Saturday, May 31, 2014

Month In Review by Paranormal Romance Fans for Life

May's Month In Review




PRFL is starting a new segment! On the last Saturday of each month we will re-post our 4-5 Star reviews given during the month, plus reviews not yet seen. 
Enjoy!!











Five Fang Reviews


Mostly MagicDonna June Cooper has done it again. More than Magic captured my heart and my imagination when I reviewed a few months ago, and now the second in the Books of the Kindling series, Mostly Magic, meets the very high bar this author sets for herself. O, how I would love to find this very special mountain and spend time with the folks who know it best.
This story picks up with sibling #2, Dr. Daniel Woodruff, only months after the close of MtM. We find ourselves in Italy, which is never a bad thing, but terrifying visions are unrelenting, and Daniel must risk his reputation, and perhaps his life, in order to ensure the safety of those around him.
Mel Noblett is an environmental reporter who senses there is more to Daniel’s bizarre behavior than a personality quirk, and together they must find out why he is having these visions, and what, if anything, they can do to alter their outcome.
Once again, the story captivates with lyric beauty, humor, tension, mystery and love – of family, of friendship, of life, and of the environment. And may I say ~ Long Live the Bees! Very well done.


More Than Magic: I was thoroughly delighted by this book and recommend it for anyone who likes mystery, drama, humor, a great love story, and yes, magic. The opening, scene-setting chapter for physician Grace is both captivating and mysterious, and her very ill patient, young ‘Tink,’ absolutely charming. But what becomes of either of them? We are left to wonder.
With the opening chapter for Nick, we are introduced to a man who seems nice, affable, and certainly has friends who care about his well-being, but this intro is equally mysterious. What is he all about, what is he being sent to find out, and what is the underlying health issue alluded to?
When Grace and Nick finally meet, way back in a Southern mountain holler, the story unwinds with charismatic characters, fun writing, and rich scene-setting. However, this is not a RomCom – far from it. There is something dark, perhaps even evil going on, and Grace and Nick, along with beautifully precocious child, Jamie, must work together to uncover what that is, in order to ‘cure’ the mountain of its disease.
The writing is captivating, and one sign of a true storyteller is when I find myself so ‘inside’ the story I come out surprised I don’t actually know any of the characters personally, or have never visited the region portrayed. More than Magic is one of those, and I applaud Donna June Cooper on her first book. I look forward to many more. Very well done.



Four Fang Reviews




Dark RedemptionThe much-anticipated Dark Redemption is a good follow up to Fall of Darkness, and with its powerful cliff-hanger ending, I’m not sure my heart can take the anticipation, let alone the wait for book three! Kate and Dominic are back together – thank goodness. But wait, now both sides, the werewolves and the vampires, want them dead at any cost. What a thing for these mortal enemy factions to agree upon.
The writing, per usual, is clear, descriptive, and pulls the reader in from the first moments. Unlike the first book, however, Dark Redemption slows in the middle, so that we may enjoy a special moment with the happy couple. This slowing takes up too much time in my view, especially since we know the whole world is hunting the pair. Regardless, there is plenty going on before and after, with twists that will raise the eyebrows of even the most stalwart of readers.
This sequel is not to be missed, and once again, I find myself impatiently its sequel, the final book in The Chronicles of Darkness series. Well done.

Leopold's Wicked EmbraceVery hot vampires and werewolves are tearing it up in New Orleans! Leopold is one hot, ancient, and powerful and perennially angry vampire, but he’s no match for the quiet, beautiful and enigmatic Laryssa. In a town at ease with its somewhat less than human population, Laryssa has a secret to hide, a secret Leopold very much wants to uncover. As do many others.
This story is well written, fast-paced and hot! And it’s nice to know the vamps and the weres can get along when they have to.
Well done.


Beyond the Veil: Muse is treated like a freak by her family, and a child by the very dangerous man who protects her. While she thinks she has found a niche in which she can lead a life of her own choosing, circumstances are about to blow that false sense of security all to…Hell.
I enjoyed this tale. Fast-paced and full of surprises, it will keep you turning the pages with heart-pounding tension/angst/drama/delight. The characters and situations are well drawn, and the story itself imaginative and unpredictable.
Well done.


