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, July 28, 2014

Love. Lust. Power Games. Five Sizzling Hot Fantasy Romances.



Time to bundle it up again! This go around I’ve teamed up with four amazing authors to bring you 100% Fantasy Romance. So cozy in and check out some steamin' hot reads!

Steal the keys to five realms with these five fantasy romances for a mere $.99 with this bundle simply bursting with love, lust, and power games. From witches and werewolves to Greek mythology and even Scottish magic, these tales offer an eclectic mix sure to stoke your summer's heat into a solar storm! So, summon your inner warrior princess and ready your charms. Prepare for the battle of the sexes and wizards with hexes, because the only way to defy all evil is to fall in love...and maybe invoke a god!

His Forbidden Fruit by Jaide Fox: First she would become his captive...then he would capture her heart....With his lands cursed to wither and die, a desperate Lord Dominic Rainier learns from a witch that the only way to save his people is to capture the lovely Lady Lilith Somerset … and impregnate her before the next full moon….

Touch of the Gods by D.X. Luc: When Love and War make a wager, what could possibly go wrong? Hephaestus has lived a life of harsh abuse. The lame god knows heartbreak and doesn't believe love is in the stars for him. Little does he know, Eros and Ares puts his love life to the test and leads him to the full bodied, mortal Vanessa. Does he take a chance to open up or continue to believe he's destined to suffer for eternity?

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.

Sylvan Mist by Sky Purington: Coira refuses to acknowledge the Scotsman haunting her.Why should she? She carries no magic and is newly engaged. Though well aware of the mysterious tie between the medieval MacLomains and her Broun heritage, she prefers a proper English gentleman to a barbarian living six hundred years in the past. However, as one whirlwind day will prove, she has little choice in the matter.

Circle City, Lord of the Wolfen by Alisha Paige: Axl Wolfdorn is coming of age, ready for his Unleashing and on the hunt for his Moonswan, the female he will choose for the Chase and the royal Feral Consummation. But how can he consider bonding with a mate when the only scent deep within his nose is the tangy scent of the woman he must now kill to avenge his mother's death?

*These books contain very strong sexual content and are recommended for a mature 18+ audience*

Touch of the Gods- “If you like reading about the Greek Gods, well you'll have your eyes and imagination full. This is the side they didn't teach in Lit class.” A. Hayden

Swordsong- "Moncrief creates a unique culture from which Murdo comes and weaves it in with the present culture, making a compelling, sparkling love story with a unique twist near the end." ~Camilla, The Long and Short Reviews

His Forbidden Fruit- “The story is fast paced. It's well-written and creative…The lovemaking was hot and sensual.” K. Hill

Circle City: Lord of the Wolfen- “Fast paced and detailed…action packed...The plot line is deep and the twists and turns of the book will keep you wondering how things will happen and how it will end.” Stacy Eaton

Sylvan Mist- “A great book, mixing magic with history and time travel with romance, all following a family line through time. I loved the storyline and the great characters.” Night Owl Reviews


Coming soon to iTunes and many online bookstores.

Friday, July 18, 2014

Magic. Betrayal. Power Struggles. Shawndirea by Leonard D. Hilley II.



Today I’m thrilled to welcome over Leonard D. Hilley II, author of Shawndirea, Chronicles of Aetheaon, Book I, a Fantasy (Epic, Adventure, Sword/Sorcerer) novel.

Publisher:  DeimosWeb Publishing
Date of Publication: June 27, 2014

ISBN: 9781310304965 

Number of pages: 536 printed pages
Word Count:  148,000

GIVEAWAY!! Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter after this post for a chance to win one of 5 free ebook copies of Shawndirea via Smashwords. 

Book Description



Often the smallest unexpected surprises garner the most demanding dilemmas, which proves to be the ordeal that entomologist Ben Whytten faces.  While netting butterflies to add to his vast collection, he mistakenly sweeps what he thinks is the most spectacular butterfly he has ever seen into his net.  Upon examining his catch, Ben is horrified to discover he has captured a faery and shredded her delicate wings into useless ribbons.

