Reviewers Helping Authors

RHA Presents Last Resort by B.J. Robinson

2012-02-23T11:07:00.000-06:00

Excerpt

Faith tore out of the jail's parking lot and prayed she wouldn't get a ticket. She turned Old Blue into the flowing traffic. Her heart pumped faster than a race car engine. Dear God, please don't let me be too late. She reached down and punched Matt's number again. Come on, Matt, where are you? Pick up. Still no answer. She snapped the phone shut and focused on the road ahead. Who could possibly have it in for him? He was such a great guy. She gassed the truck as she passed the city limits and left the jail behind. Why wasn't he answering? She'd never had a problem before. This wasn't like him.

Faith whipped into the drive. She jumped from her pickup, strode to the side door, and knocked. No answer. She pulled out her cell and tried again. It rang and rang, then went straight to the voicemail. This time, she hung up without leaving a message.

She yanked the screen door, and it flew open, unlatched. The door knob turned, and she shoved the door open and yelled, "Matt, are you there?"

No response. She briskly marched through the house and called his name. She checked each room. In Matt's office, the swivel chair faced the door. Blood spotted it. Faith's heart lurched. Oh, God, please don't let me be too late. She spotted blood droplets on the carpet and followed them back through the kitchen and to the garage. Matt's truck ran. Dear God, what will I find when I open this door? Please let me be in time. Why didn't Matt use his pistol?

Faith jerked the garage door, but it wouldn't budge. She ran to the kitchen and hit the automatic door opener. The door slowly opened. She raced inside the garage, and the gas fumes nearly knocked her out. She coughed and held her nose with one hand. Her eyes burned, but she yanked open the driver's truck door. Matt tumbled out.

She let go of her nose and turned off the truck. Faith slid her arms under Matt's and locked her hands in front of his chest. She hefted. He didn't budge. She had to get him out of there. Now. No time to waste. She hauled in a breath, grunted, and heaved. He lifted, and she pulled him toward the door. One foot. Two feet. Three more.

"Matt, we're out of the garage." Please, Lord, help me. She couldn't drop him now. The outside air hit her face and tears of relief filled her eyes. She tenderly laid him on the grass by the side of the cement drive and yanked her cell from its holster. She dialed 911.

Assured the ambulance was on its way, Faith closed her phone and felt for his heartbeat. She rubbed her knuckles against his breast bone and stroked his face. So still. She touched his neck and held her breath. No response. She tilted his head and lifted his chin, then put her ear to his mouth and listened. Nothing. She looked for chest movement. Nothing. She listened for air blowing through his mouth or nose, or on her cheek. Nothing. He wasn't going to die if she had anything to do with it.

She ran her tongue over her lip and tasted perspiration. Why did sweat always taste salty, and why would she even think to question that at a time like this? She took a quick, shallow breath and whispered, "Come on, Matt. Breathe! BREATHE!"

It'd been a long time since she'd trained for CPR. Would she remember what to do? A bluish pallor stole over Matt's complexion, and his body became a dead weight. She had no time to lose.

Faith pinched his nose and made a seal over his mouth with her own. She breathed big enough to make his chest rise, let his chest fall, and repeated the rescue breath again. She listened for an intake of breath, an exhale, but the only sound was the pounding of her own heart in her ears.

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Trailer of Last Resort

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About Author

B. J. Robinson is an educator and novelist. She makes her home in Florida with her husband, two dogs, and a cat named Frankie. Barbara says, “There is no one in life as capable of encouraging and motivating one’s soul as the blessed feel of the Holy Spirit, like a hand on my shoulder reassuring me. I have never felt closer to God than when I feel the touch of the Holy Spirit in times of need. That slight touch lets me know that I do not walk through this world alone. I have a heavenly Father who meets my every need. That heavenly touch makes all the difference in my life. I thank Him most of all for the blessed gifts of my children.”

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Visit B, J. Robinson at http://barbarajrobinson.blogspot.com for book reviews and news of her writing and new releases. Her debut Christian romantic suspense novel Last Resort releases from Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc. July 15. http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/StoreFront.bok and will be available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com as an eBook. It will also be available in all other eBook formats. She recently signed contracts for two others: Southern Superstitions, releases January 11, 2012, and Whispering Cypress, releases August 11, 2012.

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My Review

Last Resort
by
B.J. Robinson

Faith had given up on love after escaping the abuse of her fiancee. She had given her heart to him, believing in true love, and that he would love her until death do them part. Sadly, all she found was a man who not only cheated on her, but physically, emotionally and mentally abused her. At the time, Faith did all that she could do, run.

Faith loved the Lord and trusted in Him and His word. She prayed daily for guidance and unconditional love that only God could give. She had given up on having a life mate to spend her life with, and who would love her like a man should love a woman in the Lord. Faith had no family to turn to, she had lost her sister to a eating disorder and her mother to cancer. So, Faith left the city to move to the country to do what she and her mother loved to do, raise strawberries.

She had noticed him church, and in passing coming and going to her home. She had a young man name Matt who lived on one side of her and a very jealous prissy Lily on the other. Faith was attracted to Matt because she felt there was something about him and he always seemed to be around when she needed someone, and she found she needed someone quite a bit when things started crumbling around her. Things that would turn her world upside down, things that would cause Faith to fall to her knees in prayer to a loving God, asking for help. No matter what life threw at her, she never gave up her faith in the Lord.

Take a journey with Faith who couldn't see the true love that had found her for the dark shadow that lurked in the woods watching her every move. A shadow that was determined to have her at all cost, even to the point of doing something as harsh and only as a 'last resort'.

I can tell through the author's words and characters that she walks with the Lord and writes stories of the trials and tribulations that can only be 'fixed' with prayer and supplication. Each of her characters love the Lord, even if they don't realize it until they hit rock bottom. I found the book very clean, non graphic, non sexual, no foul language, and she still managed to write a very inspiring , uplifting story. I found myself envying Faith for finding a wonderful Christian man who loved the Lord as much as she did. Throughout my life, I have yet to find that, and it is one of my life's regrets. But I know the Lord has plans for me, and instead of deciding how my life should turn out, I need to turn it over to Him, for He knows what is best for His children.

Thank you B.J. for writing a book of hope, and reminding the reader God is in command and all you have to do is turn it all over to Him.

I give Last Resort five stars and many blessings... *****

Reviewed by
Nora Chipley Barteau
Reviewers Helping Authors http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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Reviewers Helping Authors: RHA Presents Phantom Lives Book Two: Power by Eliz...

2012-02-17T14:33:00.000-06:00

Reviewers Helping Authors: RHA Presents Phantom Lives Book Two: Power by Eliz...: Phantom Lives Power synopsis. Last year Abigail Black’s life was turned upside down. Her parents were killed, her abusive boyfriend was ch...

RHA Presents Phantom Lives Book Two: Power by Elizabeth Loraine

2012-02-17T14:27:00.000-06:00

Phantom Lives Power synopsis.

Last year Abigail Black’s life was turned upside down. Her parents were killed, her abusive boyfriend was chasing her, and she found out that the place she had been dreaming about since she was a small child was real. A Civil War plantation – Collier. It’s a magical place, guarded by Immortal’s who also haunted her dreams. Now she knows why. She’s a Keeper, those chosen to guard the Gates, portals between time and space.

This year with a brand new family, new Gates and Keepers are being revealed. And treasured artifacts must be saved. There have always been those who wish to control the Gates for their own purposes. This time Abbi is confronted not only by an old enemy, but an unexpected new one. Follow Abbi on another incredible journey, full of magic, intrigue and shocking surprises as she battles evil in order to protect the portals between time and space.
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My Review

Phantom Lives Book Two : Power
By
Elizabeth Loraine

I am proud to announce that Abbi and Bill are back fighting evil in Phantom Lives: Power. Power leaves off where Phantom Lives: Collier took off. In chapter one we find Bill and Abbi with their twins Christian and Christina who have shown they already have a bit of magic of their own.
Elizabeth Loraine has once again used her wonderful and creative imagination in transporting the reader into the story of Collier and those sworn to protect it. You will discover once again the world with Keepers of the Gate and Sentinels. People with tremendous powers that are used for both good and evil. People doing whatever it takes to protect these gates, and the humans who hold special powers that are not only wanted by demons but by the government themselves!

Phantom Lives Two is filled with adventure, betrayal, heartache, and suspense with each turn of the page. I read this book in a little less than two days! I once again could not put it down because I found myself in the story, walking in the footsteps of her characters.

Elizabeth did a wonderful job continuing Abbi's and Bill's magical life from Phantom Lives: Collier to Phantom Lives Two: Power without so much as a hiccup. You can tell Elizabeth takes her job as a writer very serious through the words and characters she uses in her books that surprise, anger, sadden, disappoint, amaze and elate the reader. I have become a loyal and tremendous fan of Elizabeth's since book one of the Phantom Lives series.

I highly recommend Phantom Lives Book Two: Power if you love the paranormal and magic or just want a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and wanting more when you are finished with it. If you haven't read book one in the series, Phantom Lives: Collier, I recommend you take time to read it first. Even though, book two can stand on it's own. And that is another plus for the author.
I am not going to give anymore of this book away, you need to find out all the secrets it holds for yourself. You will not be disappointed!!

I have to add a little note here, only because I am so proud of it. I read and reviewed Elizabeth's first book in the series, Phantom Lives: Collier and she was gracious enough to use my review on the back cover of her book. She is not only an awesome author, but an awesome and beautiful person.

I give Phantom Lives Book Two: Power five stars *****

Reviewed by
Nora Chipley Barteau
Reviewers Helping Authors
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/
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About Author Elizabeth Loraine *taken from author's site*

Hmmm. I've always been creative, art, music, decorating; all life long passions. I married my high school sweetheart a talented General Building Contractor and raised a son and a daughter who are very   creative in their own rights. I've worked in the business world, became a decorative painter and longed for   an outlet for my other artistic talents.

I have been a lifelong fiction fan, and for years I knew I was supposed to write a book; I just didn't know about what. I did, however, envision characters that were strong , independent young women as heroines.

Since I was very young I have been fascinated by vampires from Dracula to the present day. Although I love all the books where the settings are high schools and the characters are young, I always wanted to   know more. What had they done in the centuries before? Where had they been? What had they seen  and lived? I wanted to fill in their time line, their history. From that curiosity, those questions, is where  these books come from. These long lived vampires have hundreds of years of history and I plan to  chronicle that. So, start here with Katrina, enjoy the vampire past and look forward to the vampire future.

Fangfully,

E. Loraine

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Other Works Elizabeth is Known For:

RHA Presents The Demon Side by Heaven Liegh Eldeen

2012-02-12T09:50:00.000-06:00

When World’s Collide:

Every kid has problems. Every kid has even more problems when they move to a new home. But when a kid with problems moves to a new home that has a Demon living inside it—look out!
Etta’s world is about to spin out of control when she encounters her new roommate—and Rahovart, that ancient trickster, is in for a few surprises too. So don’t mind all the crashing and rumbling; that’s just the normal noise Angels and Demons make when they’re fighting an epic war in the attic.
One thing’s for sure: Etta and Rahovart will have to go through Hell to Heaven and back again before that old Victorian home in Quantico Town finally quiets down…

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About the Author

Heaven started her writing career two years ago after being challenged by a relative to write something different than the barrage of vampire novels on the market. With her ‘Oh, Yes I can!’ attitude, determination and support from her family, she completed her first novel The Demon Side, releasing this October. When she’s not kissing owies, climbing Mount Dishmore, or obsessing over her Facebook book page, you can find her at the computer revising or editing one of her five works in progress. Still clean, sober, unaffiliated, and happily married, eleven years later, Heaven reflects on her past, using her experiences to inspire her writings. Having lived in many states, she has now settled down in California with her husband, her son and a betta fish named Barry.

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My Review

The Demon Side
by
Heaven Liegh Eldeen

What do a teenager, father, drunk step-mother and a demon called Rahovart all have in common? They all live in the same house. Etta had her issues, and her father had her on medications for those issues. He couldn't come to grips that Etta was actually seeing demons, and the step-mother, just thought Etta was crazy. Etta had no one else to turn to, since her mom died and the only mother figure she had in her life was an alcoholic and could have cared less about Etta. That was until Rahovart came into her life. As a demon, the last thing he wanted to do was fall in love with a human! As a fallen angel there was no hope that Rahovart could ever be anything but a demon. Or was there?

I thoroughly enjoyed this short read by Heaven. She takes the reader on a journey from earth to hell and from hell to heaven. She puts you in the shoes of Etta, a teenage girl whose only issues were the people and demons around her. If not for all the drama, she would probably be deemed 'normal'. Heaven used a great deal of imagination and creativity so the reader can visualize and place the themselves in the story. I am very curious to see where part two of the series, The Human Side, takes me.

The Demon Side is written in a way that it can be read by all ages. It's a fun book to read and has a tremendous twist on unconditional love.

I loved The Demon Side by Heaven Liegh Eldeen and give it five stars *****

Reviewed by
Nora Chipley Barteau
Reviewers Helping Authors
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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RHA Presents Angels of the Night: Discovery by Paula Kennedy

2012-02-07T13:45:00.000-06:00

Allison Webber is tired of looking over her shoulder. Stalked by shadows her entire life, she embraces the invitation to join a secret society hiding the existence of vampires. Things heat up quickly in this all male cult when she catches the eyes of two sexy vampire twins, Thane and Darcy Wallace. Amid steamy encounters with the identical twins competing for her attention, Allison learns her mission is to aid a select group of vampires, the Angels of the Night, as they hunt and destroy the females of their species. Completely taken with the brothers and her new role, she fails to see that one of the twins has been using her. Allison must delve deep within herself for the courage to save the brother she loves and destroy the one who betrayed her.

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Angels of the Night: Discovery Trailer:

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About the author Paula Kennedy taken from Champagne Books

Angels of the Night: Discovery is Paula's debut novel and the first in a series of books for young adults.

Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie Ontario, Paula has a B.A. in psychology, a B. Ed. in the primary, junior, intermediate and senior divisions, and a vivid imagination. She spent her early years listening to the stories of her father, a well-loved high school teacher and creating tales of adventure for her two younger sisters.

She is a wife and mother to three beautiful children.

"I am a mother, a wife, a teacher and a writer. Life does not get any better than this!"

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My Review

Angels of the Night: Discovery
by
Paula Kennedy

Bravo, bravo, bravo! It is going to be hard for me to put into words what I think about this book! As soon as I was finished reading it, I emailed Paula right away asking if she had book two done, praying that she did. She said no, but it's in the works. I felt deflated but there was nothing I could do about it.

As most of you know, my favorite character is the Vampire, I am so in love with them! Each time a author sends me one to read, I open it without much expectation of what they did with the Vampire in their book. I like to be surprised. A lot of them are 'typical' of the beautiful creature but once in awhile I come across a few that totally put new twists on them. That is what Paula did, she put an absolutely beautiful, imaginative, spectacular twist on this sometimes misunderstood creature that I adore so much. And when I find an author who takes my creature and really works hard at not making it 'atypical', I am so pleasantly pleased and excited!

Angels of the Night kept me captivated from page one, and with each page thereafter. I loved walking in Ally's shoes, feeling each emotion, each desire, each disappointment and so on. I have to say, out of all the books I have read on the Vampire, they have never been portrayed in this fashion and I found it refreshing.

I could tell you a bit about the book, but you can read that on the author's web home, and in other reviews. For me, by the time I got to the last chapter of the book, and I saw how it was going, I was so afraid and held my breath because I was praying that what I wanted to happen, happened BEFORE the last page appeared. When it clearly came apparent that it wasn't I actually was talking to myself and I couldn't get to the email fast enough to get a hold of Paula! She told me she would let me review book two, my heart was elated but I was also so disheartened because I felt I had to know where Ally was going next, and what she would have to do in order to follow her heart.

Paula Kennedy has shown wonderful imagination, creativity, and insight in Angels of the Night. I applaud her taking that extra step into making my creature of the night her own by using her own definition of how they should come across to the reader. It is very unique and it breathed life into what sometimes can come across as a cliche when talking about the Vampire.

I highly recommend this book to all audiences, no matter the genre. I without hesitation give it five stars *****

Reviewed by
Nora Chipley Barteau
Reviewers Helping Authors
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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Contact/ Buy The Book

Buy Angels of the Night:

Angels of the Night: Discovery is now available at the following sites:

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Angels-Night-Discovery-ebook/dp/B005FMB6XS

Champagne Books:

http://champagnebooks.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=490

Contact the Author:

E-mail: thanesangelofthenight@hotmail.com

Blog: thanesangelofthenight@blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Paula-Kennedy/100000597026834

RHA Presents Darkness Falls Hunted by Trista Jaszczak

2012-02-01T20:04:00.000-06:00

Five years ago, the love of Randi Marshall‘s life disappeared without so much as a phone call or even a letter. Ever since, she’s forced herself to forget the past and move on though moving on means suffering with nightmares night after night, dreams with a torturous vampire who hunts her in her thoughts. Things can’t seem to get much worse until Xavier Brighton walks into her life. As Randi falls head over heels for him, she doesn’t realize her world will be turned upside down again. Could a dark family secret rip them apart? Or could Xavier’s own secret be something Randi can‘t forgive?

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About the author taken from her site

Who exactly am I?

To answer that question, I am Trista Jaszczak. Jazz for short, otherwise, it’s pronounced, Jazz-ick. (Easier said that it looks.) I am 26 years-old, living in North Dakota. I am from Hamilton, Ohio, but I do call home where ever the Air Force sends our family. That said, I am an Air Force wife.

I started writing when I was much younger. I had no idea at the time that my great love for writing would become one of my greatest passions. I had no idea that a simple idea for a high school story would ever be taken this far. My mind had always ran wild with ideas that I love seeing on paper. I’d scribble them anywhere I could; including napkins, post it notes, anywhere I could to store it for later. If you’ve poked around this blog you’ll know that the 6 book Darkness Falls series is not my only writing adventure. I’ve been trying my hand at romance, thrillers, any little thought my mind can come up with.

I also take great care in creating each of my characters. I make them each special. Each different. From Randi and Xavier in the Darkness Falls series. To River and Ally in Deliciously Wicked. You will never see two of the same characters from me. I also take no ideas from anyone. My writing is all my own.

It has been asked before, but I currently do not have a pen name. Anything written by me will have my full name. Either Trista Jaszczak or Trista L. Jaszczak. Though to answer another question, I will probably never write under a pen name.

I am loving the fact that more and more questions are coming in. As I’ve said before, never hesitate to contact me. I’ll make sure you get the answers you want.

Until next time, happy reading!

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My Review

Darkness Falls

Hunted

By
Trista Jaszezak

Thank you Trista for introducing me to the world of Xavier and Randi.
Randi, who was fifteen, met the love of her life, her soul mate on a beach when he fumbled a frisbee. It was a whirlwind romance that lasted five years. On their five year anniversary, he just disappeared. No note, no phone call, no explanation, no trace. Randi was devastated and spent the next five years forgetting his name, what he looked like, smelled like, and felt like in her arms. She was crushed. She felt she would never find another man like 'whatever his name was'. Oh, she had a date here and there with a guy named Jack, but she just couldn't click with him, because he wasn't 'HIM'. Jack was not so easily dissuaded though.

Just when Randi thought love would never touch her life again, walked in Xavier. He was gorgeous with piercing blue eyes and it was an instant attraction. It just felt right.
Everything felt right again, UNTIL the unthinkable happened. Things that only happen in nightmares, and story books, not in real life. And it wasn't just one thing that jumped out of what should have been in tales and not in reality, it was one horror after another, so much it almost caused her to have a melt down.

Be prepared to take a roller coaster ride in Darkness Falls. You are going to think you have it all figured out, when WHAM, it smacks you down! You are living Randi's life through her eyes and the authors extraordinary imagination. Once started, I could not put this book down and I was not disappointed in it, and can't wait to read the second one. I will let you know you are going to be dealing with the paranormal and some very dark family secrets along with a unbelievable secret from Xavier. All leading up to a almost unbearable decision Xavier will be faced with in order to keep his Randi.

If you choose one book a year or a month to read, I highly recommend Darkness Falls! You will, like me, not wanting it to end and crave more from this wonderful author.

I give Darkness Falls (Hunted) by Trista Jaszczak a five star rating *****

Reviewed by
Nora Chipley Barteau
Reviewers Helping Authors
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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Darkness Falls: Hunted, teaser

I walked in the obscure, deserted alley way. A small flickering beam of light lay ahead, though it didn’t matter how much I could see, I still made my way further down the road. My eyes scanned my surroundings, but I could only see the light ahead as it fluttered. Everything else was blanketed in pitch black. The air was warm as it whipped around my face and through my shoulder-length hair, but my body felt a sudden chill. I rubbed my arms slowly, in hopes the shivers would go away completely. I inched forward, continuing my journey in the darkness. The warm winds continued to whisk around me as I made my way past a flickering street light and straight into the darkness. The humming noise it was creating began to slowly fade behind me as a familiar scent wafted up to my nose. This was a scent I knew but could not identify.

Then it hit me. Uneasiness hit my stomach, butterflies began fluttering madly as I squinted to see past the darkness. My legs refused to move as I stopped dead in my tracks. I waited and closed my eyes tightly. I knew it was coming. The long pause of emptiness made the tension grow thick. I waited and held my breath. Then I felt it, the warm breath on the back of my neck and then the hand that crept around, touching my cheek. My heart began to pound, as my body shook involuntarily. It was him. It was always him. He always found me.

“I could feel you,” He purred into my ear. “I could feel you coming.”

I breathed deeply as I fought tears that made my eyes sting. “What do you want?” I stammered.

“Oh, precious, you know what I want.” He hissed into my ear, his hands sliding to my neck, “You are so precious,” His hands slipped down to my hips, feeling, wandering. “So beautiful.”

“Please,” I paused, as tears made their way down my face. “Please don’t hurt me.” I stammered, afraid to move.

He slowly tilted my head back and exposed my neck. “Oh, you know I would never hurt you,” he muttered. “You are far too precious to me,” he murmured, holding my neck in place.

My body went into a state of sheer panic. Each breath I took came on quicker than the last. My muscles tensed, causing an aching sensation in my legs. I could feel his breath on my neck. Warm, and, above all, unsettling. I shuddered. His sharp white fangs began to drop, shimmering in the complete darkness as he began to near my unprotected neck. I opened my mouth to scream, but to my own horror, no sound came out.

