Kiss of Twilight by Loribelle Hunt Review

Title: Kiss of Twilight

Publisher: Carina Press

Pub Date: December 26, 2011

ISBN: 9781426892936

Source: Netgalley

Rating: 4/5 Stars
Synopsis

Dupree Jackson is everything a senior soldier of the Order of Templar should be. Cold. Unbreakable. A master at arms in the fight against demons. But as a hybrid, Dupree is beginning to lose himself to the demon half of his soul. One woman has the power to save him. If he lets her.

Kara Stone wants two things in life: to be merged with a demon so that she can become a full member of the Order; and Dupree Jackson. She knows they are meant to be together, if only Dupree would love her back.

Though his desire for Kara is undeniable, Dupree's need to protect her is stronger. Not wanting to see her merge, to face the internal struggle he deals with every day, he refuses to bond with her. But when Kara becomes a target and uncovers a dark secret about her past, Dupree may no longer have a choice...

My Review:

Kiss of Twilight was a real treat. Although I haven’t read the first book in the series, I didn’t feel as if I missed a lot, given that the author gave a background of what happened to Dupree and his family. As well as his connection with Kara. It is fast paced, that and the characters were wonderfully drawn. That and the attraction between Dupree and Kara, danger lurking in every corner made this a wonderful read. Yeah it was a bit frustrating to see two people who loved one and couldn’t live without each other, not really doing anything about it (actual that was Dupree’s part,) but I understood his fears about not wanting to hurt/lose Kara. (So I imagine how Kara felt at Dupree’s stubbornness..:)

Other than the love connection between these two, there’s a lot going on in the book, which was enough to keep me interested. This is a world where lupines, hybrids (half human half demons) fight demons. A world where trust has to earned.

A wonderful read for fans of paranormal stories.

When the heart says yes, and the mind says 'Oh I can't...' A Guest post by Lisa Taylor

When the heart says yes, and the mind says 'Oh, I can't; I'm too tired to even try - Otherwise known as Writer's Block.  


You know how excited you get when you first start a new project? You have this great story in mind, you’ve visualized some exciting, terrifying or heart-gripping scene and you can’t wait to get started – and then you sit down. That white document stares at you from the screen, and the cursor blinks its impatience. You know where you are, and you know where you need to go, but the words to get you there suddenly elude you.  You think, “It was going to be perfect! It was all there in my head. So what happened?”

Well, lucky for you, writer’s block is a well known condition among writers, and you are most certainly not alone. But that doesn’t help you write that darned book, does it?

Well maybe this will. I’m certainly no expert on writer’s block or even writing techniques in general, but this does help me when I’m struggling to find the right words: Zoom In Outlining. 

Some writers create extremely detailed outlines before they start writing at all, and if that’s you, then this may not be your cure. Some of us though, like to just write from the gut; and that’s great when it works! When it doesn’t, well, a more detailed outline can help.

If you’ve got the great idea for a story, but you can’t figure out how to get from where you are to the next section, you most likely already have a basic outline, or could write one very quickly;

this is my character
this is where they are at the beginning
this happens
that happens
they meet so and so
final battle
they live happily ever after

Ok, good start. But maybe you can’t find the words to get your character from the beginning to “this happens,” or perhaps from “they meet so and so” to the “final battle.”

So zoom in. Create another outline. Make the space between “this happens” and “that happens” a story in itself, and outline how you would write it. Give it a beginning, middle and climax. That will give you more points between the two you started with, and then you can do it again. Using this zoom in technique, you can outline all the way down to every word your character says if need be – and that’s okay. Remember, you’ll edit later and get rid of extraneous detail or needless scenes.  Right now all you want to do is put pen to paper (or, more likely, finger to keyboard!), and a zoomed in outline, if you zoom in far enough, can lead you step by step through those murky areas where you’re not quite sure what to say.

