Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Book Tour: The Unholy By Paul DeBlassie III @VBTCafe

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 About The Author

561989_551509354905000_1349582352_n  Paul DeBlassie III, Ph.D., is a psychologist and writer living in Albuquerque who has treated survivors of the dark side of religion for more than 30 years. His professional consultation practice - SoulCare - is devoted to the tending of the soul. Dr. DeBlassie writes psychological thrillers with an emphasis on the dark side of the human psyche. The mestizo myth of Aztlan, its surreal beauty and natural magic, provides the setting for the dark phantasmagoric narrative in his fiction. He is a member of the Depth Psychology Alliance, the Transpersonal Psychology Association and the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy.   

Author Links: 

 Website pauldeblassieiii.com 
 Blog pauldeblassieiii.blogspot.com 
 Twitter https://twitter.com/pdeblassieiii 

About The Book

Book Genre: Psychological Thriller
Publisher: Sunstone Press
Release Date: August 2013
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The-Unholy-Book-CoverBook Description:  

A young curandera, a medicine woman, intent on uncovering the secrets of her past is forced into a life-and-death battle against an evil Archbishop. Set in the mystic land of Aztlan, "The Unholy" is a novel of destiny as healer and slayer. Native lore of dreams and visions, shape changing, and natural magic work to spin a neo-gothic web in which sadness and mystery lure the unsuspecting into a twilight realm of discovery and decision.







Excerpt

Prologue

Lightning streaked across a midnight dark sky, making the neck hairs
of a five-year-old girl crouched beneath a cluster of twenty-foot pines in the
Turquoise Mountains of Aztlan stand on end. The long wavy strands of her
auburn mane floated outward with the static charge. It felt as though the
world was about to end.

Seconds later, lightning struck a lone tree nearby and a crash of thunder
shook the ground. Her body rocked back and forth, trembling with terror. She
lost her footing, sandstone crumbling beneath her feet, and then regained it;
still, she did not feel safe. There appeared to be reddish eyes watching from
behind scrub oaks and mountain pines, scanning her every movement and
watching her quick breaths. Then everything became silent.
The girl leaned against the trunk of the nearest tree. The night air
wrapped its frigid arms tightly around her, and she wondered if she would
freeze to death or, even worse, stay there through the night and by morning be
nothing but the blood and bones left by hungry animals. Her breaths became
quicker and were so shallow that no air seemed to reach her lungs. The dusty
earth gave up quick bursts of sand from gusts of northerly winds that blew so
fiercely into her nostrils that she coughed but tried to stifle the sounds because
she didn't want to be noticed.

As she squeezed her arms around the trunk of the pine tree, the scent of
sap was soothing. Finally, the wind died down and sand stopped blowing into
her face. She slowly opened her eyes, hoping she would be in another place,
but she was not; in fact, the reality of her waking nightmare was more obvious
than ever.

Wide-eyed with fear at the nightmarish scene playing out before her,
she clung to the tree. In the distance, she saw her mother raising a staff with
both hands, her arm muscles bulging underneath her soaked blouse. Directed
straight ahead, her mother's gaze was like that of an eagle, her power as mighty
as the winds and the lightning. The girl loved her mother and, through her
mind, sent her strength so that she would win this battle and the two of them
could safely go away from this scary place.

The girl turned to follow as her mother's gaze shifted to an area farther
away and so dark that only shadows seemed to abide there. To and fro her
mother's eyes darted before fixing on a black-cloaked figure who emerged from
behind a huge boulder surrounded by tall trees whose branches crisscrossed
the sky. He was much bigger than her mother, at least by a foot, and his cloak
flapped wildly as winds once again ripped through the mountains.
Swinging a long, hooked pole, the man bounded toward her mother like
a hungry beast toward its prey. His black cloak looked like the wings of a huge
bat as they reflected the eerie light of the full moon. As his pole caught the
moonlight and a golden glow bounced back onto the figure, the girl saw his
face with its cold blue eyes that pierced the nighttime chill. He seemed to grow
bigger with each step, and the girl's heart pounded so loudly that she was sure
he would be able to hear it.

The stranger stopped a short distance from the girl. Crouched low
between rows of trees, trying to make herself disappear, she saw him clearly as
he threw his head back and let out a high-pitched cry like a rabid coyote. The
air crackled. Thunder struck. Lightning flashed. She was blinded and then
could see again.

Quick as a crazed coyote jumps and bites, the man struck her mother, his
black cape flapping wildly in the wind.
The girl leapt to her feet, her legs trembling, her knees buckling.
Straining to see through the branches, she was terrified.
The moon vanished behind dark clouds rolling overhead. Then came
a scream of terror that cut to the bone. Now the night was lit up again by
lightning flashing across the mountain range, and the girl could see the blackhooded
man hit her mother again and again.

Her mother crumpled to the ground and stopped moving.
The girl's hand flew to her open mouth, stifling a scream.
The man stood over her mother, his long pole poised in the air, ready to
strike again.

A twig snapped in the forest, and the girl spun toward the sound, holding
her breath. Then she saw three gray forms slowly creeping toward her
through the darkness and recognized them as wolves. She was not afraid as
they encircled her, their warm fur brushing her skin. One after another, the
wolves lifted their snouts and looked into her eyes, each silently communicating
that she would be protected.
Her mother cried out again. The girl turned and saw her rising to her
feet, then striking the man's chest with her staff.
As he batted his pole against her shoulders, her staff flew out of her
hands, landing yards away in a thicket of scrub oak.
Her mother screamed and blindly groped for it.

