Tuesday Tales Feb 14th, 2012

Welcome to another Tuesday Tales, another tale. The prompt this week is HEART. So, here is an excerpt from my WIP

My mind wandered as I gazed up the tall building, and swallowed hard as I focussed on the flashing neon signs.

House of Hearts.

 My thoughts stuttered, and my breath caught in my throat. 


 Valentines. My friends and I were attending The Valentine’s ball. Being dateless wasn’t very appealing, especially when all my friends already had dates. I needed a man urgently.

This was a place where if one wanted, their wildest dreams would be fulfilled. It was like being in a candy shop of sorts.

Taking a deep breathe, I wiped my hands on my black skirt and took a wobbly step forward.

Here I go.

I sighed as the warmth inside the hallway wrapped around me, comforting and welcoming.  My eyes darted around the dim lit hallway. Vases of roses were scattered on tables and shelves in the reception area. Men and Women in suits drifted in and out if rooms – which I assumed were offices – and disappeared in to others. No one seemed to pay attention to the going ons around them. My eyes bounced back to the reception desk where a woman with long, dark hair was busy on the phone.

I can do this.  It’s just a date, nothing more. 


Taking in a deep, shaky breath I squared my shoulders adjusted my handbag strap around my arm, and strolled forward.

Immediately the woman ended her call, and swung her beautiful, glossy head towards me and smiled.

I cleared my throat, ignoring the choking jealousy rolling through me.

“My name’s Elisabeth M-“

“Muer.” She completed the sentence for me. I raised my eyebrows in surprise.

Didn’t they have any other clients? Or had my voice sounded so desperate on the phone that they’d marked it?

“Oh, I see that I surprised you. We try to keep up with our clients.”

I frowned. “So it’s not because you don’t have many clients.”

She laughed. “No. As a matter of fact we have a lot of clients coming in today. We tend to know and value our clients.”

I breathed out in relief, and watched as she lowered her head and began typing something in the computer.

“Ok, then. Please go to room 5, that’s down the hallway, the first door to the right.”

I thanked her, and paused, deliberating if I should turn the way I had come. And end up dateless at the ball?

I smoothed my skirt and followed the direction I had been told. 


Room number 5. I paused, and took a deep breath, then turned the door handle. I paused as my eyes sought out who I was going to see, and narrowed on the man sitting four meters in front of me. My breathing hitched and his head lifted up and surveyed me critically.

Be still my thudding heart, I murmured under my breath,  urging my feet forward.

Slowly, he unfolded himself from the leather seat, and his lips lifted in a wonderful, extremely sexy smile – or maybe it was my over starved mind. He walked around the table, and extended his hand towards me.

“Hello, Ms Muer. I’ve been expecting you.” He paused – thank goodness, because I needed to take a deep breath, to digest this gorgeous man standing in front of me. His smile widened as if he read my thoughts. “I’m Aleksander.”


More of Elisabeth and Aleksander's story, next Tuesday.


Thanks for stopping by and reading.


Please click http://tuesdaytales1.blogspot.com/ to read other wonderful stories from other authors on Tuesday Tales

Review of Firelight by Kristen Callihan

Title: Firelight (Darkest London #1)

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Imprint: Forever

Pub Date: February 01, 2012

ISBN: 9781455508594

Source: Netgalley

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis:

London, 1881
Once the flames are ignited . . .
Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.

They will burn for eternity . . .
Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.

My Review:

All I can say is ‘wow’. I have read a few historical paranormals, but none of them came close to Firelight.

Lord Benjamin Archer is a tortured soul, a loner, and lives with a curse. He wears a mask to cover what that curse did to him. Miranda can command, manipulate and control fire. Archer and Miranda meet one day in an alley as Miranda is confronted by some boys (Archer jumps in to rescue her, although she is capable of defending herself). 

Three years later, unable to stay away from Miranda, Archer offers for her hand in marriage, and of course Miranda’s father who is chin-high in debt agrees. Miranda has her own reasons for agreeing to marry Archer.