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Mapping the series

Book I Darkness Falls: Hunted – From Randi’s point of view. The first book in the series. (Currently in the publishing process.)

Book II Darkness Falls: The Thirst – From Randi’s point of view. Once another mysterious vampire sets foot into her and Xavier’s happy life, they set out on an adventure that could easily rip them apart.

Book III Darkness Falls: Secrets and Lies – Again from Randi’s point of view. She tries to patch up the mistakes in her life. But, another secret could stand in her way.

Book IV Darkness Falls: (Subtitle undetermined) – Xavier’s point of view. You really meet Xavier, get to know him as he tries to fix the biggest mistake of his life.

Book V Darkness Falls: (Subtitle undetermined) - Xavier’s point of view. Not only fighting for his own survival, but fighting for the protection of Randi. But, could it be, there’s something he hasn’t been completely truthful with?

Book VI Darkness Falls: (Subtitle undetermined) - Again from Xavier’s point of view. See the end of it all from Xavier’s eyes as he and Randi fight the biggest fight of them all.

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The material for Darkness Falls: Hunted is:

RHA Presents Here, there and back by Paul Bradford

2012-01-26T23:38:00.003-06:00

Before we give a warm welcome to 2012, I would like to share with you a sampling of my travels around the world in 2011 with the release of my second book: Here, there and back again... During my education I studied photography at an advanced level. However,I have found that as technology has advanced, cameras have gotten so much better, so much so that its now a simple case of point and shoot. Although I believe that there's still a skill to photography, the way the photographer see things, the framing of the image the exposure and so on I remember the days when I would expose my own film and print my photos in a dark room. How time has changed! I consider myself lucky, as it is luck that has led me to some of the most amazing experiences of my life. Thank you so much for your continued support. I hope you enjoy my second publication as much as my first.

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About the Author Paul Bradford taken from his site*

Paul Bradford, born and raised in Britain, Paul’s interests in the Paranormal unlike many didn’t come from any personal experiences but in fact from his love of Science Fiction, such shows as Dr Who, Stargate and the X Files have lead to some of Paul’s own Ghostly Inventions, inventions that he has spent the past 3 years bringing to the paranormal community. Paul passion for the paranormal has lead him to develop and create a number of different tools used now by paranormal groups all over the world. Paul says “my aim is to bring affordable equipment to the paranormal community”.

Paul also runs his own team out of Arizona, Sonoran Paranormal Investigations, Inc. as well as runs his own research and development site dedicated to the tech side of the Ghost Hunting. When not hunting ghosts, Paul spends as much time as possible with his family and has a keen interest in Art, Photography and Engineering.

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So Who is Paul Bradford?

So who actually is Paul Bradford? Some will no doubt know Bradford as a friend, the self confessed geek or the science fiction buff with a very particular penchant for Dr. Who. A TARDIS builder (and yes....he did, if your wondering). Or is he a world weary traveler, seemingly always on the move, different countries, cities and towns. Every location bringing new opportunities to someone who likes to document his surroundings. Both on the surface and beneath. A photographer perhaps? A collector of information from the past? In more ways than one it seems.........

The vast majority of us know Bradford as the level headed, super-cool Tech guy on Sy-Fy channels hit spook show Ghost Hunters International. Using and building all sorts of gadgets and gizmos to catch a ghost or two is all in a days work for Paul and the slightly unconventional, but very workable team of investigators around him. But what happens behind the scenes? Are we actually any closer?

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My Review:

Here, there, and back again ....
by
Paul Bradford

On the outside Paul Bradford appears to be just a 'ghost hunter' for Ghost Hunter International, a Syfy series (which I never miss). One would never suspect that under all of that ghost hunting gear was a man that has the talent and ability to take what is offered to him during his travels and turn it into some of the most beautful, breathtaking, and yes a little eerie, photography I have seen. I guess for me I can appreciate it more than the average person who will pick up his book because I have always wanted to be a photographer, but life had other plans for me. So, instead of standing behind the lens snapping photos, I am on the other side admiring others work.

Most people are not fortunate enough to enjoy the beauty of what the world has to offer. 'We' have to depend on others to take us around the globe, to show us what mother nature is truly all about through photography. I feel not just anyone can be a photographer. You have to have not only the talent behind the camera, but the passion and love for what you see through it. And I feel Paul has all of that and more.

When you travel from Cahal Pech, San Ignacio to New Zealand and all of the places in between, take the time to really look at the pictures. Look at the detail and admire it for what it really is. If you just glance at each photo and just thumb through it like it was some magazine you pick up at a doctor's office, you will not do it justice. You have to examine each photo and see what Paul saw when he snapped it. I was able to see that the rust covered metal in a few of the pictures, told a story as important as the beautiful jungles did. I was haunted by the ruins that, like Paul said, the jungle had reclaimed. I was impressed by the means in which he transform a 'typical' cave into a hauntingly piece of art.

Take a walk around the world with Paul in his newest book Here, there and back again. Let him show you the way the world and mother nature are suppose to be seen and admired. Each time you open this book and look at the photos, you see something in them you hadn't seen before. Each one telling it's own story. Some areas that have probably never been seen before by man until now.

I highly recommend this book and I give it five stars. *****

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
Reviewers Helping Authors
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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Other Works by Paul Bradford

Email: creepyhollowghg@gmail.com

http://www.syfy.com/ghi

http://www.creepyhollowgear.com

http://mywishyouwerehere.com

RHA Presents I Am I by David Knight

2012-01-25T10:05:00.001-06:00

I am I: The In-Dweller of your Heart is a stepping stone for all who embark upon their own quest for ‘Spiritual' education and guidance. Even if you are comfortable with your own faith and religion, it can help you to explore new interpretations and issues on a personal or global scale.

The author David Knight has received and transcribed these passages of text in a process known as ‘Inner Dictation'. He describes this as writing from within the connection of his heart where peace, bliss, love and light reign supreme.

God's wisdom and teachings are laid out before you so you can simply choose and read whenever or whatever your heart needs or desires. I am I entrusts that you will dip your toes into these guidelines, principles and simple directions, then dive headfirst into the waters of your own Divine essence.

These books will form the threads of life's new tapestry, each spun into 52 lessons from, to and through our own hearts and souls. They are like a father, mother, brother, sister, husband, wife, partner or personal friend who knows you better than you can ever know ‘yourself'.

Part 1 is a companion for life which does not judge, condemn or scold, but hopes to encourage, guide, console, teach and remind you of who and what you are, why you live and for what purpose too!

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Short extracts from some of the Lessons.

I know you all, the countless billions upon many worlds and civilizations throughout all time and in all places. No distance, no separation and no amount of time can detract or take any one of you away from me. I am the breath that you inhale and I am your heart that beats and pumps your life's energy in all the bodies that you have possessed in the past, present and if required the future too.

Likewise, you're mental, emotional and physical and astral bodies flow within and from me and travel to me also. Your current journey you call this lifetime is but a click of a finger, and passes through the eons of time almost unnoticed. Some would say and reflect that perhaps it means that they have gone by without achievement or recognition of any kind however I do not mean this.

Imagine for a moment a grain of sand on a beach, minute and almost invisible to the naked eye. This may be true but cup your hands together and you will find millions of grains that flow through your finger tips. Each one is alone but not alone, for together they are whole.

By being ‘together' then much is achieved. Results may not be shown in your physical world but in essence combined hearts with unconditional love achieve great and wonderful things. Some aren't seen or heard but acts of compassion and kindness reverberate beyond physical walls. They cascade like water over rocks wearing away hardened attitudes and stubborn ‘character' to lift and heal many deep within. These are the true achievements that people in society should give back to society.

So, the life that has manifested itself with your karma and inherited action may appear long and fruitful in its bodily cloth that you wear but beauty is, was and always will be a minute part of your Soul's history.

As your physical body becomes tired and worn due to its impermanent state the time will come when it can no longer function. As your Spirit drifts into light, ‘recognition' will befall those who have not believed or remembered that they are all things. Upon their recall of this understanding, the mind will know all that they have ever been. The energy spiraling with coherent intellect and wisdom of many a lifetimes cause and effect will imprint upon the Soul and they will then realize their goal and their true destiny.

I explain this because so many still do not comprehend the light that they are. Earthbound days of work, rest and play fill seemingly your every waking minute and this leaves little time for contemplation, peace and stillness.

The life you have can be a happy one even in the most dire of situations and courses of events that your karma (or of those around you) bring to interact with you. Do not be frightened or live a life of fear. Instead rise above negativity and anguish and therefore instill and share your love and goodwill.

The expression 'opposites attract' is only true of the physical impermanent world in which your embodiment resides at this time.I ask you, do you trust yourself? Do you trust in how you feel and think? Do you know your intuition and those ‘gut' feelings? If you do, then place yourself not only in trust of your ‘self' but also in me, then you have acknowledged the unbreakable bond that connects us all.

With trust there is no fear. Having no fear brings you peace. In peace you find bliss. In bliss your permanent true self shines like a supernova with magical stardust spiraling and spinning in all directions. These earthly words do not and cannot do justice to such beauty.Opportunities throughout your lives will come and go. I ask you 'all' to grasp those that ring true and resonate within you.

When tasks are embarked upon in truth, with truth and by truth then nothing is impossible to be achieved. Only the limits that an individual proposes to themselves can prevent the ultimate goal of Ascension being attained. By trusting in all that you truly are, you can reach far beyond the stars. Limits and boundaries are falsely erected by insecurities of an illusionary mind. Push these aside with the love that is you. Trust me to give and help you with what you need and require and not in what you want and desire.

As I have described on many occasions to you, you do not need to travel far from your home or disappear deep into a forest to discover me. To find me is not difficult for I am already within and outside of you, for I am all things.I am the stars at night shinning light through the darkness, I am every leaf and rock. I am Earth, fire, water and air. I am the wind that brushes against your face. I am the peace and tranquility you crave. All these I am and in truth, you are too. No separation,or division but oneness in all.

People's thoughts of doubt and despair still linger both on the Earth plane and on numerous vibration levels of energy. "How can I believe? What proof can you provide for me? Why do you let so many suffer in pain or anguish?" So many hearts ache or break and I see them and I feel them, for I know them all.

In whatever circumstances you find yourselves in, try to be content. I do not mean that you should not strive to achieve your aims and wishes but rather be satisfied with who and what you are in all areas of mind, body and Soul. These seem separate, but yet are whole and each have an important impact and effect upon each other.

The mind can be a true friend or can lead you up the ‘garden path' to illusion and the confusion that we have discussed many times before. Do you let your senses control you, or do you control your senses? Your thoughts often betray you and disguise the truth that is but a breath or heart beat away. In realizing this you can put into place positive processes to quell your sensual desires and of what you ‘think' you want and need. Being positive helps breed greater positive sources of information and guidance to reach those who firstly reach out for themselves. Help and love is there for all if the body, Soul and mind work in unison to truly ‘see' it.

The body is impermanent and is dying the moment the physical is ‘reborn'. This is why it is important to look after it, for it will aid and help you to achieve so much in your lives. Do not ever think that if your body is not what others call ‘complete' that you're any less a person or in truth a being of light and love in the eyes of my heart. Everyone is whole to me and your history and karma playing out has no bearing in whether you deserve to achieve your goal or not. That said, people can do crazy things for crazy reasons and again, choices that are made at any point in your life, you must be accountable for.

Regarding the Soul, a long time ago it was written that those that those who were evil would always be held accountable and that as a punishment, could even lose their ‘Souls memories' as a way of discipline and lesson to be learned. If I were to say to you I could not do such things, would some think me weak or unable to intervene in any way shape or form? Right now though, you must think about this on a lesser scale.For instance, such as a teacher who controls their pupils with detention or if a parent berates their child for misdemeanors carried out.

First and foremost, understand that I am ‘pure' love and light and freewill was granted not by any governing power other than that of whom and what you (and I) already are. For this reason, all your reaction to action, your cause to the effect can be nothing more than this.So in fact, your Soul shines as bright as a billion suns or instead as a dim light being covered by a blanket of hate and doubt. To remove such impediments simply tug or pull them away as quickly as you can, just as if you were removing a thorn from your foot or finger. Relief from anguish and pain will be instantaneous like morphine had been administered to you. In turn, your life will become free of false desires that bind and hold you within the pretense of embodiment. Your self-realization and your goal ahead will be lit, a shinning glory that you can wear like a crown, majestic and brilliant reflecting within and without all the love you truly behold.

The ‘goal' as I have stated is always sought ‘within'. First and foremost it is the only way. You will not find it in any other human being, as every embodiment, no matter how loving, how peaceful or beautiful they are, they all have their own karma to balance and life and road to follow.

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About the Author

David was born into physical embodiment on the earth plane in July 1964. He is married to Caroline, and lives with their adopted cats Toby, Treacle, Pixie and Spiky in rural Northamptonshire in the UK.

Having experienced his parents divorce at a very early age, his childhood was gratefully still a happy one. The family was bought up upon and also hold onto their Christian values (which was not always easy as a teenager and making a way in the world). In growing up he describes himself as a Mr ‘Average' and a Joe ‘Bloggs'. Whilst working in various types of employment which ranged from factory work, HM Forces, Financial Services and self employment his search for fulfillment changed form the exterior and without, to the interior - the ‘within'.

Spiritual ‘education' gained greater momentum and at the age of 21, a more urgent sense of dedication as well as a new realization had started to reveal itself. New evidence of and from God, with his Love and Light Hierarchy, were soon revealed to him through his life experiences. These showed that we are indeed all special and that our Souls have been given a unique opportunity in this lifetime.

With the aid of Spirit guides and beings of the ethereal planes the first book Pathway, was published in 1998. This laid the foundation for anyone who wished to develop and experience their heart's flame of love and light.

Almost immediately, Book 2 was being collated with and from Divine Guidance Deliverance of Love, Light and Truth became the 2nd gift that he now shares with you.

In early 2011, Book 3 - I am I: The In-dweller of our Hearts will be ready for publication. Its text is simple, pure and amazingly profound. It is written through inner dictation from the heart- for all hearts to feel and share the love 'within'.

In your busy lives of work, family and responsibilities, the author states:

"It is your birthright to know your goal, your freedom and your very reason for living and being. You are everything and everything is you. God is you and you are God. Fulfill your true potential."

Hobbies include DIY, animals and nature, spending time with family and friends and PS3 online gaming
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My Review of I Am I:

I am I
by
David Knight

I have yet to review a book of poetry or religion, or religious poetry. That is until author David Knight crossed my desk.

I have always loved God and have tried my best to walk with Him, but at times, I found myself a few steps ahead of Him, while He trailed behind me. I tried living life the way 'I' thought best suited me and that maybe I knew what was better for 'me'. Looking back now, I see that in order to do that, I had to close my eyes to what my heart and soul was telling me was right and wrong. I didn't look too far into myself, or I would come to the realization, that in fact, what 'I' was doing, was NOT in His will.

I have read the Bible from front to back like a lot of people have. I however cannot quote passages like a lot of people that have studied it. I feel after reading David's book, I have missed 'the meat' of the word that feeds and sustains a person's soul. Reading his book opened up a whole new side to my spiritual self. I feel it opened my eyes and allowed me to experience the goodness of the heavens, God, spirit, and the soul. It was like the missing ingredients in a recipe, without them it was incomplete, tasteless, useless. So, I took a spoon and added the missing ingredients to my heart, mind and soul and it made me feel like I was a whole person. A person that God meant for me to be. I was able to look at things in a whole new perspective which made my walk in sync with His.

If we walk day after day in the same way without change, we become stale. We just accept what is, and not what can be. We say our prayers, sometimes just out of habit or, oh let's just admit it, just out of habit. We get up and go to church on Sunday because, it's habit. We sit on the pews watching the Pastor's mouth moving, but in our minds we're thinking about what we are going to have for lunch after church. So, instead of getting fed for the week, we walk away as empty as we were when we walked in the door. I feel David's book 'I am I' can be used as a daily devotional, a lesson to be read before we go to work or to school. A lesson to be read before we lay our heads down at night. God is just a word or a thought away. This book digs deep deep into the soul and plants wonderful seeds that will grow beautiful fruits of the Spirit.

David is a very talented author who is passionate about what he writes. He comes across as a very loving, caring and dedicated person, and it all shines through his words in 'I am I'. Your soul and heart will never be the same, nor will you look at things the same way when you are finished with the book. You will be compelled to read it over and over again, each time finding a new morsel of joy. The love and compassion jump off of each page and envelope your heart, mind, and soul. It makes you feel warm and wanted inside. It helps you to understand the questions you may have had before you opened it.

I could go on and on about this wonderful book, but I want you to experience the great things it holds for yourself.

I give 'I am I' by David Knight five stars *****

Reviewed by
Nora Chipley Barteau
Reviewers Helping Authors
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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The Works by David Knight:

RHA Presents Borrowed Heart by Linda Lamberson

2012-01-18T12:21:00.002-06:00

Synopsis:
Evie Sanders is pretty good at heeding that gnawing feeling she gets when trouble rears its head—or at least she used to be. Things change when she meets Quinn Harrison one morning after class. Evie would never do anything intentionally to hurt her long-distance boyfriend or jeopardize their relationship, but she finds it increasingly difficult to resist Quinn. Just when things can’t seem to get any more complicated, Evie is involved in a fatal car accident. Yet, her death marks a new beginning—and her new existence as an immortal. It’s not long before Evie and Quinn’s paths cross again, and she finds herself trying to walk a fine line between bending the rules she must now obey and breaking them.
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About the Author Linda Lamberson taken from her site*

I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and moved to the city after graduating from Indiana University in Bloomington. I attended graduate school at The University of Chicago, where I received my Masters degree in Social Service Administration and then my Juris Doctor degree. Thereafter, I worked as an intellectual property attorney at the law firm of McDermott, Will and Emery until I decided to stay home to spend more time with my husband and two young children.
I was inspired to write this story while on a flight home from Boston. My neighboring passenger mentioned he’d just been involved in a car accident, and his account reminded me of a car accident I’d been in while a freshman at IU—an accident I was lucky enough to walk away from unscathed, much to my surprise and to the shock of witnesses to the collision.
Flashing back to that night when I was a freshman led me to ask the question—What if? …What if I hadn’t survived the accident? Would that have been the end of my story? What if it didn’t have to be? Evie Sanders was born out of that basic premise, and so was her story, BORROWED HEART. Since then, I’ve written the second and third installments of the Evie Sanders series, which I also plan to publish.
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My Review:

Borrowed Heart
by
Linda Lamberson

Eve, or as her friends called her, Evie, didn't know that the morning she woke up late for one of her classes, not taking the time to take notice of what she was going to wear, only throwing something on off of the floor, that her life was pre-destined. Nor would she heed the warning from the physic.
When Quinn first asked Eve for her notes on class, little did he know that his life would never be the same and that his too was pre-destined.

Take a journey of love, betrayal, jealousy, pain, tears, and heartache in Borrowed Heart. It is a very strong love story that defines what the word 'soul-mate' means. It also gives us glimpses into the heavens and puts questions into our minds, could this really happen after death? It's not so much about what happens after death as it is about how far love and a heart can reach.

I found myself reading this book in no time because it was such a page turner and I was so filled with the emotions the people in the book were going through, I couldn't put it down because I had to know what was going to happen to them in the decisions they were making. Close to the end, I just closed my eyes and told myself that no, this can't end like this, please let this last chapter, last few pages turn out differently. It didn't exactly end the way I wanted, but the author has allowed the reader to get a peek at the next book in Evie's life and I have my fingers crossed!!! Things just have to work out the way I want it to.

Borrowed heart is one of those books you NEVER want to end, you want it to go on and on. I guess the author knows this and that is why she is putting us out of our misery by making it a series. *smile* Thank you!!

I highly recommend Borrowed Heart by Linda Lamberson! It totally touched my heart and tearing it out at the same time. It is a roller coaster of emotions and I LOVED IT.

I give Borrowed Heart five stars *****

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
Reviewers Helping Authors
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

RHA Presents Night Glimmer by Stephen Weagraff

2012-01-14T10:20:00.003-06:00

The covens are at war. They wage a deadly battle over one small relic, an artifact of immense power shaped by the most powerful witch in history. Seeing the artifact in a vision and desperate to find it before his ancient dark enemies, Marcus Croft moves his coven to San Francisco to continue the search. But the battle follows them there and the whole coven is pulled into the conflict including Marcus’ adopted son Aidan. Born both a witch and a vampire, he is the coven’s most powerful warrior destroying any of the dark witches or their vampire servants he finds. Sworn to protect humans, Aidan is torn between his indifference to them and his guilt over killing his own kind; lost to anything but the thrill of the hunt. All of this changes when he meets Tess, a young college student. As their relationship grows, Aidan finds that his undeveloped powers of witchcraft begin to manifest. But events spin out of control when Tess is almost killed by an agent of the dark coven. To save her, Aidan must reveal his true nature. As the attacks increase, he and Tess find themselves caught up in a desperate search across two continents for the elusive artifact. Guided by a spell bound set of clues, they must pass a deadly series of tests to prove they are worthy of the artifact. The two covens collide in a final battle and Aidan discovers he must make a terrible decision that could destroy them both.

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About the Author

The world generally astonishes me and sometimes I even write about it.
I love fiction especially supernatural fantasy and science fiction. I've been reading these genres for years. I believe the most engaging and innovative work is to be found here.
In my work, I strive to write cutting edge content with believable characters even those with a supernatural slant.
My hope is that you have as much fun reading my stories as I do writing them!
For those interested, my academic training was in philosophy and the classics. I've also spent years designing and writing software but fiction is a lot more fun.

This biography was provided by the author or their representative.

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My Review

Night Glimmer
by
Stephen Weagraff

Aiden walked through life as a vampire with no hopes or dreams and not giving a thought about humans. He couldn't figure out why he should even care enough about them to protect them or not to drink from them. As far as his life was concerned, he just existed. He walked around dressed in black clothes, and on the inside was just as dark. His family had become concerned for him because they never seen him happy nor smile. Until one day when he laid eyes upon HER.

He was fascinated by her, but was too shy to go up to her and introduce himself, so being a vampire, he was able to eavesdrop on a conversation she was having after class with her girlfriends. Her name was Tess. And Tess thought he was cute, but she was going to trick him into not only helping her with a class project but to help her in other areas of her school work. Little did she know Aiden already knew what she was up to, so it was no surprise to him. Nor did either of them know this was the beginning of a romance between a human and a vampire mixed in with a little 'Indiana Jones' danger.

