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Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Winter Night Falling - Blog Tour


Book Title: Winter Night Falling
Series:  Ti-aran Chronicles: Rise of the Guardians Book One
Edition: Second
Author: Bryan R. South
Publisher: Freaky Fiction Writing - http://freakyfictionwriting.wordpress.com/
Cover Art: Bryan Rainey
Tour Organizer:Cu’s Ebook Giveaways - http://cuhelpingauthors.blogspot.com/



Book Blurb:

The Four Kingdoms are in peril. A demon Lord thought forever imprisoned in limbo has escaped and begins to summon his Horde once again to take his revenge. In his twisted black iron tower he summons a massive wall of darkness that brings the winter storms in the fullest.

Now the Four Kingdoms are each proud and full of themselves. All the races of the realms must come together and fight the demon lord once again. Magic has been outlawed, and it is up to the reawakened Grand Mage, an eccentric old man, and what is left of the Mage Knights, as well as a budding Guardian to try to keep the peace.


Can the Grand Mage and his friends get the other kingdoms to move in time to stop the Demon Lord? Does the Demon Lord have more than one objective now that he is free? Only time will tell.
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   Excerpt -----Joran's admittance into the Mage-Knights of the Four Kingdoms------
  
  They quickly divided up the food amongst themselves and then ate quietly, each lost in their own thoughts. When the food was gone they sent Tomas to go find Joran who hadn’t appeared for breakfast. They returned a few moments later. Joran sat down with care not to stain his new attire he had purchased, a pair of Black leather boots, black dyed leather trousers and a bright yellow over tunic.  A new broadsword hung from a new baldric on his left hip, and his short sword now rose on his right. He gave each a nod, and waited for introductions of Sirenthial and Sebastion before he settled more comfortably into a seat on the bench a little ways down from Count Evan.

  “Alright then, to business then. Count Evan since we are in your principality we are going to allow you to sit in on what in the old days would be known as a Guild meeting. Gentlemen today we are going to start rebuilding the Orders of Five, as well as the Mage-Knights.” he paused to look at each in turn to allow his statement sink in.

  “Seeing how I am the most Senior Arch-Magus present, I am going to be acting Grand Mage, until we discover the whereabouts or demise of the current Grand Mage. Sirenthial here will be my Chronicler or Second. Any questions so far?” Everyone looked around at the others at the table, and seeing how no questions were forth coming Orindyll continued.

  ”First Sword Silverhand until by Challenge will be the Mage-Knight Preceptor. You Sir will see Sirenthial and I later. Sebastion you will hold your current position as First Sword of the 4th Order. To the next matter of business then, Gentlemen we have a warrior-adept among us who would join the Mage-Knights. He has been tested magically and been found with the talent. IF he is accepted into the Order of Mage-Knights, he will be of the 3rd Order. He has already completed half of his training, he was taught his sword lore by the Preceptor himself.”

            Sebastion stood up. “I would not attest to this normally, but has he been tried? We’re going to be traveling some dangerous roads in the near future.”

            J’Lann couldn’t contain a grin. “Joran, would you be interested in showing the assembled your skills?” 
     Joran gave a grin that matched his fathers and rose to his feet, stripping off his tunic, drew his swords and assumed a battle stance. Sebastion also stripped out of his tunic and picked up his battle axe and gave it an expert swing. J’Lann gestured to the others.

  “Gentlemen give them some room”

            While the others moved the table to allow for more sparring room, and kept themselves out of harm’s way, J’Lann turned to face the combatants. “First Blood, three separate cuts is declared winner... that is it ..... Begin.”

            The two combatants began to circle one another, each sizing the other up. Suddenly Sebastion lunged in, his axe coming in from the right, whistling through the air. At mid-swing he reversed the direction of the axes blade bringing it up in a nasty cut from below. The sound of steel on steel filled the air Joran crossed both his blades over the Axe in a parry designed to drive the axe down to the ground. Joran then brought his right foot up to kick the overextended Sebastion in the jaw sending the older warrior over backwards.

      With a roar of anger Sebastion kipped off his shoulders onto his feet and charged in swinging a deadly overhand chop towards Joran’s head. Joran parried with the broadsword and then dropped low and brought his short sword in a horizontal slash from the right that gave a quick slash into Sebastion’s left thigh, parting leathers and skin alike. Sebastion countered with a haft hook to Joran’s jaw sending him to the ground.

