November 22, 2013 by Tina Williams

New Release, Marsh Island #1 of The Hirebomber Series, by Oliver F. Chase

Release of First Instalment of Exciting New Mystery/Thriller Series!

Oliver F. Chase is a veteran Marine with a career in the FBI, whose mystery/thriller book, MARSH ISLAND (AEC Stellar Publishing Inc., November 22, 2013), is the first installment of The Hirebomber Series.

After a crushing injury, Army Ranger Phil Pfeifer is left for dead in the mountains of Iran only days before the start of the Gulf War. America cannot reveal such a violation of national sovereignty mere days before Kuwait is invaded. The body may heal but the heart takes longer.

Seeking a new life as a private investigator, Phil is hired to find a wayward husband who’s become enraptured with stars and predicting the future. A simple case and the midlife crazies stop when a boat captain is murdered at his feet and the Mafia chases him through the backstreets of Las Vegas. Pleading with Phil to continue, the terminally ill wife sends him into the tropics to face death, sharks, miles of open ocean, and prison.

Here’s what others are saying about it:

SHANNON A. THOMPSON, Award-winning author of the Young Adult Paranormal Romance, Minutes Before Sunset:

“What an absolute thrill. The mystery left me unable to guess what would happen next, and the prose was both delightful and haunting. Oliver F. Chase created a troubling beauty, even in the desert landscape, and the stars were as bright as the storyline. A great read for fans of detective fiction, suspenseful mystery, and thrillers.”

RANDOLPH PLOTTS, Avid reader of thriller books:

“The characters seemed real and knowable, and there was a wide variety of them. The author has a knack for description, not only for people but also for locations and situations! The book was a page-turner. I wanted to read just one more chapter before putting it down.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Oliver graduated high school and wanted to be able to fly, which was really all he ever wanted. The war was on and the Marines offered a way. He took it. Some five years later, Oliver was a vet with a Distinguished Flying Cross and a long list of combat missions – even a couple in that dark, secret world of political deniability. Oliver spent five years in a police department working narcotics and SWAT, and the next 22 in the FBI. He and his wife live on a small farm along the Gulf Coast near New Orleans.

Marsh Island by Oliver F. Chase

AEC Stellar Publishing Inc. – ISBN: 0989312801

Price: $13.79 – ISBN-13: 978-0989312806 – Pages: 328, Paperback, 8.3 x 5.8

Pub Date: November 2013

Media Contact Heather Hebert

November 20, 2013 by Tina Williams

Her Savage Scot, by Christina Phillips: Cover Reveal!

See the Cover, Find out about the Series, Read an Extract and Try Your Luck in the Giveaway!

Her Savage Scot, the first book in Christina Phillips’ new Highland Warrior Chronicles is released today and we are delighted to be participating in the cover reveal tour – scroll down to find out more, see the scrummy cover, read a hot excerpt and Christina’s bio. Readers are also able to take part in a Tour Wide Rafflecopter competition in conjunction with Allison Butler who writes Scottish medieval romances for Penguin Australia to win some super prizes (details at the end of this post).

I adored Christina’s last erotic romance series, Forbidden, which brought sexy Romans and Celts to life and I am looking forward to her foray into 9th century Scotland!

The Highland Warrior Chronicles

From the Kingdom of Dal Riada, Scots warriors Connor MacKenzie, Cameron MacNeil and Ewan MacKinnon pledge to keep the peace in the wild Highlands of Pictland. But each man is destined to fall in love with a Pictish princess – three cousins who are determined to save their beloved land from the savage invaders. Instead they lose their hearts to their wild foreign warriors.

Book 1 ~ Her Savage Scot

Book 2 ~ Her Vengeful Scot

Book 3 ~ Her Defiant Scot

The Cover

Read Chapter One of Her Savage Scot

ISBN: 9781419940446

Release date: 20th November 2013

Ellora’s Cave Amazon ARe Nook Amazon UK Kobo

Goodreads

Blurb for Her Savage Scot (scroll further for fuller excerpt)

When tough Scot warrior Connor MacKenzie rides into the barbaric lands of the Picts on a mission for his king, he never expects to be captivated by a beautiful Pictish widow. Drawn under her spell, yet unaware of her true identity, he risks everything for one passionate night in her arms.

Aila, princess of Pictland, swore long ago she would do anything within her power to help defeat the Vikings who invaded her land and murdered her husband. But after meeting Connor, her frozen heart thaws and once again she imagines a future filled with love and passion.

