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Excerpt included at the end of this Post!

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Title:  Power in the Wrong Hands   Deciding Island, Book Two

Author: Rain Murphy

Publisher: Anchor Group Publishing

Published: July 1, 2015

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Blurb

Respect the Island.
Snowdrop’s life changed when she found her mate, Orion Hunter. Her father always said finding your mate was like magic, but this was so much more. In the blink of an eye, Snowdrop found her life hung in the balance. Kidnapped and tortured by an evil vampire, Snowdrop was left wondering if she would live long enough to enjoy her newly found mate.
Sammy was on the verge of turning rogue, and fought his evil side every day to keep it at bay. Then Sammy finds out he is the only one that can infiltrate the rogue’s hideout. He knew it would be his true challenge. He knew the mission came with the possibility of being sent to Deciding Island for judgment, a judgment that would most likely lead to being Island Ash. His only hope came from the most unlikely place, but would it be enough?

Get Your Copy for $0.99 on AMAZON

Meet the Author

RainRain Murphy was born on the west coast, and now lives on the east coast. Writing is not a job or career to her it is a passion. She is the Author of “DECIDING ISLAND SERIES” & “Saints! LOL or Are They?” Her books are geared toward adults, young and old, with the sexual passages being implied. It will appeal to lovers of fiction, fantasy, and magical happenings.
Forgiveness, is book one in the Deciding Island Series. Saint Valentinus, What in the VAMP were you thinking? is book one in the Saint Series.
There are minimal to no cliffhangers each book can stand alone.
When Rain is not writing, reading, or promoting her two series she is spending time with her children and grandchildren. They like to camp, kayak, spent time on the beach and have fun plotting her next book.

Connect with Rain on FACEBOOK/TWITTER/AMAZON

Sign up for Anchor Group’s Newsletter and receive a free ebook!

Forgiveness & Power in the Wrong Hands

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Excerpt

Hunter

Hunter walked back to the glamour opening at the bottom of the Sphinx. Mystic, the leader of the Meat Eaters, waited for everyone’s report from the war as they exited. As he waited in line for his turn, Hunter heard someone yelling his name. “Hunter, wait for me, I need to talk to you.”

It was Saturesa, Sat for short, Hunter’s longtime friend. As Sat caught up with Hunter, he could hear the enthusiasm in Sat’s voice which meant trouble. Sat always had some hair brained scheme for picking up girls. “Hey, after you talk to Mystic, what do you say to coming to the Eastern Shore with me?”

Hunter, not feeling very social these days, told Sat, “No, I’m headed home, but thanks for the invite.”

Sat, never being one to take no for an answer, told him, “Come on, Hunter. Everyone’s going to the Eastern Shore for a weeklong celebration, and there is going to be lots of girls.” Hunter gave Sat half a smile and looked down, shaking his head as he moved up one in line.

Hunter knew that once Sat set his mind to something, he would be relentless at getting what he wanted. Hunter rolled his eyes and huffed his retort with a slight rumble in his voice, “Fine, but if I don’t have a GREAT time, I’ll leave. Got it?”

Sat rubbed his hands together in anticipation of some fun, and in his cheery voice responded, “Fine! But you’ll have a blast, I promise.”

Hunter figured the only reason Sat wanted to go was the neighbor girl named Snowdrop. Hunter had never been attracted to a female Techie. He didn’t know if it was all the hair or the fact that the females were dominant, and he preferred to be the leader in a relationship.  Hunter did agree that for a Techie she looked striking. Even though he had never met her in person, he had noticed her from a distance. She didn’t have that same thick hair as the other Techies and seemed to have more of her herb growing everywhere. She was also short for a female Techie. He had not been close enough to know what color her eyes were, but Sat could not stop talking about her amazing hazel eyes. Sat would joke about how he should have been nicer to Snowdrop when she had a crush on him.

Hunter handed Mystic his one page report. “Hi Mystic, my report is short because Adam’s children did all the work. It’s always amazing to watch them in action. Is it okay to head home now?”

Mystic looked up at him from her seat. “Hunter, how is life?”

Hunter should have figured she would sense his loneliness. His kind lived so long, and without someone to share it with, the days and nights could go forever. Depression was a serious threat, but Hunter hated sympathy, so he denied it. “I’m fine.”

Mystic regarded him with concern and shook her head in disbelieve. She didn’t believe for one minute that he was truly fine, but told him, “If you need anything, let me know.”

Hunter winked at Mystic, hoping to lessen her worry. “Thanks. Catch you at the next war.” Mystic gave him a small but sweet smile as she turned her focus on the next Meat Eater in line.

Mystic Jones, as the leader of the Meat Eater species, is responsible for each and everyone one of them. She made a mental note to check up on Hunter in a few weeks. That wink he gave her was not fooling her. Sensing a strong feeling of depression, she wasn’t going to let that go for long.

As Hunter walked out of the Sphinx, he watched as Sat jumped up the minute he spotted him. Hunter felt like this was going to be a long week, and he wasn’t sure he could put up with Sat’s high level of energy. Then he heard Sat say, “Come on, we can get a ride on the war ships with the Plazies. Sap said he could drop us on the Eastern Shore.”

Hunter smiled. “I have not seen Sap or Weeping in a few hundred years.”

As they walked toward the war ships, Hunter thought about the Plazies. Sap and his wife, Weeping, are the leaders of the most unusual species, as far as Hunter was concerned. Hunter had heard that they now had a teenage daughter named Willow—he had also heard Willow was a handful. He could remember the first day he met the Plazies during one of the many wars in his lifetime. While walking next to Sat, Hunter gazed off in the distance as he remembered that day. He had walked onto one of the war ships to find no one on board, yet the ship was in operation with the precision of a well-organized team. He looked around, but stopped when he noticed a line of little sticks appearing before him, Plazies lined up on the ropes and rails. One of them started to talk, “Welcome Orion Hunter.”

Hunter remembered his feeling of shock. Although he didn’t know what part shocked him more: the stick knowing his full name or that a stick was actually speaking. He had found himself staring at thousands of sticks shaped like humans. They ranged from 5-inches to 6-inches tall and looked like all different types of wood. As a woodworker in his youth and a construction company owner in today’s world, Hunter knew his timber.

Hunter figured the look of shock showed on his face when Sap laughed and explained, “We are magic wood splinters and are what keep the old warships afloat. We are, for the most part, harmless, but we are not without ways to protect ourselves. Moving fast, it looks like we just appear and disappear, and this speed allows us to operate different areas of the ship quickly. We come from all different woods, hence the reason we all look different.”

Being brought out of his thoughts by Sat’s voice, Hunter heard, “Hunter, they’re waiting for us. Let’s go.” Hunter felt the muscle in his shoulders tighten at Sat’s enthusiastic tone. He really was not in a party mood, and until now didn’t realize he had lagged behind.

As they boarded the warships, Hunter saw Sap and walked up to him to say hi when he noticed something was wrong. “Sap, what has happened? Is everyone okay?”

Sap turned and smiled, greeting his friend. “Hello Hunter. It’s been a long time, and yes, things will be fine.”

Hunter curious asked, “Then why are the three of you so anxious?”

Sap introduced his daughter. “Hunter, this is Willow, my daughter, and she faces a task that has her worried.”

Hunter put his pinkie finger down to shake hands and told Willow, “Willow, if I can help, you need only ask.”

Willow looked worried as she said, “Not unless you can undo my teenage misbehaving and what I thought to be harmless pranks.”

Hunter looked at her with concern. “I hear an apology is owed. Am I correct?”

Willow, in tears now, turned as she noticed the warships headed out of the delta and to the open seas. “Hunter, it is more than just an apology. I was awful to Creature, and I thought they were just harmless jokes … but a good man may die because of me.”

Hunter thought a minute. “Wait, could you be talking about Creature Notte?”

Willow looked up with a bit of hope that maybe he could help. “Yes, do you know her?”

Hunter smiled. “As a matter of fact, I have worked with Creature off and on for a few hundred years. If there is one thing she is, it’s understanding. I think if you just come clean and be sincere, she will see her way to forgive you. Now, what is this about a man dying?”

Willow, still not fully convinced everything would be okay, sniffled, “That is the whole problem, I have to take Creature on a quest to become one with Deciding Island, and if I fail and she does not go … then Mica Sands will die.”

