INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR LARISSA EMERALD (REVIEW OPPORTUNITY)

CHECK OUT a new Paranormal Romantic Thriller/Suspense series from author Larissa Emerald. PERFECTION is receiving rave reviews on Amazon!

For an added treat, scroll down to read Larissa’s interview. 😃

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PERFECTION REVIEWING OPPORTUNITY

Interested in a copy of PERFECTION to read for review? Email me at cynthiashepp@yahoo.com or comment on this post.

Author: Larissa Emerald

Book: Perfection: Book 1 of Code Perfect series

Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3brV67v

Release date: Already published

Review time: 2 weeks

Review copy delivery: Book Funnel

Reviews to be posted on: Amazon. Goodreads and Bookbub much appreciated, but not required.

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🆓PERFECTION IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED!

Her perfect life is everything she ever wanted…until it isn’t. How far will Kindra go to save her child?

Kindra B-Zaika designs Genetically Engineered Individuals, and with each generation, they become smarter, more beautiful, healthier–whatever improvements the Committee decrees. It doesn’t matter to them that the divide grows ever wider between Coders and GEIs. Or at least not until a prominent dignitary’s D Generation child suddenly dies of a mysterious virus.

Now Kindra must team with York Richmond, a striking, rough-around-the-edges Coder police lieutenant, to catch the sociopath who unleashed the deadly virus. To him, she’s an icy GEI scientist. Just like the ones who wouldn’t give him the time of day when he needed them most. At least, that’s what he thinks until he spots her being human.

The killer poses a threat to an entire generation of children, and they must stop him before all of D Generation is infected, including Kindra’s own daughter. But as they work together to find their suspect and develop an antidote in the meantime, a forbidden attraction sparks between them.

Can they find the answers before time runs out for the children?

♥

Feel like escaping into a paranormal #thriller? Discover the too-realistic future of genetic engineering in @LarissaEmBooks Perfection: Code Perfect series. #FREE on #KindleUnlimited #readers #reviewers https://t.co/aSbmgBYoDS

— Cynthia Shepp (@CynthiaShepp) May 6, 2020

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH LARISSA EMERALD

• What inspired you to start writing?

Reading, of course. Then, I began by rewriting the endings to movies. I’d get upset when they didn’t end the way I wanted, so I’d rewrite the ending. When my kids were young, I’d write little things for them. One day I found an announcement for a writing class hosted at the library. I dropped everything and attended the workshop. I’ve been writing ever since.)

• What advice would you give a new writer, someone just starting out?

Develop a thick skin. Perfection can be a killer in so many ways. Just write. Persevere. Never give up.

• What comes first, the plot or characters?

It depends on the story. My paranormal series Divine Tree Guardians began with driving along and seeing a tree roped off with construction fencing. I have a huge love of trees. My Terror, MN series began knowing I wanted a team of angels to protect the town. My Nocturne Falls Universe stories all began with a character. I already knew they would be set in the fun town of Kristin Painter’s Nocturne Falls.

 

 

 

• Do you hear from your readers much? What do they say?

Yes. I love hearing from my readers! Most of my books are paranormal stories. My readers love the imaginary places I take them to, and I usually include an element of family in the story.

• What was your favorite part, and your least favorite part, of the publishing journey?

My favorite part is writing the story and meeting readers. My least favorite is marketing.

• Where can readers purchase your books?

All my books are on Amazon. My Nocturne Falls Universe stories and a few others are on Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and iBooks.

Author Larissa Emerald

• Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

My website, which is where you can also sign up for my newsletter.

You can also follow me on Facebook.

Contemporary List     or     Paranormal List

• Are there any secrets from PERFECTION you can share with your readers?

One thing I played around with is the myth that we use only 10 percent of our brain. In creating more intelligent genetically enhanced humans, I gave the heroine telekinetic powers. You’ll have to look for these instances in the story.

• What was the inspiration for the story?

My son is the initial inspiration for Perfection and the book is dedicated to him. He was born with a rare genetic abnormality. He’s an adult now, mentally handicapped, but doing well living on his own in an apartment complex for individuals with disabilities. There were times when he was growing up when I wondered what it would be like if science and doctors could genetically “fix” his genes and make him normal. I love him so much. Life gives us all challenges, this was mine.