His HavenSnatched from poverty by a wealthy man who claims he’s taken her for her own good, Haven does not care for, nor does she fully understand the life he offers. She’d rather be at her poor, sickly father’s side, than dripping in gems and drinking champagne.
Harper Brooks weaves an interesting tale that reveals the glamorous ennui of the vampire elite of England. While slowly peeling back the layers of this secret society, she brings to light both evil and goodness in unlooked-for corners. It is well written, and truly captures the imagination, and oh, fasten your seatbelts for the grand finale! It’ll leave your head spinning…with delight.
Well done.



The Darkness of GlengowynDifferent. Intriguing. Imaginative. A world of Elves, war, powerful magic, love that spans the ages and will not be denied. The writing is as rich and strong as the scene setting. Beautiful and romantic by turns, it also has moments of terror, suspense, and dread. I enjoyed this story and look forward to the series continuing.
Well done.






Penelope's GhostThis story is delightful…and mysterious…and a wonderful Australian vacation in book form. I learned so many Aussy-isms! When Lisa loses her husband to another man, she is forced to regroup, reassess, and rebuild her life. Money is short and good jobs seem to be non-existent, so she takes a temporary job as a live-in nanny. She finds herself in the middle of a sad and dysfunctional family, and, being sensitive to ghosts, she can’t help but wonder who is haunting handsome Mr. Prescott’s ancient manor home. Well, wouldn’t you wonder, too? Lives are changed, both past and present, and in the end, the changes are all good, very good.
Well done. 



Friday, May 30, 2014

Five+ Fang Review & Giveaway: Mostly Magic by Donna June Cooper

Mostly Magic
The Kindling Series
Book Two
Donna June Cooper

Publisher – Samhain
Publication date – June 3, 2014
Genre – Contemporary Paranormal Romance
Cover – by Kanaxa aka Nathalie Gray 

Pre-order Now! Amazon 

About the Book:
One terrifying premonition brings them together. Another will threaten their future.

Do dreams come true? Dr. Daniel Woodruff hopes they don't, because his dreams predict a devastating future for him, for those he loves—and for the planet.

His latest premonition, which blows a huge crater in his eroding sanity, holds a singular horror—the loss of a wife and unborn child. Yet another reason he can let no one into his chaotic life, least of all a perky, persistent investigative reporter he finds simultaneously frustrating and fascinating.

Mel Noblett leaves no stone unturned in her one-woman crusade to save the environment. When a whistleblower in Italy proves too frightened to talk, Mel turns to a fall-back lead, an extremely eccentric, beekeeping professor who might just make the trip worthwhile.

Despite their instant attraction, Mel is relieved when Daniel keeps her at arm’s length. After all, she has a secret of her own—one that makes her preternaturally good at her job. And, when Daniel’s terrifying visions prove cannily accurate and begin to revolve around Mel—it is a gift that could put her life in danger.

Warning: Reluctant seer of a bleak future meets petite force of nature who lights up the heart of his darkness. Where there’s smoke, there could be an unpredictable blaze of passion, but the rewards are oh, so sweet…

My Review:
Donna June Cooper has done it again. More than Magic captured my heart and my imagination when I reviewed a few months ago, and now the second in the Books of the Kindling series, Mostly Magic, meets the very high bar this author sets for herself. O, how I would love to find this very special mountain and spend time with the folks who know it best.
This story picks up with sibling #2, Dr. Daniel Woodruff, only months after the close of MtM. We find ourselves in Italy, which is never a bad thing, but terrifying visions are unrelenting, and Daniel must risk his reputation, and perhaps his life, in order to ensure the safety of those around him.
Mel Noblett is an environmental reporter who senses there is more to Daniel’s bizarre behavior than a personality quirk, and together they must find out why he is having these visions, and what, if anything, they can do to alter their outcome.
Once again, the story captivates with lyric beauty, humor, tension, mystery and love – of family, of friendship, of life, and of the environment. And may I say ~ Long Live the Bees! Very well done.
-Cary Morgan Frates

About the Author:

A transplanted mountain girl. As the granddaughter of a coal miner and the great-great-granddaughter of one of the Muscogee people, Donna was raised in the shadows of the Appalachian Mountains - in the beautiful hills of East Tennessee. After getting a couple of college degrees, she was lured away from her mountains by a gorgeous Italian guy, who married her and carried her off to Texas. (Texas, by comparison to her mountains, is very hot and very flat—a fact she points out often to whoever will listen.) Her vocations have included a little bit of everything, including a stint as an IRS tax auditor, a few years managing a bookstore, and a career in the corporate world writing technical courseware and documentation, but her avocation was always writing. She enjoys being walked by her Jack Russell Terrier (if you know Jack's, you understand), belly dancing (excellent exercise and lots of shiny costumes), reading (three books at once, at times), and travel (with family in Italy and England, who wouldn't?) But, like any child of the Appalachians, she doesn’t stay away from her mountains for long, and visits as often as she can.

