Tag Archives: blog tour

Blog Tour: Forever -Author Q&A

Welcome to my stop on the Forever tour where Karen Ann Hopkins has kindly responded to my questions.

G’day, Karen, it’s lovely to have you as guest on my blog today.

Firstly, A few quick fun questions:

Please describe yourself in 5 words.
Persistent, perfectionist, stubborn, equestrian, loyal

Tea or Coffee?
Neither. I don’t like hot drinks at all.

White or Dark Chocolate?
Milk chocolate

Cats or Dogs?
I have four dogs, six cats, fifteen horses, seven goats and an assortment of chickens, ducks, peacocks and rabbits. I guess you can say I love all animals.

Sun or Snow?
Sun, especially right now in the middle of winter! It’s very difficult to do farm chores in the snow, mud and freezing weather.

Bad Boy or Boy-Next-Door?
In the past, I would have said bad boy, but I’ve become wiser with age and I’m definitely a boy-next-door type of girl now.

Most anticipated release this year -aside from Forever 😉 ?
I’m excited to say that I’ve written an adult Amish mystery that will be available on Kindle this year! Lamb to the Slaughter is about the intertwining lives of three unlikely people in an Indiana Amish Community and the devastating results when a rebellious teenage girl is found shot to death in a corn field during the harvest. Serenity Adams is the newly elected young sheriff in the country town of Blood Rock and besides dealing with the threatening behavior of her predecessor, she now has a dead Amish girl on her plate. At first glance, the case seems obvious. The poor girl was probably accidently shot during hunting season, but when the elders of the Amish community and even the girl’s parents react with uncaring subdued behavior, Serenity becomes suspicious. As she delves deeper into the secretive community that she grew up beside, she discovers a gruesome crime from the past that may very well be related to the Amish girl’s shooting. Serenity enlists the help of the handsome bad-boy building contractor, Daniel Bachman, who left the Amish when he was nineteen and has his own dark reasons to help the spunky sheriff solve the crime that the family and friends who shunned him are trying desperately to cover up. Serenity’s persistence leads her to a stunning discovery that not only threatens to destroy her blossoming romance with Daniel, but may even take her life in the end.

Favourite reading spot?
In bed when the kids are all outside playing.

Favourite accompaniment to reading (eg. Chocolate, coffee, etc)?
I like to have a fat candle lit and one of the cats purring in bed beside me. But, if it’s a good enough book, it doesn’t matter if I’m catching a few paragraphs here and there while sitting on a cold, aluminum bench at the kids’ soccer field in the drizzle.

I understand that many of your neighbours are members of an Amish community. If you’ve not always lived there, what was your first reaction / thoughts about the Amish community?
I moved to the community about six years ago and it was real a cultural shock. What I wasn’t at all prepared for was the way my life became immediately immersed with my Amish neighbors. Amish teens were hanging out at my barn/arena, Amish girls were babysitting my children, my now ex-husband was working on an Amish building crew and I was driving Amish families to town for shopping. I quickly found myself having more interactions with Amish people than non-Amish ones. It’s been a wonderful learning experience though. Even though I don’t agree with all aspects of the culture, like finishing school in the 8^th grade or marrying at eighteen, I have a lot of respect for the group of people and can honestly say that they’re the best neighbors I’ve ever had.

As you got to know them, especially the youth, quite well, has any of your original perceptions changed? Were there any particular Amish belief / attitude that struck you? If so, please share one you’d agree with and one that you disagree with.
I was a little disturbed as I witnessed the first group of Amish teens coming to my farm on a regular basis go through a very drastic transition of personality and emotions between sixteen and eighteen years old. At sixteen, they were more carefree and rebellious. They had thoughts of traveling and were interested in experiencing the outside world. I listened to their venting, but didn’t offer much guidance on their choices, feeling that it wasn’t my place to encourage or discourage their decisions about their culture. You see, Amish communities have different rules governing themselves based on their Ordnung. My community for instance, is very strict and doesn’t have Rumspringa, which is the practice of allowing the young people to have a period of time to experience the outside world before they make the decision to join the church. The complete lack of freedom in my community alienated many of the young people I talked to. Things like wearing actual riding boots for horse-back riding, painting on clear nail polish to strengthen nails or sewing the sleeves on a dress a little too short are against the rules and those disobeying are punished. The teens become frustrated and talk about leaving the Amish or they break the rules by sneaking around. What’s shocked me is how all their disgruntlement immediately disappears when the teens begin courting. The lure of marriage isn’t always about falling in love. It has more to do with the teens’ belief that once married they’ll have a lot more freedom, which isn’t the case at all. They are still governed by strict Church laws, only now they are a married couple. Imagine being seventeen years old and it being against the law to simply hold your boyfriend’s hand. That sort of restriction troubles me, because I believe it pushes young people into early marriage. Many of the couples then become overwhelmed by the responsibility of children, households and farms at an early age, but have no recourse to change their circumstances.

Would you ever consider adopting the Amish way of life?
That’s a great question, but no. I admire their simpler ways and the devotion of the men to women, but it’s a religious based society and unless a person agrees wholeheartedly with interpreting the bible in its strictest form, they would not be at peace in the society.

And IF your ‘Noah’ was Amish, would that change your response above?
No. I wouldn’t be attracted to the type of guy who didn’t feel comfortable with my independent nature, and the Amish don’t hold independent thinking in high value. Rose lost her mother at a young age and has a father who is always busy with his career. She wants an intense partner whose whole world revolves around her, so Noah is good match. Noah has a lot of desirable attributes. He’s hard working, sweet natured and gorgeous to boot, but his beliefs would not sit well with a lot of non-Amish women for the long haul. That’s why it’s great that we’re all different.

As part of your writing mode, do you doodle or draw particular scenery / characters / scenes or listen to particular music? Could you share with us a snippet of your drawing or your playlist? If you do neither, please share anything that helps your creative juices going
Actually, I like it pretty quiet while I write and I leave the artwork to my kids, but I have to be in the right frame of mind to write. My head is cleared and my creative juices flow when I’m out hacking through the fields and woods on my favorite horse, Cisco. A few hours in the saddle each week does the trick for me.

Do you have a favourite writing spot? Would share the view with us, please?
There’s a large window in my bedroom that faces the barnyard and paddocks. I can glance up and easily see the horses grazing and the ducks enjoying the sunshine while roosting on the wood board fencing. If the wind picks up, the large oak trees near the house begin rustling and the sound is very calming.

Please share a couple of your favourite quotes…

From the book: I picked a quote from Belonging, but it’s one of my favourite ones from the series.

