Bound by Night by Larissa Ione: A Review

The first installment in a sexy new paranormal romance series by Larissa Ione, author of the bestselling Demonica series!

When Riker stumbles upon Nicole in a chance meeting, he immediately recognizes her as a member of the Martin family that once enslaved his wife—and she recognizes him as the wild vampire she saw kissing a pregnant slave in the moments before her violent death—an image that has haunted her dreams for years.Riker, a member of the wild vampire Moon Clan, is haunted by his own demons—his wife Lorraine had been captured and enslaved by the Martin family. It was during a botched escape attempt that she was killed, along with their unborn child. Still wracked with grief and anger, Riker is now fueled solely by the desire to rescue vampire slaves…and slaughter their owners.

When Riker kidnaps Nicole and they spend a night together in a cave on the way back to his clan, suddenly they begin to realize that they aren’t as different from one another as they may have thought—and they’re finding themselves drawn to one another…

(From Eidelweiss)

My Thoughts:

To be honest, when I first starting reading this story, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was afraid it was going to turn into just a run-of-the-mill story in a genre of like stories and that it wouldn't stand out among them. Boy, was I wrong! This was a pretty amazing story with characters that are at once real and different and I was caught from the start and held fast the whole way through.

Let's start with Riker. He is a to-die-for type of hero and I just loved reading everything about him. The way he performed his duties and then took care of Nicole - I would love to have someone like that take care of me! And Nicole was a woman to admire who wouldn't let herself be pushed around by anyone - a perfect foil for Riker. And all of the side characters were amazing and interesting in their own rights. I can't wait to read more about them.

This is a series I'm so glad I started and will definitely be waiting for the next installment with bated breath!

In the Moonlight With Kelly Whitley and The Hero of Into the Red, Dr. Evan Nichols

Hello, paranormal romance fans! Kelly Whitley here. Thanks to Margay for inviting me to take over her blog for the day.

I’m interviewing my character Dr. Evan Nichols, the hero in Into the Red, my paranormal romantic suspense.

What is your name and occupation? Evan Nichols. I’m an oncologist, specializing in blood diseases. I take care of humans at the Cancer Specialty Clinic here in town, and take care of vampire patients at the Alliance Hospital outside of town. That’s where I do research, too.

How old are you? (looks at ceiling) I’m technically fifty-eight, but in vampire years that’s about the same age as when I transitioned—thirty-three. My best friend Gage says I’m practically a juvenile, since vampires live between 850 and 1000 years. He’s over 300, so I call him old man. (grins)

How did you come by your current occupation? The usual route. College, med school, residency, fellowship. The vampire health care started after my transition. The Alliance—that’s our governing organization—dictates talent allocations within the race. That maximizes resources. Gage is a computer expert. Tara—my wife—specializes in rock climbing. She helps train Purgers, the military’s Special Ops guys.

Do you like your job? Why or why not? I do. I get to use my healing touch to help human patients without their knowledge, and my research is improving the odds of survival for female vampires and their infants during childbirth.

Who is the person/creature you dislike the most? Poisoners. They’re vampires who go rogue and then start to use human blood to get high. It’s very addictive, and drives them insane. It only happens to male vampires, and being alone is a risk factor. The Purgers are responsible for hunting them down and eliminating them.

Were you a Purger? I was, twenty-five years ago—right after my transition. The Alliance reactivated me and Gage to hunt down the recent Poisoner crop. Now I’m back on reserve.

Who is the person/creature you respect the most? I’d say Tara, my wife. She’s tougher than nails. (grins)

Is there anyone special in your life? Tara. And we have good friends in Gage and his mate Mia. The community here is tight knit, and we tend to socialize in that group—it’s safer.

What’s your favorite meal, and do you fix it yourself or have someone fix it for you? I cook, but not anything fancy or gourmet. The steaks at the Savoy downtown can’t be beat.

Favorite color? Used to be black. Now it’s blue, because Tara likes me in blue; says it sets off my eyes.

Football or baseball? Football. All the way.

Favorite exercise? Running, weightlifting, and sparring at the gym with Gage.

I hear you’re planning a winter/summer vacation. Where are you going? Is anyone going along? No vacation right now.

