Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Victioria Danann Interview and Giveaway!

Victoria Danann's Self-Interview

            Hey. If Rembrandt and Van Gogh can go self-portraits, I can do a self-interview. I know what you're thinking. "Yeah. Well. You're not Van Gogh." You're right, of course. But doing three blogs around the release of three books in the space of ten months has created the answers to a whole lot interview questions.
            On occasion I interview other authors. I always ask if there was a question they always wanted to be asked and had never had been and, if so, what was it? That was part one of what led me here. The second part is character interviews. When I do character interviews - let's face it - I'm interviewing my own imagination.
            Soooooo, why not just ask myself the question I'd like to answer. The following is a sampling of some of my favorite all-time blog tour questions followed by one of the one questions I've never been asked, but would like to answer. (There are a lot.)

PART ONE: THE BOOKS

1. Do you feel that you can relate to one character in “this book” more than any other? And why?

    No. I don't relate to one more than another, but I love Rammel Hawking the most. And he knows it. He uses it                                     to his advantage to manipulate me all the time.

One person recently told me that, if action figures of my characters ever come out, she wants to place a preorder for Ram. I have to agree with her. Because this saga has a lot of balls in the air (pun not intended, I swear). Ram is on the zigzag path of a hero's journey in a classical sense. Add to that the fact that he's drop dead sex and a one-woman elf and, really, what more could you want?

2. Many people feel the PNR genre is on the way out. Do you agree? Are there any changes you'd make to stay on the cutting edge of this genre? Will you change genres?

I think that will be true if more authors don't stop the vamp-by-number, more-weres-the-better rehash and try
for something different.
               
Before I started writing I spent two full years reading every PNR that had enjoyed any success to find out what                 had already been done, then set out to create something new. I get a lot of feedback that starts by saying, "I                 don't really know what genre to put this in..."  I love comments like, "She explodes stereotypes."
               
Also, I'm writing true Paranormal Romance. It's not paranormal suspense or paranormal mystery or paranormal                 thriller with a love interest back story. The romance is the main plot for me. And romance is never going to be on                 the way out.

3. As writers, we are bombarded with ideas every minute of every day. What’s the idea behind this series and                 how did it come about?

I read Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein when I was about twelve-years-old and have always been                 fascinated by the concept of other worlds that are similar, but not identical.  I combined that with my formal                 academic education in Paranormal Psychology, the fact that I always got along super well with boys, and voila.


PART TWO: WRITING

1. Do you write full time?
Snort.


2. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

If people "decide", they're not really writers. My working theory is that, if you watch children carefully, they will show you who they really are by the time they are eight or nine. At that age I had two stacks of legal pads on my bed. One I used to sketch glamorous evening wear. The other I used to write my own Bobbsey Twins novels. I did spend a few years as a designer of glam dresses and was copied by the biggest names in the business. I had a big following in the Northeast, South America, and Europe and still see some of my dresses show up in the movies. So I checked that off the list and did it until I was done. Now I'm writing.

3. Have you ever made big changes in your story because someone – your crit partner, a friend, or beta reader – really didn't like it?  Are you glad you did (or didn't)?

The answer is yes, but the someone was one of the characters. My Familiar Stranger started out to be a different story. My heroine was supposed to end up with the character of my choice. I was about 80% finished when another one of the guys (characters) started insisting that he was the one who should get the girl! I let him make his case and finally had to agree, but it caused a lot of overhaul.

Since then I have done a poll on Facebook asking fans who they wanted to end up with the girl and the big majority agreed with my character. It was him all along.

4. What unique factor do you think you bring to the book/story market?

First, I waited to start writing until I was old enough to really have something to say.  Secondly, one of the                 comments I hear most often is that people enjoy the chronicle style of ongoing story. I call it a serial saga. If I                 were not an Indie, it never would have happened because it doesn't fit the commercial "formula" of how to pie                 chart a paranormal romance. (Yes. I made a verb out of the phrase "pie chart".)

5. What was the hardest part of writing your book?

The hardest part of writing is slogging through the emotion. I know that, if I'm crying so hard I can hardly see the                 PC screen, I've gotten it right, but it's also very emotionally draining and it ruins my looks for half a day.                 Conversely, if I'm lying in bed at night reading my own book and laugh out loud, I know I got that right as well.

6. Who were your major influences?

Stephen King, Anne Rice, my tenth grade literature teacher without whom I might never have read Julius                 Caesar, MacBeth, Random Harvest, or Lord Jim, my seventh grade English teacher without whom I never                 would have read the entire works of William Saroyan, my father who bought me the Scribner Collection which                 included all the classics appropriate for young readers. (I learned to love the art of story AND the art of Maxfield                 Parrish who illustrated the covers.)

7. Do you have any advice for any other aspiring writers out there?

Yes. Writers are born, not made. Run as hard and fast as you can from a course on "creative writing" classes                 because nothing will kill your own embryonic art or creativity faster.



PART THREE: PERSONAL

1. What are 5 fun/interesting facts about you?
 I play bridge. I like going to movies in the daytime by myself (though I rarely get to). I teach magickal arts online.                 I worked for the airlines when I was very young and have traveled a lot. I speak canine. (Bonus #6. I do all my
own graphics work: covers, ads, book trailers, etc.)