Author Contacts:
Website |  Facebook |  Twitter | Pinterest

Tour Giveaway:
First Prize: A honeybee charm (or a $10 GC from Amazon) plus a copy of each book 
Two Second Place Prizes: e-copies of Mostly Magic and More than Magic
a Rafflecopter giveaway
(Visitors can get extra points by tweeting about it, by adding the book on Goodreads, and/or by following me on Twitter and Facebook) 

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Guest Blog & Giveaway: Blood and Magic by Ann Gimpel

Blood and Magic
Ann Gimpel


Publisher: Taliesin
Genre: Dark Paranormal Romance



Book Description:
Can Luke conquer his past and claim the only woman he’s ever loved?

Magic didn’t just find Luke Caulfield. It chased him down, bludgeoned him, and has been dogging him ever since. Some lessons are harder than others. Luke survives by embracing danger and upping the ante to give it one better. An enforcer for the Coven, a large, established group of witches, his latest assignment is playing bodyguard to the daughter of Coven leaders.

Abigail Ruskin is chaperoning a spoiled twelve-year-old from New York to her parents’ home in Utah Territory when Luke gets on their stagecoach in Colorado. A powerful witch herself, Abigail senses Luke’s magic, but he’s so overwhelmingly male, she shies away from contact. Stuck between the petulant child and Luke’s raw sexual energy, Abigail can’t wait for the trip to end.

Wraiths, wolves, and humans with dark magick attack. Unpleasant truths surface about the child and Abigail’s well-ordered world crashes around her. Luke’s so attracted to Abigail, she’s almost all he can think about, but he’s leery too. In over his head, he summons enforcer backup. Will they help him save the woman he’s falling in love with, or demand her immediate execution?



PRFL would like to extend a very warm welcome to our guest blogger, Ann Gimple, author of Blood and Magic, and so many other great books.

Creating a Setting for Your Characters

Thanks so much for inviting me back to your blog, Danica. That’s the best compliment of all. Hope your writing is going well and that 2014 is the best year yet—for all of us.
I’d love to say I use the same process for every book I write, but I don’t. Many of my books begin with an image, or series of images, that form the basis for the book. I occasionally begin with an empty world, and it tells me what kind of characters it needs. I’ve only rarely begun with a character and formed a world around them. 
In Blood and Magic, the world came to me first. It was a nineteenth century version of the United States that’s become a battlefield. People with power stand on one side, and wraiths and other dark creatures stand on the other. I needed gutsy, self-contained characters to survive in such a challenging environment, and they came to me. 
Luke starts out as a scared fifteen year old. His mother’s been taken by wraiths and his father sent him to find the town wizard to help them. Luke knows he has magic, but it scares the living daylights out of him. In many ways this is his story as he comes to terms with who he is. Abigail enters the stage after Luke is long past grown. She’s a powerful witch, but not a match for what’s after them. The story arc brings Luke and Abigail together, but it’s a long, tough journey.
One of the things I love about urban fantasy, as opposed to high fantasy, is it’s set in the “real” world. No odd names for things. No triple moons transiting the sky. My favorite urban fantasies feel so real, they could actually happen. That hunk living next door could be a closet Celtic god, who’s really been alive for millennia.
I’m also wretchedly old-fashioned. We lost something when our lives got very easy. There’s not much challenge left anymore, unless we create it. I think that’s why I’ve had a lifelong love affair with traveling the backcountry with a pack, where I have to rely on my wits. I’ve been cold, lost, and out of food, but I feel ever so much more alive when I get back to civilization. I give my characters similar challenges. They need wits, creativity, and courage to survive to the next chapter. That their worlds hold surprises ups the ante.

How about the rest of you writers out there. Do you create characters first, or worlds? Or do they come to you as a unit that refuses to be separated?

Thank you so much for joining us today, Ann. We really enjoyed the visit and the insights. Good luck and great sales with Blood and Magic!


