Bargain with a ghost? Never Again. Fall in love with the ghost’s brother? Well, maybe. Haunting You by Viola Estrella.

Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over Viola Estrella, author of Haunting You, Bewitching Women Series, Book 2. If you love Paranormal Romance, this one's for you. So cozy in and check out this fantastic read!

Date of Publication:  10/25/2014

ISBN: 978-0-9856198-3-1

ASIN: B00OU1V41E

Number of pages: 302

Word Count: 85,500

Cover Artist: Estrella Cover Art

Giveaway! Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter after this post for a chance to win 7 $5 Amazon, B&N, or iTunes gift cards (winner’s choice).

Book Description

Rachel Spencer's life has been hijacked by the supernatural. Ghosts seeking help with their unfinished earthly business won't leave her alone. Her only hope for returning to normalcy and passing her next attempt at the bar exam is making a deal with one of the ghostly intruders. It should be simple--Ella keeps the other spirits away if Rachel agrees to help Ella's two teenage sons. No problem. Well, not until she meets the boys' guardian.

August Kline misses his old life. He never planned to raise two teenage hurricanes in an old house in small-town Indiana. But here he is, and he's determined to make the best of it...if he could only keep the house in order and not completely screw up his nephews.

Enter a gorgeous redhead who pops into August's world when life is at its grimmest. Rachel claims to be an old friend of Ella's and offers to help around the house. Sparks fly whenever they're together, and August is falling fast. Rachel keeps her distance, worrying her ghostly secrets will sabotage any chance of a relationship. But when danger appears and threatens the people she has grown to care about, she may have to face more than her own fears.

Available at  Amazon   BN   ARe   iBooks

Time to Interview!

What inspired you to write this book?

The heroine in Haunting You had her debut in Bewitching You, Book 1 in the Bewitching Women Series. I put her through some trauma in the first book and decided she desperately needed a happy ending of her own. And now she does!

What made you choose the main setting for your book?

I chose Indiana as the setting because one of the secondary characters is Amish (and a ghost), and I needed a small-town setting where Amish are abundant. I also lived in a small town in Indiana for a short period as a young girl. (I have to warn readers that even though there’s an Amish character, this is not an inspirational romance. It’s actually quite spicy!)

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

Well, the hero in Haunting You wouldn’t be too horrible to spend time with (for obvious reasons). He’s a fun guy with a sense of humor. And not difficult to look at.

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

Here’s my tagline for Haunting You. Hopefully it explains a lot with a little. “Strike a bargain with a ghost? Never Again. Fall in love with the ghost’s brother? Well, maybe.”

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

I’m currently writing Book 3 in the Bewitching Women Series, Finding You. It’s Becca’s story, and I’m LOVING getting into her head. She’s a blast (and a mess). And the hero isn’t too shabby either. Like the first two, this has a feel-good, small-town feel. And of course plenty of paranormal elements with a bit of mystery.

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

In Haunting You, any scene where my heroine, Rachel, and my hero, August, were together was my favorite. I loved their dialogue and their passion.

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

My preference is to write paranormal romance and sexy urban fantasy. I’ve had the urge to write a cozy mystery lately, and I’ve always wanted to write contemporary romance. But one thing at a time, right?

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

Novels, simply because they’re meatier. But I have written shorter.

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

I do. The Bewitching Women Series is going to be a trilogy (at least). I’m also going to re-release my RITA-nominated sexy urban fantasy, Angel Vindicated, by the end of the year (crossing fingers!). Then I’ll continue that series.

Readers, to find out more, please visit my website: http://violaestrella.com/

And also sign up for my newsletter!

Thank you for having me! 

Excerpt

So she actually wanted to go through with this?

Fantastic. No, more like embarrassing. And wrong. So wrong.

A beautiful woman had popped into his life like a granted wish and all she wanted to do was clean his house.

He stepped outside, letting the glass door close behind him, and smiled at Rachel because, well, he found it hard not to when in her presence. Rosy-glossed kissable lips, light coppery hair, delicate features, and seductive eyes framed by thick lashes compelled him to be happy. Hell, to be ecstatic. The woman magnetized him. He was a goddamned moth and she was the brightest lamppost on the block. Only question was when would he get zapped?

“Hi.” She stuffed her hands in her pockets and rocked on her feet. Cute and sexy. Lethal combo.

“You came back.” Obviously, dumbass.

“I hope you don’t mind. Helping you and the boys would mean a lot to me.”

