment of writing, its my greatest pleasure when I see my name on the back of a printed version, and for those who have joined the technology changes and have an e-reader, to be able to have my name on the e-versions is just as fulfilling as the print version.

Death Bite is my new horror story, and it is incredibly graphiin the details of the storyline, and I have had immense fun writing these.

With Death Bite, I had an idea that writing something with Zombies as the featuring storyline would be a bit like an icebreaker to start my writing getting into the right direction in the horror scene, and so it began. I will admit at first I thought I was going to puke, I put that much detail I gave myself nightmares and my stomach turned over with every chapter that I wrote.

Normally I only write paranormal stories but I felt like having a change, I will be publishing plenty of new paranormal stories in the next few weeks but I need to get over my newly acquired horror bug first.

Here is the synopsis:

Jessica Hargreaves knows a thing or two about being a strong woman. But as a deadly epidemic sweeps across the world, she is put to the test as the flesh eaters rise from the dead and begin to consume the living flesh of the people they encounter. Can Jessica and her small band of survivors escape the evil that is rising across the land or will she be consumed by the unholy hunger of the damned?

And the link:
http://www.amazon.com/Death-Bite-ebook/dp/B005LW4GR0/ref=sr_1_35?ie=UTF8&qid=1315557700&sr=8-35

Please also follow my blog:
http://www.officialblogofauthorlauriebowler.blogspot.com/

Hacked Up is brilliant. Here is the synopsis for you:

Allie Bates longs for the peace and solitude from the strange stalker that had been sending crude and malicious messages and so she leaves her life behind in the city and moves to the country.

Allie moved opposite a strange and intensely dark house opposite, the first of the nightmare soon begin with the strange sounds of screaming.

Rising from curiosity and intrigue she ventures to investigate and then finds herself deep inside a nightmare she wished would end soon.

Will Allie ever be able to escape the nightmare and the constant torture? Or is she destined for death? Who is the psychopathic person that inhabits the house opposite?

http://www.amazon.com/Hacked-Up-ebook/dp/B005MKZKXA/ref=sr_1_36?ie=UTF8&qid=1316112185&sr=8-36

I have also written Hacked Up that has just been published, I cant seem to get enough of writing graphical details in horror. Its kind of like my new bug and one I am certainly pursuing at the moment.

I do have a whole list of books waiting to be edited, they are called: Vampire Hunter, Blood Fusions, Locum 2, Death Bite 2 and of course Hacked Up 2. My list could go on because I have many sequels to write too!

Supernatural Sunday

First, my apologies. This was supposed to run on November 15, but due to a scheduling mix-up on my part, it didn't. Now, onto the post!

Interview with Striker from Paradise 21

Hi Striker, and welcome to Moonlight, Lace and Mayhem.

Thanks for having me.

First, can you tell us a little about yourself?

Well, I’m a space pirate, born and raised. I’m not ashamed of my heritage. We were the ones left behind on old Earth, and we had to make do. If that meant stealing, then so be it. I come from a long line of survivors.

If you could wish one wish and have it come true, what would your wish be?

To find a better world for my people, one where they don’t have to eat recycled food and fight over who sleeps closer to the ventilation shafts.

If you could change things, would you rather Tiff never abandoning you on the island? Why?

You mean, planet, right? There’s no large body of water on Sahara 354, so no oceans and no islands. Although that would have been nice…

Never. If I never met Tiff, and she never abandoned me, then I wouldn’t have found Aries. In a strange way, I owe Tiff everything, even after she managed to take everything from me. Weird how life works, ain’t it?

What's the first thing that went through your mind when you first saw Aries

Beautiful, innocent, and incredibly naive. She was standing right before a sandworm, just staring at it like it was some stuffed animal in a museum. If I hadn’t found her, she would have been its next meal. Just thinking of it makes me sick to my stomach.

Describe Aries in five words or less.

Stunning, sophisticated, compassionate, and able to love unconditionally.

Best thing that's ever happened to you?

Meeting Aries, for sure.

Worst thing that's ever happened to you?

My five year exile on Sahara 354. Thanks, Tiff.

Favorite food?

