Thursday 31 October 2013

Hellooooo NaNo! + Homecoming review +Guest post

Yep. You read it right. :) But before I go into that, Ria was kind enough to host me on her blog  A Bookish Escape, about what inspired me when I was creating Anndesia-- Cloaked Devices world, as well as some information about Sera--the heroine in the story. Want to know Sera's favourite moves? Or her choice of weapons? Please check out the post! :)  Ria also reviewed HOMECOMING, and did a casting for both Sera and Levian. Oh my word! I saw the photos and swooned. I am completely humbled about all the feedback I've gotten so far. Thank you to everyone who'd taken a chance to buy, read and review. It means a lot to me. :)

  I'm taking part in NaNo starting tomorrow, and I am really determined to complete the 50,000 words this year. What I am working on? Fate and other Coincidences, a somewhat light and humorous contemporary romance. I can't wait to share  Aayden and Mica's (Michaela) story with you. I got this catchy tag line from my cover designer, the talented Regina Wamba : Sexy Guy.Art. Love.  Aayden is sexy. :D As most of you know, I am quirky. I design my covers way, way in advance. Even before the novel is outlined. I always have this image in my head of how I want it to look like and if I don't get it done on time, I feel as if I'll go crazy.

I found this lovely little program online through Publishing Crawl https://hiveword.com/  It's a free online writing novel organizer and  lets you map out the story. The awesome thing about this? You can access it from anywhere. I have Scrivener, but I can only access it when I'm at home, so I'm hoping to have lots of fun using Hiveword.

Are you taking part in NaNo? Are you excited like me? If anyone's doing this and are looking for a writing buddy, here is my link: http://nanowrimo.org/participants/crobert

I might not be online so often in the next four weeks, so I really look forward to seeing you all in December with the updates on how my writing went. :)

Happy NaNo-ing!!
<3

Monday 28 October 2013

Cover Reveal: Nothing To Tell by Ashelyn Drake


Nothing to Tell (Campus Crush #.5)
by Ashelyn Drake
Release date: October 29, 2013
S.B. Addison Books

Some guys have the art of hooking up down to a science.

They know all the right words to say and all the right games to play.

Except...for guys like Mike Hannigan.

The dude has got no game, his pick-up lines never work, and to make matters worse, his wing-man is his female best friend, Mindy.

Until one day, a mysterious raven-haired beauty catches Mike's eye and he's determined to have her. He doesn't care what lengths he has to go to. He'll do whatever it takes to perfect his game and figure out what to say without sounding like a sleaze.

But...

There's always something strange about mysterious girls.

They're usually mysterious for a reason and this girl in particular might be more than Mike bargained for.

This is a FREE short story prequel to the Campus Crush Series. Add it on Goodreads.

Check out the other books in the Campus Crush Series:


And to tempt you more, here's the Campus Crush trailer:



Find Ashelyn Drake online:

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Thursday 24 October 2013

Writing process: Homecoming & Co


Today I am over on Ali Crean's blog. This was one of the most fantastic and fun interviews I've ever done. Ali's questions allowed me to think deeper about my writing process and story telling. Here is the link to the review as well: HOMECOMING  and for the INTERVIEW I've mentioned the TV series that inspired part of the Cloaked Devices world.

avatar the last airbender gifs photo: avatar 1 1-1.gif 

 Want to know which POV & Tense I find easier writing in male perspective?

avatar the last airbender gifs photo: No Sokka035.gif   

A whole lot more about HOMECOMING? Which character I enjoyed writing most? Upcoming releases?

Ali has the answers. :)


funny supernatural gif photo: The Curious Case Of Dean Winchester 000kbary.gif 

 Thank you so much for dropping by!! :)
<3



Monday 21 October 2013

Homecoming Release Blitz October 21st - October 25th, 2013



Guess what guys??? Homecoming is finally here! **throws confetti and twirls** Actually the release was supposed to be on 25th October, but I decided to do an early release, let Sera and Levian loose to the world. Thank you Raina Campbell of Grapevine Book Tours for organising this event. You are one awesome lady!!! When we met--virtually--earlier this year, I fell in love with your name and I knew I had to have it. Or die. Thank you for allowing me to use it, and sparing me a very painful death (lusting after a name. Imagine that.) For the ladies who helped me with the ARC tour, Meradeth Houston, Stephanie Parent, Angela Brown, Cara Crabtree, Megan Cole, Angie, Sarah Brown, Vicki Trask, Taneesha Freidus  you are on rockstar status in my book. Let's grab those shiny guitars, and hit the road for the tour. Another huge shout out goes to the bloggers out there, who take time to help promote authors. THANK YOU!