The girl jumped up, then stopped when the black-hooded figure looked
her way. Tears clouded her vision, and all she saw was darkness. Tears rolled
down her cheeks, dropping into the tiny stream of water running beneath the
tree she was clutching. She looked down and saw the dim reflection of her
frightened self.

As she peered through the trees to catch sight of her mother, a wailing
wind blew the man's cloak into the air, making him again look like a monstrous
bat. Once more he swung his rod high and smashed it against the back
of her mother's head. She saw and heard her mother's body thump against the
hollowed trunk of the lightning-struck tree and slump to the ground. The evil
man bent over her mother's limp body and howled.
Suddenly, the girl felt arms encircle her waist, and she was swept away,
deeper into the forest. She sobbed and at first let herself be taken because she
had no strength. But then she became angry and started pushing against the
arms carrying her, trying to escape and run back to her mother. She wanted to
make her mother well, and then this nightmare would stop and they could go
away.

"Hush now, child," said a voice she recognized as that of her mother's
closest friend. "The man cannot harm you, mijita, as long as you are with us.
We will make him think you are dead. But you must be very quiet. Ya no
llores," the woman warned, raising a finger to her lips.

The woman then carried her into a dark cave illuminated by the light
of a single candle. The cave was frightening, with shadows of what appeared
to be goblins and demons dancing on the red sandstone walls. "I will return for
you soon. You will be safe here," the woman said. The girl watched the woman
walk away, shivering as a breeze blew through the cave's narrow passages.

Closing her eyes, she rocked back and forth-imagining herself safe in
her mother's arms-then opened her eyes to the light of the full moon shining
through the mouth of the cave. The shadows on the walls were just shadows
now, no longer goblins and demons. As she slipped into a trance, images
flickered in her mind. She saw the woman who had brought her to this place
scattering pieces of raw meat around the open mesa where her mother had
struggled, helped by two other women the girl could not identify.

Suddenly, the scene shifted to a stone ledge jutting over the mesa, and
she heard the pounding footsteps of a man running toward the women. The girl
felt her heart race and her breathing quicken, afraid that the bad man would
spot them and kill them. Then the image shifted again, and she now saw on the
mesa three gray wolves circling the raw meat and the man walking away from

the granite ledge. As he left, she heard his thought: The child is dead.







Paul-DeBlassie-Long
     

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Monday, December 30, 2013

Interview: Atlas By Becca C. Smith @therisersaga @RoxanneRhoads #bewitchingbooktours




Atlas Banner photo AtlasBannerTour450x169.png






Atlas Cover photo AtlasCover.png

Atlas The Atlas Series Book 1 Becca C. Smith

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Red Frog Publishing

Date of Publication: 11/14/13

ISBN: 978-0985027667 (Ebook) ISBN: 978-1493648375 (Print) ASIN: B00GPBF8X2

Number of pages: 293 Word Count: 73,000

Cover Artist: Stephan Fleet

Amazon Kindle

Book Description:

Kala Hicks is part of a covert elite military team that answers directly to the President of the United States. But during an emergency mission aboard Air Force One, Kala is shocked to discover that the real threat is none other than the President himself. Defying her commanding officer, Jack Norbin, Kala takes the shot, and her life changes forever.

The moment the President is killed, a supernatural force speaks to Kala, telling her that she has to commit one act of atrocity every four days… or the world will end. Thrown into a reality she never could have imagined, Kala faces off with creatures of legend; from demons determined to make her fail and plunge the Earth into chaos, to angels who don't trust her to do the job and are willing to kill her to claim it for themselves.

Pitted against the forces of good and evil, Kala must choose whether to save the world by doing the unthinkable, or sit back and let it burn. And four days later, she'll have to do it again.



Excerpt End of Chapter 3:

Very carefully, Jack opened the door that led to the President's office.

What awaited them was terrifying.

President Jareth Wilton stood behind his desk. He was wearing a vest that held five grey bars of C-4 wired into a bomb. Wilton was a tall man, well over six feet with stark black hair and a long face. He was a young President, only fifty years old, but he looked like he'd aged twenty years since the last time Kala had seen him at a press conference, with dark rings under his eyes and worry lines on his forehead.

But his smile was what made the scene surreal and horrific. His thin lips were grinning as if he'd just climbed Mt. Everest.

President Wilton stared directly at Jack as the door swung open the rest of the way. "I figured it out! I figured out how to break it! No one will ever have to do what I've had to do again! Do you realize what this means?"

Kala knew then and there that the man was cracked. Figured what out? Break what? He was rambling like a mad man.

But the more frightening moment came when Jack responded back to Wilton. "Killing yourself is impossible. People have tried that in the past."

Not only was President Wilton talking crazy, but apparently Jack knew his language and was responding accordingly.

Kala noticed that Wilton's eyes lit up when Jack spoke. "You're the one they sent to replace me."

Jack nodded.

What? Kala was seriously confused.

Kala spoke up, "What's going on Jack?"

Replace him for what?

Jack didn't acknowledge Kala or the rest of the team, which was shifting uncomfortably behind him.

Wilton shook his head, serious. "You can't do it. You have to let me detonate this bomb. We have to crash the plane! It's the only way to stop it!"

"You can't stop it!" Jack yelled back.

"I can and I will!" Wilton talked into an earpiece. "NOW!"

The plane nose-dived.

Everyone jolted forward and stumbled from the force of it.

