Just Imagine

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Welcome to my blog! Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee and read what's on my mind. I've a vicious sense of humor, an apprecation for romance and a mad addiction to writing.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Unforgettable Epic Romances. 10 Timeless Heroes Boxed Set.



This is SO the year of the book bundles! In fact, this time I’ve teamed up with ten amazing authors to bring you the 10 Timeless Heroes Boxed Set. This one’s for readers who love time-travel romance. 

GIVEAWAY! If you purchase 10 Timeless Heroes Boxed Set, be sure to follow the instructions on Donna Michaels’ blog for your chance to win a Kindle Fire HD!!!


A Bit About the Bundle


Magic & destiny unite lovers across time and space in this epic collection of award-winning, chart topping tales. From sweet to sizzling romances, 10 Timeless Heroes has a little something for everyone. With over fifteen hundred pages and a retail value of $25.90, you save almost $23 with this special introductory price! Don't wait to stock up. Summer is right around the corner...

Fiona by PL Parker: In the past, she found her future.

Somewhere My Lass by Beth Trissel: Neil MacKenzie’s well-ordered life turns to chaos when Mora Campbell shows up claiming he’s her fiancé from 1602 Scotland. Her avowal that she was chased to the future by clan chieftain, Red MacDonald, is utter nonsense, and Neil must convince her she’s just addled from a blow to her head–until the MacDonald himself shows up wanting blood.

Going Back For Romeo by LL Muir: Alone with a Highlander, in his castle, on a cold dark night...Okay, so it wasn’t that cold. Jillian is duped back to 15th Century Scotland to rescue a plaid-clad Romeo and Juliet. The monster in her way, however, is a handsome Highlander who may just be her own Romeo.

Swordsong by Skhye Moncrief: He's arrived to help her create the perfect bride. His ticket home relies on a lonely woman haunted by more than apparitions. If time-travel duty, romance, and a bit of magic don't help them realize their destiny resonates in mysterious fairy SWORDSONG, all known history could change.

Highland Mystic by Sky Purington: Caitriona is not who she seems. Her fate was foreseen long before birth and so important it will impact all future MacLomains. When dreams of Alan Stewart begin, she knows the time has come. But how to convince a Highland laird from another century that he must die for her? Especially when she couldn't bear his death.

My Honorable Highlander by Nancy Lee Badger: Bumbling present day herbalist, Haven MacKay, gets more than she bargains for when her love spell goes awry, is cast back in time, and meets her true love -- Laird Kirkwall Gunn. Kirk’s plans go slightly off course when he falls in love with a woman wandering through the Scottish Highlands. After all, he has pledged to marry another, from an enemy clan, in order to end a century-old feud.

Out of the Blue by Caroline Clemmons: Police Detective Brendan Hunter wants answers. Who shot him and killed his partner? Why? And why does Deirdre Dougherty know details of the event? He can’t let her out of his sight until she confesses to how she learned details no one but he and his late partner knew.

A Train Through Time by Bess McBride: Ellie awakens on a train to Seattle to find herself on a bizarre historical train full of late Victorian era reenactors. When handsome Robert convinces her the date is 1901, Ellie presumes she is in the middle of a very interesting dream—a dream she doesn’t want to awaken from.

Captive Hero by Donna Michaels: Test flying an invisible plane—unreal. Time-shifting to WWII—unbelievable. Capturing a hero—unavoidable. When test pilot Samantha Sheppard accidentally flies back in time and inadvertently saves a WWII pilot, she changes history and makes a crack decision to abduct him back to the present, but convincing him it’s another century proves tough. 

Desires of the Heart by Linda LaRoque: At a cottage in the UK, recently divorced Loren Fairchild rebuilds her life. A simple-minded woman appears and triggers an event that hurls Loren 60 years into the past. During WWII, Miles Chapeau’s wife is hurt in an air raid. She now has the mind of a child. One day she disappears. That very night a strange woman appears. Caught in a web of confusion, Loren and Miles struggle with the direction their lives must take.

Available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble


Thursday, April 17, 2014

Skilled Assassin. Fierce Warrior. Mark of the Highlander- The MacLomain Series: Next Generation.



It’s that time again!!! I’m thrilled to announce that The MacLomain Series- Next Generation has finally arrived. From A-Z, this novel engrossed. There was a lot of ground to cover as it tied in a bit from The Early Years as well as The Original Series but wow, what fun! While many well-known characters are in this book, several new ones have been introduced. After all, the children from the original couples are all grown up. In fact, this book focuses on Iain and Arianna’s son, Colin MacLomain. 

So, without further adieux, I give you Mark of the Highlander. 

Up and coming novelist sensation, McKayla never could have imagined that the medieval Scottish Highlands she wrote about were anything more than pure historical fiction. But little did she know that her Broun ancestry would prove an irresistible pull for one very remarkable highlander. 