 Lisa M. Taylor is a Texas native who spent her live moving around the United States. In May 2010 she graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point with a degree in physics, and after a short time in grad school she began to publish her writing and pursue a career as a professional writer. She is the author of The Hour of Tiamat, a YA Paranormal fiction novel released in June of 2011, and a horror anthology compsed of spine-tingling poetry called Book of Dreams and Nightmares, released in December 2010. Currently she lives in Kentucky, works at the local public library, and is working hard on the first book of a YA Fantasy Trilogy tentatively dubbed the Crystal Chronicles.

The Hour of Tiamat synopsis: We've all heard of the Mayan predictions of a vast change coming in the year 2012; but it turns out the ancient Sumerian people had a very similar prophecy…

The dreaded Necronomicon, a book of fable said to contain all the ancient knowledge of the Sumerian civilization has surfaced and fallen into the hands of four teenagers in a small Texas town. Tonight, after years of studying its dark teachings in secret, they gather to call back to Earth those Gods that tried to enslave humanity over ten thousand years ago, and in turn become rulers themselves.

Under threat of his life, Tristan helps them complete the ritual; but does that mean it is too late to stop this apocalypse? With Evelyn, whose past and future seem inextricably linked to Tristan, their friend Hunter and a host of surprising paranormal helpers, Tristan will race against murderers, monsters, and time itself to shut the ancient gate before our evil creators are upon us again.

A wonderful post! Thank you, Lisa! 

Want to chat with Lisa? Know more about her and her latest writing project?

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004QZNP9I
Blog: http://www.writersparty.com

Website: http://www.creatingworldswithwords.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/#!/blackfire88

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorlisataylor

Dark Seraphine Tour

Join When Copper Suns Fall as it tours through various blogs over the next couple weeks. This is a mini scavenger hunt.

Can you find the answer to this question: Who is the Dark Seraphine?

If so, then you can enter to win a prize package that includes a paperback copy of the book, a bookmark, an item related to the story, and a $40.00 gift card from either Amazon or Barnes&Noble. Plus, the bloggers get a chance to win something too. Tell us where you first learned about the Dark Seraphine Tour (KaSonndraleigh.com not included) and your favorite blogger could win a prize as well. Simply comment on this blog post, head over to http://kasonndraleigh.blogspot.com/ and fill out the form by 11:59p.m. on February 23^rd to be entered for a chance to win on February 24^th.

Most of all, have fun and enjoy the hunt!

Clue for Dark Seraphine hunt: The letter L

Interview with one of the most beloved characters in When Copper Suns Fall.

I'm honoured to invite Faris Toulan to the present (2012) for an interview. Man, you can't even begin to imagine how difficult that was. But it was all worth it! *sneaks a glance at Faris and smiles*.  Without further ado, let's give Faris Toulan some love.

1. Can you introduce yourself to us? 

Name’s Faris. Faris Toulan. I’m a Caducean, a demon slayer. There isn’t really much else to say. **Glances at me with a set of intense gray eyes that shimmer inside the irises. I wonder if they’re really gray, or could they be silver** People around you might not understand why my skills are necessary in this day and time, but they will. You’ll be glad you had this interview with me.

2. In what way are you connected to Chela? 

Hmm. **massages the back of his neck as he thinks about this** Our connection is, well…difficult to explain. You see, if I tell you about it, then you’d be at risk. **I’m dying to know what he means. Before I can say anything, he continues.** That means I’d have to take a part of your memories. I can do that, you know. **I suck my breath. Did he just read my mind?** I’ll do anything to protect Chela. Our connection is beyond words.

3. What can you say about your life?

I told you, there isn’t really much I can say. But I will tell you to be happy with what you’ve got today. Your blue skies, clean air. **he glances toward the window beside us, staring at it a long moment** Are those birds outside? 55 years in the future, that would be in this world after the Tidal Years, there are no birds. They’re gone. Poof. Vanished. You have robots. Big, black, ugly crows with cameras for eyes. They’re looking for me. Or rather, people like me. I’m an outcast according to the new leaders. They blame the Caduceans for what happened in the past: wars, earthquakes, hurricanes. **A distant look clouds his eyes. I want to know what they’re seeing**

4. What do you think of the present world? (2012) 

You’re lucky. Very lucky. See my last answer if you need proof of that.