About the Author

Ann Gimpel is a mountaineer at heart. Recently retired from a long career as a psychologist, she remembers many hours at her desk where her body may have been stuck inside four walls, but her soul was planning yet one more trip to the backcountry. Around the turn of the last century (that would be 2000, not 1900!), she managed to finagle moving to the Eastern Sierra, a mecca for those in love with the mountains. It was during long backcountry treks that Ann’s writing evolved. Unlike some who see the backcountry as an excuse to drag friends and relatives along, Ann prefers solitude. Stories always ran around in her head on those journeys, sometimes as a hedge against abject terror when challenging conditions made her fear for her life, sometimes for company. Eventually, she returned from a trip and sat down at the computer. Three months later, a five hundred page novel emerged. Oh, it wasn’t very good, but it was a beginning. And, she learned a lot between writing that novel
and its sequel.

Around that time, a friend of hers suggested she try her hand at short stories. It didn’t take long before that first story found its way into print and they’ve been accepted pretty regularly since then. One of Ann’s passions has always been ecology, so her tales often have a green twist.

In addition to writing, Ann enjoys wilderness photography. She lugs pounds of camera equipment in her backpack to distant locales every year. A standing joke is that over ten percent of her pack weight is camera gear which means someone else has to carry the food! That someone is her husband. They’ve shared a life together for a very long time. Children, grandchildren and three wolf hybrids round out their family.


Author Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Amazon


Tour Giveaway:
$25 Amazon Gift Card

Release Day Blitz & Giveaway: Unseen by Lauren Stewart

Unseen
The Heights
Volume 1
Lauren Stewart


Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Off the Hook Publishing
Number of pages: ~386
Cover Artist: Amanda of Pixel Mischief Design





Book Description

An invisible wall built from the tears of those touched by death

An impossible love as divided as the world around them.


After Addison finds a nearly-dusted vampire in the garbage outside her building, her ability to stay off the supernatural world’s radar is deader than the vamp. Almost as dead as she’ll be if anyone thinks she put him there. Should she finish the job somebody else screwed up or move him somewhere humans won’t find him? To keep the Heights hidden, she may have shoved a stake into her own chest. Just when she thinks her life couldn’t possibly get any more dangerous, she finds out who he is.

As vampire king and Prime to all supernatural beings in the North American zone, Rhyse is accustomed to getting what he wants without asking. But he neither wanted nor asked to be wounded in an ambush, waking up chained to a bed with a hole in his chest. Unfortunately, he needs help to discover who tried to kill him. But worse than that, his only ally is his captor, someone unaware she has the power to destroy their entire world.

As a prophesized war brews in the Heights, Addison and Rhyse must decide which carries more risk—trusting someone who could destroy you or trusting someone who could love you?

Amazon | B&N | Smashwords 


About the Author:


Lauren Stewart lives in Northern California with two of the most amazing children that the world has ever seen. She reads almost every genre so, naturally, her writing reflects that. With every book, every story, you'll find elements of other genres--fantasy, mystery, romance, paranormal, suspense, YA, women's literature, all with a touch of humor because what doesn't kill us should make us laugh.


Author Links:
Website | Twitter | Facebook


Giveaway:
5 ebook copies of Unseen
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Author Interview: Penelope’s Ghost by Goldie Alexander

Penelope’s Ghost
Goldie Alexander

Genre: Paranormal/Romantic Suspense/Contemporary
Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group
Date of Publication: April 9th 2014



Book Description:
Haunted. Haunting. Redeemed.

When Lisa Harbinger takes a job as nanny to a prestigious Australian family, she gets more than she bargained for: two spoilt children, vengeful ghosts, a long-unsolved mystery and a blazing passion she and her enigmatic boss are unable to deny.

 ARe | Amazon | Smashwords

  
Excerpt:
“He fell in love with someone else,” Richard repeated thoughtfully. “Was she a friend of yours?”
It must be time to confess. What he would think of me after that, I didn’t dare consider. “Actually, she was a he. Simon fell in love with Robert and finally admitted he was gay.”
Richard’s eyebrows shot up. “Married to someone as lovely and intelligent as you? That’s almost impossible to believe.”
Lovely? Intelligent? Not knowing how to respond to these compliments I said quickly, “I think Simon always knew he was gay. Even when he married me, he was just in denial. I was too dumb to wake up to it.”
“When you did realise, how did it make you feel?”
“Angry. Miserable. Then totally stupid,” I answered. “There were so many hints, but I kept on ignoring them.” Then I dared to venture, as the atmosphere between us was definitely pulsing, “He was never interested in sex.”
His face blank, Richard turned to the next page of the book we were sharing, then another. In the pause I heard an owl hoot and the wind rustle a branch against the window.
At last he put down the book. “Never interested in sex. That mean you’re not? Let’s find out.” With this, he placed one arm around my waist and with the other hand tilted my head so I faced him. Then he carefully and delicately placed his mouth over mine.