Colin MacLomain, skilled assassin and fierce warrior, is ready to make right his jaded past. Newly seated as chieftain, he’s determined to win over his clan and one true love. But when she’s pulled back in time will McKayla, his unknowing best friend, be able to see past his shaded history to the man he’s determined to become?  

Find out in Mark of the Highlander.  

A little teaser...


Though they stood a good foot apart they might as well have been entwined with all the attraction crackling between them. He arched a brow and though he didn’t move toward her, his words certainly yanked her back against him. “More muscles. Far more strength. A tireless perseverance that I promise will make you weep.”

“Tireless,” she whispered.

“Perseverance,” he promised. “Determination.”

She licked her lips and tried to look away. Impossible. He looked so bloody good standing there in a plaid with the mountains cheering him on and the highland wind working fully to his advantage.

“You have no idea how hard it was for me to transform my feelings into something platonic. But I did. This. You.” She made a loose gesture in his direction. “Reignites old wounds.”

Colin nodded and instead of continuing to undress her with his practiced eyes he grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him. However reluctant she followed, mainly because she had nowhere else to go.

“So let’s start over, Kay, sorry, McKayla.” He squeezed her hand. “I promise not to call you that until I earn back your trust. I dinnae deserve that level of closeness. Not yet. But I promise you one day I will. I want to earn back not only what I lost when I ended our relationship but what I lost because of all the lies. While I beg for my clan’s forgiveness, allow me to ask for yours as well, a thousand times over.”

A small shiver rippled through her. Did he really crave her forgiveness as much if not more than those who raised him? His very family? It was hard not to be humbled because she knew he was being truthful. She wasn’t being naïve, not this time. He meant it. Regardless, he wasn’t getting off that easy. “Let’s work at rebuilding the friendship and not worry so much about the relationship, okay?”

Colin nodded and led her into the forest. “Seems like a good start.”

That sounded like he intended the friendship to be a mere formality and for them to pick up where they left off. If he thought she was jumping back into a relationship, he was in for a rude awakening. “Friends, Colin. That’s all I want right now.”

“Aye,” he agreed. “Friends. Once earned.” 

Again, something about the way he said it made her think he was a lot more arrogant than he thought he was.

Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Kobo. Coming soon to iTunes and Google Books.

Vow of the Highlander (Book 2) and Wrath of the Highlander (Book 3) are coming soon.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Easter weekend!

Cheers,
Sky 

Monday, April 14, 2014

The Final Demon War, Sidney Stone by Jennifer Ainsley.



Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over and interview Jennifer Ainsley, author of The Final Demon War, Sidney Stone.

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Suspense/Horror/New Adult

Date of Publication: December 2013
ISBN: 1491200960
ASIN: B00HFYK99Q

Number of pages: 308
Word Count: 102,400

Cover Artist: Pencilbox Studios

Book Description


“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” - Matthew 10:34

Demons are preparing to launch the Final War to destroy humanity.

Can one young woman wielding the Sword of Jesus ensure our survival and redemption?

Will she lose both her love and her soul in the process?

Available at Amazon in Paperback and Kindle formats

GIVEAWAY! Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter after this post for a chance to win a $25 Gift card- winner's choice of Starbucks or Amazon, 1 signed print copy open to US Shipping or 2 ebook copies

Please see following for Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest 284 word pitch and 1100 word opening chapter. 

"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword"
- Matthew 10:34

Jonathon Tait, whose demon-enhanced 170-year-old life has helped make him the richest man in the world, secretly renounces his alliance with demons in order to save his twins and redeem himself in the eyes of the two women he loved and lost. Jonathon has visions that his beautiful college-aged adopted daughter, Jennifer Ainsley, may be the key to humanity's survival and works with an underground movement to fight back against both the demons and the human leadership that is guiding our civilization towards total annihilation. 

Can Jennifer wield the Sword of Jesus to fulfill her destiny even as the planet hurtles towards its destruction? Is she mankind's only hope and can Jennifer save everyone that she loves; including her destined soul mate Andrew Walker, or are we all doomed? 

Jennifer Ainsley: The Final Demon War is a gripping, fast-paced fantasy/horror novel grounded in the contemporary world. The characters are extremely likable and engaging, and a great deal of humor is successfully incorporated into the book, despite its often grim and macabre themes.  There are several action packed tour-de-force chapters including “Scenes from the End” and “Kasey and Tracey’s Amazing Adventure”. 

The book deftly tackles issues of greed, humanity's neglect for its weakest members, the race for power among individuals and nations, and the ability of love and courage to transcend personal weaknesses. It is a tale that combines horror and fantasy to tell a story of love, loss, sacrifice and redemption. It is the first chapter of an exciting new trilogy that deserves to find a wider audience.

Let's Interview!


What inspired you to write this book?