A secondary inspiration is my granddaughter. She has been battling leukemia for three years. Diagnosed when she was thirteen, I enjoyed writing a world where people were immune to all diseases, no cancer, no cystic fibrosis, no illness.

• What is the key theme and/or message in the book?

I think it’s that life is precious. Children are precious.

• What is the future for the characters? Will there be a sequel?

Yes, two stories are coming in August. Forbidden, a novella. The story takes the reader further into Kindra and York’s relationship and their decision to make their life together—top secret, there’s a wedding– despite the rules of the time against mixed marriage between GEI, genetically engineered individuals, and Coders, the ancient race gene pool. Flawed, a novel where the heroine and hero of this story undertake the job of protecting Kindra.

• What were the key challenges you faced when writing this book?

Even though the story is set in the future, the characters experience the same things we see today. Teenagers still push the envelope and have their own style. Parents still love their children. Families have their ups and downs. People fall in love. Yes, it’s a romance, too. It was a bit of a challenge to imagine what the world would be like then. I really enjoyed researching advancements and technology. My husband helped a lot with that. He’s an engineer. If you know any engineers then you may be able to imagine some of our discussions.

• Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?

I’m working on book 3 of Code Perfect series. Hold on to your seats and guard your heart.

• How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?

At the moment, I have three other very different stories begging to be written. The first is a paranormal women’s fiction. And one of these days, I’m going to write the psychic time-travel story about a young woman who goes back in time and is trapped in the body of her ancestor. She experiences falling in love, only to be thrown back to her time. And then…  

(Cynthia: I couldn’t help snickering at Larissa’s teasing, lol…)

 

 

 

• What are you reading now?

Sucks To Be Me by Kristin Painter

• Favorite quote:

• What do you like about audiobooks?

I can do two things at once.

• How many bookshelves are in your house?

Two.

• What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Gardening, traveling, reading.

 

• What’s your favorite food?

Chicken Pot Pie. And I make a yummy one with homemade from-scratch crust. Ooh, wait a minute. Maybe I should change that to wine and chocolate. Yes, that’s a favorite, um… dessert.

• Have you ever been on a sports teams? If so, what sport?

Competitive baton twirling. I can’t throw a ball to save my life, but a metal stick, I rock that.

• Share something your readers wouldn’t know about you.

I have three golden retrievers. See pics on FB.

• If you could cure a disease, what would it be?

Cancer. Oh, how I wish!

♥

WOULD YOU RATHER:

• Would you rather be in a room full of snakes or a room full of spiders? (That depends.

Spiders. As long as they’re not tarantulas.)

• Would you rather live in a haunted mansion or live in an un-haunted cottage?

Un-haunted cottage.

♥

EITHER/OR:

♥

• Do you have a favorite recipe?

I share my favorites in my newsletter. Hint hint.

♥

 

BTW, I also share inspiration for my books on Pinterest. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DON’T FORGET TO GRAB PERFECTION, FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED!

OR, IF YOU WOULD LIKE A REVIEW COPY, LEAVE A COMMENT WITH YOUR EMAIL OR MESSAGE ME ON FACEBOOK.

 

♥

Need an editor? 

STALKERS IS ON SALE UNTIL NOVEMBER 1ST, 2015! ($0.99)

STALKERS: A COLLECTION OF THRILLER STORIES

ON SALE FOR $0.99 10-25/11-1

REGULAR PRICE $2.99

SAVE $2.00

The eerie sensation of being watched crawls up your spine as your eyes track the shadows lurking right outside your lamp’s illumination. Your sanity is only a thread away from ripping at the seams as the terrors between the pages stalk their victims, leaving you huddled under the covers… too afraid to turn off the light. 

These twisted stories will leave you breathless and shaking, dreading putting one foot off the edge of the bed… for fear of what just might be hiding underneath.

Seventeen authors. Seventeen tales of terror. Infinite nightmares.

STALKERS

Watch your back.