2.  What is the most inspiring quote you have ever heard?
a. This actually relates to how busy I am. It's a motto used as my email signature on personal mail. THE QUOTE: "It's better to burn out, than fade away." - Rock of Ages, Def Leppard. Some people have wrongly attributed this to Kurt Cobain. Sorry. No. Others have said it wasn't Def Leppard, it was Neil Young, "It's better to burn out, than to fade away," - My, My, Hey, Hey. Also wrong. Neil Young used an extra "to". Big difference you see.
b. Winston Churchill is reported to have given a commencement address in which he simply took the podium and said, "Never give up," nine times.

3. What's your favorite book?

Memnoch the Devil, Anne Rice. Also high up on the list: The Gate to Women's Country by Sherri S Tepper and Good Omens  by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. HOWEVER, I wouldn't recommend any of these to someone unless I knew that they were students of religious studies or, in the case of Gate, feminism.

4. Greatest joy?
Reviews.

5. Greatest aggravation?
Reviews.

Now, about A Summoner's Tale... If you haven't read Books One and Two, I hope you will do so before you read Book Three. Black Swan is a serial saga meaning that each book is actually a chapter installment in an ongoing story. This particular installment involved characters that were introduced in the first book.
If you read by Kindle, you will find A Summoner's Tale available at Amazon after release. If you another e-reader, you can still get the book in the form of an anthology that will be available in electronic format everywhere. The Order of the Black Swan Collected Tales, Books 1-3. $6.99 for all 330,000 words. This is a dream come true for me because readers will experience the first three books as conceived as one story.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 3) by Kym Grosso


Tristan's Lyceum Wolves by Kym Grosso

Amazon Product Description:
An erotic paranormal romance...

Charismatic and powerful Lyceum Wolves' Alpha, Tristan Livingston, is out for revenge after a devastating attack on his pack. Not only did he survive a building collapse, he orchestrated the rebuild of his chic, state-of-the-art nightclub within a week. Determined to mete out justice, he rescues a beautiful witness who may be the key to helping him find the perpetrators.

Dr. Kalli Williams, dedicated veterinarian, is hiding a secret that endangers not only her own life but the lives of wolves across the country. After being tortured by a savage vampire, she's reluctantly agrees to help the sexy Alpha in his quest to identify suspects; ones who'd kill her on the spot if they knew she existed. As Kalli places herself in the hands of the dominant wolf, she soon finds she wants nothing more than to submit.

Tristan, committed to ruling his pack as a lone wolf, is inexplicably drawn to the mysterious and enticing woman, who seems more than human, but not quite supernatural. As he discovers her secret, he teaches her the meaning of trust, helping her learn how to be true to her nature. After living a lifetime alone, will he succumb to the visceral need to claim her, acknowledging the soul binding connection between an Alpha and his mate? And will he prevail against the menacing enemy who threatens to destroy Lyceum Wolves?

My thoughts:
     I was thrilled with the opportunity to read and review book 3 of the Immortals of New Orleans series.  I was hooked with book one, Kade's Dark Embrace, and hanging on with book two, Luca's Magic Embrace, and book three starts up right where two left me hanging!  You jump right back into the action with the same magnificent characters and are riding the waves in Tristan's Lyceum Wolves.
     We meet new characters that fit right in and make you love them too.  This book is steamier than the others, for sure adult - open minded adult at that, so be ready for that.
     This book is a roller coaster ride of emotions.  Packed with mystery, loyalty, betrayal, love, loss, brutality and sexuality - this is one you won't want to miss.  Start at the beginning - buy them all so you don't have to stop until you run out!  I can't wait for the next book.

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk_NQu6h5pY
Purchase Links for Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves:
AMAZON US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C3KCYOU
AMAZON UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tristans-Lyceum-Immortals-Orleans-ebook/dp/B00C3KCYOU/ref=la_B007P8DNSQ_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1364830031&sr=1-3 AMAZON CA: http://www.amazon.ca/Tristans-Lyceum-Immortals-Orleans-ebook/dp/B00C3KCYOU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364830147&sr=1-1

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Blog Tour: From Hel with Love by Blue Remy

This virtual book tour is presented by Reading Addiction Blog Tours.
Click HERE for more tour information.
Welcome to The Wormhole and my day on the tour.
It is my pleasure to feature:
Blue Remy and From Hel with Love.

Blue Remy
Author Bio
Native of Santa Maria, CA, Blue Remy is the author of The XIII Hour™Series, and the raw, gritty series Twisted In Love. When she’s not writing, Blue lives to ghost hunt whenever she can, which tends to help her imagination and outrageous character ideas. She was first introduced to the paranormal world through her Grandmother and her haunting bedtime stories. Blue then found the Grimm’s Faery Tales, and fell in love with spinning wild stories about the evil characters that everyone hated, giving them their own past and history to be told. Blue is a total fan girl when it comes to anything Wonder Woman. She collects Living Dead Dolls, rubber duckies, Sugar Skulls, stuffed animals and tarot cards which she is an adept reader of. Blue currently resides in the paranormal hub of the South with her husband, who feeds her gourmet coffee and cupcake addiction. Blue Remy is a member of The Paranormal Romance Guild.
Twitter- www.twitter.com/blue_remy 
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/theblueremy?fref=ts 

From Hel, With Love by Blue Remy

Hel hath no fury like her Raven scorned…
Fallen Valkyrie Legionnaire, Raven Aquilus, has always known she was an outcast to her kind. Stuck 
in New Orleans as the Protectress of the Nine Gates of Yggdrasil, she lives as close to the edge as her 
family will allow. One fateful night would change it all – Someone ritualistically slaughtered a guardian in 
one of her Gates, leaving Raven lying in a pool of blood. Ordered to find the killer before she dies along 
with her precious guardians, Raven is placed in a race against time, being forced to enlist in the help 
of a Human FBI paranormal agent. Together they must stop the serial murders before an ancient war 
reignites – and Raven loses everything, including a new found love, all to a jealous half-breed …
Welcome the XIII Hour™ series. Betrayal, Lust, Love, Murder, Jealousy and Revenge. The faery-tales that 
your mother never told you about just came true.