Visit the Homecoming blitz page for a list of participating blogs and to to learn more about the book.
Giveaways:
Three (3) eBooks of Homecoming by Cecilia Robert
One (1) $25 Amazon gift card {INT}


Title: Homecoming
Author: Cecilia Robert
Series: A Cloaked Devices
Expected release date: October 25th, 2013
Category: New Adult (NA)
Genre: Paranormal Romance (PNR) with Steampunk elements

Synopsis:

**Mature Content Warning** 17+ for language and sexual content.

Five years ago, twenty-three-year-old panther shifter Sera Czedar left her home and her newly mated groom in a humiliating position after a mating ceremony gone wrong. She built a new life for herself in Varselles, the City of Outcasts where shifters exiled from their clans in the Seven Kingdoms can go for sanctuary.

Five years ago, panther shifter Levian Grayson was abandoned on the bonding bed by his bride, Sera. After years of tracking her, he arrives in Varselles, intent on staking his claim on her once and for all, even if it means hauling her over his shoulder just to make sure that happens.

Sera has always known her homecoming would eventually catch up with her one day. The one thing she can’t bear to do is hurt Levian, which will happen as soon as he finds out the reason she left him. Is she ready to take that path? Most of all, will Levian still want her when the truth comes out?


Amazon (US): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FZ9UE2U/
Amazon (UK): http://www.amazon.co.uk/Homecoming-Cloaked-Devices-Short-Story-ebook/dp/B00FZ9UE2U/
Amazon (DE): http://www.amazon.de/Homecoming-Cloaked-Devices-Short-Story-ebook/dp/B00FZ9UE2U/
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/368462

EXCERPT

“Looking all perked-up, small bro. Want to tell me what’s given you that maidenly flush on your cheeks?”
Maidenly flush? Levian fought the urge to rub his cheeks and scowled at Tegue. The fact that Tegue had come out of their mother’s womb a few seconds before Levian made him feel he was entitled to being the big brother. Levian let him, what with him being his kin and all. There were some things one learned to let slide when it came to family. “Pack up, brother. Time to go surprise Sera.”
Tegue’s blue eyes widened. “They found her?”
Levian nodded, glancing over Tegue’s shoulder. Maybe he could invite the pretty redhead to accompany them, just to make sure his brother’s attention didn’t go wandering.
“Well, I’ll be damned.”
Levian’s gaze whipped back to find Tegue rubbing his hands, his eyes gleaming with… predatory lust? He tensed, clenched his fists, then shoved a thick finger at his brother’s face. “Be very careful, Tegue.” Killing his brother this early in the day was not in his plan. Besides, it would break their mother’s heart, and at some point in time, it would come back to haunt him. Sera’s leaving had caused him enough anguish to last three lifetimes. Going down that road again wasn’t really among his aspirations.
Tegue raised his hands, palms facing him. “Let’s not get carried away now, baby brother. I was stupid back then. She’s had a few years to think. Let’s await her decision, shall we?”
The euphoric wave Levian had been riding since he received the news evaporated, and was replaced by an anger so furious it should be shooting off his skin. His fangs dropped from his gums and claws unsheathed, unable to be contained. He yanked back his arm, smashed a fist into his brother’s jaw, and sent him flying. He stalked forwards, and before Tegue could scramble to his feet, Levian slammed his foot into his brother’s chest. He leaned down, baring his fangs at him. “Let’s get one thing very clear, big brother,” Levian said, his voice dropping even lower. “Sera is mine. Mine. My blood runs in her veins. If you think you will seduce her again and drop her like she’s not worth shit, I will rip out your throat before you can say her name.”
Tegue rolled his eyes. “There goes that sensitivity again. Really, Lev, you should learn to leash—”
Levian growled deep in his throat in warning. Tegue opened his mouth to speak, but Levian snarled. Seemed like talking wasn’t going to make his brother understand how serious he was about his mate. Levian lifted a clawed hand, swiped it across Tegue’s chest, and ripped skin. Blood gushed out, running down Tegue’s chest and soaking his clothing. Then Levian leaned lower and roared into Tegue’s face. If there was something that could get his brother’s stupid thoughts in line, it was his roar. He’d spent some time with lion-shifters in the L’atizia kingdom a while back and polished it.
Levian could roar with the best of them.
When he felt he’d made his point, he bared his fangs and growled for effect. There. That should explain things a little more clearly to his idiot brother. “Do we understand each other, Tegue?”
Tegue stared at him with wide eyes, running a trembling hand across his shaggy hair, then touching his bleeding chest. “Yes. Yes, we do, little brother.”
“Good.” Oh man, sometimes his generosity surprised the hell out of him. Any other kin would be ripping off limbs and body parts for the mere mention of their mate. Yet here he was, letting his brother go with only a roar and a scratch. If that wasn’t magnanimity, he didn’t know what was. “Let’s do this once again, shall we?” Levian pulled his face away from Tegue and cleared his throat. “We have a mate to find.”
“Of course, kind brother. Lead the way.”
Levian lifted his foot, panting. Slowly, his fangs retracted, but he kept his claws out, just in case his brother needed a little lesson forced down his throat again. He held out his hand to Tegue and said, “No hard feelings, brother. Just hard facts.”
Tegue grabbed Levian’s hand to pull himself up. He grimaced, rubbing his jaw. “More like a hard fist. Man, what did you load that punch with? Stones? And did you have to draw blood? You don’t play nice, Lev. Bad cat.”