When she put it that way, it seemed kind of rude to object. But… “I really don’t think this is a good idea.”

“I want to. Besides, I owe Ella for all her mentoring. She helped me so much. And this is how I’d like to repay her.”

“I don’t know.” Why couldn’t he just say “no”? Where were his balls? They were there a moment ago.

“I insist, August. So…” She lifted her hand, palm up. “Hand over the house key. You’re not going to win this argument. I’m a soon-to-be lawyer. I don’t back down easily.”

“I can see that.” He dug into his pocket and pulled out his set of keys. “I’m going to pay you for whatever you do.” Truth be told, he should have hired a housekeeper before it had come to this. If he had, maybe Rachel would be more interested in his bed than his dirty dishes.

“No, you’re not.” She grabbed the key from his hand just as he unlatched it. “I won’t accept anything but extreme gratitude.”

“Extreme gratitude could come in many forms.” He instinctively reached out to touch her, brushing two fingers down the inside of her forearm.

Her cheeks flushed pink as she inched ever so slightly away from him. She averted her gaze to the parking lot. “Um, I’ll get started. Should I bring the key back to you before I leave?”

So she was shy all of a sudden? Too bad. He could have some fun debating with Ms. Soon-To-Be-Lawyer. But shyness was good too. The word “challenge” sprang to mind.

He leaned against the concrete plaza wall and inclined toward her, catching a whiff of strawberry. He hadn’t gained women’s interest in the past by being inhibited. And he wasn’t going to start now.

“You could spend the night,” he said.

Yep, that got her attention.

She jerked her head back, warm chocolate eyes wide and alert. “Pardon?”

August kept his cool, something he’d learn to excel at over the years in NYC, where the women he’d run into weren’t quite as innocent as this one. He hitched up one side of his grin and lowered his eyelids somewhat—a look several of his ex-girlfriends had told him was sexy.

Yeah, he was desperate.

“I mean, if you’re planning on coming back tomorrow, there’s no point in driving four hours round trip.” He winked. “With gas prices and all.”

Every inch of her body seemed to tense, including her clutched fists at her sides. “My car’s pretty efficient,” she mumbled, glancing at his lips before settling on his eyes.

“Safety then. It’s a long drive.” As subtle as possible, he reached out again but this time to see if her hair was as silky soft as it appeared. Her skin certainly was. He ran his fingers across her smooth cheek, sweeping a thick lock of unbelievably soft reddish-blond hair away from her face and behind her ear.

She tilted her head toward his touch, and he hoped to God the two ladies who had just walked out of Dolly’s Hair Salon wouldn’t scare her away from the kiss he was about to give her.

He cupped her cheek and moved in closer.

She pulled her bottom lip in to bite and then released it, making him want to taste her even more.

“Thanks for the offer, but I’ll pass.”

Before he could make his move or argue it was the best idea he’d had in years, she took three sharp steps away from him, leaving his hand caressing nothing but air.

“I’ll return the key in a few hours.” She turned on the heel of her tennis shoe and race-walked to her car.

Ah, hell. “All right,” he called after her, trying to sound as if he hadn’t just tried to make a move on her in the middle of a shopping plaza. And failed miserably. “See you soon.”

“Hey, Don Juan.” Loretta heaved the door open, grabbing his attention. “You collect payment from Ms. La-dee-da, or is she planning on paying you the old-fashioned way?”

August spun around and pointed a finger at her. “You know I could fire you, right? You realize I’m your employer and not the other way around?”

She rolled her eyes. “Hon, you would be lost without me.”

Shit, she was probably right. He blew out a breath. “Don’t insult Rachel, got it? She was a friend of Ella’s. And she’s going to be helping me out around the house as a favor.”

“A friend of Ella’s?” Loretta scrunched her black-dyed eyebrows together. “I don’t recall Ella ever mentioning her, and she told me everything.”

August shrugged. “Maybe there was more to Ella than you know.”

“Hmmph. I doubt it. I know everything about everyone in this town, and if Ms. Spencer is planning on sticking around Curlville for a while, I just might have to check her out.” 

About the Author

Viola Estrella loves a story with flawed characters, paranormal elements, humor and romance. She tries to include these aspects in all that she writes and loves every minute of it. When she's not writing, reading, or designing cover art, she's spending time with her husband and four sons in their Colorado home. Viola is a 2010 RITA® finalist.

Also in 2010, she was honored by her local RWA® chapter, Colorado Romance Writers, with the Writer of the Year award. Find out more about Viola Estrella’s writing at www.ViolaEstrella.com

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Science Fiction/Paranormal Romance. Witches by Michelle C. Reilly.

Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over Michelle C. Reilly, author of Witches, The Anathergians Trilogy, Book Two.

Genre: Science Fiction/Paranormal Romance

Word Count: 82k

Cover Artist: Michelle C. Reilly

Book Description

Auden, the immortal king of the Anathergians, is lost within a sea of emotions. Rocked to his very core from his battle against the Variants, he fears Travik—father to Auden’s Lifemate, Leah, and the Anathergian who turned humans into Variants—has committed the ultimate evil and killed Leah. Desperate, Auden struggles to discover the truth.

And what of Leah’s foster brother, Ceadan, who turned into a Variant to save his sister? Was he successful? Did he survive?

Auden and his fellow Anathergian warriors join with the council of witches to search for—and hopefully save—Leah and Ceadan.

Will they find them? Are they alive? And what is Travik’s evil plot for humankind?

Giveaway! Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter after this post for a chance to win one of the following:

1 - Signed paperback of Witches open to US Shipping

1 - $15 Amazon Gift Card

8 – Kindle files of the first two books in the Anathergians Trilogy: VARIANTS and WITCHES

3 – Kindle files of the first two books in the Anathergians Trilogy and the first Anathergians Novella: VARIANTS, WITCHES, and NICO: THE ROGUE WARRIOR

5 – Swag bags open to US Shipping that include:

1 Beaded hook bookmark

1 Magnet

1 Sticky note pad

1 Temporary tattoo

Time to Interview!

How did you come up with the title?

For the Anathergians Trilogy, I wanted single-word titles that conveyed what that book was about. With WITCHES, the witches are involved a lot more than in the first book, VARIANTS. So, I felt it was a good title and fit perfectly with my theme.

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

I think I would enjoy spending an hour with the main male character, Auden. He’s an interesting person and there are a lot of questions I’d love to ask him, especially since he’s lived over five thousand years. Can you imagine the history and knowledge he’s gained?

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

Since Witches is a part two, the conflict revolves around the person(s) who went missing in the first book. Once they’re found, they aren’t healthy and they require treatment. It causes a lot of conflict between the two main characters. While they’re dealing with that, there is also a new threat that appears that puts the entire world in jeopardy.

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

The mail character, Auden, is shown looking none too happy. The reason for this is because he isn’t sure what’s going on with his Lifemate, Leah. The female on the cover is Leah. Her eyes are closed, because it’s unsure if she’s alive or, if she is, whether she survived what happened to her. Both of them are shown with their Designations activated over their necks, which indicates their powers are being used. Auden’s eyes are glowing to also show he’s using his powers.  The background has a forest with the moon. A crescent moon is Leah’s Designation, so the moon in the image is behind her to show emphasis of what her symbol is.  Also, the trees are pertinent, as a character uses a power never used before in the mountains. It’s a pretty bad ass scene.

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

Yes. I’m currently working on a novella for the Anathergian warrior, Gunner. He’s an IT guy and super hot. I’m hoping to release it sometime toward the end of January.

What sort of personality does your hero have?

Auden is a king and over five thousand years old. He’s very regal and a bit stiff, but he’s extremely dedicated and loves Leah, his Lifemate, beyond anything else.

What sort of personality does your heroine have?

Leah is very smart and a strong female. She’s extremely dedicated to those she loves and protects them at all cost. Sometimes she’s a bit flippant and stubborn… Almost to her detriment.

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

I enjoy writing in coffee shops. I need to be able to concentrate, so I listen to brown noise. It seriously gets me in the zone. I’m unable to drown out background noises, the brown noise helps a lot.

What sources do you use for research?

Whatever I can get my hands (or computer) on. It has to be a solid resource, nothing wishy-washy. I like to ask people in-the-know questions. YouTube is an awesome resource for fighting styles and weaponry.

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

I started writing numerous years ago. I’ve always wanted to write novels/novellas, but life got in the way. I decided to self-publish and published my first book June 29, 2014. My second October 7, 2014. And my third on December 1, 2014. Crazy!

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

When I pitched my first book, I was shocked when I was told it was science fiction. I always considered myself a paranormal/urban fantasy author. And my books definitely have those elements. However, since many of my characters come from another planet, I was told they’re considered science fiction.

I also have some military romance, young adult (YA), and contemporary romance spinning around in my helmet, so those will come along soon… Especially the YA.