Hunter asked, “Mica Sands. He’s an Infin right? But what does he have to do with Creature?”

Willow was still crying, and trying to talk. “They are in love. They are mates, and now they could lose each other because of me.”

Hunter looked over at Sap for more clarity. Sap explained, “Mica was horribly wounded, and if Creature does not become one with Deciding Island, he will die. The only way to save him is if the Island does it … and because of Willow’s behavior, Gaia the Island’s spirit has said that is it up to Willow to take Creature on this quest into the Black Heart forest.”

Willow cried out, “She is punishing me.”

Sap walked over and put his arm around his daughter. “She is not punishing you; she is teaching you. Now go with your mother.”

Hunter, Sat, and Sap watched as the two disappeared, then Sap spoke, “It is nice to see you again, but I must get to my post. We will be dropping the two of you off at Eastern Shore. If I don’t see you before you leave, goodbye.”

Hunter gave his best smile, hoping to cheer Sap a little. He could see the worry on Sap’s face. “Goodbye, Sap. See you at the next war.”

The rest of the trip Sat and Hunter watched the ocean go by, and, from time to time, would notice dolphins and whales playing in the ship’s wake.

After reaching land at Eastern Shore, Hunter and Sat turned to wave at the Plazies. Hunter watched the old warship head back out to sea. It was so surreal in its beauty, yet it demanded the respect of an ancient warrior. Sat looked over at Hunter. “Hey, what is up with you lately? You’re always dazing off … Oh no … you’re not getting depressed are you?” Sat was now worried about his friend. Hunter looked at Sat and thought, Great, now I have to put up with his enthusiasm and pity, what a week this is going to be.

Hunter thought about it and decided that maybe he was a little more depressed than he was letting himself realize. “Hunter, look at me and tell me that you’re not getting depressed.”

Hunter looked at his friend. “I wish I could, but I’m thinking that maybe I am getting just a little depressed. After all, how long can a man go without the love of a mate? And how old am I?” They didn’t really keep a close watch on time; the question was purely hypothetical. Hunter was not waiting for an answer, just making a point. Sat knew Hunter was older than he was. Sat had been around for four hundred plus years.

Sat slapped Hunter on the shoulder reassuring him, “That will be our goal then, to find you a mate, and soon.” Hunter just smiled and kept walking.

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Who We Were by Christy Sloat

Haven’t you ever wanted to reinvent yourself?
Were you tired of living in someone else’s shadow?
Who We Were is not just a summer romance but a
rediscovering of oneself. Journey with Sadie as she discovers
in the summer before her Senior year who Sadie Peters really is.

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 “Who we were had washed away with the summer. Who we are was yet to be seen.” Summer school at Alcott High was only supposed to gain Sadie Peters extracredit, nothing more. Her goal wasn’t to make friends, or gain the attention of the most popular football player, yet she managed both. Her life was cruising along on course … until that summer. Could a simple stint in a different school change her identity completely and introduce her to love for the first time? How would that affect her relationship with Lily, her best friend? Hopefully their friendship was strong enough to make it through the tumultuous summer. Sadie learns that great things come with change, but sometimes memories of the past are hardest to part with.

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Who We Were

by Christy Sloat

Published September 2014

Publisher Anchor Group Publishing

Buy Link: http://amzn.to/1B5l91G

Book Trailer

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~~~EXCERPTS~~~ 

Excerpt 1
I killed the engine and grabbed my new bag. I refused to go to summer classes with my junior year backpack. No way! I had purchased all new items for the next four weeks. This was a new school and a new chance to actually become someone different. A clean slate. No one here knew me, so my past history was erased. I would be Sadie Peters, popular and outgoing, instead of Sadie Peters, a shy nobody that no one pays any attention to. I looked up at Alcott High’s newly rebuilt entrance. It was the town’s oldest school, but it held the most history. It was the very first school built in Laurel Lakes when it was a small town. Now that the town has grown immensely, they needed a new school built, and that’s how Ridgeline High, my school, was built. While I liked my school for various reasons, I loved the history of Alcott. To me it held hope and immense change. After a complete and utterly disastrous junior year, I could only see promise staring me in the face.

Excerpt 2
“Three weeks, Sadie. They didn’t even show up to my doctor’s visit to get the final results.” That made me so sad to hear. How could they do that? He made a fist and hit the dashboard, not hard, but enough to make himself feel better. I placed my hand on his and squeezed, letting him know I was here and I wasn’t going anywhere. “Do you ever feel invisible?” He asked looking out the window. I laughed. Did I ever. My mom worked so much I hardly ever saw her, and my dad wasn’t home anymore. Cara was off to college, and she just thought of me as the silly kid sister. No one at Ridgeline knew I existed, even though I passed them in the halls every day. But instead of giving him that answer, I gave him the one I really felt was true. The one that I felt right then in that moment. “Not anymore.” I turned to look at him, and he met my eyes at the same time.

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Meet Christy Sloat

christysloat

Christy Sloat is a SoCal born girl who resides in New Jersey currently with her husband, two daughters and Sophie her Chihuahua. Christy has embraced the love of reading and writing since her youth and was inspired by her grandmother’s loving support. Christy passes that love of reading, writing, and creativity to her daughters, family, and friends. When you do not find Christy within the pages of a book you can find her being mommy, wife, crafter, and dear friend. She loves adventurous journeys with her friends and can be known to get lost inside a bookstore. Be sure to venture into her Past Lives Series, The Visitor’s Series, and watch for many more exciting things to come.

 

Connect with Christy  WEB/FACEBOOK/TWITTER/INSTAGRAM

 

Raven by Stacey Rourke

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New release

covergifTitle: Raven

Series: Legends Saga # 2

Author: Stacey Rourke

Audience: NA Paranormal

Genre: Thriller/Suspense

Formats: E-book and Paperback  

Publisher: Anchor Group Publishing

Cover by: Najla Qamber Designs

Editor: Melissa Ringsted

Date Published: Sept 22, 2014


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An infamous love, destined nevermore,

For death could not claim, the enchanting Lenore.

Cursed by the malevolent spirit of the Headless Horseman, Ireland Crane ventures to Manhattan in search of a way to break her soul crushing bond. Instead, she discovers the lines between fact and fiction are blurring once more. Croaking ravens. Telltale hearts. Could the works of Poe be coming to pass with handsome Wall Street Midas Ridley Peolte as their unwilling target?

She walks the Earth, a plague on mankind,

searching for he, her rotted heart doth pine.

Together, the two unknowingly release a dark force death itself could not tame. Surrounded by the unrelenting violence and mayhem they’ve unleashed, Ireland feels her control over the Horseman slipping. Before the beast within consumes her, she and her crew must follow the clues of the dead to right a centuries’ old wrong. Will it be enough to sate the Horseman’s appetite?

Hell hath no fury like a ghoul scorned.

 

 

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excerpt

Clamping her eyes on the wash of tears that threatened, Ireland ignored the wailing of her heart … and laid a palm to each of their cheeks. One lone tear snuck between her lashes at the cascade of tingles seeping up her arms.

“You can’t blame them for not understanding,” a familiar voice drawled behind her.

She spun as he neared, leaving Rip and Noah wheezing for breath—or, more likely, completion of her task.

Techno-colored flowers bloomed in a colorless world each time the sole of Ridley’s shoes met the earth. The crisp cut of his white, tailored suit was accented by a burst of color from the button-down shirt beneath that changed in hue to match the species of flowers that sprung to life. Hydrangeas blue. Orchid purple. Lily fuchsia. Rose coral. As he neared, Ireland noticed his eyes morphed to match as well. The result hypnotic.

His haggard and troubled façade was a thing of the past. The man before her exuded confidence and a zest for life from every pore. The draw of which was so magnetic Ireland had to fight to keep her feet planted while her body insisted she close the distance between them.

“To them this is a thrill, a game of chicken against the Reaper himself.” Ridley paused beside her, his shoulder skimming hers. Even then he didn’t grace her with a glance, his attention fixed on Rip and Noah. Tipping his head toward her, the warmth of his breath teased over her breast bone. “For us, it’s destiny.”

The moment he stepped away from her, the chill of solitude lashed at Ireland’s soul and cut deep. Bending eye-level with her withering subjects, Ridley pursed his rose petal lips to blow a soft, healing breath over both of them. Wan complexions of the dying were ripened to plump apricot. Both men blinked away their disappointment before dipping in a low bow—foreheads to the ground in a show of respect.