“I’ve never been known to play nice, Tegue. Not when it comes to her.”


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Friday 18 October 2013

Homecoming ARC Tour + Release Blitz: The 13th Floor Collection by Christine Rains

Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday.... phew! I've been dying to sing that song. :D Homecoming ARC tour is still on until October 19th. To follow the tour and take part in the giveaway, please click HERE.   So today we are celebrating Christine Rain's The 13th Floor Complete Collection release. Christine was kind enough to share with us an excerpt from the Collection from James Roberts POV, and it's fantastic!

Title: The 13th Floor Complete Collection

Author: Christine Rains

Genre: paranormal romance

Release date: October 13th, 2013










Blurb:
Six supernatural tenants
Living in a haunted apartment building
On a floor that doesn't exist.

Six novellas telling their tales.

A retired demon acquires a price on his head.
A werewolf is hunted by her pack.
A modern day dragonslayer misses his target.
A harpy challenges Zeus for the soul of the man she loves.
A vampire is obsessed with a young woman he can't find.

A banshee falls in love with someone who's death she has seen in a vision.
And a sweet ghost must battle a primal monster to save them all.

All the stories take place at the same time intertwining their lives together on the 13th Floor.

Includes “The Shadow,” a bonus short story.

EXCERPT:  JAMES ROBERTS FROM 1302 – THE ALPHA

Perched on the edge of the rooftop, I lift my head and breathe in deeply. Canine. Another sniff. Domestic. No trouble. Just a young couple walking their dog. I spot them as they round a corner and stroll toward downtown. Below, a baby cries in one of the apartments, and her mother sings softly to calm her.

I'm Carmine's version of Batman. I'm its ever vigilant silent protector. I glance at the gorgeous woman to my left. Okay, one of them. And maybe sometimes we're not so silent. We've gotten a few noise complaints ourselves.

How a geek like me ever landed a magnificent woman like Stefanie is a mystery. Wolf magnetism? I don't know. She's been through so much with her pack and yet she remains so strong. I'm in awe. Yet all that matters now is that she loves me as I love her.

Sensing me staring at her, Stefanie pounces on me – BAM! - and pins me on the roof. I grunt as we land. The gravel digs into my skin, but it won't be the first time I had to pick stones out of my back. She grins wickedly before she kisses me, and I'm lost. I try to roll her over, but there's no way she's going to let me have the dominant position. Not that I mind one bit. I'm one damn lucky werewolf to have her in my life.


Author Bio:

Christine Rains is a writer, blogger, and geek mom. She has four degrees which help nothing with motherhood, but make her a great Jeopardy player. When she's not writing or reading, she having adventures with her son or watching cheesy movies on Syfy Channel. She's a member of Untethered Realms and S.C.I.F.I. The 13th Floor series is her first self-published series. She has eight novellas and twenty-one short stories published.