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

The Anathergians are a trilogy and a collection of novellas. They’ll continue for each of the Anathergians I choose to write about. I’ll also be doing a YA series soon! 

Excerpt

Using Auden’s Bugatti, they made their way to the salon where Ceadan had been.  Auden eyed the place. Built sometime in the 1960s, the house was now a business establishment because of zone changes.  Patches of white stucco were missing from the walls and the faded black trim peeled away from the wood.

When all four of them entered, the thin teenage boy at the desk stood and backed against a wall. His wide brown eyes, outlined in dark liner, stared at each of them. His jaw worked as if he tried to speak, but no words came out.

Gunner stepped forward and the boy squeaked and plastered himself closer to the wall. The Anathergian pulled Ceadan’s receipt from his pocket. “We’re trying to track down a friend of ours and, the last day he was seen, he visited…” He scrutinized the room and rocked back on his heels. “This lovely establishment. Can you give us an idea of who he saw?”

The boy’s Adam’s apple bobbed, and he nodded as he tentatively read the receipt.  “Uh…” his voice wavered, “let me see who was here that day.”

He reached for the mouse on the desk and surveyed the information displayed on his monitor. “It…uh…looks like Daisy took care of him.”

Gunner used the receipt like a guitar pic and strung it across the fingers of his other hand. “And, is Daisy here?”

The kid’s eyes widened, showing an extraordinary amount of sclera. “Oh! Yes. I’ll take you…uh… All of you to her.”

They followed the boy down a hallway and into a room on the left.  A girl with her head shaved on one side and the rest of her fluorescent orange hair sticking out in spikes sat at a table drawing as she rocked out to whatever music played in her ear buds.

“Uh… Daisy?” The boy’s voice shook.  When he got no response, he tried again. “Daisy, you have some…uh…men here to see you.” This time he knocked on the wall next to her.

The girl’s head lifted, her eyebrows drawn down. When she saw Gunner behind the kid, she smiled and pulled out her earbuds. When she stood and sashayed around the table, Auden scanned her black pants covered with multiple buckles. He wondered how long it took her to get them on and off.

Daisy’s gaze slowly analyzed Gunner from the top of his head to his white sneakers. The thick liner around her eyes emphasized their blue color. “Hey. What can I do for you?” She had a slight southern accent proving she wasn’t a Las Vegas native.

Gunner, never one to let a good thing pass him by, put on the charm. “Hey, darlin’. I’m looking for a friend of mine. He came here a few weeks back and then he decided to go and disappear on us. I’m hoping you can give us a clue what you did to him while he was here.” He reached into his front pocket and, when the girl’s gaze followed his hand, he slowed his movements so she could get a better look. Auden shook his head.

He pulled out his phone and displayed the photo of Ceadan they’d found in the complex’s database.  The girl studied it while blowing a huge, pink bubble from the gum she chewed.  “Yeah, I remember him. He’s the reason I’m orange now.”

“Orange?” Gunner asked.

“Yeah, you know?” She pointed to her head. “Orange. Except his is yellow, you know? Like the vests construction guys wear.”

Gunner glanced over his shoulder at Auden with a raised eyebrow and then turned back to the girl. “So, it’s like bright yellow?”

She nodded and blew another bubble. When the gum stuck to her lip, she swiped it with a finger and sucked on it with a sexy grin at him. Nico snickered behind him.

“So, what else did you do to his hair?” Gunner asked her.

She shrugged. “Mohawk.”

Gunner blinked a few times. “What kind of Mohawk?”

“Just your typical type. You know? Long in the middle, shaved on the sides. And very bright.”

Gunner fiddled with his phone for a minute and then showed the girl the display. “So, is this what he looked like after you finished with him?”

She blanched when she saw the photo.  Auden leaned over to see Ceadan now with a high line of bright yellow hair running down the middle of his head and a smooth scalp on either side.

“Wow.” She reached for the phone. “That’s a cool app. What’s it called?”

“Ah, ah, ah,” Gunner said while shaking his head and pulling the phone away. “It’s my special app. So, would you say this is him?”

She shook her head. “Pretty much. But, you’re missing his ear studs. He had a few on each ear.”

Gunner let a breath out between his teeth and it came out almost like a whistle. “Alrighty, then, I think that’s all we need.”

The girl swiveled toward her counter, picked up a business card, and handed it to Gunner. “Let me know if you need anything else. I’m always happy help out.” The sly smile she sent Gunner gave Auden a pretty good idea of what kind of help she was willing to give the man.