Favorite holiday? Christmas.

Favorite song? Anything jazz.

If you had one wish, what would it be? I’d like kids some day, but until the mortality improves, I don’t want to think about it. For now, finding Tara is a wish come true.

BLURB:

Human blood is an illicit and highly addictive drug--if you're a vampire. Known as Red, its side effects are insanity, and eventual death. A group of Red-addicted vampires known as Poisoners are killing women as part of an extortion plot involving a lost ancient vampiric tome, and they’re leaving a trail of bodies in their wake. The discovery of each new victim risks exposure of the entire vampire race to humans. Then one victim survives…

Dr. Evan Nichols, oncologist and vampire, lives a monk-like existence, by his own choice, focusing on patient care and research to benefit his vampire brethren. It’s been twenty-five years since his world turned upside down—the night he lost his fiancee and discovered his hidden vampire heritage. Now his government has ordered him to take a mate—or they’ll choose one for him. It’s a horrible prospect, and one that might push him over the edge—until Fate throws him together with a human female.

Wary of relationships, Tara West has poured her energies into work and inventing cutting edge climbing equipment. She doesn’t like the gorgeous Dr. Nichols, yet finds herself unaccountably drawn to him.

When a crazed vampire attacks and poisons Tara, Evan rescues her. With time running out, he has to create an antidote to the poison before he loses his chance at love.

In order to make the vaccine which might cure her, he has to find the bastards who poisoned her and take their venom—before they die of their addiction. If he doesn’t reach them in time, saving her will be impossible.

Thus the journey begins—into the Red!

Buy links: Amazon   Muse It Up Publishing

Contact links:  Website   Blog  Facebook   Twitter   Amazon Author Page

Sovereign Hope by Frankie Hope: A Review

Farley Hope was seventeen when her mother disappeared. In the last six months not much has changed, except that her eighteenth birthday came and went and still no sign of Moira. Her life is just as complicated as it always was: since her father died in a car crash before she was even born, she’s officially parentless, and to top it all off she’s still suffering from the hallucinations. Mind-splitting, vivid hallucinations- the kind prone to induce night terrors and leave you whimpering under your covers like a baby.

The last thing on her mind is boys. Farley is on break from St. Judes’ when she meets Daniel. It’s not some casual run in at a party, or even a blind date with friends, though. Daniel is the guy stalking her in his 1970′s Dodge Charger; the guy standing at her  window in the LA lunch hour traffic, determined  on dragging her out of her truck.

The moment Farley lays eyes on Daniel, everything changes. However, regrettably for Farley, her life isn’t set to change for the better. She is drawn into a world that will shake apart everything she thought she ever knew. There are truths out there that she must learn: who her father really was, and what it means to have his blood flowing through her veins; that a person’s soul is their only real currency, and there are people who would do anything to take hers; that loving someone can hurt so much more than hating them; but, most importantly, when your future is predestined, there is little you can do to change it.

Farley Hope is prophesied. Her coming has been awaited for hundreds of years. She is destined to end the tyranny of the Soul Reavers.

To do so she must die.

(from the author's website)

My Review:

When I first started reading this book, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. For one thing, it just jumps right into the action without any build-up, so I started out just as confused as Farley about what the heck was going on. And you know what? It worked. Because I had to figure out what was going on, just like Farley. It wasn't long before I was totally sucked into the story. And what a story it is!

I read a lot of books with paranormal elements, adult and young adult alike, and I am constantly on the lookout for something different - you can only read so many books about vampires and fairies without feeling like it's all been done before. Well, this book is definitely different in so many ways and that is a very good thing. First, the plot. All I can say is 'Wow!' The world created by the author is at once stark and full of hope and this duality sort of runs through it to the end. And to the very end, you're kept wondering, 'Is she really going to die? Is there no other way to fulfill the prophesy?' Well, I won't give away the ending, but I will say it was spectacular - an incredible resolution to the problem. Does that mean Farley forfeits her life to save everyone else? Well, you're just going to have to read it for yourself to find out. But don't worry, it's well worth the read! And the whole theme of the prophesy? Unique, edgy, seat-of-your-pants suspenseful.