5. What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen here so far? Why? 

Everything about this world seems strange since the last time I was here. In my world, you get used to seeing dark stuff everywhere. Black waters, black beaches, gray skies. **I wonder what he means, but I’ve learned to be patient with him.** I’ve been here before, you know. How is that possible? I can hear your thoughts so easily. **He smiles a drop-down-dead-gorgeous smile with one dimple on the left cheek. My cheeks are probably blushing tomato red** You’ll have to read about my story to see how I got here. And your outdated cellereaders crack me up. **He means my cell phone lying on the desk beside us. He’s giving it a look of pure pity. I tell him this is the 4G version of the latest Droid. And I’m kinda mad because I used six months worth of my wages to buy it.** The screen doesn’t have enough pixels. You can’t even read thumb imprints with that thing. Anybody could steal it and use it. **again, he has a point. Sigh sigh** 

6. What’s the most surprising thing you’ve seen here? Why?

As I said, I’ve been here before. But I don’t remember hearing so much laughter. What surprises me is all the happy-smiley people you have here. In the future, smiles are an endangered species. Enjoy them while they last.


7. If you had a chance to choose between living in our world and in yours, which one would you choose? Why? 

The mirrorlands, that’s what we Caduceans call your world, can’t touch mine. Ours is older than yours. I don’t mean to sound conceited. But it’s true. My world Bardonia is on the other side of the doorway. It’s parallel to this world. The skies are clear. The waters are sapphire blue and jade green in some places. There’s even this island where the waterfalls flow toward the sky. No pollution. No disease from contaminated waters. So tell me. Which one would you choose? **Does he even need to ask?** 

8. Can you name one thing, event or custom that reminds you of your world?

Bonding. That type of connection Chela has with me, it’s the same way at home. But the thing is I’m not at home. I can’t go back to Bardonia. I’m exiled, cursed to live in the mirrorlands. And not a pretty little place like your 2012 world. In the future, I’m hunted like an animal by the humans. And targeted by our enemies, the Tainted. I guess the answer could be violence, too. That really hasn’t changed much over time. **he sighs deeply, lowers his head, and stays quiet** 


Wow. *wipes eyes discreetly* Thank you, Faris. It's been a pleasure having you here with us. 


Don't forget to stop by Kristina's blog @ http://kristinaaziz.blogspot.com/ for the next clue. Have fun!

Romancing The Valentine Giveaway Hop Feb 6 -13

The Romancing Valentines Giveaway Hop is being hosted by Reading Romances!

What is Valentine without the celebration of love, a hug to/from your loved one, a kiss to your beloved. 
It's a given. Everyone needs love, and is a necessary addition diet to our every day lives. So go on then, share that love!
My theme song for this particular occasion is one of my fav's Freddie Mercury's I was born to love you. 

What you can win here: 

 eARC (pdf, mobi, epub) of Shilpa Mudiganti's Always You to be released on 6th March, 2012 by Inkspell Publishing

 eARC (pdf, mobi, epub) of  My Contemporary Romance novella Truly, Madly, Deeply, You to be released on 21st March, 2012 by Inkspell Publishing
                                           

Four days before Valentine’s Day, Liese Hansfeld is determined to shut the door to her house, as well as her heart, for her annual four days of mourning her one true love. Little does she know her best friend Freytag Meier is just as determined to keep her from her ritual. He’s ready to pick the lock to her apartment door and camp in her living room if that’s what it takes. 

What Freytag isn’t prepared for is the surge of deep-rooted emotions he feels for Liese, but two things stand in his way: the grief and guilt she still clutches close to her heart, and a man who threatens to snatch Liese from under Frey’s watchful eye. Frey is determined to distract her into forgetting her pain. But is that enough to ease her grief, or help her see he can be more than her best friend?

Lyla has to move on. She’s been stuck in a rut since her heart was broken five years ago. Trying to decide about life with her fiancé, Nick, she resolves to finish one last project before moving to Spain and starting a new life. That is until she is face to face with the one man who broke her heart all those years ago, Alexander Knight. 