Thank you for featuring my book and letting me hang out here with you on your blog! As a writer, I am inspired by early Stephen King (think The Stand, The Dead Zone, Salem’s Lot, Carrie) and early Dean Koontz (Strangers, Lightening, Watchers). Clive Barker’s The Damnation Game was also an influence.  This story started essentially as a campfire story and it stuck with me. It wouldn’t let go and needed to be written. I had completed four screenplays in the 90’s but never really pursued it. I love to write but life got in the way.  This time, I got in the way of life. :-) 

Tell us about your book cover and how it relates to your story.

The book cover was created by the talented folks at Pencilbox Studios in Orange County. Originally I had wanted a cover of a sword lying in the forest with a mushroom cloud off in the distance. However, on a writer’s budget that was not feasible.  However, the artist used one of the icons of the book – The Sword of Jesus (Matthew 10:34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword”) to create an unsettling cover that illustrated the mood of my book perfectly.  As the Rolling stones said: “Sometimes you don’t get what you want, but you get what you need” :-)

Tell us a little bit about the conflict in your story. 

The demons in my story are fallen angels.  Angels cast out of heaven because they have a nasty habit of destroying God’s creations. They are sent to the Underworld but reject it as Lucifer comes to love mankind to and wants to help us, not destroy us.  So this group of demons, led by Mordock who hates both God and Lucifer yet wants to be loved by his Creator at the same time, uses their shape shifting gift to infiltrate all levels of humanity so that over time as we advance they can use our weapons (and greed and lust for power) against us.  Mordock believes that by destroying us, maybe God will recognize him again and bring him back like a wayward child returning home.

Meanwhile, one group of humans works with the demons, while another works against them.  Jonathon Tait, a 170 year old billionaire given wealth, power and an unnatural long life by the demons plays both sides as he tries to navigate and manipulate the situation in order to save his children. 

The overriding theme of this book is love and loss; and the power of those two qualities to motivate us and redeem us. It is an ambitious tale that early reviews suggest I was successful at completing. I tried to go for emotion, thoughtfulness, rich deep characters while also adhering to most of the Fantasy – Horror rules.  I think your readers will enjoy the book! 

If you had to sell your book based on one run of dialogue (start quote to end quote), which would it be?

Jonathon spoke with more urgency. “Ever read Matthew, chapter ten, verse thirty-four? In it Jesus states, ‘Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.’ Some people misinterpret that as allegory. Some people reject his message and react violently. He was really saying that he indeed brought a motherfucking sword—the Sword of Jesus. His forty days and forty nights in the desert weren’t just about his wrestling with the Devil metaphorically but taking the battle physically to and against the demons. The Sword is the only thing that will kill them easily and completely. Bombs and machine guns sometimes do the trick—you know that—but not always. Demons usually can regenerate even after you hit them with automatic fire and multiple rounds. Also, what will mankind do if limited ammunition is available? What if the world ends and we have to fight the demons without technology?”

Did you enjoy writing one scene above all the rest? If so, share.

You would think it would be the long sex thing but that was actually exhausting to write.  All that research to make sure it was as realistic as possible ;) 

Actually, the banquet hall scene was a blast.  It is a Grand Guignol level of a massacre but also done with much dark humor.

What sort of personality does your heroine have?

In this book she is uncertain at first.  Her destiny is literally thrown at her. But she lets instinct take over, and to save the people she loves, becomes the heroine she was always meant to be. 

Other facets of her are how powerfully she loves, and the strength she has to endure and thrive after the death of her mother and sister at the beginning of the book (not really a spoiler as this sets the scene on how she is adopted by Jonathon Tait). I have also given her a passionate sexuality which you often don’t see in heroes or heroines.  But she is a beautiful and athletic 22 year old, deeply in love with Andrew Walker Head of Tait Estate Security and well, he is a hot built Marine so there you go ;) 

What genre/genres do you prefer to write? Are there other genres you’d like to write in the future?

I love the Fantasy – Horror – Science Fiction genres so I prefer to stay right there.  However, after having many misadventures in the dating world after my divorce, I would love to right a fun, ribald book titled something like Dating and being a Single Father – From the Gen X point of view. :-)

Do you write books in series? If so, share a bit about the series you currently have published or are coming soon. 

Jennifer Ainsley: The Final Demon War was always meant to be a series but I have many, many ideas for stand alone books too. The second book in this series, if the first book has Jonathon as its chief protagonist, is more Jennifer’s book as she really comes into her own after the events that occur at the end of the first book. 

It’s time to promo. What is your favorite marketing tool? 

I have really enjoyed the blog tour that I am on.  Interviews such as this really help me connect with readers and expand on giving a sense of the book beyond a 140 character tweet.  Plus, by doing this type of tour I think people who are interested will actually read the book.  Running Kindle promotions may increase sales, but, often times just to people filling up a Kindle and not really getting into the story. I wrote this book to entertain and maybe to get people to think a bit too. I want it read! 

Thanks again for taking the time to feature my book!  It has been a pleasure.

Thanks for joining me today! Your book sounds excellent. 