I found Night Glimmer very entertaining with a little bit of romance, suspense, drama, adventure and laughs. I loved putting myself into the story and experiencing all of the emotions and adventures the characters were getting themselves into. This is not just a vampire story, but there is a twist, you have vampires and witches co-cohabiting as a family. There is also another twist I have no come upon reading about vampire families, a vampire that was also a witch.These ingredients make for a wonderful story with Indiana Jones like adventures.

I recommend Night Glimmer highly and you will find it fun to read, and a great page turner. I had it finished in just a few days. I cannot wait to read more from author Stephen Weagraff.

I give Night Glimmer five stars *****

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

RHA Presents Cold Cold Heart by Viviane Brentanos

2012-01-06T17:40:00.000-06:00

Who is Daniel Hayes? Why does a man who has everything - fame, fortune and the world at his feet feel so empty? What is his interest in Rachel Warner, a girl from a quiet Home Counties English town? Why does she hold the key to his happiness? Daniel Haynes is the man we have all dreamed of; the pop star we all wanted to marry when we were 16 but he only has eyes for Rachel.

Rachel Warner - Why does Daniel's interest in her threaten her ordered yet unsatisfying life? Why does she have to live with the shadow of her ex-father-in-law breathing over her shoulder?

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About Author Viviane Brentanos

I was born in Reading UK in 1958. My father is English and my mother is French although there is a strong vein of Spanish on my maternal grandmother's side. I was educated at various schools before completing Sixth Form College at St Peter's Huntingdon. I somehow managed to collect A levels in English, French and History and I subsequently won a place at Sheffield University where I decided to read Classical Civilization. Once there, however, I decided that I had had enough of the academic life; I found the student mentality rather false and having been brought up in student circles, rather boring.
Much to my mother's horror, I gave up my studies and went to London to begin a course as a Canine Beautician. In 1984, my first husband and I parted ways amicably and I decided to visit the Ionian island of Corfu to celebrate my new freedom. It proved to be a life-changing decision. I still remember to this day, sitting in a café-bar, overlooking the crystal clear azure sea and saying to my friend. "I never want to leave here". And here, I still am. I am now married again, to a Greek, Alexander {not the Great}, and I have two teenage children, 2 dogs and 4 cats and I absolutely love the life-style here. I would recommend it to anyone.
In 2005,I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer - for the SECOND time in 5 years. It is when you are faced with your own mortality that one begins to put one's life into perspective. Thankfully, God was yet again on my side and I am now in full remission. But I decided that there was more to me than being a mother {although, I hasten to add, it is a worthy assignment.} I decided to finally get my head down and do what I'd always promised myself; I was going to finish a novel. I have been writing romance since my early teens, mostly for my own satisfaction and for my friends but now I really want to work at it. Writing has become my passion. I have always been a "Romantic", often accused of not living in the real world but who wants to do that? I like to call my work Romance with a quirky, humorous Brit twist and I am always striving to make my characters real, characters we can all relate to.
I still fly back to the UK at least twice a year - especially if Darren Hayes {my other passion} is performing but I have to say that my heart is now in Greece. I suppose with so much Mediterranean blood flowing through my veins, I didn't stand a chance against this magical Island. The imaginary island of Kuros, featured in my new release Dreamweek has been inspired by my beloved Corfu and I hope it will inspire you all to visit.

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My Review

Cold Cold Heart
by
Viviane Brentanos

It's always a joy and experience when I have the opportunity to read a book from a author I have not been acquainted with, because it's uncharted territory and I never know what to expect.
Cold Cold Heart has a mixture of a lot of different elements that make a book a great page turner. This one happens to be about Daniel who has been in love with the same woman his entire life. As a matter of fact, since he was in grade school, because of one heroic act on her part. To Rachael it was just helping someone out, never giving it another thought. But for Daniel, it changed his life forever.
Take the journey of a undying, unconditional love that stands the test of time. This book offers the reader drama, betrayal, anger, disappointment, all the good ingredients for an awesome book. The author had a way to bring the reader into the story so they can experience the feelings and emotions the characters were going through. I found it to be a beautiful love story but I have to admit, I was waiting for the other ball to drop and find out that maybe, just maybe Daniel was waiting for Rachael to actually fall in love with him just to maybe laugh in her face for what he felt she did wrong to him?

I am not going to tell you anymore about this book. It is a book that holds a few surprises that need to be found by the reader to make it enjoyable. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a great love story with a touch of eroticism .

Does it have a happy ending? Well, you have to find that out for yourself. Read it, study it, think about the words, and see if you can predict what Daniel's motives are with Rachael, if any.

I give Cold Cold Heart give 5 stars *****

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

RHA Presents Demon Vampire by Virgil Allen Moore

2011-12-27T16:13:00.000-06:00

Demon Vampire is an epic paranormal dark mystery that is intended for mature audiences. The vampires within are visceral. They do not sparkle, they do not brood. They are human monsters in the very sense of the words. Demon Vampire is written with a poetic mastery that is felt in every word. It draws you in from the first sentence and never lets go.

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About the Author Virgil Allen Moore taken from the author's personal site*

My name is Virgil Allen Moore. I write the epic paranormal dark fiction novel Demon Vampire. I have been writing for more than sixteen years about fantasy, vampires, poetry, and love. Please comment, Subscribe, and Enjoy the blog, It's Free.
I began as a poet. Later, I turned to fiction. My voice carries presence in my pen as I write. It is a talent that I have used well in constructing my novel. My platform is visual aesthetics mixed with powerful character driven writing. My myths teach visceral morality in a palette that is captivating and fulfilling to readers. My type of vampire is above the fold as related to today's popular image. It is my vision that those who remember the era of Anne Rice will see my epic as the answer to the mundane vampire that has propagated in the ebb of recent social tide. There has never been vampires like mine. I have created a powerful, elegant, sophisticated type of vampires that have seeded desires and emotional ties to the world around them. The Demon Vampires in my world reincarnate every three hundred years into the body of a host vampire. However, in Demon Vampire the book, one has descended upon a vampeal. Read my blog and enjoy. Comment, Subscribe, If you enjoy vampires, you will be enthralled by mine.

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My Interview With Virgil

Whereare you from?
Gainesville,FL originally. I have moved more times than I am willing to admit tomyself. Some awful number over 27 roughly. When I was younger, Iactually attended four different high schools in four years.

Tellus your latest news?
Ihave a book signing on December 10^th,it will be my first as a published author. I am immensely excited and eerily confident about it's outcome. I believe it will do well tocarry my brand of vampire to all those over saturated by the Twilightcraze.

Whenand why did you begin writing?
WhenI was in 7^thgrade, I was introduced to poetry for the first time and was able towrite my own. Later that year I received two Editor's Choice Awardsfor my poems. I went on to get more praise and I enjoyed it. Yearslater I found too that I submitted poetry very young and wanted a newchallenge. So I turned to story crafting. In the begining, I foundgreat difficulty writing in such a profoundly different way. Withtime, I fashioned a few ideas and told them to friends. They lovedthem, so I carried on with writing more. I came up with over 16separate folders filled with story concepts. I found I was able tomeld my poetic styling with the verbose nature of standard literaturein a way that was both pleasing and elegant to a reader.

Whendid you first consider yourself a writer?
Ithought it was when I had just finished writing the 242,000+ words inDemon Vampire. Then I realized it was honestly the day after Icompleted the four month editing process of the book. It was only atthat point did I consider myself a writer.

Whatinspired you to write your first book?
Anirritation. I discovered certain issues I had while reading themajority of popular vampire novels out today, and thought of exactlywhy I found them unsatisfying. That yearning scorned my desire towrite my first book. I took everything that I saw vampires as, andwrote the story I wanted to read.

Doyou have a specific writing style?
Visceralpoetry entwined within moral prose. I write morality into the heartof my stories. Not the good or bad, but the good and better – thebad and worse. If I can present the reader with a choice that iscomplex and not easily answered, then I have written a wonderfultale.

Howdid you come up with the title?
DemonVampire was the simplest expression of the core of the story. It toldthe just of the two main elements I wanted to convey – vampires andthe higher, more monstrous aspect of demons as vampires. I wanted toportray a creature that even they would fear.

Isthere a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Thatright and wrong are subjective. If offered the choice of power foryour soul, most people would automatically deny it. However, with thecomplications of the world as they are, temptation holds it's sway.If the choice was incremental, the decision doesn't remain as clearas it once was. It's altruism becomes muddled in the action of theexecution. We end up thinking, “What's a memory for strength?” Or“What's a small personality trait for a few extra years of healthylife?” Choices aren't as simple as we'd all believe them to be whenindividually confronted with them.

Howmuch of the book is realistic?
Istudied quite a few medical texts books to come up with what I did.For a vampire, I'd have to say it's highly realistic to what thehuman body is supposed to withstand. When it came to the allimportant question of the metaphysical or scientific vampire, Idecisively chose science in the physical and kindly borrowed from themeta when coming up with the abilities of each of my vampires. In theside novel, Special Science Report 1192 (or SSR 1192 for short), Iactually list the medical charts of most of my vampires. I took real laboratory values and came up with what my vampires would have if themwere as I wrote them. I have everything from cardiac flow, to the PHof the blood and even their blood pressure. Everything is listed andeverything is explained in a way that makes real world sense.

Areexperiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Theexperiences from the book are wildly fictional, but hold some truthto my own life. The main character, Zack is a proxy for myself atthat age. Except that the emotional strife I waded through was doneto him physically in the book.

Whatbooks have most influenced your life most?
Dante'sInferno, Rumble Fish, and Interview with the Vampire. Dante's Infernoshowed me the pain one can endure in life and beyond. Rumble Fishdisplayed a sense of personal justice that I had never seen before.Finally, Interview with the Vampire exalted the vampire in my mindto a level of awe. Something that I would later emulate in mywriting.

Ifyou had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
StephenKing for showing me that the simple task of picking up a glass anddrinking from it can be laid out in such a way that it makes thereader want to turn the page. And in the course of doing so, spendfour pages on that same task.

Whatbook are you reading now?
Ijust finished reading Juice: Revolution by Michael Clutton. Hereminds me of Michael Crichton in his blunt humor and sharp wit. It'sa good read.

Arethere any new authors that have grasped your interest?

MichaelClutton and Amy Mah. Clutton for what I said a moment ago, and Mahfor her outlandish attention to the oddest and truly over the topdetails that make up the daily life of a vampire.

Whatare your current projects?
I'mcurrently working on Demon Vampire: Redgold, which is the second bookin the main series. I just finished SSR 1192 last month, and I willbe starting on another side novel entitled Demon Vampire: The ElderRitual in a few months. It will encompass the time the main demonvampire, Salas, had when he was not in the main character Zack fromthe present day storyline.

Nameone entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
It'snot a a single person, more like a gaggle of people. Those whodisliked my work. I'd have to say in the nicest way imaginable thattheir input did affect my writing, if only to prove theirobservations were astoundingly inaccurate.

Doyou see writing as a career?
Askme that in a year, or after a million in ebook sales, which evercomes first. If the book does as well as it has been, all I have todo is keep telling everyone about it. As long as that happens, I canhappily say yes.

Ifyou had to do it all over again, would you change anything in yourlatest book?
No,there were only a few changes to begin with. I didn't have to cutmuch, and all I really needed to do was alter the opening scene. I'dsay that I am confident in the current presentation of the book.

Doyou recall how your interest in writing originated?
Istarted off thinking I would be an artist when I grew up. I alwayshad great vision to come up with the most creative things. The onlyproblem was that one day I hit a wall with my skills. After that, Iwasn't able to keep up with others my age. At that point I decided towrite what I wanted to paint, draw, or invision. Soon those writingsturned into entire stories, and later the book I have now.

Canyou share a little of your current work with us?
“Sosweet was the wet rain flowing through the throat of life. Kissingthe sky, a nimble tongue tithed over a sharp tooth. He was esurient.The demon inside dripped with excitement. Wet senses, tense thoughtsplayed in his mind. He leaned in. Her neck was warm, tender, readyfor penetration. This will be his first.”

Thoseare the first words of the 500 page epic paranormal dark mystery thatis Demon Vampire. And it gets better from there.

Isthere anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Iused to write in first person. When I switched to third, I foundmyself reverting back to first on occasion. Thankful I have kickedthat habit, at least most of it.

Whois your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you abouttheir work?
I'dhave to say it's a cross between Michael Crichton and Anne Rice. Iknow how odd that might sound, but it's due to their respectivefields. Rice because of her elegance in how it relates to her narrative, and Crighton in how amazingly blunt he can be to drive hispoint home to readers.

Doyou have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
Thankfully,no. There needs to be a real following for Demon Vampire before I canjustify the time to set up long distance events and signings. If inthe next year, the book is offered international rights, or a movieoption, then that will most assuredly change.

Whodesigned the covers?
LeosNg Okita did a great job on my wrap around cover. She is an amazingartist that I was able to find on DeviantArt.com. She was the mostprofessional and responsive artist I contacted and landed the job byexceeding my hopes in every way. I plan to commission her for DemonVampire: Redgold as well.

Whatwas the hardest part of writing your book?
Thetime. It took 347 days to write. Just eight days shy of a year.Beyond that, the editing was equally as daunting.

Didyou learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Thatif you spend a great deal of time writing, you will get better at it.Over the year the book was being written, I came back to thebeginning and was able to see things I hadn't when I started. I ended up rewriting the entire opening scene for that fact alone.

Doyou have any advice for other writers?

Keepwriting. The best asset you have is the total number of words youhave written and the total number of keystrokes it takes to writethem. Demon Vampire was 242,947 words long. It came to over 1.7million keystrokes in the end. A number that boggled everyone I told.Keep writing and you will be amazed at what you are able to do.

Doyou have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Ifyou have every felt alienated by an author for compromising theircore story, do not weep. I have felt your woes and tribulations as areader. Those experiences have shaped my writing and taught me tonever betray the trust I have built with my fans and the relationshipthey have with my characters. I will always deliver a complexmorality that when you are finished reading, will compel you todelve into again. Honestly, If you enjoy vampires, you will beenthralled by mine.

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On a note about my review with author Virgil Allen Moore, he was a delight to talk with and I must say strictly in my opinion, He Looks The Part! Not only does his writings show his passion for the Vampire but so does his appearance! I just love it! *smile*goosebumps*

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After examining the evidence I have put before you with these pictures taken from Mr. Moore's site, please do not forget to read my review. I think you will find it.....let's say, the off beaten path for me. *smile*

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And now to my Review of Demon Vampire by Virgil Allen Moore

Demon Vampire
by
Virgil Allen Moore

Ok, this can't be 'a typical' review because I am unable to remove myself OUT of the book. It has totally sucked me into it's realm! It's like walking into a dream where you do not trust your senses because you do not know what is around the mist coming up off the ground. Dreams that feel so real you can feel the pain, taste the pleasures it has to offer and the darkness we all have inside of us. You see someone in the distance that seems familiar, maybe the way they walk, or the tilt of their head, and you feel just a little bit 'safer', but can you be sure they are truly who they appear to be? What power do we actually have control of in our dreams, what can we actually do? Is it possible to transport power from a dream into the realm of the living? Ask yourself, are you awake right now, or are you dreaming?

Demon Vampire has totally blown me away! Virgil has made me look at vampires in a whole new light in which I have welcomed! I have read and reviewed A LOT of books, and to give credit where it is due, they were all five stars in my eyes because I do not judge an author who writes about my favorite character lightly. But what Virgil has done should be no threat to the tone other authors write about the Vampire. Virgil is truly unique with such a unprecedented imagination that I feel has limitless power. He takes you into the deepest, darkest heart of a Vampire and allows you to experience their hopes, dreams, wishes. Oh, you didn't know Vampires have those like humans do? It's not always about the cloak and blood. There are dark dark secrets that only the elite are to know, there is a hunger for power and vengeance beyond belief. It tears and rends the soul to get it's point across to you, the reader. Do you dare take the invitation it has to offer you? Do you dare take the hand offered to you, to meet the Demon Vampire?

In my review I have given very little information about characters, plot line, etc. I feel looking at other reviews, this has been done. I wanted to write a view from the very depths of my soul and imagination and what 'I' felt about it. I am still feeling it, and I do not know if I will ever recover or realize I have completed the book and am safe in my chair, typing you this review.

I give Demon Vampire by Virgil Allen Moore five stars *****

*Note: Thank you Virgil for allowing me to take this voyage into your mind.

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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Cassius: Blood Rights by Heather Anne Lambert

2011-12-02T12:38:00.001-06:00

Hot… Intense… ACTION!
It’s Toronto’s night-time playground, and Cassius, a two thousand year-old vampire, is on the hunt for dinner. His meals of choice are murderers, sex offenders, child abductors, and anyone who really pisses him off. In this burgeoning metropolis of almost 6 million people, Cassius is sure to find enough variety to satisfy his deadly palate.

What he doesn’t count on is meeting Harmony, a beautiful female vampire who was turned against her will. When he takes her under his dark wing, Cassius finds himself embroiled in an all out war with Harmony’s maker, Sebastian—and in a struggle to protect his heart. Meanwhile, Cass’s meal-of-the-moment, the Valentine Killer, stays just beyond his reach.

From the steamy dissipation of downtown Toronto to the fiery hell of Hamilton’s steel refineries, a chase with high collateral damage ensues. Will Harmony survive? Will Cassius finally risk his heart for love? Will Vic the Valentine Killer’s rampage of death and terror ever be brought to an end?

Cassius: Blood Rights takes you on a dark and dangerous thrill ride that answers more questions than you dare to ask.
**********
My Review

Cassius: Blood Rights
by
Heather Anne Lambert

I have not read any work by author Heather Anne Lambert and this is a great place to start!! Cassius: Blood Rights, which now I know is a series, which also means I hope to have the pleasure in reading and reviewing all to follow! This book showed amazing talent in keeping me, the reader, on the edge of my seat! Cassius is such a lovable character, you can't but fall in love with him! I got so engrossed in his life, I was trying to give him advice!!!

Cassius was such a lonely vampire, trying to love human women, and then turning them to be like he was only to find out it could not be done. After turning his beloveds, their vampire instincts took over and Cassius's heart was forever broken. So, he decided to wander the earth, killing only humans who harmed others and gave up on love. That was until he saw 'her'. Yes, Harmony walked into his life, and things would never be the same for the ancient, lonely vampire. She would bring love into his life but she would also bring an unwanted nemesis, Sebastian, into his otherwise repetitious life. Sebastian believes Harmony belongs to him and will do whatever it takes to make it so. But Cassius had other problems besides the domineering egomaniac vampire Sebastian and the fragile Harmony to contend with. Oh, if only that was 'all' he had to deal with! There's a thorn in his side that just won't go away and his name is Victor! And Victor is another whole new set or trouble! But I will leave that for you to find out for yourself. You will be like me and not know how Cassius is ever going to be really happy. Almost having total bliss at his fingertips, only to have it yanked away again in total defeat, dismay and heartache. Oh, and I almost forgot......there's Liz?

Author Heather Anne Lambert I find to be a brilliant author with a very vivid, wonderful imagination who has done a great service to the beloved vampire world we all love and cherish!! I do not say those words lightly because I do not take my favorite character, the 'Vampire' lightly.

I give Cassius: Blood Rights five stars *****

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/
*********
About the author Heather Anne Lambert

Heather Anne Lambert is a freelance writer of books, short stories, articles and copy for media and public relations. She is winner of the 2011 Canadian Federation of University Women writing competition. Her articles and short stories have been published in a number of hardcopy and online publications. Six of Heather Anne’s short stories are featured in the Aurora Writers Group anthologies, Aurora Storyalis II, and Aurora Storyalis III.

In collaborated with local artists, Heather Anne was instrumental in creating an environmental art book. All proceeds from Oak Ridges Moraine; Connecting with Nature went to environmental organizations to preserve green space in Ontario. Oak Ridges Moraine; Connecting with Nature was the winner of the 2009 Moraine Hero Award.

