by Sarah | Jan 19, 2014 | Books, Tuesday Tales, Writing
Welcome back to Tuesday Tales! This weeks prompt is Satin.
It’s time for Leilyn to have a turn. She’s in a strange place…that doesn’t feel all that strange. Let’s see what she thinks about Dell, and what about that curly blond klutz, Byron?:
Leilyn buttoned the last button on the blouse, smoothing the plain brown calico along her stomach. The matching simple skirt settled more on her hips than her waist, but it would do considering she had no other clothes or means to get them.
Dell had left her alone to get dressed, out of propriety more than need. Were’s didn’t know the meaning of the word shy, and the man seeped Were out of his pores. Every inch of her body wanted to cave in to his alpha power, even as her mind screamed her toward caution.
Even now, she could sense his presence right outside the back door. The strength of his magic drew her stronger than the tides had dragged and pushed her down the river.
There was no delaying the inevitable. She had to face him, as well as the pack’s alpha. They would want her story, but if experience taught her anything, she could escape the alpha draw. After all, she’d walked away from her own uncle and his alpha orders to remain and mate with her own cousin.
Instinct told her to run, and so she had.
Now she was trapped in another pack’s lands. The most confusing part was that instinct wasn’t telling her to run. She wanted to stay. The further she had gotten from home, the less she felt the urge to return.
As confusing as that was, she had to face her current situation and deal with the rest as it emerged.
Without further ado, she threw open the back door to find herself face to face with Dell. Instinct made her bow her head, and her acquiescence to the action turned her stomach.
“You should probably remain inside, Leilyn. My father will be along soon enough. We can wait inside.”
“No. I’ve never liked being trapped inside.” She stepped under the cover of the lean-to. “I’m back to full health, the cold doesn’t bother me.”
“You were down for three days,” He objected. When she glared at him, he shrugged and leaned against the house. “Ready to tell me where you’re from now?”
“Where am I now?” She stared across the open field behind the house. A light layer of snow covered the ground, but children ran willy-nilly. The Were’s were easy to pick out by their bare feet.
“Indiana.” He glanced her direction. “East or West?”
“East,” she allowed. On the edge of the field, just before the woods started sat the small rise of a hill.
Just before she turned away, a tall lanky blond man came over the rise. He carried two large buckets on a yoke over his shoulders. When he reached level ground, a group of children tore past.
Beside her, Dell chuckled. She didn’t understand why at first, when the man took one step. The next step wavered, and then man stumbled forward three steps. He tilted almost completely sideways. The bucket landed flat on the ground before he righted himself, only to fall flat the other way.
Leilyn covered her mouth in a failed attempt to cover her laughter, but it spilled from its seams. Her giggled floated out to mix with his laughter.
“That’s Byron.”
“Cute.”
A low growl hit her ears and Dell tensed beside her. Her insides twisted at the sense of jealousy she got from the growl. He snarled. “Clumsy.”
She smirked. While she wasn’t attracted to the man with crazy curls and an unsteady gait, it was fun to make this powerful man beside her sweat. “Clumsy is cute.”
*~*
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by Sarah | Jan 18, 2014 | Books, Changing Tracks, WeWriWa, Writing
Welcome back to the Weekend Writing Warriors!
I’m still keeping you all intrigued with the beginning of the series [amazon_link id=”B00BEMN5SC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Changing Tracks (The Dominion Falls Series book 1)[/amazon_link]. You know, my amnesiac with the eidetic memory, Jane Doe…and the brothel-owner, anti-hero…Cole Mitchell.
Skipping ahead a little bit. For those that were wondering if Cole really did believe the stories over Jane’s word…well, you’ll just have to read to find out 😉 No, really, it’s a romance, what do you think? More on that another week, for this week…I move to the POV of a man named Michael. Mike is Jane’s brother (that she doesn’t remember) who came back into her life. After last week where Cole “kicked her out”…Jane took off out of town in an attempt to save some kidnapped children. Mike (and another townsperson, Archie) has gone after her, and thinks he spots her with “The Bad Guy”. Oh, and before she awoke a Jane Doe (and kept that name), Jane was Clara:
She jumped and turned, racing from the depot; the man followed right behind.
Mike jumped over the back of the bench in hot pursuit. Before he ever got outside, screams reached his ears. A police whistle sounded through the doors when he and Archie burst through them at the same time.
A crowd gathered near the alley beside the depot and a woman screamed, “She’s dead. He just ran up and killed her.”
Mike’s whole body went numb and he dropped to his knees. “No, Clara.”
*For once, no creative punctuation was used. Can’t guarantee as much for future installments 😉
*~*
Did you like this sample, too? You can pick up the whole series now!!