PRFL would like to extend a very warm welcome to Goldie Alexander, author of Penelope's Ghost. Goldie, 1.      I love your cover for Penelope’s Ghost do you do all your covers by yourself?
If only. Can’t design for nuts! The clever folk at Boroughs Publishing Group did this for me. Perhaps I sent a few ideas their way and then they were able to transpose them into something that catches the eye.

 Seeing how romance novels are all about the perfect or not so perfect sexy man how steamy do you like your sex scenes? Not just your books but books you read?
      I have always thought that some things should be left to the readers’ imagination, which is why I don’t write erotica. It’s the lead up to sex that is most exciting and titillating. And, of course, my heroes have to be sexy and slightly imperfect so this will add to my plot. My heroines are sexy deep inside though this has to be brought out as the story continues. I want my readers to identify with them. How would they react in a similar situation?

            What keeps you doing what you do, writing? What’s your favorite part of writing/creating?
I am always being asked why I write. Frankly, can’t think of anything else I want to do except maybe run my own TV show and become rich and famous. My favorite part of writing is when I have created a scene and it actually seems to work. My least favorite is re-reading what I have written after the book comes out as there is always something that could have been ‘better.’

Trying to write a book is not small issue but it has to be harder to send your work into the world for others to enjoy. What was your largest obstacle you had to overcome to get where you are today?
I teach creative writing and mentor many emerging authors. I tell them to take all rejections ‘on the chin’ and to keep on going. Just because one submissions editor doesn’t like your novel doesn’t mean another won’t. But over the years each time I received the standard ‘dear author rejection,’ I’d grit my teeth and think about using it to line the toilet walls. Do Americans talks about ‘toilets?’ Maybe you use another word like ‘john.’

Phone, neighbors, kids that use to be the only distraction when writing at home. What is the largest distraction for you?
The refrigerator. Too easy when something isn’t quite working to walk into the kitchen and consider what is inside. Also, because I work from home, too many friends and relatives think this isn’t ‘real work,’ and, therefore, I could be using my time more profitably like helping out with other jobs. But I am very task driven and selfish when it comes to using my time. Over the years I have refused to be swayed into becoming ‘general helper’ and I think this ‘bloody mindedness’ has finally paid off.

After all the work you have done with children/young adult books thank you for coming over to the darkside. What made you write paranormal romance instead of any other genre?
Because it is such fun to try something new. Over the years I have written in almost every genre except TV and film scripts and graphic novels. (read question one for reasons). My first four books for young adults were Romances so I was really returning to home territory. When I look back at my YA historical fiction, there is always a romance in them even if they don’t always work out. Using ghosts in a story adds to the mystery which also adds to the plot. Writing a Paranormal Romance was my next inevitable step as an author.

 When you tell others that you wrote a romance book what is the most common reaction?
      They look somewhat bemused. Some even look appalled as if writing Romance should be a deeply held secret like picking at your cuticles. Then I tell them that more Romance novels are sold than any other genre, they nod knowingly. But does it really matter what other people think? I want to know to know what my readers think. If I can take them out of their everyday lives and they want to keep on reading, that’s all that matters in the end.

            What is something about you that is funny/entertaining/interesting?
I am often accused of being a terrible gossip and I love listening to other people’s stories. Gossip is what creates character s and that’s what I write about. I don’t gossip maliciously, but I listen very carefully to people talking on their cell phones when I’m on a bus or a tram and try to fill in the gaps at the other end.

I believe that each book is a gateway to another world. If you could escape into any book world which would you choose? It doesn’t have to be your own.
Because women had always been treated rather meanly in most other centuries this is a hard question to answer. Perhaps I would like to go far into the future, though the worlds in those books are usually dystopian. Or perhaps back into novels written about ancient Egypt or Rome - but only if I have a very important position and am not a slave.

Thank you for interviewing me. I hope readers will pick up Penelope’s Ghost and enjoy reading it. 

Thank you so much for joining us today, Goldie. We really enjoyed the visit. Good luck and great sales with Penelope's Ghost.