Jack barked orders, "Lali get up to the Flight Deck and by any means necessary take over this plane!"

Lali paused for a second, she looked more confused than Kala felt, but after a moment to gain her bearings as the plane was falling fast, she managed to high-tail it out of the room and up to the Flight Deck.

Kala was sure they'd hit ground at any moment.

Jack aimed his gun at the President's head.

Wilton was frantic. He ducked behind his large oak desk that was bolted to the ground.

"You can't kill me! You'll ruin everything!" Wilton yelled.

Jack turned to Kala and Derek. "No one shoots him but me!"

Kala kind of nodded, but she was in shock at the fact that they were about to flatten a part of the capital with Air Force One. She really didn't care what Jack was saying. She couldn't let President Wilton set off that bomb and kill thousands.

Jack shot at the desk, trying to hit the president, but he didn't come close.

Only Kala could make a shot like that and not get them all killed from shooting a hole through the plane.

Kala and Derek made eye contact. Kala could tell Derek was thinking the same thing. He whispered so only Kala could hear, "Do it."

Kala's nod was barely perceptible.

Jack saw her and his eyes went wide. "Kala STOP!"

Kala shrugged. "I can't let him do this, Jack. I'm sorry."

Only the top of Wilton's head was showing.

It was enough.

Kala took her shot.



Author Interview:

The Avid Reader: What inspired you to write Atlas?

Becca C. Smith: The inspiration actually came from a brainstorming session my husband and I were having for television show ideas. Initially, we both came up with the concept of having to do something horrible every four days or the world would end. Years later it started to percolate in my brain. That's when I came up with the idea of connecting our concept with the Greek legends of Atlas so that "holding up the world" is actually saving it every four days. It was a lot of fun creating a world of gods, demons and angels set in present day.



The Avid Reader: When or at what age did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Becca C. Smith: I honestly can't remember wanting to do anything else. Ever since I could read and write I wanted to be a writer. I wrote my first novel when I was 12. Of course it was terrible, lol! But writing is just in my blood. It's how I deal/dealt with life.



The Avid Reader: What is the earliest age you remember reading your first book?

Becca C. Smith: I read my first chapter book when I was 5. It was The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. It changed my life. I was officially hooked and became a reading fiend ever since. And, oh boy, did I try to find that door to Narnia! I would search for days, lol, completely convinced I'd find it! I'm still looking :-)



The Avid Reader: What genre of books do you enjoy reading?

Becca C. Smith: I really do love all genres, but in the last five years I've been obsessed with YA. But Fantasy was my first love! I grew up devouring any kind of fantasy/sci-fi I could get my hands on!



The Avid Reader: What is your favorite book?

Becca C. Smith: For nostalgic reasons, I'd have to say The Elfstones of Shannara by Terry Brooks. I loved the two main character's love story. Added to the fact that it was such an adventure full of action and horror, as a 12 year old girl, it hit all the right buttons for me back then.



The Avid Reader: You know I think we all have a favorite author. Who is your favorite author and why?

Becca C. Smith: Terry Brooks. He was the first author I was actually able to meet when I was 12. I was so nervous, carrying all 8 paperbacks for him to sign. When I got up to the table, I couldn't speak! I was so dumbfounded, I just stared at him wide-eyed. He was so sweet though, completely understanding my shyness! With the help of my translator (aka Mom) Mr. Brooks signed my books and I've loved him ever since.



The Avid Reader: If you could travel back in time here on earth to any place or time. Where would you go and why?

Becca C. Smith: I'd much rather travel into the future! Being a woman, I'm not sure there are many friendly places for us back in time, lol! So, I'd probably make a quick stop to the dinosaur age, just to see what they look like in person!



The Avid Reader: When writing a book do you find that writing comes easy for you or is it a difficult task?

Becca C. Smith: I would never say writing is "easy," but I do write a lot because I love the way it makes me feel. So, in that sense, it is easy. The difficulty lies in making sure my stories make sense, keep the reader's attention and hopefully capture some of the passion I feel for what I'm writing. Some days are harder than others, but I'm not happy if I'm not writing!



The Avid Reader: Do you have any little fuzzy friends? Like a dog or a cat? Or any pets?

Becca C. Smith: I do! I have 2 cats named Jack and Duke. They're named after the 2 main characters of the movie Midnight Run. They're going to be 15 in April, but they still act like kittens!



The Avid Reader: What is your "to die for", favorite food/foods to eat?

Becca C. Smith: I'm a sucker for chocolate! A giant chocolate chip cookie packed with gooey chunks of chocolate is definitely on the top of my list! I think I may have to make some after I write this!



The Avid Reader: Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to be an author?

Becca C. Smith: The number one piece of advice I'd give an aspiring author is to just finish your first draft. I know so many writers who stop in the middle and start a new project. Even if you only write 200 words a day in a year you'll have a 73,000 word novel! Stay consistent, keep writing and finish!



About the Author:

Atlas Becca C. Smith Author photo BeccaCSmithAuthor.png

Becca C. Smith received her Film degree from Full Sail University and has worked in the Film and Television industry for most of her adult life. In 2010 Becca published her first novel, Riser followed by the sequel, Reaper, in 2011, and the finale, Ripper in 2013. In 2012 Becca wrote the children's novel Alexis Tappendorf and the Search for Beale's Treasure. She is also the co-author of the teen graphic novel Ghost Whisperer: The Haunted.

Becca currently lives in Los Angeles, CA with her husband, Stephan and their two cats Jack and Duke.