Stories featured in this anthology:
– Every Thorn by Rene Folsom
– Dead Ringer by Jason Brant
– Autumn by Elizabeth Collins
– Don’t Kiss the Dead Fred by A.E. Killingsworth
– Affliction by S.L. Dearing
– Lucid by Andrea Stanet
– Donations by Bart Hopkins
– Bernice by Chad Foutz
– Destination: Death by Eaton Thomas Palmer
– Powerless by Laurie Treacy
– Freezer Burn by Jon Messenger
– The Watcher by Lindy Spencer
– Immortal Luck by Magen McMinimy
– Izzy’s Assassin by Nicole Clark
– Say My Name by Michael Loring
– Damaged People by Nicki Scalise
– Blog Stalker by Phil Taylor

** Edited and Compiled by Cynthia Shepp and Rene Folsom **

BUY LINK

$0.99 Sale and a Freebie (Stardust and Twist)

STARDUST is ON SALE for $0.99 for 48 hours only!

After that, it goes up to $1.99 for 48 hours!

Then, it goes back to its regular price of $2.99.

Get it while it’s cheap! *Kindle Countdown Deal*

Stardust: A Futuristic Romance Collection

Welcome to a world where space travel by the common man is as normal as getting on a plane, life has been discovered on other planets, humans travel light-years to find their soul mates, technology exists along the lines that we have only imagined, and a passport will take you anywhere.

Stardust… where love has no boundaries and worlds are just waiting to be discovered.

Ten different authors. Ten tales of fantastical love. Ten different ways to discover the stars.

Zero by Rene Folsom
ISAAC by Michael Loring
World Wide Gone by Bart Hopkins
Life Companion by M.L. Ryan
Born Ready by Katheryn Van Pelt
Show Me by Magen McMinimy
New Eden by Eaton Thomas Palmer
Love Forgotten by Stephanie Summers
What Happens on Destiny 2… by Tara Moeller
Brandy by Carrie Avery Moriarty

Edited by: Cynthia Shepp
Cover & Interior Designer: Rene Folsom

TWIST IS FREE FOR 3 DAYS ONLY!

Paranormal Anthology with a TWIST

Paranormal stories that span across the genre, which will wow you, shock you, and leave you gasping for more.

Eleven different authors, one main idea, and worlds that will TWIST your imagination…

Featured Stories:

“Voices of the Soul” by Rene Folsom
“Number 18” by Michael Loring
“Sweet Lenora” by Bart Hopkins
“Truth or Dare” by Jon Messenger
“Suburban Zombie” by Anthony Lance
“All I Want for Christmas” by Jason Brant
“In the Eyes of the Beholder” by Penelope Anne Bartotto
“Little Tchotchkes” by Nicki Scalise
“I am Serna” by Magen McMinimy
“Bloodlines” by S. L. Dearing
“Metronome” by Eaton Thomas Palmer

Edited and Compiled by Cynthia Shepp & Rene Folsom

Feel Free To ReBlog and/or Share

New Release from Clean Teen Publishing

BRAND NEW RELEASE FROM 

CLEAN TEEN PUBLISHING: 

Moonflower by Angela J. Townsend

 

NOW AVAILABLE!

 

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Clean Teen Publishing

The rules will be broken…

 

Natasha remembers little from her Russian childhood, other than the lingering nightmares of her mother’s tragic death. So when someone close to her hands her a one-way ticket to Russia, along with the deed to her family farm, and then is brutally murdered, she has little confidence about what awaits her in that distant land. 

 

With doubt and uncertainty, Natasha has no choice but to leave her life in America for an unknown future. Once overseas, the terrifying facts as to why she was really summoned home come to light. 

 

Fact one: Monsters do exist.

 

Fact two: The only thing keeping those monsters out of the world is an ancient mural hidden below her family’s farm. 

 

Fact three: The mural that keeps the evil out of the world is falling apart. 

 

The final fact: It’s up to Natasha to restore it and save the world from a horror unlike anything seen before. 

 

Luckily, Natasha isn’t alone in her mission. Three Russian Knights are tasked with protecting her from the demons as she restores the mural. And leading the Knights is the handsome and strong Anatoly, who seems to be everything Natasha could hope for in a man. Unfortunately, there is one huge problem. Her Knights are forbidden from having relationships with the artists they protect, and Anatoly is a hardcore rule follower. But rules cannot stop the way she feels.

 

When a horrifying demon breaches the barrier and pulls Anatoly inside the mural, Natasha can’t help but charge, once again, into the unknown—this time to save the man she secretly loves. Now on the demons’ turf, she risks her own life to free the very one who is supposed to be protecting her. Little does she realize that if she should fail, it could mean the destruction of the very last barrier shielding mankind. Will Anatoly refuse Natasha’s help? Or will he finally realize, when love is at stake, the rules will be broken.

