Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Halloween Masque by Blue Remy

Welcome to our Halloween party
If you are sensitive to a little cussing
do not proceed.

Halloween Masque
by
Blue Remy

“Put the Elf back, Tarr! I was going to give it to Ravie as a gift!” Essy exclaimed when one of the twins dared to move a body she had dangling from web just inside the door of the club.
The Church was unrecognizable. What was usually a biker bar was now decorated like the inside of a crypt. Essy, flitted about effortlessly as she made sure everything was perfectly in place. Real mummies lay in their sarcophagi, ancient skeletons were placed strategically throughout the bar, some tangled in her fine webbing, left to dangle in a dance of death. Streamers in fashionable Samhain colors littered the ceiling; balloons dusted the floors as light from the three disco balls reflected prisms around the area.
“You just had to go with three disco lights, didn’t you?” Ligeia, the Murder’s prize witch, chuckled as she added dry ice to the punch in the bowl.
“Duh.” Essy gave the witch a look that like she should have known better than to ask such a stupid question, darting off to find Annabel.
“You ought to know better than to ask her questions like that, Geia.” Raven whispered from behind the gypsy, a smile forming when the witch yelped in surprise.
“Damn it, Raven. You scared a hundred years off my life.”
“Hmmm. And that’s a bad thing how?” Already distracted, Raven turned her attention toward Tobi as she walked by, snaking an arm out to halt her. “Did you…?”
Tobi paused to answer Raven, but a strange look passed over her face, almost as if she thought twice before she spoke. Tobi nodded instead.
“Also”—Raven smirked—“ have you seen Valentino yet?”
“Raven, what the hell? How many times do I have to tell you I don’t know him? Therefore I don’t know what he looks like, so how the hell am I supposed to know when I’ve seen him?”
For what seemed an eternity, Raven blankly stared at Tobi, then drew in a breath as she stepped in close as her voice dropped to a dangerous level. “You know it’s a damn good thing I like you so much. I’ve killed for less than that.”
Tobi patted her on the arm. “You’re a lover at heart. You don’t fool me.” With a flippant wink she moved away.
Raven could only be pushed so far and today she’d been stressed anyway. With a glare, she hissed at Tobi’s back. When Tobi only looked over her shoulder and winked, Raven’s anger ratcheted up another notch.
“Raven.”
Only one tone of voice could cause her head to snap around like it just did. The warning that laced her name spoke volumes as she stared at Duncan leaning against the bar in his nonchalant way, looking like he owned the damn place. Which he didn’t.
“What?” She snapped.
“Catch.”
With a one handed catch, she snatched a small bottle out of the air that he’d sent sailing across the room. She looked down at her palm, then glowered at Duncan.
“Bitch Be Gone pills? Are you fucking kidding me?”
He didn’t answer until he had sauntered close enough to kiss her. “Yeah, take two and call me in the morning.”
Raven was about to come back with her own retort when Annabel scurried toward her, hiding behind her. Raven frowned slightly and looked back to her friend. She knew Annabel too well. Her hiding meant something was out of place.
“You’re fine Annabel. Here why don’t you stick right by Duncan’s side,”—Raven sneered at the man with the cowboy hat—“he’ll be more than happy to babysit you.”
With a flick of her hand, she flipped her black as coal hair over her shoulder and left Duncan to stare at her backside.
“Raven…”
She kept walking, ignoring Duncan completely. Knowing full well he’d stick by Annabel because he was a good guy, but she knew it wouldn’t be his idea of fun.
The front door swung open and she saw Valentino enter. Raven changed directions to head his way, but a hand on her shoulder stopped her. Turning, she took in the stranger. This was new. No one came in her bar that she didn’t know. Raven furrowed her brow waited for the woman to speak.
“Have you seen Kelly?” Panic laced her voice.
Raven curled her lip. “Who?”
“My friend. We came here tonight together, but”—the girl’s eyes swept the bar—“now I can’t find her and it’s not like her to disappear.”
Jerking the woman’s hand off of her, Raven started to turn. “I’m sure she’s around here somewhere.” She snapped.
“Something’s wrong. I can feel it.” The woman had her arms crossed, rubbing them as if she was cold…or truly scared.
Raven turned back toward the girl. Her head tilted and brow furrowed. “Maybe you shouldn’t have come in here then.”
“I didn’t want too.” Her head moved as she continued to scan the bar. “You were the one who invited her; it’s your guy’s birthday.”
After a long minute, Raven jerked her head toward Duncan who was back by the bar with Annabel in tow. “Go tell him.”
Something was wrong. Raven could now feel it. It was an essence that filled her very pores, and ached to her bones. She had to get to Valentino and figure out what the hell was going on. This damn party was turning out to be a giant cluster fuck, not a party. Now the guest of honor was missing and Raven was getting paranoid that something was wrong.
Trying to shake off the nagging feeling in the back of her head, Raven continued to walk toward Valentino. Hearing Tamerlane calling her name, she put up a finger to tell him to wait, Raven reached Valentino in time to hear a word that sent a shiver down her spine.
He was staring straight into Tobi’s eyes. She was standing in front of him fixated, her breathing shallow, lips parted.
“Tova.” Valentino whispered.
Feeling like a voyeur, Raven couldn’t pull away from what was happening between the two. They weren’t touching, but it felt like so much more.
“Raven!”
Duncan snapped her attention back to focus and she glanced his way to see the woman standing by him and Annabel in near tears. One look and she knew.
Kelly wasn’t just ‘missing’ ….
“Fuck.”