Summer Sage speaking to Rose: She gazed at me with steady eyes and said, “That if you give up your spirit, who you really are, for a guy, you won’t have much left to love him with.”
Of life / writing: I have the following quote on Forever’s acknowledgment page and it’s very appropriate for the Temptation series. Sometimes people need to step back and think about what freedom really is, before they pass judgment on others.

“There can be no assumption that today’s majority is ‘right’ and the Amish and others like them are ‘wrong.’ A way of life that is odd or even erratic but interferes with no rights or interests of others is not to be condemned because it is different.” Warren E. Burger, Supreme Court Justice, USA.

Thanks for having me on your Blog, Tien!

I love to hear from my readers! Please contact me on Facebook with your thoughts on the series or any questions about the Amish you may have. Thanks!
Karen Ann Hopkins

Wow, Karen sure sounds to be super sensible! Thanks for your time, Karen, and for sharing your thoughts with us 🙂

Forever (Temptation #3) by Karen Ann Hopkins

All I want is my happily-ever-after.

That’s all I’ve wanted since meeting Noah Miller.

From the day we met, the world has tried to keep Noah and me from being together, but now that I’m carrying his child, no one will be able to tear us apart. Or so I hope. But Noah and I have made some mistakes along the way, and the consequences are impacting the people we love. Worse, there’s a storm on the horizon, and it’s sure to cause serious devastation.

If we can get through this, we’ll finally be Rose and Noah; a family, forever.

But first we have to survive the road ahead. And happily-ever-after is a long way off.

Find Forever
Add the book to your Goodreads shelf today!
Pre-Order: amazon

Find Karen Ann Hopkins
Blog | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Temptation – Book 1 on Goodreads | Facebook

Belonging – Book 2 on Goodreads

Get a copy of Temptation on: Amazon | B&N | Indiebound

Get a copy of Belonging : Amazon | B&N | Indiebound

Do check out the rest of the tour:
Monday, January 20th – Absorbing the Content – Review
Tuesday, January 21st – Sassy Book Lover – Review
Wednesday, January 22nd – Mangamania Cafe – Character Interview
Thursday, January 23rd – Ramblings From This Chick – Guest Post
Friday, January 24th – Andi’s Young Adult Books – Author Interview

Monday, January 27th – Literary Me – Author Interview
Tuesday, January 28th – Crossroad Reviews – Review
Wednesday, January 29th – Books I View – Review
Thursday, January 30th – Actin’ Up with Books – Review
Friday, January 31st – Books Complete Me – Review

Monday, February 3rd – No Bent Spines – Character Interview
Tuesday, February 4th – Paranormal Opinion – Review
Wednesday, February 5th – Bittersweet Enchantment – Review
Thursday, February 6th – Curling Up With a Good Book – Author Interview
Friday, February 7th – Behind A Million and One Pages – Review

Monday, February 10th – The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club – Guest Post
Tuesday, February 11th – Jenuine Cupcakes – Review
Wednesday, February 12th – Jeanz Book Read N’ Review – Review
Thursday, February 13th – Deal Sharing Aunt – Guest Post
Friday, February 14th – Lost Time Reading – Review

Monday, February 17th – Into The Hall of Books – Review
Tuesday, February 18th – Swoony Boys Podcasts – Review
Wednesday, February 19th – My Favorite Things – Guest Post
Thursday, February 20th – Reading Lark – Review
Friday, February 21st – Tien’s Blurb – Author Interview

Monday, February 24th – Kimberly Faye Reads – Guest Post
Tuesday, February 25th – Book Whales – Guest Post
Wednesday, February 26th – A Bookish Escape – Review
Thursday, February 27th – That Girl Reads – Review
Friday, February 28th – Books Marks The Spot – Author Interview

And… Enter the super-awesome giveaway at Rafflecopter

Blog Tour: Poisoned Waters -an Excerpt

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Poisoned Waters is set in the 1950s on a trans-Atlantic cruise from Southampton to New York. Helen Gardener is murdered during the voyage. The novel follows the stories of seven unfortunate characters and how they are affected by the death of Helen Gardener. Was it merely an accident? Mr Phillips, the owner of the ship, and sponsor of the cruise, rules with an iron fist, in search of something or someone.

Lies spiral out of control as the suspects try to survive the final days on board. Conflicted by their sense of morals, greed, and lust, they realise what kind of people they really are. Who will rise? Who will fall? Who was Helen’s murderer?

This is the first chapter to, Poisoned Waters.

“I trust everyone. I just don’t trust the devil inside them.”
Troy Kennedy Martin

Chapter 1
Pearl Moon

26^th August 1955
Friday Evening

The crystal chandelier of the Diamond Royale’s Grand Hall glistened, showering raindrops of light all over the room. American swing, fast gaining popularity in post-war Europe, filled the air with a festive atmosphere. Passengers aboard the luxury ship bound for New York swayed to the beat of a live band, as they sipped blood-red wine, and savoured the taste of lust on another’s fleshy lips. While most clustered together in fits of giggles and chuckles, Sylvia strayed to the side, with a cigarette between her fingers.

The smoke danced up towards the ceiling as if trying to escape from her crimson lips. The smell of nicotine was pungent and it seeped through the black satin gloves she wore. Sylvia didn’t know why she had bothered to come aboard this cruise; it was full of hot air and nothing more.

The Grand Hall was littered with generals, lords, ladies and other members of the elite. The men whose eyes danced in her direction blubbered with loose and deeply intoxicated smirks. The desire to butt out her cigarette against their pupils grew.

Out from the crowd, a robust man caught her eye. Within seconds, he advanced towards her. Sylvia averted her eyes and took a long drag on the cigarette.

“My sweet pearl, Sylvia,” The man leaned in towards her; his cheek felt like sandpaper and she could smell his abhorrent breath. “Dance with me.”

“Markus, liebling, I still need a drink.”

Sylvia excused herself, hoping her husband would stop bothering her. His thin lips caressed her neck and his thick fingers found her buttocks. She resisted the urge to burn him with the cigarette.

After he pawed her with squeezes, sloppy kisses and German pet names, Markus agreed to fetch drinks. Without avail, Sylvia walked in the opposite direction. She just wanted to escape from her demanding husband for a few minutes. Crossing to the other side of the ship, she flicked the butt away and pulled another out of the case she had nuzzled between her breasts. On edge, Sylvia’s fingertips trembled, struggling with the lighter as the brisk wind made it difficult to light her third cigarette of the night.

“Need help?” A hazy voice with a heavy accent asked from just over her shoulder. His accent was strikingly familiar.