Devastated, Ben vows to take Shawndirea back to her realm, Aetheaon; but he discovers that doing so places their lives into immediate danger.  To get to Aetheaon, they must pass through a portal rift deep inside the haunted cavern, Devils Den.  

Once they cross the rift, Ben enters a world where mysteries, magic, betrayal, and power struggles await. He must adapt quickly or die because Aetheaon is filled with enchanted creatures and numerous races where chaos often dominates order.  And since Shawndirea’s destined for the throne of Elvendale, opposing dark forces plot to prevent her from ever reaching her kingdom again.  The faery's magic isn't enough to fully protect them, so he must trust other adventurers to aid them during their journey.

Available at Amazon

Interview Time!


What inspired you to write this book?  

Shawndirea was originally meant to be a novella as a backstory for Devils Den (setting is twenty years after Shawndirea) that was published a couple of years ago.  My plan had been to explain the history behind several characters, primarily Ben and the faery, Shawndirea. However, the characters had something greater in mind.

Most of the characters in these two books originated with a book I trashed almost twenty years ago. Although I killed that novel, the characters stuck around in my head and matured. After twenty years, when the opportunity presented itself, they decided to hijack my novel and let their voices be heard. 

This is the longest novel I’ve written, and never has one of my novels flowed so rapidly. It was difficult for me to keep up with them.  There were many days with 12+ pages came with ease.

How did you come up with the title?

Shawndirea is the faery’s name. Giving the book a different title would have dishonored her.

What made you choose the main setting for your book?

The opening setting for Shawndirea and Devils Den is a fictional town (Cider Knoll) in Kentucky near Somerset.  Devils Den is the name of an enchanted cave that leads to a different realm, or realms depending upon how the maze passageways direct. 

When I wrote Devils Den and the rural town, I had never been to Somerset, Kentucky. After I had written the novel, I decided to drive out to Somerset with my wife and kids. The eerie thing is a lot of the descriptions I wrote about in the book were actually there. The old general store and other landmarks were there. It brought chills when I realized how much description my muse had instructed me to put on the page.

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

The faery on the front cover is Shawndirea.  I scanned book covers online for hours and found this one.  The second I saw it, I knew that was her. http://www.selfpubbookcovers.com/Tigerlily

I was blown away. While the image is great online with Kindle, Nook, and other digital readers, the paperback cover takes the breath away.  

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

I’m currently working on two novels. I’m working on the sequel to Shawndirea, and already a few chapters into it. I’m also working on a sci-fi novel based off a screenplay I had written while working on my Master’s thesis. This one should be a stand-alone novel and current word count is 25,000 words. 

Tell us about your favorite writing environment. Is it indoors, outdoors, a special room, etc. 

It varies from day to day. The majority of the time I write in my recliner while my 24-toed black cat, Slinx, watches from his perch above my head.  Since I teach at a local junior college, I find that I have to write in my office between classes sometimes. Other days I go to the university library and hide in a cubicle on the top floor and write.  That’s the good thing about having a laptop because you can write almost anywhere.

Are your book/books available in audio? In other languages? If so, give us more details about where we can get them and what languages they’re in.

I’m currently working on audio and hoping to get translations in German, Spanish, and other languages before the year is out.

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

I’ve been writing stories since I was 10 years old. For a time, I drew my own comics. I’ve loved books since I was three years old. I read everything I could get my hands on in school, and eventually decided to write books that I’d like to read except they didn’t exist. So I had to write them.

My first novel was published in 2007.

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

I tend to write in cross genre. My first series was sci-fi suspense/thriller with other elements mixed in. I also love writing fantasy. And later this year I will be starting my teen mystery series.  These will be shorter novels, but I already have three solid plots worked out.

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

My Darkness Series consists of four novels: Predators of Darkness: Aftermath; Beyond the Darkness; The Game of Pawns; and Death’s Valley. There is an air of dystopia in the first novel, but one of my characters is a genetically altered cat that can talk. Morton has a smart mouth, but readers love him. I love him. But he’s the hardest character for me to write. Since he’s a cat, he’s just that stubborn. He only speaks when he chooses.  Believe me. When he talks, I write it down.