…… to be continued …..
On Blue's blog date tba

Cover Reveal Blood in the Valley by JK Hogan

Welcome to my post for the 
Blood in the Valley
Cover Reveal!
I'm very honored to have been asked to participate.
I LOVED Fire on the Island 
and can't wait to dig into
BLOOD IN THE VALLEY!




Title: Blood in the Valley (The Vigilati Series, Book 2)
Author: J.K. Hogan
Publisher: Sapphire Star Publishing
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: May 2nd, 2013

The daughter of a Las Vegas hustler, Raven Sabatier grew up trusting nothing and no
one—she doesn’t even trust herself to stay in one place for longer than a minute. When her
quest to find out the secrets of her past leads her to the mountains of North Carolina, she’s set
on a collision course with the one man she thought she’d never see again.

In Appalachia consulting on an archeological dig, Anthropologist Dr. Drew Deveraux
comes face to face with the indomitable beauty who broke into his apartment a year ago, tilting
his carefully cultivated world on its axis.
Engaged in a fight with their demons, both imagined and real, the last thing either of
them expected to find was love. Together, they must unravel the mystery of Raven’s past and
her connection with an ancient race of witches, in order to save their future—and all of the souls
hanging in the balance.

About J.K. Hogan

J.K. Hogan has been telling stories for as long as she can
remember, beginning with writing cast lists and storylines
for her toys growing up. When she finally decided to
put pen to paper, magic happened. She is greatly inspired by
all kinds of music and often creates a “soundtrack” for her storieshttps://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLVVHqlGosPxFduRBtFPGC1jdBiKVPJQlpVthGGjluylSsq7enSzhpnAMGlRWgWaNVDeT2rAKX8kBubpUV7Q1wx4XpH-e6TMjDeuo0XNZfOfwMZ2TAY7qjcXzEMwEz3UeaZazalzF87v0/s320/J+K+Hogan.jpg
as she writes them.https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLVVHqlGosPxFduRBtFPGC1jdBiKVPJQlpVthGGjluylSsq7enSzhpnAMGlRWgWaNVDeT2rAKX8kBubpUV7Q1wx4XpH-e6TMjDeuo0XNZfOfwMZ2TAY7qjcXzEMwEz3UeaZazalzF87v0/s200/J+K+Hogan.jpg

J.K. resides in North Carolina, where she was born and
raised. A true southern girl at heart, she lives on a farm with
her husband and their three horses, one miniature donkey, one
cat, and two champion agility dogs.

In addition to writing, she enjoys training and competing in
dog sports, spending time with her large southern family, camping, boating and, of
course, reading! Please feel free to visit J.K.’s contact page—she’d love to hear from
you!