“Ja, alstublieft.” Yes, please. Sylvia responded in Dutch.

The young man’s eyes lit up. He couldn’t have been older than twenty five, nearly two decades younger than her husband. She quickly scanned his fitted suit and steely grey eyes. Taking her cigarette and lighter, he lit her cigarette before handing it back to her.

Extending a hand in thanks, she was taken off guard when he raised her hand to his lips. He held her gaze for longer than necessary as he brushed his lips across the top of her hand.

“Can I help you?” she asked, unnerved.

“May I have this dance?” Before he waited for her reply, he had already pulled her close.

“I am a married woman,” Sylvia pulled her hand away, unsure about his intentions.

“Sylvia!” She barely heard Markus over the music. She twisted out of the young man’s touch to see Markus shoving his way through the crowd towards them, a glass of wine in each hand. The flash of anger she saw upon his face dissolved the moment he turned to the man before her.

“Ah, you have met my beautiful wife, Sylvia Wrinkler. Liebling, this is the new accountant I was telling you about, Mr Jacobus van Tiel.”

Sylvia stared at Jacobus under heavy black lashes. There was something in that man she didn’t like. Everything about his appearance was sharp, rigid and stern, similar to Markus but without the sagging stomach and jowls.

Markus handed her one of the glasses as he sipped from his own. When he lowered the glass, the wine left a dark red sheen on his top lip. Sylvia tried again to excuse herself, feeling uncomfortable. But her husband gripped her wrist and the diamond bracelet she wore bit into her skin like a row of teeth. Her escape thwarted, Sylvia stood still and forced a dazzling smile.

Benjamin held open the galley doors as he slid inside with an empty platter. Working as a waiter for the Phillips family, the sinfully wealthy hosts of the cruise, was less than an enjoyable experience. He needed money and this was the first job he was able to achieve that paid him a reasonable salary for the week the cruise lasted. The heat of the kitchen swept over him and he frowned.

“Those honkies don’t stop eating. They’re like pigs,” Mary growled underneath her breath as she passed him by.

Ever since they had met, she had stuck to him like a fly. They shared the same dark chocolate skin and childhood discrimination, but he didn’t share her fierce hatred for the people they were serving. Growing up in London during the 40s meant that he did bear the scars of racism. Many people of both colours had provided him good experiences and subsequently snatched him away from the all-consuming hatred. Colour didn’t matter to him but it did to Mary who spat on their food. That young woman who had barely reached twenty knew a lifetime of obscenities.

Benjamin followed what his mother had told him. He had to keep his head low and try to not attract attention. He had to be grateful for what others gave him and he was trying his best to keep his job, earning his pounds. While at times he felt like reporting Mary, he couldn’t. They were connected whether it be by colour or age or something greater.

Hurriedly arranging more servings of caviar, Benjamin heard someone calling his name. The barmen needed an extra and Benjamin begrudgingly agreed, hoping he wouldn’t lose his break. While he was serving wine, spirits, and beer he noticed the mass of people congealing together. Several men were gobbling their appetisers, licking their thick fingers, and grinning with oily lips.

Benjamin tried to stay as invisible as possible. He served the customers with a soft voice and shy nods. A man in his forties arrived at the bar demanding two glasses of their finest wine.

Without hesitation, Benjamin prepared the drinks, but as he put away the wine bottle it knocked over one of the glasses. The sound of smashing glass pierced Benjamin’s ears and he cringed with the expectation of a beating. The flustered barman came over, prepared the second glass, and took it over to the middle-aged man, who, in the midst of the loud band, hadn’t heard the accident.

“How long can it take?” the man groaned, his German accent clouded his words. “You’re all pathetic. I don’t know why they bothered hiring you people.”

The German man walked off, leaving no tip, but instead a twisted smirk. Benjamin’s heart fluttered. It wasn’t the middle-aged man who had caught his attention, but the woman he was advancing towards. His eyes lit up, the weight on his heart lessened and fleetingly he smiled. She was beautiful, her snow white skin glistened and honey-gold hair cascaded down her back. He wondered how sweet she would taste.

Harold massaged his aching fingers. His British companions shared clever puns over their glasses, chuckling. The occasional spray of saliva was also shared. Harold sipped from his own drink but had not achieved the level of drunkenness his colleagues were currently at. On top of having a high tolerance for alcohol, Harold always seemed to either give up paying for expensive drinks or was unable to stomach much more than a few glasses.

The friends spoke in barely coherent babbles of what was once the reputable English language. He had studied with them at the same stuffy university; business had been their chosen area before they all diverged into specific streams. Their current usage of language suggested they hadn’t even completed their high school education. The stench of cigarettes and alcohol was suffocating him.

Taking his turn to leave, Harold moved off into a different direction. His old colleagues had barely noticed him leave. The moment he had detached himself from them he felt much more relieved. The loud noise was deafening and rather than degrade his senses he drifted to the doors that would lead him outside. A young waitress with a stony expression took his glass.

The doors were opened for him by the young boys who stood by. Harold gave them respectful nods which they returned. The wind bit at his neck and shaven face while tousling his dark blonde hair. His emerald eyes were squinted in protection against the wind. Harold moved out onto the deck of the cruise ship and touched the railing. It was so cold that he retracted as if he had touched something hot. The chilling weather outside was causing him to shiver and shake. Was there a storm coming?

He was still young, merely thirty, and yet he was acting and feeling like he was eighty. Wasn’t that the age when you left parties early, lost interest in getting intoxicated, and your muscles ached? Wasn’t eighty the age when you were meant to be widowed?

Trying to restrain the burning tears streaking his eyes he looked over the side of the ship. It was difficult to do so, the floor was slippery. He caught a glimpse of the heaving black waters that the boat sailed upon. Harold turned around, resting his sore back against the railing, catching his breath. It was hard to breathe out in this weather and the penetrating winds were only growing stronger.

A shadow scattered across his vision. As soon as he raised his gaze, tears leaked from the red rims of his eyes. “Harold,” her familiar voice cooed.

“Be gone!” he yelled, shutting his lids tightly. These phantoms that haunted him showed no mercy. They sunk their teeth into his fleshy mind when Harold least expected it. The tender caresses of his wife brushed past his cheek. Harold’s hands aggressively pushed it away, only to encounter nothing but air.

Slam! He felt the cool floor smack hard against his tailbone. The floor polished with an icy sheet had been pulled out from under him. The pain that shot through his body expressed itself through miserable groans from his chattering lips. Harold let his body lull; the back of his head hit the ground. His eyes drifted to the brightly spotted sky.