Thanks so much for the opportunity to let me share about my writing. All my best to you and your followers!

Thanks for joining me today, Leonard! Wishing you much success always.

About the Author 



Leonard D. Hilley II currently lives in the mountains of Kentucky with his wife, Christal.  He is a biologist that has also earned his MFA in creative writing.  Having a passion for books at an early age, he knew he wanted to author his own creative works.  He wrote his first novel at the age of eleven and has never lost his love for books.

Visit Leonard D. Hilley II


Twitter@Deimosweb Publishing

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Thursday, July 17, 2014

Paranormal Romance. Burdened by Peiri Ann.



Today I’m thrilled to welcome over Peiri Ann, author of Burdened, A Burdened Novel, Book 1, a Paranormal Romance.

ISBN: 9780991381104
ASIN: B00JYOLZA2

Number of pages: ebook (381) 
Number of pages: paperback (423)
Word Count: 142K

GIVEAWAY!! Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter after this post for a chance to win.

Book Description



Tracey Warren has everything an eighteen year old girl should. She lives a life of expectancies; go to school, please her parents, party with friends, and revel in life as a young adult. 

That is until she experiences an unexpected life changing accident caused by Nathan Newcomb; an illegally attractive yet perplexed guy who has her fumbling over her words and cracking her head on the concrete. In being enthralled by his overwhelming existence, Tracey neglects his promise of death (which never falls short of Nathan) and in ignoring his guarantee, she chooses to give into love over sanity and risks her life for the opportunity of being with him. 

Nathan, knowing the risks gives into this want to have Tracey presuming it may be better to jeopardize their possible ending, than to allow her to endure the pain of his devoid. Nonetheless, with him being a burdened Sephlem, not only are they burdened by their adversaries who will risk everything but the exposure of their existence to see Nathan fall. But Nathan and Tracey come to find that their most sinister enemies lie under their same roof and regrettably share the same bloodline.

Book Trailer




Available at Amazon and BN

Interview Time!


Thanks for joining me today, Peiri!

Thank you for having me at A Writers Mind. 

What inspired you to write this book?

I was inspired to write Burdened when I was reading a lot of books that didn’t give me exactly what I wanted. They either had whiny heroines, not enough actions, not enough sex, the hero was too soft or too darn aggressive. And I wanted other PR with a strong romance base that wasn’t with vampires and werewolves. And I love writing. 

How did you come up with the title?

Burdened was written before I came up with the title. Because crazy and inconveniencing things happen throughout the story – when it seems as if everything is just getting better- I saw my character’s story as a burden. Plus my main character is a burdened Sephlem. So the title fit right in. 

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

Tracey: But if you murder your father, wouldn’t you kill your mother as well?

Nathan: No, she will remain alive, but she will be miserable and out of character.

Tracey: Wait, I’m confused. I thought one could not live without the other?

Nathan: The female can live without the male, but not the other way around. Remember, your heart beats in replacement of mine. So if I die, your heart will still beat, but if you die, that’s it for the both of us.

Tracey’s thought ‘That’s some crazy shit.’

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

I’m currently working on a fiction sci-fi/paranormal romance. It has a military base, genetically altered humans, aliens, and zombies. Yeah, an entire mixture of things that all role up into a wide ride called Diminish that will release early winter. 

What sort of personality does your hero have?

Nathan (the hero) is confident, charming, suave, reliable, keen, intelligent and fearless. He gives it to you straight forward and does not like to be BSd.

What sort of personality does your heroine have?

Tracey (the heroine) is conscientious, imaginative, capable, precise, and demanding. She wants what she wants when she wants it and hand has a good head on her shoulder... except when it comes to Nathan.