My thoughts:
This is dark fantasy at it's finest.  A host of incredible characters led by an amazing heroine, Raven.  Raven's character is both unreal and believable.  Duncan is in a class all his own.  All the characters, however large a part they play in the story, are carefully constructed and intricately designed.  The plot unfolds, billowing like a cloak, around mystery, betrayal, distrust, loyalty, evil, love and an incredible sense of family.  Steeped in Norse mythology, this story grabs the reader tight and doesn't let go - even at the end.  
If this is what Blue Remy has offered as a first book, I can't imagine what is in store for the rest of the series.  I finished the book wishing that there were already more books to read. 

Monday, May 27, 2013

Review: Immortal Eclipse by Sherry Soule

Immortal Eclipse by Sherry Soule

Mystery, Murder, and Manolo Blahniks...A devoted fashionata and practical New Yorker, Skylar Blackwell doesn't believe in the supernatural--until she inherits Summerwind Mansion. . . . 

When her uncle is brutally murdered, and the cops seem uninterested in following up the case, Skylar journeys to California to seek answers. Her search for clues is soon overshadowed by haunting nightmares of a young woman also murdered in the house. 

Now the inhabitants of Summerwind are mysteriously dying, leaving no evidence as to how or why, and Skylar finds herself in a deadly race against time to expose the killer--before they strike again. 
The problem is . . . whoever it is may not be human.

Armed with only wit and Pradas, Skylar begins questioning the servants, but the growing list of suspects includes the sexy and brooding caretaker, Dorian Delacroix, a man desperately trying to forget his tragic past. And a major distraction for Skylar.

Determined to play detective--instead of the fashion police--and unravel the dark history of the mansion, Skylar is plunged into an otherworldly mystery that not even she can explain away. As the boundaries between reality and dreams blur, Skylar's greatest challenge is to stay alive long enough to learn the truth.

My thoughts:
I wasn't super sure about this one at the start.  I wondered if I could invest in a character that was so shallow and shoe conscious, but I was surprised!  I truly enjoyed the story.  The characters are fantastic.  I wonder sometime why it is so hard to find a great guy - and then I realize that I read too many romance novels.  There is no way a "real" guy could ever compare.  With that being said, I fell hard for Dorian - he is a wonderful, robust character.  Skylar is great too - even though she is obsessed with shoes.  All of the characters have been well thought out and carefully built; from the lawyer to the house (Summerwind).  The plot is creative and keeps you reading.  Sherry Soule has managed to combine an original haunted house story and a paranormal romance into an action packed, edge of your seat thriller.  

(I received this book in exchange for an honest review).

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Blog Tour: Blood in the Valley by J.K. Hogan

 Welcome to The Wormhole and my stop on the tour.
It is my pleasure to feature J.K. Hogan and Blood in the Valley.
This virtual book tour is presented by My Addiction is Reading Blog Tours.

Author Bio
J.K. Hogan has been telling stories for as long as she can remember, beginning with writing cast lists and storylines for her toys growing up. When she finally decided to put pen to paper, magic happened. She is greatly inspired by all kinds of music and often creates a “soundtrack” for her stories as she writes them.
J.K. resides in North Carolina, where she was born and raised. A true southern girl at heart, she lives on a farm with her husband and young son, a cat, and two champion agility dogs. If she isn’t on the agility field, J.K. can often be found chasing waterfalls in the mountains with her husband, or down in front at a blues concert. In addition to writing, she enjoys training and competing in dog sports, spending time with her large southern family, camping, boating and, of course, reading!
J.K. Hogan is a member of The Romance Writers of America.

Blood in the Valley

J.K. Hogan

Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:

The daughter of a Las Vegas hustler, Raven Sabatier grew up trusting nothing and no one—she doesn't
even trust herself to stay in one place for longer than a minute. When her quest to find out the secrets
of her past leads her to the mountains of North Carolina, she’s set on a collision course with the one
man she thought she'd never see again.

In Appalachia consulting on an archeological dig, Anthropologist Dr. Drew Deveraux comes face
to face with the indomitable beauty who broke into his apartment a year ago, tilting his carefully
cultivated world on its axis.

Engaged in a fight with their demons, both imagined and real, the last thing either of them
expected to find was love. Together, they must unravel the mystery of Raven's past and her connection
with an ancient race of witches, in order to save their future—and all of the souls hanging in the balance.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Blog Tour: Moonlight: The Big Bad Wolf ~ Order of the Black Swan book 4 by Victoria Danann

This virtual book tour is presented by Bewitching Book Tours.
Click HERE for more tour information.
Welcome to The Wormhole and my stop on the tour.
It is my pleasure to feature Victoria Danann and Moonlight: The Big Bad Wolf ~ Order of the Black Swan book 4.
About the Author:

If you're looking for something new and different in PNR, you've come to the right place.