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Head back on over to the Weekend Writing Warriors to read many more wonderful offerings!
by Sarah | Jan 17, 2014 | Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Saturday Spotlight, Writing
| [amazon_link id=”B00BS9HTBK” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | Crimson Romance | BN | iTunes |
The Garnet Dagger Blurb: Everyone knows what happens when a vampire bites a human…but what if the victim is Elvin?
Forbidden to cross the Elvin barrier into human lands, Brock cannot sate his curiosity. Cursed by a vampyre bite that forces him to feed on the life-essence of others, he is unable to touch another without taking their life. Chained by prophesy, he must find a witch, pierce her heart, and draw her blood for his cure.
Celeste must escape the monks who have held her prisoner for years. Her magic has been kept dormant by her captors. An ancient powerful Warloc craves her powers. If he succeeds in devouring her magic, she and his world will die.
When Brock falls in love with Celeste before realizing her demise is his cure, will love triumph over his desire to be healed? Will he risk everything to save her from a Warloc, an oath breaker, who also wants her dead?
*~*
The Garnet Dagger Excerpt: Chapter One
I’ve known death. For over half a millennia, I escorted many to death at the end of my sword. In the eyes of the dying, I watched it shroud them. Foolishly, I thought many more eras would pass before death came for me. It came so swiftly that I could not run; I could not escape. At a village, dressed in human clothes, I took in everything. By observing for eons, I understood and spoke their language. The world of mankind fascinated me. Their hobbled homes burrowed into the ground.
Rocks crunched on top one another with thatched roofs woven from straw. Never had I seen a home or inn that was higher than three levels, as if they were afraid of the sky. I delayed my return to my people as I watched human jugglers bounce torches and knifes. It was autumn equinox and the festivities would continue well into the night. Children laughed as they chased each other. A trail of leaves from their costumes twirled after them. It was dark when I reached the forest. Since I was already late, I hiked uphill to a shortcut rather than take the long path back home. I didn’t need to alert any of my kind near the barrier at this hour. Liana would wonder why I was late.
Tonight was the two month anniversary of our hand twining ceremony. One more month as was custom, and then we’d be wed. A gasp rustled through the trees. The roots shot a warning through to me with stifled caution. Adjusting my pack, I continued on instead of changing back into my Elvin clothes. After I passed the border which kept humans from entering our land, then I’d change. In the distance, I heard a groan. Curious, I spun in the direction of the sound. The autumn wind breezed through my worn human clothes, chilling me. But someone needed help. I turned in the direction of the sounds. Whatever made the noise should be a few yards ahead.
I hiked slower than my normal speed, so as not to startle whatever human called out. My leather boots crunched upon dried, diseased leaves and bark. Horrified, I glanced up. Branches twisted around each other to suffocating. Lifeless limbs cracked in the wind. Flesh of the trees sloughed off in layers, exposing its bones. Gashes hollowed out chunks of warmth. Fragments of leaves clung to finger tips, marking sepulchers of the dying trees. Trees mourned with wails like splitting wood, and I brought my hands over my ears. I must flee before I became infected, they told me. Flee before the stain of this defilement creeps into you, they warned. Trees spoke to my kind, always had. Yet these trees were in such agony of death that I could not breathe. Felt as though my lungs had folded in on themselves, like a moth unable to break loose from its cocoon.
Nothing I could do for them, and if I lingered too long, whatever disease gnawed upon them may choke me. Where would I go if I carried something so foul as to devour trees from the inside out? I’d never return to Tamlon if I brought this infection with me. I drew away, but a movement at the base of a decaying tree to my right caught me. My night vision picked up the sight of a human. His sallow face seemed to glow in the moonlight. Poking out from rags lay his arms and legs, which resembled skin stretched over sticks. So cadaverous was his face, I’d have thought him dead if he hadn’t moved.
“Please,” he said and his voice sounded like cicada’s vibrations, “help me.”
“What ails you in this troubled place?” I wondered if my voice, foreign to my ears in speaking the human’s language, revealed my nature.
“I am lost.” His dark eyes crinkled around the corners. “Without strength to rise. If you would but assist me up, I’ll be on my way.”
I’d never touched a human on purpose before. Was it that that gave me pause, or dread that stilled my heart? My feet itched to flee. As soon as I helped him, then I’d leave. I gritted my teeth and reached a hand down.
His gnarled fingers snapped on my arm, making me wince. Jerking me forward, his face contorted. Surprised by his strength, I fell beside him. Blackness curled around me. Teeth, fangs, broke through the skin on my neck. Then I knew him for what he was, a vampyre.
*~*
Andrea’s Bio: Growing up in Houston, Texas, Andrea has always created characters and stories. But it wasn’t until she was in her late twenties that she started writing novels.