Gunner nodded to the girl with a smile and a wink, and they all circled around to leave the premises.

When they were outside, Nico said, “Dude, every single time. We can’t take you anywhere.”

Gunner gave him a who me? look, with his arms spread wide. “Who’s talking, Mr. I’ll-Fuck-Whatever-I-Can-Get-My-Dick-Into?”

Nico stopped and squinted his eyes. “Not whatever I can get my dick into. I am choosey,” he paused. “Well, a little choosey. They have to be breathing at least.”

Gunner let out a snort. “Whatever. Should I play you a recording of growling cats?”

When Nico glared at him, Gunner quirked an eyebrow. “Then get in the car and quit your whining.”  

About the Author

 Michelle C. Reilly is a science fiction romance writer. She's a single mom of two wonderful boys. She spent ten years in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman Preventive Medicine Technician, which meant she was actually attached to or stationed with the U.S. Marine Corps. She has a Masters in Science in Public Health, but she is generally an IT geek and a geek of many other things as well. She currently resides in Las Vegas, NV, with her two cats, Meowdy and Moose, and her dog, Katie aka "The Old Lady."

Make sure to visit her website www.michellecreilly.com for more information about her and her upcoming books.

Make sure to visit her website www.michellecreilly.com for more information about her and her upcoming books.

Feel free to visit, ask her questions, and hang out with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/michellecorareilly

And if you're a tweet-a-holic (or even if you're not), follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MichelleCReilly

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Night Owl Reviews- Winter Wonderland Event.

I hope everyone’s gearing up for the holiday! My trees (yes, I have several of them) are lit and the decorations are out. Now it’s time to shop. Or maybe win some great prizes? If you love winning gift cards check out what’s going on over at Night Owl Reviews…

Night Owl Reviews Winter Wonderland Event.

5 = $100 Amazon Gift Cards

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Paranormal Romance. Witch Hunter by Shari Nichols.

Please make welcome Shari Nichols, author of Witch Hunter, The Ravens Hollow Series, Book 1, an erotic, Paranormal romance.

Date of Publication:  November 19, 2014

ISBN:  9781419991882

Number of pages:194

Word Count: 90,000

Giveaway! Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter at the end of this post for a chance to win one of five ecopies of Witch Hunter.

Book Description

Determined MBI (Magickal Bureau of investigations)agent Alex Denopoulos will stop at nothing to catch a killer, including recruit notorious felon, Willow McCray to work for the agency. The lines between duty and passion become blurred the more time he spends with the sultry witch. In the midst of the investigation, they succumb to the dark edges of desire, placing both their lives in danger. Alex will risk more than his badge to keep her alive.

Kick-ass witch Willow must use her powers for good if she wants to stay out of Hellios, a mage prison for those who have broken the Wiccan Rede of ‘Harm ye None.’ Willow never expects to fall so hard for Alex, a mortal with a penchant for justice and a deep seated hatred of witches. Though a future together seems impossible, she doesn’t want to let him go.

Can she vanquish the evil surrounding them and give Alex her mind and body before she loses her heart and maybe her soul?

Purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Let’s hear from Shari Nichols…

In a desperate attempt to catch a killer, a special agent hires a notorious felon to come work for the agency. In the midst of the investigation, they succumb to the dark edges of desire, placing both their lives in danger.

WITCH HUNTER is chock full of witches and demons, set in the fictional town of Ravens Hollow, where magickal creatures co-exist with humans, and not always peacefully. Ravens Hollow emerged as a sanctuary where witches eventually settled after the Salem Trials. These strong women cultivated spells and charms around the town and honed their magick to protect themselves against future enemies. Eventually, this knowledge was passed down to future generations of witches through spell books known as Grimoires, which my heroine, Willow uses to help fight a killer. Plot lines involving magick, legends and myth intrigue me on every level. 

So it wouldn't exactly be a stretch to say that when the Harry Potter books and movies came out I was hooked, not only by the characters and the great story lines, but by the lore surrounding Hogwarts. JK Rowling has a flair for submerging the reader into the world she creates, one in which I frankly never want to leave. My goal was to create that same level of fantasy in WITCH HUNTER only for adults. One of my favorite scenes to write was when a small group of witches from a coven that the killer has targeted get together and try to divine his location using magick. I get to showcase their abilities all at once, which is a lot of fun! There’s a Tarot card reader, a medium, a tea leave reader, a seer with the unique ability to see images in a cauldron of water using candle wax, and a witch who can detect images in a magick mirror. I think this sets the tone of the story and immerses the reader into the world of Ravens Hollow.  