When Connor delivers the message from his king, Aila becomes a pawn in a deadly game of politics. Her heart belongs to Connor, but she must marry the prince of Dal Riada – Connor’s half-brother. But the fates have other plans for the star-crossed lovers as they fight their enemies and themselves to find true love.

A Romantica® historical erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave.

Read An Excerpt From Her Savage Scot………

“She speared her fingers through his luxuriant hair as he nibbled kisses along the column of her throat. Once again he rolled onto her, his heavy body pinning her into the furs. But this time she savored the sensation of his shoulder against hers, the rigid planes of his chest crushing her breasts. And the way his thigh angled over hers, brushing so close to her damp sex.

His hand clasped her other shoulder, and his teasing lips followed. His roughened jaw scraped the swell of her breast and she stirred restlessly, fingers digging ruthlessly into his scalp.

He gave a silent laugh and his hot breath caressed her tender flesh. “I’m trying to slow things down. Do you wish me to ravish you like a beast?”

“No.” She raked her fingernails across the back of his shoulders and he reared above her, his black hair disheveled, his eyes glinting in the flickering glow of the torches. Awareness tingled across her skin as she gazed up at him and slowly she dragged her nails along his straining biceps.

Such leashed power.

The knowledge thrilled her. Connor MacKenzie, savage Scot from Dal Riada, was naked in her arms and battling his desire to take her like a primitive barbarian.”

About Author Christina Phillips

Christina loves writing dark tales set in the 9th century featuring tough Highland warriors who are brought to their knees by their brave Pictish princesses.

She is published by Ellora’s Cave and Berkley Heat and has dipped her toe in the indie pub waters. She is a member of the Romance Writers of Australia, Romance Writers of America, the DarkSide Down Under Group Blog and Historical Hearts Group Blog.

Christina is an ex-pat Brit who now lives in sunny Western Australia with her family. She is also owned by three gorgeous cats who are convinced the universe revolves around their needs. They are not wrong.

Connect with Christina:

Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads Blog

Tour Wide Giveaway Details

For details of the giveaway click here for the link to Christina Phillips’ site where you can enter via Rafflecopter. The prizes are truly awesome for the lucky winners, so why not have a go?

INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY!

1st Prize:

E-Copy of The Border Laird’s Bride by Allison Butler

$10 Amazon Gift Card

Signed Swag ~ Bookmarks, Postcards & Fridge Magnets from Christina Phillips and Allison Butler

2nd Prize

E-Copy of Tainted by Christina Phillips

Signed Swag ~ Bookmarks, Postcards & Fridge Magnets from Christina Phillips and Allison Butler

3rd Prize

E-Copy of Betrayed by Christina Phillips

Signed Swag ~ Bookmarks, Postcards & Fridge Magnets from Christina Phillips and Allison Butler

Good luck to all who enter.

Tina 🙂

November 17, 2013 by Tina Williams

The One Knight Collection, by Samantha Holt

Indulge your Fantasies Knight after Knight….

In The One Knight Collection Samantha Holt has let her imagination run riot in four sensual tales, ideal to read between the sheets, in which many a reader will find at least one of their fantasies take flight! The lovemaking scenes in this author’s books are typically on the hot side but in this collection they positively sizzle. 🙂

The collection comprises four medieval tales: One Knight; Black Knight; White Knight and Highland Knight, all addressing the theme of, if you had one night to prove your love…could you? If you enjoy sensual tales involving scrummy alpha males that quickly get very up close and personal with the heroines you will definitely enjoy this collection! Those familiar with Samantha Holt’s work will lap this up and for other readers it is a great introduction to her work.

In One Knight, bride and bridegroom Katerina and Guy are both uneasy at their wedding feast. Katerina sees Guy as stern and indifferent and wonders why he has elected to marry her. For his part Guy sees his new bride as aloof. Can Guy overcome Katerina’s icy reserve and convince her that he is far from immune to her charms? – you bet her can and the characters and the reader have great fun in finding out how!

In Highland Knight, Anna Mackenzie and warrior Niall Sinclair become betrothed, a union designed to unite two embattled clans. Anna resolves that she will be no easy conquest for her bitter enemy whom she despises and Niall, although attracted to Anna, is used to women falling for his charms. Can they both put their pride aside and find love together? The couple only find resolution when they find themselves in a situation where they can explore and learn about each other more intimately……

In Black Knight, Lady Katherine tells her childhood sweetheart James that she is bored and craves danger and excitement. Upon retiring alone for the night to her chambers it seems that someone has been listening…. as she is apprehended by an unknown assailant, a masterful warrior and seduced in the dark. This was my favourite tale in the collection and this says a lot about my own fantasies – LOL!