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

Yes. So there is this scene when Tracey and Nathan (my two main characters) get a little steamy. No, not a little, they get really steamy. Only when they are “steamy” can Tracey get in his head (Not hear his thoughts, but she can feel what he feels and see what he sees.) So, of course they are in there moment and she can feel the way she feels to him (as he’s feeling her) and sees how he sees her. What makes this scene my favorite is that it’s interrupted and at the worse possible “moment”.

Tell us about your favorite writing environment. Is it indoors, outdoors, a special room, etc.

My favorite writing environment is indoors surrounded by music sitting at my desk on this comfy spot of my couch where the cushions separate with my legs crossed Indian style and the laptop in my lap. (The best scenes and characters come to me when I’m like that.) 

Do you prefer to write short stories, novellas or novels? Why?

I like to write novels because I like to read long books and extended stories. Short stories and novellas bother me if I’m really into it and love the characters and I can’t get enough. 

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

I do write books in Series. Burdened is a part of A Burdened Novel book series. It’s four of them. Book two, “Tainted” will release this coming winter. 

If you could make changes to a story you’ve already written, which would it be and why?

One change I would make to a story I’ve already written is pushing out the relationship between my characters. Although if I did, it would really mess up the story’s plot. But because I don’t really like insta-love, yet I wrote it, that’s something I would change.

About the Author



A love for reading transpired into an admiration for writing at a young age for Peiri Ann. Starting off in writing poetry and short stories she indulged in the possibilities of creating new worlds and lives to live within them opening a window of unanticipated possibilities. In high school a pin and notebook never left her grasps and in college the pin was replaced by a keyboard and the notebook replaced by a computer screen. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and certified in business management. 

When Peiri Ann is not writing, reading, doing homework, or working in the downtown of Chicago she enjoys spending time with her little girl, watching action flicks, and spooning peanut butter from the jar as a midnight snack.

Visit Peiri Ann


Twitter@peiriann

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Friday, July 11, 2014

Powerful Love. Merciless Revenge. Wrath of the Highlander- The MacLomain Series: Next Generation.



Welcome! Summer is sizzling hot here in New Hampshire and as usual, I’m writing away. The characters from the MacLomain Series- Next Generation are keeping me well entertained. I hope you enjoyed last month’s release, Vow of the Highlander. I know several readers have been anticipating Malcolm’s story. Well wait no more… Wrath of the Highlander is here!

This book kept me up many nights not just writing but simply thinking. Why? Well, not only is this novel at the center of the series but it’s about one of my favorite characters, Malcolm MacLomain. As you can imagine, crawling inside his head was no easy task. Sure, he’d had it rough what with a traitorous wife now deceased and a lairdship denied him, but I was determined to see past his brooding nature to the man he once was. Though aggressive and dominating, I knew he was also by far one of the most honorable highlanders I’ve written about. Through that honor I was able to further understand what was at the root of him.

They say behind every good man is a good woman. As it turns out, Malcolm’s was not who you might’ve anticipated. Though Sheila made it clear she desired him, she kept a secret in Vow of the Highlander  that you’ll soon read about. But little would that have mattered because there’s another Broun cousin in town… or should I say medieval Scotland? With Cadence around, things will never be the same.

So here you go! I hope you enjoy reading Wrath of the Highlander  half as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Blurb


Bookstore owner and ghostwriter, Cadence wants nothing more than to be part of the unending draw between her Broun heritage and the medieval MacLomain clan. When an unexpected Claddagh ring appears on her finger, the distant past soon becomes her future. Though sure she was brought back in time for another man, the laird’s cousin soon draws her eye, then her every thought.

Recently widowed by a traitorous wife, Malcolm MacLomain has no use for love. Merciless, he swears revenge on his enemies and embarks for war. When courageous and persevering, Cadence becomes part of his endeavor his broken heart starts to mend. Caught in an unexpected journey of forgiveness and discovery, two worlds collide and heal despite the, Wrath of the Highlander.

Excerpt


“Have you found your mystery man yet, lass?” he said, so low she would feel the rumble of his inquisition through the thin material of her silky, smooth dress.

Her lips trembled, eyes wide, but she gave no answer.

Oh, but to close his lips over hers.