About the Author:

 Goldie Alexander has published over 75 books plus many prize winning short stories and articles. For children she is best known for, "My Australian Story: Surviving Sydney Cove", now in its 10th edition. Amongst recent work are three collections of short stories: ‘Killer Virus’, ‘My Horrible Cousins’ and ‘Space Footy”. 
Her latest novels for Young Adult include ‘The Youngest Cameleer’, ‘In Hades’ a verse novel, and ‘That Stranger next Door’. For middle grade readers: ‘eSide: A Journey into Cyberspace’. ‘ Cybertrix: 2043, and ‘Neptunia’, and the Junior novel ‘Gallipoli Medals’. She has authored the how-to-write ‘Mentoring Your Memoir’, facilitates creative writing workshops and mentors emerging authors.

Author Links:
Tour Giveaway:
1 winner will receive a 10-book subscription to the Lunchbox Romance line.
The ten-book subscription will provide the winner with a new Lunchbox Romance every two weeks. Lunchbox Romances are "delicious short Romances consumable during the lunch hour."

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Author Interview & Giveaway: Covet by Terri Herman-Poncé

Covet
Past Life Series
Book 2
Terry Herman-PoncĂ©


Amazon
About the Book:
Everyone wants something. Even if it belongs to someone else. And some will destroy the very thing they want, just so no one else can have it. 

Professional soldier David Bellotti's latest mission seems simple: steal the key card to a drug lord's compound so the empire can be infiltrated and destroyed. But when David discovers evidence of his lover Lottie’s possible infidelity, his mission turns personal. He searches for answers others would kill to keep buried and discovers a link to the past he's been trying hard to ignore.
Ancient lives, twelve thousand year old secrets, murder, and primal instincts lead David on a journey through past lives and present danger—all to save the woman he loves.
Find your way back through history, when hunter-gatherers roamed and David and Lottie's past incarnations began. 

Reviews:
-The Reading CafĂ© calls Covet, Book Two of the Past Life Series, "An amazing and fascinating storyline of suspense, mystery, betrayal, hatred and love."
-Author Deborah O’Neill Cordes calls this a reincarnation series of “page-turning mysteries… positively Hitchcockian in its ability to keep me guessing.”
-Amazon reviewers say this metaphysical story is “fascinating” with “non-stop suspense” and “an absolute treat”…“a heart-pounding thriller wrapped up inside a sizzling, sexy paranormal romance.”

Excerpt:
I blew out the entrance and took off, hustling through the panicked crowd. Another gun fired and police sirens sounded in the distance. I made a left down a small street then a right into an alley, jumping a garbage can, hurtling over a short wall, and disappearing into the neighborhood. 
If Galen didn't make it to our backup rendezvous point, I had to get to the safe house and that was five miles away. And right now, I had no idea if Galen and Lady in Blue were still alive.
I skidded past a corner, wondering if I should take the chance and call an alert into HQ, when I heard screeching tires. I backed up, pressed myself against a wall, and realized who it was. Galen in a Toyota. He threw open the passenger door and I jumped in, slamming the door shut as Galen jammed the gas pedal.
“You get it?” he asked, swerving through a turn then dropping our speed so we didn’t draw attention.
I nodded. “Is Lady in Blue okay?”
Galen hugged another turn. “She will be. She came to when the gunshots were fired.”
I blew out a sigh of relief. It wasn't the first time a distraction job had taken a bad turn, but it was still a worry. “And the cops?”
“All at the nightclub. But we will have to lose the car.” He used his cell phone and dialed our contact, making arrangements for cleanup.
I pulled out Sahin’s wallet and lifted the keycard. “Payday,” I said, holding it up.
“Mommie Dearest says we should leave the wallet and card with the car.” Galen disconnected the call. “They will pick it all up at the Starbucks near the safe house in ten minutes.”
I drew in a breath and held it, forcing my heart and my lungs to calm down. Another close call. I loved this stuff.
“You love this stuff way too much,” Galen said, glancing my way.
I had known Galen all of three months, and he was far too good at reading my mind already. I was trying to get my head wrapped around the fact that we were connected in a way that didn't make sense, but that didn't mean I had to like it. Ignoring him, I sank into the seat, letting the adrenalin wear off.
“Let’s see what else we’ve got on this guy.” Inside his wallet I found a black American Express, a MasterCard, and over five thousand Euros in the billfold. A picture was tucked in with his identification. I pulled it out and held it up to catch the light from passing street lamps. 