JOIN THE RELEASE PARTY ON FACEBOOK TODAY! 

 

Amazing prizes will be given away as we celebrate the release of Descending by Holly Kelly, The Mind’s Eye by K.C. Finn, Moonflower by Angela J. Townsend and Wicked Hunger by Delsheree Gladden.

 

 

EXCERPT FROM MOONFLOWER:

 

Seattle, Washington

The shadows came for me at night, in
my sleep, evoking demons as they crept over me, pressing down, tangling around
my arms, my legs, my neck. I struggled to open my eyes. To move. To breathe.
Panic swelled. Twisting and thrashing, I battled to break free. The shadows
turned to vapor, and it was my mother who held me now, clutching me to her bloody
body as we huddled together. Her ragged, uneven breath feathered across the
back of my neck.

She whispered one last Russian
lullaby.

My father appeared in the doorway,
his heavy boots dripping snow on the oak floor. His eyes were cold, vacant, a
rifle tight in his hands. He advanced, yelling Siberian curses that fell from
his lips like hissing snakes. He snarled and aimed the weapon at my mother’s
chest. Her eyes stretched wide in horror, her lips twisted in a final scream as
she pushed me to safety.

A bullet exploded through her torso,
shattering my existence in a mixture of steel, blood and bone, colliding at the
speed of light. My father lowered the gun, grabbed my mother’s wrist and
checked for a pulse. A satisfied smile crept across his lips as he dropped her
lifeless arm.

A whimper escaped my throat. He
spotted me cowering in the corner, his eyes blazing with scalding fury. He
raised the weapon, aimed it at my forehead, and the shadows came for me again…. 

 

MORE BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR (Available Now):

  

ABOUT ANGELA J. TOWNSEND:

Angela Townsend was born in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Missoula, Montana. As a child, Angela grew up listening to stories told by her grandparents, ancient tales and legends of faraway places. Influenced by her Irish and Scottish heritage, Angela became an avid research historian, specializing in Celtic mythology. Her gift for storytelling finally led her to a full time career in historical research and writing. A writer in local community circulations, Angela is also a published genealogical and historical resource writer who has taught numerous research seminars. Currently, Angela divides her time between writing, playing Celtic music on her fiddle, and Irish dancing. 

 

Angela’s first novel, Amarok, was published through Spencer Hill Press in 2012. Her newest novel, Angus MacBain and The Island of Sleeping Kings, was signed for publication with Clean Teen Publishing in 2013. 

 

Angela resides on a ranch, in rural Northwestern Montana, with her two children Levi and Grant. 

Want to READ MORE from Clean Teen Publishing?

Check out our huge selection of amazing reads! There’s sure to be something for every reader!

*

*This book was not edited by Cynthia Shepp Editing*

STALKERS IS ON SALE FOR $0.99 (Regular price $3.99) US & UK

Seventeen authors. Seventeen tales of terror. Infinite nightmares. 

(Feel Free to Re-Blog)

Shadows follow you in the darkness of the night and the eerie sensation of being watched crawls up your spine. Your sanity pulls apart at the seams as the terrors stalk their victims, leaving you too frightened to turn off the light. 

These twisted stories will leave you breathless, dreading the horrors lurking around the corner. 

Seventeen authors. Seventeen tales of terror. Infinite nightmares. 

STALKERS. 

Watch your back. 

Stories featured in this anthology: 
– Every Thorn by Rene Folsom 
– Dead Ringer by Jason Brant 
– Autumn by Elizabeth Collins 
– Don’t Kiss the Dead Fred by A.E. Killingsworth 
– Affliction by S.L. Dearing 
– Lucid by Andrea Stanet 
– Donations by Bart Hopkins 
– Bernice by Chad Foutz 
– Destination: Death by Eaton Thomas Palmer 
– Powerless by Laurie Treacy 
– Freezer Burn by Jon Messenger 
– The Watcher by Lindy Spencer 
– Immortal Luck by Magen McMinimy 
– Izzy’s Assassin by Nicole Clark 
– Say My Name by Michael Loring 
– Damaged People by Nicki Scalise 
– Blog Stalker by Phil Taylor 

** Edited and Compiled by Cynthia Shepp and Rene Folsom **

PURCHASE LINKS:

Stalkers: A Collection of Thriller Stories  (US)

Stalkers: A Collection of Thriller Stories  (UK)

Burning Sage Promotion & Rafflecopter Giveaway

Burning Sage by Deena Remiel

Blurb:

Sage Wilcot, an accomplished scientist, has set her sights on her lifelong obsession, studying the volcanoes of the island of Santorini. Once there, though, she gets more than she bargained for. The dormant volcano is waking and shaking things up in the process.