Roasted scorpion. You can get ‘um between the rocks just as one sun sets and the other rises. I imagine it tastes much like what lobster would have.

Favorite color?

Sky blue. Reminds me of pictures I’ve seen of old Earth.

Hobby?

Restoring alien spacecrafts. One hell of a hobby if you ask me. Almost got me killed.

Darkest secret? I figured you wouldn't tell me, but it's worth a try :P

Guys don’t usually give this stuff up, but since you’re being nice: I’d have to say a part of me will always love Tiff. Even if she betrayed me. She’s got a raw vulnerability that just sucks me in. I want to save her, but I can’t. She’s got to make her own choices, and they’re never good.

Greatest fear?

Losing Aries. It happened once already. Don’t want to talk about it.

Best memory?

A guy doesn’t kiss and tell.

That's about it... unless you have anything else you want to say?

Nope. Thanks for having me here, and remember, pirates aren’t all bad.

Thanks for visiting with us all today.




Book Blurb:



Imperfect Striker possesses the freedom Aries envies, and the two connect on a level she never thought possible. But pursued by her match from above and hunted by the planet’s native inhabitants, Aries quickly learns her freedom will come at a hefty price. Aries has lived her entire life aboard mankind’s last hope, the New Dawn, a spaceship traveling toward a planet where humanity can begin anew—a planet that won’t be reached in Aries’ lifetime. As one of the last genetically desirable women in the universe, she must marry her designated genetic match and produce the next generation for this centuries-long voyage.

But Aries has other plans.

When her desperate escape from the New Dawn strands her on a desert planet, Aries discovers the rumors about pirates—humans who escaped Earth before its demise—are true. Handsome, genetically.

The life of the man she loves.

Excerpt:

Aries sped through space in her escape pod as if she fled the event horizon of a dying star. The controls blinked warnings around her, but she ignored them, pressing the touchscreen to fire the engines to full capacity.

Let’s see how fast this antique can go.

Her sweaty palms slipped on the cold metal as she clutched the restraining bar across her seat. Freedom intoxicated her, coursing through her veins like she drank liquid fire.

She squeezed her eyes shut and screamed, releasing raging emotions held back from years of conforming and keeping her true thoughts silent. Many times Aries had thought her head would implode from the pressure, but instead she’d schemed, plotting the day of her departure down to the last water bottle. As the sound of her voice dissipated, she opened her eyes and peered at the stars as they blurred into streaks of shimmering light.

The time flashed on the screen in fluorescent green: 1638. Aries committed the numbers to memory. She’d have at least three hours before the ceremony and reception ended and her fellow Lifers began searching for her. Her shipmates would check her cell first, then activate the locator embedded in her arm. When they realized she’d jumped ship, they’d stop the engines and count the escape pods. By then, Aries would be a parsec away from the New Dawn.



Author Bio:



Aubrie Dionne is an author and flutist in New England. After reaching a high point in her flutist career Aubrie decided to pursue other creative passions.

“I’d always loved writing and reading fantasy/sci fi books ever since I was little but I always pushed it aside for flute. I felt like I needed to explore more of my interests in life. Ever since I started writing, I couldn’t stop! I use what I’ve learned about craft, diligence, structure, from my flute playing. It’s exciting to start a new discipline and have no idea where my boundaries are: how far I can go with it, how good I can get.”

Paradise 21, Aubrie’s fourth book, was released August 2 as one of Entangled Publishing’s ten launch titles.


Aubrie is represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. Her short stories have been featured in Mindflights, Niteblade, Silver Blade, Emerald Tales, Aurora Wolf, A Fly in Amer, Moon Drenched Fables and various anthologies.

Her books are published by Entangled Publishing, Lyrical Press, Gypsy Shadow Publishing, and Wyvern Publications.