It was a photo of the love of my life kissing another man.

Amazon 


PRFL would like to extend a very warm welcome to Terri Herman-PoncĂ©, author of Covet. Terri, to begin, can you tell us who or what most influenced you to become a writer?
My best friend influenced me the most. I started out writing Star Trek: The Next Generation fanfiction almost 18 years ago (wow, has time passed!) and that’s where I met her. She beta-read all my stuff (and still does) and one day encouraged me to spread my wings and write something of my own. I haven’t looked back since.

If you were to be left alone on an island, what three books would you take with you?
How to Build a Boat from Nothing
Wait. You want a serious answer? I’ll have to get back to you on that. J

What are your most and least favorite movie genres?
I love, love, LOVE anything suspense. The more it grabs me by the throat, the more I’m hooked. My least favorite? Well, I’d have to say I don’t really have a least favorite, though I’ll admit that I don’t understand any movies with British humor. It goes right over my head!

If you could choose any man for your next book cover, who would he be?
David Gandy. Hands down. Or, in my case, hands ALL OVER.

When you are on a deadline, what aspect of your ‘regular’ life suffers most?
Oh boy. Well, I’ve recently gotten rights back to all my books and I’m self-published. So any deadlines are self-inflicted. Which means my sanity suffers the most.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?
Write true to your heart. Write what you’re passionate about. Write what feels right for you.

When reading for pleasure, do you prefer a physical or electronic book?
I prefer physical books, but my bookshelf is now full so I’ve had to buy a Kindle. As much as I love the technology, I gotta say that I miss holding paper in my hands.

From the first stroke of a pen (or laptop), how long did it take you get published?
18 years. 18 long, long years before I found a publisher. Now if that’s not an example of stick-to-itiveness, I don’t know what is!

Did you ever feel like calling it quits?
Never! Can you believe it? I’m having so much fun creating my own worlds. Storytelling is my drug, and I’m hooked. I can’t imagine a day without it.

What did you do when you got your first contract?
I think I blinked at the laptop, thinking this can’t be right. Then my husband and I opened a bottle of red wine. And then I told him this can’t be right.


Well, that was fun and thanks for the great questions! More than that, thanks so much for having me here today.

Thank you so much for joining us today, Terri. We really enjoyed the visit. Good luck and great sales with Covet. 

About the Author:
Terri looks for any opportunity to make stuff up. She thinks anything that can’t so easily be explained is worth an extra look and often makes a great story. She loves red wine, scotch, sunrises, Ancient Egypt, the beach—and a host of other stuff that would take too much real estate to talk about. The youngest of five children, Terri lives with her husband and son on Long Island. And, in her next life, if she hasn’t moved on to somewhere else, she wants to be an astronomer. Terri’s fascinated with the night skies almost as much as she’s fascinated with ancient Egypt.
Terri is a member of member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America.  

Author Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter 

Spotlight Giveaway:
A copy of Covet to one lucky commenter on this blog site.

Monday, May 26, 2014

Guest Blog & Giveaway: Return by Max W. Miller

Return
Egyptian Moon Series
Book 1
Max W. Miller


Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Ironshield Marking LLC
Number of pages: 218 pages
Cover Artist: Kat Murphy



Book Description:

A young lady has to learn how to function on a college campus without the guidance of her parents while dealing with reincarnation. How will she fight and win the battle against the aggressive soul of an ancient Egyptian princess who is determined to RETURN.

Amazon 


PRFL would like to extend a very warm welcome to Max Miller, author of Return, and author of today's guest blog~