An enigmatic stranger—from a mythical ancient city—comes to her rescue and challenges her to believe in the unbelievable. Will she take the huge leap of faith for love’s sake or stay cloistered in her fortress of certainty and solitude?

Excerpt:

“Well, now what?” She brushed the sandy grit off her hands and sloshed her way to drier land. “I’m here. On a grumbling volcano. Alone. What the hell was I thinking?” She shook her head at her own audacity and stupidity.
“You were thinking of me, perhaps? I can only hope.”
Sage spun around at the sound of the low-timbered voice. “Emmanouel?”
He stepped out of the shadowy darkness and outstretched his arms in a welcoming gesture. “In the flesh. And you, Sage, are too, I see. Looking splendid.”
“Yes, much less dusty and grimy. It’s amazing what a shower and some clean clothes can do.” Really, Sage? That’s your big comeback?
He laughed lightly and sauntered closer to her. “So were you?”
“Was I what?”
“Thinking of me.”
“In a way.”
“In what way?”
“Annoyance, actually.”
“Why is that?”
“You disappeared on me earlier. You were following me out of the hole we were in, and then when I went to introduce you to a colleague, you were gone. I could have used some backup on my story about my face being injured and how you fixed it with that watery stuff of yours. See? It’s all gone. No cut, no bruise….”
“Just beautiful, soft skin that I long to touch.” His husky voice sent thrilling pulses through her body and a tingly sensation across her skin. He reached out, and with the back of his hand, tried to caress her cheek. Barely controlling her burgeoning lust, she stepped back.
“Now cut that out. I’m trying to be angry with you.”
“I’m sorry. Go ahead.”
“Well, I can’t now. You kinda fizzled it out of me.”
“Oh, good. So now I can touch you, yes?”
“No!” she huffed, and stepped farther out of his reach. “You can tell me where you went and why you’re here now. How did you know I’d be here?”
“I never left. I can never leave.”

GIVEAWAY
Win one of 5 copies of Ghost of a Chance by Deena Remiel.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

It was the mystique of Arizona’s history and landscape that called to Deena and catapulted her career as an author. When she’s not writing romance and urban fantasy in the wee small hours of the morning or in the deep, dark of night, Deena teaches language arts to middle school students. She currently lives in Gilbert, Arizona with her husband and two children, but New Jersey will always tug at her heartstrings. She believes in angels and loves connecting with her fans, so find her at deenaremiel.com.

WEBSITE    TWITTER     FACEBOOK    BLOG    PINTEREST

AMAZON

Legacy of Blood (Skye Morrison Vampire series 4)

REVIEW BY CASSIE HOFFMAN

 Skye Morrison has learned that vampires and werewolves are real. Since finding all that out, she has fallen in love with one, and secretly has a crush on another one. Being involved with vampires has changed her world, with being kidnapped and the worst that could happen…dying.

 After waking up in a casket, Skye is faced with her fear. She is now a vampire and it wasn’t by her own choosing. It was either turn her or let her die, and Archer did what he thought was best and that was to make Skye one of them. Skye is something different from all other Day Walkers and Dark Ones. Since Amun breathed a part of his soul into her when he kidnapped her, this has made her something that no one has ever seen before.

 What is she exactly? This is what they will have to find out. She can’t drink blood from a bag, it will make her sick. She can only drink blood from a donor, and when that happens her venom gives the blood donor a BIG SURPRISE. If she drinks from another vampire, she is able to take their power and have it for a few weeks. Skye also hold the eye color of The Dark One. When she gets angry….they turn pitch black. Otherwise, her eye color is white with black pupils. That isn’t normal. She isn’t like your regular newborn; she is able to control herself as well.