Aubrie’s Website
 http://www.authoraubrie.com/my-short-stories
Aubrie’s Blog
http://authoraubrie.blogspot.com/
                   

Starlight Saturday

       Finding Ms. Wright 

Blurb:

Cassandra

Demon Prince Eric Wyvern must have Cassandra. Boldly, he kidnaps the gifted psychic from a mountain inn, taking her to his dark underworld. Held captive, her key to freedom is agreeing to his terms. Neither expects to fall in love and unlock the secrets that can save both worlds. – M.L. Guida


Sia

Paranormal hunter Andrew Grant has less than a week to locate a stone and thwart a wizard’s bid for ultimate power. Sia holds the key to his success and to his heart. Only together can they discover love and save the world. – Hillary Seidl


Evelyn

Five hundred year old Prince Alexander needs a woman, and only archaeologist Evelyn will do. Their magical kiss sparks more than mere romance – it creates a key that will open their hearts to a true love that will save their worlds. – Lori Corsentino


Three men, each on a crucial mission to save their way of life, seek their true mates – women who unknowingly hold the key to their very survival.

Release date November 15th.
Publisher 5 Prince Publishing
http://5princebooks.com/

Meet the authors behind a sexy new paranormal tale; finding Ms. Wright.

Lori Corsentino

Lori’s love of reading has transcended to include penning her own tales of romance. She is experimenting with writing in several different genres, including paranormal – a definite favorite. “There is just so much you can do when you step outside the known world,” she explains “and creating a paranormal story allows you to take yourself and your readers anywhere your imagination wants to go!” Her debut novella, Evelyn, will be published as part of the Finding Ms. Wright: Three Tales of Extraordinary Love anthology available from 5 Prince Publishing in November.
                                                                       ***
Tell us readers; why do we love the paranormal genre so much? What are your favourite elements to these stories? And which is your favourite paranormal tale from 2011?
Lori.

Hillary Seidl



 Since Hillary had her first encounter with a ghost at age nine she has been obsessed with all things paranormal.  She started her writing journey by writing fan fiction and now is happily writing paranormal romance.  She avidly watches all the paranormal shows she can!   She is happily married to her very own chef and they have two amazing dachsunds who leave happiness and chaos wherever they go.
Maybe Boulder is starting to rub off on me but I have to say I have been thinking a lot about energy lately.  To be a successful person I know that I need to surround myself with positive energy.  I was feeling quite in a slump the last couple of weeks, not being able to get myself going in the morning and a general blah-ness to my writing.  I knew it was time for a change.  The energy around me needed a major boost.  Here is how I reversed my bad energy situation.  

1.  Went to the gym and worked out the bad energy.
2.  Bought sage sticks and smudged my house.
3.  Had a massage.
4.  Set goals for myself every day and cross off at least two things.
5.  Lit candles and relaxed before bed.
6. Drank lots of water.  
7. Watched a couple of awesome paranormal shows!




So far so GREAT!  I have been much more productive than I had in weeks.  I took care of my body, my mind and my spirit because all three are connected.  I'm not sure what happens to writers but it is so easy to fling yourself in bad habits.  Getting distracted was one of my major ones.  I cured that by picking up my laptop and going to the library. Now I get twice the work done.  Woot!

What do you do when you get in a slump?  What are your tricks to getting yourself back in shape?  I would love to hear them!

~Hillary


M.L. Guida

M.L. Guida writes paranormal romance.  She is pursuing her Master of Art in Creative Writing through Regis University.  She currently is a member of Colorado Romance Writers, Romance Writers of America and Savvy Authors. For the past two years, she was the newsletter editor for CRW and she was CRW’s Vice President for 2011.  M.L. Guida lives in Colorado and enjoys skiing, taking her cocker spaniel, Sadie, for walks and traveling.
                                                                     ***

Twilight Thursday

Blog Tour and Review

for

Marian's Christmas Wish

by Carla Kelly

Book Blurb:


Miss Marian Wynswich is a rather unconventional young lady. She plays chess, reads Greek, and is as educated as any young man. And she’s certain falling in love is a ridiculous endeavor and vows never to do such a thing. But everything changes when she receives a Christmas visit from someone unexpected—a young and handsome English lord.





My Thoughts:


Admittedly, this isn't a lot to go on (most books I read tend to have much more to offer by way of blurbs/basic information), but still, I had high hopes going into this book. With the holiday season fast approaching, I felt I was due for a nice Christmas story. And while this book met that expectation on the most basic level, it still was a dnf for me. The premise is interesting, the writing crisp and clear, but...it just didn't seem to be going anywhere. I kept waiting for something to happen with Marian and the English lord, but all I kept getting was her insistence she never intended to marry and her scheming to get her sister married off to the too-shy vicar.