Find out more about J.K. Hogan and her books:
http://jkhogan.com/
http://twitter.com/JK_Hogan
http://www.facebook.com/OfficialJKHogan
http://www.goodreads.com/jkhogan
http://www.amazon.com/author/jkhogan

Check out the first book in the Vigilati Series, Fire on the Island:
Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Fire-Island-J-K-Hogan/dp/1938404173/
ref=la_B008UXO15E_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345334929&sr=1-1

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Fire-Island-Vigilati-ebook/dp/B008RO8BZM/
ref=la_B008UXO15E_1_1_title_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1345334929&sr=1-1

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fire-on-the-island-jk-hogan/111210251

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

The Good Woman by Jane Porter

Goodreads Synopsis
The firstborn of a large Irish-American family, Meg Brennan Roberts is a successful publicist, faithful wife, and doting mother who prides herself on always making the right decisions. But years of being “the good woman” have taken a toll and though her winery career thrives, Meg feels burned out and empty, and more disconnected than ever from her increasingly distant husband. Lonely and disheartened, she attends the London Wine Fair with her boss, ruggedly handsome vintner, Chad Hallahan. It’s here, alone together in an exotic city, far from “real” life, that Chad confesses his long-standing desire for Meg.

Overwhelmed, flattered, and desperately confused, Meg returns home, only to suddenly question every choice she’s ever made, especially that of her marriage. For Meg, something’s got to give, and for once in her life she flees her responsibilities—but with consequences as reckless and irreversible as they are liberating. Now she must decide whether being the person everyone needs is worth losing the woman she was meant to be.


First Thoughts After.......

I can't wait to read Kit's story!

How Distracted Did I Get?

Meg is feeling unsatisfied in life and tries to make herself happy.  This is a very realistic story and a very well written one.  There are lots of emotions and ups and downs.  I was more invested in the lives of the minor characters more than the main character Meg.  I loved Kit.  I can't wait to find out what happens in her life.  Also, I'd love to find out why Bree is so bitter.  I was able to get some dusting and cooking done these past couple of days and the kids enjoyed the non frozen meals.  

I give The Good Woman.........
3 Baskets!!!!

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Sugar's Dance by Katie Mettner

Goodreads Synopsis
Grab a cup of joe and meet Tula DuBois, Sugar to everyone who loves her, an accomplished ballroom dance instructor living in the Twin Ports of Lake Superior. From the outside Sugar appears to have it all, a successful business and a wonderful family, but behind closed doors Sugar’s emotional walls are crumbling as the events of one snowy November night ten years ago fill her nights with terror. As she struggles to keep her sanity from slipping away she is taunted by the never-ending mantra of why. Why is she still here? Why was she spared?

When Drug Task Force Agent Donovan Walsh arrives in Duluth, Minnesota, there is no doubt in his mind that it’s the tip of the end of the world and he prays that his assignment will be short so he can escape back home to sunny, warm Texas. That is until he meets his latest protected witness, Sugar. His job is simple -- protect her from a madman determined to engage her in a dangerous tango. All it takes is one dance across the floor and Agent Walsh quickly discovers there is nothing simple about Sugar.

As the gales of November blow early, Van finds himself drawn to Sugar as he leads her through a tender dance of grief and guilt. The sadness in her eyes when she thinks no one is looking compels him to help her rediscover her love for dancing and the reasons why she was left behind.

As one storm eases another intensifies and Sugar is pulled back into a high stakes promenade with a psychopath hellbent on destroying her family and her town. Sugar must summon her strength and give the performance of a lifetime as she becomes an unwilling partner in a treacherous dance of drugs, kidnapping and family betrayal. It’s a dance where one misstep could leave her fighting for her life!

As winter descends upon Lake Superior, Sugar will waltz through the darkness to find faith, hope, and the greatest of these, love…




First thoughts after…….
Thank goodness there is more to the Sugar’s world because this was just a little taste and I’m dying for more!!!!

