Posts tagged new release

RELEASE DAY – Curve by Nicola Hudson

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Title: Curve

Genre: New Adult contemporary romance  (UK setting)

SYNOPSIS

Cass is seventeen and never been kissed, let alone touched, when two boys become interested in her.  Flynn is the older brother of her best friend, yet Cass has never considered him as anything other than that.  Rob is the school sports star and becomes obsessed with Cass when he loses a bet because of her.  As the relationship between Cass and Flynn develops, Rob’s interest becomes increasingly malevolent.  One night changes Cass’s life and threatens to destroy her relationship with Flynn, as well as her future.

Purchase Links:

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Curve-Nicola-Hudson-ebook/dp/B00G4RETSW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1382650231&sr=1-1&keywords=Curve+Nicola

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Curve-Nicola-Hudson-ebook/dp/B00G4RETSW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1382675452&sr=8-2&keywords=Curve+Nicola

EXTRACT:

When I arrived at Neve’s house for her parents’ party, I felt strangely nervous.  This would be the first time I had seen Flynn since he dropped me off and, other than a few flirty texts, we hadn’t had any other contact.

Getting ready at home, I had felt like I was preparing for a date with him, which was absurd as I knew he was going out for the evening with Jake.  The deep red top I had bought on impulse when I went shopping with Neve looked great with my black jeans.  I had managed to twist my hair into beach waves and, other than opting for a little more eyeliner than usual, I kept my make-up light. My new-found confidence added an invisible glow which made me focus on what I liked when I looked in the mirror, rather than concentrating on the bits I wanted to change.

Neve had also made an effort: her new jeans were topped off with a glittery off-one-shoulder top and she had a plait snaking across her hairline before it fell into loose curls.  She looked like she should be on the pages of a magazine, but instead was opening the door and squealing my name.  After dropping my overnight bag in her room, we went to the kitchen where there was a makeshift bar and array of snacks on the breakfast bar.  We perched on a couple of the stools, knowing that most of the people in the lounge would be too old to be that interesting.  The loud music we could hear in there was certainly from way before our time.

Before we had finished our first drink, a hand brushed against my lower back and I felt that familiar tingle start.  I turned my head just as Flynn was lowering his to kiss the back of my neck and our heads bumped into one another.  Rubbing his forehead, Flynn opted for a smile instead.

“Hi.”  I felt strangely shy and very conscious of Neve sat across from me.

“Hi, Cass.  Long time, no see.” Flynn was wearing a white tee shirt under a black jacket, along with his usual jeans and boots. His hair was casually messed into the sort of style favoured by bands like One Direction.  I knew he would be offended by the comparison but he looked fantastic to me.  He opened a bottle of beer and started drinking.  I couldn’t pull my eyes away from the way his mouth curled around the top of the bottle, thinking of how wonderful his mouth felt on mine.  I almost lost it when his tongue peeped out to lick a droplet from his lip after he had lowered the bottle.  Obsessed, moi?

“Where are you going tonight?” Neve filled the silence, possibly sensing that I had lost the ability to speak.

“A group of us have got tickets for the Tree House.  There’s a couple of decent bands playing and it includes an open bar,” he said, checking the time on his phone.  “I better get going.  I’ve got to be at Jake’s in ten minutes.”  He took another swig, put the bottle down, gave us a smile and, after popping in to say goodbye to his parents, left.

No kiss, no hug, nothing.  I tried not to let Neve see that I was disappointed by his departure and picked up my drink to give myself something to focus on.

“I bet he’ll be wasted tonight.  Wonder if he will even make it back from Jake’s?” I murmured agreement but Neve’s comment just made me feel even more deflated.  As I took a long gulp of my drink, I felt my phone vibrate in my back pocket.

Flynn: You look hot tonight 😉

Me: Thanks.  You left quick 

Flynn: Had to leave or else I would have dragged you upstairs and done naughty things to you 😉

Me: *doesn’t know what to say* x

Flynn: Just say yes 😉

Me: lol Are you coming back home tonight?