Website Blog Facebook Twitter Goodreads



Giveaway:



5 print copies Atlas by Becca C. Smith



a Rafflecopter giveaway


Bewitching Book Tours

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Interview: 'Tis the Season of the Apocalypse Dawn of the Apocalypse By E.S.P.




 
What's better to celebrate the New Year than the end of the world? 'Tis the Season of the Apocalypse is a week long blitz and review tour with awesome prizes, interviews, guest posts, and more!
The tour will also have a two-week long giveaway, where winners can get a signed paperback copy of Dawn of the Apocalypse and $10 Amazon cash. All tour hosts will get a free ebook copy of Dawn of the Apocalypse, along with the chance to win an autographed copy of Dawn of the Apocalypse and a $5 Amazon gift card!

 SO hurry up and enter, before it's too late!

18134642 
Dawn of the Apocalypse by E.S.P.
Published: August 8, 2013
Publisher: Mind Candy LLC
January 1, 2000. May 21, 2011. December 21, 2012 These are just a few of the days humans prophesied as bringing catastrophic events that would end the world. We predicted nuclear warfare. Drastic climate change. A call from God. We were wrong. Cue the gargoyle invasion—laboratory bred mutants designed to slaughter humans. When the government goes AWOL and gargoyles are swarming by the hundreds, it's up to the citizens of the United States to regroup and save themselves. Meet Cliff Matthews, a teenage boy separated from his entire family with the exception of his younger sister, whom he is desperate to keep alive. Along the quest to save their lives, he encounters people who aren't all that they seem. Everyday's a battle, but if he can't trust his own species, where does that leave his family? And we can't forget the man who may be willing to sacrifice Cliff's life, if it means world domination. In terms of doomsday, no one could've seen this coming.

Excerpt!

Angel’s chest was rising and falling rapidly as the gargoyles circled them silently. Hunter had never wanted something more in her entire life than to live for another day. She couldn’t even entertain the idea of little Angel being gobbled up by the big bad gargoyle…
 She squeezed her eyes shut. Please, please, please, she chanted silently over and over.
She knew the type of wound a scratch had given Cliff. What type of pain would they concur on her entire body? Would they eat her right away or save her for dinner? Would they pluck out her limbs and eat them one by one?
Time stopped as the door creaked open. The gargoyles soundlessly cloaked themselves back in the shadows. The stairs groaned as someone walked down the stairs without a care in the world. Hunter could practically hear the gargoyles lick their lips.
She wanted to cry out and warn the person. But it was beyond her control. That’s what you get for walking down the stairs so loudly. That’s what you get for walking in the dark during a damn invasion, she reasoned. But her heart was saying something else.
The person reached the bottom of the stairs. The gargoyles uniformly shifted through the shadows. “Hey…” he said suspiciously.
He had realized his danger a second too late. He broke into a run, but the gargoyles would be on him in a second. And he’d be dead.
“C’mon, sweetie.” Hunter whispered to Angel, crawling out from under the stairs. Ignoring the cries of agony, pain, and sorrow, she raced up the stairs. The wood banged against her ankles, but she didn’t stop. There was the cruel sound of cracking. Hunter shielded Angel’s eyes from the scene and dared to look behind her.
The gargoyles were circled around the man. The predominantly bigger gargoyle bit his neck. A gush of blood spewed across its face. The man’s eyes still stared at her, his mouth formed in an O, as if he was trying to speak to her.
“I’m so sorry.” She choked.
She hurried up the steps, slamming her body into the door. The light washed over her body, as did her relief. But her nerves did not settle.




Author Interview:

The Avid Reader: What inspired you to write Dawn of the Apocalypse?

E.S.P.: My biggest inspiration to right this book was authors like Amanda Hockings and Moses Miller, who have great success stories from starting out as small authors. I wanted to make myself a success story. And I finally wanted to put my ideas out into words. Reading great books made me aspire to write my own and contribute to the literary world. As far as what inspired the story, the gargoyles featured in my book came in a nightmare. I guess you can say I followed my dreams.

Corny joke. I apologize.



The Avid Reader: When or at what age did you know you wanted to be a writer?

E.S.P.: I think I’ve wanted to be a writer for as long as I could read. Story telling has always been a big part of my life and my young mind was always swarming with new plot twists and characters.



The Avid Reader: What is the earliest age you remember reading your first book?

E.S.P.: We’re going way back, aren’t we? Maybe I can’t remember my first book, but I remember tales like Corduroy and Good Night Moon used to captivate me. I also had a huge fairytale book that I would read nonstop.



The Avid Reader: What genre of books do you enjoy reading?

E.S.P.: I love all genres (except nonfiction, ew) but the books I love most are apocalyptic books. Like my own! Apocalyptic books are the ones that truly captivate me and let my imagination wonder. Plus, you never know what will happen when the world is ending.



The Avid Reader: You know I think we all have a favorite author. Who is your favorite author and why?

E.S.P.: Another hard question. God. I don’t want to say Suzanne Collins and James Patterson like everyone else, so I’ll just be real with you. I am my favorite author.



The Avid Reader: If you could travel back in time here on earth to any place or time. Where would you go and why?

E.S.P.: I would travel back to the eighties. I feel like the eighties is my decade. Watching old movies like Tuff Turf make me wish that I was a teenager back then. I dress, look, and act like a free spirited eighties teenager. If only I could travel back in time…



The Avid Reader: When writing a book do you find that writing comes easy for you or is it a difficult task?