            Sebastion again roared and charged in with a swirling downward chop to Joran’s exposed back. Joran kicked out behind him catching the older warrior in his unprotected groin, and then sprang to his feet. he swung his swords in a fast spinning combo slicing open Sebastion’s exposed ribs on the right side, once, twice, and finally a third time.

 “ENOUGH” Roared Orindyll.

            Joran dropped down into a defensive crouch, one sword in the air behind him and the other in a forty-five degree angle in front of him. Sebastion stood cursing softly as he held his bleeding ribs with one hand while the other cupped his groin.  Orindyll walked over to Sebastion and laid a palm on the man’s ribs and uttered a quick incantation. Joran watching felt his jaw drop as he watched the older warrior’s wounds close right before his eyes. Orindyll gestured for both of them to resume their seats at the table.

 “Are his skills enough to satisfy you First Sword?” asked Orindyll.

            Sebastion coughed and nodded. “He kicked me so hard I am still coughing up the family jewels; yeah I would have him at my back or at my side.”  He paused and looked over to J’Lann. “You taught the boy some dirty tricks Preceptor.”

  “Anymore Objections?” asked Orindyll. Everyone shook their heads, and Sebastion chuckled and socked Joran in the arm playfully. Orindyll then gestured for Joran to come and stand before him. “Give me your sword Lad.” Joran reached down and pulled his broadsword from its scabbard and held it out to Orindyll hilt first.

 “Kneel. That’s it.  Joran of the Sixth Royal House of Silverhand, do you accept the Charge of guarding magic, and all things magical as decreed by the Order of Five with your life?”
 “Yes.”  He replied softly.
 “Do you accept the Charge of guarding the homes, families, and persons of your Brother Mages with your Life?”
 “Yes.”

 “Furthermore by accepting these charges, do you understand that you now renounce the Authority of the Lower Crowns over your Person? And that you are no longer subject to their rule?  You are now outside their Caste system, and will hold only titles given to you by me, the Preceptor, or the High King?” 
 “I understand.” said Joran.

 “By accepting these charges your life is no longer your own. The only other authority over me is that of the High King. You now belong to the Order of Five and the Order of Mage-Knights until we release you from service.”  Orindyll then began a long incantation that was deep and loud, and the broadsword in his hands began to glow with a strong yellow light. He then touched each of Joran’s shoulders with the sword and then lastly set the sword on top of the young warriors head.

   “Bound by Five. Given by Five. Your sword is mine.  Arise Corporal Joran Silverhand, Mage-Knight of the 3rd Order.”  When Joran had reclaimed his feet, Orindyll set the point of the glowing sword over Joran’s heart and incanted once more. When he finished the smell of burning skin filled the air, and when he removed the swords tip, a glowing purple sword tattoo identical to his fathers glowed though his skin for all to see.

            Sebastion rose from his seat and came over to Congratulate Joran with a warrior’s arm shake. J’Lann was next who wrapped him in a huge bear hug that stole the boy’s breath. When everyone had congratulated Joran, Orindyll gestured for them to return to their seats






About the Author:
Bryan R South  was born and Raised in the Pacific Northwest. He Graduated Kamiakin Highschool  in 1993 . Bryan has had several poems published and has been working on the Rise of the Guardians Series since he was 16, and did his senior year paper on being a fantasy novelist.   He has worked as a Linecook, in construction, and other odd jobs. He resides with his wife and fell author, S. Cu’Anam Policar, and their children in the Pacific Northwest still.

Author Links:



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Monday, July 29, 2013

Untameable Heat



**Kaden’s Reprieve Blurb**
Tanya has been running for her life for two years, but when Ms. Lillian, owner of the exclusive “Heaven’s Touch” match making service, graciously gives her a week’s stay at her private bed and breakfast in St. Augustine, FL, she seizes the opportunity to escape to a possible hideaway.
Kaden is of a rare and precious race prized for extraordinary abilities. He is also half-demon, remanded to Kushiel’s custody centuries ago. Allowed to leave Hell twice a year, three days each time – Beltane, and Samhain, his life thus far has been filled with slavery, torture, and despair, and he is nearly convinced that his soul is beyond redemption. Still, he longs for freedom. Can Tanya redeem him? Can Kaden dare hope for a reprieve?