In White Knight, Sara escapes her family’s home in the dead of night to avoid her coming nuptials to a man she does not know and has never met. Almost as soon as she has left the keep she is abducted by an unknown and mounted warrior. Who is this man who is determined to see her to safety, yet equally determined to make her his?

Samantha Holt’s The One Knight Collection is full of alpha males and women who are an exquisite combination of innocence and passion who come together in scenes which entertain, tease and delight the senses. Each couple is as unique as the lovemaking scenes which awaken them to each other and the author is creative in her choice of locations and the methods they employ in their unions! These tales may be short, but each are brimming with sexual tension and sensual scenes where the hero of each tale rises to the occasion to convince his lady of his worth and love.

I recommed The One Knight Collection to readers who enjoy sensual and romantic tales featuring alpha males and heroines who are not afraid to explore their passionate side!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

Purchase links:

Amazon UK Amazon US

Find and connect with Samantha:

https://www.facebook.com/romanticfiction

http://www.samanthaholt.org.uk/

http://www.samanthaholtauthor.blogspot.co.uk/

November 14, 2013 by Tina Williams

PODS (Book #1), by Michelle Pickett, BOOK TOUR, REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY!

Today we are hosting Michelle Pickett’s book tour of her Amazon bestselling Young Adult Science Fiction/Dystopian novel PODS. Read on for a book synopsis, my review and to find out more about the author. Residents of the US can also enter the Rafflecopter giveaway to win 1 signed copy of PODs and some Swag! Details below. Tina 🙂

Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Eva is a chosen one. Chosen to live, while others meet a swift and painful death from an incurable virus so lethal, a person is dead within days of symptoms emerging. In the POD system, a series of underground habitats built by the government, she waits with the other chosen for the deadly virus to claim those above. Separated from family and friends, it’s in the PODs she meets David. And while true love might not conquer all, it’s a balm for the broken soul.

After a year, scientists believe the population has died, and without living hosts, so has the virus. That’s the theory, anyway. But when the PODs are opened, survivors find the surface holds a vicious secret. The virus mutated, infecting those left top-side and creating… monsters.

Eva and David hide from the infected in the abandoned PODs. Together they try to build a life–a new beginning. But the infected follow and are relentless in their attacks. Leaving Eva and David to fight for survival, and pray for a cure.

My Review of PODs, by Michelle Pickett

Title: PODs

Author: Michelle K. Pickett

Genre: Science Fiction/Dystopia, Young Adult, Zombies, Romance

Published: June 4^th 2013 by Spencer Hill Press

Page Count: 312 pgs

Terrifying Future Tempered by Tender Romance!

PODS, by Michelle Pickett, offers readers a vision of the future which I found both realistic and terrifying. In the novel a deadly virus, which kills its victims within days and which has no known cure, has struck the Earth’s population. In the US the government holds a nationwide ‘raffle’, the winners being guaranteed apparent safety, alongside essential government personnel, scientists and military etc. in specially designed PODS deep underground. Meanwhile the virus wreaks havoc topside and the hope is that it will die out in the absence of remaining live hosts…. The tale centres on Eva, a 17 year old High School student. We witness how she, her family and others react to the news of the virus, the raffle, Eva’s guilt at being selected and the bittersweet realisation that once she enters the POD system she will never see her family or friends again.

Before going into the PODS Eva with the other ‘chosen’ spend two weeks in isolation in quarantine to ensure that their bodies harbour no nascent virus. Only then does she enter one of the many PODS, with other young men and women (for it is only the young and healthy who have been selected). All find it difficult to adjust to being separated from the life they knew and their loved ones and need to work together to remain sane under such claustrophobic and bizarre circumstances.

It is in the POD that Eva befriends David and it is not long before their mutual attraction turns into a budding romance, despite the difficulties of conducting a relationship with such a complete lack of privacy, not to mention misgivings such an attachment may not be a good idea, in case it turns sour. Ensconced in their POD, Eva and David struggle to contain their feelings and the other inhabitants all have their own dramas to cope with. Meanwhile both topside and within the PODS the virus has not yet had its fill….. When they are finally allowed back to the surface, after more than a year underground, the world and the rules which govern it have changed beyond recognition. Worse than that, the virus has mutated, creating terrifying Zombie like creatures and the battle for survival, whilst avoiding infection, is on……

I loved the the two main leads Eva and David. Both show themselves to be very level headed in a crisis and believe me there are many that they face! Their growing relationship is a delight to behold and there are many tender and bittersweet moments. The couple not only harbour a strong physical attraction to one another, but are also well suited in terms of their character. David is a real hottie who puts Eva’s welfare above his own and Eva is a strong and caring individual who is willing to fight for the safety of those she cares for and she wants to be with David whatever the cost. They and the other survivors have to put their youthful dreams behind them and adapt to survive, even when the actions they are compelled to take are far from palatable and heartbreaking at times.