I write unapologetic romances with uniquely fresh perspectives on paranormal creatures, characters, and themes. Add a dash of scifi and a flourish of fantasy to enough humor to make you laugh out loud and enough steam to make you squirm in your chair. My heroines are independent femmes with flaws and minds of their own whether they are aliens, witches, demonologists, psychics, or past life therapists. My heroes are hot and hunky, but they also have brains, character, and good manners - usually - whether they be elves, demons, berserkers, werewolves, or vampires.

My first book, My Familiar Stranger, was nominated for Best Paranormal Romance of 2012 by the Reviewers' Choice Awards. Each of my books has remained on the Amazon best seller list in category every day since release. All three also earned the Night Owl Reviews TOP PICK award.

My work has been compared to J R Ward, Karen Marie Moning, Sherrilyn Kenyon, and Lara Adrian. For example:

"I do see shades of Lara Adrian's Breed books and shades of J R Wards Black Dagger books, but this story is unique enough that it stands out all on its own and can stand up along side those other books and I think given time will elbow them out of the way with the rich story telling and deep emotional core that makes you want to know more." - Kerry, Musings of a Bookworm

The Order of the Black Swan is a series that is also a serial saga. Each book is an episodic installment in an ongoing story. Join me for the adventure.

WEBSITE: http://www.VictoriaDanann.com
BLOG: http://VictoriaDanann.me
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/vdanann  
TWITTER: @vdanann 

Moonlight: The Big Bad Wolf

The Order of the Black Swan, Book 4
Victoria Danann

Genre: paranormal romance, fantasy romance
Publisher: 7th House
Date of Publication: 05/26/2013
ISBN: 978-1-933320-69-4 ebook
ISBN: 978-1-933320-64-9 paperback
Number of pages: 390
Word Count: 90,000

Book Description:
This is the fourth installment in the Black Swan serial saga. Reading in order is essential. The first book, My Familiar Stranger, is free everywhere. (Nominated for Best Paranormal Romance by REVIEWERS CHOICE AWARDS. Nominated for Best Indie Paranormal Romance and Best Indie Fantasy Romance for READERS CHOICE AWARDS. Night Owl Reviews TOP PICK.

What would you do for love?
1. Storm's unexpected reply when tapped to replace Sol as the new Jefferson Unit Sovereign.
2. B Team learns the shocking truth about the origin of the vampire virus.
3. Monq races to develop a defense system to repel invasion from Stagsnare.
4. Litha volunteers her father to help to Black Swan.
5. Desperation drives Stalkson Grey to embark on an adventure beyond his wildest dreams in a bid to save the Elk Mountain werewolves from extinction. In the process he learns that true love can find you in the strangest places, even when you’re far, far from home.

My thoughts:
Once again we return to the world of the Order of the Black Swan and those fantastic characters that Victoria Danann brings us.  This book starts, as the others do, with a quick recap so that we get caught up to speed on the story.  It is not vital that you read them in order, but it is a good idea.  First, you will fall in love with the characters; and second, you will want to keep on reading - so you might as well start at the beginning.
This book is action packed and intense.  You sink into the story and are swept away by the emotions.  You find yourself laughing and crying while you live the story while you read.  Wonderfully written.  It leaves you thinking about love and the people in your life.  What would you do for love?
Don't miss this series, but remember to start with book one.  I suggust getting them all and spending the weekend in your favorite reading spot with your favorite snacks and beverage because once you start you won't want to put them down.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Review: Ice Blue by Susan Rae

The virtual book tour is presented by Reading Addiction Virtual Book Tours.
Click HERE for more tour information.
Welcome to The Wormhole and my stop on the tour.
It is my pleasure to feature Susan Rae and Ice Blue.
Blurb:
When lives are on the line, sometimes the wrong thing is the right thing to do.
Born into a Chicago cop family, Angela DeLuca gets her rush from saving lives while her brothers get theirs from catching the bad guys. A tough beauty with a heart perhaps too big, she champions the underdog because, as the youngest of six siblings, she often felt like one.
ICE Special Agent Troy Deavers became a cop to prove he wasn’t like his father—a southern politician who brought his family down with greed and corruption. He doesn’t suffer victims well. At first intrigued by Angela’s passion, he soon fears that the fire in Angela’s heart will be her undoing.
What happens when Troy falls in love with the lovely but infuriating Angela, the Chicago paramedic who insists on protecting a young witness and her unborn baby—a witness who could break his case wide open?
You met the DeLuca family in heartbeats, now come to know them even better in ICE blue.

Susan Rae
I write, basically, because I just can’t help myself.  I can't resist the challenge of taking the intriguing characters and storylines that pop into my head and fleshing them out into compelling manuscripts.  Romantic suspense is a natural to me, because it allows me to combine a sexy, passionate love story with a gritty suspense tale—in my opinion, the best of both worlds. It also lets me express my appreciation for the outdoors in the settings which I recreate on the page.
Freefall, my second novel, takes place in Wisconsin's Kettle Moraine Forest and beautiful Door CountyICE blue returns to the busy streets of Chicago and the shores of Lake Michigan to continue the story of the DeLuca family which began in my award winning first novel, heartbeats. I am currently working on the third book in the DeLuca series, TRUE blue, due out in 2014, where it seems my characters must take a trip to Montana’s majestic Glacier National Park.
When I’m not sketching characters or working out plot problems, you might find me on the golf course working on my handicap. I also enjoy traveling around the country seeking out new settings for my novels with my husband and my empty nest puppies, Ginger and Nikute.  To read more about my novels and the writing life, please visit my website/blog atwww.susanrae.com
My thoughts:
This is a great story!  Although it is not the first book in the series it easily stands alone.  The story is complete on it's own, but will only draw you into the series more if you have read book one.  It is fast paced and action packed.  The character development is well thought out and wonderfully done.  The story line is disturbing in topic, but completely draws you in and holds you through to the end.  The story gives a sense of what it means to have family and yet brings the reality that that sense of family doesn't have to be reserved for those who are related by blood.  It gives an inside view of the lives of men and women who serve the public in the jobs; firefighters, paramedics, police, doctors, and government agents.  It sheds light on a frightening and too real topic - human trafficking - those who suffer from it and those who fight against it.  This story is well written; both heart wrenching and heart warming at the same time.  I can't wait for more in the series.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Book Birthday and Review: Bad Mouth by Angela McCallister