“No need for that, boys.” Ridley smoothed the front of his suit coat, a self-depreciating chuckle playing over his lips.

Neither humbled servant budged.

“You’re like me?” Pacing in a slow circle around him, Ireland’s eye narrowed.

He matched her steps, leading them in an intimate waltz normally reserved for predators—or lovers.

“Like you?” He tsked. “Oh no, my darling flower. There is no other like you. Our only similarity is being pawns in a game that began centuries before either of our fathers got an amorous gleam in their eyes.”

Ireland’s gaze lingered over the soft curve of his mouth, wondering if his lips could possibly taste as delectable as they looked. “How do we play?”

Curling one finger into a ruffled tuft of her skirt, Ridley pulled her to him. Bowing his head, he brushed his cheek over the delicate curve of her collarbone. “The game is already in motion,” he murmured. “The rule sheet not meant for our eyes. All we can do now is stay alive.” 

Ireland weaved her fingers into his hair, yanking his head back with a passion driven force that bordered on violent. “I’ve taken lives. I’m a monster,” she snarled against his lips, tormenting them both with the agonizing veil of energy that denied their touch.

His hand snaked up her arm to find her fingers and loosen her grasp. Palm to palm. Fingers entwined with fingers. “Does granting it make me any better?”

Ridley didn’t give her time to answer. With one hand pressed to the small of her back he crushed her to him.  Their lips met with a desperate urgency that caused Heaven and Earth to quake in nervous anticipation of what was coming … 

 
~~~REVIEW~~~

It is rare that a book comes along that renders me unable to write a review about it. Not that Raven was a bad read; just the opposite in fact. I find myself befuddled when trying to write a coherent statement. How does one review the mind of Ridley and Poe? Well, here goes.

Rourke still brings the wit, humor and sarcasm that she is known for as she intertwines Washing Irving’s The Headless Horseman with the morbid, craziness that is Edgar Allan Poe. The cast you fell in love with from Crane; Noah, the strong, mostly silent type, Rip with his selective narcolepsy, and Ireland the Hessian, all return in Raven. This unlikely trio sets off for Manhattan in search of why and by whom this curse has been placed on Ireland. What they find only adds more mystery to their situation. Meet Ridley. Ridley is the character you hate to love. One the one had he is a total sleaze ball, but on the other hand he is a frightened man who cannot escape the torment of seeing ghosts everywhere. Ridley is your Edgar Allan Poe. Like Crane, Raven is a two part tale with Ireland and crew in the present and the past is told by Poe.

Put your thinking caps on folks because Rourke is taking us back to high school as she weaves in a few Poe classics like, Lenore, The Tell Tale Heart and The Masque of the Red Death into her plot. These references are fairly obvious but it may spark your interest enough to go back and reread them as I did. It added to the story for me.

My favorite character in Raven is Lenore. She is bad ass and gives credence to the saying hell hath no fury like a woman scorned! What Lenore unleashes in Manhattan should truly make any man think twice before pissing off a woman again.

I loved this second installment in the Legends Saga. This story takes off on page one and never slows down. Stacey Rourke has unleashed another fantastic story for her readers to devour.

 

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Title: Crane

Series: Legends Saga # 1

Author: Stacey Rourke

Genre: NA paranormal

Date Published: May 26, 2014

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The Horseman is unending,

his presence shan’t lessen.

If you break the curse,

you become the legend.

Washington Irving and Rip Van Winkle had no choice but to cover up the deadly truth behind Ichabod Crane’s disappearance. Centuries later, a Crane returns to Sleepy Hollow awakening macabre secrets once believed to be buried deep.

What if the monster that spawned the legend lived within you?

Now, Ireland Crane, reeling from a break-up and seeking a fresh start, must rely on the newly awakened Rip Van Winkle to discover the key to channeling the darkness swirling within her. Bodies are piling high and Ireland is the only one that can save Sleepy Hollow by embracing her own damning curse.

But is anyone truly safe when the Horseman rides?

 

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~~~REVIEW~~~

Think you know the story of the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow? Think again.

Stacey Rourke delivers a heart pounding thrill ride in her newest tale, Crane. Your heart will race and your breath will hitch with each terrifying step the Horseman’s steed takes as he closes in on his next unsuspecting victim.

Some of the residents of Sleepy Hollow are not who they appear to be. Who has called the Hessian forth? Can a past injustice and a lost love be righted? Most importantly who dawns the Hessian’s cloak in search of centuries old revenge?

Fans of The Gryphon Series will love that the main character, Ireland, carries on the author’s trademark witty, flirtatious, and sarcastic sense of humor. The climatic end to the novel left me sitting up in bed gripping my kindle at 2:00am. I was so engrossed in the story. My heart was pounding. My dogs were pacing not understanding the palpable tension that seemed to hang in the air as I neared the end of this tale. Even after finishing the story, putting down the kindle and snuggling back into bed; scenes from the novel continued to dance in my head.

I give this tale a 5 Star Review. Stacey Rourke weaves a tale that includes dark flashes from the past when Ichabod Crane first encountered the Horseman to present day Sleepy Hollow and the unexplained murders of 2 of its prominent residents. You will not be disappointed on the journey this book takes you.

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authorgifThe Gryphon Series is written by Stacey Rourke. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant, drooly dogs. Stacey loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head. She is currently hard at work on the continuations of this series as well as other literary projects. The Gryphon Series is available wherever fine books are sold.

Contact Info: Visit the author at www.staceyrourke.com

Twitter @Rourkewrites

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Who We Were by Christy Sloat

Today on the blog I am so please to have the award winning author, Christy Sloat.  Christy is taking on a new genre for her when she unleashes her first contemporary romance to the world on Monday, September 15th.  This book is creating a lot of buzz for the writer since it is such a deviation from her haunting Visitor’s Series. Having received an advance copy, I can safely say fans will be pleased with her new release.

Check out the gorgeous cover art.

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Published by Anchor Group Publishing on September 15, 2014 ASIN: B00N980WYO

Purchase on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Who-We-Were-Christy-Sloat-ebook/dp/B00N980WYO

Blurb

“Who we were had washed away with the summer. Who we are was yet to be seen.”
Summer school at Alcott High was only supposed to gain Sadie Peters extra credit, nothing more. Her goal wasn’t to make friends, or gain the attention of the most popular football player, yet she managed both. Her life was cruising along on course … until that summer.
Could a simple stint in a different school change her identity completely and introduce her to love for the first time? How would that affect her relationship with Lily, her best friend?
Hopefully their friendship was strong enough to make it through the tumultuous summer. Sadie learns that great things come with change, but sometimes memories of the past are hardest to part with.

Author Interview

1. Where did the story idea come from for WWW?
I was actually in the middle of writing a completely different story when the idea came to me. I was laying in bed thinking about how when I went to summer school before my senior year, it really changed me. And that was that. My story was born. Sadie’s character came first. And I didn’t even know there would be two male characters until I was in the middle of writing the book. Things can happen like that when you don’t expect it. 
2.  How did you design such a beautiful cover?
 I was lucky enough to meet a photographer who lives in Georgia. I wanted the models to be real teens who weren’t stock models. She did a private shoot just for the cover and within a few weeks, we had the shot. Then, from there the designer made it into the cover you see today.
3.  One of the characters in the book is named Kyleigh after your daughter, does the fictional character share any qualities with the real one?
 Yes, she shares a few qualities. Kyleigh in the book has hearing loss and my Kyleigh does as well. I wanted to have a diverse character who wasn’t like every other teen girl. Of course my Kyleigh is only nine so I’m not sure what she’ll be like as a teenager, so I had to use my imagination there. My Kyleigh is gentle and kind and so is book Kyleigh. She’s everyone’s friend and I wanted that to stay true in the book as well.

4.. Contemporary romance is a new genre for you.  Can your fans expect more of this? Yes absolutely. I love writing Paranormal and they can expect more of that in the future but writing contemporary romance was so much fun. I will continue to write both.Do you have a WIP that you can share with us? 