I’m envious of any character that has magickal abilities. Willow is both psychic and empathic and is also preternaturally strong. She can sense the good and the bad in people, which is a double edged sword at times. The downside of her gift is that she can tune into the victim and sense what she feels at the time of the murder. This helps the agency that recruits her in catching the killer, but it tortures her throughout the story.

My villain is a Fae, a breed within this world of magickal creatures that’s not only ruthless, but capable of heinous acts against witches and impossible to kill. All of the demons in the story are special agents, good guys. I’ve taken the notions of good creatures, such as fairies and evil ones, such as demons, and turned them upside down, which, I hope the reader will find interesting. All of the characters will hopefully have their own stories eventually.

Cassie, a witch who’s also a medium is the first one to befriend Willow amongst a tough group of ladies in the coven that Willow is recruited to protect. She’s not only kind, and honest, she also works with the police to help find missing children and runaways using her gift of clairvoyance. She’s a modern day Long Island Medium. She stars in Book 2 in the Ravens Hollow Series and what I'm currently working on at the moment.

Teague, another character from WITCH HUNTER is a demon special agent who will hopefully be in Book 3 in the series. I love him because he's as sexy as he is tough and he knows how to put his partner, Alex, the hero, in his place. He will get knocked on his ass, quite literally, when he comes face to face with the female that tempts him like no other and steals his heart. I enjoyed writing this character because he has a wonderful sense of humor and a sense of fun and lightness, despite the chaos going on around him.

The coven where most of the story takes place is chock full of interesting and beautiful witches. I hope each and every one of these women get their own story, although that would be a lot of books to write. Thank you so much for having me.  

Excerpt

Willow took a sip of her margarita and glanced down at Alex’s big hands, tanned and sprinkled with a smattering of dark hair. Funny, she never found a man’s hands sexy. Suddenly her mind filled with images of Alex trailing those big, masculine hands over her body. She wondered if he fit the stereotype. Big hands, big…

“You never did answer my question. Are you considering taking me up on my offer?” The sound of his voice pulled her from a host of fantasies. Willow dug her nails into her palm to get her head back in the game. She shouldn’t be thinking about this man in such a raw, sexual way.

“Why not? My car’s parked in the back.” She probed through the nearby crowd to check if Alex came here with bodyguards. A virtual cacophony of conversations invaded her thoughts, but nothing about protection for Alex. Once she got him alone, she’d take her chances and pray she wouldn’t be outnumbered. “Then let’s get out of here. Unless of course I’ve got some competition.” He   motioned over her shoulder to the incubus whose head now lolled forward over the bar.

“I think you’re flying solo here.” She’d set her trap and let the consequences be damned. She rubbed her finger along the rim of the glass and licked off the salt.

She lifted the glass to her lips, savoring the tangy flavor of margarita mix along with the zing of tequila as it slid down her throat. Headrush. No surprise there, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept or eaten in the past forty-eight hours, existing on a combination of raw nerves and pure adrenaline.

“You missed a spot.” He ran his thumb along the seam of her lip. He put it to his mouth and licked. “Mmm, sweet.” Her plan didn’t involve foreplay…but damn he was hot. In another time and another place she would be seriously into this guy. Too bad I might have to kill him.

About the Author

Shari Nichols grew up in a small town in Connecticut where haunted houses, ghosts and Ouija boards were common place, spurring her fascination with all things paranormal. Ever since she read her first Barbara Cartland novel, her life-long dream has been to write sexy, romantic stories. Shari has been married to her own alpha hero for twenty-two years. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, going to the gym, or hanging out with family and friends.

She lives in New Jersey with her husband, two teenagers, and her adoring golden retriever. Shari graduated from Rider University with a degree in Business Administration. After spending several years in the grind of Corporate America, she quit to stay at home with her kids. Now she’s thrilled to spend her days in sweats, eating chocolate while pounding on her keyboard to create her next novel. 

Her first book, Witch Hunter has been contracted with Ellora’s Cave Publishing. Her next book, another steamy, romance, will venture into the world of ghosts and haunted inns. Shari is a member of Romance Writers of America, New Jersey Romance Writers, Liberty States Fiction Writers and Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal Romance Writers.

Blog: http://sharinichols.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharinich

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shari_nich

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/29514513-shari-nichols

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Paranormal Romantic Suspense. Choosing Evil by Kristini Rienzi.