E.S.P.: The actual writing itself comes naturally, but when I am distracted by things such as Tumblr, Twitter, and Instagram, the hardest part is to actually sit down and write. I will basically find any reason not to write. But when I do, it’s a cakewalk.



The Avid Reader: Do you have any little fuzzy friends? Like a dog or a cat? Or any pets?

E.S.P.: My scaly friend is my turtle, Spike Lee. After my bird randomly exploded and my dog was run over, I decided an animal with a hard shell was the best way to go.



The Avid Reader: What is your "to die for", favorite food/foods to eat?

E.S.P.: I would pretty much die for anything that tastes good, but my father makes hot wing pasta that is literally to die for. It’s a mix of pasta, cheese, blue cheese, hot wings, and hot sauce. Sounds disgusting, but I would take a bullet for it.



The Avid Reader: Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to be an author?

E.S.P.: Write! That’s it! It’s really not as complicated as everyone thinks. Stop being a wimp and pick up your pen. Not tomorrow. Not in ten minutes. Now! That’s all. And it doesn’t matter what anyone thinks about your writing either. My reviewers can say whatever they want, but I know I will be publishing books until the day I die. And you should too.



Enter the Giveaway!

 

About the Author:

E.S.P. Being the daughter of an accomplished author, E.S.P. grew up listening to stories and telling her own to classmates. After writing for several years and even publishing some short works, she finally decided to take the plunge to write (plus finish!)a full length novel. Thus, Dawn of the Apocalypse was born. When she's not writing, she's either reading books, blogging at whoistheserialreader.blogspot.com, or watching eighties movies. 

Join the Discussion!

"Move over zombie apocalypses, the gargoyles are taking over. " Unabridged Bookshelf Book Blog
"Dawn Of The Apocalypse is a novel full of grit, action, blood and never forgetting the gargoyles...you should get your hands on this one!" Emily at Fluttereal Flight Blog

 

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Book Blitz: Schooled By Michelle Lowhorn


Schooled
The Teacher Series Book # 1
By- Michelle Lowhorn
Genre- Romantic Suspense
Publication Date- October 16, 2013
Published By- Rebel Ink Press


Feisty fourth grade teacher, Emmelynne Johnson, is fiercely independent and has a vocabulary that would make a sailor blush. While hiking at an area national park, she finds herself lost and alone. Just when she thinks she's found her way, she unknowingly witnesses a brutal murder sanctioned by a local crime boss.


Colt Christianson, homicide detective for the Fort Worth Police Department, is known for his dedication and willingness to do whatever necessary to solve the crime. Still grieving for his late partner, Colt is called to investigate a murder that has connections to his partner's death.

When the killers attempt to silence the only witness, the detective switches roles to become her protector. Together they will be forced to fight two battles, one against the killers and one against their burgeoning mutual attraction.


Friday, December 27, 2013

The Vampire Seal Novels by S. B. Alexander @sbalex_author @RoxanneRhoads #bewitchingbooktours




A Vampire SEAL Novel Banner photo VampireSeal1and2Banner450X169.png






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On the Edge of Humanity
A Vampire Seal Novel
Book One
S. B. Alexander

Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Publisher: S. B. Alexander

Date of Publication: 12/27/2012

ISBN: 9780988776203
ASIN: B00ATVDEHQ

Number of pages: 320
Word Count: 120,000

Cover Artist: Streetlight Graphics

Amazon Apple Kobo BN

Book Description:

Sixteen-year-old Jo Mason is lost in a world where traipsing from one foster home to another is normal. She hates her life, she hates school and on most days, she hates living. If it weren't for her twin brother Sam, she might already be dead.

Her normal world shifts one hundred and eighty degrees when she discovers her own blood tastes like candy and her eyes change colors like a mood ring. On top of that, her eyesight seems to be failing when she spies an otherworldly man, sporting bloodstained canines, who is trying to strangle a cop. The developments are shrouded when Sam goes missing between Anger Management class and History class.

She's called to the principal's office to meet Lieutenant Webb London, a Navy SEAL who is part of a secret team of natural-born vampires. His mission is to protect the twins from an evil cartel, but he's too late. With Jo now under his protection, his team searches for Sam.

However, finding and rescuing Sam from the evil cartel may be the easy part. Jo learns she carries a dormant vampire gene that, if activated, could save him. As her normal world fades even more, pushing her closer to the edge of humanity, Jo must decide if her human life is more important than her twin brother.

With time as her enemy, she struggles to make a life-changing decision for both her and Sam.



Excerpt:

A fire raced through my limbs as I sat in the principal's office trying to process this new information. Webb had said the word vampire and not just vampire, but 'natural-born vampire.' What the hell did that mean?

I desperately wanted to run-to find somewhere to hide. I squeezed my eyes shut-tears threatening to spill. I needed Sam. Where was he?

A hand fell on my left arm, followed by a velvety voice that whispered something I couldn't quite make out in my ear. His hot breath accelerated my pulse, causing the blood to surge through me-awakening my limbs. I twitched.

"Jo?" Webb whispered.

I looked up and met his gaze. He lifted his hand off my arm, and leaned back against the desk. He tilted his strong jaw and peered at me through mile-long lashes. I shifted my gaze. Tripp stood to Webb's right with his hands cupped just below his belt.

My mouth was dry. I swallowed, taking in a gulp of air. "What do you mean by natural-born…?" The word was caught in the back of my throat.