Yes. I’m actually writing a book called, The Librarian. I do not have an official blurb yet for it but I can give you the rough draft.
Emme Bailey was enjoying her life as a college student until the day her Gram passed away. Emme must leave California and head back to Maine to bury the only family she ever knew. Emme only meant to stay long enough to find a replacement librarian for the library Gram owned. Being a small town librarian was not what Emme wanted for her future but when she finds a special set of books, she may change her mind. She begins reading them one dark wintery night and is pulled into the first chapter, literally. She finds herself in 1892 England on a sunny day staring at the ever so handsome Jack Ridgewell. With each chapter Emme learns that you can truly fall in love with a character in a book. Full of deep earth shattering romance these books show Emme that sometimes you never know what you want until you’re forced to turn the pages.
6.  When can we hope to see the WIP published?
I’m planning on publishing it early 2015.
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Christy Sloat 


resides in New Jersey currently with her husband, two daughters and Sophie her Chihuahua. Christy has embraced the love of reading and writing since her youth and was inspired by her grandmother’s loving support. Christy passes that love of reading, writing, and creativity to her daughters, family, and friends. When you do not find Christy within the pages of a book you can find her being mommy,  wife, crafter, and dear friend. She loves adventurous journeys with her friends  and can be known to get lost inside a bookstore. Be sure to venture into her  Past Lives Series, The Visitor’s Series, and watch for many more
exciting things  to come.

christysloat

 

Blog http://christysloat.blogspot.com/,
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/christysloatauthor
Follow ChristySloat_writes on Instagram
Twitter:  ChristySloat

 

 

 

 

Who We Were ~ My Review

5 Stars

I have had the pleasure of following Christy Sloat’s writing career and it astonishes me how much she has grown as writer. Who We Were speaks volumes to that statement.

Who We Were is a story that everyone can relate to no matter if you are 15 or 45. It is so easy to put yourself into Sadie Peter’s shoes and immerse yourself in her life. High School is tough. Your world is changing. You are growing up and expanding your horizon. Sometimes this journey leads you to new people and experiences as you out grow and leave behind others. Sadie is learning this first hand during the summer before her senior year. As Sadie attends summer school to lighten her class load for next year, she decides to meet new people and reinvent how she and others see herself. Of course this doesn’t happen without creating ripples in her existing pool of relationships. That summer turns out to be a life altering experience for Sadie and those around her.

Who among us hasn’t been through a similar situation? This story takes a realistic view at growing up, growing apart, and growing into the person you were meant to be. This book has staying power. It will never go out of style. Who We Were deals with such a relevant topic; you will be able to recommend it for generations.

With Who We Were, Christy Sloat has shown the publishing world that she has what it takes to be a writer and contender in multiple genres. Christy has grown as a writer and it clearly shows in her latest work. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this writer.

Purchase on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Who-We-Were-Christy-Sloat-ebook/dp/B00N980WYO

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of Who We Were.

 
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Before Time by Xunaira J. (Cover Reveal)

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cover reveal

covergifTitle: Before Time

Series: The Time Series # 1

Author: Xunaira J.

Audience: NA

Genre: Tragic Romance

Formats: E-book and Paperback

Publisher: Xunaira J.

Editor: Michelle Browne

Expected Date of Publishing: 20th November 2014

 

 

 

 

blurb

His eyes told her what his tongue could not.

Nineteen-year-old Onaiza Shahid is a loner and a dreamer, bookish and socially isolated. A chance ramble into chatting software changes everything. The words of a stranger compel her. Addicted and falling fast, their secret love changes her life. But will the idealistic teenager get her happily ever after?

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about the author

clip_image006Born on October 17, 1990 in Islamabad, Pakistan, to a government officer and a homemaker, Xunaira J, as a child dreamed of being a writer.She always loved writing short stories and has been active on Helium (www.helium.com) as a creative writer. She has been a blogger and been writing articles on relationship and family for a long time.When she was young, she used to write for US Magazine. Currently, Xunaira is doing her Bachelors in Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing and writing at the same time. The name of her first book on Amazon Kindle is “The Cursed City” while her second book is a book of collective short stories which will be published in October, 2013. Meanwhile, She is working on another Mystery/Romance novel which is almost reaching completion. She is anticipating to publish it sometime next year.

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joining reveal

Angee’s After Thoughts – http://www.angeesafterthoughts.com

Book Reviews by Xunaira J. – Http://thesaucyreviewer.wordpress.com

Books, Authors, Blogs – http://therightbook4u.blogspot.com

Booky Ramblings of a Neurotic Mom – http://bookyramblingsofaneuroticmom.blogspot.co.uk/

Bound 2 Escape – http://www.bound2escape.com

Celticthoughts.Com – http://celticthoughts.com

Clarissa Wild’s Blog – http://clarissawild.blogspot.com

Desert Cities Mystery Blog – http://www.desertcitiesmystery.com/#!blog/c1dh1

Dianneharman.Com – http://www.dianneharman.com

Fictional Rendezvous Book Blog – http://fictionalrendezvousbookblog.blogspot.com/

From the Desk of … R.E. Hargrave – http://www.rehargrave.com/

G & Co. Book Blog – http://www.ggwbookblogs.blogspot.com

Kande’s Book Blog – http://kandesbookblog.blogspot.com/

Kelly P’s Blog – http://kellyatx.blogspot.com/

Musings of an Author – http://www.pjfiala.com

Portals to new Worlds – http://authorkarenswart.blogspot.com

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Karen Swart’s Kassadya Hellhound Blog Tour

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Revealing Part Nine of
Taming The Fae
An Exsilium Short Story



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Part Nine
Max
Life is really strange. It took only a day for me to notice things that I
have never noticed before, but even more, to feel protective over someone whom
I never thought in such a way. Seeing Nanini retreat from the kitchen brawl
was, well, was unsettling. And now I fully understood why. I shook my head,
unable to process a life without my parents at the age of thirteen. What was
even more disturbing was that she was assigned a Custos at that age. I have
seen custose train; it’s hard and brutal, without any mercy. What did she have
to bear at that age? How badly did she get hurt? Anger spiked within me, my
protective side reaching a very dangerous line. Sure, it was how any fallen was
trained, but not at thirteen. The sudden urge to shift over to the hellhouse
and kill Vulcan flared up and I had to stop and close my eyes to regain
control. My hellhound was strong, and for the first time I feared what was
inside me.
What if Nanini couldn’t keep it calm? Would I destroy people I cared for?
Memories of Ryan’s death flashed again, and I shook my head, trying to rid
myself of them. I was breathing deeply. I was ready to kill. Opening my eyes,
my vision was a red gaze. Shit! I grabbed the walls, closed my eyes and tried
to keep myself from moving and actually hurting someone. Warm, wet water was
suddenly on my forearm. I snapped my eyes open and looked at the intruder.
“Okay, um, I think let’s try taking a few deep breaths.”  Nanini was soaking wet, with a towel wrapped
around her.
I focused on her wet hair and the drops falling down from it towards her
small shoulders.
“My eyes are up here,” she
snapped at me.
I quickly stopped gawking at her and looked at her eyes. Blue, sapphire
eyes. Her nose, small and petite, just like her body. Her lips, luscious and
begging to be bruised. I shook my head and looked away, only then noticing that
my anger was retreating and a… a bubbling feeling was replacing it.
“Bubbles?” I looked at her again.
“Hey, I like bubbles. They’re fun to play with. And it was all I could
come up with so fast. Yes, Godzilla, I was closing my eyes in the bath when I
was suddenly face to face with Mr. Mad inside you. Really? I mean, is this
going to be happening a lot, because then we need to talk about personal time
and crap like that. Because, you know, this mojo comes at a high price. One is
that I need my bubbles. So what the hell has you so crapped out?”
She was now talking with her adrenaline, it would seem. She didn’t even
catch a breath in all of that. “No, it won’t be problem,” was my only reply. Or
was it? Was I really able to keep the monster inside at bay long enough?
“Yeah, like totally believe you there. Look, you seem to be fine again,
so I am going to finish my bath and get some sleep. Well, that’s if your
hellhound would allow it?” She was pissed, in a cute way.
“I’ll keep a leash on him until tomorrow morning.” I removed my arms and
jammed my hands into my pockets. They were tingling, and I didn’t think it was
because of holding the wall.
“Okay, toodles.” She shifted out again. I looked down at the carpet, now