Creator of a new vampire memoir series, “Cassius – Memoirs of a Vampire, Heather Anne is currently writing the grisly sequel to Cassius: Blood Rights. Look for Cassius: Blood of Whitechapel in 2012 or visit www.cassiusvampire.com for upcoming Cassius news and events.
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A treat from Cassius: Blood Rights

Except from Cassius: Blood Rights
Cass Meets Sebastian

We turned down a short side-street where I intended to pull a u-turn and go back to Bloor. I had just backed up and was preparing to turn when a man suddenly stood in front of the truck. He was tall and lean with long, black hair tied into a ponytail. His clothing was a very odd selection of 21st century made to capture an earlier era. They added sophistication to his unique style. His eyes fastened on mine. They were as coal-black as his hair, which made his pale skin even whiter. A wicked smiled curled the corners of his lips. He looked like a bully primed to take his frustration out on the first handy victim. He was obviously pissed. Harmony gasped.
‘Oh my God – it’s Sebastian! What is he doing here?’
Sebastian answered by grabbing the front of the truck and hoisting it in the air with one arm. Then he began shaking it, throwing Harmony and I around the cab like rag dolls. I grabbed the frame of the open window and pulled myself up and through it. The violent shaking continued as I flung myself out to the asphalt road, still warm under my shoes from the bright sun of the day.
I flashed to Sebastian and grabbed his wrist, squeezing until his hand began to shake. I am an old vampire – very old in the world of the undead – so any physical altercation with another vampire generally proves to be pretty easy pickings for me. Sebastian was strong, but no match for my physical power. Forcing his hand down, I guided the truck slowly to the road. Giving his wrist a final twist, I let go. Sebastian grabbed it with a grimace. Then he leaned in and roared loudly into my face. The force of the noise created a wind that plastered my blond curls back from my brow. I roared back and Sebastian found himself planted in the trunk of a tree across the street. I couldn’t help a smile of triumph – it just felt so good.
While Sebastian extricated himself from the bark of the tree, I checked the front suspension in the truck. It seemed to be okay. Then I turned to Sebastian, a snarl on my face. I waited to see what he would do next, but it appeared that the vampire was out of ideas. He bowed his head to me, acknowledging the strength and wisdom of an older vampire. At least he tried.
‘Sir, I don’t wish to trouble you, but the girl is mine. I changed her some months back and have been waiting for her to acknowledge that gift and come to me.’
I let something between a snarl and a smile touch my lips. Sebastian knew that if I decided to keep Harmony there wasn’t much he could do about it. Of course, there was the United Guild of Vampires to consider. We vampires are overwhelmingly hedonistic creatures that are far too involved in our own selfish pursuits to be terribly organized. However, a friend of mine – a vampire who was even more unique than me – had worked hard to ensure there was a governing structure for the vampire community. Laws were written and I could technically be called to appear before a Judicial Committee of the Guild if Sebastian decided to push things. But like I said – we’re generally monsters of the moment. Not much attention would be paid to this small matter. However, it was incredibly odd that Sebastian still waited for Harmony; that indicated considerable desire and capacity for focus on his part. I meant to staunch that immediately.
‘If you didn’t want trouble you should have kept your hands off of the truck, which happens to be mine. You probably did some front end damage. And the lady is not interested in having any contact with you, and certainly feels no need to thank you. You took something that did not belong to you and you are very lucky that I have been so lenient. I could have torn your head off! You’d best be on your way before I change my mind.’
Sebastian wasn’t keen on my advice and a snarl curled his lips back from sharp fangs, which grew and lengthened until they bit into the flesh of his lower lip.
‘I said that she is mine. I don’t wish trouble, but I also have no intention of leaving without the girl. I changed her, and under rule 37.1.9, subsection 2, of the Vampire Book of Law she now belongs to me – for at least five years. I have been most kind in giving her the freedom she required to adjust to her gift, but it was not required. Now, if you will sir, I want my property.’
Harmony was listening to the entire conversation from the cab of the truck and I noted how she fought the urge to help me. She sat bolt upright, impatient, and ready to jump out of the truck. However, I was definitely holding my own, and her ‘help’ may prove to be more of a problem. I prayed that she stayed put as I stood still, my jaw clenched tightly.
‘In my law book, no one owns another. Therefore, this woman belongs to no one and is free to go where she wants and do what she wants – none of which has anything to do with you. If you persist, I guarantee that you won’t care for the consequences. You are no match for me, so put away your fangs and leave. NOW!’
Sebastian hissed like a cat and circled me slowly. I sighed. He was apparently not bright enough to read the situation and do the smart thing. If I destroyed him, I may have to answer to the Guild. There would probably be little consequence, but I would prefer not to have to travel all the way to Britain to defend myself. However, I saw that there was going to be an altercation whether I wanted one or not. Sebastian’s judgment was clouded – if he was behaving rationally he would just walk away. As it was, I now had an unwanted fight and potential future complications to deal with. His eyes locked on mine. His voice was a hiss of malice.
‘I will take the girl with me tonight. I prefer to do it reasonably, but it will be done.’
I moved beyond the truck and into the dark street, facing my opponent, circling. I wished the fool would just leave, but that wasn’t likely to happen so I prepared to fight. Vampires are much closer to the pure instinct of animals than are humans, but still share certain characteristics, both behaviorally and chemically, that assists them in a fight or flight response. The chemicals that are released in stressful or emergency situations in the human brain are also released in the vampire brain, but the physical response is much more dramatic. Our superhuman strength and capacities for rapid, liquid movement make our physical altercations much more intense. I heard Harmony open the passenger side of the truck.
‘Stay in the truck Harmony – I’ve got this one.’
She hesitated, half way out of the truck, and I was about to shout to her to get inside when Sebastian struck. It was a hard and impossibly fast hit from the left, going for my throat. I blocked him and sent him hurtling through the branches of a tree one street over. A shower of leaves and branches fell, but before they hit the ground Sebastian had righted himself and leapt across the space in lighting speed, zeroing in on the posterior tibial artery at the back of my calf. His fangs got dangerously close to entering my flesh but I shook him off and grabbed him by the neck, bringing him within an inch of my face. My lips peeled back and my fangs gleamed in the moonlight. Something between a snarl and a growl grew loud on the quiet residential street. Some of the upper level lights in the surrounding houses were already lit due to the earlier noise. More joined them. There was no time to dally and enjoy the fight; people would be looking out their windows and calling the police soon.
My face began its own automatic transformation. My eyes grew large and the pupils a milky yellow. A long snout lengthened and flattened until my face resembled that of an enormous bat. Saliva dripped from long canine teeth and I opened my jaws to clamp them down on Sebastian’s bared carotid artery. He screamed, and the howl whipped down the dark street and through the trees.
‘Stop, STOP.’
I pulled back, looked into his face with interest. Then I spoke around the huge incisors that filled my mouth.
‘Stop? Why?’
Despite his obvious distaste at the thought of being dinner, there was still a snarl in Sebastian’s upper lip. He eyed me with insouciance, fighting to control his words.
‘Because… it is an insult of the worst kind for you to drink from me. Yes, we are fighting over the girl, but to drink from me? You go too far. If you like, we will consider the girl a gift, from me to you – but do unhand me.’
I appeared to consider this option, and then disregarded it as I growled into his face.
‘People, human or vampire, are not possessions to own or give away, and Harmony’s certainly not yours!’
It is a tremendous insult for one vampire to drink from another – but I intended to send a very strong message to this young creature – don’t ever challenge me. I brought Sebastian’s open throat to my mouth. My razor sharp incisors slid through his tender throat as his screams filled the night air. Vampires hate being bitten by other vampires. It’s both invasive and dangerous, for we have the capacity to drain the blood completely and to kill.
The carotid artery offered a thick stream of blood, albeit tepid vampire blood. Sebastian must have fed very recently or his blood would have been ice cold. I drank deeply for a minute or so as Sebastian’s life played out before my eyes: his birth in Mississippi in 1793, the large but poor farming family he was born into; his decision to leave his birthplace for Louisiana when he was fifteen years old, and his rebirth as a vampire on a dark New Orleans night when magnolia blossoms scented the sultry air and life lay before him like a dream. He’d experienced success in New Orleans through a business partner – the same one who cornered him outside the St. Louis Cemetery. Initially greeting Sebastian as a friend, his partner soon held him fast against the fence in a vampire death lock, and drank. After putting up a courageous fight, Sebastian weakly accepted that certain death awaited him. But death was not allowed. The fiend cut his arm and dripped the blood into Sebastian’s mouth, forcing him to drink.
That night, in the hot, fecund Louisiana air, Sebastian was reborn – along with rage that could not be calmed. His maker intended for Sebastian to join him, not just in business but as a companion in his dark and lonely world. As soon as he could, Sebastian exacted his revenge by killing his maker. But the anger he felt when he awoke and discovered what he was still thrived within him like a heavy, salubrious poison – always burning, forever spurring him forward to exact punishment on an unjust world.
And Harmony? She reminded him of the young and beautiful woman he’d loved back then. They were planning a spring wedding and had put money aside to buy a home. He loved her deeply, and the separation that was forced as a result of his maker’s actions filled him with aching hunger. He had watched from afar as his sweet young fiancé waited for him, confused and hurt by his disappearance. He thought of going to her and telling her what had happened to him, but knew he would be unable to control himself around her. In a fit of bloodlust he would attack and kill her and he would never forgive himself for that. He finally wrote her a letter telling her that he loved her, but could no longer be with her. He instructed her to move on with her life, and watched as she did that a year later by marrying the man who had been his best friend. That was his last and only unselfish act as a vampire.
The wounds of this experience still festered within Sebastian, and his determination to have Harmony was his pathetic attempt to recapture what he once had. It was an act he had repeated many times; whenever he discovered a human female who reminded him of his long ago love. However, the love had been replaced by control and ownership – a hording of young female vampires. None could satisfy his desire to recapture his hopeful human life, but this compulsion drove him to repeat this pathetic pattern again and again. He was intensely unhappy, and had ruined many lives over the years.
Characteristically, I felt sympathy pull at me – it was apparently my curse. However, the way Sebastian went about trying to fulfill his longing for a satisfying partner was all wrong. He should have at least been truthful to Harmony about his intentions, allowing her to make the ultimate decision.
All of this in a blink of an eye. I pulled away and threw him to the ground about a half block north. Sebastian got up; his tangled black hair half out of the ponytail, his clothing dusty and torn. The self-satisfied smile was gone from his face. Rage contorted his handsome features as he backed up the street. He was almost at the end when he addressed me once more.
‘I will be back for her, vampire – and I won’t be alone.’
A wind began to blow, churning up the hot air, blowing Sebastian’s black hair around his head, whipping up leaves and papers in a tornado gale that circled him. Then, in a swirl of dusty wind and city street debris, he was gone.

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Want more? Go get the book, it's awesome!!!

RHA Presents Inspiration From Above by Crystal Stockwell

2011-11-29T19:59:00.001-06:00

Inspiration From Above is a very very dear to my heart because it has been written by my daughter Crystal Stockwell.

Crystal was the surviving twin at birth. She has complications and has been in a wheelchair since she was four. Crystal depends on someone to do all things for her because she has CP. God did bless her with a very sound and clear mind, and normal speech. Crystal graduated in a normal school with her peers. Her poetry comes to her in the middle of the night or while she is just sitting around and someone writes it down for her until she can get to her computer to type it out.

Her window to the outside is the computer. Two dreams she has always had, one to be able to walk again and the other was to write a book. I thank Author BK Walker for helping her make this dream come true. I hope Crystal's poetry touches your heart and your life in the way it was meant to when she wrote it. God Bless.

**********

**********

My Review

Inspiration From Above
by
Crystal Stockwell
I have never had the chance to review a book of poetry until now. This book is not just any book of poetry, it is my daughter's first published book of inspirational poetry! I feel she was born with the ability to just write poetry and maybe to write books as well, we will see. I am hoping she will one day write a book on her very inspirational and sometimes traumatic life. I hope that my author friends will take it upon themselves to give this short read a chance and give her feedback.
I am in total awe of what are in what these pages hold, and I know when opened and read by others, it will touch their lives in some way needed at that time. It is an uplifting and spiritual/inspirational book. I do not feel it is totally spiritual but what are written in the pages are the words that were put into her soul and heart and I know this for a fact because I watched as this caterpillar became a butterfly.
I give Inspiration From Above five stars without hesitation *****
Reviewed by
Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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About the Author Crystal Stockwell from her own words

Crystal is a twenty-nine year old young
lady who has Cerebral Palsy.
She has been in a wheelchair since the age
of four. Although Crystal has had
her share of challenges in life, she has
always been a dreamer. Her biggest
dream is having the chance to share her
poetry with others. This book is
allowing her to do just that.
Crystal began writing poetry as a freshman
in High school. Through one
simple school assignment, she discovered
her talent for writing. Her first
poem, called Rainbow opened the door to
that talent. Crystal credits the
Lord for her gift of writing. She feels that
without him, this book would not
have been possible.
Inspiration From Above is a book of
inspirational poetry to lift the spirit
and calm the soul. Crystal hopes this book
will be a blessing to all who
read it, as it was to her to write it.

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RHA Presents As Blood Rages by Bitten Twice

2011-11-22T14:49:00.001-06:00

The blood has never held so much turmoil for Alexander, a 2000 year old vampire, Dark Warrior for the Peace Keeper, and head of a web hosting company.

Bred for strategy and war, Alex battles one unfamiliar fight - the fight for love. Has Lina chosen Light's Warrior over him? Will he lose her forever?

Caught in the midst of a power struggle between heaven and hell twists of fate divides all close to Alex. Many fight for their lives. Unlikely allies help him to keep his friends and family together.

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My Review of As Blood Rages

As Blood Rages
by
Bitten Twice

As Blood Rages is book two in the Macedo Ink Series. It seems like I just finished with the first one, anticipating the second one with baited breath because I could not wait to see where Bitten took the characters. I loved the first one because I felt like I was in the story itself, experiencing the same things they were. This impressed me immensely, and showed me the talent, imagination and brilliance of this author. She makes sure her work keeps the attention of the reader, so much so, it had me sitting on the edge of my seat and very hard to put down in order to get some rest!

As Blood Rages flows where Blood Moon left off, I am excited to see if there is going to be a third book?! Once again the love and passion runs deep and makes a great companion when all is quiet in the house and are cuddled up under the blankets in my bed. Each time I read a book with an author's interpretation of a male vampire, I find myself falling in love with the character or man behind the words...and Alexander is no different. Love stories involving the vampire can ,and usually are very intense and erotic. It allows me to be taken away into my imagination, shutting out the rest of the world....away from the problems life has to offer...into a world filled with mystery, suspense, love, anger, bitterness, passion, all the great things that make up a wonderful tale. But as the last chapter appears and I come to the final word of the book, I feel disappointed...........but only until I pick up the next one! *smile*

I did not give a lot away about Bitten's newest baby, As Blood Rages because I want you to be as spellbound and excited about the book as I was and am! Bitten Twice has never let me down on any work she has written, and As Blood Rages is no different. I HIGHLY recommend this book to not all paranormal/vampire lovers out there, but those of you who love a great suspenseful, intense love story as well.

I give As Blood Rages five stars *****

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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As Blood Rages is brought to you and sponsored by

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My Interview with Bitten Twice:

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Where are you from?
I’m a transient and as such I have been ‘from’ many places. The journey started in Georgetown, Guyana in South America and has pit stopped in several countries and numerous towns along the way.
Tell us your latest news?
I just came back from the Florida Writers Association’s tenth annual conference which was amazing. I met so many awesome author’s, agents, and publishers there. Phenomenal!
When and why did you begin writing?
I began writing when I was very young. I was given a journal to write in to document my day, but to be honest with you my days weren’t as exciting as when I used my imagination to enhance the days activities.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
In 2007, when I hammered out my first book, A Blood Moon.
What inspired you to write your first book?
The writer’s strike of 2007 was in its glory and I like many others was not happy with the disappearance of my vampire shows like Moonlight and BloodTies. I felt like I could create a viable product. Something in me just sparked and in two months I had a rough manuscript that I was calling A Blood Moon.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I write in Limited Omniscient POV.
How did you come up with the title?
For the first book, that was easy. A full moon is stereotyped to bring out the worst in people while a Blood Moon is thought to bring out the hunter. I felt it was a great foundation to begin my series with.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I usually write about love and conflict. In As Blood Rages, the underlying theme is built on the premise of a house of cards. If your love has a foundation like a house of cards, when circumstance presents itself as a façade that same love may not have the strength to survive due to a shaky foundation. Believe that those who love you would strive to never hurt you. Have that faith that each relationship is its own and you are the only commonality.
How much of the book is realistic?
Well the book is an Urban Fantasy so some of the settings are real, but all of the action and fun are surreal while some of them may be ‘for real!’
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
I think as a writer that you pull personality traits from people within your circle of influence. If I were to write something that only held my perspective or manner of reacting it may be gather quite a bit of edust. But people themselves are so much fun.
Have you ever sat in a mall and just watched the people go by?
It’s better than television. You’ve got drama, comedy, and more.
What books have most influenced your life most?
I would have to say the Bible is a great source of inspiration. I love the history and like any book when you’re writing it’s open to interpretation. I love books by vampire authors; known or unknown. I think its excellent to check out what’s hot and what’s new.
I actually grew up reading whatever I could get my hands on. Like the James Herriot books and one Kathleen Woodiwiss book “Shanna” that changed the way I looked at life forever. As a young headstrong girl myself, I now shaped the idea of the perfect man and what adventure looked like.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
I would love to be mentored by the late L.A. Banks. I love her books.
What book are you reading now?
I’m actually in between books right now, but my next one will be Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. That book has been recommended to three times, that’s a sign.
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I just read some J.R. Rain books and loved them, but I’m not sure he is a new author. I also like the Denise Verrico books and Jayde Scott’s novel. I also recently read “A Whisper of Lies” by Cherry-Ann Carew which was out of my genre but that had me up all night.
What are your current projects?
I’m just in the editing process of a compilation of short stories about Incubus and Succubus. These were inspired by a really great dream.
I’m also working on For Blood Money, the third in the Macedo Ink (vampire) series.
Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
Bertena Varney as an author and as President of Mystical Events has been an awesome support system for me. I must also mention Elizabeth Lorraine and the Florida Writer’s Association. I know you asked for one, but they are all up there as awesome resources for me.
Do you see writing as a career?
Writing is most definitely a business for me. It stopped being a hobby in 2007 when I got serious about it. I make sure that all in my circle understand that I write for a living and not for a dream.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I’m satisfied with the latest book. I think someone new could jump into it without leaving the existing readers feeling like it moved slowly. I’m loving the next one though. I think it’s difficult to be attached to the one when you are already enthralled by the next.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I would have to blame it on that childhood journal. Although I never really finished any of those daily short stories.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I teach time management and making sure that others respect your time. Sometimes it is difficult to turn down offers to have a good time and sit at the computer with the same focus.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
My favorite author is L.A. Banks. Her writing was intense, relatable, and vibrant.
Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
I love to travel and when I do, you can expect to hear something about the locale that I’ve been to in one book or the other. I love to explore new geography and culture.
Who designed the covers?
You can find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/GiiPsy/387411134504
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The editing of the book is always the most difficult for me.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Consistency produces.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Figure out what type of writer you want to be and then research and hone your craft.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you and I hope you enjoyed the experience.

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Trailer of As Blood Rages

The Morning Afterlife by Sonnet O'Dell

2011-11-17T13:15:00.001-06:00

If remembering could bring about the end of everything, would you still try?

Karrin wakes up on the side of the road with selective memory loss, she knows her name and age but nothing more about herself. She walks the highway back to a town to find all but a few people have disappeared and that there are strange but beautiful beings hunting them down. It seems to her that some great apocalyptic event happened but she just doesn't remember it.

Karrin however is in more danger than she realizes as someone in her new group of friends is more deadly to her than those hunting them down. When she finds one of them, a young man roughly her own age named Gabe injured, she goes against all she's been told and helps him. Gabe in return wants to help her, help her to remember. Karrin's memories, however, could put her in even more danger and bring an end to everything she now holds dear.

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My Review

The Morning Afterlife
by
Sonnet O'Dell

The Morning Afterlife takes you into a 'what if' reality. I felt I knew where the book was going pretty much after the first chapter but it had me in such a grip, I was excited to keep reading. Even if you think you know everything about what happens to a person during life, after life, or before, this book still puts the questions there and gives the reader something to ponder.

Sonnet shows her great talent in just a short period of time in this short novella. I was very impressed how she was able to hold my attention and put me into the story the way she did. I seemed to be able to feel everything Karrin was experiencing and so very intrigued about the world she had discovered as she walked from the trees into the city. What if there was a place or a reality like this, would there still be good and evil? Would there really be beings out there trying to help you or to harm you? To encourage you or to discourage you? To show you the light or to show you the darkness?
This book totally fascinated me and I was wanting more by the time I reached the ending. I felt like I read it in the blink of an eye. It may be a short story, but it packs a powerful punch in a small amount of time and it puts your brain, imagination, and even your spirituality, and the world as you know it, to the test. And makes you think, "do I really know everything there is to know about life and memories?"

Sonnet has done it again with her vivid imagination and her ability to keep the reader's attention and to push the buttons on our reality and what we believe.

Without pause or reservations, I give The Morning Afterlife five stars *****

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com

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About Sonnet the author taken from her site *

Sonnet was born at the John Radcliffe in Oxford and spent the first six years of her life living in the town of Abingdon close to both her grandparents and most of the rest of her family.

She moved after that to Cornwall for three years and then to Devon for another three before moving to where she has lived for the last fourteen or so years.

Sonnet now lives in Worcester, Worcestershire, famous for Lea & Perrin’s Sauce and as the site for the last battle of the Civil War.

Sonnet has had a passion for the written word from a very young age and enjoys nothing more than to read a good book. The world created by words.

Some of her favourite authors include Laurell. K. Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, Jim Butcher, Molly Harper and Rick Riordan.

Her own work tends to be worlds of Urban Fantasy, alternate reality and contains a heavy amount of magic, mystery and mythology.

Sonnet is a Leo, which is a creative Fire sign and often influences her in her works.

Sonnet likes:

Books, movies, comedy, music, anime, animals and anything that is so unbearably cute is make her want to squeal >_<

Sonnet dislikes:

Bullies, broccoli, haters, criminals and people who talk at the theatre

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Dark Moon by Maggie Tideswell

2011-11-17T09:29:00.001-06:00

What can be more exciting than a title change!

During the edit it became clear that the title Storm's Choice was too cutesy and sweet - and therefore misleading. Make no mistake, the story is romance, but there is more to it, as the cover announces boldly.
My editor from All Things That Matter Press asked me to think of something different/better. I went blank
In the end
Personally I have always felt that the title was all wrong - and lets face it, the title of the book has a very important job - to give the reader a one-word synopsis of what the book is about. In this case, yes, Storm has a choice to make, but that's not all.
There are elements of witchcraft in it - don't get me wrong, there aren't people running around waving wands about! Nor is it a textbook on the craft. Read it with an open mind!

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DARK MOON TRAILER

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MY REVIEW

Dark Moon
by
Maggie Tideswell

Wow what a love story! This book had me from the very first word! I have once again fallen in love with a character! You know the commercial 'shop for a diamond or a piece of beautiful jewelry at Jared's'? Well, the 'Jared' in this book is spelled Jarred but he's just as beautiful! If only these men actually existed in real life. *daydreaming* But I digress...

Maggie has done a brilliant work keeping the reader on the edge of their seats with the love triangle between Jarred, Trevor and Storm. There is a lot of mystery, magic, passion, frustration, suspense, sadness, loss and of course unconditional, undying love in Dark Moon. Maggie's book almost brought me to tears a few times, and I found myself saying, (out loud of course), " No way! Don't let that happen!" "Don't open the door!" "Oh, just face it you're in love with him. Give him a break! "Don't look him in the eyes!" Oh, and that doesn't compare to the things that were in my mind! I never wanted this book to end!

This is the first work I have read by Maggie, but not the last because after this review, she is sending me her next book to read and review!!! Oh, if Dark Moon is just a sample of her work, I just can't wait. Of course I haven't gotten over having to let Jarred go yet...wow what a hunk of a man!! Enough to give a woman some really good dreams. *wink*

I highly recommend this book and I give it without a hesitation five stars *****

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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About Maggie the Author *taken from author's site*

I write spooky, wacky. things-tah-go-bump-in-the-night kind of books. Follow me on twitter @LunaMags
http://maggiestorm.blogspot.com/
My first book, Dark Moon, has been released by All Things That Matter Press. It is available on amazon, barbs&noble and kalahari.net, in paperback, kindle, nook and gobii. See the cover in my pictures. In South Africa it will soon be on the shelves of Exclusive Books, CNA and other fine bookstores.