The sound of pleasurable sighs and sloppy kisses broke the silent night. A couple who thought they were alone found somewhere to hide on the abandoned deck of the cruise ship. Giggles erupted from the woman. Husky groans echoed from the man. Rather than torturing himself further, Harold closed his eyes. He didn’t want to see their sublime experience. He wallowed in his own self-pity.

Heat from the love made by the couple did little to extinguish the cold that was penetrating Harold’s suit. When Harold raised his hand to the back of his head he felt something warm and sticky. Hushed moans continued to be heard, not far from him. It was hard to see in the darkness. Darkness was encroaching on his vision.

Before he had another moment to consider his actions, a shriek pierced the night air. The scream was not one heard in the middle of making love but one that burst through a woman’s lungs in fear and pain. Harold scrambled to his feet, trying to place the location of the scream. He knew it wasn’t from the couple he had been eavesdropping on. The sound came from a different direction.

The dark, gloomy deck of the ship tilted dangerously. Harold grasped onto the railing but felt his feet gave way. Harold stumbled toward the location of the scream that had sliced his mind like a knife. The back of his head throbbed. Why couldn’t he hear the sound of footsteps? Why weren’t there lights on?

“Help! She needs help!” Harold tried to yell but only managed to whisper. His vision blurred before everything went black.

– end excerpt –

This post has been part of the Poisoned Waters Blog Tour. Poisoned Waters is a thrilling mystery set on a trans-Atlantic cruise where a murderer walks amongst passengers.

Promo Blitz: Circle of Light

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Today is the promotional blitz for Circle of Lies by Sara Dailey and Staci Weber!

Title: Circle of Lies (Red Ridge Pack #2)

Authors: Sara Dailey and Staci Weber

Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group

Description:

Aiden Wright is trying to figure out who he really is, but the truth could cost him his true mate—or his life.

Life has always been easy for Aiden Wright. He’s smart, athletic, funny, and the ladies adore him. But when tragedy strikes, Aiden discovers the truth about who he really is, and his whole world comes crashing down around him. Aiden thought that being a teenage werewolf was going to be awesome, but it might just cost him the one girl who could make him whole.

Since her mother’s disappearance, Teagan Rhodes’s life has been littered with her father’s empty beer cans and his hollow promises to change. Convinced that others would only let her down, she keeps everyone at arm’s length—but resisting Aiden’s charm is proving to be more difficult than she thought. Throw in a psychotic werewolf hunter out to terminate the species, and one wrong move, one wrong decision could destroy everything.

About Sara Dailey and Staci Weber

Both Sara Dailey and Staci Weber are avid readers, English teachers, friends, wives and soccer moms. They have been teaching together for the past ten years and writing together for six.

Born and raised in Houston, TX, Staci Weber is a graduate of the University of North Texas. Staci is a junior high school teacher with an addiction to reading romance novels. She considers herself incredibly lucky to have a close family, some good friends, a fabulous husband and two beautiful little girls.

Sara Dailey co-authored the Red Ridge Pack Novels with her good friend and co-worker Staci Weber. She has a degree in literature from U of H Clear Lake and is a graduate of The Institute of Children’s Literature. Sara is a native Texan and lives with her wonderful husband and son in League City, TX.

Author Links:

Website

Facebook

Purchase on Amazon

Purchase on Barnes And Noble

If you want to find out more about this book make sure you check out the blog tour starting in February. Click here to see dates and blog tour information.

Blog Tour: Mystery Falls -Author Interview & Review

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Mystery Falls by Marilyn Phillips

Secrets. Lies. Deception. For the past six years, Samantha Hunt has lived with the belief that the untimely death of her parents was the result of an unfortunate accident—that by the cruel hand of fate, she had been left an orphan. But it was a lie, a terrible lie told to her by those who wanted to keep her in the dark. And the truth… when revealed, will change her life and haunt her forever.

Suddenly plagued by a series of events which find her in danger and in need of a savior, Samantha is repeatedly rescued by the mysterious and elusive Shadow—a stranger who seems to know more about her past and the tragedy which befell her family, than she does. Drawn to him despite the antagonism she feels whenever in his presence, Samantha soon discovers that Shadow is not what he appears to be. Determined to learn his true identity and why he has come to Mystery Falls, the small town in which she has spent all of her seventeen years, Samantha not only uncovers the secrets he refuses to share, but also the truth about her own past. A truth which forces her to acknowledge that things are not always as they seem, and sometimes, not even those close to you can be trusted.

Resolved to seeking justice for the unwarranted death of her parents, Samantha embarks on
a journey which brings her perilously close to her own demise. Can Shadow use his angel powers to save her yet again, or this time, will he be too late.

Review (3 stars)

The mystery is what I really enjoyed in this novel. Admittedly, it was a little slow at the beginning and it took a while before things came to a head however I don’t think the mystery is the ‘main’ attraction to this novel so the slowness was acceptable because of…

Shadow = Yum! I love Shadow and I love the type of angel he is. I have to confess of having been avoiding any ‘angelic’ paranormal type of books because I have a certain preconception of angels and am afraid that I would hate the book. Whilst I don’t hate this book, I quite enjoyed reading the mystery & romance, I am such a stick in the mud that I was slightly disappointed with some of the angel business. I’m not sure if any other readers will feel the same way as I really do think it’s just me and my preconception getting in the way of total enjoyment of this book.

The romance was quite sweet as Samantha’s faith in Shadow was really quite astounding. Shadow’s protective nature was really endearing but…

The love triangle – or what looks like a love triangle from the outside / the beginning. I just didn’t particularly like this approach (well, you know me and my view of love triangles: **blearrgh**). In addition, it all worked out way too easily.

Don’t expect too much sparks but it is a tingly sweet romance – recommended for a relaxing beachy read.

Author Interview

Quick Qs to warm up with –

White or Dark Chocolate? Dark Chocolate

White or Red Wine? White Wine

Vegemite or Nutella? Nutella, I can’t go past anything with Chocolate.

Cats or Dogs? Dogs.

Beach or Bush? This is difficult. I like both. It really depends on the mood I’m in.

I have to admit to curiosity, what did you teach? And do you miss teaching?

I taught Maths, Science and Biology to High School students for thirteen years before becoming a mum and devoting my time to raising a family. Busy with being a wife, a mother and now, a published author, I can’t say I miss teaching. I probably should mention here, that on occasion, I do some relief teaching. This keeps me in touch enough so that I don’t really have the opportunity to miss it in a big way.

Did you make up stories for your children too (as bedtime stories)? If so, would you share one of the most fantastical with us, please?