“No,” Cadence finally murmured, her eyes still locked on his. “But I will find him.”

When she licked her lips, his eyes drifted down. Wide and full, they were created for pure sin. He could only imagine them running down his body, surrounding him where it mattered most. Damnation, he needed  her closer.

Though he wouldn’t kiss her, he’d sure as hell dance with her.

Ignoring her assurance that she was meant for another man, Malcolm pulled her into the dancing crowd. It didn’t matter if the music was merry; he wasn’t in the mood for speed. Besides, he needed to hide his swelling erection. This time he’d not temper the poor thing with magic. Nay, she’d feel his need while she tried to keep focus on the man she so eagerly sought.  

“Goddess above, what are you doing to me,” she whispered, voice strangled.

Arms wrapped tight around her lower back, he brought his mouth against her ear. “‘Twill be no goddess giving you answers, only me.” He tightened his hold. “Do you feel me then, lass?”

“How could I not?” she gasped. Hands clamped on his upper arms, she turned her face into his chest and mumbled, “You show ill respect to a man you have not met.”

“I dinnae respect a man until he earns it.” Malcolm closed his eyes and breathed in the sweet scent of her hair.

As each individual note trilled from the bagpipe, she melted against him more thoroughly than the icy snowflakes speckling his heated skin. Fire and drink might warm the crowd but where they stood his breath hit the air in foggy puffs. Always a fan of the cold, but an even bigger fan of a bonnie wee lass against him, he cupped one hand around the back of her neck.

Her heart thundered against his.

Her body shuddered.

“Easy, lass,” he whispered. “I willnae take what you’re unwilling to give.”

“Yet you hold me prisoner,” she murmured.

“Nay, we but dance.”

“If only.”

Her words were so soft he barely heard them.

Jaw grinding, he held her securely with his arm while pressing his arousal tighter against her. Och, but to be inside of her, to see the look on her face when he made her his.

“No,” she whispered. Then she pulled back, her voice stronger as her eyes met his. “No.”

“Aye, lass.” But he loosened his hold and gave her one more word before he let her go. “Soon.” 


Coming soon to iTunes and Google Books


Monday, July 7, 2014

First Love. Second Chance. Tender Deceit by H.Y. Hanna.



Today it’s my pleasure to feature, Tender Deceit,  First Love Series, Book 1 by H.Y. Hanna, a Romantic Suspense.

ISBN:  978-0-9923153-6-8
Word Count:  67,000 words
Cover Artist:  Kim Killion 

GIVEAWAY!! Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter after this post for a chance to win 5 free copies of the ebook or 1 Amazon giftcard for $20.

Book Description

First love. Second chance. All they have to do is stay alive…

Following her father’s mysterious death, Leah Fisher leaves her life in London and returns to her childhood home of Singapore. She’s braced to confront her past and determined to lay the ghost of her “first love” to rest. Toran James may have been the boy her fourteen-year old heart yearned for, but the magic of stolen glances and first kisses had faded with his betrayal.

Then Leah meets Toran again and finds that he has grown up into a dangerously attractive man. And the past holds more secrets than she realised. Was her father’s death really an accident? What is hidden in his study? And why has Toran contacted her again after all these years?

Someone is out to silence Leah – and that someone might be the man she’s rapidly falling in love with… again.

Excerpt


He looked up as she approached and she stopped short, stunned by the intensity of his green eyes. 

“Leah.”

He made as if to rise and suddenly Leah panicked. Should I shake hands? Kiss him? Hug him? Quickly, she sat down at the table and waved him back down with her hand. 

“Hello, Toran.”

It was hopelessly inadequate, a stupid inane greeting after all these years, but Leah didn’t know what else to say to the stranger sitting in front of her. Except for those brilliant green eyes, there was little left of the boy she used to know. The jaw had widened and hardened, roughened by a faint shadow of stubble, and the warm smile had been replaced by a steely line of a mouth that was at once forbidding and sensual. Dark, unruly hair fell over his brow and didn’t quite hide a thin scar along his left temple which Leah was sure had not been there before. His skin was more tanned than she remembered and that lean, boyish frame had filled out into broad shoulders and a hard, muscular physique that spoke more of outdoor pursuits than time in a gym. More than that, though, was the feeling of latent power and cool authority. Leah caught her breath. Toran James had grown up into a dangerously attractive man. 