soaked with two small feet in them. Toodles?
With a smile, I walked up to my room and closed the door behind me. I was
extremely tired, all of the events suddenly taking hold of my worn and torn
body. I could still feel the spot where the other hellhound ripped my wing. It
burned, but being used to pain, it wasn’t all that bothersome. I decided that a
shower would be needed and jumped into the shower, warm water splashing over my
face and down my back. I leaned forward and let the water caress the pain.
Tomorrow was very uncertain. We had a demon prince to hunt down, two fully born
hellhounds, and future mating that should be worked on. However, the word ‘mate’
didn’t feel right. Born and raised a human, it just didn’t connect with me.
Maybe that would also be a problem? I have more human characteristics, where
Nanini has always been fallen. Would she be able to accept my human life and
ways?
Finished, I dried myself off and jumped into a pair of boxers. Only time
would bring the answer. Bending down before my bed, my prayer was short, but
powerful. I prayed for guidance, patience and the power to protect what I have
come to know as my family.

Soon I was drifting in a peaceful world, one I
last saw as a child, and there, right beside me, was a playful younger Nanini,
laughing and playing with me.

 
Remember to follow the tour as we reveal more parts of this short story.
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imageBook Info –
Title: Kasadya Hellhound Awakened
Series: Kasadya #1
Author: Karen Swart
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal
Audience: YA/NA – 14 years and up
Formats: Paperback and E-book
Publisher: Karen Swart
Cover by: Melody Simmons
Edited by: MAI-Editing-Services , There for you Editing Services & Blue Butterfly Editing
ISBN: 978-1311699121
Date Published: 21 August 2012
Pages: 342 pages

blurb
In a constant battle between good and evil, evil is dominating the battlefield and leading mankind to its destruction. With our Creator’s intervention, a creature destined to conquer and destroy is created. He gives mankind hellhounds to fight back and reclaim freedom.
Join seventeen year old Kasadya Levourne as she fights against evil to protect us. With each step, she faces destruction, and yet she has the talent to give it back tenfold. Stubborn and hard-headed she makes her mark in the Fallen world and starts a battle none can escape. Not even her trainer, the very attractive Chax de Luca, was prepared for her presence.
Will evil prevail? Or will Kas and her Fallen friends succeed in protecting us against it? Hold on to your seats, this is going to be one hell of a ride.
Special Note:
The Kasadya Series is read back to back, book 1- 3 ends with a cliffhanger.
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excerpt
Prologue

There was a time when heaven was filled with peace and serenity. God, Jesus Christ, and all the Angels lived in harmony; no evil and no sin existed. Until one fateful day…
With all gathered to hear their Sire speak, God rose and addressed his Angels. Before all, he proclaimed His Son, Jesus Christ, was equal to Him. That Christ’s words should be obeyed as if they were His own. Christ would command the heavens, with the same authority as Him. All the Angels bowed down before Christ and accepted their Sire’s proclamation, all except for one…
An Archangel was furious with this proclamation. He was his Sire’s right hand, the deliverer of justice, the commander of many legions. He had served his Sire for centuries, and never failed him. It should be to him that God bestow power, not a Son whom had never even seen battle.
With his heart filled with hatred and jealousy, he gathered all the angels in secret. He told them that their days of sweet liberty were at an end. That God has now placed Christ as their ruler and that they should now obey his wishes. Many angels were angered at such a false statement, but many also agreed with the Archangel. He had led them for many years; why should they now question his leadership?
The faithful Angels fled to God and told Him what was happening, and together they prepared for war. With the sun rising on a new day, God and his Angels stood ready for battle against the Archangel and his followers. The battle only lasted a day, the Archangel and his followers defeated before the sun set for the night.
Seeing the angels on their knees before Him, He gave them one final chance… “Repent and declare your loyalty, and I will forgive you, my children.” He told his beautiful angels, tears falling with each word. This was His family. This was His love. How could they betray Him? Some of the Angels cried their penance, begging Him to forgive them for their deceit. They claimed that the Archangel deceived them, and they followed him into battle, as they have done for centuries.
God took pity on them, but still believed that their deceit must not go unpunished. He had spoken many times about the importance of punishment, that lessons learned must be earned… “I herewith grant you mercy, but as punishment you will be sentenced to an earthly realm. I will take your beauty as payment for my children lost today. In the place of your beauty, I will give you purpose. In mercy, and because I love you still, I give you life in this realm. Let this be known, that I was merciful this day,” God finished.
He placed them in an earthly realm, and called it Exsilium. In this realm they would carry their deceit, and earn their place with him. He took their beauty and replaced them with elements of his earth. Half would be of animal and element, and would resemble punishment. The other, in a humanoid form, and would resemble mercy. He called them his Fallen.
The Archangel, and those whom did not repent, were not that lucky. God looked into the eyes of His once faithful angels and only saw destruction, hatred, jealousy, and heartache. He knew that His beloved ones had died this day, and that others needed to be protected. But how could you destroy one you loved? He placed the Archangel, and his followers, in another earthly realm, but where Exsilium was above the earth, this one was in the center. With one wave of His hand, their beautiful forms were replaced with forms as ugly as their hatred and deceit. Using His word and blood, He sealed this realm from any other.
As He looked into the many eyes of hatred, He spoke his final word… “This realm will be called Hell, and you will be called demons. You, my once faithful Archangel, you will be called the Devil. Your angel name will be erased from the past, present, and future. You will be forgotten,” He proclaimed and left them to their demise.
Many years have passed since that day. God created mankind and cherished his new children. The male and female were his new hope; in them he would find peace again. But the Devil had grown strong through the years, and somehow managed to enter God’s garden. Here, he found the female God created, using her to strike back. He whispered words of deceit in her ears, and watched as God’s new children stepped into sin. With her first bite, a crack appeared in the seal around Hell, and demons escaped to earth.
From that day onward, the Devil and his demons created chaos amongst God’s new children, leading one after the other into sin. God looked upon this and decided to fight for his loved ones. He went to Exsilium and spoke to the Fallen… “You, my children, have proven your loyalty in the years that have passed, and so I came to offer you another chance at Heaven. If you slay the Devil and his demons to protect mankind, I will give you a place in my Heaven once again. With your last breath on this earth, you will join me and your brethren in Heaven,” He finished. The Fallen agreed and God gave them the power to move in and out of Exsilium to battle the demons. The war between Good and Evil began.
But as mankind spread over the earth, sin became their followers. And with each sin, the demons grew stronger and created more demons to torture mankind. The Fallen were now fighting against millions; they needed assistance to ensure victory. God had watched the battle from Heaven and saw that they were failing because of their numbers. He also saw that the demons grew stronger than the Fallen. He intervened and created a new creature. This creature would have features encompassing the best of both worlds. One half was as strong and loyal as the Fallen, while the other was as hard and enduring as a demon. This was His ultimate weapon. This would be His greatest creation. To ensure that these creatures could not be swayed, He placed Heaven’s soul into them. He called them His hellhounds.
The hellhounds delivered justice swiftly, as strong and just as the Fallen. Yet hard and durable like the demons, they conquered the earthly realm and the demons retreated. Not one hellhound could be swayed. All stayed true to their calling. God, knowing that the Devil and many more demons had retreated, gave His hellhounds life, and offered them a place among the Fallen.
Until this day they still watch over mankind, protecting them from evil. Will we be worth it?

Review 4 Stars

Kassadya Hellhound Awakened is an action packed paranormal tale.  In Book 1 of the series, we meet Kassadya who has just learned she and her family will be returning to Exsilium where she will train at Hellhouse.  Quite a change for a seventeen year old; even if she is a hellhound.  Her time is limited at hellhouse because she is captured by a demon.  Kasadya has to reach deep within herself to unleash her inner hellhound in an effort to survive this new hell.  The story explodes from here and does not slow down.  Kasadya is faced with sacrificing herself for the good of others and finds an unlikely friend and partner in the process.