In the dark alleys of the St Louis riverfront sits a club known only to those evil enough to enter.   The club is called The Master’s Lair.  It is frequented by the evil underbelly of the supernatural world.  Lilith is a beautiful succubus entertaining nightly in the Lair.
Lilith has grown bored with her life.  She is ready for more.   The Master has promised her release from her succubus bonds is possible, except the price may be higher than she can afford.

Alex is hell bent on revenge.  An angel that watched his sister die in the clutches of a goblin drug ring, his main mission is to end their reign of death.   Going undercover as a fallen angel he throws himself into danger going inside The Master’s Lair. 


Meeting the beautiful Lilith wasn’t part of his revenge plan.  Yet, something in him wants to be her redemption.  Alex wonders if he can be the one to help Lilith attain the freedom she seeks or will he endanger them both?





Book 1

Jordan's Wings
The Alerians
Dariel Raye

Mainstream Romance: Contemporary, Interracial/Multicultural
ISBN: 978-1-4543-0229-2
Cover Artist: Merris Hawk
Editor: Julia Roberts
Line Editor:
Word Count: 26,252
Pages: 126
Release Date: October 18, 2012



Jordan Taylor is a feisty, take charge, Rubinesque beauty with a tough façade, but after a string of lackluster relationships, her dream of a man who truly loves her and appreciates her strength seems impossible…Until she meets Canaan, the man her fiancé claims is his best friend! Instinctively, she knows her neat, if lackluster life is about to change.

Born more than 200 years ago, Canaan looks like an angel but he’s far from it. In his world, the ratio of men to women is 500 to 1, and although he’s a superior being, he’s willing to break the most sacred law of his brothers, even drink human blood, to have one of his own. To claim Jordan as his own, Canaan will have to betray his friend, humble himself enough to win her love, and risk his very life.

 Amazon

Sunday, July 28, 2013

NY Author Signing Event



So what did you do with your Saturday afternoon??

I went to my very first author signing!!

I live in NJ and am only half an hour out of midtown Manhattan. So when I heard that there was going to be an author signing so close to home I just had to go!!!  

 Do you see the list of authors from the picture above??  Who could resist!

I got there a little early, no traffic which is amazing for this area, and there was a street fair going on right in front of the hotel.  So I spent half an hour walking around and had a great idea while at a hat vendor. This is the before:


Yes I'm a Yankee's Fan - but also it is a NY signing event so what better way to remember it!!

The ladies running the event were great and everything went very smoothly.

My first stop was Michelle Valentine.  I am a Vixen after all!  Since I was in the last group of people I knew I ran the risk of the authors not having much left and I had luckily brought a book for Michelle to sign.  I also got a golden ticket from Riff - oh that man is HOT!! If you haven't read Rock My Bed and Rock My World you need to see what all the fuss is about!!

So after I got done drooling over my golden ticket I saw that Jessica Sorenson was all alone at her table and her table was bare.  I had really wanted to pick up one of her books but she was all out. BooHoo!  Well I still needed to get her to sign the hat so I went over and we talked for a few minutes. She only had a couple of books left and decided to do a drawing for them.  She fanned out a few bookmarks and had me choose one.  Guess what?  I won a copy of The Secret of Ella and Micha!!  I love that book!!! I was so excited!!

Right next door to Jessica was EL Montes.  Emmy and I have talked a few times on Facebook and she took one look at my name tag and knew me instantly!  I had brought a copy of Disastrous with me for her to sign and she was gracious as always!!  She loved the hat idea!!! Then I took a picture with both her and Jessica!


Next it was on to Gail McHugh!  Wow she was great!  Jodi Murphy had sent me a couple books for her to sign and Gail actually had me call her to find out if she had read Pulse before she signed it!!  She also signed a Pulse for me!


Christine Zolendz was next.  Both Jodi and I had a book for her to sign!  


Then it was off to Jasinda Wilder.  She is a spitfire!!  I told her I was thinking of putting the hat up as a giveaway and she said "No you can't do that!!!  Here let me give you a book to put up instead!  You have to keep the hat!"  What a great thing to do!!