Broken Captive by BK Walker

2011-11-15T20:16:00.001-06:00

Jenna Mathews lived a life of pain. With an abusive mother and a father that doesn't have time, isolation swamps her. Pain envelops her daily and her only release...self mutilation. When Jeff Simon reaches out to her, showing her what love truly is, Jenna feels hope for the first time in her life. Hope falls short though when Jeff is tragically ripped from her life, and she turns back to doing the only thing that gives her an escape.

What the future has in store...is beyond what she could have ever fathomed.

A heartfelt, fictional short story pain, love and healing.

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My Review

Broken Captive
by
Bk Walker

Bk is not only a very talented author but my dear friend as well. She approached me wanting me to 'squeeze' in a short story she had written. As a friend, I told her I would always make time for her. And I am very glad I did.

Broken Captive did not feel like a 'story', it felt like reality. Cutting is a very real and serious issue with our young people these days. And yes, it even affects some adults. People do this because they usually have no other release for the whatever pain or issues they are going through at the time. In this book, Jenna had no father, and her mother was a drunk who slept around with any man who would have her and was physically abusive to her. Jenna felt she was an outcast with no real friends. Instead of just killing herself, she cut herself to release that awful feeling of hopelessness. That was her pattern until she met a boy named Jeff, who would profess his unconditional love to her and prove to her there is another way. He became her rock, her salvation. Until tragedy struck.

This book brought me to tears and made my heart skip a few beats. This is a book that stays with you because it is based on fact. Oh, the characters have been changed etc. but this is life. And if not taken care of, it will usually lead to suicide either by the cutting or just because they can't take it anymore. This book may have been a short read, but it hits the reader with a hard, powerful punch right in the gut and heart.

I recommend all parents read this, and after they have read it, give it to your child. I hope that a person who is going through this very real illness picks this book up, and let it make a difference in their life. I am very proud of my friend BK because she has made a difference.

I give this book without hesitation five stars *****

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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About BK the author

B.K. Walker is working as a Pediatric Home Care Nurse, and has had a love for reading and writing since she was a child. B.K. also runs several blogs, where she hosts author interviews and organizes virtual book tours for other authors, helping them to promote and market their work. She lives in Pennsylvania with her three children, a Pitbull named Rancid, a Dachshund named Sadie, a cat named Whiskers (aka Shitigan), and a goldfish named Albert.

Always willing to hear from her readers, she encourages everyone to join her mailing list or contact her directly by email.

bkwalkerbooks@comcast.net

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Coming Soon

Immortyl Kisses - Warrior Rising

This title is the first novel, revised from the Immortyl Kisses - The Collection Series. I am in the final editing stages.

Other Titles I'm currently working on:

High Heels & Handcuffs
To Love A Wolf
Night Secrets II - Corbin's Descent
Serpent Seekers

Roses in Winter by Leslie Stuart

2011-11-12T18:16:00.001-06:00

Forever isn't long enough... not for their love

“Come over here, Riley. We’re adults. Let’s talk.” But that burly furious man just stood there, as far away as humanly possible, for a full five minutes. She counted. She had become good at counting precious seconds.
“Talk?” He finally spat, “you left me Savannah! You walked away and never looked back! I didn’t exist anymore. Not to you! We have nothing to discuss!”
“I’m sorry. For everything. Really I am.”
Breathing slow and deep to keep from crying, she leaned weakly against the oak headboard that Riley had once lovingly hand carved with trailing ivy and their initials, underscored by the mantra they lived by since childhood:
"Forever Isn’t Long Enough"
Words he’d etched into her heart.
Four years older, Riley worked at Graystone afterschool and weekends since he was fourteen. Savannah was a pesky little heathen running wild; ignored by parents, and too high strung to politely play with guest children. She clattered and pestered, following Riley around, making his workload seem lighter.
That’s when it began. She was ten. He was fourteen. They fed horses and smiled. They raked leaves and laughed. They washed dishes and shared secrets.
In truth, romance blossomed years earlier. Their mothers were friends and when Riley first saw that tiny baby with lush dark chocolate hair, unique violet-blue eyes, and pouty rosebud lips, he boldly proclaimed that someday he would marry Savannah.
He meant it. Savannah only had one boyfriend. Riley. Ever. No other boys even tried.
She was claimed at birth. No man dared challenge Riley Rosemont for what was rightfully his. But he gave her plenty of time for innocence. Although they loved each other fiercely, Riley never even kissed her until the summer she turned fifteen. He was nineteen, becoming a man, but he wisely didn’t take things any further for another two years.
He was her first, in every way possible. Savannah liked to think she was his first, too. Riley was her truest friend. He always solemnly swore that someday, when they were old enough for adult commitments, she’d become Savannah Janine Rosemont.
It had a nice sound. Soothing. Hopeful. Like walking through a sun-drenched wildflower meadow with a gentle verdant breeze tenderly stirring the sublime scent of wild roses.
Mountains of roses. Red roses gleaming in the golden sunlight.
She loved Riley her entire life.
Then one day, Savannah just couldn’t anymore.

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My Review:

Roses in Winter
by
Leslie D. Stuart

I have fallen absolutely in love with this wonderful masterpiece by Leslie Stuart! Roses in Winter takes you on a journey between two people who were destined to be together since birth. The day Savannah was born, Riley knew he was going to marry her, being a few years older than her. Their journey is not an easy one, filled with love, passion, grief, anger, and inner soul turmoil each feeling blame for different things that have happened in their lives. But fate works in mysterious ways, and when all is said and done, fate and destiny usually win over all obstacles life can put in your path.

It was very hard to put this book down and I truly enjoyed putting myself into the story as a third person, standing in the shadows, just out of sight as their lives played out. I could feel the pain and anguish they dealt with in light of a tragedy they both had to live and deal with in their own way.

I hope to be able to read more work by Leslie and I highly recommend this book and give it five stars *****

Reviewed by
Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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About the author, taken from her site

I live in Tucson, Arizona with my husband, son, three spoiled cats, and a bird who likes to watch TV. I also have a step-son and step-daughter who live nearby and our family was recently blessed with a beautiful smiling granddaughter! :-)
I moved frequently as a child and saw amazing places. I've lived in Oregon, Montana, Minnesota, and several locations in Arizona. While married, we also lived in Monterey, California. (Loved it!!)
Many of my books are fictional twists of real places I've visited.
I LOVE ROSES :-)
I grow them, share them, and collect beautiful pictures. Our house is surrounded by 100+ rose bushes; all highly fragrant and thriving, in colors ranging from buttery yellow, delicate pink, vibrant orange, rare purple, and of course deep red.
When I'm not writing the Destiny Whispers Collection, I enjoy hiking in the mountains, exploring new places, and walking beside the sea.
My favorite beach is Silver Strand on Coronado Island, California. My favorite mountain is Mt. Hood in Oregon, and my favorite city is Boston.

I believe in the power of love. Love changes lives. People are not perfect. We make mistakes, choose unwisely, and we suffer the consequences. But real love picks us up when we are down, dusts us off, and set us on the right path again.
I am grateful to be married to a wonderful man; my best friend. We do everything together. We love to travel and explore new places together. We share so many beautiful memories. Even ordinary days feel special when spent with someone who knows you by heart. After 13+ years of marriage, we are closer now than I ever dreamed possible!
Love is a gift that I truly cherish.
I began writing the Destiny Whispers Collection after developing the autoimmune disease, Lupus. What a life changer! Fortunately, I'm in remission now and I live a fairly normal life. (No more suntans for me! LOL)
Your health is a gift we often taken for granted. Every day I take handfuls of vitamins, faithfully take my prescriptions, and focus on staying positive and strong. Lupus was awful, so painful, mentally and physically debilitating. But as I gained control over the symptoms, I gained new emotional clarity. I saw life differently.
Lupus changed me as a person. I am a better woman today, because I was forced to stop and re-evaluate life. I discovered how strong my spirit can be. I learned humility and gratitude, appreciation for little joys, and discovered first-hand that my attitude makes all the difference. I can make today beautiful, or awful.
I choose to make this moment beautiful :-)
Life deserves and exclamation point!!! (Yeah, I know... not proper literary form...) But <!!!> I think proper is for my book pages and :-) & !!! is for REALITY.

The Boogedyman by A. P. Miller

2011-11-08T22:42:00.003-06:00

"What if the Boogeyman was real?" Plagued by horrific boogeyman nightmares since childhood, Murray Thompson is deathly afraid of the things that he thinks "go bump in the night". The one thing that keeps him grounded is his psychiatrist of many years, Dr. Rosen. With regular visits since he was 11 years old, Murray feels progress should have been made already, but with his dreams becoming more intense and "real", he thinks something needs to be done. Going to see his family, Murray believes that this is the break he needs to keep sane. Feeling at home, and safe around his family, it works for a time. But when the nightmares start up again, he once more relies on Dr. Rosen for help. Once back, Dr. Rosen takes Murray on a journey to root out his longtime phobia and find out if there is cause for his fear or all in his mind.

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My Review

The Boogedyman
by A.P. Miller

I came across the opportunity to read and review The Boogedyman by A.P. Miller from a group in Facebook. I was told that this book is in several schools and libraries and I was grateful my review was wanted after offering it.

This book held my attention from page one and it was packed full of thrills, terror, and spine tingling suspense for a short read. I was a little disappointed when it ended. I do have to confess but I thought I had it figured out from Chapter One and I am very seldom wrong because I have a talent in predicting the ending to movies and books with little knowledge of them, usually just from the first chapter in a book to the first 30 mins of a movie. So, I was very pleased when I discovered I was in fact wrong about the ending.

This book although in schools, I don't think it would be for small children. The author showed brilliance in describing the inside of the mind of his character when allowed to be altered by medications. The wonderful imagination of A.P. Miller set the stage for the reader to be pulled into the story therefore feeling the sheer terror of madness. I was able to feel what characters were feeling and going through, and sometimes it was a bit frightening. I loved it!!!

I highly recommend this book and give it five stars *****

Reviewed by
Nora Chipley Barteau

http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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About the Author taken from their web site*

We are the writing team of AP Miller. We live in sunny and mostly warm Las Vegas, Nevada with our three dogs who are plotting for world domination, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Our writing is based on the belief that our readers' needs are of the utmost importance. We are committed to meeting those needs. Our readers are very important to us and we enjoy meeting and hearing from each and every one of you! We would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best books possible in the industry.

Patti has been a long time published author since 1989. Her very first trilogy, "Thief of Hearts" was published with a small press in NYC. The company was purchased by a larger one, and the series was forced to sit back on her shelf collecting dust. The series will make its debut shortly.She has a thirty year background in fiction and script writing, newspaper and magazine writing as well as publishing, which has enabled her and her husband to become the prolific bestselling authors they are today.

Andrew has been actively writing since he was twelve years old; and writing stories that are worth reading, instead of simply using for toilet paper, since he was nineteen. His beliefs about equality, libertarianism, and personal potential lend his works direction and endings that often quite differ from the formulas seen in most other literary works. He is a former editor with three now defunct e-book publishers.

He has studied and experienced a wide range of pursuits, ranging from courses in emergency medical procedures to several decades of training in martial arts styles from around the globe, to baking and sushi making. He is currently an amateur mui thai kick boxer hoping to go professional (in the ring or in the NHB cage, depending), and thinks boots were made for walking...unless they're high heeled boots worn by statuesque dommes.

Growing Up and Liking It by Dolores Ayotte

2011-11-05T11:04:00.004-05:00

Growing Up & Liking It

by
Dolores Ayotte

I find myself not being a huge fan of 'self help' books. Maybe for two reasons? One being maybe I think I have it all together and don't need any book telling me how I should I should feel or how I should be acting. Or maybe it's because I am afraid of what I might find behind the words someone else has written, that they may hit too close to home. But since I do not limit myself to just one particular genre, I agreed to read and review Growing Up & Liking It.

As I read, I found myself analyzing my inner self and the person I have allowed life to mold me into. The more I read, the more I realized just how much of the 'real' me was missing. For so many years I relied on people and circumstances dictate how I was to live my life. I was one of those that would pretty much say what I thought people wanted to hear in order to be accepted and liked. After a period of time I could feel the 'real' me go more and more into the shadows and the me whom society accepted becoming stronger and stronger.

I have been married and divorced 5 times, each time I thought 'this is the one' or 'this one is my soul mate'. Each time, I got a huge slap of reality and a broken heart. I felt in some of the marriages like a robot, just existing. I felt my life and the purpose for me being on earth was to be a mom, wife, maid and so on. I existed each day to make the kids happy, the spouse happy or the neighbors happy. I gave up on making 'me' happy any longer and kept in the shadows. I found myself becoming depressed and feel worthless. At one point I had to go see a Dr. because if I did not get some help with my nerves, I told him I felt like killing my family. Back then, you could say that and not be taken out by a swat team.
By reading Growing Up and Liking It, it made me redefine myself. I realized that I was guilty of gossiping in the past, some in the present but made me to realize not to do it in the future because of how it DOES affect people. In the long term, gossiping can mold and shape a person's way of thinking about themselves or of others. Words can be a lethal weapon that can cut a person to his or her core. Sometimes it can't be repaired. Just as bullying can cause people to think so low of themselves, they find the only escape for them is suicide or self inflected pain such as cutting.

I can go on and on about the lessons I have learned from this book but I will stop here. And to be honest, I haven't learned anything new, the old things have just "reawakened" and come to the surface. Things that have been hidden for protection deep down inside the 'self'. I plan on reading the first self help book she has written, and maybe I can rediscover myself in other ways as well.

I recommend this book very highly for those of you who have found that life has caused the 'real' you to be hidden away, safe behind a locked door. Read this book and others by her, and you will find she has the key to let them rejoin your life.
I give Growing Up and Liking It five stars *****

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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About the author taken from her site

Dolores holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in psychology as well as teacher certification in Manitoba, Canada. She has taken courses in human relations and communication.

Upon completion of the Education 1A program at the University of Manitoba, she became a primary school teacher. During her teaching career Dolores furthered her education by completing her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in psychology from the University of Winnipeg.

After leaving her teaching career, she became a bank employee for a major financial institution for a number of years. In her earlier years, she volunteered her time by teaching Christian education, tutoring, working in the school library, and belonging to the ladies church group.

Upon moving to Pine Falls, Manitoba due to her husband's career change, Dolores assisted at Wings of Power and worked on the womens auxiliary at the local hospital. She also served on the Hospital Foundation Board.

She is now retired and spends half the year with her husband in a retirement community in Arizona. For the remainder of the year, Dolores enjoys her children and grandchildren in Winnipeg, Manitoba where she was born and raised. She continues to learn from all the people who touch her life.

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Come back to see my review of Dolores's first book I'm Not Perfect and It's Okay.

Twenty Twisted Tales by R.B. Clague

2011-10-25T18:32:00.000-05:00

Twenty horrid tales that will leap from the page and twist their warped fingers around your mind!
**********
My Review:

Twenty Twisted Tales
by
R.B. Clague

This is the first short story that has come across my desk for read and review and I was a bit skeptical but as a critic, I never turn down a review no matter the genre or type. I found each story short with a slight 'twist' in the end. I find myself normally reading horror and paranormal with a lot of graphic horror and strong sexual content. That is why I found the first few stories a little bland for my tastes, but I did not judge. I will not give a review without first reading the 'full package'. I did find the first several quite amusing and food for thought. The one with the female author who wrote a vampire book which turned into a movie, it peeked my interest and I found it a bit amusing, even likable even though I pretty much seen what the ending would become.

In Effigy I was intrigued by it because of the magical quality of it, but in the end, I wondered to myself, before they did what they did, was the face removed from the effigy before being thrown into the water?? Food for thought and I guess you will have to find out for yourself. *grin*

Trapped, I had seen such scenarios in the movies but with this one I wanted it to go into a longer story, maybe what was donated, somehow he was to see life again, and ironically maybe his own family. Hoping this is not a spoiler, I am trying to be careful.

Heist was a very amusing story and I enjoyed it. Like the others, the only thing I dislike only a small bit is I can predict the outcome of each story. I can do the same thing with movies though, from years of watching them I guess. I can sit down to a movie and within the first 30 mins. I know how it is going to turn out. Yes, this takes the fun out of it, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy the movie or the book.

This book is a great and must have to sit around and get your fright on during Halloween! It is a book that can be enjoyed pretty much by anyone, with any genre. Do not misunderstand my review, it was not negative, I was merely putting in my points of view. This book is well written. The author has a great imagination and creative mind and I am honored to have been able to read and review Twenty Twisted Tales by R.B. Clague.

I recommend this book and give it four stars ****

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

**********

About the Author:

R.B. Clague

R.B Clague was born and raised in Melbourne, Victoria. He attended Heidelberg Technical School and studied social sciences at Monash University. R.B's employment in a variety of fields throughout his career has included Health Care, Child Protection, Forensic psychiatry, Juvenile Justice, Community Outreach and Youth Residential work with several non-Government Agencies.

R.B. spent seven years, employed in various states and Territories around Australia as a Probation and Parole Officer, including three years in Central Australia, where he worked with tribal Aboriginal people on remote desert communities.

R.B. currently resides in Grafton New South Wales, where he writes full-time.

R. B. enjoys

Writing, writing and more writing.

RHA Presents Sunrise at Sunset by Jaz Primo

2011-10-21T21:39:00.000-05:00

RHA proudly presents Sunrise at Sunset by Jaz Primo as part of the Romancing Your Dark Side paranormal book blog tour hosted by Book Reader Addicts and The Virtual Book Tour Cafe.

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Trade Paperback, 432 pages, ISBN: 978-0-9828613-0-1, Retail $13.95
eBook (Kindle, iBook, and ePub), ISBN: 978-0-9828613-1-8, Retail $4.99

Taken from the back cover:
“We vampires are focused and tend to shape our own realities.”

My name is Katrina Rawlings, and I am a vampire. I declare that with neither pride nor ego. I am simply nature’s most dangerous predator. On occasion, it’s a very valuable quality. It helped me protect Caleb Taylor one day when he was very young. But that single, traumatic day is behind him now; wiped from his memory, or so I hope.

Caleb has finally matured into a rather striking young man, and believe me, I like what I see. I’ll readily admit that there are issues for us to confront and overcome, though a sense of mutual commitment isn’t one of them. I’m feeling hopeful for our future together, in fact. But an adversary from my past has returned to haunt me, and she’s trying to get back at me through Caleb. That was her first...and last...mistake. I’ll protect my Caleb at all costs, and I’ll make her regret the day she was born.

So, I suppose that I’m not just a vampire. I’m about to become someone’s worst nightmare!

**********

My Review

Sunrise at Sunset

Jaz Primo

It was nice to come across yet another author who writes in my favorite genre, the paranormal, and uses my favorite character, the vampire. I was very intrigued with this book and it was easy to get into. I did find it a bit frustrating on two counts though. One, although as the reader the book does hint to a sexual relationship between Caleb and Katrina, but never goes into detail about the passion they share. The only clue they ever made love was that they held each other and cuddled afterward. I do not understand why the author did not enhance or go into depth about their sexual relationship, but it was a little disappointing especially when in almost every vampire book I have read, always shows the passion the vampire emits with his or her partner. So, I did find this disappointing. The other thing I found to be a little irritating was the fact throughout the entire book, I kept looking at Caleb like a small child. Katrina treated him throughout the whole book as 'the boss', 'the protector', 'the dictator' and more like a mother to him than a life mate. I know in the beginning when she first met Caleb he was a small boy who helped save her life, but even after she met him again as an adult, she continued to treat him as that small boy. That would have been a little more tolerable IF their love making would have gone into detail. And Caleb always allowed Katrina to treat him as such, except in certain areas of the book where he 'tried' to stand up for himself. To be honest, I wanted him to be turned so he could be a man, stand on his own feet and maybe Katrina would treat him like a man instead of a helpless child.

Now, with that all said. I loved the book. It had a great story behind it, and it was written well. The author shows a great deal of imagination and creativity and it kept my attention. I was pleased to see when I finished reading the book there is another one coming after it called A Bloody London Sunset. So, I hope the author will allow me to read and review it. Although Sunrise at Sunset disappointed me in two areas, I can't wait to find out where Jaz is going to take Caleb and Katrina next. Hopefully the author will open up a bit and allow the intimate part of their relationship to come forth and have Caleb grow a 'set'. *grin*

I give Sunrise at Sunset four stars ****

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

**********

About the author taken from his web site*

Hi, I'm Jaz.

I've been a fan of vampires, fantasy, and sci-fi forever, or at least for the small portion of forever that has constituted my life to this point. Nevertheless, in addition to reading, I love creative writing. That was a hobby that began when I was in elementary school, and which has been refined through many years of practice, as well as continued education through my Associates, Bachelors, and Masters degrees. So, it's a bit of a lifelong dream to both write and publish a novel. Sunrise at Sunset is the product of character and storyline development that has bounced around my imagination over the years, and was finally refined into a cogent, linear story. Fortunately, the characters and setting are so vivid and rich in my mind that I see a number of developments taking place in the future.

My life has been a satisfying blend of personal, professional, and educational experiences. I am very blessed to have the support of family, friends, and professional associates to encourage and share in my literary journey. Finally, I'm so very happy to have a presence on the Internet because it allows me to reach out to others with similar interests. And hopefully, it will allow me to reach out to my current and future fans, as well. For additional information about me, please check out the Jaz FAQ section.

Thanks for being part of my journey. I hope that you enjoy the ride as much as I already am!

**********

My Interview With Jaz

iResponses for Nora Barteau
"A Paranormal Lover's Point of View" Blog
For Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Romancing Your Dark Side Paranormal Blog Tour

Hi, Nora! Thanks so much for hosting an interview of me on your blog.

Where are you from?
I'm a native Oklahoman, and my wife and I currently reside in central Oklahoma.

Tell us your latest news?
Just this past week I was nominated for a position on the Paranormal Romance Guild Board of Directors for the 2011 - 2012 term. With a little luck, perhaps I'll be elected by the membership!

When and why did you begin writing?
I began writing as a child because I felt the need to express ideas and stories that were floating around in my imagination. In some respects, it was almost like keeping a journal of my imagination's developments. *chuckling*

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Ever since I wrote my first short story, I have considered myself a writer. However, I didn't consider myself an "author" until my first novel was published in October 2010.

What inspired you to write your first book?
The characters of Katrina and Caleb were so realistic and compelling in my imagination that they felt like real people or personalities. I simply felt that their story had to be told.

Do you have a specific writing style?
Thus far, I write in third person. Most of my paranormal romance peers seem to write in first-person, which I find intriguing, actually. I also like to reveal the inner thoughts of primary characters in a scene, so I italicize the text to set it aside from actual events or dialogue.