Please make welcome Kristina Rienzi, author of Choosing Evil, Ensouled Trilogy, Book 1, a Paranormal Suspense/Paranormal Romance.

Publisher: Midnight Frost Books

Date of Publication: November 25, 2014

Word Count: 70k estimated

Giveaway! Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter after this post for a chance to win one of three prizes. First Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card and a Choosing Evil eBook. Second Prize: $10 Amazon Gift Card and Choosing Evil eBook. Third Prize: ebook copy of Choosing Evil.

Book Description

Serafina Murano is no stranger to the paranormal. All of her life she’s lived harmoniously alongside demons. Damon Serpe is a conflicted demon on a mission. Unexpectedly, they collide into each other’s lives and are inexorably drawn to one another.

Dark deadly secrets, gut wrenching betrayal, and elusive questions haunt her and have her entire life. Instinctively, Serafina realizes Damon holds the key to her understanding. If she trusts him, can he help decipher her recurring nightmares and unravel the mysteries surrounding her?

On the eve of her thirtieth birthday, she must select her path and make a difficult choice. One which will change her, and perhaps the world, forever.

Will Serafina embrace the truth and face her evil?

Would you?

Book Trailer 

Find Choosing Evil on Amazon and Goodreads

Let’s Interview!

What inspired you to write this book?

I’ve always been intrigued by people who are considered to be evil, whether a known serial killer or the normal next-door neighbor. It’s terrifies me to think I know someone, only to find out I had no idea what was really brewing inside of them. I wanted to take the concept of evil to the next level, writing a story that would not only make the readers question evil, but the characters as well.

How did you come up with the title?

Choosing Evil is the heroine, Serafina’s true dilemma. She must make a decision from which she will never be the same, one that will challenge her to choose evil.

What made you choose the main setting for your book?

Choosing Evil takes place in the fictional versions of the Jersey Shore towns I love, which also happens to be where I live. There’s something so mysterious about the Jersey Shore to me. I wanted to capture the feeling of living with the unknown in your small little beach town. 

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

“What does evil mean to me? The ferocious monster inside of me, the one I never recognized.”

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

The wings on fire are a symbol at the core of Choosing Evil. In the story, it’s a branding for the paranormal (demons), one that both identifies and crucifies them. It’s a reminder that they will never live a blessed life, and that they can never escape the pure evil within.

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

I love Twitter! It’s a bit overwhelming at first, but it’s also such a strategic and useful tool when you get the hang of it. Hashtags are often misused, but when used properly, they can widen your reach to readers you might otherwise not have been able to access on other social media platforms. I’m a huge fan! #amreading :-)

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

I don’t have a preference in terms of what I’ve already written (paranormal/suspense/horror/sci fi), but I would love to tackle a traditional mystery in the near future. My stories have elements of mystery for sure, but a true mystery is quite different from what I’ve ever written. It’s a genre I consider to be a challenge and I’m always up for a good challenge! I’m a plotter by nature, and mysteries lend themselves to detailed plots. Once I get the paranormal suspense bug out of my system, you’ll see a mystery novel with my name on the cover. 

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

I do! I Choosing Evil is Book 1 in the Ensouled Trilogy. I’m currently working on its sequel, Breaking Evil, which I hope to release in 2015. I’ve also started an entirely different series with the first book, Unleash the Wicked about an unsuspecting witch at the Jersey Shore. I love my paranormal beach people!

Excerpt

Already late, Serafina began sprinting toward her building. She was still deep in thought and failed to pay attention. A second later, she slammed into what felt like a brick wall. Her coffee cup filled with mocha latte went flying, landing all over an impeccable pinstriped suit.

She stopped breathing when she faced the victim of her morning beverage. A handsome bronzed man, almost two feet taller than Serafina, stood in front of her. His irises were so light they looked almost clear. They held a world of intrigue and reeled her right in. Those iridescent opal eyes were magnificent and haunting, telling her almost everything she needed to know about him. He was a demon.

His smile was perfection, revealing a set of incredibly beautiful teeth. He was stunning and he wasn't human. Serafina wiped her moist palms on her dress and gave him a half-smile. "I'm so sorry." She rummaged through her purse for napkins or tissues, not fully understanding why the universe had chosen this moment, a time when her best self wasn’t present, to meet a gorgeous demon, like him.

"No problem, I’m Damon.” His smoky voice made her shudder with pleasure. 