 With her having been infected by Amun previous to her turning into a Day Walker, Skye will have to prove she is good and if they determined she is a Dark One, like Amun, they will give her the final death. With the Army of An Dilis, Skye will have to perform a few tests given by Ruara and Brothers of the Army of The Faithful. After going through all these test it is up to them to decide if they will let her live. And surprisingly they do, and offer her to placement in a very surprising place.

 With having passed the tests and having her life still intact, it is now time to think about how to get to Amun. He wants Skye to meet him in a week to become his bride, and if not he will start killing all her loved ones. Will they be able to get to Amun and kill him, or will having Amun breathing a part of his soul in Skye affect her if they try to kill him? If so, how will they go about making Amun no more?

 Archer and Skye’s start trying to have a relationship finally. He is her maker, which makes their bond that much more. Will they finally become a couple? Oh, you will just have to wait and see 

 In this book, Jameson isn’t in it till the end. All the while he doesn’t know about Skye being a vampire, or what is going on with her. The last time he saw her, she wanted nothing to do with him, but finally they need Jameson for his healing. He soon finds out what has been going on while he was gone, on top of finding out Archer and Skye are in love with each other. Jameson is heartbroken. Can he ever forgive Skye and Archer?

 Skye Morrison is even better as a kick ass vampire with her own Divine Power! What is that? It is something none of the other vampires have ever seen before, and it is super cool. What do you think her Divine Power is? To top it off Skye is a phenomenon, a rock star in their race, and with her Sacred vow ceremony coming up, everyone is excited to meet the infamous Skye Morrison.

 Legacy of Blood was great from the begging to the end. We get to finally see Skye as a vampire and see her struggles of accepting it and showing everyone she isn’t evil like Amun. And for those who love Archer we get some Archer and Skye loving and I think I’m finally TEAM ARCHER! YES I SAID IT! Lol. LoB was written very well and kept you turning the pages or, in my case, sliding my finger. I love vampire Skye. I can’t wait for the next book to see how she grows into her new immortal life. LoB was action packed and kept you guessing, which I loved. The only person who was missing until the end of the book was Jameson, I was sad to not have him in the book, but all the other characters are there, and we get to meet new ones. J.L. McCoy hit it out of the park again with Legacy of Blood! I give this book 5 HUGE STARS.

 “I want to be the person everyone thinks I am, but the reality is so far from it. I’m irrevocably flawed and I have issues that you know nothing about.”-Skye

“Imagining the rest of my life without you in it wasn’t very appealing either. I love you, Skye Morrison; I love you from the deepest part of my being. I never want to go through what I’ve been through in the last five days ever again. It was soul crushing not being able to look into your eyes or hear your voice.”-Archer

“You held it all, Skye….everything I had. I love you, even after all the bullshit you put me through, but I’m letting you go. I have to make my heart move on before loving you fucking kills me.”- Jameson

J.L. McCoy

J. L. McCoy resides in the beautifully weird city of Austin, Texas with her opinionated Pekiweenie Isabel and handsome husband Kenny. She has always been a passionate reader and enjoys watching movies, traveling, listening to heavy metal/classic rock/80s music, getting mani/pedis with her girls, and singing karaoke. She loves body art and is hopelessly addicted to Sonic’s ice and Route 44 un-sweet raspberry iced tea.

Please visit me on my Facebook page! www.facebook.com/authorjlmccoy

Want to know more? Visit www.jlmccoy.com

 

Amazon Buy Links

Blood of the Son (Book #1 in the Skye Morrison Vampire Series)

Sins of the Father (Book #2 in the Skye Morrison Vampire Series)

The Original Sin (Book #3 in the Skye Morrison Vampire Series)

Legacy of Blood (Book #4 in the Skye Morrison Vampire Series)

 

Paranormal Anthology with a TWIST is LIVE!