Maybe I didn't stay with it long enough for the actual story to begin, but I simply got lost in the waiting. This story is so leisurely paced, nothing of significance ever seems to happen. I suppose that could be just a symptom of my conditioning, having read so many books that grab you by the throat and drag you through the story without leaving you a chance to breathe - and with the high volume of books I tend to read, I need a fast pace to keep me going.


But don't let my opinion put you off. If you're looking for a sweet romance with a leisurely pace - and have more patience than I do - then check this book out.




Author Bio:


A newcomer to Cedar Fort, Inc., Carla Kelly is a veteran of the New york and international publishing world. The author of more than thirty novels and novellas for Donald I. Fine Co., Signet, and Harlequin, Carla is the recipient of two rita Awards (think oscars for romance writing) from romance Writers of America and two Spur Awards (think oscars for western fiction) from Western Writers of America.

Recently, she's been writing regency romances (think Pride and Prejudice) set in the royal Navy's Channel Fleet during the Napoleonic Wars between england and France. She comes by her love of the ocean from her childhood as a Navy brat.

Carla's history background makes her no stranger to footnote work, either. During her National Park Service days at the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, Carla edited Friedrich Kurz's fur trade journal. She recently completed a short history of Fort Buford, where Sitting Bull surrendered in 1881. Following the "dumb luck" principle that has guided their lives, the Kellys recently moved to Wellington, Utah, from North Dakota and couldn't be happier in their new location. In her spare time, Carla volunteers at the railroad and Mining Museum in Helper, Utah. She likes to visit her five children, who live here and there around the United States. Her favorite place in Utah is Manti, located after a drive on the scenic byway through Huntington Canyon.

And why is she so happy these days? Carla looks forward to writing for an LDS audience now, where she feels most at home.


(From the author's website.)


Check out the website for other stops on the tour:


http://marianschristmaswish.com/

Other Places to Find Carla:

Author Blog http://carlakellyauthor.blogspot.com/

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000100522344

Book Poster page: http://marianschristmaswish.com 

Publisher Blog http://www.cedarfortbooks.com/

Publisher Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cedarfortbooks

Publisher Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/cedarfortbooks

Publisher GoodReads http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4202252-cedar-fort

Wistful Wednesday

Wistful Wednesday with Sharon Lathan

Wistful: An adjective meaning longing and yearning characterized by melancholy; sadly pensive. Derived from the obsolete wist of unknown origin, dating to the 1500s as a term for “intent” or “closely attentive” and later evolving to include “yearningly eager” by 1714.

Researching vocabulary and word etymology is a hobby of mine. In the case of “wistful” my prompting to open the dictionary was due to an instant feeling of applicability to my new release, Miss Darcy Falls in Love. It was undoubtedly a coincidence on Margay’s part that the date set for me to guest blog here on Moonlight, Lace, and Mayhem falls on Wistful Wednesday. Yet I detect the hand of fate. Or at least that sounds more exciting!

Wistful isn’t a word we use too often, or if we do we are probably thinking of “wishful”. The definitions are similar although wishful has a positive connotation attached that differs from the melancholy of wistful. As it relates to the main characters in Miss Darcy Falls in Love, wistful is a better choice.

Georgiana Darcy and Sebastian Butler - my heroine and hero - are not naturally melancholy people. Quite the opposite, in fact. They both have a tremendous sense of fun and joy, are lively and creative, and love to laugh. Nevertheless, like all humans they are multi-layered, and like all good stories they must overcome obstacles.

Synopsis--

Noble young ladies were expected to play an instrument, but Georgiana Darcy is an accomplished musician who hungers to pursue her talents. She embarks upon a tour of Europe, ending in Paris where two very different men will ignite her heart in entirely different ways and begin a bitter rivalry to win her. But only one holds the key to her happiness.

Set in post-Napoleonic Empire France, Miss Darcy Falls in Love is a riveting love story that enters a world of passion where gentlemen know exactly how to please and a young woman learns to direct her destiny and understand her heart.