How Distracted Did I Get?
Sugar is a strong character with wit and humor that I enjoyed thoroughly!   She is addicted to coffee maybe even more than I am if that’s possible.  With fascinating recipes and a handsome Irishman this story can’t go wrong.  Sugar has some rocks to climb to help her through a tough time and Van is the man to do that.  (Did I mention the handsome Irishman?)  Sugar’s Dance is wonderfully woven story that is difficult to put down.  My husband asked if I had a new appendage the book was so attached to the now well-loved book! 
I give Sugar’s Dance……….


5 BASKETS!!!!!!!

Friday, October 26, 2012

Blog Tour Review/Excerpt/Giveaway FIVE Elemental Emnity Book 1 by Christie L. Rich

Welcome to my stop on the
FIVE Tour
If there are links or pics missing I apologize.
Blogger and I have not been getting along.

Blurb:

Rayla Tate’s life is about to turn vertical…again. As if it wasn’t bad enough her mother disappeared under questionable circumstances leaving Rayla to be raised by her aunt in a horrendously small town. Her overprotective guardian is determined to ruin Rayla’s life. She refuses to let Rayla out of her sight or out of the state. Provincial living might be what her aunt demands of her purposely sheltered niece; but, Rayla has other ideas. In a desperate attempt to follow her dreams she flees the safety of her home and runs away to college with her best friend toward a bright future in the art world.


However, excitement over her newfound freedom turns into terror when she is chased by a mysterious stranger on her way to school. When his motorcycle suddenly morphs into a fire-breathing pegasus, Rayla questions her sanity. Worse, the man riding next to her stirs a burning desire in her soul she has never known or could have ever imagined. Using all the will she owns, she manages to resist the compulsion she feels; yet, as he disappears into the night, she is certain he hasn't gone far.


Rayla quickly dismisses the encounter to her overactive imagination. She is determined to settle into her new life, yet the images and feelings of that night still haunt her. To make matters worse, her aunt seems to be in on the act, insisting that Rayla will soon be hunted by a pack of fae lords for a power over the elements she never knew she possessed—a power that could change the world. Quicker than she ever thought possible, she finds herself surrounded by stunning men that all seem determined to win her heart. Why does she feel drawn to each one of them? More importantly, what dark power do they hold over her? Rayla must quickly learn to fend off these beautiful and seductive pursuers using whatever means necessary or find herself lost to the fae world forever.