Flynn: Yes. Not until late though.  Will you be up? x

Me: Text me when you get in and we’ll see x

Flynn: OK. Don’t get too drunk! x

Me: You too! xx

Author Links:

https://www.facebook.com/nicolahudsonauthor

https://twitter.com/NicHudsonAuthor

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18299202-curve

The Beast Within Novellas – Blog Stop

Title: The Beast Within
Series: The Beast Within novellas #1
Author: Melissa Crowe
Publication Date: 5th June 2012
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Synopsis:
Karina’s world is turned upside
down when she meets the sexy and mysterious Xavier. Something powerful and
sensual is unlocked from inside her that she cannot explain and seems to have
little control over.
With Xavier’s help, Karina discovers she is a Tuatha De Danann, celtic faeries long thought to have been eradicated. Xavier’s insistence on making her believe troubles Karina, what dangerous secret is he keeping from her? Can her ex
partner Ian save her before it’s too late?This novella contains violence, and sexual situations which may not be recommended for readers under fifteen.

Buy your copy-

Amazon
Kindle or Paperback
 
 
Title: Haunted
Series: The Beast Within novellas #2
Author: Melissa Crowe
Publication Date: 25th December 2012
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Synopsis:
Karina has now discovered her
abilities, but this only puts her in further danger. With a 600 year old lycanthrope thirsting for her blood, Ian must summon the help of his brother Ronan, the keeper of the Spear of Victory, a treasure sacred to the Tuatha De Danann. Can the two Guardians protect Karina, or will her secret ultimately bring destruction upon them all?
Buy your copy- 
Amazon
Kindle or Paperback 
 
Title: Journey
Series: The Beast Within novellas #3
Author: Melissa Crowe
Publication Date: 20th September 2013
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Synopsis: 
Ian has been
summoned by the Goddess Danu to the Otherworld, and Karina will not let him go without a fight.
With a Tutha De Danann that is unable to cross
water, getting from Australia to Ireland will make for an interesting journey.
Supernatural beings, sworn enemies and the full moon are only half of the risk
as they try to cross three continents. Drug smuggling, guerrilla kidnapping and
lycans on the prowl will hamper their travels.
Davarus, self-proclaimed King of the
lycanthropes is building an army and on the move. Danger faces these forbidden
lovers at every turn.
Would you travel to the ends of the earth for
the one you love?

Buy your copy-

Amazon- Kindle or Paperback
 
EXTRACT FROM THE BEAST WITHIN

“Tell me more about these Tuatha De Danann.” Karina whispered as she sat back down in her seat.

Xavier was silent for a moment taking in Karina’s face again. “What do you want to know?”

“What are they?”

“Celtic faeries, I told you.”

Karina laughed nervously and shifted uncomfortably in her chair, she was trying to listen to what Xavier was telling her but it was all sounding farfetched.

“What do you imagine when I say the word faerie?” he asked her. “Diminutive pixies that live in toadstool houses? Tinkerbell? They are all children story characters, works of fiction. The Tuatha De Danann were fierce warriors, a race of nomads who broke away from the Pelasgians in 1900 B.C. They left Greece and called themselves the Tuatha De Danann and migrated north, eventually settling in Ireland. They took with them their four sacred treasures, The Stone of Virtue, the Sword of Lugh, the Spear of Victory and the Cauldron of the Gods.”

“You think I look like Danu? That’s why you called me Tuatha; you think I’m one of them?”

“It’s a strange coincidence that you have been named Tuatha, and you share a striking resemblance to them.” Xavier replied.

Karina shook her head. “But I’m no warrior; I can’t go into an elevator without hyperventilating. I’m a doormat, people walk all over me all the time. I have spent my whole life doing what other people tell me to do, what I think will make them happy.”

Xavier smirked, “You can’t go in the water either.”

“But you said the Tuatha De Danann arrived in Ireland in a mist. They would have had to travel over water,” she pointed out.

“That was part of the spell Manannan put on them. They could only live on the hill and in their Otherworld fortress.”

“Why are you no good for me Xavier?” her fingers ran through his hair playfully.

“You haven’t worked it out yet?” his mouth pulled up on one side.

She shook her head, “No. Tell me.”

“Do you wonder why I bring out the aggression in you? Feelings you didn’t think you were capable of.”

Karina nodded.

“It’s because of what you are Karina. You need to embrace it.”