Georgiana’s wistfulness is a result of buried yearnings. She desires to embrace her talents but lives in an era where that does not seem possible. Then when she meets the man who holds the key to unlock those yearnings, she realizes her passion and desires are greater than she imagined, and thus even further beyond her reach.

Sebastian’s wistfulness is a result of discovering that while pursuing his longing for music as a man boldly can, even with the severe cost, unexpected yearning can change his focus. His single-minded purpose is crystal clear and within his grasp, in his heart worth the troubles along the way. So he is unprepared for a new twist. Mostly he is unprepared for encountering a desire he cannot fulfill.

Wistful.

It is a great word! I think I shall use it more often! Thanks Margay, for the opportunity to be a guest on your blog and for reminding me of a cool word. Feel free to share some of your favorite words with me. This vocabulary hound is always on the lookout for a unique word!





Sharon’s Bio--

Sharon Lathan is the best-selling author of The Darcy Saga sequel series to Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. Her previously published novels are: Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One, Loving Mr. Darcy, My Dearest Mr. Darcy, In the Arms of Mr. Darcy, A Darcy Christmas, and The Trouble With Mr. Darcy. Miss Darcy Falls in Love is Georgiana’s tale of love and adventure while in France. Complete with a happy ending. In addition to her writing, Sharon works as a Registered Nurse in a Neonatal ICU. She resides with her family in Hanford, California in the sunny San Joaquin Valley. Visit Sharon on her website: www.sharonlathan.net and on Austen Authors, her group blog with 20 novelist of Austen literature: www.austenauthors.com


I want to thank Sharon for guesting with me today! What great fun! And be sure to check out her author blog and the absolutely fabulous home for all things Austen - Austen Authors. It is one of my favorite places to go to learn what's new in Austen World and to keep up with my favorite Austen authors - like Sharon.

(My review of Miss Darcy Falls In Love to come soon. Watch out for it!)

Supernatural Sunday

M.L. Guida, Interview with Eric Wyvern,

Prince of the Dragon Demons

Today, I’m here with Eric Wyvern, Prince of the Dragon Demons.  He has agreed to be interviewed.  Once again, Eric, I’d like to thank you for being here.  

Eric Wyvern:  You’re welcome, but can we get this over with.  

M.L. Guida:  Sure.  I’ll read the first question.  

1. M.L. Guida:  What are you most ashamed of?

Eric Wyvern: Kidnapping my mate, Cassandra Wright, but I didn’t have a choice.  If she didn’t come, my people would have remained feral forever.  She might have said yes if I asked, but patience isn’t a virtue of mine.

2. M.L. Guida:  What beliefs would you die for?

Eric Wyvern:  Honor and loyalty without these two, life is meaningless.  

3. M.L. Guida:  What three things do you value most?

Eric Wyvern:  I value the Golden Tree, Cassandra and my people.

4. M.L. Guida:  What do you do for a living and why?

Eric Wyvern:  That’s an odd question.  Duh?  I’m a Prince of the Dragon Demons.  Need I say more?

5. M.L. Guida:  What makes you vulnerable?

Eric Wyvern:  Trying to act like a human.  I don’t understand this damn courting crap that humans male go through to win their mates.  I’m shocked the human species hasn’t become extinct.

6. M.L. Guida:  What kind of a family do you come from?

Eric Wyvern:  My family is powerful and at one point, my parents ruled with love and caring, but that’s changed.  My father rules with an iron fist and all he cares about his power.  My mother is worse.  The Wraith says time is running out.  The Golden Tree is dying.  If the tree isn’t healed, my family will remain evil and devious forever.

7. M.L. Guida:  What emotional pain are you afraid to express?

Eric Wyvern:  Watching my family turn feral.  I refuse to tell what they’ve done.  I don’t want to end up like them.  

8.  M.L. Guida:  Do you have any unusual skills or talents?

Eric Wyvern:  Why do you ask me such strange questions?  If you’re asking about magic, yes I can do what humans call magic.  I also have wings.  Once again, I don’t know how the human race has survived with such limited abilities.  But then again, Cassandra is human and my mate.  