I would recommend this book/series to anyone looking for an adrenaline rush.  There is a lot of fight sequences in the book, but they are not gory or disgusting to turn you off from the book.
 

 

imageBook Info –
Title: Kasadya Hellhound Twisted
Series: Kasadya #2
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Audience: YA/NA – 14 years and up
Formats: E-book
Publisher: Karen Swart
Edited by: There for you Editing Services & Blue Butterfly Editing
Cover by: Melody Simmons
ISBN: 978-1301357192
Pages: 251 Pages
Date Published: 15 February 2013
blurb
Kasadya: Hellhound Twisted (Book #2 of the Kasadya Series)
She fought against all odds and became the warrior she was meant to be … or so she thought. In a world where the rules have changed, can she embrace her destiny and become the hellhound she was meant to be?
Kasadya is back in Exsilium and finds her world a little different. Her half-breed fallen friends join her, and they are ordered to complete their apprentice training in order to obtain the right to be guardians. She must learn that her own fate cannot be denied and that others are set to follow. But most of all, she must learn that to trust is the greatest battle of all.
The tables are turned and Kasadya is put to the test. Will she be able to prevent her own death, or that of a friend? Or will her actions call forth the destruction of Earth and Exsilium?
For a Phoenix to rise, it must first die. —Chax De Luca

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Review  4 Stars

Kasadya Hellhound Twisted did not skip a beat. It instantly picked up where Awakened ended and just like Awakaened, Twisted does not disappoint. There are secrets and twisits around every corner and the true nature of some is revealed.
I love the kick ass female lead! Kasadya delivers as the sarcastic, witty, hard knocks hellhound. This book has it all; demons, angels, friendships and romance. It is an action pack thrill ride from start to finish. An excellent series for the adrenaline junkie in your booknerds group.
 

imageBook Info
Title: Kasadya Hellhound Born
Series: Kasadya #3
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Audience: YA/NA – 14 years and up
Formats: E-book
Publisher: Karen Swart
Cover by: Melody Simmons
Edited by: MAI-Editing-Services & Blue Butterfly Editing
ISBN: 9781301863594
Pages: 235 pages
Date Published: 15 August 2013
blurb
Kasadya: Hellhound Born (Book #3 of the Kasadya Series)
In a world filled with evil, the Fallen prepare for the ultimate battle against the demon world!
Kasadya is ordered to unleash her crazed born transformation to complete her divinity. But there is a chance that her born will be uncontrollable, and she will be destroyed. There is just one person that can save her; her charm, her destined mate. Left without a choice, she must surrender, and place her life in his hands.
In a race against time, the Fallen must stand together and fight the evil threatening to invade earth. If her divinity was in reach, victory would be theirs. That is until she starts having visions of the final battle, and her true destiny is revealed. She just found her love and place in the Fallen world; will she be able, and willing, to sacrifice it all?

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excerpt

“Kasadya, don’t do this to me,” Chax spoke, using Corra.
I stopped completely and looked at him. Reaching for my necklace, I held it.
“I am so sorry, Chax. This is the only way; we can’t win any other way. I know; I have seen the end too many times,” I replied.
His face fell even more and he looked around, searching for a way out.
“I want to thank you… for being there for me. For searching for me when I went missing. For enduring all of my crap. I am sorry I messed up so many times. But not this time; this I promise. But most of all, thank you for loving me.” Even my mental voice broke down on the last part.
Chax started to scream and pound at the invisible wall, while others joined him. I looked at Nanini, shocked that she couldn’t get out.
“Take care of Max for me,” I sent to her.
Tears formed and ran down her cheeks, but she nodded.
“Kas, let us help you!” Lotan yelled. My friends, my family were still trying to save me. Tears ran down my own face now.
“I love all of you. Thank you for always being there for me.” Finally my mental voice began to a sob.
I turned away, afraid that the sight of them would stop me.
“Kasadya! Don’t do this to me. I beg you!” Chax yelled at me.
Demons were closing in around me, but my heart was so broken I just let the tears and heartache spill out of me.
“I am so sorry, Chax. Forgive me.” With that, I stormed forward.
I used my g-force punches to clear the masses out of my way. When that stopped working, I started shifting. Demons grabbed at me and some got in a slice or two. But I wasn’t stopping.
I saw Ballen trying to flee from me. He thought I was heading for him. Good. I needed him on the other side when I blew it up. Using my wings for momentum, I sent a massive g-force punch into the horde that remained between me and my target. They flew backwards, clearing the way for me to advance. I swiped at a few too close and took their heads. Blood sprayed all over me. Searching for the hole to make sure I was heading in the right direction, I saw the shoulders and arms of something freaking big, already beginning to breach.
I need to move faster!
I lifted up with my wings. They were tired, but I had no other option. Now I had the flying demons to contend with. We fought and sliced and I sent a few down to earth without a head. At last, I was advancing on the hole. Pain shot through my left wing and I tumbled to the ground, hitting hard. At the last moment I made sure that the front of my body hit the ground and not the back. Demons jumped me all at once. Ballen was yelling at them to stop me. I used everything I had left and flung out with my wings and arms. They went flying and just in front of me was the hole with the devil stuck in it. Ballen was standing at the entrance watching me, his face a mask of shock.
With a deep breath, I reached for the pouch and took hold of the balls. Now armed and ready, I just had a few feet to go. I stormed through the demons, not caring if they sliced me open. I wasn’t stopping for a fight anymore. I held the balls to my chest, sealing them from any other impact. Then, finally, I was at the entrance of the hole. With the last of my strength, I leaped into the air and went flying straight for it.
There were many things that go through your mind that moment before you die. I remembered my first step into Exsilium. Meeting Lada and Nanini. Meeting Chax and hating my first day. I remembered our fun at the beach, the Hellhouse and the grub spot. Seeing Lada and Lotan kissing for the first time. Meeting Max and Ryan, and then all of the rest. My heart no longer troubled by Kali or Seth or all the others who had betrayed me. I remembered finding Chax and the Fallen again. Seeing my parents again. So many memories bombarded me at that last moment. I remembered my day and night with Chax, and how it felt to be loved.
“I love you,” I sent a final message to him.
He was still screaming my name, begging for me to stop.
I remembered why I was doing this. For them I gave my heart, my life. Ballen’s shocked face was in front of me, right in my path. Just when I reached him, I dropped the balls and slammed into him.

imageBook Info –
Title: Kasadya Hellhound Defined
Series: Kasadya, #4
Author: Karen Swart
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Audience: YA/NA – 14 years and up
Formats: E-book
Publisher: Karen Swart
Cover by: Melody Simmons
Edited by: Blue Butterfly Editing
ASIN: B00J698M1A
ISBN: 978-1311495075
Pages: 135 pages
Date Published: 21 March. 2014

blurb
Kasadya: Hellhound Defined (Book #4 of the Kasadya Series)
For centuries his only reason for existence was to destroy evil. But when he finally found his mate, that all changed for the deadly Chax De Luca. When the hellhound Kasadya captured his heart, he surrended it to her, thinking he’d finally found what he’d been looking for. Little did he know that his mate would sacrifice herself to save them all.
His fury is legend. His wrath, merciless. His love for his mate, undeniable. He’s going to hell to retrieve his heart, and if that means that he must destroy hell itself, then so be it.
Kasadya awakes to a world in peril, her mate forever changed, and a war filled with evil creatures intending to enter Earth’s realm and destroy all that she holds dear. Can she complete her divinity in time to save her loved ones and mankind? Will she have to choose? Or will all be lost in the final battle?
The final battle is here, and with it, secrets are revealed and worlds are changed forever.
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  dreamcast
dreamcast
soundtrack
World So Cold – Three Days Grace
Stronger (What doesn’t kill you) – Kelly Clarkson
Sparks Fly – Taylor Swift
The Animal I have become – Three Days Grace
The One That Got Away – Katy Perry
Torn – Natalie Imbrugia
I Won’t Give Up – Jason Mraz
Hot and Cold – Katy Perry
Supermassive Black Hole – Muse
Firework – Katy Perry
I will not bow – Breaking Benjamin
Realize – Colbie Caillat
giveaway
3 x E-Copies of The Kasadya Hellhound Series
1 x $10 Amazon GC
about the author

image

I am a complete book addict, and really proud of it. My entire world is made of books. From reading to writing to blogging to helping other authors. A day without my world of books would be impossible. I am a mother of three, two boys and a little princess. Happily married for 8 years with my high school sweetheart. I live in South Africa, just on the rims of the Kalahari Desert in a small town with one shop and friendly faces.