How did you come up with the title?
I'm a big fan of puns, so selecting a title that was a play on words (Sunrise at Sunset) seemed catchy and something that might resonate positively with prospective readers. Each title in the Sunset Vampire Series will have the word sunset in the title.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Well, I didn't write my novel with that intention, but in the end I would have to say that a couple of messages have risen to the surface. First, it's important people understand that they can overcome tragedy or abuse in their lives if they only try hard enough and have proper support. Second, I believe that my novels challenge the traditional gender roles in literature. My novels declare: "Women can successfully serve as the dominant role players in relationships in a healthy manner, as well as be the heroines who save the men they love."

How much of the book is realistic?
That's a good question. I suggest that my approach to adult characters who have suffered abuse during childhood is relatively realistic. I have also tried to present the romantic relationship between Caleb and Katrina in a realistic manner, as well as the issues faced between a human and vampire who seek to maintain a relationship together.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Oh, no. I never try to use my own life or people who I know (or have known) to be depicted in my novels. I feel the need to keep my own reality separated from the stories and characters that I write about. I take the word "fiction" very seriously when it comes to my fantasy writing! *laughing*

What books have most influenced your life most?
That's an excellent question, and one that I haven't been asked before. *pondering an answer for a moment* I have been impacted by literature in some form or fashion throughout my life. As a teenager, I was emotionally impacted by books written by James Herriot, author of All Creatures Great and Small and All Things Bright and Beautiful. Having seen the British television series, I knew that I wanted to read the novels. They're set in Great Britain just prior to World War II, and they have a lot to say about the quiet, everyday heroics of an individual. While also extolling the circle of life, the stories delve into the complexities and value of relationships. The biographies of historic figures such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin compelled me to base my Master's thesis on them and other figures who took part in the American Revolution. I've found that through biographies a person can live vicariously through the lives of others.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
That's an interesting question. I suppose one person would be L.E. Modesitt, Jr., author of the Saga of Recluce series and other excellent fantasy fiction series. His style and excellent character development skills are impressive. He has heavily influenced my own writing craft, in fact.

What book are you reading now?
Earlier today, I finished reading Halfway to the Grave (A Night Huntress Novel #1) by Jeaniene Frost. What an amazing read that was! This week, perhaps even this weekend, I plan to start reading Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires Novel #1) by Rachel Caine.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
What a great question! In the past year, I have met some wonderful authors, a number of whom are just getting started in their writing careers. I'm highly impressed by a paranormal romance author named Jamie Magee, who writes the Insight series. She's one of my peers on the Romancing Your Dark Side Blog Tour. Another burgeoning author, Tom Barczak of the fantasy Awakening Evarun series, uses a wonderfully unique style of prose. I hope to add other authors to this list once I have a chance to read their work.

What are your current projects?
As far as active writing, I'm between projects right now. I'm taking a break as I gear up for the release of my third Sunset Vampire novel in January, Summit at Sunset. I plan to start writing again next spring.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
My virtual friends and fans. I have met the most wonderful and supportive people in Facebook since I was first published last October.

Do you see writing as a career?
Well, it is a part-time career, of sorts. If you mean, "can I make a living as an author," then the answer is a definite "no" at this early stage in my career. Currently, I have to maintain a full-time career to keep the bills paid. So, I write when I can shave some time out of my day (or night!).

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
No, I don't think so. I believe that A Bloody London Sunset develops my main characters in precisely the manner that it needs to for this stage in the series.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
Oh, yes. I wrote creative short stories to read to my class since I was in fifth grade in elementary school.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I'll share something that nobody except my editor and my proofreaders have read to this point. Here's an excerpt from my soon-to-be-released Sunset Vampire novel, Summit at Sunset:

    On a cool mid-April night, Caleb Taylor carefully maneuvered through the thick undergrowth of the forest. Despite the oppressive darkness from all sides, it was a beautiful moonless night for a hunting excursion. Caleb paused at the edge of a break in the trees to appreciate the evening's gentle breeze.
    Enough to mask my exact location, he speculated.
    He had learned not to let the prey’s scent be acquired too easily by the predator, or else the hunt ended rather quickly. Glancing at the illuminated face of his new watch, he calculated the span of time that had passed since he had entered the forest.
    Always fighting the clock.
    Despite his preoccupation with quietly navigating his way through the pitch-black terrain, he took the time to breathe in the fresh scent of the forest. He attempted to gauge his location against the preliminary reconnaissance he had conducted prior to sunset. As he stepped past a tree and under one of the overhanging branches, he pivoted his body closer to the ground and heard a small tearing sound. With a quick tug and a sharp scrape against his left arm, he felt a stab of pain as needle-like brambles raked across his skin.
    “Damn,” he muttered under his breath, tentatively probing his left arm. A closer inspection of his fingertips revealed a small trace of blood.
    Glad I’m wearing older clothes, he absently credited before quietly proceeding on his way.
    A minute passed before he heard a small shuffling sound not far from his location. He froze, grasped the trunk of a nearby tree, and scanned the area in the direction of the noise. His heartbeat increased slightly, and he momentarily closed his eyes to concentrate on calming himself.
    Peaceful forest, calm forest, peaceful forest.
    As his mantra ended and he opened his eyes, he was more at ease and continued to sweep the area visually. His eyes widened with sudden recognition as he stared between the tree trunks across a distance of approximately sixty feet at what appeared to be two small orbs of bright green. A predator’s eyes.
    Realizing that all pretense of stealth had been lost, he turned and fled in the opposite direction through the bushes and tree limbs in a race against time. An image of a rabbit running from a fox flashed in his mind.
    Barreling like a bullet through the darkened forest, he heard the sounds of his closing pursuer. The ground dropped sharply before him, and he half-tumbled down an incline, barely managing to keep his balance to the bottom. He righted himself and turned to run, but was startled by a whooshing sound from above. A dark image leapt over him and landed beside him with a heavy thud. He staggered backwards with surprise at the towering presence before him, crowned ominously with glowing green eyes.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Well, to this point my Sunset Vampire Series has presented the inner thoughts of characters as italicized type. I feel that it's important to reveal key thoughts of those characters for the reader to gain insight into them and further their development. However, it's a struggle to ensure that a reader isn't overwhelmed or confused by mixing the character's "thoughts" with the dialogue. Some readers can't adjust to this style of writing because most paranormal novels are written exclusively in first-person, so you only get the thoughts and perspective of the main character.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
My favorite writer is L.E. Modesitt, Jr., who I mentioned earlier in this interview. The manner in which he artfully and realistically explains and utilizes magical or psi-abilities in his books takes my breath away. The characters in his novels are so tangible and believable, and they're each emotionally approachable to readers. You sympathize with his characters, and there's NEVER an occasion where you frown and say, "Hey, why did that character suddenly do that? That seems entirely contrary..." His consistency and creativity in world building is noteworthy; an essential quality for a successful fantasy or sci-fi author.

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
I would love to do some research traveling for my novels. However, both my wife and I have busy full-time careers, so we aren't able to travel as much as we would like. Most of my research is Internet-based or from my personal experiences visiting a location that I write about.

Who designed the covers?
I have to be one of the luckiest authors in the world! My Sunset Vampire Series cover art is done by Al Slark, a world-class veteran Canadian cover artist who is well-known for his beautiful Harlequin Romance novel covers. Al is a genuine creative genius and an amazing, talented artist! He has designed Harlequin covers for over fifteen years, but has also created artwork for westerns, thrillers, and some paranormal art. Rather than a mere graphic artist, Al has a heralded background in classic art, including traditional oil paintings. One of the real boons for me is that I had the opportunity to purchase the web rights to use his artwork as "fan images" to promote my vampire series. Those are images that were not selected for the actual Sunset Vampire novel covers but still looked amazing in their own right. And since the cover models were also the individuals that appear on my novel covers, they visually and accurately promote my characters and the continued publicity for my novels.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The hardest part is promotion and publicity! I'm not a public relations kind of person. Most authors aren't, in fact. I like to sit at my keyboard and create new stories and novels. Once it's written, I'm ready to move on to the next novel rather than promote what I just wrote. Oh well, that's a luxury that only the most famous or successful authors have. Most of us are mid-list to low-list authors who have to fight and claw to either gain some visibility or grow our readership in the marketplace. It's simply amazing how many novels are being published and/or released on a weekly basis!

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned two key things: First, that the easiest part of being an author is writing a novel. There's just so many layers to the publishing process...it's like drinking from an ocean once you get started, actually. Second, I learned that, while you may expect that not everyone will enjoy reading your novel, there are a number of people who feel the need to write scathing reviews if they didn't like it. It's almost as if they're attacking you for having written it; as if they were insulted that they were "duped" into reading your work. Wow, you really have to have self-confidence and a thick skin as an author. I like to cite the following quotation to authors (and myself) following receiving a horrible review: "You're rarely as good as your best fans proclaim, but you're NEVER as bad as your worst critics accuse."

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Absolutely. Never doubt that you have a worthwhile story to tell. Make sure that you have a number of proofreaders to review your work BEFORE you send your manuscript to your editor or agent. (And make sure those are people who aren't afraid to provide honest feedback to you about your writing.) They're invaluable to you! Finally, never...never...never give up on your writing endeavors. It's a journey of both personal and literary growth that shapes you into a better person, as well as a better writer.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Yes, I do. Thank you, dear readers, for your kindness, support, and fellowship! Half of my pleasure in being an author has been getting to know my readers at a personal level on Facebook, Twitter, and via blog postings. You have all enriched me personally and made me a better person by meeting you!

Thanks so much for interviewing me, Nora. This has been a sincere honor and pleasure!
th Jaz

Erra and Erra More by Poppet

2011-10-18T09:54:00.000-05:00

Sarah bumps into Dustin, and is instantly smitten.

Erra wants her, and won't back down, finally revealing his true identity.

Caught in a love triangle with cosmic repercussions, Sarah represents all woman when she decides to let her heart make her choices.

Love is the sweetest suffering. This is a quest, of truth, to the heart of everything.

**********

My Review

Erra
by
Poppet

What can I say my dear friend Poppet? This book had me at wow from the very first page! Most of the books I read have very erotic scenes in them, but Erra, I felt I needed a dozen cool showers for several chapters! It took me away from where I sat and put me into the story and I was with the characters and I could feel it within myself. It was a wonderful escape to experience and it lasted through the entire book. I have never had this experience with any other book I have read. Don't get me wrong, I love the books I have read along with the wonderful authors who wrote them, but each one has their own special signature on their work, each giving a part of themselves. Poppet reached way down and gave her all in this book. She gave her heart, her imagination, creativity, compassion, love and understanding, along with her wonderful talent to bring it all together in what you see in front of you, Erra.

This is a wonderful love story that is like none I have ever read before and I do not say this lightly. The setting for this story, the characters have a background that makes the reader actually stop and think, could this have really happened? Could it have actually occurred this way? It makes you look at life through totally different eyes, and yes it puts questions in your mind, if even for a second, that maybe, just maybe this is how we really came into existence and how things really are. And to know that a woman is truly the center and all to it All. The love story tore at my soul several times, not really knowing who I wanted Sarah to be with, Dusty or Erra. Both were different yet the same. I am still torn, and I am glad there is another book right behind this one so I can continue with this wonderful and brilliant piece of art my good friend and author Poppet has been so gracious to write and share with all of us.

I highly recommend this book, and without hesitation give it five stars *****

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/
**********

Erra More - The Sequel to Erra.

When things turn sour between Sarah and Dustin, Erra steps in to intervene, encouraging Sarah to get the keys of heaven.

Seven angels hide the keys.

It becomes a journey saturated in muscled arms and brilliant lights when Sarah is forced to take back the keys, before Dustin's anger destroys again.

Taken to Hel, embroiled in wild parties and a love dynamic nothing could prepare her for, Sarah finds the holiest ring of all.

**********

My Review:

Erra More
by
Poppet

Erra More is a book that smolders while you are reading it. You can see the smoke and steam escaping between your fingers as your eyes stay glued to the sexual, erotic, totally hot sex scenes! Oh if I could be Sarah for a day! She has all the gods at her fingertips, and learns in order to get the keys, she has to sleep with each one because she gave each one a key long long ago and the only way to get them back is to sleep with each gorgeous, muscular, drop dead specimen of a man! Oh poor Sarah, what is she to do???? Sorry taking showers won't work for her because they'd follow her into it, because these Sibitti love and adore her and refuse to give up. And the scene with her and Ark, touches me because he gave up a very high rank in order to be near Sarah when Erra kept he captive. Each god/angel/Sibitti love and adore Sarah in their own way, for their own reasons and it's an astounding and awesome opportunity to read love story after love story. After each encounter, Sarah feels he is the one she wants to spend her time with, no one else. But each time she shares herself with a new one, it changes.

I want to go on and on about Erra More, but I am stopping here because I cannot do it justice. Erra and Erra More go hand in hand and you need both to truly enjoy the full grasp of the passion, creativity, imagination and heart Poppet has put into these books. Sarah takes on a life of her own with the aid of her precious gods/angels/lovers. This is a love story to top ALL love stories. There are so many love stories in this book of 259 pages and it tugs at my heart strings. I want more from Erra and my dear sweet friend Poppet. Her talent and light shines through in these two books and if you have not done so already, I HIGHLY recommend these books to all of you who love the paranormal and intense love stories.

I have absolutely no problem in giving Erra More five stars ***** and my personal stamp of approval as a critic.

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/
**********

About Poppet the author

Poppet

Poppet lives in her own little world, and suffers from an intense crush on Cupid. So much so she’s taken up archery to impress him. She’s currently giving up her addiction to sarcasm by going cold turkey, loves jelly beans, and has a closet Lamborghini fetish. She also thinks planets rock, because they take up space.

Her novel Darkroom is signed and published with Wild Wolf Publishing, and she’s having poetry featured in SNM Horror Magazine monthly. She wrote two stories and designed the cover for the anthology Under A Harvest Moon.

Exploits was signed by Rebel e Publishers however Poppet chose to not get published with Rebel for personal reasons. Exploits is now signed with Night Publishing. She achieved a gold star for her novel EXPLOITS on Authonomy.
Seithe and Fey’s Adventures are published as eBooks, and she recently was included in the anthology Deadication published by Panic Press.

Poppet is currently turning her attention to her supernatural / fantasy / thriller books, of which there are many, looking to get them published next. She enjoys writing horror and edgy romance fiction.
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RHA Presents Pulse of Heroes by A. J. Sweeny

2011-10-15T11:12:00.000-05:00

Reviewers Helping Authors and Romancing Your Dark Side Book Blog Tour is happy to present A. J. Sweeny's Pulse of Heroes as part of our tour!

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Michelle used to feel that she was behind in everything, especially schoolwork and relationships.
Her great aunt from the old country says that she is like a bland meal, “no salt or pepper”. But in junior year, everything changes. Her father takes a position on the Town Council, a popular boy in school becomes interested in her and, most importantly, the Hekademos Learning Center, a private school for ‘troubled’ students, moves into her neighborhood amidst the protests of the entire town.

After seeing the School Regent out with a group of young guys just before Christmas, Michelle is convinced that there is something odd about them. Her curiosity gets the better of her and she embarks upon a mission to figure out what is really going on. After an embarrassing fall over the school wall, Michelle meets Elliot and her ordinary ‘bland’ life changes its course forever.Elliot is no ordinary human. In fact, no one at the Hekademos Learning Center is. Beautiful and fierce, they have survived throughout the millennia by weaving in and out of human events. Through them, Michelle learns that history and myths from around the world are dotted with references to their kind. Michelle falls madly in love with the ever-striking and mysterious Elliot and, as much as he tries to fight it, he develops strong feelings for her as well. Although Elliot carries numerous painful memories from his many pasts, he disregards his own better judgment and the advice of his friends, and finds himself falling for Michelle‘s offbeat personality. Their feelings grow in intensity, but when History catches up with them, the difference between their life paths threatens to destroy any future that they might have had together.Michelle learns that there are infinite shades of gray between black and white, and has to deal with the bundle of contradictory emotions called love. After some unexpected twists during a family trip to Europe, she has to trust her intuition in order to face the danger and uncertainty of being drawn into Elliot’s wondrous world. Ultimately, it is up to Michelle to make the split-second, life-altering decision that will either tear them apart forever, or give them another chance.

**********

My Review:

Pulse of Heroes
by
A. J. Sweeny

As most of the people who are familiar with me at all, know that my favorite genre is horror/paranormal and my favorite character is the vampire. I have read many vampire books by various authors and you would think that 'I had read it all' and 'how can anyone possibly come up with anything I had not already read or any scenario I hadn't seen played out as 'a typical for a vampire story'. A lot of area has been covered by a lot of different writers, who created 'Dracula' and what was to follow from that idea to Bertena Varney's Lure of the Vampire which consisted of in depth research in all aspects of the vampire as was Charles E. Butler's The Romance of Dracula.

As to my surprise, I was spellbound with A. J. Sweeny's book Pulse of Heroes! I found from page one that I could not put this book down, and with it being over 500 pages long, well, let's just say, I didn't get a lot of chores done. But I am lucky because my life mostly consists of me and my 23 old disabled son. I was swept away into another world with POH, and often felt the emotions and circumstances the characters went through and experienced. It was a much welcomed escape into another world with different people and different problems. It satisfied my need for drama, suspense, romance and mystery. And it didn't lack in any of these areas. I just kept finding myself wanting more, so I was grateful the book was longer than the ones I usually read. It was a nice surprise when I found the book to be exploring the history of the immortals, transporting the reader backwards through time and across the world. Her imagination and creativity to detail when telling the reader about different places such as Russia and Transylvania which were vivid and as the reader, could actually see them as if I were there.

As far as the characters, Elliot and Michele I found them to be mature and strong in all the situations they went through. Especially what Eliott had to endure in his years past. I feel this molded him into what he was when he met Michelle. I do not want to give a lot of the book away, but wanted to tell enough to wet your appetite. I feel very honored and privileged to have been able to read and review Pulse of Heroes and can't wait to read more!

I highly recommend this book to anyone and if I could give it more than five stars I would! If you love vampires, paranormal, and love stories with drama, heartaches and struggles, this book is for you! I look forward to reading a lot more of A.J.'s work!

I give Pulse of Heroes five stars *****

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/
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About the Author: * Information used from author's web site

A. J. Sweeny

have been writing and storytelling ever since I was able to hold a pen. When I spent time working as a teacher with children of varying ages I was fascinated by the awesome power of words to excite and inspire the young mind. The art of Storytelling is what makes a good teacher great.

My degree in History with an emphasis on Ancient Near East, and my personal interest in world myths, combined with my fieldwork in archaeology have inspired my research and development of many elements in the story.
I also remember what it was like to be a girl myself and have often wanted to share my own thoughts, fears and dreams during that age with others. I read many books during my teenage years and some of them were essential in helping me make it through that time, and helping me become the satisfied person that I am today. I want to be able to return that favor to all the readers out there. **********
My Interview with A. J.

Where are you from?

Marin County CA

Tell us your latest news?
Well the second book in The Pulse- my series will be available this coming Halloween.
When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing as a way to express feelings that I didn’t want to , or couldn’t share with others. It was a way to deal with my emotions.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Once I actually started writing with a project in mind, rather than just doodling a few poems and journal enteries.
What inspired you to write your first book?
My love of ancient history and mythology, mixed in with my love for young adults.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I don't know yet. Pulse Of Heroes is my first novel. Some reviewers say that it has a certain lyrical ambiance?
How did you come up with the title?
I thought of mythology and what those immortals were, They were all heroes and I saw my characters as so. “The Pulse” is an actual theme that runs through the entire trilogy.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Yes! Learn and awake your mind, because not all that you see or know is as it seems.
How much of the book is realistic?
All the Historical content is researched and the coming of age story of Michelle is based on real teenage girls I know, and knew.(myself included).

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
They are purely fiction besides the history I bring in.
What books have most influenced your life most?
The Shakespeare plays, The Bible, Peter Pan, The Scarlett Letter, Interview with a Vampire
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
I don’t have one but William Shakespeare in my mind is a genius of words and multiple meanings.
What book are you reading now?
At the moment none. While I write it’s very difficult for me to give a book the attention it deserves.
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Yes! Jay Asher, Beth Fullaway, Kristine Cheney, J Sterling and so many more….
What are your current projects?
Just getting Of Blood And Pulse out the door and into reader’s hands.
Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
Jenn Ster and God of course ;)
Do you see writing as a career?
I’m not really sure yet… but so far people seem to really enjoy my story telling.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Bigger margins, more white space, and have 10 people edit it, not 6 because there are still a few mistakes in it.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
Self expression and love of reading.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Well this is the first ever blurb about Of Blood And Pulse:
Of Blood and Pulse picks up Michelle's and Elliot's story where Pulse of Heroes ended. After getting a fairly rocky start, Michelle and Elliot's relationship seems to be teetering on a nothing but a few fraying strings despite the great love that they both feel towards each other.
Haunted and scarred by the events of the past yea, they both suffer traumatic consequences.
To make things even more complicated, someone who knows just a little too much about Elliot, shows up unexpectedly and reveals mysteries that even Elliot has a hard time grasping. These newly exposed details only add another strain to their already fragile relationship.
However, before the couple can remedy and mend their love, they must first cure themselves...
Join Michelle and Elliot on an adventure that will take them far and wide in search for the key to their everlasting love.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Yes, it’s long and I have too much to say ;)
Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
I am just starting to- I hope I like it.
Who designed the covers?
I do the desgin and have graphic artists and photographers help me with the rest.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The hours and sleepless nights. Once I start It’s hard for me to put the manuscript away and I write till my hands are in pain. The other problem is the isolation, because I have to be alone to write.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
More editing and less repetition (
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Keep writing and let others read your work. Take criticism with a well balanced approach.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I love them!
*********

RHA Presents Katrina by Elizabeth Loraine

2011-10-10T21:30:00.000-05:00

As a Vampire being hunted was nothing new. Finding out that I had to save those that were hunting us was!
Katrina, a young royal blood vampire, chronicles her story from the 1800's when she was seventeen forward in the series Royal Blood Chronicles
She has received extensive training in sword play and self defense at the insistence of her father Fredrik. Now she understands why.
Katrina is thrust into something she never could have imagined growing up in the aristocracy of Europe. Once the fashion of the day and girlish gossip filled Katrina and her new friends days, but their lives changed the instant their race was threatened and they were chosen as the Five, the protectors of not only the vampire race, but all the peaceful races of the world!
If you are looking for a new, exciting vampire series, you've found it in Royal Blood Chronicles. It starts here with Katrina, The Beginning!