Other characters in the novel were well drawn. My particular favourites whilst the scenes unfolded in the PODS were Jai Li and Tiffany. Once topside I liked the character of Devlin, who along with David protects others from the infected. There is plenty of tension in terms of characters who do not see eye to eye with others and the ever present government authorities who control life for those within the PODS and many areas topside, holding the destinies of many within their hands. The tale contains adventure, blood and gore, betrayal and self-sacrifice and plenty of romance. I found the tale a realistic portrayal of what could happen if such a fate ever befell humankind.

I recommend PODS to readers of Young Adult novels who like a thought provoking romance set within a future dystopian society. The second novel in the series, Infected, comes out this month. Read on for the buy links for PODS, how to enter the GIVEAWAY (open to US residents only) and to read about the author Michelle Pickett and her works.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of PODS was given to me by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review. The Book Tour is hosted by Making Connections Blog Tours

Buy Links for PODs:

Amazon ׀ Barnes&Noble ׀ Books-A-Million The Book Depository׀

Giveaway – open to US Residents only

Win 1 signed copy of PODs and some Swag!

Click on the following link to enter the giveaway for one signed copy of PODS and some SWAG! Good Luck to all who enter! 🙂

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6289a714/

Coming Next………………..

About the Author

I’m a wife, mother, author, reader, although not always in that order. I’ve been an avid reader since a young child. I began writing for personal enjoyment in college, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in accounting. Why I chose a degree that didn’t encourage creativity is a mystery to me. I’m addicted to Reese’s peanut butter cups and eat way too many while I write. I have a weird obsession with hoodies and can’t write without wearing one. I hate to cook, but love to watch cooking shows. I’m an unabashed romantic and love swoon-worthy happy endings that give me butterflies for days. Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, I now reside in a small community outside Houston, Texas with my incredibly supportive, not to mention gorgeous, husband, three amazing school-aged children, a 125-pound lap dog, and a cat that thinks she’s queen. I write adult and young adult Sci/Fi, urban fantasy and paranormal romances. I love to hear from readers and other authors, so drop me a note and say “Hi!”

My work includes:

The Amazon Bestselling young adult novel “PODs”

Milayna, March 2014

Buy Links for Milayna:

Amazon ׀ Barnes&Noble ׀ The Book Depository

Milayna’s Angel (Milayna #2), September 2014

The Infected, a PODs novel, November 2014,

The Innocent (Milayna #3), April 2015.

I always love to hear from readers, bloggers and other authors!

Find me here:

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5448974.Michelle_K_Pickett

Blog – http://www.michelle-pickett.com/

Website – www.Michelle-Pickett.com

Email – Michelle@Michelle-Pickett.com

Twitter – https://twitter.com/michelle_kp

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MichellePickettAuthor

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Michelle-K.-Pickett/e/B008QWUA5O/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Shelfari – http://www.shelfari.com/michellepickett

Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/michelleauthor/

Linkedin – http://www.linkedin.com/in/michellepickett

Add to your Goodreads Shelf – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13425802-pods

November 5, 2013 by Tina Williams

Joshua’s Tree, by N.W. Harris

A Wild Ride through a Future Earth!

Young Adult Sci-Fi Fantasy

Joshua’s Tree, N. W. Harris’ first novel, is a great romp, containing a fantastic kick ass heroine and an unlikely hero who is transported to the future. It is set in a strange landscape, with terrifying cannibalistic creatures and it contains intervention from on high and non-stop adventure. There is also a budding romance and a plot that involves both personal growth and self-sacrifice.

In Joshua’s Tree, after a fall from his skateboard, seventeen year old Joshua wakes up naked in a strange and frightening world, where he is attacked and kidnapped by menacing creatures. Before the creatures can reveal their evil intent, he is rescued by a sword wielding female warrior, Nadia, astride a strange beast. Nadia, whose village and family have been destroyed by the sweepers, the terrifying creatures that have Joshua in their clutches, is convinced that Joshua is the saviourof her world, as foreseen in a prophecy. Joshua has no option but to accompany her on a bizarre and dangerous journey, where he learns that to return to his own world he must find the strength within himself to overcome his fears and avenge Nadia’s people by executing The Father, the creator of the canniabalistic sweepers who threaten the lives of all on this world.