 The best part of the day was the great Emily Snow.  She knew me right away and we talked about Watch Me Walk Away.  And she one-clicked it right there in front of me!!!  Wow!!  Did you know she was my 1000th like on my Facebook page!!  


I'm not going to bore you with my visit with all the authors.  Let's just say I had a GREAT time!!!!












I ended the day at the same table I started at!  That is Michelle and I holding the hat with all the signatures!



And here is a close up of the hat afterwards!  Don't you just love it!!

It was a perfect fan-girl day!!! If you get the chance to go to an author signing I totally recommend it!!!!  

Look for the signed Jasinda Wilder book in the next giveaway! Along with some other swag from the event!!!  Oh you have to help me get to 4000 Facebook fans for that!! So share my Page and talk up Watch Me Walk Away!

For 3500 likes (less than 100 away)  I will be doing an excerpt of Walk Into Me - the second book of the Walking Series!!




Friday, July 26, 2013

Review of Seductive Shadows by Marni Mann





Seductive Shadows
by Marni Mann
Contemporary Erotic Romance
Publisher: Booktrope
Release Date: July 17, 2013
Heat Level: Sizzling
Word Count: 86,000


Available at:


Description:
Charlie is a passionate, sensually inspired art student, desperately seeking an escape from an abusive past that haunts her and a tragic accident that emptied her heart. Scarred and unable to love, her yearning for physical pleasure and contact leads her into a tantalizing, dangerous world of power and seduction. The anonymity of the deal offers security, the money provides financial freedom, and the madam’s authority is the mother figure she longs for.

But the thrill of the mansion and its arousing dominance quickly fades when she meets the renowned yet mysterious Cameron Hardy, whose intense, baby blue eyes send a nervous flutter through her core. He’s sexy, and not in a subtle way. Cameron stimulates her art, intellect and desires. Just as he begins to break through her emotional boundaries, Charlie discovers a devastating connection between her past and her scandalous work at the mansion, shattering everything she thought to be true.

Provocative, intoxicating and erotic, Seductive Shadows is the unforgettable tale of a young woman’s discovery as she learns to forgive, to love and be loved, and to find redemption amidst a memorable journey that will captivate your mind and stimulate your soul.

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains explicit sex scenes and/or situations (including a f/f scene, multiple partners and light bondage) and adult language, and may be considered offensive to some readers.

REVIEW:
4 Stars
Charlie has had a hard life.  Her mother is an alcoholic who brought men home and had sex with them. When she was eleven she first saw her mother having sex with a man and it affected her greatly. Her best friend died in a car accident weeks before they were supposed to go away to college which nearly killed her too. She recently broke up with her boyfriend and now her mother is months away from dying of cancer.

Charlie has one thing in her life that gives her hope – her art. Her art helps her focus and bring out her feelings. It is the only thing getting her through her dead end job at a hotel and dealing with the mother who blames her for her dead end life.  Her art professor really pushes her and tells her how good she is. He pairs her for an assignment with a local artist who has become renowned in his work, Cameron.  The chemistry between these two is evident from the first meeting.

Charlie also has found a new job, or should I say they found her. She is now working at the Mansion, an elite bordello where everyone wears masks and no one’s identities are known. She is finally making decent money but when her mother dies and as she gets closer to Cameron she starts to question whether what she is doing is right. A surprise of another kind is in store for Charlie. She has an art exhibit and meets her father. I can’t say anymore as I don’t want to ruin it all for you.  It took me a little while to get into this story but once I was the reading went quickly.  The story has a lot of twists and turns to keep you interested and the sex scenes are good too!

I can’t wait to hear more of Charlie’s story…I hope a second book is in the works since the ending did leave a lot of questions.




Excerpt: 


I wasn’t a prostitute. I was an artist who used her fingers to paint a fantasy and her body fulfilled it. The muse, or the canvas, but always the artist. And when I was desired by men was when I felt the most creative.