Bad Mouth by Angela McCallister
After her ex-husband’s obsession with vampires, Valerie Craig is on a mission to stop transformations. Of all vampires, Kade Rollins is the worst of the worst, but when multiple murders plague Seattle, Val is forced to enlist his aid. Kade’s crude wit and seductive nature attract her like no other, but she can’t ignore his violence toward his human servants, no matter her yearning to forget.

She’s torn when she learns Kade may be behind the murders. Val's worked hard to protect humans from vampires, but the truth surrounding the murders could ignite a bloody battle between their races, one humans are sure to lose. Someone is pulling strings to build a vampire army and spark the war—setting Kade up to kick it off. But if she trusts the vampire prince, she risks her job, her integrity, and her heart if he betrays her as all the men in her life have.

My thoughts:
Wonderfully written.  A new idea in a vampire romance is hard to come by these days, but this book is both original and creative.  I fell in love with the characters.  I was hooked in the first few pages and couldn't put the book down.  It is fantastic to see Kade and Valerie struggle with their beliefs, prejudices and desires.  Betrayal and trust are forefront for them both as they come to trust and care about each other.  The storyline is twisty and clever.  The characters come to life and grab you.  

I truly enjoyed the book and hope there is more to come!

Buy a copy right now by clicking HERE ~only $2.99 for Kindle

Friday, May 17, 2013

Kindle Freebie Spotlight Book Blast for Stranger at the Hell Gate by Ash Krafton

Stranger at the Hell Gate by Ash Krafton

Genre: urban fantasy
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Date of Publication: March 2013
Word Count: 20000
Cover Artist: Debbie Taylor

Amazon Book Description:

Jagger Sintallon, a half-demon warrior, has dedicated his existence to fighting demons who enter the world through Hell gates. A loner of conflicting ideals, he offers shelter to a troubled woman but knows he is too rough, too dangerous, and too cocky for her delicate nature.

Dedicated to Divine Will, Sonya Camael, a Seraph, is determined to discover why she is drawn to Jagger's doorstep and the reason behind her mission. She needs the demon's help but fears he may get himself killed before she can figure it out and the world slips into Hell's dominion.

Sonya faces grave danger with evil stalking her every move, and Jagger shouldn't care but realizes he cares more than he'd likely admit. Sonya knows Jagger cannot win this war alone, but will her divine intervention mean his imminent end? Or will just the right combination of Heaven and Hell set the world right once again?

Grab this book for your Kindle free ~ May 14 - 18, 2013 ~ HERE!

About the Author:
Ash Krafton writes from the heart…of the Pennsylvania coal region, that is.

She is the author of the Books of the Demimonde (Pink Narcissus Press).

BLEEDING HEARTS (Demimonde #1) is a six-time RWA finalist and was voted "Reviewer Top Pick" by Gravetells.com. Ash continues the story of Sophie and her Demivampires in her latest release BLOOD RUSH (Demimonde #2). She's hard at work (when she isn't watching Doctor Who) writing the third book, WOLF'S BANE.

Ash Krafton's poetry and short fiction has appeared in several journals, including Niteblade, Bete Noire, Abandoned Towers, and Silver Blade. She's a member of Pennwriters, RWA, and Maryland Writers Association. She lurks near her blog and contributes to the QueryTracker blog.

Ash lives with her family and their German Shepherd dog deep in the Pennsylvania wilds, awaiting the day the TARDIS appears in the driveway (the dog most likely keeps the Doctor away. What a beast.)
Until then, she writes.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Immortal Eclipse by Sherry Soule ~ International Giveaway!

Which Immortal Personality Do You Have?
Hi everyone! I’m Sherry Soule—waving from the SF Bay Area as I’m chilling on my laptop and chatting on Twitter about my favorite books and movies. Thanks for letting me hang out today.
This giveaway is open internationally! So let’s tell the blogging world!

To celebrate the release of author, Sherry Soule’s new adult, fantasy novel, IMMORTAL ECLIPSE, take this fun quiz to see which immortal personality BEST suits YOU and score an eBook version!

Take this quiz and be sure to check the bottom of the post for the details regarding this random giveaway.

1. What’s your favorite footwear?
a. Manolo Blahnik
b. Prada
c. Christian Louboutin
d. Steve Madden

2. It is dinnertime. What are you in the mood for?
a. Steak and potatoes
b. Salad and iced tea—please
c. Fruit plate and diet soda
d. Chinese takeout

3. What is your dream destination?
a. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
b. New York. Architecture and culture
c. Bloomingdales—there’s a sale!
d. Paris. The city of romance!