Chapter One
Heather


Heather couldn’t believe she was going to die in front of her peacefully sleeping twins, who were oblivious to the unspeakable acts occurring in their nursery. These infants, this life, were all she had wanted, and in those lonely nights before sleep overtook her, she admitted to herself that she had been groomed for this since birth. She had been groomed to be a beautiful, nurturing wife to a wealthy and powerful man and she had been groomed to care for his children and teach them to take their rightful place in the world while she also maintained this lovely home—with a slew of maids, servants, and other staff of course. She threw the best dinner parties and had a special banquet hall included in the new Napa Valley estate just for that purpose. She knew all the right people to invite, and they raised all the right money for all the right charities.

Yet here she was in midair, swaying back and forth, seeing herself reflected in the rectangular Craftsman-style floor mirror she personally had picked out for the nursery. The demon Palvakia held Heather by her strawberry-blonde hair, a mane her husband Jonathon Tait called “gorgeously luxurious,” while her lithe and toned, almost split-in-two body, spilled her blood and guts onto the new Berber carpet (a lovely light blue she also had personally picked out for the nursery). How important Heather had thought every design detail of this room was. She had placed so much importance on the mundane materials that now meant nothing. She was escaping into the blackness now, the dark abyss whose passage she hoped ended with a consummating light. Was there light beyond death and beyond this horror?

It was insane, Heather thought, that her husband, the man she loved and admired, was watching this scene unfold with an expressionless face as Mordock, a repulsive and despised demon, stood next to him. Mordock was in human form right now, unlike the demon who had torn her in half, but Heather still felt the evil lurking underneath. She had tried to banish Mordock from their lives and had pleaded with her husband to stand up to him. Yet Jonathon had done nothing to remove him from their lives or to stop Mordock from carrying out her murder. If there was a light at the end, how could the Keeper of Light cause this to happen or not prevent it in the first place?

And what of the twins? Alexander and Sophia were so beautiful and full of life, with old-soul eyes, even as infants. My lovely babies, Heather thought with her last bit of consciousness. Who will keep you from harm? Can your father somehow be your guardian angel? Will he succeed with you where he failed with me? The darkness with the light behind it is approaching. Will I see you in heaven? How long will I have to wait? Hopefully a long, long time…

Heather took her last breaths just as Palvakia began to devour her. To her horror, though, death did not come instantaneously. A morbid trick of the demons is to keep their victims on the cusp of dying so they can witness themselves being eaten. Heather couldn’t even scream as the pain ripped through the ever-decreasing parts of her body.

When Palvakia was finished, not one ounce of the physical being that once had been Heather Tait was left in the room. Even the carpet was clean…and the twins continued to sleep peacefully.

About the Author



Sidney Stone is a hiker, deer whisperer and non-pretentious wine connoisseur. An addicted reviewer on Yelp, he is also creator of affordable housing (although technically he is homeless part-time), thinks The Replacements are the best band of the Eighties and loves to boost his LinkedIn count with people he doesn't know.

He lives in both Northern and Southern California while constantly traveling to Orange County to visit his son, who can now beat his father at ping pong and chess rather easily (and is charmingly arrogant while doing it). A graduate of UC Irvine and Pepperdine University, Sidney wishes he chose at least one university to attend that had a college football team to root for.

The first scene Sidney thought of for Jennifer Ainsley: The Final Demon War included a rather large massacre (take that for what it is worth). However, inspired by the works of Stephen King, Dean Koontz and Clive Barker; the book's violence is offset by dark humor and deep human emotion just like in real life where Sidney's darkness is offset by creatively placed sarcasm and an overwrought romanticism. For example, while Jennifer Ainsley: The Final Demon War is a Fantasy-Horror novel, Sidney also still tears up at the end of both Field of Dreams and An Officer and a Gentleman.






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Thursday, April 10, 2014

Her Life Became Anything But Ordinary. Copper Girl by Jennifer Allis Provost.



Today I’ll be featuring Copper Girl, Book one in The Copper Legacy, an urban fantasy by Jennifer Allis Provost.

Publisher: Spence City
Date of Publication: June 25, 2013
ISBN: 978-1939392022
ASIN: B00CXWC7JU
Number of pages: 248
Word Count: appx 80k

Cover Artist: Lisa Amowitz

Purchase it at Amazon or BN

GIVEAWAY! Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter after this post for a chance to win a prize pack including a signed copy of Copper Girl, swag, and a necklace inspired by the token Micah gives Sara.

Book Description


Sara had always been careful.

She never spoke of magic, never associated with those suspected of handling magic, never thought of magic, and never, ever, let anyone see her mark. After all, the last thing she wanted was to end up missing, like her father and brother.

Then, a silver elf pushed his way into Sara's dream, and her life became anything but ordinary.


Book Trailer




Excerpt 

Chapter 1


It seemed like a good idea at the time.