Excerpt Five (Elemental Enmity Book I) by Christie Rich


The view of the sunset reminded me of my favorite bluff back home. Nothing but sky was visible in the horizon. I might as well have been standing on the edge of the world gazing at the gilded gates of heaven.
“I will never tire of seeing that,” a melodic voice erupted behind me.
If I had gotten a bit more air, I would have landed on Mars. “Zach.” I put a hand against my pounding heart. “You scared me.” I hadn’t even heard him come up to me.
“I noticed.” He smirked. “I was trying my best not to disturb you. You looked so peaceful, but I am a selfish man.” He chuckled, moving closer.
My attraction to him was hard enough to handle when he had all his clothes on. My pulse raced with his approach for an entirely different reason. He had the sort of flawless body that belonged on the airbrushed pages of a magazine. His skin glowed golden in the blazing sunset that brought out rusty hues in his dark hair. My fingers itched to trace every angle of his sculpted abdomen and chest.
“Leave it to you to make this thing look good,” he said, running a finger under the strap on my shoulder. “By rights, it should be burned. Are you going to tell me why you insisted on wearing it?”
“No.”
He traced my collarbone. “Really?” In one fluid motion, I was in his arms, and he was carrying me deeper into the water.
I hoped he couldn’t feel the thud of my heart beating against his chest. “What do you think you’re doing?” I asked more calmly than I felt.
“Changing your mind,” he said just as evenly.
I could see where he was going with this, and over the edge of a cliff wasn’t my idea of fun. “Don’t.”
He grinned. “Tell me.”
I stiffened in his arms. “If you do this, I will leave—without you.” His exaggerated exhale tickled my neck, sending goose-bumps down my body.
“Don’t you ever relax?”
I gritted my teeth, hating what I had become in the past few weeks. If he had tried this back home, I would have protested, giggled, and screamed but loved every minute of his antics.
Things were different now. I was on edge constantly. “I’m so not okay with heights. Let me down.”
The set of his jaw didn’t give me any comfort. He walked up a ramp between the two converging rivers that made the waterfall. On sure feet, he stepped to the edge. I honestly didn’t know how he was still standing with the water blasting against his knees. He leaned into my ear. “Tell me.”
I clung to his neck like grime to a barn cat. “I don’t want to.”
He looked over the edge and back at me. The humor in his gaze died. He sighed, stepping back a few paces. My heart found its way back into my chest. He carried me to a lounge chair, setting me down gently.
“You can’t possibly think that thing is pretty,” he commented after a while.
“Pretty isn’t everything,” I said.
He raised his brows, tucking his strong chin inward in mockery then looked at me sidelong. “It helps.” He smiled teasingly.
I shot him a dirty look before giving him my back. He placed a timid hand on my shoulder.
“Come, now. It can’t possibly be as bad as all that.”
Why couldn’t he just let it go? I wasn’t all up in his business, why did he feel the need to be in mine. “Drop it already.”
Zach sat beside me, coaxing my chin upward. His voice was soft. “Aren’t you having fun, lass?”
I wouldn’t look him in the eye. If I did he would see every insecurity I had. “I was before you decided to go all Tarzan on me.”
He thumped his chest, doing a great imitation of the call. I tried to smile, but I didn’t think it helped.
“You weren’t like this the other day.” He turned away as if in thought, glancing at me hastily. “Don’t you like swimming?”
The other day I didn’t have four terrifying men after me. I would have liked to give him an easy out, but I didn’t want to lie. “I usually love it.”
Cassie had an indoor pool back home. On the rare occasion I actually got to stay the night at her house, we would spend hours in the water. She taught me how to float first. I had progressively gotten better. I was an adequate swimmer now. The one thing I didn’t like was the high-dive.
He frowned. “Is it me?” His brows furrowed as though he was really worried. “Have I done something to offend you?”
I closed my eyes, inhaling sharply. “I’m sorry. I’ve had fun today, really. I just have other things on my mind right now.”
He grinned, tucking my hair behind my ear. “I’m a great listener.”
I didn’t like being such a disappointment, but I couldn’t snap myself out of it. I could just imagine how fast he’d be gone if I did tell him everything that was wrong with me at the moment. “I’d rather not talk about it right now.”
He knelt in front of me and took my hands in his. “You can’t expect me to not be curious.”
“It’s a free country,” I said. “Be curious all you like.” I was pushing him away when normally I would have been doing everything in my power to keep him interested in me.
The sun had made its final descent. The haze of twilight settled all around us with the stars spotting the barely glowing sky. In a few minutes, I would be able to relax a little.
Zach tugged my hand. “Do you wish to go join the others?” He sounded dejected.
Why was I acting like this? I needed to snap out of it. My mood wasn’t his fault. “If you don’t mind, I’d rather stay here for a while.”
He nodded then moved to a lounge chair opposite me, wasting no time in getting comfortable. “Why don’t you tell me of your home?”
The subject seemed safe enough. “Have you ever been to eastern Utah?”
He made an odd sound, sort of a half concealed groan. “It has been many years.”
He wasn’t old enough for it to have been that long ago. I leaned back and put my arms behind my head preparing to give him details.
“I see,” he said in a sympathetic tone, his eyes soft with compassion.
I followed his gaze down to my exposed torso. How could I have been so stupid? The bottom half of my scar poked out from beneath the fringe. I bolted up, pulling awkwardly at the fabric.
He shook his head. “Everyone has imperfections, Rayla.” In an instant he moved to the edge of my chair. Calloused fingers caressed my shoulder before skimming down my arm. “Some are just more visible than others.”
I turned away. Then I got mad. “Really, where’s yours?”
His face crinkled thoughtfully. His eyes held haunted shadows. “You’d be surprised.”
I gave him a look. “Enlighten me.”
“There are certain things I want to change so badly about myself that it consumes my life.” Unless he was a fantastic actor, he was being sincere.
“Like?”
He grimaced, only slightly, but it was enough to make me wonder. “I would rather not get into that with you yet.”
I cocked my jaw, clicking my tongue. “It’s okay for me, but not for you, huh?”
He leveled his gaze to mine seriously. “If a scar is all you have to hide, you should be thankful.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
He shoved a hand through his hair. “Only that there are worse things to bear than a scar.”
The truth burned me like a solar flare. I should have been able to put on a pretty bikini without so much as a second thought, but I wasn’t there yet. I hoped I would be some day. I felt ridiculous being so shallow. “You didn’t answer my question,” I said after a moment of hesitation.
The lines of his face turned hard. “I know.”
“There you are,” Natalie yelled, cresting the hill in a sprint with Sam close behind her. “Help me, Rayla!” She crouched down between my chair and the stacked rock wall.
“They can’t save you,” Sam said coldly, standing by my feet. “You will pay.”
I turned back, whispering, “What did you do?”
She smiled proudly. “Put ice in his trunks.”
Zach narrowed his eyes at Natalie. His jaw tightened. “You deserve anything you get.” He grabbed my hand, pulling me to my feet.
Sam swept the chair sideways. Natalie squealed, trying to out-maneuver him. She didn’t make it.
Attempting to wrench away from him, she said desperately, “You can put ice in my suit. Rayla, do you have a drink?”
Sam smiled wickedly. He looked over at the edge of the falls. Did all male minds work the same? “I have something better in mind.”
She put her hands on his cheeks. “Please, Sam. I’m sorry. I won’t do anything like that again.”
He grabbed her wrists, pushing her into the river. She kicked at him and squealed the entire way.
“Not after this,” he said, grinning. Without another word, he pinned her arms to her sides in a bear hug. She smiled at him. I couldn’t see his expression, but her eyes flew wide just before he shouted, “Geronimo.”
Her “No” was squelched when they hit the water. Zach grinned down at me. My smile shriveled.
“Don’t even think about it,” I said when he came closer. Natalie’s laugh rang clear from below.
“Not that I don’t find the idea tempting once more, but I think I will pursue your affections another way.”