4. What’s your favorite book?
a. Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James
b. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
c. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
d. The Warlord Wants Forever by Kresley Cole

5. Favorite supernatural hunk?
a. David Boreanaz—super hunky!
b. Damon Salvatore—so romantic!
c. Sam Winchester—heavy sigh!
d. Eric Northman—yummy

6. What’s your favorite TV show?
a. True Blood
b. Once Upon a Time
c. Sex in the City
d. The Vampire Dairies

7. What’s your ideal job?
a. Museum Curator
b. Librarian
c. Fashion Photographer
d. Estate Caretaker

8. What pet would you like to own?
a. Fish
b. Cat
c. Horse
d. Dog

9. Favorite movie?
a. This Means War
b. Mr. and Mrs. Smith
c. Sense and Sensibility
d. Titanic

10. Do you believe in the supernatural?
a. Of course.
b. Maybe
c. Nah.
d. Not sure.

If you answered...
Mostly a's: You are adventurous, clever, and outgoing. Let’s party!
Mostly b's: You are smart and humorous. Anyone would be lucky to be friends with a fashionata like you.
Mostly c's: You are not only stylish—you have great taste in movies and literature.
Mostly d's: You are a true romantic, and devoted to your family and friends.
Mystery, Murder, and Manolo Blahnik....A devoted fashionata and practical New Yorker, Skylar Blackwell doesn't believe in the supernatural--until she inherits Summerwind Mansion. . . .


When her uncle is brutally murdered, and the cops seem uninterested in following up the case, Skylar journeys to California to seek answers. Her search for clues is soon overshadowed by haunting nightmares of a young woman also murdered in the house.

Now the inhabitants of Summerwind are mysteriously dying, leaving no evidence as to how or why, and Skylar finds herself in a deadly race against time to expose the killer--before they strike again.

The problem is . . . whoever it is may not be human.

Armed with only wit and Pradas, Skylar begins questioning the servants, but the growing list of suspects includes the sexy and brooding caretaker, Dorian, a man desperately trying to forget his tragic past. And a major distraction for Skylar.

Determined to play detective--instead of the fashion police--and unravel the dark history of the mansion, Skylar is plunged into an otherworldly mystery that not even she can explain away. As the boundaries between reality and dreams blur, Skylar's greatest challenge is to stay alive long enough to learn the truth.


Where you can find author, Sherry Soule online:


Twitter @WriterSherry: http://twitter.com/writersherry


Author Bio
Sherry Soule is the bestselling author of the acclaimed young adult Spellbound series. She writes urban fantasy, an odd hybrid of the horror genre that includes elements of mystery, romance, fantasy, and suspense for teens and adults.



Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Review: The Trouble with Charlie by Merry Jones

Synopsis:
The biggest trouble with Charlie is that he's dead. His soon-to-be-ex-wife, Elle Harrison, comes home from a night out with friends to find his body in her den, her kitchen knife in his back. And, oddly, Elle has no memory of her activities during the time he was killed.
Another trouble with Charlie is that, even though he's dead, he doesn't seem to be gone. Elle senses Charlie's presence--a gentle kiss on the neck, the scent of his aftershave wafting through the house, a rose that seems to move from room to room on its own. And a shadow that appears to accuse her of murder--and with whom she argues.
In the process of trying to prove her innocence, Elle investigates Charlie's death--and his life. A psychiatrist diagnoses her with a dissociative disorder that causes her to "space out" especially when she's under stress. This might explain the gap in her memory, but it doesn't clear her.
As Elle continues to look into Charlie's life, she uncovers more and more trouble--an obsessed woman who might have been his lover. Siblings with unresolved bitter issues. A slimy untrustworthy business partner. And wealthy clients with twisted, horrific appetites.
Before she knows it, Elle is involved in more murders, a struggle for her life, and a revived relationship with Charlie, whom--for all his troubles--she has come to appreciate and love only after his death.

My thoughts:  
This was a great read.  The plot is suspenseful, intriguing and twisted.  There were times when I wondered if I were the crazy person!  I was on the edge of my seat to the very end trying to figure out who the killer was!  This book is well written, original and clever.  The characters are well built and believable.    It is fast paced, multifaceted and has a depth you wouldn't expect.  Even at the end, when you know who killed Charlie - you are left wondering who was guilty of what. 
    **I received this book at no cost in exchange for an honest review and participation in the virtual book tour ~ my post date is tomorrow.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Blog Tour: The Rose Red Reaper by Kristi Loucks (giveaway too)

This virtual book tour is presented by Enchanted Book Promotions.
Click HERE for more tour information.
Welcome to The Wormhole and my stop on the tour.
It is my pleasure to feature Kristi Loucks and The Rose Red Reaper.
Kristi has stopped by for an interview:
? When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
         I don’t think I ever had a moment where I had an epiphany about it...I think I’ve been writing since I could form words and it just became a habit.  It wasn’t until maybe two years ago that someone suggested I publish some of my writing, but even now I don’t consider it a career as much as I consider it a part of who I am.

? How many jobs did you have before you became a writer?
         Oh my gosh, I’ve done so many things.  Primarily, I worked around horses most of my life, traveling on the show jumping circuit.  That was a blast, but with that came more injuries than I can count.  I’ve got an assortment of titanium plates, screws and rods to show for it, and yet it’s probably something I would have done forever had it not been for a serious illness.  Thirteen years ago, that ilness changed my life, forcing me to reevaluate the risks I was taking. 
          With that, I went back to school and got a culinary degree with a focus on pastry.  It’s funny that cooking and writing have been a part of the background in my life as far back as I can remember, but it took an illness for me to finally give either of them serious consideration in terms of a career.
          I enjoy cake decorating and breads, but my training is in traditional French pastry so I do a bit of everything.  I love reinventing old favorites and creating sculpted cakes. 
          I currently run a bakery full time with a good friend and write whenever I can, which is pretty much every night to wind down and usually on my days off, too.  Fortunately, my friend and business partner, Annie enjoys the writing and is also a talented pastry chef and cake designer in her own right.  