Then there are the characters. I haven't been this wowed by a cast of characters in a single story in a long time. Usually, there are a few I like, then a bunch I couldn't care less about. Not so here. I really liked all of the characters - well, except for the villains, but I'm not supposed to like them, right? Farley is a pretty amazing character. She strikes all the right chords here and is a well-balanced character who is dealing with the loss of her mother (who simply vanished one day) when her life is turned upside-down by strange beings bent on killing her - and the gorgeous stranger who saves her. Enter Daniel. Everything you could want in a hero, he's handsome, moody, serious - and will lay down his life to save you without hesitation. His story is pretty amazing as well and just adds so much depth to the overall story and how it affects Farley. They are good foils for each other and you can't help but root for them. You want them to get that happily ever after and you grieve alongside them when it appears that they won't.

Then we have Agatha and Aldan, Tess and Oliver, and a cast of others that just add so much to the story. I absolutely adored Agatha. I thought she was a wonderful secondary character and played well with all the others, whatever the situation called for. I loved how protective she was of Farley, and how nurturing. She supplied the mothering influence that Farley so sorely missed when her own mother went missing. Tess is a wonderful friend for Farley. Even when she's got a bone to pick with Farley, Tess is still there for her - supportive, loving and comforting. We should all have friends like that.

I could probably go on, but I won't - because that will cut into the time that you should be reading this book! I, for one, am looking forward to the next book in this series.

In the Moonlight with Author L.K. Below

41 Days until the release 

of This Blackened Night, 

The Order: Book 3!

Every author has a set of characters more dear to their hearts than any others. In most cases, this stems from these characters being among the first ever created. I won't claim Lori and Terrence were my very first, but they did come close. Their first book, Stalking Shade, which released in 2011, was originally written in 2007. And rewritten. And rewritten.

And now it feels like a dear friend is moving away. With the release of This Blackened Night on September 24th, 2012, the trilogy will come to an end. Lori might be a prickly character, not easy for anyone but Terrence to love, but I had a lot of fun with her. When I wrote this third book late last year, I dragged my feet to see it finished for the same reason. I didn't want to let the pair of them go. A not-so-secret part of me is hoping for an overwhelming response from readers asking me to continue so I have an excuse to revisit my favorite characters.

For now, I'm counting down the days until the third book releases. Maybe you'll fall in love with Lori and Terrence every bit as fiercely as I have. Lori might be stubborn in pushing people away, but Terrence is the most persistent character I've ever written. Good thing, too.

Join me in celebrating the release of the third book a bit early with this short, sweet teaser excerpt:


This Blackened Night by L.K. Below

With murders cropping up all around, who should she trust?

After months of searching, Lori finally scrounges up a clue as to the whereabouts of the missing leader of her secret organization. But her vision isn't encouraging--it points to her vampire companion Terrence as the culprit.

Terrence is adamant that he isn't at fault. Even though she knows she might be walking into a trap, she follows his lead to a shabby island port. When her informants start turning up dead with puncture wounds in their necks, Lori wonders just how well she knows Terrence. And why does he act different during the search than in their hotel room?

Lori doesn't know who to trust anymore. She only hopes that she won't be the next victim.


Six Sweet Sentences from the book:

Terrence smashed his mouth onto hers. Molten contact.

A vision slipped into view.

The Spenta Michos clawed at the pale hand covering his mouth. Behind him, his attacker stood in profile.

Terrence.


Learn more about the series as a whole on the Lyrical Press, Inc. website: http://bit.ly/TheOrderSeries.

Read a longer excerpt from This Blackened Night at http://bit.ly/ThisBlackenedNight.


Bio: If L.K. Below gets far too attached to her characters, well, that's because they're interesting people. Read two of her favorites in her urban fantasy series, The Order. Join her online at www.lbelow.net to learn more. Want to keep up to date with her tour stops? Follow her on Twitter (http://twitter.com/LBelowtheauthor) or Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/LK-BelowLindsay-Below/355586159614)

Nicolette Reed in the Moonlight, Plus a Giveaway

Fae Hunter 

by 

Nicolette Reed

Blurb:

Valora Delos is a Hunter, charged with tracking the treacherous Soulstealers and bringing them to justice. Unlike the other fae of her kind, Valora was born with stunted wings that render her flightless, driving her to prove herself in the eyes of King Aric, with whom she has been infatuated since she first set eyes on him as a young prince.