Just because I was hired to provide pleasure, didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy every moment of passion and every uninhibited deviant thought. I was turned on by the cameras that would point toward my bed, the lust that would be whispered in my ears, and playing out the fantasy that I would compose. Not knowing anything about these men, what the top half of their faces looked like, their names, meant they also knew nothing about me. I would never have to discuss my past or the accident; the only thing I would have to unzip would be my lingerie. I would have enough money to pay off my mother’s debt in a reasonable amount of time and take more than one class a semester. The arrangement was perfect.

But then I met Cameron. With icy, baby blue eyes so intense...he was sexy, and not in a subtle way. Bold and confident, he inspired my art and challenged my emotions and, for the first time since the accident, I felt a strong connection to another person.


I had a burning desire to trust Cameron, to escape the dark life I had been leading and reveal to him the wounds of my soul…until I discovered a devastating connection between my past and the mansion. And in the midst of all the truth I uncovered, I learned my life was in imminent danger....


About the Author:
A New Englander at heart, Marni Mann is now a Floridian inspired by the sandy beaches and hot pink sunsets of Sarasota. She taps mainstream appeal and shakes worldwide taboos, taking her readers on a dark and breathtaking journey. When she’s not nose deep in her laptop, she’s scouring for chocolate, traveling, reading, or walking her four-legged children. Visit her at www.marnismann.com.

Connect with Marni Mann


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Cover Reveal - Katie Mac's Searching for Tomorrow






Blurb:

What happens when you find the one person who completes you, and then life conspires against you? How do you set your grief and anguish aside? How do you pick up the shattered pieces, put those pieces back together again, and try to move on?

Katie and Tripp met on the playground the first day of third grade when Tripp tried to rescue Katie from Zack, her twin brother. A lifelong friendship that later blossomed into love began that day.

Broken beyond her own ability to repair, Katie boxes her grief up and attempts to raise her three girls the best she can on her own. As time slowly passes, Katie relives her times with Tripp while struggling most days to even get out of bed. She is reminded of him at every turn.

Zack is Katie's twin brother and was Tripp's best friend. Having lost his own love, he dedicates himself to helping Katie put her life back together. Throw in a mother-in-law who torments at every turn and poor Katie can't even find a chance to breathe, much less a desire to somehow search for tomorrow. 




Author Interview:

Tell us 5 surprising things about yourself.
  • 1.     I am a PK. If you know what that means, then you know what that means.
    2.     I have always wanted to be a red head with long, beautiful corkscrew curls.
    3.     No matter what I’m doing, I would rather be outside, day or night, hot or cold, rain or shine.
    4.     I was awarded two separate scholarships when I graduated high school. One was a teaching fellowship and the other was for writing.
    5.     I love to cook, almost as much as I like to eat. I spent a couple of years as a private cook for a local family and loved every minute of it

    What is your writing environment?


At the moment, I have a makeshift office in my pantry! If need be, I can shut the door and cut off part of the noise. I hope to have a more permanent space soon.


One of your favorite quotes.

                  To whom much is given, much is required.          


Random things about my novel.

Just a bit of nonsense. I am Kathryn Anne, and my two sisters are Rebekah Elizabeth and Sarah Margaret. My husband is Channing, and my son is Zachary. One of my daughters is Elizabeth, and I still have to work my daughter Brittany into the book. Highlands is my most favorite place in the world to go when my soul need refreshing. Last, but not least, I actually had a great-grandma Tiddy!
             


Flirting Questions

What does love feel like? 

Warm, fuzzy, secure, safe, sheltered

How did you meet your significant other? 

In the lobby of the bank that I worked in. I was on all fours under a Christmas tree tightening the screws in the base. What can I say? Baby got back!

If you could take a romantic trip, where would it be? 

Any trip I take with Hubs is romantic. One of his favorite things to do is to whisk me away to wine and dine me.

Do you believe in love at first sight? 

Absolutely! Ask me how I feel about my grandson Grayson!





Author Links

Bio:

I am a small-town Southern gal who loves flip flops, chocolate, sweet tea and dirt between my toes. I would rather work in my garden than clean my house. As far back as I can remember, I've had a book in my hand. Reading has carried me to places I will never go. It has introduced me to people that I will never meet. When life is great and when it is rough, I've always been able to find a book to carry me through. I finally decided to write down some of the stories in my head and heart after dawdling around and wasting years dreaming. I hope you enjoy reading those stories as much as I love writing them!


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