? How long does it take you to write a book?
         It really depends on the book.  I have written a novella which actually took me twice as long to finish as other books that are considerably longer.  So, anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. 
          Editing is the tougher process, but I know I can’t do that myself.  So fortunately, I have an editor that I really like (Beth at BZHercules).  She was new to me for Rose Red Reaper, and I felt she understood my style.  I’ve worked with others in the past, but Beth and BZHercules is just the right fit for me.  And going forward it will be nice to have someone who knows where my weaknesses lie and what my strengths are, too.

? What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
         Hmmm.  I have a lot of quirks.  I tend to listen to music when I write.  And I listen to it quite loud, though oddly if you turn the television on I completely lose focus.  
          Also, I title the chapters based on music I’m listening to and the music directly ties into the mood for the chapter.  Sadly, I can’t leave the titles once it’s finished, but it helps me to keep that tone if I need to go back to the chapter at any point throughout the writing and editing process.  Sometimes, I wish the readers could see those titles.  I bet they would tell you a lot about me. 

? Where do you get your ideas or inspiration for your characters?
         That’s so hard.  Usually they are a mash up of various people that I know.  I can tell you the sarcasm is my voice coming out, kindness and empathy is definitely attributed to my mom.  The bad guys, well they come from the news, an ex, a fascination with psychology and a good deal of twisted imagination. 
          Beyond that, I would say sometimes it’s as simple as turning on the tv.  For example, Dakota was not blind when I first started writing, but I was watching Master Chef and one of the contestants, Christine Ha was blind (she actually ended up winning).  That was when I had the thought, “What if Dakota were blind!” and I completely re-wrote her character.  I don’t think Rose Red Reaper would have been the same had I not been watching the show. 
          As a chef, I was inspired by her...and as a pastry chef I started thinking about how sight can at times hinder you because you become too reliant on what you see over what you feel.  So it worked well with Dakota’s world, though immersing myself in that world was a bit of a challenge.  I do enjoy a challenge though.

? How do you decide what you want to write about? 
          I usually decide who the killer is and why he does it before I go any further.  I can’t really sell a story if the whole motivation of this killer is simply that he’s crazy.  So for me, I have to get that on solid footing before I even consider going forward.  And, as I mentioned earlier I do have a fascination for psychology, so that plays into it my thoughts.  I know there are tons of stories where the bad guy is simpy crazy, but for me if I can’t sell myself on the idea it won’t go anywhere.  I’ll just keep getting hung up until I get it right.
          I actually have to keep a notebook beside my bed because I will often wake up with an idea and if I don’t write it down, there is no chance I’ll remember it in the morning...or it will keep me up all night.  I am a total insomniac to begin with, so I need little excuse to stay up all night.
         
? What books have most influenced your life?
                  I don’t think of one certain book, but a couple of authors that I enjoy definitely had some influence. Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Sandra Brown and Lori Foster.   As a teen I loved the straight thrillers, but later I started to venture into Sandra Brown’s Romantic Suspense and Lori Foster’s Romance novels probably because they tend to write strong women and scorching romances.  But most of all because the characters they create are not perfect.  I find romance novels where everyone is perfect a bit nauseating. 

? What are you reading right now?
          Lately, I’ve been all over the map in terms of what I’m reading.  I recently have had a run of starting books and losing patience for various reasons.  I tried to get on board with Fifty Shades and never made past the first book, I think there is a fine line between a character with flaws and a character that is so flawed the reader jumps ship.  For me, Fifty Shades crossed that line with both main characters.  There were a lot of things that didn’t work for me, but I know for sure I am in the minority on that.  I do have to give credit to E.L. James though, because it’s done outstandingly well for her and at the end of the day, anyone who can come out of the gates and be that successful deserves some respect whether you love the series or not.
          I’ve started a few others that I didn’t finish as well, I want to chalk it up to lack of time, but who knows. 
          I started Jaci Burton’s Thrown By A Curve this morning, and I’ve loved the series so far and in general, her style of writing...so I am hopeful that I’ll break that streak.  I am a bit of a sports fanatic, so I enjoy the series. I’ve also been holding onto Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and a couple of books by Sylvia Day and Dean Koontz, but I haven’t had a chance to read them yet.
          I hate not finishing things, but I’ve started to figure out that if it takes me more than a day or two to read something then it’s not usually worth forcing it.    

? What do you like to do when you are not writing?
         Obviously, if I’m not writing you will most likely find me in the kitchen.  Otherwise, I am doodling in a sketch book.  If I have some time on my hands, I might be found out at the farm visiting with friends and I still have one horse about an hour from where I live.  I also love to ski and travel, though lately I have little time for either. 

? What is your favorite comfort food?
           Chicken Pot Pie with home made buttermilk biscuit crust

? What do you think makes a good story?
           Characters you want to root for and that are well developed.  Killers with motives, I want to know WHY they do what they do, not just that they do them.