My office, like most modern offices, cranked the air conditioning down to Arctic proportions during the summer months. Consequently, we workers arrived in the morning dressed in sandals and sleeveless tops, donned heavy sweaters upon reaching our desks, and ended up shivering by noon. Ironically, when our workday ended we were hit by a wall of oppressive heat the moment we stepped outside the main doors. No, this wasn’t a flawed system in the slightest.

That day, I wasn’t having it. I had the grand idea of spending my lunch hour outside, away from the icy wind stiffening my fingers and chilling my neck. After I unwound myself from the afghan I kept in my desk (and only used in the summer months), I gathered up my lunch and my phone and headed out for an impromptu picnic in my car.

What I hadn’t considered was that the office runs the air conditioning so cold because it was, well, hot outside. Very hot, in fact. So hot that the cheese was melting in my sandwich and the lettuce looked like something that had washed ashore months, maybe even years, ago. I was parked in the shade and had taken down my car’s convertible top, but I still couldn’t manage to get comfortable. I’d already shed my sandals and cardigan, which left me wearing my sundress and…

Dare I? 

I glanced around the parking lot of Real Estate Evaluation Services, the ‘go-to firm for all your commercial real estate needs’, according to the brochures. No one, human or drone, was taking a noontime stroll, and, by virtue of my being on the far side of the lot, no cars were near mine. Most of my coworkers didn’t even have cars, so the lot was rarely more than half-full. What was more, from where I sat, I couldn’t even see the office.

I dared.

I took a deep breath and channeled my inner wild woman, then leaned the seat back and slipped off my panties. Removing that small bit of cotton made an incredible difference, and the heat became somewhat bearable. Enjoyable, even. Was that a breeze?  

Ignoring my decrepit sandwich, I fully reclined the seat, set the alarm on my phone, and closed my eyes. A nap. Now that would make today bearable.

Suddenly, he is there. 

Here.  

Kissing me, holding me. 

I know I’m dreaming, because he’s perfect. His lips are soft but insistent, his hands gentle. I glide my fingers across his back, feeling thick cords of muscle, before sinking my fingers into his hair. It’s superfine, like cobwebs, and when I crack an eyelid, I learn that it’s silver. Not gray or white, but the elegant hue of antique candlesticks and fine flatware.  Cool.

I squeeze my eyes shut again, not wanting the dream to end any sooner than it has to. He kisses me once more, and I can’t help melting against him. His hand travels up my leg, up past my hip… shit! No panties!

I try twisting away, but he already knows. I feel his mouth stretch into a smile, and he moves to nuzzle my neck. “What’s your name?” he murmurs.

“Sara,” I reply. “Yours?”

“Micah.” By now, his hands have traveled to my waist, and he slides one around to stroke the small of my back. “Why did you summon me, Sara?”

“I didn’t,” I protest. “I don’t know how.” I would say more, but he nibbles a trail from my neck to my shoulder, and pushes my dress to the side. As for me, I let him . 

Micah raises his head, and I get a good look at him for the first time. His eyes are large and dark gray, like thunderheads, his features chiseled into warm caramel skin, and his unruly mop of silver hair seems to float around his head. He wears an odd, buff-colored leather shirt, made all the odder in this heat, and matching leather pants and boots. Boots? 

“You did summon me,” he insists. “My Sara, you must tell me why.”

“Does it matter?” I ask. I pull him back to me, kissing him with all the passion I’ve never felt with anyone during my waking hours. Micah kisses me back, fingers deftly unbuttoning my dress while his other hand rubs my lower back. I’ve never felt so free, so alive as I do in Micah’s embrace, and I have no intention of rushing this. None at all.

My phone screamed for attention, thus ending the best dream that had ever been dreamed. Ever. I fumbled to silence it, then shook myself back to reality. I still felt warm and glowy from the dream, almost after-glowy. It wasn’t until I stretched and got tangled in my clothing that I noticed anything was amiss.

The straps of my dress had slid down around my elbows, and the dress itself was unbuttoned to my waist. What’s more, my bra was all askew and a nipple was dangerously close to freedom. I shot a quick glance around the parking lot as I fixed my clothing; luckily, there was no one around, either of the human or robotic drone persuasion. I hoped no one had gotten an eyeful of how I was apparently fondling myself in my sleep.
Some dream. Soon enough, I got the top half of my dress squared away and reached into the passenger seat, only to come up empty. My panties were gone.  

Great. Either one of my coworkers had found me sleeping and stolen them, or a randy squirrel had absconded with my delicates. Hoping for the latter, I stuffed my feet back into my sandals and returned to the office and my ever-growing mountain of paperwork.

Speaking of the mountain there was a fresh sheaf of reports on my desk, ready for sorting. My title, if it can be called that, is Quarterly Report Collator. 

This impressive moniker means that I have the ability—no, make that the responsibility—to place various documents and reports in their proper order, usually alphabetically. I’ve even been known to utilize ascending numbers when the occasion warrants, a feat those who get paid far more than I do cannot seem to manage. As long as they keep paying me, I’m fine with my place on the food chain, low though it may be. It sure beats the alternative--a luxurious but caged life as a sellout government shill, performing spells on command as if they were parlor tricks. My family may have lost much, but we still have some pride left.