Nadia is a character that I sometimes long to be in my imagination – a strong, self-controlled and skilled warrior, who takes no c*** from anyone and does not hesitate to go in for the kill with her sword and dagger, a figure which brought to my mind a younger version of Xena, the warrior princess or Lara Croft! She does have her vulnerabilities however, and these are revealed as the novel progresses. By contrast Josh is an unlikely hero, more of a thinker, not a natural warrior and he has zero confidence when it comes to girls, especially those as attractive as Nadia. He is grateful to Nadia for being his protector in this strange world and for helping him to adjust to the life of a warrior, but he resents being reliant on her. Although desperate to go home, he sometimes feels that he has a connection to the world and has growing feelings for Nadia. I loved how Josh grew in stature physically and mentally throughout, becoming if not yet an equal to Nadia in terms of her fighting skills at least complementing her with his skill at strategy.

Much of the novel focuses on the hero and heroine, their growing relationship and the transformation of Joshua from 21 century teenager into a warrior worthy to fulfil a prophecy. Although Nadia is attracted to Josh, she wants to keep him at a distance so that they do not become distracted from their quest as so much is at stake. Josh is initially both attracted to her strange beauty and resentful of her – she is part of the alien world that is keeping him from going home and she seems superior to him in every way, a true warrior, whereas he sees himself as puny and weak. There are many misunderstandings between them as the plot develops and leads Joshua to his destiny, as they struggle with their feelings for each other. There is also blood and gore a plenty, with innards and brains being spilt and limbs torn apart. The plot contains many twists and turns, with a cliff hanger at the end, which I am so wanting to know how it can possibly be resolved in future instalments! Will Joshua return home if he survives? Will he want to? Will he have a choice? And what of Nadia and the other characters and the future of this world as it hangs in the balance?

The author clearly has a strong imagination to create such a diverse future world, where some creatures are genetically engineered, similar, but so different from our own. It is a world of extreme landscapes, which blends futuristic technology with elements of past cultures on Earth. The novel is very much a coming of age story as well as a romance, but it is also more than this, addressing issues of personal growth and destiny for Josh (and Nadia too) as they are both subjected to a series of increasingly more terrifying tests of endurance and sanity, which allows them to grow and develop, but which puts a stain on their relationship. For me the novel has an almost mystical quality and the strongly drawn and well rounded characters also represented some major archetypes: Josh is the unlikely hero/saviour; Nadia the warrior; The Father, the evil creator/scientist, and there is even the wise man/spirit guide, the Sensei, who appears sporadically throughout.

Joshua’s Tree is a fantastic, read, which will keep you glued to the text until you have reached the end. I strongly recommend it to fans of sci-fi/fantasy adventure, who like some romance in their tale, with a thought provoking and action packed plot.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

I received this book for free from Story Cartel in exchange for my unbiased review.

http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/young-adult/ya-action-adventure/joshua-s-tree-detail

http://nwharrisbooks.wordpress.com/

http://storycartel.com/

Cover art by Marion Sipe www.marionsipe.blogspot.com

November 3, 2013 by Tina Williams

Save Dschinannya! – An Invitation from Author Birgit Kluger aka J.B. Brooklin

Read Demons Die Harder, #1 in the Creatures of Fire Series for FREE and Get Involved in #2 of the Series

Today we are very pleased to feature author Birgit Kluger aka J.B. Brooklin on A Reader’s Review Blog. We are delighted to share her offer to our readers to get a free copy of book 1 “Demons Die Harder” as an ebook and also her invitation to get involved in an exciting project where you can gain exclusive access to information on Dschinnanya, the world that she has created. Read on for the book blurb, how to get your free e-book, more about the project, including a video link, an excerpt and information about the author. I have my copy of book 1 and I plan to read it and post my review in the coming weeks. Why not join me? Tina 🙂

Blurb of Part 1 “Creatures of Fire: Demons Die Harder”

She is a half demon, oblivious to her true nature. He is a demon set out to avenge murder. Together they are hunted by the one person she thought she could trust. Separate they may be able to save each others lives. New York – Paris – Dschinnanya.