 “What began as an idea soon set into motion a chain of events that would lead to heart-stopping action, amazing suspense, and stories that will stick with you way after you are done.
Unique, unexpected, beyond imagining…shocking TWISTS that will have you frantically turning back the pages to see what clues you overlooked to have missed what was coming.
Paranormal stories that span across the genre and will wow you, shock you, and leave you gasping for more.  11 different authors, one main idea, and worlds that will TWIST your imagination…”

Press Release for Twist from S.L. Dearing

Amazon Buy Link: www.amzn.com/B00BVSXAE8

Featured Stories:

“Voices of the Soul” by Rene Folsom
“Number 18” by Michael Loring
“Sweet Lenora” by Bart Hopkins
“Truth or Dare” by Jon Messenger
“Suburban Zombie” by Anthony Lance
“All I Want for Christmas” by Jason Brant
“In the Eyes of the Beholder” by Penelope Bartotto
“Little Tchotchkes” by Nicki Scalise
“I am Serna” by Magen McMinimy
“Bloodlines” by S. L. Dearing
“Metronome” by Eaton Thomas Palmer

This began as the second Anthology Contest on my Facebook page. There were so many amazing entries, though only 11 went in. I want to thank everyone for participating. I am extremely happy with the way it turned out!

I also want to thank Rene Folsom, who partnered with me on this anthology. Without her, it wouldn’t be out there! The amazing cover is all her as well as the interior design, and a million other things that needed to be done. I would have to say she had the most stressful job. This is the beginning of a very long business between us with the soon-to-be-revealed website for

Indie Style Press.

(It is a work in progress)

www.indiestylepress.com

Please get your copy of TWIST today. If you do, please consider leaving a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads.

www.amzn.com/B00BVSXAE8

(Feel free to REBLOG this)

Deadly to Love Blog Tour and Rafflecopter

The Influence of Music

I believe that music has a big influence on writing in general, especially if it fits with the scene the author is writing. It can create a certain atmosphere and can either help or hinder the writing process and the creation of a new book.

Personally, when I am writing I love to have music on and when the right type of music is playing it gives the images in my head a more film like quality. If the music fits well, then I find that the story flows quicker as it is like I am watching my creation on a screen rather than in my head, for example in action sequences if I have a piece of music with a strong beat and a quick tempo I find it easier to describe the action as it creates the right atmosphere and brings the scene to life.

This can however work in the opposite way. If I am listening to music that doesn’t fit with what I am writing, for example classical piano music when I am writing a fight scene, then I can find it incredibly difficult for my ideas to flow as the music changes the atmosphere. This is also something I have learnt through my acting; music can be great to help convey meanings and build atmosphere but it has to link otherwise it can change the piece’s and convey a totally different meaning.

As well as this I have found that if I haven’t been writing for longer than an hour and a track with lyrics comes on it will inevitably distract me. Normally it will take me at least an hour to focus my attention solely on writing so I can get in the right place. If things happen, such as lyrics before an hour is up it will more than likely distract me. I hate to admit it, but I will end up singing along to the tracks (badly I might add) rather than getting any work done.

To avoid this when I am writing, unless I am in a really focused mood, I will usually always listen to instrumental music. Most of these pieces come from film scores as I find they are great for building atmosphere. This is probably due to the fact that is what they were created for. Some of my favourites include: Island Essentials Einaudi by Ludovico Einaudi, Transformers 1,2 & 3 Movie OST by Steve Jablonsky, Harry Potter Movies OST by Alexandre Desplat and any music by Hans Zimmer (Gladiators, Inception, Pirates of the Caribbean etc.) who in my opinion is one of the best composers out there.

When I have the right kind of music on not only does it help with atmosphere but it also shuts out all surrounding noise and can therefore help me focus. I find that once I am focused on the section I am writing, if I have music on very rarely does anything distract me as one, I can’t hear it and two, the music draws me into my novel.

In general I believe music can both aid and distract an author but for me I would rather have it on as more often than not, it helps focus me.

Title: Deadly to Love (Elemental Killers #1)
Author: Mia Hoddell
ASIN: B00BDQ3QGA
ISBN: 9781291319170
Genre: YA/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy/Romance

Description
There is a love that is so dangerous, so powerful, so intoxicating that it embraces your heart and smothers your mind until it leaves you defenseless.

Serena knew that but still, it didn’t stop her. His name was Kai. He was the most beautiful, irresistible man she had ever encountered. Their attraction was too compelling to fight and she knew she would go to the end of the world beside him. That is love.

However behind the allure was hidden a deadly secret – a secret that threatened her fragile life… But secrets best left unsaid never remain hidden forever. When Kai reveals his true identity, she is exposed to a frightening world she had no idea existed. Controlled by powerful Elemental forces her life is placed in mortal danger.