She descends to Earth and finds herself trapped in suburban Seattle after the portal to her world closes. With the help of a sexy half-fae named Dooley, Valora must find her way back to save Dell’Aria. Dooley uses his own brand of magic to help Valora discover memories buried deep within her, which produce more questions than answers- questions about her growing attraction to Dooley and her devotion to her King. Uncovering who the Soulstealers are and who is behind the destruction of Dell’Aria brings Valora a truth she may not be able to handle.

Heat Level: Sizzling Romance. Sensual, sexual and edgy.


Excerpt:

He reached over and pulled the chair from my hand, turning it around and placing his hands atop the finials. “Sit down.”

I think I let out a small squeak. I tucked my cloak underneath me as I sat down and tried to position my scabbard so it would not stick out at an awkward angle. I already felt less than graceful. I certainly didn’t need to accidentally stab the King.

I could feel his heat recede as he walked silently away from me. I faced the door to his throne room and didn’t dare turn around to see what he was doing. I heard a drawer open and shut.

“Close your eyes.”

The blood rushed to my head all at once, and I was all too happy to be sitting down because if I had not, I would certainly have fainted then. Facing down a real dragon was easier than facing The Dragon – which was what many called King Aric after he took the dragon as his royal symbol. A symbol that adorned the clasp holding my cloak together.

I jolted in my seat as a brush of cool wet cotton swept across the angry wounds on my upper thigh. The heady scent of fresh rain and morning dew surrounded me as the King knelt before me. A strange scent for a King not allowed outside the walls, but then again this was the first time I had been close enough to catch his scent. I could feel the press of his chest against my bare knees, the warmth of his breath as he placed his face inches from mine.

“Do not speak. I need you to listen to me.”

Giveaway Time:

I am currently hosting a giveaway on Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/27756-fae-hunter), so had on over there to enter! Thanks and good luck!

Video Trailer:

http://youtu.be/km-oHgOHCtI

Reviews:

http://amzn.to/LITzrG

Buy Links:

Amazon Kindle: Fae Hunter: Book One: The Soulstealer Trilogy
Amazon Print Copy:Fae Hunter: Book One: The Soulstealer Trilogy
Barnes & Noble Nook: Fae Hunter: Book One: The Soulstealer Trilogy
All Romance eBooks: Fae Hunter: Book One: The Soulstealer Trilogy

About the Author:

Nicolette is a mother, wife, paralegal, writer, knitter, traveler, violinist and anything else she can get her hands on.  She turned to writing stories at an early age, when filling out Mad Libs just wasn’t enough.
She enjoys watching dark comedies, warped fairytales, and cheesy 80s comedies. Her interest in music spans from George Winston to Thrill Kill Cult to Bel Canto and U2. She loves to travel, and plans to do more as her son grows older.  In her younger days she loved to go out dancing, and you may still, on occasion find her shaking her booty during 80s or goth rock nights at the few clubs they still exist at. She is constantly picking up new hobbies and interests. She knits socks, grows mini cucumbers in her garden, and played the violin for 5 years. She has a pug dog with a nervous temperament and speaks a little Spanish. She’s eclectic.

Website: www.nicolettereed.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nicolettereed
Twitter: @Nicolette_Reed

Angel Eyes Contest - Win a Nook Color!

Celebrate with Shannon by entering her "Angel Eyes" Giveaway and connecting with her during the Author Chat Party on 6/26!

Find out what readers are saying here.

One "angelic" winner will receive:

• A Brand New Nook Color
• A copy of Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on June 25th. Winner will be announced at the "Angel Eyes" Author Chat Facebook Party on 6/26. Shannon will be hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills and giving away some great prizes!

So grab your copy of Angel Eyes and join Shannon on the evening of the June 26th for a chance to meet Shannon and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 26th!