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Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Blog / Amazon
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follow the tour
Tour Schedule – Month Blog Tour for The Kasadya Hellhound Series by Karen Swart from Sep 1 to 30, 2014
Sep 1
Fictional Rendezvous Book Blog – Promo
TTC Books And More – Promo & Reveal Part 1 of Taming The Fae
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – Promo
Sep 2
Blue Books and Butterflies – Promo, Top Ten & Reveal Part 2 of Taming The Fae
Sep 3
A Crazy Vermonter’s Book Reviews – Review – Book 4
The Idle Musings of a Writer’s Mind- Promo & Reveal Part 3 of Taming The Fae
Sep 4
The Avid Reader – Promo & Reveal Part 4 of Taming The Fae
Sep 5
Agapa Reads – Review, Book Soundtrack & Reveal Part 5 of Taming The Fae
Sep 8
A One-click Addict’s Book Blog – Promo & Review
Coffee Books & Art – Promo, Dream Cast & Reveal Part 6 of Taming The Fae
A Little Bit of R&R – Promo
Sep 9
Book Hostage – Promo
A Cauldron of Books – Promo & Reveal Part 7 of Taming The Fae
Sep 10
Cajun Book Lover – Promo
Booky Ramblings of a Neurotic Mom – Promo and Reveal Part 8 of Taming The Fae
Sep 11
Smile Somebody Loves You – Promo
2 Girls & A Book – Promo, Review, Dream Cast & Reveal Part 9 of Taming The Fae
Sep 12
Undercover Book Reviews – Promo
Sep 15
iHeart Books by MiLo18 – Promo
Sep 16
Diane’s Book Blog – Promo & Reveal Part 10 of Taming The Fae
Sep 17
Breny’s Book Obsession – Promo & Reveal Part 11 of Taming The Fae
Sep 18
Bookworm for Kids – Review – Book 1
Sep 19
Eclipse Reviews – Promo, Dreamcast, Book Soundtrack & Reveal Part 12 of Taming The Fae
Sep 22
Portals to New Worlds – Promo, Dreamcast, Book Soundtrack & Reveal Part 13 of Taming The Fae
Sep 23
Book Nook Nuts – Promo & Reveal Part 14 of Taming The Fae
Sep 23
Indy Book Fairy – Promo & Reveal Part 15 of Taming The Fae
Sep 25
Lindsay and Jane’s Views and Reviews – Review
Sep 26
Hooked On Books Forever – Promo & Review
Sep 29
Deal Sharing Aunt – Promo
Sep 30
Dalene’s Book Reviews – Promo, Review, Book Soundtrack & Reveal Part 16 of Taming The Fae
Book Butterfly in Dreamland – Review

Journey to Believe Hope Live in Augusta, Maine Part 1

roadtripsign

The morning started out like any other, it was warm, humid as my hubby drove me to the airport. It was quick and easy to get checked in and on my flight headed to Dulles International Airport. Arrival at Dulles was anything but simple. Compared to Savannah this airport was huge. I walked for miles before reaching the exit doors where I was to meet Kristin Clark for the first time. True, we had spoken on the phone countless times but this was different. Finally a face to face with ​first author I had served as personal assistant to.  Lots of emotions were spilling over me; nervousness, excitement, fangirl ​giddiness!  Kristin thought it would be cute to play a trick on me by calling me to say she was at a different airport.  Luckily I spotted her a few cars down.  Meeting Kristin for the first time was fantastic.  We hugged like old friends and I was immediately at ease. She is so chill and down to earth.  I also got to meet her friend from high school, Roberta, who would be joining us on this adventure too.  Robert was super sweet.  I am so glad I got to meet and hang out with her.  The three of us headed off to meet Elizabeth Kirke for lunch.  Fangirl moment #2 on the trip!

Honestly, I was more nervous about meeting Elizabeth Kirke.  The woman is a genius.  Since I act as her PA also I wanted to make a good impression.  We arrived at a little deli to find EK sitting at a small table outside.  She recognized us instantly.  Elizabeth is so tiny, bursting with energy; and not at all intimidating.  Kristin was fangirling it up too since we both fans of Elizabeth’s More Than Magic Series.  We even got signed copies of EK’s books!

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Lynn. Elizabeth Kirke & Kristin Clark

After that Roberta, Kristin and I were off to complete our 13 hour journey to Augusta, Maine.  Yep.  You read that correctly 13 HOURS in a car!  It was an interesting journey.  First let me say that it felt like 12 of those hours were spent in Pennsylvania.  I didnt think I would ever get out of that state. Interesting fact; did you know that there is a place called Intercourse PA? Me either but it was on a shot glass so it must be true.   I had pizza in New Jersey.  Yum.  I think I had a potty break in every state.  Yes, I am that passenger.  I always have to go.   We also learned that the GPS is more of guide on how to get somewhere cause Kristin has her own plan of travel.

GPS

If you have read Kristin’s book The Chosen (did you notice the plug), then you know about the ancient witches who the descendants receive their powers from.  So we girls were talking about the power of the mind and controlling things when Roberta chimes in that Kristin should pay close attention to any animals on the side of the road (its late at this point). Kristin says if it runs out it is dead and then this happens… an animal, lets say it was owl (there is some debate), flys out and is hit by the car!  Moral of this story, the mind of a female is a powerful thing and don’t piss off Kristin cause she will run over you!

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We finally arrived in Maine well after midnight,  and stopped off at the Maine was by far the most intriguing and adventurous stop on our trek. In the south we have deer crossing signs.  In Maine they have moose crossing signs.  Way cooler. But alas we didn’t see Bullwinkle.  We stopped at the Maine Welcome Center and Rest Area for what else but a bathroom break.  Roberta was walking around the parking lot while Kristin and I went inside the center.  Shortly after Roberta came running in exclaiming that she was attacked by a bat!  Okay, so I am a southern gal.  We have bats.  The fly around the security lights and eat bugs.  They don’t attack people.  This news didn’t comfort Roberta who insisted she was attacked.

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Finally our trek ended at 3:30am when we arrived at the hotel in Augusta, Maine.  Stay tuned for my next blog all about my fangirl adventures as Believe Hope Live.

 

Hot Summer Nights~Review

HSN

Hot Summer Nights

Volume 1

Authors:  Alicia Michaels, Carly Fall, Casse NaRome, C.J. Baty,

Elisa Marion, Kasey Hammell,Natalie G. Owens, Peggy Martinez, R.K. Ryals

Published 2014

Published by The Indy Author Co., LLC

And edited my Melissa Ringstead of There for You Editing Service

Cover Art by PJ Friel

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Welcome to the exotic paradise of Dasia Island. In the Elysium Resort, nestled among the lush beauty of the rainforest, adventure and romance await. In these nine short stories by bestselling and award winning authors, passion ignites between people from all walks of life, with stories ranging from New Adult to Erotic Romance, and even a bit of Paranormal and Time Travel thrown in—after all the island itself has a mystical history, with mysteries and legends to explore. Lose yourself in the magic of the island … you’ll never want to go home again!

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Beauty & The Brain

By Alicia Michaels

She’s a rich, spoiled brat.  He’s a smarmy know-it-all.  Chloe Sanders came to Dasia Island to lie on the beach and go to the spa.  Chase Watkins is roughing in the rainforest with a research group, studying wildlife. The two couldn’t be more different, but in the swelter and mystery of the island, opposites just might attract.

Fans of Alicia Michaels’ V-Card are sure to love this short story.  Remember Chloe, Jenn’s fashionista roommate?  Well, this short story is all about Chloe and her hook up on the island.  By the way, Alicia drops a major bombshell!  You don’t want to miss this.

 

Laws of Attraction

By Carly Fell

 Criminal attorney Jared Greer cares about one thing: the next big case.  He doesn’t think about right or wrong; just a paycheck.  A potential client brings him to Daisa Island where he teams up with Monica, an island local. Working together makes Jared reconsider his life; especially if he wants Monica in it.

Hard balling Jared has met his match in Monica and soon has to decide where his priorities lie and what his ethics are in this short story.

 

Art of Losing Inhibition

By Casse NaRome

One man’s trash is another woman’s treasure.  Reeling from the loss of her husband to a carefree socialite, Kennedy retreats to Dasia Island for a little bit of R & R.  Will she learn to let loose in the arms of Basil, a wild, trust fund baby with a silver tongue?

 If F/F contemporary romance is your thing, join Kennedy as she retreats to Daisa Island and discovers love in the arms of Basil.

 

His Paradise

By C.J. Baty

Gar Lancaster wasn’t depressed, no matter what his sister said.  He didn’t need a trip to a tropical island to meet some guy for a vacation romance.  But when Mike Peters kissed him on the balcony under a sea of stars with the pounding waves hitting the shore below them, things changed. Maybe he didn’t need a happily ever after. Maybe happily for right now would be okay.  Whatever happened, Gar was pretty sure he was in over his head. 

A contemporary M/M romance staring Gar Lancaster.  Gar may not be looking for love but a vacation fling maybe just what he needs on Dasia Island.

 

Life After Death

By Elise Marion

 The loss of their son in a tragic accident left Jameson and Victoria Blake’s marriage in tatters.  Together they were never able to move past it, and they parted waves after a painful divorce.  But in the wilds of the rainforest, the realization that love has never died between them will rise to the surface.