Blog Title: Breathing life into A Character - Misty Rapnel

Inside the world of a book series, character development begins of course with the first book. I want to share how I went about shelling-out a particular character. Before I decided on which character I would share with you, I turned to my reviews to see what Egyptian Moon – Return readers had to say. Two reviews in particular flashed back at me.
Many reviewers use general terms; I believe this is done to prevent giving away spoilers. Take a look at snippets from the following reviewers that specifically relates to characters.
Goodreads Snippet
This novel was very readable. I read most of it in one sitting and I wasn't bored the whole time. I really like Miller's writing style. She didn't go overboard with purple prose or anything like that.
I also adored Megan's roommate from the south. She was adorable and very likable. I wish that she had been the main character because she is so interesting and funny. I liked all her sayings and I might read some of the later books in the series just so I can see what happens to her.
Amazon – Snippet
This book really was a page turner. It was so easy to empathize with Meg, the main character. I felt the pain of her relationship and the pain of trying to begin college and friendships that aren't always what we expect. This book really grabbed me because it was an usual concept of possession. Good read! I highly recommend it and look forward to the next book.
When reviewers began to say what they like or even dislike about a character (s), a writer knows that they have breathed life into that character. My decision today is to tell you a bit about supporting character, Misty Rapnel.
Misty is a junior that transferred to MNU from Texas Tech U. She is one of the roommates of Megan Smart (my main character). Inside the covers of Egyptian Moon – Return, Misty took her first breath with a Texas dialect and have played it up with Texan slangs and witty comments throughout the book. For instance, Megan’s first interaction with Misty took place inside their college dormitory quad. “It’s hotter than screwing flat on my back in a field at noon,” Misty said.
As the story develops readers found that they could always count on Misty for an off-the-wall perception to whatever conversation taking place, such as: when the girls arrived at their first frat party off campus, Misty’s quick witted flirt sounded off with: “Who wee, y’all, I’m going to round up the beef tonight and I’m starting with Todd.”
After Megan’s freaky woes had her spinning out of control, she asked Misty to take her home to Cary, North Carolina. While Tangie and Megan rode inside Misty’s metallic red Chevy Silverado, Tangie found out that Misty kept unmentionables in her glove compartment—underwear to be exact. Tangie could not resist asking Misty if her panties were clean as they had fallen on Tangie’s feet. Misty’s response was: “Why, of course they are, little darling. Come hell or high water, I was determined to ride this horse from Lubbock to Winston Salem in less than the estimated twenty-something hours and I don’t like hotels eating up my cash reserve, and I don’t ride women with dirty drawers in my car, even if that woman with the dirty drawers is me.”
Misty’s light hearted term of endearment when referring to Megan is “Sweet tea.” And there’s something between her and cows because she always talks about them. Her Texas analogies always raises the questions of “what did she just say.” Misty Rapnel confesses that she is no jaw jacker—meaning she lives up to what she says,
I think you will agree with my reviewer that Misty Rapnel added memorable spice in a unique and light hearted way. Megan’s plight in dealing with reincarnation issues were made bearable by the supporting character of Misty Rapnel from Lubbock Texas.
Recently, I met one of my handsome nephews who actually was born and raised in the Dallas/Fort Worth area where he still resides. Glen, who I hadn’t seen in years, actually speaks with that charming southern drawl. Family members took to the historic streets of Savannah Georgia’s riverfront to celebrate my husband’s birthday. As I sat at a restaurant table, I took notice of my nephew’s home grown Texan accent and thought about Misty. It was as if she was there—long model legs, narrow waistline, sugary voice, long blonde hair with platinum highlights, deep blue eyes. You’re gonna love Misty, along with Megan and Tyler too.
Experience the Texan charm of Misty Rapnel Download Egyptian Moon – Return TODAY
From the author – Max W. Miller
I am on a never ending journey into the worlds of sci-fi / fantasy and all things paranormal. I write in several genres (Children, Teens/Young Adult, and New adult). This year, I plan to release the sequels to Sadie Mae Stevens, and Egyptian Moon. I’m also working on short stories that I will be rolling out continuously throughout the year. Most will be FREE to subscribers to my blog and inexpensive if purchased on Amazon. The two short story series that I’m presently working on are: Ghost Stories Unlimited and Monster Mates. All are welcome to visit my Blog for new and exciting FREE flash fiction and updates on my shenanigans.  

Thank you so much for joining us today, Max. We really enjoyed the visit. Good luck and great sales with Return.


About the Author:

Max W. Miller was born in Savannah, Georgia, but has lived in North Carolina with her husband and two children for many years. She comes from a large family with eight siblings who have also experienced supernatural encounters.
Max enjoys writing science fiction, fantasy, and all things paranormal because she believes that we have three distinct parts to our being—body, mind and spirit (soul), and that other life forms in other realms are just as real as we are. In her writing, Max uses popular fantasy, science fiction and paranormal topics such as aliens, ghosts, and witches, and expresses them in a way that is highly entertaining and thought provoking.


Author Links:
Website Twitter | Facebook Linkedin Author Central Goodreads   



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Giveaway:
6 prize packs:
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