Twilight Thursday

Guest Post, Giveaway

and Review of The Vampire Shrink

Please help me welcome special guest Lynda Hilburn to the Moonlight today! She's here to talk about a very popular figure in the paranormal genre - vampires - and how they influenced her book, The Vampire Shrink. And, oh, yes, she WILL be giving away a copy to one lucky person today! So read on to find out how to snag your copy.

Give Me That Old Time Vampirism

Lynda Hilburn

Readers often ask me why my main vampire character, Devereux, has such old-fashioned speech patterns? Why his language is so formal? Why he doesn’t use contractions or modern slang?

Well, besides the fact that he’s 800+ years old, and he spent most of those years in Europe speaking several other languages, he’s very stubborn. He only arrived in the USA thirty years ago, and he sees no reason to change his ways. Prior to the events of The Vampire Shrink, he mostly ignored contemporary culture. Sounding like someone out of a gothic horror or romance novel allows him to march to his own drummer – to keep an aloof distance from the norm.

But why did I write him that way?

My love of vampires is all about the old, European guys. Of course, I adore all vampires, but my obsession began with the scary, non-American versions.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula was the first book I became enthralled by (pun intended) as a kid (much to my mother’s dismay!). The dark tale of the terrifying-yet-compelling bloodsucker altered my view of what could be possible. That book really changed everything for me, both as a weird kid and as a writer.

Later, Anne Rice’s dangerous vampires, with their old-world roots, added to my addiction.

The 1980 movie Dracula, starring Frank Langella as the arrogant Count, combined horror with overt sexuality in a way I’d never seen before. I’m embarrassed to say how many times I’ve watched that DVD over the years!

So, as much as I enjoy immortals who are Elvis look-alikes with southern accents, mono-syllabic warriors, or thoroughly American charmers, there’s just something about the frightening, elegant ancients that puts them into a class of their own.

And besides, Devereux simply refused to join the 21st century, so it was either write him as he wanted to be or find another undead lust object for my psychologist heroine. LOL.

The USA version of The Vampire Shrink released April 3, 2012. Here’s a blurb:

A sizzlingly sexy urban fantasy sure to feed the hunger of ravenous, vampire-loving fans.

Kismet Knight, a brainy Denver-based psychologist with a stalled career and a nonexistent love life, is about to have her world rocked. Not only does her newest patient, Midnight, long to become a vampire, but the teenager insists that a coven of the undead hangs out at a local goth club. The always-rational Kismet dismisses Midnight's claims as the delusions of an attention-starved girl--until bodies start turning up drained of blood and the hottest self-proclaimed vampire ever to walk the face of the earth enters her office.

What's real? What's not? As inexplicable events and romantic opportunities pile up, along with the corpses, Kismet finds herself in a whirlwind of passion, mystery, and danger. But this tough and funny heroine--who doesn't do damsel in distress--is about to turn the vampire-meets-girl convention on its head.

Lynda’s contact information:

Website: http://www.lyndahilburnauthor.com
Blog: http://paranormalityuniverse.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lyndahilburnauthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lyndahilburn
Book Trailer: http://bit.ly/vtGfi7


My Review:

I'm not what you would call a true vampire fan in that I don't have to watch every movie/show or read every book dedicated to the genre to get my fill. I'm rather choosy when it comes to the subject. So, in order for something dealing with vampires to catch my attention, it has to be something different. Something special.

I am happy to say that The Vampire Shrink fits both criteria. First, the title. How intriguing is that? How can you not be drawn into a book with a title like that and the premise to boot? Take a look:

Denver Psychologist Kismet Knight, Ph.D., doesn’t believe in the paranormal. She especially doesn’t believe in vampires. So what happens when she finds herself neck-deep in the vampire underworld?

Kismet is smart, witty and attractive. She’s respected in her field, successful and prosperous. She’s followed all the rules – done everything right. So, what’s the problem? Her life is empty. There’s no passion. No vitality. No excitement.

That is, until a new client introduces Kismet to the vampire underworld, and a drop-dead gorgeous, 800-year-old vampire named Devereux. Kismet isn’t buying the vampire story, but can’t explain why she has such odd reactions and feelings whenever Devereux is near. Kismet is soon forced to open her mind to other possibilities when she is visited in her office by two angry bloodsuckers, who would like nothing better than to challenge Devereux by hurting Kismet.