Yes. I do make up stories for my children, but probably not so much now as I did when they were younger. Rather than telling one story which would take too long, I will just give you a brief scenario of the kinds of tales I would make up. To start, they (my son and daughter) would always be the central characters. The setting would always be some magical place with magnificent castles, a dark forest and flowing water. And of course, no fantasy story is complete without a dragon, unicorn, fairy or other mystical creature to either befriend them or wreak havoc. My children love that they are part of these stories and I hope they will always treasure them in their memories.

How did you decide to write a series instead of a stand-alone novel?

When I started to write, I didn’t think about whether the book would be a series or a stand-alone novel. I just wrote. It was while I was creating Mystery Falls, that ideas for a sequel began to form. A similar process is happening now as I write Mystery Rises, so there will be a third. As to a fourth, who can say?

Why YA?

Good question. I’m not sure. I guess it comes from my preference to read YA novels. I like revisiting the idea of first love and all the angst which comes with that. The purity, the innocence, the intensity, It’s kind of fascinating to me.

How did the idea of Mystery Falls first come to you?

Lying in bed one lazy Sunday morning, I was allowing my thoughts to wander freely as I often do, when Samantha just appeared. She was standing by a stream, angry and alone. Curious to know why, I became lost in her world, and slowly, her story began to unfold. By the time I returned to reality and rose from the bed, the first chapter was written.

What is your writing process like? I understand it’s quite different for each book but in general, do you write the opening lines first / last? Do you usually know the ending earlier on & therefore, planned, or do you just go with the flow? Have you drawn diagrams / flow charts to make sure that you’ve got the ‘facts’ straight?

Hmm… the writing process – I don’t really have a process per say. I just start to write. As to whether the first line remains the first, or if it is changed, depends on what happens as the story unfolds. The ending – I have no idea what that is until I am almost there. It might be easier if I explain it this way. As I go through the normal duties of my life, scenes and dialogues appear at random in my imagination. Then when I sit down to write, I piece them together like a jigsaw puzzle. I love being creative, but I can’t say that it’s a planned process. I simply allow my own daydreaming to naturally unfold and I take what I like from there.

Please do share your best reads of 2012 to date.

The Lux series by Jennifer L. Armentrout. The Premonition series by Amy A. Bartol. And of course, Finale, the conclusion to Becca Fitzpatrick’s Hush Hush series.

Marilyn lives on the outskirts of Melbourne (Australia) with her wonderfully supportive husband and two beautiful children. When not writing, she likes spending time with her family, taking long walks in dark forests and reading (anything involving paranormal romance / urban fantasy). Her favorite authors include Becca Fitzpatrick, Stephenie Meyer,Claudia Gray and Amanda Hocking. Mystery Falls is her debut novel and the first in a series.

Blog | Goodreads

Blog Tour: Oxford Whispers

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Two star-crossed lovers in the English Civil War

A painting with haunting powers

A murderous ghost back for revenge

Madison LeBon is dead set against the dead. She has vowed to ignore her Voodoo-stamped heritage and the psychic gift passed down through her Louisiana family. The world of the living is where she wants to belong.

But her resolution shatters when the ill-fated lovers in a painting—the subject of her first history class at Oxford—begin to haunt her. The lovers warn her against their own nemesis, a Puritan from the English Civil War.

In misty present-day Oxford, Madison embarks on a quest to unravel the secrets of the past and understand her personal bond with the painting. To protect herself, she must learn to accept her gift before life imitates art, in all its tragedy.

College becomes more complicated when she falls hard for Rupert Vance, a troubled aristocrat and descendant of one of the characters in the painting.

With the spirit of a murderer in hot pursuit, Madison comes to realize that her own first love may be doomed…

Based on a real Pre-Raphaelite painting, Oxford Whispers is full of romance, drama and suspense.

Fall in love for the first time… Again

Welcome, Marion! Do please tell us your Top 5 (time travel) destinations!!

Hello! Thank you very much for having me on your blog. I saw that you were a fan of Daemon Black: Great minds think alike! Time travelling has always been one of my dreams. Most of my time-travelling destinations have been inspired by books… So here are my favs although I won’t be able to choose a Top 1.

1. The Antebellum South and the Civil War… Well, not that I haven’t MASSIVE issues with what was going on in those days-starting with the obvious, slavery-but I fell in love with reading with Gone With The Wind… Later, I became a massive fan of the North and South trilogy by John Jakes.

2. 1960’s America ~ They were troubled times, but I’m a big fan of John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Martin Luther King. I also loved the fashion then. A lot of blood was shed in those dark years but there was a wind of change and rebellion. So much youth and vibrant energy.

3. The French Revolution ~ Not that I want to have my head chopped… but Marie-Antoinette is a very tragic heroine.

4. The Second World War ~ It’s terrible… I just realize that I’ve been travelling back to wartimes. That’s insane! But the fashion of the 1940’s was so elegant and sexy, and, humm, I loved the movie Pearl Harbor!

5. The American Revolution ~ The Last of the Mohicans was one of the first books I read.

I am a true citizen of the world. I was born in West Africa, grew up in the South of France, and studied in Vienna, Paris, Berlin, Cape Town, and Oxford before finally settling down in London. This wide variety of cities has provided lots of inspiration for my writing. Talk about culture exposure!

In addition to being an author, I work as an entrepreneur, wife and mother-of-one but spend a good deal of time with books, DVDs and listening to my mp3 player; all for the sake of inspiration, of course. My debut series, The Oxford Trilogy, has been a blast to write because I can indulge in my favorite types of music: Country and English rock.

My main goal as a writer is to make readers dream bigger and cause their hearts to beat a little faster. Since my writing is all about sharing dreams and stories, I love connecting with fellow readers and authors.

You can find Marion at her website, facebook, twitter, and youtube.

GIVEAWAY

Marion is generously giving away a $20 New Adult Reading pack –i.e. selected NA titles on Amazon to one commenter on the tour, so please do to follow the tour and comment to increase your chances to win. Tour schedule can be found here.

Blog Tour: The Sun, The Moon, and Maybe The Trains -Interview + Giveaway

Blog Tour: Lycaon Press (+ GIVEAWAY $20 GC)

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Thanks for stopping by today! You are in for a treat! 4 excerpts from 4 different books and hopefully, at least 1 will appeal to you! Enjoy… 🙂

North: The Lycans by Suzanne Fuller

Riley Olssen is a born and bred Lycan who lives in the quiet suburbs of Valdez, Alaska. Her life is simple: she goes to school, comes home, and shifts in the forest behind her home. When her father receives word that his brother has died, they must return to his home in Sweden to take care of the pack Davin left behind.