Wednesday 16 October 2013

Homecoming ARC tour --- 3rd day

It's mid-week, and what a lovely week it's been so far.  Today's Homecoming ARC tour stop is over at my wonderful friend and author, Meradeth, on WRITE STUFF.  Please stop by if you can. There is a review to be read and some gifts to be won. :D

So what else have I been up to... I received my edits for Holding on Forever (previously Truly, Deeply, Yours). HoF continues from where Truly, Madly, Deeply, You left off right after Liese and Frey returned from their Valentine's trip- This time there are additional characters which I feel added a great touch to the story.

I am planning to participate in NaNowrimo (hopefully) in November. My main focus would be Fate and Other Coincidences and humorous contemporary romance about a girl who gots dumped by her boyfriend over the phone. The series that follow after that are. . .hilarious, as the girl realises she was never in love with her ex-boyfriend in the first place.

Oh, and Ernest aka Grim will be hosting a Halloween Masquerade Ball on Facebook. Invitations are being sent as we speak. Hope you'll be able to hop by and have fun with the rest of us Afterworld of Shadow and Lights party-goers.
Here is the link, if you would like to join:
https://www.facebook.com/events/460203820757242/

cas approves photo: Cas Approves tumblr_inline_mh27mh0u7J1rewr8p_zps3db6cf08.gif


So what have you been upto? 

Tuesday 15 October 2013

Review Stop: Strength & Courage by Carrie Butler

Today I have a double review for you from Carrie Butler's Mark of Nexus series. Homecoming ARC tour is still on until 19th October. To check out the next stop , click Stephanie Parent.

Soo...back to Mark of Nexus tour:


Welcome to my stop for the Courage blog tour, organized by Grapevine Book Tours. So this is going to be a double review. I purchased a copy of Strength a while back, so when I heard Courage was set for release, I signed up for the blog tour.I am really glad I did because these books are AWESOME. If you haven't started on this series, RUN! well, not really run but click fast and get your copies. Actually Strength is free until October 18th. So, yeah...:D Look what's up for grabs! All you have to do is enter the Rafflecopter at the end of this post for a chance to win.

One (1) signed paperback of Courage by Carrie Butler {US only}
Five (5) eBook copies of Courage {INT}
One (1) limited edition Mark of Nexus pillowcase {US only}

 To follow the rest of the tour: Courage by Carrie Butler


Title: Strength
Author: Carrie Butler
Series: Mark of Nexus #1
Publication: August 16th, 2013 (First publication: March 7th, 2013 by Sapphire Star Publishing)
Category: New Adult (NA)
Genre: Paranormal Romance (PNR)








Short description:

When college student Rena Collins finds herself nose-to-chest with the campus outcast, she’s stunned. Wallace Blake is everything she’s ever wanted in a man—except he can’t touch her. His uncontrollable strength, a so-called gift from his bloodline, makes every interaction dangerous. And with a secret, supernatural war brewing among his kind, there’s no time to work it out. To keep Wallace in her life, Rena will have to risk a whole lot more than her heart.


Title: Courage
Author: Carrie Butler
Series: Mark of Nexus #2
Expected publication: October 15th, 2013
Category: New Adult (NA)
Genre: Paranormal Romance (PNR)







Short description:

Rena Collins never thought she’d long for the past—back when affection from Wallace, her freakishly strong boyfriend, was the most dangerous aspect of her life. But now that the human-altering organization known as ERA has gone on the offensive, nothing is safe. Her bloodline is exposed, her relationships torn apart, and just when it seems like things can’t get any worse, ERA ups the ante. To save mankind from forced evolution, Rena will have to mend her broken ties and form a resistance... hand-in-hand with the one she hurt most.


***Courage (Mark of Nexus #2) is a New Adult paranormal romance that features four unique points-of-view. While the novel stands alone, it is best enjoyed after Strength (Mark of Nexus #1). ***

My thoughts: 

Strength (Mark Of Nexus #1)