Dschinnanya, world of the demons, is in danger. Soon this magical place which changes its appearance each day will be extinct. Only you can save it! Part 1 of the fantasy series “Creatures of Fire: Demons Die Harder” featured Dschinnanya, the world of the demons. If the author, J.B. Brooklin can’t write part 2 of the series, Dschinnanya will leave this world and be forgotten. If you want to prevent this, you can help. In return you will soon be able to delve into the next fantasy mystery, visit Dschinnanya and find out what happens to Sariel and Alexander, the two main characters. All you have to do is fund the project “Save Dschinnanya!” with only 1 USD … or more, but that is up to you. Supporters will get behind-the-scenes access to Dschinnanya. J.B. Brooklin is not only going to share ideas, but will also post excerpts from part 2, unpublished scenes, bonus material and whatever else she can think of.

Interested? If you want to find out more about the “Creatures of Fire” series and Dschinnanya, you can get your free copy of book 1 “Demons die harder” as an ebook. For free! Simply send an email to jb@jb-brooklin.com and request either a pdf, epub or mobi file.

More information about the project “Save Dschinnanya!” can be found here, along with the possibility to sign up and be informed when the project goes live:

http://prefundia.com/projects/view/save-dschinnanya/186/

Want to view the project video? Look here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEYJjxFXmsI&feature=youtu.be

About Birgit Kluger aka J.B. Brooklin:

Birgit Kluger is a German author, writing her English books under the pen name of J.B. Brooklin. Birgit lived abroad for several years in the USA, Spain and the Seychelles. Since a couple of years she is back in Germany, trying to make a living out of writing. Which is not always easy. In Germany she has already published three novels, one of them “Schau ihr in die Augen” with Droemer Knaur, one of the large German publishing houses. The campaign kicks off on November 13th, 2013.

Get a glimpse of Dschinnanya – 2

Readers that havent’t yet read part 1 of the “Creatures of Fire Series”, can get a glimpse to see what it is like to be in Dschinnanya. This is an excerpt from “Creatures of Fire: Demons die harder“:

“There is the entrance to Dschinnanya,” Saraswati said, pointing to the exit of the canyon. At first Sariel couldn’t see much; mist was rising in the distance, not allowing her to see what was on the other side of the two rock walls that marked the entrance to the world of the demons.

“Have you ever been there?”

“Only once,” Saraswati replied.

“How will I be able to find Alexander’s mentor?”

“Oh, that’s easy.” She smiled. “Focus on who you want to visit, then you will be led the way. It’s about the only thing that is easy in Dschinnanya. The town itself changes its appearance each day and sometimes even more often than that. Today it may seem like an Italian village and tomorrow you might find yourself in the middle of the desert. The day after that it might resemble an island. You will never be able to recognize a building you have visited the day before. The demons that live there pass their time thinking of new looks for their town. They don’t have much else to do.”

“Where would you look for the information we need in order to rid Alexander of the seal?”

“At the library of the centuries. There everything is archived that has even been written about demons. It is the only place where you will find that kind of knowledge. It is also forbidden to you. Without permission you will not be able to enter.”

“I should have known,” Sariel said with a sigh. Then she bowed. “I was honored to have you as a trainer. Thank you very much for taking me on as a student and for helping me!”

Saraswati bowed as well. “It was my pleasure and my honor.” The demon removed a ring from her left hand and gave it to Sariel. “Take this. It will help you if you really are in trouble. But use it wisely.”

We wish Birgit good luck with her project and thank her for sharing it with us – Dschinannya definitely sounds worth saving! 🙂

November 2, 2013 by Tina Williams

Author Spotlight – Beverly Ovalle and her New Release Lightning Strike

Mmmmmmm – I just love the cover and the book blurb for Beverly Ovalle’s new release, Lightning Strike, published today! Read on for more info about the book and Beverly. Tina 🙂

Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing

Book Blurb

For generations Levi’s family had guarded a sacred glen in the mountains. Still far from man this isolated area was a favorite spot of his grandfather. Levi grew up listening to his tales and fell in love without ever having stepped foot there.

Now Levi’s family, led by his grandmother, wanted to sell the land. With only his grandfather and Levi against it, Levi has to prove to the rest of the family why they needed to continue their guardianship. Believing in his grandfather’s tales despite himself, Levi went armed with his camera and his well-known expertise behind the lens and headed out for proof.

Providing that proof and protecting the secrets of the glen from the world, Gaia needs to convince Levi to continue that protection. Daphnaie, the embodiment of his every dream, is sent to show him why, stealing his heart in the process to save her world.

Links:

Goodreads

Amazon Author Page

Author Bio

Beverly Ovalle lives in Wisconsin with her husband Edmond of 24 years and two Chinese Water Dragons. Having her own Dragons is expected as she is dragon crazy and anyone that walks in her house can tell. Her son Nicholas is in the US Marines. Her daughter Susannah lives nearby and is a CNA.