Unbeknown to them, their lives have been entwined from the beginning and it leads her to discover an even greater secret about who she really is. As the pieces begin to unravel and death becomes a reality, Serena is forced to decide what is more important…her love or life.

Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk

Paperback (Lulu) and will be available on Amazon soon

About the Author
Mia Hoddell lives in the UK with her family and two cats. She spends most of her time writing or reading and her preferred genre is Young Adult, Paranormal Romance. Before 2009, Mia wouldn’t even pick up a book and was more interested in sports. However she finally found some novels that captured her interest and developed a love of both reading and writing. Mia began with poems and after getting two published in separate anthologies she moved on to short stories. Although she enjoyed this, Mia found she had too much to tell with too little space, so later on she created her first series The Wanderer Trilogy and from there other ideas have emerged which she hopes to turn into novels as well. Elemental Killers is her second series and book two will be out soon.

Author Links
Blog: http://miahoddell.blogspot.com
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mia-Hoddell-Author/421368247889610?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MiaHoddell
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/miahoddell
What people are saying:

“I read this book in one sitting as I just couldn’t put it down. The story line was original, intriguing and made you feel like you were part of the action. As well as this there were many twists and turns that kept me hooked and the book was really well written with a solid plot. The book didn’t reveal everything straight away which was great as it left in suspense right up until the end.” ~Lucy M 5/5

“ I found that it’s surprisingly original concept was quite common in real life but not so much in books. I found it a delightful read that I will look forward to reading in the future. And the new cover! Marvelous.” ~ Kathy H 5/5

“All I can say is WOW! This book was amazing and different. I love the twist and detail she used I was instantly pulled in and felt like I was there with the characters.” ~Brianna 5/5

Tour Wide Giveaways 
• 1 ebook copy of Deadly to Love through amazon kindle (INT)
• Deadly to Love Swag (UK ONLY)

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Thanks to Cynthia for hosting me on her wonderful blog and remember to check out the rest of the tour stops found here: http://miahoddell.blogspot.co.uk/p/tour-schedule.html!

Review/Rafflecopter Giveaway of Deadly Kisses

*REVIEW BY DELIA REMINGTON*

Deadly Kisses by Kerri Cuevas

Aiden Grant is a seventeen-year-old Grim Reaper, and he’s pretty satisfied with the job, ferrying souls in his gondola and answering to his boss, former President Abraham Lincoln. But when his next assignment is to reap the soul of Bee (Beatrice), the only girl he ever loved, his entire afterlife plan is turned upside down.

Unexpectedly, his fatal kiss doesn’t work, leaving their souls linked. Bee turns out to have some special powers, including being able to see grim reapers, making Aiden’s job even harder. Plus, there are his lingering feelings for her getting in the way. And to top it off, the ancients want to use Bee’s powers for themselves.

Aiden has seven days to sort things out, and he’ll have to choose between her soul and his own.

As a paranormal YA book, Deadly Kisses was refreshing, full of surprises, poignant, and at times laugh-out-loud funny. Kerri Cuevas has created strong and fascinating characters, and her narrative style is captivating. As I read,I was reminded of the television show, Dead Like Me, but the attention to detail and deep understanding of human nature made this novel much more engaging. This book has the right balance of love story and action, making it a killer combination.

I give this book five stars!

Quotes from the Book:

“Hope you enjoyed your ride on my rig of death. Please exit on the right and have a golden lovely day. Don’t come back now.”

“I just wanted to get her death over with, but when I saw how she looked bundled up in a rose blanket with her black hair framed against her face, she wasn’t any girl. She was Sabrina’s cousin, and the girl I had always loved.”

“Let’s get one thing straight, death boy.” She poked me in the chest and jabbed a rib bone. “I’m going to set the rules here. Got it?”

Kindle Link: Deadly Kisses

About the Author:

Kerri Cuevas was born and raised in Rhode Island. She moved to New Hampshire with her husband, three kids, cats and a rabbit named Hercules in 2005. When she’s not writing, she’s chasing chickens on her small farm or searching for the ultimate mac-a-cheese recipe.

Kerri went to college for Early Childhood Education but now writes books for young adults full-time. Her storytelling stems from watching too many horror flicks as a teen, but she no longer needs to sleep with the lights on.

Author Website: http://www.kerricuevasbooks.com 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KerriCuevasbooks

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