As I mentioned above, one-click right now! :D This book is all about Strength. It starts with Rena running into Wallace, known as the madman around campus. But Wallace isn't what people think. This guy is a whole level of awesomeness. He's broody (yeah, we all love that type. :D) kind and his heart is as big as the universe. Rena takes a chance to get to know him and their relationship builds from mere friendship to best friends to lovers. (EEP! See, I just love these kind of stories, so thanks for hooking me with that one, Carrie) oh where was I?.. Yep. And for the first time Wallace finally opens up to someone who isn't his family, tells her what he is (although part of the revelation is brought about by the force that is Cole, Wallace's brother. I could go on about Cole, but that means I might not finish this review. Cole was one of my favourites, so yeah I'll stop there and hope Carrie feels pity on me and gives us --and other Cole fans his story soon...or someday. No pressure.)
Rena is one of the funniest and impulsive heroines I've ever read. The things that spew out of her mouth, and her innerthoughts, hilarious. She is as stubborn as Wallace is strong. Actually both of them are stubborn, which brought about some very great scenes full of conflict between the two. The downside to their relationship is that Wallace cannot touch Rena without bruising her. There were some twists in the story I didn't see coming and my jaw kept hitting my desk. I have bruises to prove it. And finally the Mark of Nexus that binds Rena and Wallace. Now that was pure genius. And I have to warn you, Wallace is . . .wow! yeah, that. A force to be reckoned with. I fell inlove with this guy. I really enjoyed the introduction to this unique world Carrie created.

Highly recommended!!!



Courage: (Mark of Nexus #2)

The story kicks off where the first ended. After Wallace, Rena and Cole saved the world--just for like a short breath of air-- they pulled back to regroup. There is an introduction of another character, Corynn, who plays a huge part in the story. And OMG, did my heart break for Rena when she realised the reason Corynn was brought into the picture! I really loved Corynn's character. She is one of those characters caught in a crossfire, her own family threatened, but she still finds the heart to help the good guys. As the book title says, this book is all about Courage. Courage to swallow your pride and face adversity, courage to do something that could get you and your family killed, Courage to put aside your lifelong fears of being rejected and stand up to do something that might have your heart ripped from your chest and handed over to you. Courage, Courage, Courage.

As you can see, I tried, really tried not to include spoilers in these reviews. I don't want to spoil this for you as I think it'll better to read the books and experience that yummy goodness that is Strength and Courage. Thoroughly enjoyed this one as well. :)

The two books are, in my opinion, 5 stars!




Author bio:
Carrie Butler daydreamed her way through college—until they thrust a marketing degree into her hands, slapped a summa cum laude seal on the corner, and booted her out into a less-than-stellar job market. Instead of panicking at the prospect of unemployment, she used her Midwestern logic to steer into the skid and point her life in the direction she really wanted to go: writing out those daydreams.

Her passion for New Adult fiction led her to co-found NA Alley—a widely recognized informational hub for the category. She is the author of STRENGTH (Mark of Nexus #1) and COURAGE (Mark of Nexus #2).

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Pinterest | YouTube | Goodreads

My question for you is: What would you do if the person you love the most cannot touch you or return your hug when you need is most?  Or when he/she needs it? Would you have the Strength to persevere? 



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Monday 14 October 2013

Homecoming ARC tour 14th October to 19th October


Welcome to Homecoming's ARC tour which kicks off today 14th October to 19th October. I would like to thank Vicki Trask, Cara Crabtree, Stephanie Parent,Angie, Meradeth Houston, Taneesha Fredus, Samantha Martin, Megan Cole, Sarah Brown and Angela Brown who took a chance on me and signed up to help me with this tour. Thank you so, so much!!

 I am SO excited to introduce to you this new series Cloaked Devices, which is set in Anndesia, a fictional world 75 years after WWII. Homecoming is a paranormal romance with steam punk and fantasy elements, and features Shifters as well as humans with elemental powers.

For a chance to win one of 3 Homecoming's ecopies up for grabs, US$ 25 Amazon gift Card and an ecopy of Reaper's Novice, the rafflecopter can be found at the end of this post.
 
 
Book Description:
 
**Mature Content Warning** 17+ for language and sexual content.

Five years ago, twenty-three-year-old panther shifter Sera Czedar left her home and her newly mated groom in a humiliating position after a mating ceremony gone wrong. She built a new life for herself in Varselles, the City of Outcasts where shifters exiled from their clans in the Seven Kingdoms can go for sanctuary.

Five years ago, panther shifter Levian Grayson was abandoned on the bonding bed by his bride, Sera. After years of tracking her, he arrives in Varselles, intent on staking his claim on her once and for all, even if it means hauling her over his shoulder just to make sure that happens.

Sera has always known her homecoming would eventually catch up with her one day. The one thing she can’t bear to do is hurt Levian, which will happen as soon as he finds out the reason she left him. Is she ready to take that path? Most of all, will Levian still want her when the truth comes out?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18072494-homecoming

Buy links will be up before the official release date, October 25th, 2013.