I dove right into the heap of reports, for once appreciating the mindless work since it gave me the mental space to dwell on my dream lover. Why would a man in my dream claim that I’d summoned him? And what was with his getup? Micah had looked like he should be playing the part of a swashbuckling hero in a trashy romance novel, not hanging around in the parking lot of a midsized corporation specializing in commercial real estate acquisitions and liquidations.

And his name: Micah. I was certain that I’d never heard it before, which puzzled me. If I were going to create a dream lover, wouldn’t I give him a regular name like Tom or Joe? A name I was at least familiar with?

I swiveled in my chair and called up my search engine. We are not, under any circumstances, supposed to use this bit of technology that is standard issue with each and every one of our ergonomically correct workstations. I’m not quite sure what the punishment for internet usage is, but I’ve always imagined ninjas dropping out of the ceiling and hauling me off to their lair. After enduring a mild torture session, I’m given a cup of hot sake and sent on my way. 

I could have waited until I got home. I had a nicer computer and better, faster internet access than the office does, but I couldn’t wait. Not while the image of Micah’s thundercloud eyes still burned in my memory, inciting not-safe-for-work thoughts.

I typed in Micah: define, and the results page immediately listed a bunch of Biblical references. Mmm, not exactly helpful. I clicked around for a while until I found one of those sites that specialized in the meaning of names. It read thusly:

Micah ( mī ' kə ) he who resembles God.

Huh. My dream man was certainly attractive, but I didn’t know if I’d go so far as to call him a god. Then I remembered that there was a type of stone called mica, which also seemed like an unlikely source for me to pull a name from. In the midst of typing mica: stone, I was interrupted.

“Hey, beautiful.”

I glanced up and saw Floyd, the office sleaze, hovering at the edge of my cubicle. Better and better. I clicked off the browser and nonchalantly swiveled away from the keyboard. To throw the ninjas off my trail, of course. “You and Juliana heading over to The Room tonight?” he asked.

The Room is a local hangout, stocked with stale beer and watered-down liquor, not to mention a floor that has never, ever been mopped. Not. Even. Once. But it’s cheap and close to the office, so we all go. Since I started working at REES, I’ve been a regular. “We haven’t discussed it.”

“Everyone’s going,” Floyd pressed. “C’mon, I’ll buy you a drink. You like gin and tonic, right?”

I heaved the stack of reports from my lap to my desk and uncrossed my legs, squarely planting my feet in order to deliver the Keep Away From Me speech to Floyd yet again, when I remembered my lack of undergarments. Quickly, I snatched my afghan from where I’d tossed it before lunch and spread it across my lower body like a shield.

“Whatever,” I mumbled, which Floyd counted as a victory.

“See you there,” he drawled. I hate him.

I spent the rest of my shift with my thighs clamped together, having mild anxiety attacks whenever I stood. Or sat. Or reached for anything. Needless to say, by the end of the day I was more than ready for something eye-wateringly alcoholic. Juliana, my best friend and REES’s office manager, was game, as she usually was, and we made it to The Room in time for happy hour. Normally, I feel like I’m in her shadow, what with her long, dark hair, matching eyes, and the body of a pre-war pinup girl, but tonight I didn’t care. Right about now, a little overshadowing was just what the doctor ordered.

After a few bowls of pretzels, and more than a few cocktails, I confessed my al fresco state, to which Juliana and I clinked glasses and downed a few shots in honor of my missing panties. Floyd, the scum, welshed on his promise of gin and tonic. I really do hate him.

About the Author



Jennifer Allis Provost is a native New Englander who lives in a sprawling colonial along with her beautiful and precocious twins, a dog, two birds, three cats, and a wonderful husband who never forgets to buy ice cream. As a child, she read anything and everything she could get her hands on, including a set of encyclopedias, but fantasy was always her favorite. She spends her days drinking vast amounts of coffee, arguing with her computer, and avoiding any and all domestic behavior.

Visit Jennifer




Twitter: @parthalan



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Tuesday, April 8, 2014

#Writing Process Blog Tour



Welcome! A huge thank you to fabulously talented author, Alisha Paige, for including me in the Writing Process Blog Tour. This little romp through cyberspace is a great way for authors to share more about how their books get written. So cozy in and enjoy my contribution to the tour!

My four questions...


What am I working on?

Right now I’m about halfway through Vow of the Highlander (The MacLomain Series- Next Generation: Book Two). In this tale we follow Bradon MacLomain (youngest son to Iain and Arianna MacLomain from Fate’s Monolith ). He’s on a quest to bring home his sister, Torra, who is being avidly pursued by not only the evil Keir Hamilton but Colin MacLeod.