Until a week ago, I had never picked up a book about vampires or anything related to one. They just plain freaked me out. Now the images of the books in the funeral home were swimming before me. I even had two of the books in my backpack, which was sitting around here somewhere. Between the books, the fanged man outside the hospital room and hearing Webb speak about vampires as if it were the most natural thing in the world, I pinched myself, making sure I wasn't dreaming.

"Vampire," Webb intoned. "Jo, you're not a vampire yet. Right now, you only carry the gene. Those of us who are born with the vampire gene are normal mortals up to the time we choose not to be. However, at the age of sixteen or thereabouts, your body will start to go through what we call vampire puberty in preparation for the change." He dipped his head, gesturing at Tripp.

What the heck was vampire puberty? I wanted to scream and laugh all at the same time.

"For example, Jo," Tripp started to say.

He speaks. His voice was deep but with a gentle tone.

"For me, my gums started hurting when I was fifteen. I reached puberty early. Then, at seventeen, I discovered I liked the taste of blood," Tripp explained as he nodded at Webb.

Like Webb, Tripp didn't look a day over twenty-one. His sandy blond hair was cut short with the sides shaven just above the ears.

"One of the first things that usually happens is your eyes change colors. You'll notice this when your emotional state alters in some way. But all this depends on your genetic make-up." Webb flicked his head at Tripp. "He craved blood to the point it became a drug for him."

Blood, a drug? My brain couldn't wrap itself around that idea. Were there drug dealers who sold blood? Plus, he just described me. My eyes were changing colors, I craved blood and my gums had started aching a few minutes ago. I didn't know if I should be relieved that I wasn't crazy or panicked by the idea that I had a thirst for blood-or even worse, that I might be a vampire.

"You said I wasn't a vampire yet. Will I be?" I held my breath, not sure I wanted to know the answer. My inner voice kept telling me to get out of here, as far away as possible.



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On the Edge of Eternity
A Vampire SEAL Novel
Book Two
S. B. Alexander

Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Publisher: S. B. Alexander

Date of Publication: 10/7/2013

ISBN: 9780988776227

ASIN: B00FPA6EW8

Number of pages: 460 Word Count: 142,000

Cover Artist: Streetlight Graphics

Amazon Apple BN

Book Description:

New vampire Jo Mason had never imagined life with fangs, or drinking blood as her main meal. She has, however, dreamed of her first kiss, her first date and her first high school dance-but for a new vampire, none of those firsts come easy. Humans now tempt her appetite for blood and the Plutariums, a rogue team of vampires, want revenge against her family.

When her human friend Ben Jackson asks her to the May dance, Jo struggles to abide by vampire law. She isn't sure if she wants to kiss him or taste his blood. She's even more confused by the mixed messages coming from Vampire SEAL Webb London. The way he looks at her makes her want to jump off the nearest cliff and into his arms at the same time. Her guy problems, however, become the least of her worries when the deadly ones take center stage.

The Plutariums abduct and drug her. She wakes alone with Ben, stranded on an abandoned yacht in the middle of a storm-tossed ocean. Worse, she struggles to keep her bloodlust sated and it will be a battle to see who survives.



Excerpt 2:

Webb's footsteps pulled me out of my stupor. I opened my eyes to see him striding down the hall. His long, crescent-moon lashes framed his cobalt eyes that glistened every time he stepped under a hall light. He placed his hand in his pants pocket and withdrew a set of keys. Fingering through the clump of metal, he readied one in his left hand. He stopped, inserted the key into the deadbolt and twisted. Before he could open the door, I pushed him out of the way and bee-lined it for the bathroom. I wanted to barricade myself in and never come out.

I slammed the door behind me and locked it. I grabbed a small cup off the sink, filled it with cold water and downed it. I took several more drinks, then dropped the lid on the toilet and sat down. My tear ducts opened and the waterfall began. I couldn't stop crying.

"Jo." Webb knocked on the door. "Are you alright?"

"Go away." I grabbed several tissues and blew my nose.

"Can I come in?" he asked.

"I said, go away." I shuddered several breaths in-between sobs.

Why the hell did he want to come in? Did he want to talk? Ha! Now that would be funny if the irritating vampire wanted to talk. What was he going to do? Give me advice on boys?

"Please, I want to make sure you're alright." His voice had a soft timbre to it.

Why was everyone concerned about me? It wasn't as if I were the queen of the compound. I was far from it.

"Jo?" He pounded on the door.

"You're not going to leave me alone, are you?"

"Not until I make sure you're-"

I flipped the lock. The door swung open with an ominous creak.

"See, I'm fine. Now go away." I blew my nose again.

He stepped into the small space, and I scooted backwards, even though I wanted to lean into him, to nestle in his embrace and have him tell me everything would be okay. He took another step forward. The bewitching intensity of his soul-stealing blue eyes kept me from moving. I couldn't look away. Was he trying to compel me? He raised his hand and wiped away my tears with the pads of his thumbs.

Suddenly, my mouth became dry. He was touching me, was close to me. I had no way to get around him. I closed my eyes. My face was hot. My nose was running like a waterfall, and I couldn't stop crying. I was a complete mess.

"There's no need to cry. You're father is doing what's best. Look at me," he whispered.

I couldn't pry my eyelids open. If I did I would crumble even more. I was in the middle of an emotional breakdown. I wasn't about to bare my soul to a vampire who made my insides twist with excitement, let alone talk to him about Ben. I was so thankful he couldn't read minds.

"Hey there." He lightly rubbed my scarred cheek with the back of his fingers. "Open. Let me see those stunning eyes."