As the story progresses, we get to see how Archer adores her, although he is scared of losing her, once she sees what lies behind the masks. He’s also terrified of what his hands would do to her once he touches her, as he has inhuman strength. Miranda is scared of what Archer will think when he finally discovers what she is. The sexual tension between this two builds up, the longing, the desire.

In the midst of their attraction to each other, someone is going around killing Archer’s friends, and all the evidence points out to him. He is intent on finding out who it is. And so does Miranda. 

The characters, even the minor ones were wonderfully created, pacing was good. Oh, and the desperation, desire and sense of urgency between Archer and Miranda.

One of very wonderful dialogues, and believe me they are a number of them. 

 When she moved to kiss him, he cupped her face in his hands, and his gray eyes searched her face as if to commit it to memory. “Know this, there is only one truth left in me.” His trembling fingertips caressed her jaw. “That I love you.” He said it again, his voice broken, his arms pulling her tightly against him. “I love you. The rest is darkness.”

Her fingers curled around the smooth swells of his biceps. “Then let me be your light.”

Archer shuddered, dragging an open-mouthed kiss across her cheek to claim her lips. “Always, Miri.” He grew tighter, colder in her arms. “All that I am, all that I become is for you.”

I can’t wait to read the second book in this series.

Dreaming of Mr. Darcy by Victoria Connelly

Title: Dreaming of Mr. Darcy Publisher: Sourcebooks Imprint: Sourcebooks Landmark Pub Date: January 01, 2012 ISBN: 9781402251351 Source: Netgalley Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance Rating: 4/5 Synopsis: Fledgling illustrator and Darcy fanatic, Kay Ashton, buys a B&B in the seaside town of Lyme so she’ll have a quiet place to finish her book, The Illustrated Mr. Darcy, and she’s delighted to discover that a film company is in town making a new big-screen adaptation of Persuasion. Kay has a history of falling for the bad boy so it’s no surprise that she’s soon under the spell of handsome actor Oli Wade Owen, who is playing Captain Wentworth. But what exactly is it that Oli is hiding from Kay? His apparent dissembling is making her nervous, so she confides her misgivings to quiet, handsome Adam Craig, who always seems to be there when she needs a sounding board. Screenwriter and producer Adam Craig hasn’t been in a relationship since he had his heart broken years ago. Throwing himself into his work, the last thing he expects is to fall in love again but that’s exactly what happens when he meets Kay. But she seems smitten with that cad Oli Owen, who he knows isn’t right for her. Can Adam overcome his crippling shyness and insecurity in order to find a happy ending of his own? It will take more than good intentions for Adam to convince Kay that her real happy ending is with him… Victoria Connelly’s first novel was promoted in Germany to celebrate World Book Day and was adapted into a TV movie. Her second novel was published as a lead title in the UK and chosen as a “hot pick” in Closer magazine. Her new trilogy is her first foray into Jane Austen-related fiction. Connelly lives in London. My Review:

I’ve never read any book from Victoria Connelly, but have to admit I enjoyed reading this one. Kay is an artist and Jane Austen fan, and a dreamer.- dreams of the perfect guy. After the death of a friend and she receives an unexpected inheritance, Kay resigns from her job, packs and moves to Lyme Regis, buys and Bed & Breakfast. She meets Oli Wade Owen who is filming Persuasion, and playing the part of Captain Wentworth. And to her, he is the perfect Captain Wentworth. Although Oli’s behavior is nothing of the sort.
Then there’s Adam, who is just a normal guy and adores Kay. But Kay has eyes only for Oli and tries fixing Adam up with Gemma, one of the actresses filming Persuasion. Eventually after Oli breaks her heart, she takes some time to think about things. And when she is emotionally ready, Adam’s there to heal and love her.
Kay’s story is about love: not seeing what is right in front of us until, that love is right there just waiting. I can’t fault Kay, because, realistically it does happen. Too blinded by what someone sees as perfection to see what is real.
Victoria Connelly did a great job with the characters. And enjoyed reading this book a lot. Can’t wait to read more from this author

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!