As Kismet gets pulled deeper and deeper into the vampire subculture, she struggles to hold onto her professional ideas about what is and isn’t “real.” The more she finds herself attracted to the charismatic, handsome Devereux, the more out of control her life becomes.

When one of her clients shows up in her office almost completely drained of blood, Kismet finds herself immersed in an ongoing murder investigation. Kismet is questioned by irreverent, handsome FBI profiler Alan Stevens, who warns her that vampires are very real. And one is a murderer. A murder who is after her.

In the midst of all this, Kismet realizes she has feelings for both the vampire and the profiler, but even though she cares for each of the men, facing the reality that vampires exist – along with all the other supernatural insanity she discovers – is enough of a challenge. For now.

(Blurb from the author's website)

With a build up like that, I was immediately intrigued. I had to read this story and see now the premise played out. Could the book possibly live up to it? In a word: yes. It was a fascinating take on the vampire genre and it kept me intrigued to the end. And in a world inundated with books about vampires and vampire lore, that's a hard thing to do. With many of the others, I couldn't help feeling I'd read that already, but The Vampire Shrink put a twist on the genre that made it fresh and interesting. Paranormal creatures (or do thy just think they're paranormal creatures?) that need to talk about their problems with a psychiatrist? How...normal. That in itself helps you connect to these characters because they feel a little like you.

But of course, it's not all about paranormals in need of therapy. There are fantastic characters - Kismet is a no nonsense heroine who doesn't believe in vampires until she meets one, and Devereux is, in a word,  delicious - an intriguing paranormal world, a love story, and oh, yes, plenty of danger to go around as the vampire world undergoes a power struggle. Love, danger, vampires, and a showdown. What more could you want in a paranormal book?

So if you like the genre, love vampires, or just want to read a good story, The Vampire Shrink might just be what the doctor ordered (sorry for the pun).


CONTEST TIME!

For a chance to win your own copy of The Vampire Shrink and read it for yourself, please leave a comment on this post and an email address so we can contact you if you win. Good luck!

Wistful Wednesday

A Review: Stolen Away

by Alyxandra Harvey

Alyxandra Harvey brings her trademark romance and adventure to the world of Faery

For seventeen years, Eloise Hart had no idea the world of Faery even existed. Now she has been abducted and trapped in the Rath of Lord Strahan, King of Faery. Strahan was only meant to rule for seven years, as Faery tradition dictates, and then give up his crown to another. But he won't comply, and now chaos threatens both worlds.

The only one who can break his stranglehold on the Faery court is his wife ... Eloise's aunt Antonia. Using Eloise to lure Antonia, Strahan captures his wife, desperate to end the only threat to his reign. Now Eloise must become the rescuer. Together with her best friends Jo and Devin, she must forge alliances with other Fae, including a gorgeous protector named Lucas, and Strahan's mysterious son, Eldric—who may or may not betray them.

My Thoughts:

All I can say about this book is that the title is not misleading - and it is the reader who will be Stolen Away by this story. I have read quite a few books with this same theme in the past and they were really hit or miss with me. Some lived up to the hype, others made me wonder what the hype was all about. Not so Stolen Away. This has to be one of the best Faery books I have read in a long time.

I was caught from the very first pages and happily strung along until the thrilling conclusion - and I wasn't disappointed by it. The characters were amazing and so well drawn out, it was like I was reading the diary of a friend. I found myself rooting for the characters and wishing them well, cringing when they ran into trouble, and breathing a sigh of relief when things worked out. I found myself drooling over Lucas and Eldric, laughing out loud with Devin, and secretly wishing I was either Eloise or Jo.

The descriptions of the faeries and their world were detailed to the point that I felt like I was there with them, experiencing everything they did. I actually believed this world could exist. And I almost wanted to live there! But not everything is beautiful in the faery world and that is where the real intrigue lies.

If you enjoy stories about faeries and the faery world, then you will definitely want to b Stolen Away.

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. 

        

Phantasm Friday

News Flash!