My stomach did somersaults. More tears spilled. I couldn't wrap my mind around his words, his voice, his touch, and his scent. Confusion snaked through me. First Ben and his sweet scent, and now Webb. While his scent didn't make my throat burn, it sure did a number on the butterflies who were having a field day inside me. What the heck was happening to me?

I opened my eyes slowly, blinking away tears, and met his gaze. He searched my face like he was cataloguing every pore, every hair, and every facial detail. His gaze finally landed on my lips and my pulse jumped.

Damn the vampire.

His presence radiated strength and power.

My hands started shaking. He had to hear my heart racing and sense my anxiety. Or was it excitement?

What did he want from me? He had my mind in a jumbled mess, not to mention my arms all goosebumped.

He moved even closer, which I didn't think was possible.

I couldn't breathe. Oh my God!

He dragged the backs of his fingers over my scar, once again. "You know the man who did this to you will pay." His voice was soft, breathy.

I really didn't want to hear about my scar. It was the last thing on my mind and a horrific reminder of a night I never wanted to remember ever again.

"Breathe." He leaned in and his hand disappeared behind me.

I stilled, my heart beating uncontrollably. What is he doing?

He grabbed the band out my hair and my freaky mane tumbled down, falling around my shoulders. He grabbed a few strands and placed them behind my ears. Darkness threatened the edges of my vision as his fingers tangled through my hair.

He lowered his head and whispered, "Life will get better. I promise."

Shock hit me at his words, his promise. How could he be sure? Did he know something I didn't? Could he read the future? Was that one of his special powers? I wanted to scream. I was standing in a small bathroom with a imposing creature who unnerved me, confused me, and made my pulse race with delight all at the same time. Was Sam right? Was there fire between us?

I shivered, and Webb wrapped his arms around me and pulled me to him. His heartbeat pounded in my ear as my body melted into his. This can't be happening.



Author Interview:

The Avid Reader: What inspired you to write The Vampire SEAL series?

S. B. Alexander: I've read a lot of vampire books and was looking for a different twist on the vampire genre. So I asked myself what if the person sitting next to me or even me were born with a vampire gene. How would that change who you were? And if so, would you have a choice to stay human or activate that vampire gene. From that one idea it took off into the first book in the series, On the Edge of Humanity.



The Avid Reader: When or at what age did you know you wanted to be a writer?

S. B. Alexander: I think I was ten years old.



The Avid Reader: What is the earliest age you remember reading your first book?

S. B. Alexander: Around eight years old. I used to read Encyclopedias.



The Avid Reader: What genre of books do you enjoy reading?

S. B. Alexander: I've always loved the fantasy and paranormal genre. Although growing up I loved to read books with suspense.



The Avid Reader: What is your favorite book?

S. B. Alexander: The Shining by Stephen King.



The Avid Reader: You know I think we all have a favorite author. Who is your favorite author and why?

S. B. Alexander: Stephen King. He has always kept me on the edge of my seat when reading his stories.



The Avid Reader: If you could travel back in time here on earth to any place or time. Where would you go and why?

S. B. Alexander: I go back to the 17th Century in Europe. This was a time of scientific and mathematical discoveries. It would've been cool to discover something as neat as planets or mathematical formulas.



The Avid Reader: When writing a book do you find that writing comes easy for you or is it a difficult task?

S. B. Alexander: For me, writing comes easy, especially if I clear my head and just free write.



The Avid Reader: Do you have any little fuzzy friends? Like a dog or a cat? Or any pets?

S. B. Alexander: I have two beautiful Shih-Tzus Lucy and Josie who think they're people and, of course, are spoiled rotten.



The Avid Reader: What is your "to die for", favorite food/foods to eat?

S. B. Alexander: I love pizza, french fries and mini powder donuts.



The Avid Reader: Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to be an author?

S. B. Alexander: My advice would be to immerse yourself into the author, writing, publishing world. Find a good mentor, editor and writing coach. Read, read and read in the genre you want to write in. And take a few classes on the art of novel writing. Before I even started my first novel, I bought and read any book I could on writing. There are a lot of resources out there today. Finally, find a good critique partner. Someone who will give you honest feedback.



About the Author:

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For those of you who know me, you know the 'S' stands for Susan in S. B. Alexander. I chose to use my initials since there were a few Susan Alexander authors out there.

The one thing I like about reading a book other than the story is reading about the author. Who is he or she? And, how did they become a writer?

For me, it's always been a passion to write a book. I love to transport myself into other worlds-ones where vampires and the fantastical exist. Where life is the playground for the impossible.

I created fantasy worlds at a young age as a way to deal with life. Yep, I had imaginary friends and talked to myself a lot. I was always creating, thinking, drawing and writing. I believe words are the key to opening the door to extraordinary places with amazing characters that tell a great story.

My life has had a colorful journey. After high school I decided to forgo college. I enrolled in a business program and graduated in ten months with a certificate that allowed me access to Cooperate America. But, somehow the idea to enter into an unknown world at nineteen-years-old was daunting. Instead, I decided if the world was my playground why not join the military, and so I joined the Navy. The four years in the military was a great foreground to learn about life and the world around me. But, as the cliché says, Life goes on.

I traded the military for college. I became a High School Math Teacher and loved it before deciding to revisit the one thing I was frightened of-Cooperate America. I've held many roles in the cooperate arena from sales representative to sales manager, but I never lost my passion to write.