Keep your eyes peeled this week for the release of Mark of the Highlander (The MacLomain Series- Next Generation: Book One)! Here's a little something about the story...

Up and coming romance novelist sensation, McKayla never could have imagined that the medieval Scottish Highlands she wrote about were anything more than pure historical fiction. But little did she know that her Broun ancestry would prove an irresistible pull for one very remarkable highlander.

Colin MacLomain, skilled assassin and fierce warrior, is ready to make right his jaded past. Newly seated as chieftain, he’s determined to win over his clan and one true love. But when she’s pulled back in time will McKayla, his unknowing best friend, be able to see past his shaded history to the man he’s determined to become?


How Does My Work Differ from Others of its Genre?

Focusing on the MacLomain Series, I think what makes my work a bit different than others in the fantasy romance genre is the underlying struggle between Christianity and Paganism.


Why Do I Write What I Do?

Honestly? Because I love it! Both paranormal and fantasy romance have always appealed to me. Add in medieval Scottish Highlanders and it’s hard not to immerse myself completely. New stories keep forming and I can’t help but share!


How Does Your Writing Process Work?

I write books in series so my writing process typically begins by going over previous books to make sure I know exactly what direction I want to head in with future work. As a general rule, I like to give my readers a little something new in regards to medieval Scottish history so spend time researching. After that, I dive right in! Every day before I start writing I review what I wrote the day before. It’s a great way to get back into the zone. :-)

Monday, April 7, 2014

Paranormal Romance. Hidden Mortality by Maggie Mundy



Today I’m thrilled to welcome over and interview Maggie Mundy, author of Hidden Mortality, a Paranormal Romance. 

Publisher: Soulmate Publishing
Date of Publication: 6th February 18, 2014
ISBN:-13:978-1-61935-329-9
ASIN: B00I911NI0

Number of pages:281
Word Count: 85,000

Cover Artist: Fiona Jayde

Purchase at  Amazon

.99 Cents for a LIMITED TIME!

GIVEAWAY! Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter after this post for a chance to win a Kindle copy of Hidden Mortality.

Book Description


A witch is murdered in 1850 in a ritual that will grant longevity to four men. What they are not aware of is that she has bestowed the same power to another called Seth to avenge her death.

Cara lives in present day Bristol, and is a descendant of the witch. Having been unlucky in love she fills her days with food with her Irish themed catering business. Her nights are another matter; they are full of erotic dreams of a mysterious lover, or nightmares with mutilated bodies. So this wasn’t the best time for her Nana to tell her she is coming into her power.

Excerpt


Cara kept searching but couldn’t find the book she wanted. The assistant at the empty counter smiled politely as she approached.

“I’m looking for a book called Immortality and Witchcraft, Fact or Fiction,” Cara said.

The woman typed the title into her computer. As Cara waited, someone walked up to the other counter beside her. She turned to look. Her world stopped as she met the slate grey gaze of the man staring straight at her. This wasn’t possible. He couldn’t exist. He was just a dream lover. Yet there he was, standing next to her as big as life.

She tried to smile, but it probably came out as more of a grin. He didn’t smile back. Her legs turned to jelly. If she didn’t breathe, she would pass out. She reached out and gripped the counter. One of them had to look away but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Someone was talking to her and the moment was broken.
“Excuse me.”

 “Sorry.” Cara replied, as she forced herself to look at the salesperson. She was afraid if she glanced back, he would be gone. Her imagination must be playing tricks on her.

“It looks like we should have one copy left,” the woman said.

“I think I’m just about to sell it,” the other shop assistant said coming up to the register. “We could order it in for you. It might take a couple of weeks.”

“Please, take my copy.” The man at the other counter held out the book. His voice was deep, exactly as it was in her dreams. She was caught again in his gaze. The world disappeared and for a moment they were the only two people alive locked in the gaze they shared. Her hand went to her chest. She could feel her heart racing at the thought of him being near.

“Thank you, but no I couldn’t. You had the book first.”

“Please, take it. I have plenty of time to wait for another copy to come in.”

She found it hard to say no. Perhaps, it was the fact he was about six three and wore grey bike leathers. They added to the effect of making him look powerful. The shaved head and the stubble on his face gave a menacing look, but she wasn’t afraid of him. This wasn’t right. Her life was wild enough without dream lovers becoming real.

Plus, she wouldn’t want her other dreams to become real as well. She needed to say something, or he would think she was an idiot standing there with her mouth gaping. He held the book out to her. As she took it, her hand touched his. It was such a tiny touch and yet it meant he was real. She felt the heat rising up her neck as she blushed. She also sensed another heat inside her. It was the same way he had made her feel in her dreams.

“Thanks.” Cara paid for her book and listened as he confirmed his contact details. Seth Scanlon. She had a name. She wasn’t really stalking. Taking another book off a shelf, she flipped through the pages. He glanced her way before he left and caught her gaze once more.