**********
*After you read, For Your Viewing Pleasure, Chapter One, you will find my review of Katrina and all about the great author Elizabeth Loraine*

For Your Viewing Pleasure

Chapter One

I satvery still, staring straight ahead just as I was told. Being asked to sit for aportrait to be displayed in the Sanctuary’s grand library was a great honor. Myname is Katrina Von Dracek, and I can’t believe how long it’s been—almost onehundred thirty years. Now I’ve been asked to chronicle my journey from thebeginning.

From this vantage point atop the castle’s west wall Icould see the entire valley. The breeze was cool, but no longer held any threatof winter.

Whatwould the rest of my life be like, I wondered? All young girls, I supposed,want love, but I also wanted adventure, to travel the world, to make adifference in some way. It would be a long life, I knew, for vampires live avery long time.

Iappraised my surroundings. The night was breathtaking. With my vampire gift ofacute hearing, I heard a stag in the woods nearby. There was no moon tonightbut my enhanced vision made the darkness as clear as the day.

Iremembered from my history lessons that back in time, the earliest knownvampires could not tolerate the sun or control their lust for blood, but justas all creatures have evolved through the centuries to survive, so have we,although some of the clans prefer, as they call it, to stay true to theirheritage. Vampires are mostly born now, not made. Blood lust has been tamed bythe hunting of animals and the use of crimson, blood from our human watchersmixed with an ancient elixir which vastly multiplies a small amount of bloodand enables it to stay fresh indefinitely.

Justas I turned to leave I saw a shadow, too fast to be human, streaking across thefield toward the front gate. I had been up on the wall for hours, and althoughvampires can easily move very quietly, I had neither seen or heard anyone leavethe castle.

“Ihave to find Quinn,” I said to myself.

Quinnis my Watcher and my friend, one of the seven Voss brothers who watch over us.The Watchers are the personal human gaurd of the vampires, men who havededicated their lives to the well being of their vampire families, none moreloyal than the Voss.

I turnedand rushed toward the stairway leading to the entrance courtyard just as Quinnwas coming toward me.

“Oh,there you are Quinn. What has happened?”

“Acourier has just arrived. The whole council is to meet in Salzburg, and tobring along young royal representatives from each family. You will be joining yourfather. Come with me now, for we must prepare to leave. The journey is long andthe Council is to meet in just fourteen days.”

Quinn,always wanting what is best for the family. He and I had become so close thatmy father sought to warn me. “Katrina,” he said, “Quinn is your Watcher andmust stay just that.”

Itold my father in no uncertain terms that Quinn was also my friend, just myfriend, but I found myself wondering if that was still the truth. Had I startedto feel something more? No, he was my friend, and of course I cared for him,yes even loved him, but as a friend, only a friend. Right? I guessed that I wouldneed to sort this out, but that would have to wait, for tomorrow we must travelnorth and east, a journey full of danger. The unknown is always both the mostfrightening, and the most exciting part.

Withthe clans being represented by their royal families’ most worthy young members,the royals going to Council would number in the hundreds, all traveling withtheir Watchers, servants, and numerous wagons for provisions and gifts for theleaders, especially the High Regent.

“Katrina,you look weak. When was the last time you fed? Did you drink anything today atall?”

Quinnwas right; with everything that was going on I hadn’t had crimson or been outto hunt for days. I realized I could have gone dormant in my sleep, a kind ofhibernation if you will, which saves us when we have to hide, heal, or survive whenfood either is not available or is tainted. This dormant state can last hours,days, weeks, or even years. I had no time for that, but now that Quinn broughtit up, I felt too weak to hunt. Why hadn’t I paid more attention? Suddenly myvision started to fade, and the last thing I remembered was leaning against thewall to steady myself from the feeling of dizziness. When I awoke, Quinn waswrapping a cloth around his wrist.

“Youmust be more responsible.” he chided me. “I can’t be in charge of your feedingstoo!”

Hewas angry, so angry his face was turning red, and though I had never bitten ahuman, the vein bulging on his neck was making me feel something I had neverfelt before, blood lust. It didn’t help that he was so handsome, and as he keptranting about how I was ignoring my training, my studies, and everything else,I couldn’t help admiring the ruggedness of his jaw and the way his dark brownhair flopped onto his face, his beautiful face.

“Katrina,Katrina! Are you even listening to meat all?”

Snappingout of my trance was almost painful; I would have liked to remain in that reveriejust a little longer.

“Katrina,”he said as he walked toward me.

Ittook all the strength I had to stop myself from throwing my arms around hisneck, his very inviting neck, and kissing him passionately.

“Whatis wrong with you Katrina? We have notime for this!”

Ihad to turn away just so I could gather myself, and then suddenly, out ofnowhere, tears filled my eyes.What was wrongwith me? Quinn placed his hands on my shoulders and turned me towards him. Whenhe saw the tears in my eyes, he froze for a moment; then his face softened and Ithought I saw something new there, but then he hardened again and said, “You mustbe more careful.”

Heturned and strode away, leaving me feeling empty and alone.

Iwalked to my room in a daze, suddenly tired again.

Pullingthe door open even seemed difficult. Once inside, I was so pleased to see thebed turned down and sweet bread, butter, and a glass of wine on the table. Thankgoodness for Sarah, my handmaiden and confidant.

Iate the bread quickly and savored the wine. Then, too exhausted to put on thedressing gown left out for me, I lay down on the bed and the last thing Iremember was picturing the look in Quinn’s eyes and wondering what it meant. Thoughit had been fleeting, it had been there, hadn’t it? And with that thought Islept.

Quinn:

Mymind was racing and my heart was pounding so loud I was sure everyone in my compoundcould hear it.

Whathad just happened? I had seen something different in the way she looked at me. Iwas sure it wasn’t just because I had yelled at her. I had never had to hand-feedher before; was that it? Was it the fact that I had cut myself and let her feeddirectly from my wrist? But she hadn’t woken up until afterwards, so she didn’tknow I had given her blood from my arm or that she had actively engaged in directfeeding.

I knewof course that it was strictly forbidden for a Watcher to give blood directly,but when she fainted it was clear that she was about to go into a dormant state.So I acted, thinking only of getting fresh blood into her to revive her quickly.As my knife opened the vein on my wrist, the scent made her nostrils flare andthe same instincts that had kept vampires alive for centuries kicked in. Shegrabbed my arm and began to feed like a newborn baby at her mother’s breast Themovement was so swift and powerful I wasn’t sure I could have stopped her even ifI’d wanted to.

Thefeeling I’d had while she was feeding was pure euphoria and only the sound of mybrother coming up the stairs made me break the bond. Then I carried her to aside room to recover. “Break the bond.”Why had I thought of it that way? Was that it? Had that short feeding changedeverything?

Enteringthe courtyard of the Watcher compound, I found three of my brothers, Thomas,Simon, and Avery, seated around the roaring fire. The smell of venison and redcedar firewood made my mouth water. Only then did I realize I hadn’t eatensince yesterday. I needed to take my own advice, especially when I and my brotherswere also giving and storing blood for our charges. Baron Von Dracek wouldsurely also hunt along the way, but there might not be game in the high country,and added strength would definitely be needed. Extra blood to mix must bestored; nothing gives strength to vampires like human blood.

AsI sat by the fire to eat, I heard my oldest brother, Gunter, approaching.

“Wemissed you at training today,” Gunter told me. “Don’t let it become a habit. Noneof us can be the weak link.”

Iwas the youngest of seven brothers, something the other six never let me forget.It was exciting to think I would now have a chance to prove myself on thisjourney. I was bound to protect Katrina no matter what might happen, even ifthat meant giving my life for hers, as many of my family had done forgenerations.

“Quinn,”said Gunter, “we have decided that four of us must accompany the Baron andKatrina on this trip, and we feel you may be too young and untried in battle tobe one of the four.”

Ijumped to my feet, pulled my sword, and with anger I didn’t know I possessed,looked Gunter straight in the eye and said through clenched teeth, “I dare anyof you to try to keep me from my duty. Nothing is going to stop me, includingyou, Gunter. If you have any doubts, let us settle them here and now.”

Guntergave a surprised look to Thomas and slowly rose from the seat he had just takenby the fire. Looking around at the others seated, he shrugged and said, “Allright, little brother, let’s see what you’ve learned.”

AsI backed into the open part of the courtyard, Gunter drew his sword. The firereflecting off the blades made them seem alive. We circled first right and thenleft. Gunter lunged, his sword held high. Though moments before I had felttired and weak, I was now invigorated by anger and the thought that my brotherswould try to leave me behind.

Icountered Gunter’s move, our swords clanking in the night. Out of the corner ofmy eye I could see servants and the other brothers gathering. Guards wereyelling encouragement from above.

“That’sit, lad, don’t let Gunter push you about!”

Gunterwas strong, but my speed easily made up for his extra years of training. I hadalways been a fast learner. Although Gunter had trained all of us brothers, Icould see surprise in his eyes, for there was something in me he hadn’t seenbefore: pure rage. With the rage, I felt stronger, quicker, and more alert.When Gunter made a mistake, I seized my chance. As he lunged, I easily jumpedaside. As my brother went by me, I whacked him on the back of his head with thehilt of my sword.

Gunterturned and swung for my head, but I ducked and hit him in the gut with my fist,using all the power I could muster. He bent over in pain and shock, and as Ibacked away the crowded courtyard erupted in cheers and laughter.

“I guess your little brother showed youa thing or two, Gunter,” a guard said from above.

Gunterraised his head, his hands still on his knees, and yelled, “Don’t you all havework to do? Be gone, for tomorrow comes quickly!”

Stillbreathing hard, I remained in an attacking stance, ready to continue if I mustand capable of taking on all of my brothers, if need be. I would not be denied.This was my destiny, now more than ever.

Gunterslowly stood and put his sword back in his scabbard.

“Well,little brother, you’ve learned well and I have obviously misjudged your skill. Youhave just earned the right to join us. So it will be the two of us plus Thomasand Simon. Be ready, we leave before dawn.”

Katrina:

Irose with a start, not even sure what day it was. My head throbbed, and just asI was about to ring for Sarah, into the room she rushed, a full breakfast trayin her hands.

Shedragged me out of bed, peeled me out of my rumpled dress, and helped me wash, allthe while bemoaning the state of my beautiful hair. While I ate, Sarah told meabout a fight the night before between Quinn and Gunter. What started it shedidn’t know, only that Quinn had seemed to win and that everyone had survivedintact.

Bythe time I had finished my huge breakfast, surprisingly eating every last crumb,plus a large goblet of very fresh crimson, Sarah had finished braiding my hairback away from my face.

Irose and dressed myself in a simple but tasteful traveling outfit of thesoftest lambskin leggings, riding boots, and a beautifully embroidered emeraldgreen over tunic. Sarah then pushed me in front the mirror, a gift from myfather on my seventeenth birthday. Had it been so long since I looked atmyself? I hardly recognized the girl in the mirror. The tall young womanlooking back at me looked surprised too!

Ihad to admit, as Sarah often told me, I was pretty. My golden brown hair shone in the candlelight, and my green eyes fullof wonder complemented my outfit perfectly. I felt strong and ready forwhatever I would face.

Becauseof the changes in our lifestyle over the past centuries, starting in our seventeenthyear we begin to age very slowly. For the next hundred or so years only subtlechanges would take place, leaving me looking more mature but essentially thesame, unless of course I kept forgetting to feed properly. I would have toapologize to Quinn. I also wanted to ask him about the fight. Maybe I shouldlet him bring it up, I decided.

Itwas May in Germany, and the mornings were still cool, but the wind was sweetwith hints of jasmine in the soft mountain breeze. The birds were already awake,singing and going about their business. The beginnings of sunrise made theeastern sky glow with soft bands of pink and orange.

Iclosed my eyes and took in a deep breath. In my mind I could still hear myfather’s voice asking, “What do you ‘see’ daughter?” When I was small I didn’t understand what he meant, but soon itbecame so clear. With my sense of smell I found I could “see” almost everything—humans,vampires, and animals alike—and was able to discern their numbers.

LaterI could identify individuals, as each being has a unique scent (not alwayspleasant). I could tell if there were horses, dogs, sheep, goats, and the like.When outside the grounds, I could add my acute hearing to my sensing, to tell notonly the kinds of animals or people, human or vampire, but also how far awayand in what direction. If I was patient and practiced, Father said, “it wouldbecome a very useful gift.” I quickly learned that once I “find” and identify ascent I will never forget it.

“Katrina,”I now heard my father call as he walked towards me. Tall and regal, he lookedhandsome in his all-black attire, which included a hat and a cape. His slightlygreying hair fell to his shoulders.

“YesFather?” I replied as I hastened to meet him.

“Areyou ready? Did you have gifts packed for everyone?”

Itwas customary to give gifts of friendship to his Lordship the High Regent andhis wife the Lady Margarite. But I had also ordered Sarah to pack extratrinkets and sundries in case we needed them along the way.

“YesFather, everything is in order.”

Itmust have taken all night to complete all the preparations, I thought.

“Thenlet us be on our way. The journey is long and we know not what awaits us. Whyhis Lordship chooses such secrecy I don’t know, and I’m anxious to arrive earlyand have some time to seek council with others before everyone else arrives.”

“Yes,Father.” I felt as if I were rushing behind him like a young puppy, but Icouldn’t keep up with his long stride.

ThenI spotted Quinn and my heart started to pound. He was standing by the horses,my beautiful bay mare and his dark grey gelding, their manes fluttering in theearly morning breeze. He was talking to Thomas and hadn’t noticed me yet. Whywas I reacting to him this way? He’d been my Watcher for a year now, and afterall, we had grown up together. It was just Quinn, my Quinn. My Quinn? Where had that come from? He’dalways been just Quinn. I was drawingcloser now and just as I stepped within a few feet of him, Thomas stoppedtalking and looked over. Quinn then turned and our eyes met for a moment beforehe looked away.

“MyLady,” they both said at the same time, and made a slight bow of their heads. MyLady? Not, “Good morning, Katrina,” or “Why are you late?” This was all toostrange and I was determined to get to the bottom of it soon, but just as I wasabout to remark on their new attitude the castle guard yelled out.

“Caravanapproaching!”

CountPhilepe Bistodeau, his son Gerhardt, and their entourage cantered through thewest gate.

“Oh,good, Fredrik. I was afraid you would already be gone,” said the Count.

“Wewere just about to depart, Philepe,” Father said.

“Excellent,we can travel together. There’s safety in numbers, and we can talk along theway.”

ThenPhilepe turned his eyes to me.

“Ah,is this Katrina? How beautiful you have become. You remember my son Gerhardtdon’t you?”

Idid. A pompous, spoiled, self-absorbed peacock, as I remembered; but I said, “Yes,of course. How are you, Gerhardt?”

“I’mgetting better all the time. I look forward to a long journey together.”

Ohhow marvelous. The thought of listening to him for days on end talk about howgreat he was made me nauseous.

Quinnbrought over my horse, Nulla, and helped me mount. After I was safely in placehe gazed up at me and said in a low voice so only I could hear, “Don’t worryKat; I’ll always be here to save you.”

Thenhe winked at me and went over to his horse.

Ismiled and turned Nulla toward the east gate, Quinn on one side and Simon onthe other, so Gerhardt had to ride with someone else.

Iturned to Quinn to say thanks, but he was looking straight ahead, a wry smileon his face, I wished I could hear his thoughts.

Iwas relieved when finally Gerhardt rode by us and joined our fathers. I hadendured hours of his trying to engage me in conversation. It was a smallvictory but a very satisfying one.

Forthe next three days there was no privacy and no chance to speak with Quinnalone. We would arrive in Salzburg the day after tomorrow, about which I felt bothexcited and fearful. To have all the young royal vampires together had neverhappened before. We had met only briefly with the other European clans todiscuss rogue vampire killings or other clan business. Most of the other clansI’d never seen. Of course Father had visited all of them, helping whenever helpwas needed, and knew well those members who had been sent to Council. Along theway I had heard my father speaking to Philepe about how on edge all the clanshave been. The council is keeping the peace for now, but rivals are arguingamongst themselves over a new territory across the sea in the New World. Suchthings I cared nothing about usually, but the thought of younger vampires fromseveral of our clans starting a new coven in this New World, was exciting. Iknew I wanted to go. Now all I had to do was convince my father.

Wherewill all this lead, I wondered. Was it true they intended to send us off tothat New World they talked about? The Viking vampires had been going there forhundreds of years and had sent an expedition two years ago. I hoped they wouldbe telling us all about what they saw.

Finally,we were in sight of Salzburg, which was stunning. I had no idea a place couldbe so grand, so beautiful. We were headed through the city to the Regent’s palace,not too far outside the city gates. We had no time to linger now, but passingthe shops, seeing the lovely outfits adorning the women and the couples havinglunch, made me wish I had time to stroll the streets and explore all thewonders that abounded there.

“Daydreamingagain?”

Quinn’svoice jerked me back to reality.

“Yes,and I wish.…” Then I realized these were the first words he had said to me fordays, and I wondered where Thomas and Simon were.

Hesaid, as if reading my mind, “Thomas and Simon are consulting with Gunter abouthow best to guard you and his Lordship while in the Palace. What were you aboutto say?”

Ipaused. “Nothing.”

Myheart sank. I hadn’t been alone with him all this time, and now that I did havea chance, I couldn’t think of anything to say. What a fool I was!

Quinnturned to me, and the look on his face showed me that he couldn’t think ofanything either.

“You’dbe coming with me? That is, if they really are sending us to start a New Worldcoven, I mean.”

“Nothingis sure, Katrina. What we’ve all been hearing is just speculation. The HighRegent may have called the Council together to tell us something completelydifferent. He may even forbid anyone to go to this ‘New World’ as you put it. ButI will say this: whereever you are, that’s where I’ll be until I am no longer.”

Thenhe looked ahead, as did I, to see that Thomas was returning.

Hedid love me. I was sure of it now.

Visit Amazon.com to continue the adventure

**********
My Review

Katrina
by
Elizabeth Loraine

I am again fortunate enough to read and review a work by Elizabeth Loraine, and as with Phantom Lives- Collier, she did not disappoint me. And Katrina is the first in a series, so I am thrilled to death! As if that was not great already, this follows in the path of my favorite character, the vampire.

Katrina is set in a different time period which is refreshing. In this era, Elizabeth has created a world with drama, action, romance and enough thrill to keep you turning those pages. This made this book a fast read for me, and left me wanting more!

I invite you into the world and love of Katrina and Quinn but be forewarned, there are twists in this love scenario and a third party pops his head up. I do not know if this pleases me or not because by Quinn's description, he is a hottie!

Elizabeth handles it all with great care, creativity and imagination that pulls the reader in. I felt as a reader, I was a part of that world and experienced the things the character feels. There were times I felt very frustrated at the pace or the direction the book was going, but I hung in there. I am confident with the next ones in the series will help bring it all together. =)
I recommend this book to all who love the vampire/paranormal, but who also just want a terrific read! Give Elizabeth Loraine a chance, you will not be disappointed!!

I give Katrina by Elizabeth Loraine five stars *****

Reviewed by
Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/
**********
About Elizabeth * As told herself from her web site

Hmmm. I've always been creative, art, music, decorating; all life longpassions. I married my high school sweetheart a talented GeneralBuilding Contractor and raised a son and a daughter who are very   creative in their own rights. I've worked in the businessworld, became a decorative painter and longed for   an outlet for myother artistic talents.

I have been a lifelong fiction fan,and for years I knew I was supposed to write a book; I justdidn't know about what. I did, however,envision characters that were strong , independent young women asheroines.

Since I was very young I have beenfascinated by vampires from Dracula to the present day. AlthoughI love all the books where the settings are high schools andthe characters are young, I always wanted to   know more. What had they done in the centuries before? Wherehad they been? What had they seen  and lived? I wanted tofill in their time line, their history. From that curiosity, thosequestions, is where  these books come from. These longlived vampires have hundreds of years of history and I planto  chronicle that. So, start here with Katrina,enjoy the vampire past and look forward to the vampire future.

I write fantasy books for YA and their moms. Every time my sister and I were looking for books in that isle of the book store others our age were right there with us.
My first series is a vampire series called Royal Blood Chronicles chronicling the journey of Katrina, a young royal blooded vampire and the chosen leader of the Five, the protectors of the races. Evil is all around them and she is called upon to save us all. Join us.

I write these chronicles (Now five} because I love vampires and their magical and powerful friends and enemies. I can go with them around the world and through time to places both in my imagination like the Elf sanctuary of Sangustae or to the catacombs underneath Paris and now you can follow Katrina, a young Royal blooded vampire from a very old vampire family on her journeys to fight the evil in the world joined by wizards, witches, warlocks and magical races of elves and fairies. There is romance, intrigue, betrayal and tears. Join us to help protect the peaceful races of both worlds.
**********

Royal Blood Chronicles:

Random Encounters by Kathleen Walker

2011-10-05T19:47:00.000-05:00

"Random Encounters" falls in the erotic/romance genre, or otherwise known as...porn with a plot! It's a sweet story of a privileged woman who breaks free of the familial ties that binds her to others in control of her life, and how rebellion and promiscuous behavior leads her on a journey of self discovery.

**********
My Review:

Random Encounters
by
Kathleen Walker

I had not known any of the works written by author Kathleen Walker when she approached me with Random Encounters. I must say it took my breath away from page one with the erotic tactics her character Veronica was engaging in! It caught my attention because by the very imaganative and creative way she described the scene, I knew Veronica had an issue with sex and I could not put the book down until I found out what it was!

As I read the book I found it not only had sex in it, but love, drama, committment issues and insecurities. It was a short read, and I totally enjoyed it from page one to the last page, 120. I look forward to reading more of her work, and I feel honored that she came to me to read and review her wonderful book, Random Encounters.

I highly recommend this book for adult readers with a partner, or if you wish, alone cuddled up in your bed alone. *smile*

I give Random Encounters by Kathleen Walker five stars *****

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/
**********
About the author: *Gathered on the author's web site and with author's permission

"Kathleen Walker is a forty-something mom of three terrific kids who has spent the better part of her adult life raising the children and writing fiction and poetry in her spare time. The stories from a very overactive albeit twisted imagination have now come to fruition and are ready for the world to read. Poetry has been read by many all over the world in various poetry forums, publications and contests.