Soon after they arrive, Riley realizes there is much more to the small town than she’d ever expected. She discovers that the Lycans are not the only creatures to hide behind a human façade. Falling in love with the wrong Lycan is only one of the problems she encounters. In one day, her life is forever changed, and she must discover her own inner strength because all signs seem to point to a war heading her way.

Ramona Salazar watched the pathetic humans in blue close the iron shutters, wrap a steel padlock around the hooks, and sit down at their desks with their cheap coffee and tiny screens. She sneered at the way they relaxed in their seats, flirting with each other. They were guards, supposedly.

They know nothing of the world! I could show them a thing or two about protection and loyalty.

They were entirely unaware of her presence above them, in the air duct. Ramona was inside the National British Museum, and had something very, very old to collect from the archives. She’d searched far and wide, been to over a dozen countries looking for these documents. Now she was close enough to feel their presence.

She pulled her black hood forward around her red hair and pale face, then slid the grate over. As silent as the night, she dropped to the marble floor. Her hooded cloak helped cushion her landing, as she rolled into the shadows. One of the guards— a marginally overweight male—snapped his head up, and looked directly at her. She closed her eyes, knowing their crimson glow would surely give her away.

“Did you hear something?” he asked the girl.

“No, and didn’t see nothing either,” she told him.

His co-worker’s words didn’t seem to settle him, because when Ramona opened her eyes the guard stood up and wrapped his fingers around the flashlight on his belt.

Idiot, hasn’t he heard that curiosity killed the cat?

Ramona pulled the hood across her cheek, allowing herself another quick glance his way. He had stepped around the desk and made his way down the darkened corridor towards her, each step carefully placed in front of the other.

Here puss, puss. Come to mami…

She turned, still draped in the thick black wool of her cape and slid the diamond blade from her hip. It shimmered in her hand. She waited until he was close.

Closer… Closer still…

“Hello?” he called into the dark, waving the beam of light erratically across her path. Still he did not see her. She almost had to laugh because it was so easy. He took the final step, the one she’d been waiting for. She turned, her hair a wild blaze in his face as she brought the blade up, slicing into his throat. She wrapped her small gloved hands around his head and dropped down to the floor, clutching his lifeless body. The flashlight rolled across the tiles, but there wasn’t time to stop it. She wrapped him in her cloak, slid the blade out and pressed her lips to the wound.

His blood was bitter, and it came in great floods, but no matter how foul it tasted, Ramona drank until his body gave no more. She pulled away, wiped her bloodied mouth against her sleeve, and pressed her forefinger into the wound. It came away coated in crimson fluid. She ran it down the middle of her forehead, across her throat and rubbed it deep into a triangular scar on her wrist. It seeped into the grooves, wrapping around the edges of her skin. Her eyes burned with murderous intent and her vision became as crimson as the seeping wound on the man’s neck.

“Dan?” The girl called out from around the corner. “Daniel? Are you all right? You better not be messing with me!”

“Wake up,” Ramona said, kicking Daniel’s foot. He twitched and his eyes flashed open. His mouth was slack and his soulless eyes looked to Ramona for guidance. “Your friend is waiting for you,” she whispered. He snapped his head around, almost severing it as he stretched the skin over the wound, and looked at the girl.

“There you are!” She gasped in relief as she spotted him and stepped out from the desk. Ramona stayed within the shadows and watched. “Your coffee’s getting cold and… Oh my god!” She screamed and dropped next to him. She pressed her shaking hands against his neck, tears streaming from her eyes and called out, “Help! Someone help!”

Accepted: The Shalean Moon, Book 3 by J. Lilley

Andy is Shalean and in love with a human, but had no idea how to make such a relationship work.

Sam has no idea that Shalea exists, only that he is fed up waiting for Andy to make the first move. Overjoyed to find his feelings reciprocated Sam starts seeing strange things.

Something is afoot and Andy seems right in the middle of it.

What Sam discovers rocks him to the core. But he is determined to fight for their chance of happiness. Human he may be, but as long as Andy wants him, they can face anything, can’t they?

Sam was whistling as he left the school buildings. At last he’d decided to ask Andy straight out to go to The Cave with him. And he’d agreed—almost.

He’d admired and yes, fancied him for months, years, he amended silently. Ever since he’d accepted he was gay he’d known Andy was the one for him, recognized him as the one person he could be himself with. But Andy, macho, rugby playing Andy, had always seemed somewhat aloof. Friendly up to a point, helpful, chatty, but always keeping part of himself hidden.

Then within the last few weeks, Sam has sensed a change in Andy. Almost he thought, as if he had made peace with himself. He’d become more open about his sexuality, actually saying out loud to a crowd of classmates that yes of course he was gay, and so what? And then winked at Sam!

So, nothing ventured, and all that. So he’d ventured, and now, well, way to go, I’ve got a date —almost. Hopefully Andy would confirm it the following day.

And if he doesn’t? Not even going to think about that.

Typical, trust me to leave the car in the furthest corner of the car park. And it’s raining and shit…what? No way… no bloody way.

Sam blinked. Nothing. But he’s bet his next try at rugby there’d been a fox in front of him. But what a fox. If that’s what it was. Silver, and…nah, had to be a dog. You’re losing it. The thought of going out with Andy, and you’re losing it. Gotta be a dog.

As he got into his car and drove away, he could have sworn he’d seen eyes glinting at him from the bushes. But these eyes were not the color of a fox, or most dogs for that matter. Big bright, piercing blue, like the flash of light from a glacier on a summer’s day, they stared at him. He blinked.

Nothing. Just the rain on the windscreen, the wipers passing monotonously over it.

Weird.

A person on the pavement caught his eye and he pulled up, and opened the window.

“Hi Aibhlinn isn’t it? It’s Sam. Sam McIlwain, I’m in your class. Do you want a lift anywhere? You’re getting soaked.”

The person turned, and looked at him, the hood of her coat slipping as she moved , uncovering her long pale hair. As she stared, her eyes seemed to go straight through him, and Sam shivered. Then she spoke, the soft Scottish accent refreshing, and as she spoke she smiled, and her face lit up.

“That’s kind, but no need, my mum will be here in a second. I’m just walking to meet her at the corner.”

In the rain?

“Well do you want me to drop you off there?” he asked. She looked cold, and the rain was spiking her hair, darkening it; drops running down her face and onto her coat.

Then her eyes flashed, frosty and unfriendly. Gone was the seemingly friendly girl of a few seconds before. Instead now there was a stranger. One who was looking through him.

And again, weird. Those eyes!

“No thank you.” She didn’t even smile but walked on.