This may be a short story but Elise Marion packs in the feels.  You may need the tissues on this one.  She definitely gained a new fan in me!

 

Layover

By Kacey Hammell

Hands off.  That’s Gemma Sands’ cardinal rule when it comes to dating co-workers.  But she would like to get her hands on Michael Harmon.  An unexpected layover in Dasia Island forces the two to share a room, & they are unable to resist there passion & surrender to every touch they desperately need.

Will Gemma throw her rules out the window for a night of hot passion with Michael?  Heck yeah!  This short is sure to steam up the windows.

 

Woman in the Mist

By Natalie G. Owens

Garrick Kaili Langston (Kai), heir to the Euthykhia Hotel, remains on Dasia Island out of a loyalty to his family.  But this building harbors some dark secrets- unsolved mysteries that haunt one its oldest residents. 

Some say Poppy Drummond had been swallowed by the deadly mist near the Dasia ruins.  Others claim such notions are merely the product of a crazy mind. Kai is about to find out.

Can a 40+ year old murder be solved when Poopy Drummond returns from the mist in present day? What lengths will the Langston family go to to keep their secrets?  Will Poppy find love after all?  This is a great little mystery with a surprise ending.  Don’t assume you know who did it…  This is one of my top picks from HSN.

 

Guide Me Gently

By Peggy Martinez

Alyssa Monroe always dreamed of escaping to exotic locales as a photographer. Unfortunately, she’s spent the last four years capturing a truly frightening species, celebrities.  When the opportunity presents itself to visit the exotic Dasia island, Alyssa is thrilled. Now if she can deal with the only guide willing to take her deep into a forbidden forest.  A sexy, tattooed local who sets her blood on fire and gets her camera finger itching.

It takes a random visit to Dasia Island to photograph a wedding for Alyssa to find her true purpose and perhaps love too.  It’s a story about following your heart.

 

City of Sin

By R.K. Ryals

On Dasia island, there is a legend about a city of sin, a tragic story that ended in a mist of death. Haven Ambrose is Journalism major on a mission.  River Brayden is a meteorologist with a tropical system to follow.  Their love is strong, but is it strong enough to survive a storm that leaves them stranded with an ancient evil?

The editor definitely saved the best for last.  I have read works by a few of the authors in this collection but Mrs. R.K. Ryals was a first for me. Her short immediately pulled me into Haven and River’s lives.  Their story actually began in The Singing River and I am pleased to say I snagged a sign copy of it recently.

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These short stories are here to introduce you nine fantastic authors.  Maybe some you haven’t read before but well worth the price to take a chance on.  I discovered the talents of Elise Marion, Natalie G. Owens and R.K. Ryals.  Who will you find?

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Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Summer-Nights-Alicia-Michaels-ebook/dp/B00M6GH4DC

B&N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hot-summer-nights-the-indy-co/1120013271?ean=2940149631209

KOBO: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/hot-summer-nights-7

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/446975

Taste Test by LB Dunbar

I am so please to welcome LB Dunbar to the blog once again. Today she is releasing Taste Test, Book 2 in the Sensations Collection. I had the pleasure of receiving an arc of Taste Test and LB’s fans will be pleased to hear that Taste Test is even better than Book 1, Sound Advice.  Taste Test resonated with me. I highly recommend picking this one up!

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Synopis:

In a modern twist of fairy tales, what if the beast is a woman instead of a man?

Ethan Scott

I was about to find out when a mysterious job led to the secluded home of a horror novelist. I’d lost everything: my scholarship, my education, and my way. In denial of my family inheritance, I took the unusual employment as a chance out of a hole, but I found myself buried in the unknown trauma of another situation much deeper.

Ella Vincentia

I had changed my name and my address to keep myself hidden, but my scars were more than physical. Living as a recluse in the woods, I was used to being alone, so I wasn’t happy when a certain someone was always in my space. Our first encounter was less than pleasant and tension continued at every attempt to tame me.

Secrets

I knew she was keeping secrets and I wanted to help, but she was cutting me down and cutting me off every time she opened her mouth. Our frustration with one another grew until a misunderstanding changed everything. How can I be the next guy after something so tragic? It was a challenge I wasn’t sure I was willing to take.

Buy Links

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Taste-Test-Sensations-Collection-2-ebook/dp/B00N73QF9W

B&N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/taste-test-lb-dunbar/1120200977?ean=9781500771638

KOBO:  http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Taste-Test/book-HRizYVuTDUWMAJVCbqtA5w/page1.html?s=OzOAixVKhkiXEBqL72tJvw&r=2

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About the Author

L.B. Dunbar loves to read to the point it might be classified as an addiction.  The past few years especially she has relished the many fabulous YA authors, the new genre of New Adult, traditional romances, and historical romances.  A romantic at heart, she’s been accused of having an overactive imagination, as if that was a bad thing.  When not reading, she’s usually driving one of her four growing children somewhere.  She grew up in Michigan, but has lived in Chicago for longer, calling it home with her husband and children.
 OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAIn Her Own Words
I’d like to say I was always a writer.  I’d also like to say that I wrote every day of my life since a child.  That I took the teaching advice I give my former students because writing every day improves your writing.  I’d like to say I have my ten-thousand hours that makes me a proficient writer.  But I can’t say any of those things.  I did dream of writing the “Great American Novel” until one day a friend said:  Why does it have to be great?  Why can’t it just be good and tell a story?
As a teenager, I wrote your typical love-angst poetry that did occasionally win me an award and honor me with addressing my senior high school class at our Baccalaureate Mass. I didn’t keep a journal because I was too afraid my mom would find it in the mattress where I kept my copy of Judy Blume’s Forever that I wasn’t allowed to read as a twelve year old.
I can say that books have been my life. I’m a reader. I loved to read the day I discovered “The Three Bears” as a first grader, and ever since then, the written word has been my friend.  Books were an escape for me. An adventure to the unknown. A love affair I’d never know. I could be lost for hours in a book.
So why writing now?  I had a story to tell. It haunted me from the moment I decided if I just wrote it down it would go away. But it didn’t. Three years after writing the first draft, a sign (yes, I believe in them) told me to fix up that draft and work the process to have it published. That’s what I did. But one story let to another, and another, and another. Then a new idea came into my head and a new storyline was created.
I was accused (that’s the correct word) of having an overactive imagination as a child, as if that was a bad thing. I’ve also been accused of having the personality of a Jack Russell terrier, full of energy, unable to relax, and always one step ahead. What can I say other than I have stories to tell and I think you’ll like them. If you don’t, that’s okay. We all have our book boyfriends. We all have our favorites. Whatever you do, though, take time for yourself and read a book.

LB Dunbar

 

My Review

It is not often that a book leaves me speechless but that is just what happened with Taste Test.  This story brings out the feels.   To better express this, here is my favorite quote from the book;

“I realized that within her I saw a beautiful woman who was equal parts strong and vulnerable.  She was lonely but confident in herself.  She was irrational but focused on her future.  She was in need of a friend and a lover; and I wanted to be both for her.”

Ella, while flawed in her own mind, is strong and resilient.  She is my favorite character.  She has endured a painful, loveless past and is striving to put her life back on track.  As Ella says in the book, her plans have been delayed, not derailed.  I find her an admirable character.

Ethan, whose plans are also delayed and possibly derailed at the same time, takes a peculiar job with Jacob, Ella’s uncle.  Ethan is escaping the disappoint in his father’s eyes and accusing tone he hears, while still staying close enough to help out with his cancer stricken mother.

While Taste Test is the second book in the Sensations Collection, you do not have to have read Book 1, Sound Advice, to follow along.  To me, this story is deeper and I felt more connected to the characters this time.  Perhaps it was the tragic under tone of the whole book that swept me up.  Taste Test is a contemporary romance but it at its heart it is so much more.  It is a story of perseverance.  A story of carving your path and not just following others; a story of the healing power of love, patience and understanding.