Beverly has traveled around the world thanks to five years in the US Navy and has worked for the government in one capacity or another for the past 30 years. Beverly and her brothers have travelled most of the continental United States as children due to the station wagon from Hell. Still active with veterans, she is adjutant for her local AMVETS.

To read our review of Beverly’s other book, Dragons’ Mate, a scorching dragon shifter seduction, an erotic romance/menage, click on the title. Tina 🙂

Contact Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeverlyOvalleAuthor

Tumblr: http://ovalleba.tumblr.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ovalleba

Pintrest: http://pinterest.com/ovalleba/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/home?trk=hb_tab_home_top

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SSLYblog

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SslySmileSomebodyLovesYou?ref=hl

Website: http://SSLYblog.wordpress.com

October 31, 2013 by Tina Williams

Beware the Lure of the Fairy Ring on Halloween & some Spine Chilling Book Recommendations

Be Very Careful where you Tread!

I have always been fascinated by toadstools and fungi, finding the sight of them particularly magical due to their connection with fairies, whether they occur singly or in a what I was told as a child is a fairy ring. I thought that I would look into the folklore and legends surrounding them in the run up to Halloween and reflect on their appearance in a book that I have read recently, Elena Han’s Hunter on a Moonless Night, click for my review. Although not set at Halloween, it is nevertheless a short, entertaining and tasty erotic dark fantasy read for this time of the year and which fits in well with the images that writing this post conjure up for me. The novella has a scene with a fairy ring that has magical qualities and plays a key role in the fate of the heroine. For some spine chilling book recommendations that we’ve reviewed which would make suitable Halloween reads scroll down.

Whilst we are not lucky enough to have a fairy ring in our garden, we do have a number of toadstools in our lawn, hence the pic. According to what I have learned from Wikipedia, one of the largest fairy rings ever found is near Belfort in France, thought to be about 600m in diameter and over 700 years old – how hufungus is that (apologies for the terrible pun)!

There are a host of traditions and folklore surrounding fairy rings, cited on Wikipedia and sites such as Envirinmentalgraffitti.com, (scroll down for the links). They are known as ronds de sorciers ‘sorcerers’ rings’) in France and Hexenringe (‘witches’ rings’) in Germany. European superstitions tend to warn against entering a fairy ring or dire consequences will follow, from curses to loss or an eye or worse…..

In English, Scandanavian and Celtic mythology, fairy rings are said to be the result of elves or fairies dancing. British folklorist Thomas Keightley noted that in Scandanavia in the early Twentieth Century it was believed that fairy rings (elfdans) arose from the dancing of elves and whilst entering an elfdans would permit one to see the elves it could put the person in thrall to them and their illusions. In the British Isles fairy rings are regarded as dangerous and best avoided, lest the fairies become angry and curse the interloper, who may be unable to leave the circle or be forced to dance to the point of exhaustion, death or madness. Entering the fairy ring on May Eve or Halloween night is also thought to be particularly dangerous.

Fairy rings also feature in literature: Shakespeare mentions them in A Midsummer Nights Dream and The Tempest and Thomas Hardy uses a a fairy ring as a symbol of lost love in the Mayor of Casterbridge, the character of Michael Henshaw passes a fairy ring and remembers that he last saw his wife Susan there when he sold her to a sailor in a drunken rage.

In some parts fairy rings are regarded as omens of good luck – the Welsh believe that mountain sheep eating fairy ring grass flourish and so do nearby crops. What do you think? Will you be avoiding fairy rings on Halloween or will you be celebrating their mystical qualities?

Spine Chilling Book Recommendations (click titles for our reviews)

Bloodroom, by Naima Haviland

The Bad Death, by Naima Haviland

The Wolfstone Curse, by Justin Richards

Ways to see a Ghost, by Emily Diamand

Welcome to Skullcrusher Mountain, by Christine Pope

Hunter on a Moonless Night, by Elena Han

On the Lips of Children by Mark Matthews

Happy Halloween to all our readers. Tina and Caroline 🙂

Sources consulted for information on the mythology and folklore surrounding toadstools, fungi and fairy rings:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairy_ring

http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/plants/news-fantastic-folklore-surrounding-fairy-rings

October 28, 2013 by Tina Williams

Read Tuesday Progress and Plans

For readers and authors everywhere! Read Tuesday on December 10th 2013, a chance to check out oodles of discounted books and treat yourself to some early Christmas presents. It’s a definite date for my diary! There is a growing list of books to be featured on the event’s blog and Facebook page so why not check it out! Enjoy Tina 🙂
Thank you to author Erica Dakin, whose site brought it to my attention and who is also participating herself 🙂

chrismcmullen

What is Read Tuesday?