Five years ago, when Alex and Lyla meet at his friend, Andrew's grave, they fall deeply in love. But, Alex is hiding a secret that will destroy his relationship with Lyla and does. What Lyla doesn’t realize is that Alex has changed since their break-up, because of her love, only she still has hate in her heart towards him.

But now, fate has brought them together in such a way that they have no option but to remain dangerously close - dangerous enough for Lyla to fall in love with him again. How can she? Not after what she knows about Alex and what he did to Andrew.

It’s true that love can change people for the better. But is it enough? What will happen when two broken people with a past come together? Can they forgive and heal?

Number of winners: 4

Open to: International

How to enter: 

Share with us your Valentine's Theme song is.

Leave your name and email address in the comment box. 

You must be 16 or older to enter. Giveaway is open internationally. Prize is choice of  eARC per winner. Four winners to be chosen. The winners have 72 hours after notification to respond or another winner may be picked in their place. 

Looking forward to discovering more Valentine themed songs. :) 
Thank you for hopping by. :)  Hop and enter the other giveaways!

Spread Love, not Hate

"Spread Love, Not Hate" is an event hosted by authors K.C. Neal and K.M. Parr, to stop the spread of bullying.

Bullying is: 

Cruel, selfish and unkind behaviour or actions  courtesy of Macmillan dictionary

I am assuming that every one of us has been bullied in one way or another, at one time or another; whether by a ‘friend’, in school, I’d say it goes as far as within the family as well – a child, wife or husband. Saying demeaning words, aggressive, to the extent of physical abuse….  Or maybe you have done your own bullying to someone knowingly or unknowingly.  A reader to an author and vice versa. The comments which go further to a personal level. Even editors to authors, author to author, blogger to blogger, beta readers to authors and the other way round.  It happens and in my opinion, bullying takes many forms.

It HURTS, whether it's face to face, or through internet.  The world is not a perfect place, but we shouldn’t make it worse by bullying other people. So I’d implore anyone who reads this post, if you are angry, or for whatever reason you feel the urge to speak out ugly words, take a deep breath, even go for a run around the block. Restrain yourself.  Remember, put yourself in the shoes of the one who will be receiving those words. Or actions. Ask yourself:

How would you feel if it were you?

Have a bullying-free weekend. J

An Ode to Bloggers: A Guest Post by Terri Giuliano Long

Last May, a month or so after I began marketing my novel, In Leah’s Wake, a former agent told me that I would never sell 500 books. A rookie, I had no idea what to expect. When I published the novel, I’d dreamed of selling a 3,000 – 5,000 books, hoping healthy sales numbers would attract the attention of an agent or traditional publishing house for my next novel.

The agent had left New York, but she’d been in the business for a long time, and her words stung. I hung up the phone, heartbroken, depressed. Had I not been in the midst of my first blog tour, I might have pulled my novel off the market that day.

Determined to see the tour through, I soldiered on.  On the tour, I met wonderful, caring people, book bloggers, whose kindness buoyed and sustained me. 

Over the next few months, In Leah’s Wake appeared on hundreds of blogs. Bloggers opened their hearts and spread the word about this quiet literary novel. In August, In Leah’s Wake hit the Barnes & Noble and Amazon charts. Now, seven months after my talk with that agent, the book has been in the Amazon top 200 for over five months, and we’ve sold just shy of 80,000 copies.

Book bloggers rock! I don’t know how to say it any better. Book bloggers are the fairy godmothers and godfathers of the literary world. They invest their talent, their energy, and their time into reviewing and promoting books – and keeping dreams alive.

Even today, traditional media refuse to recognize or review indie books. In this very real sense, book bloggers are the heart and soul of the indie revolution.  Their vision, their energy, and their determination have enabled this amazing populist movement to take hold.

Today, we have the great good fortune of hearing the funny, poignant, intelligent voices of new authors from around the world - voices that, just a few years ago, might have been silenced by the gatekeepers of the old guard. These voices reach into hearts and minds, forging connections, uniting us in a community of readers and writers, searching for and finding, through words, the better part of ourselves. Because, truly, at heart, this is what reading and writing is all about.