"Serafina,” she lowered her voice but it didn’t sound natural and it wasn’t nearly as sultry as she wished it had been. She stepped forward to shake Damon’s hand and her heel caught on the pavement. As she began to tip over, he grabbed her arm and pulled her up straight, all in one swift motion. Now attached to him, her arms wrapped around his waist in desperation. When she realized what she was doing, she shuffled away from him and tried regain her balance.

"Are you okay?" His expression showed his concern. 

"I'm fine. But, I didn’t have my coffee yet."  Serafina tried to flatten the wrinkles in her dress and right herself.

Damon laughed, catching her off guard. Relieved, Serafina laughed too. She didn’t expect her attempt at humor to work. Given her morning, she didn't think there was any wittiness in her to begin with, let alone, for it to come with such ease.

When Serafina’s laid eyes on the mess she had made, her posture went rigid. It was a coffee crime scene, straight out of a forensic textbook. Luminal would have exposed her caffeine attack for all to see. For her assault, she should have been handcuffed on the spot. "I've ruined your clothes.”

Damon brushed himself off and buttoned up his suit jacket. "I’m fine.”

"Yes, you are." Serafina meant to say it in her head, or at the least under her breath, but it had come out of her mouth loud and clear. Her face became hot in an instant, so she began fanning herself.  

"This might sound like a line, but I’m glad you bumped into me. Where are you from?” Damon’s eyes twinkled, but his question sounded forced as if he already knew her answer.  

"Home, today that is.” She failed horribly at making another joke. 

“But I've lived at the Jersey Shore all of my life." She tried to redeem herself "And, yes, it did sound like a line.” He was definitely the new one in town. "Did you move here recently?"

Damon shook his head. "I'm as new as you. I've lived in Rivershore for many years. I work in Maroon County and for just as long."

Rivershore was an upscale town not far from where she grew up in the modest beach town of Silver Lake. Although she had worked in the city for several years, Serafina spent all of her free time at the Jersey Shore, mainly Maroon County. Even more coincidentally, Serafina would turn thirty years old soon, so Damon was technically the same age as her. Demons never aged past the age of thirty.

From what he said, they had shared the commonality of living and working in nearby towns. So, it didn’t make sense she had never seen him before. Clearly, he had a knack for hiding. However, many years in demon terms could have been any amount of time since demons were practically immortal.

She studied him for more reasons than one, although he was striking and easy to admire. Damon’s exquisite appearance reminded her of a model or an actor. He had a rugged look, yet he was polished. He wore his expensive suit coupled with his five o'clock shadow as if it were a fashion statement. His ebony hair was long enough to push behind his ears. He was a unique mix of a tattoo artist and a Hollywood movie star. The combination really worked for him.

Serafina’s eye contact with him was firm but her muscles lost all of their tension. “Where exactly do you work? I can’t believe I’ve never seen you before.” She felt weak as she visually devoured Damon. She was certain she would have remembered him if she had seen him before. The fact their paths had never crossed was inexplicable to her. Then, so was the supernatural. Humans living with a paranormal reality made anything possible.

Right as Damon was about to answer, his watch alarm went off. He silenced it. "I've got to run, but it was nice meeting you, Serafina. I hope to bump into you again, and soon.”  He touched her arm lightly in a goodbye gesture and once more flashed his award-winning smile.  

By the time Serafina summoned the nerve to reply, "Me too," he was already gone.

About the Author

Kristina Rienzi was born and raised at the Jersey Shore where she still lives today.  Her debut paranormal suspense novel, CHOOSING EVIL, is being published by Frost Books on November 25, 2014.

Professionally, Kristina has been active in the writing community as a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime-Central Jersey, Romance Writers of America and New Jersey Romance Writers, serving as Chair of the Literary Book Fair in 2013. Kristina has her Masters Degree in Psychological Counseling and her Senior Professional in Human Resources Certificate, working in both fields throughout her business career.

Personally, Kristina is married and a doggie mommy to Pekingese and Shih Tzu pups. Although a lover of New Jersey, she dreams of one day moving to Hawaii and living the “Aloha” way. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading, watching paranormal investigations, rooting for her West Virginia Mountaineers or relaxing with her loved ones, wine in hand.

Kristina is currently working on BREAKING EVIL, the sequel to CHOOSING EVIL, as well as another paranormal suspense novel, UNLEASH THE WICKED, about an unsuspecting witch at the Jersey Shore.

Website: www.kristinarienzi.com

Blog: www.kristinarienzi.com/blog

Twitter: www.twitter.com/kristinarienzi

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kristinarienziauthor

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