There was a glass in front of him filled with a pale amber liquid; and next to it, a cigar, its wreath of smoke curling lazily up to the ceiling. 

Her eyes met his in accusation. “You said you would never smoke.”

“You said you would never cut your hair.”

Leah touched her head self-consciously before she could stop herself. She wondered if he was assessing her too and searching for the girl he used to know. Her hair fell in waves just past her shoulders now and she had learnt the art of eyeliner to make the most of her deep blue eyes. She wasn’t a gym bunny either, but walking everywhere in London had kept her trim. Leah saw his gaze flick appreciatively over her, lingering on her bare legs exposed by the short hem of her black dress, and she felt her pulse quicken.

“I guess people change.” Leah attempted a light smile. “It’s been over twelve years, you know.”

“I know.” He made a gesture with his hands. “I’m sorry to hear about your father, Leah.”

She nodded. “Thank you.”

Silence settled over them. Leah found herself unable to look at him and was furious to realise that her heart was pounding. What was wrong with her? Anyone would think that she was still fourteen! She had thought that meeting Toran again would help to lay the ghosts of her schoolgirl infatuation to rest. Instead, Leah was dismayed to discover that her feelings for him seemed very much alive, her awareness of him even more heightened than when they were teenagers. Not that he seemed to share her turmoil, she thought, glancing at him from beneath her eyelashes. His handsome face was inscrutable, the green eyes cool and remote. 

The Indian woman came over with a menu. Leah ordered the house special, a coconut mojito, while Toran ordered another whiskey. When the drinks arrived, he settled back in his chair and gave her a small smile. It was just a glimmer, but it was enough to remind her of the boy she used to know and Leah felt her shoulders relax slightly. 

“So you work in London now?” He raised an eyebrow. “Tell me about your job…”

He was a good listener, as he always had been, and Leah found herself relaxing even more as she told him about her work, friends, life back in the U.K… Before she knew it, half an hour had passed and she realised that she had not learnt anything about him.

“What about you?” Leah asked. “What’s—”

A shrill beeping made her jump. He took a phone out of his pocket and glanced at the screen, his face tightening. He stood up with an apologetic smile. “I’ll be right back.”

Leah looked idly around the lounge as she waited for him to return, not quite sure of the feelings churning inside her. Why did anyone look up their childhood sweetheart? To reconnect? Rediscover? Re-ignite what had once been…?

“I’m really sorry—something’s come up and I have to go.” Toran stood by the table, those green eyes once again belonging to a stranger. 

Leah stood up quickly and found that he towered over her. He had always been tall, but now he was well over six feet. She stared at the front of his shirt, where the crisp cotton parted to reveal a glimpse of tanned chest. He was standing very close. She found herself unable to meet his eyes. “Um… Sure, yes, of course…”

“I’ll be in touch.”

Leah felt something brush her hand—she could almost have imagined it—and then he was gone. Slowly, she made her way back to her hotel, her head dizzy with thoughts she didn’t really want to acknowledge. Alone in her room, she grabbed the phone on an impulse and dialed the number.

“Hello?” Julia’s voice hadn’t changed, despite the years. 

“Hi, Julia.”

“Oh my God, Leah? Is that really you?” She laughed. “I was so excited when I read on Facebook that you were coming back to Singapore. When did you arrive? Where are you staying? Hey, if you’re not doing anything tonight—”

“I arrived earlier today. Listen, Julia,” Leah said breathlessly. “I know this sounds crazy, but I’ve got to tell somebody—somebody who understands. I…I saw Toran again and he—”

“What?” Her voice was sharp. “Toran James? When? Where?”