? Who would you consider your favorite author and why?
           This is an impossible question for me.  If you ask me today I may say one author while tomorrow, I’d have a different idea.  I like so many and I enjoy so many different genres.  I love Stephen King because he can take something real and make it horrifying by throwing a little supernatural twist into it, like Carrie or just plain crazy like Misery.  And I love Lori Foster because she can write characters you want to root for no matter how flawed they may be, and she can write pretty much any sub genre of romance.  I don’t think she’s ever written anything I didn’t enjoy.
          There are so many others, but those are the two I’ve probably read with the most consistency over the years.  For sure they fall into the must read without reading a synopsis more than any other :)

Fun random questions:
 dogs or cats?  Cats.  Love dogs too, but I work too much to be fair to a dog.
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Dark or milk chocolate? BOTH!
Rocks or flowers? flowers
Night or day? Hands down, Night. 
Favorite color? Blue
Crayons or markers? Crayons
Pens or pencils? Pens


Title: The Rose Red Reaper
Author: Kristi Loucks
Genre: Romantic Suspense/Thriller
Lt. Commander Mason Cole never intended to follow his brother into law enforcement, but the murder of a loved one gave him the motivation needed to take a position as the head of Chicago’s Serial Crimes Unit. Along with his brother, Detective Devon Cole, former FBI Profiler and Technical Analyst Melinda Kade and Detective Piper Torello, Mason is tasked with finding some of the cities most prolific serial killers.

As a former Navy SEAL, Mason has seen some of the worst the world has to offer, but nothing could have prepared him for his initiation into the world of a serial killer.

Their first case came with a gruesome introduction from a man who has given himself his own press ready moniker. Known for his macabre signature and the white rose he leaves at the scene with a calling card signed in blood,

THE ROSE RED REAPER

Mason and his team will pursue the killer through the vast streets of Chicago, across the affluent suburbs of the North Shore following cryptic clues left at each crime scene and pointing them to a web of violence dating back to The Reaper’s own childhood.

Complications begin to arise when The Reaper makes a connection to the woman that Mason loves. Dakota Rose Shelton. The stunning, raven-haired beauty that has carefully salvaged Mason’s broken heart may also be the key to ending The Reaper’s bloody reign. Left blind by a childhood illness, she must help them to assemble the pieces of the Reaper’s past with no visual memories to aid her.

Can Dakota help the team put the pieces together before The Reaper targets one of there own? And will she be able to fight off a killer that she cannot see?



Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Reaper-Chicago-Serial-Crimes-ebook/dp/B00BOYYYA8
Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00BOYYYA8
Createspace: https://www.createspace.com/4194609

More about the author:

Kristi Loucks is a Pastry Chef and Cake Designer with a degree from Le Cordon Bleu Chicago.  Her writing and storytelling has always been a way to manage the day to day stresses of working in the world of restaurants and food service.  Kristi started writing in High School and has continued to share her work with friends over the years. 
                While she never planned to pursue writing as a profession, but a supportive friend armed with a copy of her debut novel, A Life Interrupted happened to share it with the right person who urged Ms. Loucks to consider publishing her work.
                On March 4, 2013, Kristi released the first book in her new Chicago Serial Crimes Series, The Rose Red Reaper.  It’s follow up, The Blue Line Bone Collector is expected to arrive this summer.  Currently, she is planning for a four book series.
                Kristi splits her time between two creative worlds these days.  Working at her Suburban Bakery during the day and writing at night, or on her somewhat infrequent days off.

Excerpt: The Rose Red Reaper
Mason turned and headed for the stairs, taking them two at a time with Devon right behind him. The hallway was alive with dozens of officers questioning the other residents about what they may have seen or heard. And Mason was almost certain they’d seen and heard nothing. Melinda and Piper had arrived as they made their way down the hallway to the victim’s apartment.

They entered the apartment and instantly smelled the acrid tang of copper. Blood dripped in fat droplets from the ceiling, indicating that his latest victim’s heart had been pumping at the time the wounds were inflicted.

Mason closed his eyes as he prepared himself to enter the room fully. When he opened them, he moved to the left where he saw Dr. Hovey crouched over the body of the young victim. His eyes had been taped open; his hands were extended out to the side and duct taped to the metal slats of his headboard.

The carotid artery was gaping open with a solid stream of dried blood coating his skin and leaving the unmistakable spray pattern on the ceiling and walls. His mouth was duct taped to silence his screams and he had a tourniquet on his left arm that prevented him from bleeding out as the killer warmed up with his brachial and radial arteries. Dried blood had dripped from his nose, covering the tape that kept him silent, and the sheets beneath him were saturated with blood and urine. Undoubtedly, this poor young man had spent the last hours of his life in an unimaginable state of terror.

“Looks like the handiwork of your guy,” Dr. Hovey stated. “No hesitation marks. Each incision is methodical and precise.”

“Yeah. He’s enjoying this, too. He wants them to watch, to see the life drain from their bodies. He wants to be the last thing they see,” Mason said as he glanced around the room.

My thoughts:
This is a fantastic story.  The characters are great, wonderfully created and realistic - easy to invest in.  I fell in love with Mason and Dakota.  The plot is creative, intriguing, chilling and original.  I was drawn in from the first page and couldn't put it down.  

Giveaway:
The prize is an ecopy of Kristi's book The Rose Red Reaper.
Must be 18+ and a follower of The Wormhole.
The winner will be randomly chosen from the comments.
Please leave a valid email address and the type of ebook (mobi, pdf, epub) you want.
Thanks for following - Thanks for entering - Read this book, you'll enjoy it.
Contest ends: May 20, 2013
Winner will be notified at email address provided.