Karina rolled her eyes, “The faeries again. Do you know how much trouble that caused with my family? They believe that Tuatha is a nickname my Grandmothers wayward Great Aunt, called her bastard daughter. Apparently I look like her so they decided to call me Tuatha because they thought it would be cute!”

“Your family have no idea?” Xavier’s eyes lit up.

“Not that they are telling me, but my mother is avoiding my calls now and will barely speak to me so I dare say they have an idea about something. Let me guess Xavier, you’re one too?”

He smiled trying to fight back a laugh, “No, I’m definitely not.”

“Then what are you? What is it about you that gets under my skin, and in my head?”

Xavier laughed, “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” and he moved from the table but Karina pushed him back. “Tell me,” she demanded.

 
About
the author: Melissa Crowe
 
I
am from Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. I have been a lover of
Paranormal and strong powerful women all my life and now am lucky enough to put
the two together and share it with the world. In 2009 I started writing and
have not looked back.
Author
links

World Building: Creature Feature (Guest Post)

Today Mara Valderran has stopped by my blog to talk about World Building and spotlight the upcoming release of her novel Heirs of War.

I have to admit: Creatures are pretty much my favorite part of world-building. I tend to take my creatures from mythology and adjust them as needed for my story. Two of my favorite resources for discovering new creatures to add to the worlds of Heirs of War are the Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures by John and Caitlin Matthews and the Encyclopedia Mythica, an online mythical database.

I use more creatures in the next book, but the main creature featured in Heirs of War is the Donnfay. I make a direct comparison to the legend of the Brownies of Scotland. I’ve always been fascinated by these little creatures, and not because I suck at housework.

Okay, not just because I suck at housework.

I’m fascinated by them because I want to know their motivations for cleaning up after us silly little humans. Some legends say you can leave them offerings of food or sweets, but all of them seem to agree that if you try to pay a brownie, you are going to tick them off. So what kind of creature slaves away at night while we sleep and refuses any sort of payment?

We’ve seen brownies in different forms in other books and television shows. The most popular incarnation of the brownies would probably be the House Elves of Harry Potter. There are so many similarities between the house elves and the brownies of legend that I am just going to assume J.K. Rowling was inspired by the furry little Scottish creatures, too. Her elves are actual slaves, kept in line by their subservient attitudes and stringent beliefs that wizards are meant to be served. In television, you can see another interpretation of the brownie on the show Lost Girl. This elf is very human-like with features, but has very odd ways. But he serves because he wants to. He finds it fun, and doesn’t even seem to mind when Kenzi takes advantage of him (until she forgets his cereal).

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I’d hate to see what happens if she forgot the milk…

My Donnfay have the typical look of the brownies of legend. They are furry, tan or brownish fur, big eyes, small nose, and wide mouths all the better to grin at us. They despise violence, and unfortunately this means there aren’t many places for them anymore since the worlds have been torn apart by war. They’re motivations are simple: They take care of humans because they believe they are superior to us. We’re like pets to them. They think it’s just adorable when we try to dress ourselves or cook our own meals.

The Donnfay have their own belief system, their own culture, and their own way of life. I think it’s very important when developing the creatures of fantasy worlds that we give them depth. Sure, you might need a big dog-dragon hybrid creature to attack your characters at some point, but what’s the deal with the dragon dog? Why is it attacking them? Are these creatures feared by all because they are vicious and without mercy? Or did your characters come to close to its nest? I think the more we explore these things, the more believable and tangible our worlds will be.

Oh, and I’m not gonna lie. I use television as research too. Lost Girl and Blood Ties are my go-to shows when I’m looking for supernatural inspirations.

Where do you look for inspiration or research when you’re looking for creatures? I’d love to hear about some of the creatures you’ve developed or used along the way. =)

Mara’s upcoming release:

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Title: Heirs of War – Book One

Genre: New Adult/Upper Young Adult Fantasy

Release Date: October 13, 2013

Seventeen-year-old Zelene doesn’t believe in magic or prophecies. When she’s told she is part of the prophecy foretelling five powerful girls bringing peace to the war-torn worlds, she scoffs. The idea of other dimensions layered on top of the world she lives in is almost as ludicrous as the idea that she might be able to save them. After she is attacked by magic-wielding assassins, she finds she can’t argue with reality.