When I'm not working my full time job, and plotting my next novel, I love to play golf with my husband, and spend time with my two dogs.

Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads



Giveaway:



5 sets of signed print books, 1 and 2 in the series, and matching beaded bookmarks
Open to US Shipping



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Thursday, December 26, 2013

Review of Dreams of a Vampire by Carole Gill @carolelynngill




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Dreams of a Vampire
by Carole Gill
Published May 2nd 2012 by Tudor Rose Press

Summary From Amazon:

Prequel short story to The House on Blackstone Moor (book 1 in The Blackstone Vampires Series).

****

INCLUDES FIRST 14 CHAPTERS OF THE NOVEL.

This story introduces young Rose to the reader. Rose lives with madness in the shape of her mad father.

She has gone to visit her aunt. Her horrible home life is shown in thoughtful reflection. Her only escape is through her dreams. That is all she has really.

She dreams of a dark man, a being of the night...



Read my reviews of:

THE BLACKSTONE VAMPIRES SERIES:

#1 The House on Blackstone Moor
#2 Unholy Testament - The Beginnings
#3 Unholy Testament - Full Circle
#4 The Fourth Bride (of Dracula)

Goodreads | Amazon



My Review:

I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.

Rose lived in a house with madness. Her father had lost his mind or maybe he was just a mean man. Rose was always glad to hear him say he was going out for a stroll that meant that he would not be in the house for a while. Rose her mother and her siblings were always walking around on tip toes always afraid of setting him off and then he would be mean to them. Any word could set him off. Rose never knew from one day to the next if her father was going to mean to them or not. Rose didn't know if she could ever remember a time when her father was not mad or not mean to them. She didn't know if he ever being good was just a dream or if it was real.

Rose had to go and stay with her aunt one day to take care of her. She was very ill and was dying. Upon her return home Rose went into her home and found that someone had killed everyone in her family. When she went in the house she found all of them dead. Her mother, father and her siblings were all gone.

I have read the first three books in The Blackstone Vampire Series and truly enjoyed all of them. I am glad that I have finally gotten around to reading Dreams of a Vampire. I am glad that I found out what happened on the night that Rose lost her family.



Online Links:

Website | Facebook Author Page | Facebook Profile Page | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Review of Forever Home By Karpov Kinrade @KimberlyKinrade @DmytryKarpov




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Forever Home
(A true short story about second chances & forever friendships)
by Kimberly Kinrade & Karpov Kinrade
Published November 19th 2013 by Daring Books

Summary From Goodreads:

Girl meets dog. Girl loses dog. Girl gets dog back.

It's that kind of love story.

When 14-year-old Cory Smith loses her best furry friend to a stroke three days before Christmas, she doesn't think she'll ever recover.

Until she sets eyes on the sad rescue dog about to be put down.

Will fate be on their side as she works to save the dog who stole her heart? Or will her New Year fall to another broken heart?

***

This is based on a true story and was written as a birthday present for the author's sister. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a shelter or organization of Cory's choice, to help more dogs find their forever home.

Goodreads | Amazon



My Review:

I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.

Cory Smith came home from her job as a volunteer dog groomer to a quite house. Her best friend didn't meet her at the door, jumping around waging his tail happy to see her. Her best friend Triton was Cory's dog a Sheltie that she had had since she was four years old. He slept with her every night. She started looking all through the house for Triton and calling him but there was no answer. Cory finally found him in her mother's arms in her room. Triton had had a stroke. Cory and her mother's heart was broken. Cory lost Triton three days before Christmas.

Cory decides that she wanted a new dog, she still missed Triton but she wanted another dog to love. Cory had a very big heart and a whole lot of love to go around for animals. Cory started looking around online at pictures of dogs but she just couldn't find the right dog for her. But then her cousin Carey who worked at an animal shelter helping to find dogs new homes. When Carey showed Cory a picture of a dirty dog that was due to be put down. Cary fell in love at first sight. This was her dog. Cary had named her new dog before she even got him. His name was to be Barker. She went to the pet store and bought him all new things like a new dog bed and toys. She wanted him to have his own things and not have Triton's old things.

Forever Home was a short story but it was very well written and you didn't feel as if you were missing anything. I would like to have known more about Cory and Triton's life together as well as her and Barker's life together. I love dogs so I really enjoyed and loved reading about Barker and his Forever Home. I have three dogs of my own that I care about as if they were human. They all actually think they are human. They are so spoilt that the two small dogs don't like to eat dog food as we have fed them chicken and rice most of their lives. If you love reading about dogs and about saving dogs that are to be put down then you will probably love Forever Home. It is filled with a lot of love.



About The Author:

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Karpov Kinrade is the pen name for the husband and wife writing duo of bestselling, award-winning authors Kimberly Kinrade and Dmytry Karpov.

Together, they write fantasy, paranormal, mystery, contemporary and romance and hook readers into new and exciting worlds that will leave you laughing your ass off, crying your heart out and falling in love.

Look for more from Karpov Kinrade in the Deveaux series, Seduced Saga, the Forbidden Trilogy and more coming soon.

They live with three little girls who think they’re ninja princesses with super powers and who are also showing a propensity for telling tall tales and using the written word to weave stories of wonder and magic.



Become a member of the Street Team for Karpov Kinrade.

Connect with Karpov Kinrade, Author on Facebook.

Karpov Kinrade Website.



Connect with Kimberly online: Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Amazon, Goodreads.

Connect with Dmytry online: Twitter, Google+, Amazon, Goodreads.