It’s a Black Friday type of event just for books. This is a great opportunity for readers to shop for books at discounted prices; not just for themselves—books make nice gifts, too. It’s also a great opportunity for authors to participate in a global one-day sales event.

When is Read Tuesday?

In 2013, Read Tuesday will be held on December 10. Mark your calendar.

Is it free?

Authors, self-publishers, and booksellers can participate for free. Everyone is eligible. There are no forms to fill out, no obligations. To participate, a book simply has to have a short-term discount including Read Tuesday, which is lower than the ordinary selling price.

Similarly, there are no special fees, sign-ups, or obligations for readers to participate. Simply buy discounted books on Read Tuesday at your favorite booksellers. Authors may choose to list their books in the Read Tuesday

View original post 1,280 more words

October 27, 2013 by Tina Williams

A Heartless Design, #1 in the Secrets of the Zodiac series, by Elizabeth Cole

Fast Paced and Oh So Sexy Regency Romantic Suspense!

A Heartless Design, by Elizabeth Cole, is an absolute delight. It contains a Regency style James Bond and an unconventional lady of independent means in a raunchy and rambunctious read. It absolutely sizzles with passion and desire and houses secrets that threaten the very security of the country, peppered with danger and deceit. It is guaranteed to entertain and get your heart beating ever faster as the tale develops and reaches its conclusion.

In A Heartless Design Cordelia Bering, a singular young woman who does not always abide by society’s norms, lives in London with her widowed aunt Leona, her parents having died. Cordelia uses practical scientific knowledge, gained from working with her late father, to secure a lucracive income to support her household. To continue her work in this field, Cordelia has many secrets, including one that could endanger her life. Secrets that she is compelled to hide from all, including any prospective suitor, let alone a husband. Cordelia is dubbed ‘heartless’ as she shuns the many marriage offers she continues to have on account of her engaging character and beauty.

Whilst attending a ball with her aunt, Cordelia encounters a mystery man to whom she has not been introduced. Sebastien Thorne, now the Duke of Thornewell, is one of the Crown’s elite secret agents belonging to a group known as the Zodiac. He has been summoned to the ball by his handler to retrieve instructions as to his next mission -preventing a certain piece of technical information leaving Britain and falling into enemy hands, which could give them a significant advantage. Sebastien can afford for nothing to get in his way, not even a woman as beguiling and challenging as Cordelia. However, as Sebastien pursues his leads, it becomes evident that Cordelia is involved and hiding something and he is compelled to employ whatever means necessary to persuade her to reveal her secrets to fulfil his mission and secure the safety of the nation. However, he did not gamble on his growing feelings for the lady……

Cordelia is a woman in a man’s world, who has to rely on subterfuge and her intelligence to pursue her dream of pursuing the scientific inquiries she loves and I was quickly drawn to her as a heroine. She is unaware of Sebastien’s work for the Crown and is therefore suspicious of him, although grateful when he proves himself useful to her safety on a number of occasions. Sebastien, for his part, does not conform to society and battles with the conflicting priorities of his title and work as a secret agent. He immediately senses Cordelia’s vulnerability, at the same time being drawn to her unconventional demeanour and kindred spirit. It is clear that they are attracted to each other and have a lot in common – but can a relationship succeed when Cordelia has vowed never to marry and there is so much deceit between them, not to mention those who are out to prise Cordelia’s secrets from her by fair means or foul? The couple must learn to trust one another and reveal all to one another before it is too late. There is plenty of sexual tension between the main couple and a number of sensual lovemaking scenes which I enjoyed. Both the plot and dialogue were well crafted, believable and full of suspense.

The secondary characters were also a delight to get to know, those making up Cordelia’s household and other members of the Zodiac in particular. I hope to find out more about them in future novels in the series by the author, which I sincerely hope that she plans to write. The bad guys in the story were menacing without being over the top and added sufficient suspense and tension to the plot without detracting from the romance.

I recommend this novel to readers of historical romance, particularly Regency romance, who like suspense with their read and who enjoy unconventional heroines. All in all a rollicking Regency read, which I heartily recommend!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

I received this book for free from Story Cartel in exchange for my unbiased review.

http://skysparkbooks.com/aheartlessdesign/

https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethColeWrites

http://storycartel.com/