Okay, here’s your hat what’s the hurry. Mentally shrugging, he put his car in gear, pulled up the handbrake and…where the hell has she gone?

Death’s Melody: The Ringer’s Masquerade by Sarah J. Pepper

A fate worse than death…

All of Catherine’s dreams ended with her progenitor’s sacrifice and the loss of her beloved. Surrounded by a scornful family and friendships built upon lies, she’s never felt more alone. The Ringer denies her plea to be an organ donor yet monitors her relentlessly. She is unable to live a life free of the hospital’s control. Her future unravels as disturbing questions arise and hidden lies surface. However, what’s even more troubling than the Ringer’s dangerous secrets are the torturous punishments they deliver to those who defy them.

Sitting utterly still in front of the piano, Sebastian’s dark eyes hinted at dangerous thoughts. He clenched his jaw. Every finger slammed down on the keys, creating a dreadful crashing echo throughout the room. His gaze never left mine as he stood, knocking over the bench. His chest didn’t rise or fall as the rest of the world melted away until only he and I existed. When he finally breathed, it came out in a deep sharp exhale.

Desire paralyzed me. He walked haltingly across the room. His slow, calculated movements warned me that he was going out of his mind. The deranged look in his eyes stole the air from my lungs. Blinking wasn’t an option. When he got within touching distance, he ran his hand through his hair.

Finally, he managed to speak, “If you keep looking at me like that I’ll bloody—”

“Lose control,” I finished for him while making my demand clear.

He closed his eyes as he dragged his fingers through the cowlick over his eyebrow. My impatience nearly drove me into his arms, but he opened his eyes seconds before I gave in. Taking the slightest step forward, he smirked, clearly enjoying the sight of me struggling. He leaned over me, his face close enough to kiss me. Instead he exhaled ever so slightly while a moan grew in his throat. It hit my neck, trickled down my chest, and stole my breath. Our bodies never touched. Every muscle flexed like it was painful for him not to wrap me in his arms.

I dug my fingernails into my palms as he tucked back a strand of my hair, careful not to touch my skin. I bit my lip as the warmth radiated off his hand. His mesmerizing blue eyes never looked as stunning—or consuming—as when he was frantic. Finally he slid his hand around the base of my neck and held me there. He teased me within an inch of my sanity. I hadn’t even noticed his other hand venturing behind my back until he tightened his grip around my waist.

His lips barely grazed mine, but before he indulged in a kiss, he whispered hoarsely. “One day you’ll admit the ironclad notion that I’ve already accepted.”

“What am I in denial about?” I questioned.

“How much your soul yearns for mine,” he said, and gently bit my lip.

Staring at my hands, I played the memory over and over. At the time it hadn’t seemed like a turning point in our relationship. But it was. I’d let him see how frantic the mere sight of him made me, how his music lured me, how his charisma lit a fire in my soul. How his passion seized my heart. He gave me a taste of a life, of a world I never dreamed of yet had craved ever since. Thinking about it now I wished I had allowed myself to simply be with him—without distractions or limitations. Without a death sentence. Time was precious. I thought I’d understood it then.

United: The Shalean Moon, Book 4 by J. Lilley

When Shalea is in trouble can one halfling and one witch save the day?

When the leaders of The Shalean Sept go missing, Troy and Ali need all their combined skills to find out what’s going on. Troy is only half Shalean and part witch, and Ali is a full witch, but is that enough?

As they fight to combat the evil, help comes from an unexpected source.

Aibhlinn has secrets of her own, secrets that could destroy her. However she is determined to aid her new-found friends. Will her intervention be a help or a hindrance? Only time will tell in this fight for life or death.

“No sense or odd words projected to you?” she asked, as the car bumped along the drive to the house. “No feeling of well, badness or…” She hesitated, but it had to be said. “Death?”

Behind her, she heard a gasp. Rach spoke loudly. “No, no, and no. Surely one of us would have felt it, if someone was dead.” She paused and then asked, uncertainty clouding her voice, “Wouldn’t we?”

Troy answered. “I don’t know, Rach. Truthfully, I’ve no idea. You and I are only half Shalean, Leira’s in Cadal. So would we get that? We all heard a shot, but only Ali felt it hit. None of us know who shot, who or what was shot, where, or why. Just that it was important, as far as I know.” He drew the car to a halt, and switched the engine off.

“Wait until I get out, keep together, and if you feel anything, and I mean anything is off, say so. Even if you think you’re being stupid. Say something.”

Ali nodded, realized he probably couldn’t see her in the darkness, and spoke firmly. “On my oath Troy.” She moved her hand and felt the reassuring leather around her neck, and then a gentle pulsing from her token. Like a heartbeat, it enveloped her, reassured her and gave her courage and strength.

“I think I felt the shot because I’m a healer,” she said suddenly convinced of the fact. “I…well, hell it’s hard to explain. I sort of get inside whoever is ill, heal them if the gods are willing, from the inside out. Grr, that must sound stupid.” She didn’t know how to explain her gifts simply. “No more stupid than me saying I shift from human to leopard,” Rach said. “And I think I sort of get what you mean. Does that mean you don’t think whoever was shot is dead?”

Did it? Ali tried to reach insider herself, to see what she knew. All she could see was blackness. Thick, impenetrable, and cold. She shivered. “I don’t know. I’ll need time to clear my mind.”

Troy walked around the car and opened her door, waiting while they all got out. “Remember,” he cautioned. “Stay all together until we get inside, and watch out.”

Leira giggled. “Troy we’re exactly three feet away from the door. If you’ve parked any closer we’d be in the hall.”

The security light came on over the door. In its orange glow, he looked sheepish. “Yeah, well. Anyway. Come on, let’s go in.”

He opened the door and Leira and Rach went inside. As Ali moved forward, Troy took her arm.

“Before we go in, seriously, babe, are you okay?”

Ali looked up at him, and moved closer. Maybe she should show him? She decided not to; there was too much happening and they needed to concentrate on the shooting rather than themselves. She contented herself with a quick hug.

“Of course I am. Just freaked at snake-face being where you should be.”

Troy smiled; he seemed relieved.

Suddenly, his face changed. Gone were the tan, the smile, and the earring. It became younger, smaller, and malevolent. The eyes glittered, the smile became a sneer, and the Aussie twang disappeared.

“Better get used to it—babe.” The affectionate name Troy used sounded harsh in someone else’s voice.

This time she didn’t freak. She got mad. Ali stared at the person beside her.