Blogs posting today, 14th October:

Faerie Tale Books : http://faerietalebooks.org/ 14th October

There's This Book :  http://theresthisbook.com   14th October
 
Angela Brown :  http://publishness.blogspot.com 14th October

Gigi's Book Blog : http://gigisbookblog.com/   14th October

Happy Monday!

<3

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Saturday 12 October 2013

Book Blitz: Darkness Watching by Emma L. Adams + Giveaway


Today I'm really excited to take part in Darkness Watching book blitz organized by Grapevine Book Tours For a Chance to win some really 1 ebook +  $10 Amazon Gift Card, the Rafflecopter is located at the end of this post.

Title: Darkness Watching

Author: Emma L. Adams

Series: Darkworld #1

Publication: October 10th, 2013 by Curiosity Quills Press

Category: Upper Young Adult/New Adult

Genre: Paranormal | Urban Fantasy



 
Synopsis:

Eighteen-year-old Ashlyn is one interview away from her future when she first sees the demons. She thinks she's losing her mind, but the truth is far more frightening: she can see into the Darkworld, the home of spirits—and the darkness is staring back.

Desperate to escape the demons, Ash accepts a place at a university in the small town of Blackstone, in the middle of nowhere—little knowing that it isn't coincidence that led her there but the pull of the Venantium, the sorcerers who maintain the barrier keeping demons from crossing from the Darkworld into our own world.

All-night parties, new friendships and a life without rules or limits are all part of the package of student life—but demons never give up, and their focus on Ash has attracted the attention of every sorcerer in the area. Ash is soon caught between her new life and a group of other students with a connection to the Darkworld, who could offer the answers she's looking for. The demons want something from her, and someone is determined to kill her before she can find out what it is.

In a world where darkness lurks beneath the surface, not everyone is what they appear to be ...

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18071001-darkness-watching



Darkness Watching Excerpt

 At that moment, the lights in the hall went out, as did the projector, plunging us into dusty darkness. Cara let out a shriek.

 "It's happening!" she wailed, clutching at her garlic clove which, not being securely fastened to her jacket, fell to the floor. With another shriek, she dived underneath her seat to retrieve it.

 "Calm down! It's just a power cut." I furrowed my brow, trying to read my notes. Everyone talked amongst themselves as Mr Darton struggled to turn the projector back on. I couldn't see any lights outside in the corridor, either. A whole school power-cut. Great. And why did I feel so cold?

 A stream of faint winter sunlight shone through gaps in the blinds that covered the windows, lighting the myriad dust motes in the air. I sighed and tilted my head back, rubbing my eyes to stop them from closing. I could feel a headache building behind my temples.

Then a pair of eyes appeared amongst the rafters, and stared right into mine.

They gleamed violet, with vertically slit pupils like a cat's. They blinked, looking down at the confusion below. Then they locked onto me.

Once, when I'd cut my finger on a kitchen knife, I'd gone into shock and nearly passed out. My vision turned blue around the edges, and everything acquired an odd, blurred quality. Right now, looking into those sinister, alien eyes, I felt exactly the same.

I'm going mad. It's not real. Cara's superstitions have made me start seeing things.

That, or the lack of sleep. I realised I'd stopped breathing. I could feel sweat on my forehead, but at the same time I felt cold all over, cold as the frigid December air outside. As if fresh snow covered me, slowly seeping into my skin through my hoody and jeans. But at the same time, it felt more like the kind of paralysing chill I associated with that moment in horror stories when someone saw a ghost.

Was it a ghost? I'd always thought ghosts would look…human. If I believed in them, which up until now, I thought I didn't.

All around me, I could hear the other students chatting, laughing. No one screamed, cried, or ran for the doors. It was as though my own private bubble of horror enclosed me like the cage I'd envisioned earlier. Trapped.

Then I heard a faint whisper, almost like a breath.

"Ash."

I would have screamed if I'd been capable of making a sound. I knew beyond doubt that those eyes, that voice, belonged to something which wasn't human.

The eyes blinked again, becoming part of the shadow once more, as the hall lights came back on. For a moment, a swathe of blackness remained in the rafters, like a single patch of mist left behind after a fog has lifted. Not a single speck of dust disturbed the area around it.

Then it vanished.

I still couldn't breathe. Those cold eyes remained imprinted on the insides of my eyelids, light purple, glowing and staring.

Staring at me.