“Tonight.” Leah was taken aback by her sharpness. “I just got back, in fact. I went to meet him for drinks. I got this message and I couldn’t believe it… But then I thought, hell, why not, and…” She trailed off as she realised that Julia wasn’t listening.

“Tonight? You saw Toran tonight? Leah, are you sure?”

“Of course, I’m sure. I mean, he looks different—you know, all grown up—but his eyes…”

“Wait, Leah,” she cut in urgently. “That’s not possible.”

“What do you mean?”

“You couldn’t have met Toran tonight.”

“Why not?”

“Because he died in an accident yesterday.” 

About the Author



H.Y. Hanna was born in Taiwan and has been a globe-trotter most of her life, from growing up in the United Arab Emirates to attending school in New Jersey, from working in the glamorous world of London advertising to emigrating Down Under. 

Along the way, she somehow managed to pick up a wonderful husband, a huge, slobbery dog, two rescue cats, an assortment of cardboard boxes and a slightly dodgy "trans-atlantic" accent. After graduating from Oxford University, she tried her hand at a variety of jobs before returning to her first love: writing. 

She’s the author of the Amazon bestselling children’s mystery series, Big Honey Dog Mysteries, and is now diving into the world of romantic suspense with the launch of Tender Deceit, Book 1 in the First Love Series. 

You can find out more about H.Y. Hanna and her books at: www.hyhanna.com or catch her on Facebook at “H.Y. Hanna” or the Big Honey Dog Mysteries Facebook Page.

Visit H.Y. Hanna




Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Urban Fantasy. Paranormal Romance. Burning in a Memory by Constance Sharper.



Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over Constance Sharper, author of Burning in a Memory, Adelaide’s Series, Book 1, a Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

Date of Publication: July 1st, 2014

ISBN-13: 978-1499258738 
ISBN-10: 1499258739

Number of pages: Approx. 315
Word Count: 87,000

Cover Artist: Judyta (Feainne) K.

GIVEAWAY!! Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter after this post for a chance to win one of four paperback copies of Burning In A Memory.

Book Description


Curiosity killed the cat, and nineteen-year-old Adelaide was next. She could barely remember the moments during her childhood when she knew magic existed, but she never stopped searching for it since. On the flipside, monsters from the magical world never stopped searching for her either. 

Their paths finally cross in time for Adelaide to realize she should have stayed on the human side of the east coast. Unlike college, she can’t get out of trouble with a cute smile and a cuter wardrobe. 

These monsters are out for blood, her blood, but she’s in luck. They will spare her life in exchange for one favor, and that favor is named Leon Colton.

Amazon   BN    Kobo

Interview Time!


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

The story follows nineteen-year-old Adelaide. Adelaide has faint memories of a unique childhood and people who could conjure magic-- other people just like her. When growing up in Kansas City, Missouri, she doesn’t encounter anything close to magic. By the time she reaches college, she can take the curiosity no longer and goes searching.

Instead of finding mages, she finds the monsters of the supernatural world. These monsters are called shades and are seconds away from ending her life when she cuts a deal. She agrees to find a mage named Leon Colton in exchange for her own life. 

She figures it cannot be very hard. Leon Colton does not know who she is or whom she works with. She’s an unrecognizable woman with an ability to talk her way out of anything. Or at least she thinks. 

How did you come up with the title?

The title is very unique and probably not the best suited for a book name, but the storyline actually begged for it. I am a real advocate for allowing the storyline to names itself. Burning in a Memory refers to the deepest aspect of the book. It’s that something Adelaide remembers and can’t let go. It burns in her mind and is destroyed over time until nothing remains of the reality but ash.

If you could spend an hour in real life with one of your characters, who would it be and why?

Probably Leon Colton. The mage is legend but there is definitely a real man behind the legend. He’s the type of person to always keep you guessing and possibly the most intriguing of the characters. It’s impossible to capture him completely without reading the background of the book. I love twists and Leon is the center of a mass of them. 

What sort of personality does your heroine have?