Hey, all, I just wanted to pop in with a quick bit of news that is exciting to me - and hopefully to you, too! My new book, Sloane Wolf, makes its debut today on MuseItUp Publishing! I'm so excited! You can read all the details about it - plus catch an exclusive, the first posting of an excerpt from the book - here:

http://margayleahjustice.blogspot.com/2011/10/welcome-to-world-sloane-wolf.html

Sorry about the transfer to another site, but I wanted to give my author blog some love, too! Thanks in advance for stopping by!

Wistful Wednesday

Seers by Heather Frost:

A Review

When Kate Bennett survived the horrific car accident that claimed her parents' lives, she knew her world would be forever changed. But she never could have imagined how dramatic these changes would be. Feeling like a freak, Kate tries to hide her unwelcome new ability to see people's auras – that is, until she meets Patrick O'Donnell, who seems to be able to disappear at will. When Kate and her remaining family begin to be haunted by Demons, her only hope is to stay close to Patrick and other Guardians like him. Somehow, Patrick lies at the center of the mystery, and Kate soon realizes that both she and her heart are in big-time trouble. Caught up in a war she barely understands, with enemies only she can discern, Kate quickly learns that in war everybody loses something...or someone. (Blurb taken from NetGalley.com)

What I thought:

From the blurb I thought this book had promise. An interesting premise, the basis for a fascinating paranormal world, potentially engaging characters. Sounds good to me. I really enjoy this type of book. But as I delved into it, I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd read it before. Something about it was oddly familiar. The horrific car accident that killed her family but that she, somehow, survived. A new "ability" she didn't have prior to the accident. A mysterious new guy in her life who seems to know more about her abilities than she does and disappears and reappears in her life at will. Yes, this all seemed very familiar. And then I realized why: I had recently read a book by a well-known author that begins with almost exactly the same premise - horrific car crash, only the heroine survives, new psychic abilities, mysterious new guy in her life. 




I must admit that I was tempted to stop reading this book because I feared it was going to be a rip off of the book I'd recently read with the strikingly similar premise. But something about it kept me reading. As bothered as I was about the familiarity factor, I was curious to discover if this author could differentiate herself from the other one. And while I wasn't blown away by this book as I was by the other one, it still had its merits. Namely, the hero, Patrick. I have to tell you if I ever develop mysterious new abilities I know nothing about and am suddenly dogged by beings that might want to use me/them, I want a Patrick to come into my life to aid me! He is, quite simply, a drool-worthy hero and from the outset, you can't help but root for him and hope he achieves his goals - and gets a happy ending. Then there's his friend/accomplice Tony. What can I say about Tony except that he's a character and a half? He may provide a lot of the book's lighter moments, but when the chips are down, he's there to provide assistance. And Kate was okay, but not a spectacular character. Maybe that's one of the reasons I struggled with this book - because I kept wondering why I should care about this character. Still, I have high hopes for her - maybe she'll evolve more and blossom in the next book.




The villainous aspect of Seers was interesting, too, but I had my issues with it, too. Without giving too much away, I was kind of disappointed with the way it (sort of) resolved itself. I felt like it happened too quickly. The villain was steadily built up throughout the story and then...it just didn't live up to its frightening potential. It just...stopped. I would have liked more fight, more action, more - something. Maybe more of Kate actually being responsible for saving herself. It was almost like she did so by default, not so much effort on her part. And although I'm all for the heroine saving herself scenario, in this case, I would've been more satisfied if the hero actually saved her. I love you, Patrick, but seriously, where were you?


So although the book did start out in similar territory as another, wildly popular book, Seers did manage to differentiate itself from its predecessor. Somewhat. And despite my initial reservations with it, despite its flaws, I did end up enjoying it and wishing for more Patrick and Tony. It's a good, light read for anyone who enjoys paranormal romances in the vein of Mari Mancusi, Alyson Noel, and Stephenie Meyer. Will I read the next book? Sure, I'd love to see where the author is going with this story. If nothing else, it will give me more Patrick. And Tony. Can't lose with that combo.




(ARC provided by NetGalley)

Twilight Thursday

Juggling Act: Guest Post

by

Heather Frost

It's been said that life is like a roller coaster; full of ups and down, twists and turns. Sometimes we scream, and sometimes we laugh—sometimes things happen fast, and sometimes we progress slowly. We can choose to face each new hill with trepidation, or excitement.