As their enemies strike, the girls are taken back to their world and discover the ties binding them together. Rhaya has always had an uncanny knack for reading people, but can’t seem to unravel the mystery tying her to Isauria, the new friend she bonded with instantly. For years, Isauria has been dreaming of Terrena, a girl living her life on the run in a magical world ripped apart by the tragedies of war, completely unaware that she is psychically linked to the world she was born in.

Zelene views them all with a distrustful eye, familial bonds or no, and can think of a place or two she’d like to shove the crown she supposedly inherited. When she learns that her long-lost twin Ariana has been captured by the rebels, Zelene’s attitude changes. She doesn’t know how she is supposed to go against an army of magic-wielding rebels when her own ability to manipulate the elements is still locked within her. But can she trust the elders to rescue Ariana when it seems their medieval politics are what brought about the war in the first place? With all that is at stake, the answer becomes clear to Zelene.

Screw the worlds. She’s getting her sister back.

Links:

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18214181-heirs-of-war

Amazon: Not Available Yet

Barnes & Noble: Link TBA

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/355668

 

About the Author:

Mara Author Pic

Mara Valderran has been coming up with stories pretty almost since she could talk, often commandeering her brother’s G.I. Joes to play out her fictional tales alongside her Barbies. Once she hit adolescence and realized playing with dolls wasn’t cool anymore, she started putting her ideas to paper. And she hasn’t stopped since.

Mara has worn many different artistic hats throughout her life. She has dabbled in screenwriting, plucked guitars and basses, toyed with singing, retired from acting, and drawn some pretty mean stick figures in her time. However, writing books seems to fit her best as she finds nothing more fulfilling than creating worlds and characters she can lose herself in.

Mara is more than just a madwoman with a writing box. She lives in the south with her husband and demanding cat. She hopes to one day meet Daniel Jackson from SG1, or at least the actor who played him. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, playing video games, or spending time at her favorite local coffee shop.

Website: www.maravalderran.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaraValderran

Cover Reveal and Release – A Dark Road by Amanda Lance

A Dark Road

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SYNOPSIS:

Not every friendship is as harmless as it seems…

Loner James McKay wants nothing to do with Hadley Grayson. After all, the last thing a drug dealer needs is the pretty, new girl trying to be friends. Walking distractions like her lead to trouble, the kind that can get you 10 to 15 behind bars. 

Likewise, fencing champion Hadley Grayson isn’t thrilled about her family uprooting her during her senior year of high school. At least there’s James McKay, the quiet, mad scientist who is as adorable as he is mysterious.

Though McKay may reject the idea of friendship, he gets one whether he wants it or not. But once the lies are told and the rumors spread, the dangers of meth making and dealing are impossible to avoid. Between secrets and overdosing classmates, McKay and Hadley will learn that loneliness can be a two-way street, changing both of their lives forever.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A native of New Jersey and lifelong nerd, Amanda Lance recently completed her Master in Liberal Arts at Thomas Edison State College after her BA in English Literature and AFA in creative writing. As an avid reader of all genres, some of her favorite authors include Hemingway, Marquis de Sade, Stevenson, Bukowski and Radcliffe.

When she isn’t writing or reading, Amanda can found indulging in film noir or hiking with her other half and their extremely spoiled dog. She is obsessively working on her next book and trying to tame her caffeine addiction.

CONNECT WITH AMANDA:

* Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * Website *

Coming Back to You – New Release

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Title: Coming Back to You

Author: Devon Youngblood

Genre: New Adult Romance

 

Buy Here

 

 

Synopsis:

Maura is a twenty three year old who is still coping with her parents’ sudden death two years ago. She recently graduated from college and now has her own catering business. A best friend-roommate who has been there through it all and helps make life manageable.

Until first love Pierson Hammer comes walking back into her life.

Pierson has demons of his own, after serving in the military for five years. Tormented from his past and present. he comes home hoping to make amends with Maura.

Can Maura forgive Pierson for leaving her all those years ago? Can she trust him with her future? Will she open herself up completely?

**Warning: Contains strong language, and sexual situations.**

Author Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/D-Youngblood-Author