9. M.L. Guida:  What is the one thing you regret most?  

Eric Wyvern:  Not being able to protect the children more.  Feral demons are deadly and love to torture and maim other creatures, including children.  They want power and despise the weak.  I hated it, but I was outnumbered and if I interfered, the children suffered more.  I’ve always regretted this, especially what happened to my young nephew, Toby.

10. M.L. Guida:  What is the one thing you desire most?

Eric Wyvern:  For Cassandra to forgive me and want to be my mate.  I’ve watched and loved her for so long…

Thanks Eric for taking the time to be here.

Eric Wyvern:  If I’d known what kind of questions, I’d might have changed my mind.  Humans.  Anyway, you’re welcome.  

Finding Ms. Wright Blurb

Cassandra

Demon Prince Eric Wyvern must have Cassandra. Boldly, he kidnaps the gifted psychic from a mountain inn, taking her to his dark underworld. Held captive, her key to freedom is agreeing to his terms. Neither expects to fall in love and unlock the secrets that can save both worlds. – M.L. Guida

Sia

Paranormal hunter Andrew Grant has less than a week to locate a stone and thwart a wizard’s bid for ultimate power. Sia holds the key to his success and to his heart. Only together can they discover love and save the world. – Hillary Seidl

Evelyn

Five hundred year old Prince Alexander needs a woman, and only archaeologist Evelyn will do. Their magical kiss sparks more than mere romance – it creates a key that will open their hearts to a true love that will save their worlds. – Lori Corsentino

Three men, each on a crucial mission to save their way of life, seek their true mates – women who unknowingly hold the key to their very survival.

Release date November 15th.

Publisher 5 Prince Publishing

http://5princebooks.com/

Now for an excerpt!

Chapter One

Cassandra Wright woke with a start. Sunlight peered through the half open red and gold drapes. A matching dark red and gold comforter draped over her. Where was she? She sat up in bed and looked around. Her best friend from college, Lilly Grace, lightly snored across the room in her twin bed. 

Cassandra shook her head and plopped back down. That’s right. Skiing. She was at the Galena Mountain Street Inn in Frisco, not on top of a snow bank with Mr. Hot Lips’s arms holding her close.

Her long black U2 shirt-shirt bunched up around her waist. Sweat streaked down her face. She rolled to the side of her double bed, grabbed a tissue from the nightstand and wiped her forehead and cheeks. She moistened her lips. God, she felt as though she’d finished running a marathon or at least one kind of marathon. Who ever thought that having sex all night would drum up a sweat, a pounding heart and sore muscles like running in the Boulder Boulder?

It had been him again.  He vanished – a figment of her imagination. Like always, the same hollow feeling swept over her. She would be alone. 

Leaning against her headboard she caught her breath. Lilly flickered awake and glanced over at her. “Cassie, why is your face so red? You’re sweating. Did you have that same dream again?”

Cassandra shook her head. “Yeah, but this time he was so…so….” 

 Lilly cocked her eyebrow. “That good, huh?” She gave her a teasing grin. “God, I haven’t seen you blush this bad since we went to see the Bridesmaid movie last month.”

“I mean,” Cassandra stammered. She wadded up the tissue and threw it into a nearby trashcan. “Come on, the opening scene – she’s practically screwing him ten different ways.”

Lilly tossed her black hair behind her. “You should have seen your face.”

Cassandra kicked the heavy quilt off of her. “Whatever.” 

“God, Cassie everybody has erotic dreams, even virgins.”

Cassandra’s face burned hotter. She hated being the only one who guarded her virginity and good ole Lilly never failed to remind her. The opportunities had been plenty, but how could Cassandra explain it? No guy compared to the man in her dreams. An excuse? Maybe. Was she a chicken shit? Definitely.

Author Bio:

M.L. Guida writes paranormal romance.  She is pursuing her Master of Art in Creative Writing through Regis University.  She currently is a member of Colorado Romance Writers, Romance Writers of America and Savvy Authors. For the past two years, she was the newsletter editor for CRW and she was CRW’s Vice President for 2011.  M.L. Guida lives in Colorado and enjoys skiing, taking her cocker spaniel, Sadie, for walks and traveling.