Adelaide develops her personality from the unique circumstances she’s set in throughout life. She starts off as curious, like anyone would be, when they have unanswered questions about their own identity. She finds out quickly though that one wrong step could be her last and that many have died where she has survived. Despite the morbid knowledge, this leaves her absolutely determined to live on. Her urge for self-preservation is really defining—a trait she supposedly would never give up for a guy. 

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

On the cover is Adelaide, the protagonist of the storyline. The model on the cover had the perfect look of someone caught between good and bad. She’s a knowing woman set atop the cliff where the beginning of the book takes place.  

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

My first book came out in 2011 but I’ve been writing forever. I wish I could churn out more books, but unfortunately work and schooling always gets in the way. 

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

The first book series I published was The Airborne Saga. That series was made up of three books. 

The most recent series I’m publishing is Burning in a Memory. The new series, Burning, is quite a departure from the old books. I’m always looking for reinvention and am always evolving as a writer. I’m hoping Burning will capture a wider audience than Airborne as it transcends more of the genres. It is an urban fantasy (set in reality, modern day, with the one supernatural aspect). It also has a strong romantic aspect to it also driving the story. 

Excerpt


Adelaide screamed as she fell. Her hands flailed but she never caught the banister in time. She plummeted down the short flight of stairs and nailed the bottom step. Her vision flashed black and pain reverberated up her spine. She found her feet after a moment, but by the time she looked up, the basement door was shut. A halo of light outlined the doorframe and provided the only illumination in the dark basement. 

A cold fear suddenly seized her in the next second.  The shade was in here. Disorientation from the fall lingered but she still felt its presence. She heard the wheezing breath and smelt the bitter smoke that clung to its being. She could only see the hint of its figure in the dark, but refused to stay long enough to see more.

“Adelaide,” it cooed. The sound of its catlike voice made her misstep and stumble. She winced but forced herself to stay calm and find the stairs. The monstrous shade was tied and bound, she told herself. It could not get free. 

Wood creaked. The wheezing grew louder. The smell of smoke thickened in the air.

She carefully hurried to the top of the staircase and reached the door. She raced her hand along the wood until she found the knob and twisted, but the lock wouldn’t give. Twisting with all of her might, her muscles burned before she let go. The door was still pressurized in its exact position and that barred her only escape route. Leon’s aura filled the hall outside and the pressure wouldn’t let up until he did.

“Adam! Adam!” she called. Adelaide beat on the door with her fists, ready to splinter the wood if necessary. 

“Come down here, Adelaide. I’ve been waiting so long to talk to you,” it hissed.

She stopped her futile assault and her fists hovered in the air. The sound of its voice unnerved her and it refused to shut up.

“Why won’t you look at me? What are you afraid of seeing?” it asked.

Adelaide would have scoffed at the question if fear didn’t keep her so quiet. After a second of collecting her nerves, she turned to face it. Its figure was barely visible, but she saw it tug against its bindings. The wooden chair it was bound to creaked again. 

“I am not afraid of you. You can’t hurt me,” she blurted upon finding her voice.

“That boy is not going to protect you…”

“You don’t know anything. Leave me alone,” she spit. It was just taunting her now, but it also affected her more than she’d like to admit. She turned and pressed her ear against the door. If Adam was on the other side, he stayed silent. Her skin crawled when she couldn’t hear anything at all from the hallway.

“You cannot even protect yourself,” the shade said.

“Then you’ve never met me.”

The door suddenly groaned. It shifted in its frame and she grabbed the knob again. She yanked the door open and the sweet fresh air of freedom beckoned her out of the dank basement. But then the shade called out to her again and this time it stopped her dead in her tracks.

“Regardless, you will come see me soon if you want to survive,” it said. “Because I know your secret. I know what you’re doing here.”

About the Author



Born and raised in Florida, Constance Sharper juggles following her writing passion with completing her doctorate degree. She's been a lover of urban fantasy and young adult books, and published The Airborne Saga as her first series. She continues to write multiple books in the same and similar genres. She currently lives with her beagle and wishes a Starbucks would open up nearby. 

Visit Constance's Website and Twitter.