What happened that ignited the writing flame in her fingers? Divorced, and disillusioned by love songs and stories. They exaggerate. She thought. Love and Romance are not like that in the real world. Then she met her husband and realized, yes love and romance are exactly like the songs and stories say. She is now a happy wife, and a mom to three kids (two boys and a girl).
Andrea writes paranormal and historical romance. When not writing or reading, one may find Andrea dancing in Zumba.
She believes in the power of change and counting each moment as a blessing. But most importantly, she believes in love.
The Garnet Dagger Book Trailer http://youtu.be/ISi0u9LoseM
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AndreaRCooper.author
Twitter: @AndreaRCooper
Author Website: www.AndreaRCooper.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6934877.Andrea_R_Cooper
Blog: http://andrearcooperauthorblog.wordpress.com/
by Sarah | Jan 17, 2014 | Cover Reveal, Guest Authors, Writing
Blurb:
Three days a week I work your everyday nine-to-five. The paperwork is never-ending. The pay is mediocre, and the office drama is simply intolerable. But the other four days a week, I am my own boss.My name is Jennifer Sunshine and I am a Vegas Call Girl.
My clients range from frat boys on spring break to multimillionaire business men with stuffy wives and less than ideal equipment.
I don’t have a daddy-complex or some kind of sob story.
I don’t need the money, but it is nice.
The only thing I crave is the exhilarating feeling I get from being in control of something. Anything.
My life is uncomplicated, simple even.
That was until he bulldozed his way into my life, and everything changed.
Overnight he makes me realize how much I truly need him.
About Jo-Anna Walker:
I’m a new self-published author who just got
introduced to the writing world early 2013. My aunt suggested that I write a
story because I’m an avid reader but I waved it off and left it alone. Well
this year, a story came to me and I went with it. It took me a little bit but I
finally got a story idea that worked and now I can’t stop or control the
characters/stories that keep popping up in my head.
I’m born and raised in Canada and I live with my
very wonderful and supportive husband, Michael. We don’t have any children
(yet) unless you count our cat. My hubby been my rock through this whole new
experience for me. I couldn’t have done it without him and my friends and
family.
One of the many things I love about this new chapter
in my life is that I’m learning constantly. It’s never a dull moment and as
long as one person likes my story, I am happy.
About Dawn Robertson:
Dawn Robertson is a twenty-something indie erotic
romance, and mother. She lives in sunny senior citizen packed Florida, where
she wrangles her kids, and Pitbull puppy.
Dawn can normally be found swearing like a sailor,
making late night drive-thru appearances, arguing with her kids (or being run
over by their power wheels), reading a steamy romance while hiding in her
bathroom, writing her little heart out on her laptop (or dragging her Macbook
to the Genius bar praying they can save her latest work in progress), or
sipping on a smoothie. She loves to hear from her fans, readers, and authors
alike. Feel free to drop her a message.
Dawn rarely takes life seriously, so be sure to
expect heavy sarcasm from her. She is also the life of the party, so be sure to
meet up with her at one of the many author events she will be attending in the
next couple months. Buy her a shot of whiskey, and she will love you for life.
Add to your Goodreads now:
by Sarah | Jan 15, 2014 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Thursday Tell All, Writing
What is your story, Skillet?
I’m a black friend of our hero Aaron, with whom I saved the rabbits under his gramma’s porch in 1958.
The story opens in 1996 in Atlanta.
“Aaron and I grew up in the Deep South during turmoil that changed our lives forever. Those days, our friendship had to be a secret from his white family who thought I wasn’t worthy of their favorite son. I’ve loved that boy since we were chil’ren. I’m lookin’ forward to seeing him again.
“Sitting here on the shiny MARTA train, I can’t help thinkin’ about the past and wondering how much my South has really changed since I’ve been gone. My name is Skillet Hamilton, and I’m coming back to Georgia where it all began, at least for me.
“Bein’ home gives me a happy heart and makes me laugh at the memories that phrase conjures up. Every time Lyndon Johnson addressed the nation during our unsettled times, he had a heavy heart. We knew more about his heart back in the day than what he was doing to our country.
“Believe it or not, between Aaron and me, I was the lucky one. I experienced a loving, hardworking family and a clear set of values. Poor Aaron, his values changed daily. His capricious women folk, grandma and mother, couldn’t make up their minds about anything—‘cept me. I was off limits once we started school. They weren’t wishy-washy ‘bout that. They were—to put it nicely—confused. Ella, the old lady, was stuck in the past, not embracing the new ways. Her daughter, Lonnie Jo, Aaron’s mama, was stuck in the bottle or some other pleasure pit. It’s a wonder Aaron turned out so good.”
Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?
Very! I think she likes me.