I blacked out for a minute. When I came to, I heard Mr Darton's low mutter into the microphone-not that anyone listened. Whispers filled the air, ordinary conversations. People talked about their plans for the weekend, not about monsters with violet eyes or piercing, unnatural coldness. The more studious skimmed through revision notes. I looked down and saw mine scattered all over the floor. I didn't remember dropping them. I didn't remember anything but those awful eyes.

 I've cracked. Did staring violet eyes fall under the category of stress-induced hallucinations?

Cara tried to laugh off her moment of panic.

"I didn't really think it was the end of the world," she insisted.

 The end of the world. Maybe that was what I'd seen. A sign.

 Ridiculous.
 

Author bio:

Emma L. Adams spent her childhood creating imaginary worlds to compensate for a disappointingly average reality, so it was probably inevitable that she ended up writing fantasy and paranormal for young adults. She was born in Birmingham, UK, which she fled at the first opportunity to study English Literature at Lancaster University. In her three years at Lancaster, she hiked up mountains, skydived in Australia, and endured a traumatic episode involving a swarm of bees in the Costa Rican jungle. She also wrote various novels and short stories. These included her first publication, a rather bleak dystopian piece, and a disturbing story about a homicidal duck (which she hopes will never see the light of day).

 Now a reluctant graduate, she can usually be found in front of her writing desk, creating weird and wonderful alternative worlds. Her debut novel The Puppet Spell, published in 2013 by Rowanvale Books, is a fantasy tale for young adults and the young at heart, inspired by her lifelong love of the fantastical, mythology, and video games. Emma also writes supernatural fantasy novels for older teens and adults. Her next book, Darkness Watching, is the first in the upper-YA/New Adult Darkworld series, and will be published in September 2013 by Curiosity Quills Press.
 
 
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Wednesday 9 October 2013

What inspires you?

Hey guys!  It's been a while since I blogged so today I wanted to let you take a peek inside my mind..LOL. It's a bit chaotic in there right now but I'll try to calm my thoughts long enough for you to get a quick look.

Today I'm talking about what inspired me to write Homecoming, my upcoming paranormal romance with steam punk and fantasy elements, but first just a quick announcement. My critique Partner, Priya Kanaparti is looking for bloggers & authors to help with the cover reveal for her YA Paranormal Romance, Dracian Legacy. If you have time and would like to help out, here is the signup link:


**Warning**: Homecoming is a little bit steamy so it's not recommended to readers below 18 years so I will refrain from talking about the degrees of the stories' steaminess...:D

Homecoming is set in a fictional shifters world called Anndesia. The story is set 75 years after WWII. Here is a short prologue taken from Anndesia History, a written by  Solomon Drakovic. (one of the founders even though this  is not mentioned in the story. I will be releasing more excerpts from the book in the full length novel.)


PROLOGUE

 
Seventy-five years ago, Earth was a place thriving with humans. Shifters lived among them, albeit hiding their true nature, until one morning when the world woke up to find everything had gone to hell. World War II had begun. A group of human scientists invented bacteria that would “scare” the population. They were wrong. The plague that emerged as a result of these scares almost eliminated the entire populace. Only the blood from shifter clans could save the survivors.

Now Earth is a wasteland. Uninhabitable. Gifted humans, very rare and valued highly, live alongside the various shifter races in Anndesia, under the protection of the clan leaders.

Excerpt from Anndesia History by Solomon Drakovic

So this world is scattered with humans with some amazing powers. The first we meet is Uriel who manupilates both fire and air elements, powers he inherited from his ancestors. He's a pain in the Hero's butt, but also quite funny. My Inspiration for creating the elementals was Avatar: The Last Airbender.  As you all know, I am a HUGE fan of this series. I've been known to rave one too many times about it..LOL. But yeah...

Then for the shifter panthers...I LOVE cats. Have you seen how sleek and beautiful and powerful they are? How their muscles move as they prowl around? I've watched several videos featuring panthers. I never seem to get enough. But that's not all. The story has all Kind of shifters, even Antelope shifters!! yeah I know, I just had to include them. They are so cute and kinda fast. They also play a part in this Society.

When it came to adding the steampunk elements--although there aren't so many in this installment-- I love steamships and everything else the steampunk era. The difference is that my ship in this short story is steered partly by humans who possess the air element and the other part by steam. Ah, it was fun planning and plotting this story.

So what is your inspiration? What inspired you to write your current WIP or published book or writing blogposts? What elements of in a story inspire you to pick a book and read it?