Here’s to you, book bloggers! You are and always will be my heroes!

AUTHOR BIO

Terri Giuliano Long is the bestselling author of the award-winning novel In Leah’s Wake. Her life outside of books is devoted to her family. In her free time, she enjoys walking, traveling, and listening to music. True to her Italian-American heritage, she’s an enthusiastic cook. In an alternate reality, she might be an international food writer. She lives with her family on the East Coast and teaches at Boston College. In Leah’s Wake is her debut novel.

Website: www.tglong.com

Blog: www.tglong.com/blog

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tglong

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tglongwrites

This week, Terri and Inspired Quill Press (paperback edition), launch a newly edited edition of In Leah’s Wake. The newly edited novel features a new chapter and several new scenes, adding new connections and insights, and tightens the book, cutting 60 pages – all while maintaining the integrity of the original edition.

For more information, please visit her website: www.tglong.com/blog or any of these retailer sales. (Your local library or bookstore can also order the book through major distribution channels.)

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/In-Leahs-Wake-ebook/dp/B0044XV7PG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1306533515&sr=8-3

Amazon Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Leahs-Wake-Terri-Giuliano-Long/dp/1456310542/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318690782&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/In-Leahs-Wake/Terri-Giuliano-Long/e/2940011264566?itm=1&USRI=In%2BLeah27s%2BWake

Indie Bound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780975453391

BOOK INFORMATION

IN LEAH’S WAKE
Terri Giuliano Long

Pages: 368

Format: Paperback, Kindle

ISBN: 1456310542

Publisher: CreateSpace/Inspired Quill Press

Website: www.tglong.com

***Newly edited by Sara-Jayne Slack, Inspired Quill Press***

The Tylers have a perfect life—beautiful home, established careers, two sweet and talented daughters. Their eldest daughter, Leah, an exceptional soccer player, is on track for a prestigious scholarship. Their youngest, Justine—more responsible than seems possible for her 12 years—just wants her sister’s approval. With Leah nearing the end of high school and Justine a seemingly “together” kid, the parents are set to enjoy a peaceful life…until everything goes wrong. Can this family survive in Leah’s wake?

Margot Livesey, award-winning author of Banishing Verona, calls In Leah's Wake "a beautifully written and absorbing novel."


When happens when love just isn't enough?

Recipient of the CTRR Award for excellence
2011 Book Bundlz Book Pick
Book Bundlz 2011 Favorites, First Place

Praise for In Leah’s Wake

"Sometimes scary, sometimes sad, and always tender."

Susan Straight, National Book Award finalist, author Take One Candle Light A Room

"In Leah's Wake is a beautifully written and absorbing novel."

Margot Livesey, Award-winning author of Banishing Verona

“Pulled me right along as I continued to make comparisons to my own life.”

Jennifer Donovan, 5 Minutes for Books, Top 50 Book Blog

“An incredibly strong debut, this book is fantastic on many fronts.”

Naomi Blackburn, Founder Sisterhood of the Traveling Book

TRAILER LINK AND VIDEO EMBED CODE

link:  http://youtu.be/Yyfp5tIU_U4


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Tuesday Tales 24 - 01- 2012

Another Tuesday, another Tale. Glad you stopped by.The Prompt this week is game. So here's mine. Happy Reading!




In his golden eyes, she saw insatiable hunger that had nothing to do with him lusting after her, and everything to do with her being a mid-lunch snack. Deadly didn't even begin to describe him. She fought hard to hide a smile; he probably didn't realize that she was just as deadly.

Abruptly, he stopped pacing, and crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes narrowed to slits as if in concentration. She paused as well, eyeing him warily, and fisted her hands to stop the trembling. 


Probably weighing how much I'd fill his stomach. 


"So,  your father sent you? A mere girl, not a day older than Twenty is my guess." 

Selicia bristled, the triumphant feeling of before evaporating at the tone of his voice. "And you know that how?"

His eyes travelled up and down the length of her short height, and chuckled. "Go back, little girl. Tell your employer to send someone more...worthy of my attentions."