Do you have any special strengths?
Good sense! Aaron got mixed messages. My family was solid. As you watch us grow up, you’ll see it’s a struggle for Aaron, but I seemed to find my place in the world.
Do you have any special weaknesses?
Yeah. It takes me a while to commit.
What makes you happy?
Once I figured it out, my life was just fine. It took Aaron longer, that’s why it’s his story. He’s the conflicted sort.
What are you afraid of?
Water. Can’t swim and don’t want to!
What do you regret?
That I wasn’t able to impart more wisdom to my buddy before he messed up his life. Or, before his mom did. Lonnie Jo was a pistol.
What is the most important thing that ever happened to you? Why?
Seminary. I learned even a saint has to compromise.
Do you have any hobbies?
Sports, especially running. I got a lot of practice running from Aaron’s gramma.
What, if anything, haunts you?
The look of loss on Aaron’s face when we graduated high school. He had a whole lot of livin’ to do before he could find the right woman.
*~*~*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00HNEIZNU” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] |
Tagline:
Unsettled times and dysfunctional families force the young lovers to rethink their values and find love between the States.
Excerpt:
(Aaron is asking advice from Skillet who is headed for Seminary:
The store would close in half an hour. They took their milkshakes to a booth. Aaron leaned over toward the center of the table. “I’m in deep shit, Skillet.”
Skillet blinked. “What’s goin’ down, man?”
“Remember my pretty blonde girlfriend?”
“Who could forget her?”
Aaron took a deep breath and whispered, “This wasn’t Melanie’s fault, Skillet. I was so damned busy with my own goals I didn’t see the whole picture.”
“What picture? What’re you tryin’ to say?” He pushed his shake aside and leaned in.
“I was working to become a doctor. I let things slide. She told me she was taking an antibiotic. I knew she was on the pill. What the hell kind of premed student am I not to remember that antibiotics can nullify the pill?”
Skillet smiled. “You’re gonna be a daddy?”
“Hell, yes. And we aren’t married. I don’t want to marry her, but I should want to. I should be crazy to marry her. Doesn’t the baby deserve a family with parents who care about it? I loved Melanie once, or thought I did. Now—”
“Now you’re gonna be a daddy.” Skillet slapped him on the shoulder. “What’s wrong with that? Lots of college kids are married and working while they’re in school.”
“I’m in love with someone else.”
*~*~*
Bio:
Julie Eberhart Painter was raised in Bucks Count, Pennsylvania, boyhood home of James A Michener. Julie is the author of Mortal Coil, Tangled Web, and the 2011 Book of the Year, Kill Fee, and sequel, Medium Rare from www.champagnebooks.com. Daughters of the Sea, e-book and print. Julie’s first paranormal romance, and Morning After Midnight are available from MuseItUp Publishing. http://bit.ly/1gpaO4R and other online e-book venues.
Twitter: @JulieEPainter
Facebook
Linked-In
Julie is a monthly blogger on http://thewritersvineyard.com/ , and feature writer for http://cocktailsmagazine.wix.com/fictionandgossip an online slick. Her nine flash fiction stories appear under http://bewilderingstories.com/bios/painter_bio.htm
Visit Julie’s Web site at www.books-jepainter.com
by Sarah | Jan 15, 2014 | Blog Hops, Books, Changing Tracks, Dark Territory, Derailed, Secret Cravings Publishing, Writing
STAY TUNED FOR GIVEAWAY DETAILS BELOW…MINE & SCP’S!!!
Welcome to the Secret Cravings Winter Wonderland Blog Hop & Scavenger Hunt! There’s some amazing prizes in store for the readers!!
Details on that are further below. First, I also want to mention that in a few weeks is the anniversary of my first published book, and the birth of the wonderful, gritty town of Dominion Falls. When the world met my amnesiac with the eidetic memory, Jane Doe…and my (anti)hero, brothel and saloon owner, Cole Mitchell.
So in honor of Dominion Falls’ birthday, I’m giving away your choice of the complete series in ebook format…or a signed print copy of one of my books!!
All you have to do is comment below. Since I love my secondary characters and try to make them as deep as my hero and heroine…I’d love for you to tell me about your favorite secondary character – book or TV.
*giveaway ends 1/30/14 @11:59PM.
Now, for Secret Cravings Publishing’s Scavenger Hunt!!
In order to be included in the giveaway for the amazing prizes (like: an IPAD 2, a Kindle Fire HDX, $50 GC and $25 GC), here’s my letter back, now go back to the Secret Cravings Blog and find the badges at ALL the participating sites. Once you have them all, you’ll email them in to be entered in the grand prize giveaway!
Welcome back to Tuesday Tales! This weeks prompt is Satin.