Friday 4 October 2013

Paperback release blitz - Colors Like Memories by Meradeth Houston

Hi everyone!! My wonderful friend and author, Meradeth is releasing her book, Colors Like Memories in Paperback. If you haven't read this book, you should. I read it last year, it's fantastic. A completely different take on Angels

So without further ado, I'll hand over the reins to Meradeth.


Hi! *waves* I'm incredibly excited to announce the paperback release for COLORS LIKE MEMORIES. The ebook release has been a blast, and it is especially awesome to actually hold the book in my hands :) Here are three things I think you might find fun about the book:

1. It's got a pretty sweet cover :) And I'm rather partial to the blurb:

 Julia has a secret: she killed the guy she loved. It was an accident—sort of.

Julia is a Sary, the soul of a child who died before taking her first breath. Without this 'breath of life' she and others like her must help those on the verge of suicide. It's a job Julia used to enjoy, until the accident that claimed her boyfriend’s life—an accident she knows was her fault. If living with the guilt weren't enough, she's now assigned to help a girl dealing with the loss of her mother, something Julia's not exactly the best role model for. If she can't figure out a way to help her, Julia's going to lose her position in the Sary, something she swore to her boyfriend would never happen.


2. There have been some pretty awesome things said about it (if I do say so myself, but I may be a bit biased). See:

 -"...I applaud the author for providing a writing that has the power to encourage, inspire, help, heal and simply serve as a platform to stimulate communication for any reader (regardless of age), who is feeling hopeless. If you are looking for an interesting read, this book is well written, interesting and has several positive messages that the reader can take away from the story. I would recommend this book to any reader." TWC Amazon Review

 -"Colors Like Memories was an amazing YA paranormal romance. It will make you soar with wings then drop you off and catch you once you get near the ground." Michelle Kullman Amazon Review

-"COLORS LIKE MEMORIES is an achingly beautiful tale of love, loss, and new beginnings. Meradeth Houston writes with a clean, clear prose that packs a punch. She carries her characters through the full spectrum of emotions, and the reader is swept along in the journey." RunningnWriting Amazon Review

3. You don't have to wait for book #2! THE CHEMISTRY OF FATE, also set in the Sary world, is already available, and you can grab a copy at Amazon, B&N, or my publisher MuseItUp Publishing. Book #3, SURRENDER THE SKY, will also be released soon :)

 You can pre-order COLORS LIKE MEMORIES at my publisher's site: MuseItUp Publishing, or find it on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Ebook copies are also available on all vendor sites!

 Those are my three things, and if that's not enough to interest you, well, I've also got a little giveaway running for a book of your choice. Check out the rafflecopter below :)



A bit about Meradeth:

>She’s a Northern California girl, but now lives and teaches anthropology in Montana.
>When she’s not writing, she’s sequencing dead people’s DNA. For fun!
>She’s been writing since she was 11 years old. It's her hobby, her passion, and she’s so happy to get to share her work!
>If she could have a super-power, it would totally be flying. Which is a little strange, because she’s terrified of heights.


Find her online:


Website : Blog : Twitter : Facebook : Pinterest : Goodreads


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Direct link to Rafflecopter.

Tuesday 1 October 2013

Cover Reveal: The Ghosts of Aquinnah by Julie Flanders



Blurb:


A brilliant flash of light transcends through time.

Another freezes a cloaked figure within a frame of salty mist as waves crash against a rocky shore. Her harrowing expression shadows the beacon to a pinprick.

By the next blaze, she is gone. Only the lighthouse remains.

Hannah’s eyes blink in step with each heartbeat. Images of her deceased parents and Martha’s Vineyard explode like firecrackers inside her mind.

She shakes her head.

 
For weeks this eerie woman dressed in nineteenth century garb has been haunting my webcam, but tonight she stared into my soul.

Why? ...

Who is she? ...

Casting aside months of research on historic lighthouses, Hannah drives to the coast and boards a ferry.

What is the strange connection she has to this mysterious woman suspended in time?

Hannah finds out.

But, it’s not at all what she expects ...

Hannah unravels a century old murder.

Author Bio:


Julie Flanders is a novelist and freelance writer in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has a life-long love affair with the ocean and has spent more summer vacations than she can count on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. When not writing, Julie can be found reading, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and watching too much television. She is an animal lover and shares her home with her dog and cat.

Find Julie at:







The Ghosts of Aquinnah will be released by Ink Smith Publishing on December 5, 2013