Most recently seen in the March 1 and December 1, 2007 publications of "The Jimston Journal", placed in the top 20 of "The Secret Attic" poetry competition February 1, 2007, featured in the September 10, 2007 issue of "The Cats Meow For Writers And Readers", featured in the maiden issue of "The Far Side Of Midnight" January, 2008, received the prestigious Editors Choice Award in the May, 2008 issue of “The Enchanting Verses International”, featured in the Summer 2008 issue of literarymagic.net, and featured in the Summer 2009 edition of “The Straightjackets”. “Undead, Dead And Back

Again, Or…Hey, Buddy! Can You Spare a Drink of Blood?” is a short story featured in a compilation of horror and dark fiction by an eclectic group of women authors released early 2009. “The Triumph Of Redemption” is a dark fiction short story appearing in the winter 2010 publication of “Strange Circle Magazine”. "LifeLoveLust" is a poetry anthology published 2009. "Random Encounters" is the first full length novella published 2011. She resides in the pristine beauty of North Idaho with two shamelessly pampered pooches."

Her locations as she calls it, her private Idaho. She enjoys writing, reading, writing, music, writing. Her favorite music is The Refreshments, Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, & The Toluenes. What are some of her favorite reads? How about The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Jack Reacher novels, and anything by Dean Koontz for starters!

What is Kathleen's Inspiration?

I like to say that life is my inspiration. I people watch, read other writers blogs, and try to keep up with current affairs. There are some things that happen in life that seem so far fetched. The old saying is, truth is stranger than fiction and I find that’s often the case.

Music is a big inspiration for me. Listening to musicians tell a story in song, inspires me to write my own short (and longer) stories. If I can see a little mini-movie in my head of the story being painted in song, then it’s really good storytelling and I find myself comparing my own stories to that. Some set the bar pretty high. Those who know me know that some of my favorite music is anything by Roger Clyne. Achieving his first hit song with “The Refreshments” then later forming “Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers”, Roger is such a prolific storyteller in song. It’s one of the main reasons I was encouraged to write my own stories. Being successful in the independent music world is no easy task. Roger has turned his passion for storytelling in song into his own way of life recording and being on the road for many weeks out of the year to support his addiction to the music, free of corporate control. Oh, people are skeptical. They’ll say that he plays hard in order to make a living, but it’s also hard work being an independent musician. Have you seen the obscenely low price of tickets to a Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers show? I’m not convinced he’s making enough of a living at it to justify the hard work and expense of a road crew. There’s definitely a deep rooted love for what he does and it’s reflected in the finished product. If you’ve attended a live show, become addicted to the music and be part of the cult audience that follows the band, it’s easy to see why he’s successful at it. He has a passion for what he does; he truly loves performing music for his fans who adore him and the band. That ethic is what inspired me to take my scribbled down thoughts of poetry, short stories and now novels to the next level, getting my writing in print for others to read.

So...what’s YOUR inspiration? Any artistic aspiration you have is a worthwhile outlet, and I encourage everyone to find your muse. Find the artist within you and celebrate it! I may not make large sums of money selling my writing, and perhaps not appeal to mainstream literary, but I get a wonderful sense of satisfaction and completeness that I wouldn’t have had I not pursued it. Express your unique self!
**********

RHA Presents Fierce Dawn by Author Amber Scott

2011-10-03T12:50:00.000-05:00

RHA proudly presents Fierce Dawn by author Amber Scott as part of the Romancing Your Dark Side Book Blog Tour hosted by BK Walker with The Virtual Book Tour Cafe. Please do not forget to add your comments before you leave. Happy Reading!
**********

Snarling teeth, glowing eyes. Someone--something--is after her.

The man who haunts her dreams enters her reality, claiming she's transforming into a changeling--not quite immortal but no longer human. Except nobody wants this change. Not humans, not immortals and least of all her.

Battle lines are drawn and blood spills as the two fight not only for her life, but for mankind's as well

*********
My Review of Fierce Dawn by Author Amber Scott:

For starters I want to say WOW and AWESOME!!! Now that is a little off the beaten path for me as a starter for a review but this book literally kept me on the edge of my seat, seared my mind with different emotions chapter after chapter! The forbidden love and passion between Sadie and the gorgeous specimen of a 'man', Elijah made me catch my breath, and I was not able to take my eyes from the book, even when I knew I had other things to do!

I found Fierce Dawn filled with passion, romance, graphic sexual scenes (so it is not advisable for anyone under the age of 18), blood, fear, suspense, sadness, elation, to mention a few! I am not going to give much of this book away because I want YOU the reader to find out the hard and exhilarating way I did! I will tell you this, it is a paranormal book with vampires, shape shifters, seekers and the special thing Sadie turns out to be, and you will have to read the book to find that our plus the beautiful, frustrating, forbidden, sensual relationship between Sadie and Elijah and the many dangers that entails.

Amber Scott has outdone herself in Fierce Dawn and I WANT MORE!! So, I pray that Amber will allow me to read and review part II of the life of Lyric. Oh, you don't know Lyric do you? Hmmm...well, get this book and you will find out who and 'what' he is! I highly recommend this book to ALL paranormal readers who love a very wild emotional roller coaster ride!!!

I give Fierce Dawn five stars *****

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau

http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/
**********
About the author: (taken from the author's web site)

Hi there! I’m Amber Scott and I am a die-hard, completely hopeless, romantic.

I’m a happily married mama of two. In between nap times and laundry, I bang out the love stories in my head. I can’t cook. I’m seriously addicted to chocolate. If I could have lunch with any person living or dead, it’d be my dad.

I’m lucky enough to be able to say I have landed a really amazing husband, and yet, at times, I miss the days of being single.

Don’t get me wrong. I wouldn’t exchange my life for anything, but…a night in the arms of a certain devastatingly handsome vampire or a morning curled up next to the knight that got away are tempting thoughts that I can’t help explore through my fiction.

Come away with me and live vicariously….

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel back in time? To howl at the moon? To kiss a girl?

Ever wake up and wish you had a little Druid magic to make things easier or some hard alcohol that made it all disappear?

I miss the falling in love part. Do you? That wondrous new hope of becoming the world to someone else? The thrill of meeting eyes across a crowded room? The shiver of unexpected attraction?

Unfortunately, my books will not reverse the signs of aging and they cannot shrink your thighs. But, if you give them a chance, they’ll take you away from it all. My characters aren’t perfect people. Far from it. They make mistakes, want the impossible and often get in their own damned way. But, I love them still. They are a lot like me. Sleep deprived, worried, misguided and driven despite it all.

If you need some ‘me time’, a little escape, my seven and counting titles are here for you.

Until July 1st, you can find Jessie’s Girl, Wanted and The Best Revenge at Liquid Silver Books.

May 2009, I joined the staff, or “crew”, of 1stTurningPoint.com, a site and forum where unpublished, new, orphaned, ebook, self-published, small and big press published authors come to learn and share all about promotion.

October 2010 I co-founded the Indie Book Collective with Carolyn McCray and Rachel Thompson. We pooled our skill sets and wrote “Dollars & Sense: The Definitive Guide to Self-publishing Success.”

My internal editor, Charles, occasionally pops in to speak his piece here. Trust me, he’s a character! Milla, my muse, always keeps him in line, thankfully.

Thank you for coming by and for reading. Be sure to say hi in a comment before you go or email me at amberscottbooks@gmail.com.
**********

RHA Presents Whatnots & Doodads by Stacey Kennedy

2011-09-25T17:09:00.000-05:00

RHA is happy to present the Whatnots and Doodads by Stacey Kennedy Book Blog Tour hosted by BK WALKER with The Virtual Book Tour Cafe as a part of the Romancing Your Darkside Paranormal Book Tour

**********

A witch with unruly magic, a demon gone good, lava-hot passion and a tornado of emotions–just another night in Strange Hollow.

For Bryanna, a witch from the Asheville Coven, magic is on the fritz. Shunned by her coven and her boyfriend Layton for her unruly magic, she seeks a new life for herself. It just so happens, fate steps in and brings her to Strange Hollow–a place where being different is not only acceptable, but encouraged.
When Bryanna arrives in Strange Hollow, Zeke, a demon gone good, is burning with Hell’s fire over her. Not only has she set his world ablaze, but he’s found one soul he can save. He’s determined to free her from the insecurities that have damaged her soul.
Together they experience lava-hot passion as they weave their way through a tornado of emotions. But when Layton returns for her, will Zeke’s attempts to break the unworthy cage woven around her be enough to keep her in Strange Hollow forever?

**********
Teaser

She began to walk along the square garden, weaving her way through the flowers, leaning down to sniff one now and again. Just around the bend, a swing appeared. It was so old the white paint was flaked and rust layered the bars. It creaked with the wind as it swayed. She sat down on the cushion and leaned against it. Never had she felt so peaceful. Not once had she experienced anything so serene. Only adding to the perfect moment, the demon who walked toward her. He wore a grin that spoke of so much mystery, as if he knew all the answers and only waited for her to ask. His dark eyes, meant to frighten, only showed her the kindest of emotions.

He trailed his hands from flower to flower with a soft touch to insure no damage. She followed his every step. Her mind captured by thoughts of his hands along her skin, cupping her breasts, caressing her as carefully as he did the flowers.
When he plucked a fuchsia dahlia from the ground her focus came back to his face. With a slowness that nearly pained her to watch, he raised the flower to his nose and sniffed it. His eyes closed, the little furrow in his brow suggested the scent overwhelmed him. She gripped the cushion below her as she gulped deeply. By the elements, she’d never seen anything so sexy in her life, and she’d seen a man smell a flower before. But when Zeke did it, she melted.

His eyes snapped open, bored intently into hers. She did nothing to hide the fact he had completely and utterly aroused her. She wished he enjoyed her as much as he did the scent of the dahlia. He may be a demon, but right now, it didn’t matter. He was too delectable to ignore. Besides, she deserved a little fun after what she’d been through these past days. Using him as an outlet to bring some happiness into her life was nothing she would feel bad about.

He waited only a moment. Something changed in his demeanour, almost an acknowledgment that he’d waited for. In only a few strides, he closed the distance between them, knelt down and held the dahlia up. “You know, I’ve never been one for roses. The way a dahlia feels against your skin is much more pleasing.” He touched the back of her hand with the flower, and that earned him a little shudder. “The petals feel like a hundred fingertips along your skin.” He began to slowly run the flower up her forearm.

Her breath sucked back into her lungs. Unable to stop her eyes from shutting, she revelled in the way he touched her. So gentle, yet intent, done in a way to entice her. Slowly, the petals danced along her skin until the tips tickled her jaw line. He ran the flower from her cheek to her lips, where he slid it in a soft whisper across her mouth.

At that moment, he stopped, the flower no longer touching her. Her eyelids fluttered open, and her breath whooshed out in surprise to find his face so close to hers. He held the flower out, smiling in a way that melted her insides. “Did you enjoy the touch of that?”

“I did.” If she’d been bolder, she would have asked for more. Instead, she took the flower from his hand and raised it to her nose without taking her eyes from his.

His expression turned molten, suggesting where he wanted to take this. And she wouldn’t stop him. She needed him just as much. There was something to him, a way about him that she wanted to lose herself in, even if for only a moment. She wasn’t stupid to the ways of the world. She’d seen how cruel love could be. Zeke wanted her body, nothing more. Something she was all right with. A relationship with no strings attached was just the thing she needed to get over Layton. Her heart couldn’t handle any more pain.

With that, she gave him a sultry look to egg him on. His gaze smoldered like the fires in Hell. He leaned forward and cupped the sides of her face. “You must decide now if you want this.” He ran his thumb over her lips and licked his own. “Because once I kiss you I won’t stop.”

She was ready to say “Get on with it.” But there was a smidgen of hesitation that had her worried. “I’ve never … been with a demon.” She looked at the bulge in his pants. “Are … is everything the same?” Who knew what he had in his jeans?
His deep chuckle sent shivers down her spine. “My body is human in every sense–you won’t find a devil’s pitchfork in my pants.”

She laughed nervously. Well, what could he really expect? Her mouth parted to answer him, but she decided action would speak her point well enough. She closed the distance and kissed his mouth. If she’d doubted how much he wanted her, she didn’t now–his kiss couldn’t lie. His hands tightened around her face as his mouth encouraged in sync with hers. Tongues entwined, lips pressed together firmly. Every touch sent tingles straight to her center and caused heat to build between her thighs.

After a final swipe of her tongue, he sucked her bottom lip into his mouth and bit down very gently. He released it, still holding her face in his hands. His eyes bore into hers in a way no man had ever looked at her before. His eyebrow arched up suggestively. “Bryanna, are you ready to play with fire?”
“Holy earthquake, am I ever!”

**********

My Review:

Whatnots & Doodads
by
Stacey Kennedy

I am not familiar with Stacey Kennedy's work but if Whatnots & Doodads are an example of it, then I can say "where do I get more?" I absolutely LOVED this book! And to be honest, it was way too short, it should have been probably another two hundred pages or so! When I started it, I could not put it down, and when it hit me it was only 47 pages long, I felt my heart sink! I never want the story of the 'broken' witch Bryanna and the 'mushy' demon Zeke to end! I could see so many possibilities for this story to continue, I wanted to contact Stacey and ask her to make a part two of the book. smile

I am a huge fan of the paranormal, but have yet to read a novel with witches in it. For me, a story with witches in it, they'd have powers to fight demons, vampires, werewolves etc..and would probably become boring to me. But when I read Bryanna conjuring up things she called 'whatnots and doodads', it held my interest. I guess because I grew up watching Bewitched and how I'd dream of what it would be like to be able to twitch your nose and make things appear at command. Being able to have anything you could possibly want in life.

This book is for ADULTS ONLY. It is a fun book to read and I enjoyed it tremendously, but the sex scenes in it are very graphic and I would not recommend it for anyone under the age of 30! Just joking! But seriously, it is for adults only and would be nice to have your partner near by. winkwink*

Even though it is a short read, I highly recommend it! And I can bet you are going to feel like me afterwords, wanting more!

I give Whatnots & Doodads five stars *****

Reviewed by
Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

**********

About the Author:

Stacey Kennedy

(Bio For Stacey Kennedy (Bio from Stacey's Web Site in her own words)

I love the paranormal romance/urban fantasy genre and love a series more!! Nothing can hook me in more than an adventure and one that keeps on going. I love a page turner, one where I’m up at a ridiculous time and my eyes burn because I can’t stop reading. Witty characters, dominant men, danger, action, romance and hot sex―oh my!

My novels are lighthearted fantasy, heart squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again. I’m not a planner. I don’t write with a set idea because no matter what I plan, the characters’ voices always come through and demand I listen to them. So, I gave up trying to fight it!

The journey as a writer all began when I was a teen and wrote poetry, which still to this day I pull out to have a good laugh. Later on, I tried a couple of times to put a book together with no such luck. Couldn’t ever get past the first few chapters. But once I was exposed to the paranormal world, ideas came quickly.

At first, it was a way to keep my brain alive since being a stay at home mom can be a little let’s say―numbing. It was an escape from screaming kids, dirty diapers and plain old mom duty. It started as a hobby, but as the stories progressed it became a passion. Now, I indulge at nap time, especially the juicy bits! Every mom needs a good thrill!

So here in Ontario, Canada, I am a thirty one year old wife, mom, house cleaner, cook, teacher, play-doh extraordinaire, swing pusher, toddler chaser after – who loves the outdoors, curling up with the latest flick, and if I’m not plugging away at a new novel, I’ve got my nose buried deep in a good book. So there it is―my life!

**********

My Interview with Stacey:

RHA: Where are you from? I live in Ontario Canada with my hubby, two kids, one dog, three cats and two guinea pigs. Yes, it’s a zoo!

RHA:Tell us your latest news? I just recently received a release date of April 2012, for my urban fantasy romance, WEREWOLVES BE DAMNED. It’ll be available in paperback and ebook. I love this story…so I’m excited for it to release.

RHA:When and why did you begin writing?
The journey as a writer all began when I was a teen and wrote poetry, which still to this day I pull out to have a good laugh. Later on, I tried a couple of times to put a book together with no such luck. Couldn’t ever get past the first few chapters. But once I was exposed to the paranormal world, ideas came quickly.
At first, it was a way to keep my brain alive since being a stay at home mom can be a little let’s say―numbing. It was an escape from screaming kids, dirty diapers and plain old mom duty. It started as a hobby, but as the stories progressed it became a passion.

RHA: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
After I received my first acceptance letter and realized I was actually kinda good at it.

RHA: Do you have a specific writing style?
My novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll find fast paced action, life threatening moments and a big bad villain that needs to be destroyed.

RHA: How did you come up with the title?
For Whanots & Doodads (thank you for the review), I came up with the title because the character decided to call her magical mishaps this. It was a total fluke, but the second I wrote the words, I knew it was the perfect title.

RHA: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Of course, I’d love for the readers to connect with the emotions in the story, but honestly, I just hope it gives them a fun break away from everyday life.

RHA: How much of the book is realistic?
Zero! It’s all fantasy, baby!

RHA: What books have most influenced your life most?
Pretty much every single urban fantasy/paranormal romance out there. I love the genre so all those stories I read seemed to rub off on me and awakened my muse.

RHA: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Katie MacAlister. Her dragon series is one of my most favorite…and I’d really LOVE to get writing tips from her. She rocks!

RHA: What book are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost! I have a serious crush on Bones, so of course, I’m lovin’ the story!

RHA: What are your current projects?
I’m so busy in edits right now it’s insane. But I’m also writing a new urban fantasy romance called, BITE ME, I’M YOURS. I had intended to make this a stand-alone story, but for whatever reason, I always end up doing series. It’s shaping up nicely and I hope to have it done in a couple months.

RHA: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Revisions—I LOATHE them! I grumble the entire time and breath a big sigh of relief when they are over.

Reviewers Helping Authors

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RHA Presents I Am I by David Knight

RHA Presents Borrowed Heart by Linda Lamberson

RHA Presents Night Glimmer by Stephen Weagraff

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Cassius: Blood Rights by Heather Anne Lambert

RHA Presents Inspiration From Above by Crystal Stockwell

RHA Presents As Blood Rages by Bitten Twice

The Morning Afterlife by Sonnet O'Dell

If remembering could bring about the end of everything, would you still try?

**********

My Review

Dark Moon by Maggie Tideswell

Broken Captive by BK Walker

Roses in Winter by Leslie Stuart

~~ Forever isn't long enough... not for their love ~~

The Boogedyman by A. P. Miller

Growing Up and Liking It by Dolores Ayotte

Twenty Twisted Tales by R.B. Clague

RHA Presents Sunrise at Sunset by Jaz Primo

Erra and Erra More by Poppet

RHA Presents Pulse of Heroes by A. J. Sweeny

RHA Presents Katrina by Elizabeth Loraine

Random Encounters by Kathleen Walker

RHA Presents Fierce Dawn by Author Amber Scott

RHA Presents Whatnots & Doodads by Stacey Kennedy

**********Teaser

Whatnots & DoodadsbyStacey Kennedy

This book is for ADULTS ONLY. It is a fun book to read and I enjoyed it tremendously, but the sex scenes in it are very graphic and I would not recommend it for anyone under the age of 30! Just joking! But seriously, it is for adults only and would be nice to have your partner near by. *wink*wink*

Even though it is a short read, I highly recommend it! And I can bet you are going to feel like me afterwords, wanting more!

I give Whatnots & Doodads five stars *****

Reviewed byNora Chipley Barteauhttp://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

**********

About the Author:

RHA: Where are you from? I live in Ontario Canada with my hubby, two kids, one dog, three cats and two guinea pigs. Yes, it’s a zoo!

RHA:Tell us your latest news? I just recently received a release date of April 2012, for my urban fantasy romance, WEREWOLVES BE DAMNED. It’ll be available in paperback and ebook. I love this story…so I’m excited for it to release.

RHA: When did you first consider yourself a writer?After I received my first acceptance letter and realized I was actually kinda good at it.

RHA: How did you come up with the title?For Whanots & Doodads (thank you for the review), I came up with the title because the character decided to call her magical mishaps this. It was a total fluke, but the second I wrote the words, I knew it was the perfect title.

RHA: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?Of course, I’d love for the readers to connect with the emotions in the story, but honestly, I just hope it gives them a fun break away from everyday life.

RHA: How much of the book is realistic?Zero! It’s all fantasy, baby!

RHA: What books have most influenced your life most?Pretty much every single urban fantasy/paranormal romance out there. I love the genre so all those stories I read seemed to rub off on me and awakened my muse.

RHA: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?Katie MacAlister. Her dragon series is one of my most favorite…and I’d really LOVE to get writing tips from her. She rocks!

RHA: What book are you reading now?Right now, I’m reading One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost! I have a serious crush on Bones, so of course, I’m lovin’ the story!

RHA: What was the hardest part of writing your book?Revisions—I LOATHE them! I grumble the entire time and breath a big sigh of relief when they are over.

RHA: Do you have any advice for other writers?Write and keep on writing. Even after you’re done a book and have submitted it, write your next one!

**********

Coming Soon

Forever isn't long enough... not for their love

**********
Teaser

Whatnots & Doodads
by
Stacey Kennedy

This book is for ADULTS ONLY. It is a fun book to read and I enjoyed it tremendously, but the sex scenes in it are very graphic and I would not recommend it for anyone under the age of 30! Just joking! But seriously, it is for adults only and would be nice to have your partner near by. winkwink*

Reviewed by
Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

RHA: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
After I received my first acceptance letter and realized I was actually kinda good at it.

RHA: How did you come up with the title?
For Whanots & Doodads (thank you for the review), I came up with the title because the character decided to call her magical mishaps this. It was a total fluke, but the second I wrote the words, I knew it was the perfect title.

RHA: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Of course, I’d love for the readers to connect with the emotions in the story, but honestly, I just hope it gives them a fun break away from everyday life.

RHA: How much of the book is realistic?
Zero! It’s all fantasy, baby!

RHA: What books have most influenced your life most?
Pretty much every single urban fantasy/paranormal romance out there. I love the genre so all those stories I read seemed to rub off on me and awakened my muse.

RHA: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Katie MacAlister. Her dragon series is one of my most favorite…and I’d really LOVE to get writing tips from her. She rocks!

RHA: What book are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost! I have a serious crush on Bones, so of course, I’m lovin’ the story!

RHA: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Revisions—I LOATHE them! I grumble the entire time and breath a big sigh of relief when they are over.

RHA: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Write and keep on writing. Even after you’re done a book and have submitted it, write your next one!