“Oh, is that so?”

He laughed. She felt as if each nerve in her body tingled at the quality of that laugh. “Let me guess. I offended your girlie sensibilities.”

Selicia huffed. “Unless you’re scared of a little girl. I suggest you listen to what I have to say.”

The smile on his lips vanished, but the mirth in his eyes lingered. “All right. Let’s hear it.”

She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. Be careful, she reminded herself. You could still lend up on a silver platter.

She stood straighter, not that it increased her 5’3’’ height, but it made her feel confident.“I’m here to speak to Leender.”

“May I ask in regards to what, my lady?”

His lady? She bit back a retort. Who the hell was this person? He hadn’t even introduced himself. Urgh!  If she was to reach the top of the command, it’d better if she pulled the reins onher temper. She cleared her throat. “Unfinished business.”

He clenched his jaw, and narrowed his eyes. “Tell me, or turn around and leave.”

As much as Secilia wanted to do just that, desperation clawed at her. What would her father say when she returned with no message?

“I’m here to collect what he owes my father.”

He dropped his hands on his sides and fisted them. His gold eyes hardened, a vein ticked on his temple. When he spoke, the words felt like nails pelting on concrete.

“We owe your father nothing.” His chest moved up and down, rage rolled around him.

Selicia fought the urge to flee. Even her own power wouldn’t help her in this situation.

Suddenly he lunged at her and snagged her hand. She yelped, but she wasn’t a match for his inhuman speed. He secured an arm around her neck and the other on her waist, he lowered his lips and whispered in her ear, the heat of his breath bristling her sensitive skin on her ear.


“Whatever game your father is playing, tell him we’ll be ready.”

She struggled, but it was of no use. She jerked her elbow back and a thump sounded as it made impact with his ribs. He didn’t even move. There was only one way she could defeat him. But she needed to shorten the distance between their lips. She wiggled, and heard the sharp intake of breath.

“I’m not playing any game, neither I’m I game for whatever your twisted mind thinks my father is involved in.”

He chuckled. “Not from where I stand, Selicia. You are game in all kind of angles.”

Quickly, she twisted around to face him, and just as fast, his arms circled her waist again, pinning her to him.

“Feisty. Makes it worthwhile.”

“Who are you?” She asked, buying more time for him to let down his guard.

He raised a dark eyebrow. “Would you really like to know?”

She nodded, at the same time letting the spell wash over her. She knew when it worked because his eyes glazed over, and he was leaning forward, his lips parted. She slid a hand on his chest, over his shouldered and around his neck, pulling him to her. Her heart beat faster, and she yanked him down. This was her only chance of escape. She'd have to figure out what she was going to tell her father.

There was a throat clearing then, “Master Leender.” 


She cursed, and yanked him to her.

Immediately, he snapped out of the spell, and glanced over his shoulder. Selicia’s heart rattled painfully as she became aware that she had come close to killing the one person who she’d come to see. He swung his head back and stared at her.

“You cunning girl,” Leender murmured, his voice more amused than angry. “You actually would have killed me. And to think I welcomed you in my Den with open arms.” His lips stretched into a smile, his eyes twinkled.

What was wrong with him? She’d just tried to kill him seconds ago. And he was smiling?

“I will be just a minute. And don’t think you can escape. The house is surrounded.” Leender said, as he strolled away from her, then turned to the man who had interrupted them.

Selicia's darted around the hall. Maybe there was a chance he was wrong about escaping. Shadows moved beyond the walls. She shuddered and settled for staring on as the newcomer whispered in Leender’s ear. Leender shifted his gaze to her, and she shivered. Gone was the amusement in his eyes, and instead was replaced by something that shower her with caused goose bumps.

He turned around and faced her. “Looks like you’ll be keeping us company for a while, Selicia.” He walked – no, stalked – towards her and stopped in front of her. “Apparently you father has one of ours. So, I think it is only kind to return the favour. Guards!”

Before she could comprehend what was happening, two extremely huge men appeared. “Lock her up. It looks like her father wants war. And now, let the games begin."


Thanks for stopping by and reading.


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