It's a great metaphor, but for the purposes of this post I think there's a better comparison out there. I think that life is more akin to a juggling act. We each stand on a crowded corner, juggling more and more responsibilities with every year we age. Sometimes people toss us a quarter in recognition, but more often than not our only reward is surviving another day without dropping everything.


It's easy to feel bogged down with everything life throws at you. I'm going to use myself as an example. I'm the oldest daughter in a family of twelve. I'm a full time student, working toward my Bachelor's degree. I work as a writing tutor. I'm an author. And somewhere in there I try to fit in a social life, and some much needed me time. I realize I'm pretty lucky, and my life could be a lot crazier, but learning to balance your responsibilities is never easy. I've found that organizing your time is a lot like budgeting your money. Learning to distinguish between needs and wants is essential. If you try to do everything you need and want, you're going to end up a nervous wreck. I find that making lists is helpful, and in the end you just need to remember that there's always tomorrow.


For Kate Bennett, surviving the car wreck that killed her parents means big changes and even bigger problems. As she begins to see auras and invisible people, Kate must learn to trust Patrick O'Donnell, a handsome Guardian, or risk her life being overrun with Demons. She soon realizes that both she and her heart are in big-time trouble.


And now, an excerpt from Seers:


Lee stood, pulling her tray up with her. “Well, guess I'll see you guys later. Wish me luck.” Without waiting for a response she stalked away, leaving me alone with Patrick.


I took a quick bite of my mashed potatoes and slid a few inches away from him, pulling my tray with me.


I didn't look up when he sighed deeply, or even when he angled himself toward me. “Kate, what's the matter? Did I do something wrong?”


“What makes you think anything's wrong?” I grunted, staring at my food, propping my elbow nearest to him on the table to better cut us off.


“You. You're acting like I've got some kind of disease or something.” His voice sounded far too accusing, considering the fact that there was more off about him than there was with me. But I didn't point that out. I just shoveled another spoonful of potato into my mouth.


He sighed deeply and picked up his fork, only to stab his unfortunate piece of chicken. He didn't bother to eat it, though. “You avoided me, at Lee's party. I just want to know why. Because I thought we were getting along just fine. Did I offend you somehow? Do you like the British?”


I let my elbow slip off the edge of the table, and I turned to stare at him, fighting to keep emotion from twisting my face. “I do. I do like the British. They have a great sense of humor.”


“So, you're shunning me because I mocked the English?” The disbelief in his voice was almost comical.


“No.”


“Then why?”


I bit my lower lip, knowing that I'd regret anything I blurted out at this point. Not that that stopped me, of course.


“Look,” I hissed suddenly, leaning toward him. “I know about you. I know that you're different. I know, because I'm different too. I can see auras. You know, read peoples emotions. But not you. You're different. You have a silver aura, and I can't see your emotions.” I waved my hand in the space between us, back and forth, groping for the right words. “And this, this friendship you're trying to achieve, well, it's not going to work. I was playing along because I was curious about you. But now, I just want you to stay away from me—and from all my friends. You got it?”


He was staring at me, his eyes blinked slowly. He didn't look as scared or as nervous as I sort of imagined he would, but he didn't look angry either. He just looked . . . surprised? Maybe a little unsure. I suppose he'd never been confronted like this before, but I could understand that. It was a first for me too.


“Kate . . . ” his voice trailed off, and in his momentary hesitation I stood, gripping my tray tightly as I walked away.


“Wait!” I heard him call out behind me, but I didn't stop. I dumped my mostly uneaten meal into the garbage and deposited my tray before turning on my heel and walking firmly out of the room. I wasn't entirely sure about where I was going; just away from Patrick.


I heard him stumbling along behind me, but that only caused my step to quicken. I wanted to end this conversation as strongly as I'd begun it. I was going to have the last word; even if it meant getting into my car and driving home. Forget about school. Defying Patrick in all his weirdness was worth a few absences.






To learn more about Seers, or the author, follow one of these links!


http://seersthebook.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Seers-The-Official-Fan-Page/158893460846605
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4983261.Heather_Frost