She couldn’t fool herself. The look he gave her was so intense she felt he was seeing inside her soul. Her breath caught. She shivered although the shop was warm. For a split second, she considered following him and saying he must remember all the times they had made love.

She could just imagine the expression he would give her. He didn’t know her. She was a stranger. The shop became suffocating as she pulled at the collar of her jumper. She needed to be outside. There was no sign of him on the street. For a moment, she wanted to cry. At this rate, she would give the silly schoolgirls in the shop a run for their money.

Let's Interview!


What made you choose the main setting for your book? 

The settings for this book are all familiar to me. I live in Australia now but I grew up in the UK. Bristol was a major seaport in years gone by and much of its wealth came from the slave trade. Like most cities it has it wealthy areas and its slums. When I was a young nurse I was caught in riots in the city. Bath is a beautiful city, think Jane Austen then you have Bath. The beautiful Georgian facades are only matched by the Roman ruins you can visit at the baths. I wouldn’t swim in the green water though. They now have a day spa there. Both cities have beauty but hide another more sinister side. The Irish connection in the book is again from my own family. Waterfall House was my mother’s home growing up and does exist. You can stay there as a farm stay. My father came from Dingle in Kerry. My heroine Cara is a caterer and I used to Dingle for inspiration for some of the meals in the book. You can find pictures of these places on my Pinterest board. http://www.pinterest.com/maggiemundy/

Tell us a little bit about the conflict in your story. 

Two immortals Seth and Vincent are after Cara. One wants to love her and one wants to kill her. Seth is made long lived to protect his lover’s descendants and exact revenge by killing her murderer. Only then will he die as well. When he finally finds Vincent he wants to live because he has fallen in love with Cara. He has to choose between obligation and love.

Are you currently working on another story? If so, we’d love some details. 

I have a few things on the go. World Change is a times slip novel that I have coming out in April. It’s about a young woman who is transported to another world where she is being hunted by a High Priestess who wants her dead. The only person who can help her return home is a vampire called Trevi. He is the only vampire in his world and she knows more about what he is than he does. I also have an urban fantasy based in San Francisco coming out in August called Unknown Protector. In this book angels and demons are not what you think. They are aliens that the myths have been created around. Nicole finds herself in the middle of a war between the two sides and a long haired angelic sexy diamond in the rough called Ridge, is the only one who can help her

What sort of personality does your hero have? 

To say he is tortured is an understatement. Seth feels he has let the woman in his past down. He has spent two hundred years trying to make up for it. He is a blacksmith and makes swords and daggers that can kill. He is also a sculptor who puts all his agony into his creations. He never expected to love again and then he met Cara.

What sort of personality does your heroine have? 

Cara is resilient. She fights on despite whatever is thrown at her. She is open minded but even she finds it hard to accept people could live forever. She is loyal to her friends but has left herself vulnerable in the past to lovers and gotten hurt. 


It’s time to promo. What is your favorite marketing tool? 

I’m new to this but of course blog tours are a good place to start. I have an author page on Facebook and belong to groups that promote books. I am on Goodreads and have a Pinterest site. I am also on twitter but still coming to grips with it. I think the best marketing tool is to write the next book. I also go to conferences book clubs and anything I can. 



How long have you been writing? How long have you been published?

I have been writing for about eight years. I know you hear that people have wanted to write since a child and have been penning stuff but not me. I studied nursing. Then I decided that there had to be something else and went to uni to do Drama. I wrote a one person one act play. It’s still on my computer. I got positive feedback and started writing. Once I started I realized I loved it and could not stop.


What genre/genres do you prefer to write? Are there other genres you’d like to write in the future?

I think speculative fiction covers what write the best. This book is a paranormal romance but I have an urban fantasy coming out later this year. I have also written horror short stories. I am in the process of co-writing a romantic comedy with a friend who is a historical writer. Talk about a challenge, but we are up to it.


Do you write books in series? If so, share a bit about the series you currently have published or are coming soon. 

My first attempt at writing was an epic fantasy trilogy. It is 135,000 words and is still on my computer. Maybe one day it will come out to play. I have two books out this year World change which is part of the Earthbound Trilogy and Unknown Protector which is part of the Midworlder trilogy. I usually focus on a different couple in each novel but one overreaching story arc. I also have novella two coming out in the Seeker Chronicles. They are vampire stories based in Australia. We could have one for each state which would mean eight.


About the Author



Maggie Mundy lives in Adelaide, Australia and is a member of Romance Writers of Australia, and the local chapter SARA (South Australian Romance Authors). She recently completed a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and English at Flinders University. She had a short story published in the RWA Topaz Anthology Little Gems in 2010 called Sea and Vines. Over the past year she has had stories on line with Alfie dog in the UK and Antipodean SF in Australia. She has also performed for many years in corporate entertainment for which she wrote her own sketches, which probably explains why her head is so full of characters. She loves writing romance but thinks falling in love can be scary, especially in her stories where creatures of the night really exist.

Visit Maggie Mundy








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