“If you don’t butt out and bog off, I’m going to turn you into a snake,” she said loudly. “Or a toad. Or even better, an ant. And you can spend all your time hoping no one stands on you. Now you’re boring me.” What should she do next? It was all well and good saying these things, but she had no idea if she could actually do any of it. Ali took her gifts responsibly, and apart for a few sessions when she was young of getting her dolls to walk and the dog to speak, hadn’t meddled or messed with them.

“Did you hear me?” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

“I heard you babe, but what’ve I done to deserve that?” She felt a hand on her shoulder. “Troy?” Ali opened her eyes. “Hell, Troy. Don’t do that to me. Stop becoming Struan, it’s got me trying to remember morphing spells.”

GIVEAWAY

Lycaon Press will be awarding a $20 Lycaon Press GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so make sure you follow the tour and comment at each stop to increase your chances to win. Tour schedule can be found here.

Blog Tour: Under the Desert Moon -a Review

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Last week, I helped out with the cover reveal and today, I’m pleased to welcome you to the first stop of the blog tour!

Under the Desert Moon by Emma Meade

Book Blurb

17 year old Erin Harris spends her time daydreaming, hoping to escape her small town life in Copperfield, Arizona. When a movie crew arrives unexpectedly to shoot a vampire film over the summer, Erin’s small town world changes forever.

Erin is positive she has seen the star, James Linkin before in a thirty year old TV show. He hasn’t aged a day. How is this possible?

Erin is determined to find out, but how will James handle the scrutiny of an all too intelligent teenage girl?

Amazon

My Blurb (with 3 stars rating)

An enjoyably simple read – this is one of those books you’d read to completely relax. The blurb itself is pretty simple and gave you pretty much what the book is all about so all you’re reading it for is for the ‘how’ the mystery was solved. Oh, and of course, let’s not forget the love interest!

Erin was a great character! Firstly, she is fighting for what she wants from life the best way she could. She didn’t just give up and go with the flow. Nor did she only dream. She is working hard and will not let anything get in her way, not even love! Or will she?

The ending was not quite what I expected (ie. what usually would follow, I think) but I actually liked it. I like the way Erin matured, became stronger & independent. I had some questions about the vampire side of things (eg. their ability & such) but all in all, it was a pretty likeable read.

About Author

Emma Meade lives in rainy Ireland. She has a BA in English and History from University College Cork and an MA in Literature and Publishing from NUI Galway.When she’s not reading or writing, she can be found at the cinema checking out the latest movie releases or sipping rosé or drinking Barry’s tea in her backyard with family and friends. Books, DVDS & TV show boxsets take up lots of space in her home, and she collects all the Point Horror books she can get her hands on. Writing supernatural stories and watching marathon reruns of Buffy are some of her favorite ways of escaping reality.

You can find her at: Author Website, Blog, Goodreads, Facebook, Amazon Author Page, Twitter, Barnes and Noble

Tour Schedule

9/25 http://www.oneadayya.blogspot.com

9/26 http://beckysbarmybookblog.blogspot.com

9/27 http://booksaremybestfriendforever.blogspot.in/

9/28 www.bookishlydevoted.blogspot.com

9/29 http://auggie-talk.blogspot.com

9/30 http://StressedRach.co.uk

Twilight Saint – Virtual Book Tour

Demon Hunt – Virtual Book Tour

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Welcome to my stop on this blog tour – this is a review post

Demon Hunt by Christine Ashworth

Book Blurb

Tribred Gregor Caine decided long ago to deny his blood legacy, so he isn’t thrilled when paired with a full-blooded Fae to hunt the demons threatening to decimate Los Angeles. As they fight side by side, he finds she calls to both his Fae and his demon blood; a call he can’t resist.

Warrior Fae Serra Willows crossed into the Human Plane to help destroy the demons released from the Chaos Plane. Finding and shutting down the portal between worlds is more challenging than she expected…and Gregor and his world more seductive than she had ever imagined.

As the killings escalate, Gregor and Serra realize one of the most deadly demons from the Chaos Plane has marked Serra as his own. To save her, Gregor has to face his greatest fear—losing his humanity to the darkness in his blood. But in a race against time, that darkness could become his greatest strength. And he will kill to claim Serra’s love.

My Blurb (3 stars)

Action from the word, GO! The book opens with Serra crossing over into the Human Plane, meeting Gregor Caine, and fighting a demon. You, definitely, cannot complain about the lack of action or chemistry.

Serra, though fair in appearance, is a Warrior with some kick-ass power. She can bend the elements to her will and when she fights, it’s firebolts galore. I love the imagery of when she’s I battle-mode, you can just imagine her – a fair but lethal fae coming out of the mist, the wind blowing around her and her hair whipping about her face, firebolts shooting out of her hands and toasting all demons. Yeah! She absolutely rocks!

Gregor, however, is dark in complexion. In his 40s, he had for a long time rejected his Fae & demon ancestries, focusing instead on being a human with all the limitations. He can’t seem to resist being around Serra though but she brings out everything he’s buried deep inside…

“… Plus, you’re… I don’t know what you are. I can’t figure it out.” [Gregor]

“I am as you see me.”

“You are a deeper well, my Fae. The human eye cannot fathom the depths within you, nor can the human mind easily encompass them. Plus hello, you’re female, which just throws everything into confusion.”

I’ve got a couple of questions at the end though. Firstly, I’d have to tell you that I read this whilst suffering a cold and I know my brain isn’t functioning to its full capacity so I might have missed something. I didn’t exactly get the adolescent Fae bit nor how exactly did Serra ended up where she did. Dunno if anyone feels the same? If you can give me the answers, feel free to email me! 🙂

As I said, I was a bit under the weather but I still quite enjoyed the reading. I read this in one day (on the commute to work plus lunchtime with a bit of extra time in the evening), it was pretty quick read – entertaining with all the action & chemistry. A great way to distract me from my blocked nose ;p

About Author

Christine Ashworth is a native of Southern California. The daughter of a writer and a psych major, she fell asleep to the sound of her father’s Royal manual typewriter for years. In a very real way, being a writer is in her blood-her father sold his first novel before he turned forty; her brother sold his first book before he turned twenty-five.

At the tender age of seventeen, Christine fell in love with a man she met while dancing in a ballet company. She married the brilliant actor/dancer/painter/music man, and they now have two tall sons who are as scintillating as their parents, keeping the dinner conversation lively.

Christine’s two dogs rule the outside, defending her vegetable garden from the squirrels, while a polydactyl rescue cat holds court inside the house. Everything else is in a state of flux.

You can find Christine here: Website / blog, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, & Amazon.

Giveaway

Christine will be awarding the winner’s choice of a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so be sure to comment here and also at other stops.

Tien's Blurb

My reading blurbs