First Thougts After.......

I need ANSWERS!!!!!  Boy what a cliff hanger!

How Distracted Did I Get?

FIVE drew me in and wouldn't let me go from the beginning.  Ms. Rich introduces a fascinating new to me version of how Fae came to be.  With Hottie McTotties galore and a smart strong heroine this book is a wonderful start to a new series.  Raya is a great character who is thrown into a new world unknowingly just to escape her small town life and become an artist.  Who knew she'd draw the attention of 5 count 'em 5 different men!  Even though I did have time to cook last night, that was the only distraction other than a family craziness. Reading FIVE helped distract me which is what I look for in my books!  
I give FIVE.......



5 Baskets!!!!!!!!



Christie L Rich's Bio:


I grew up daydreaming about fairytales, and my love for discovering new worlds has never died. I am not one of those writers who always knew I would write. I thought that was what other people did until one day a few years ago, I took a challenge from a friend and typed my first words. My journey has been wonderful, and I cannot imagine a day where I would ever give up writing now. My love for reading is what fueled my imagination in the first place and still does. When I am not writing or reading, I am enjoying family time with my husband and two children. We live in a quiet community under the Wellsville mountains in Utah, and I am so thankful for the rich life I have been blessed with.


My Links:



Book's Links:





Ms. Rich is offering one e-copy of Dark Matter (Book 2) 
and one e-copy of Genesis (Book 3) to one LUCKY winner


Leave a comment with EMAIL and you are entered!

Thanks for stopping by!
<3 Tobi


Thursday, October 25, 2012

Thoughts and prayers please

Good Morning Everyone!
I have a special post today.
My mom is currently having a heart transplant as I type.
If you would please pray send positive thoughts or however you  would like.
To not only my mom but the family of the organ donor. 
I'm freaking out right now and I couldn't even imagine what their family is going through.
Thanks for you time.

If you're wondering why red it is the color 
for 
GO RED FOR WOMEN
bringing education and awareness in Heart Disease for women.

Thanks again!
HUGS!
Tobi
UPDATE
Mom's heart is in and beating well.  

She remained Stable the entire time!
My sister and dad got to see her around 10pm last night and she was groggy but trying to talk around the tube.
The tube should be coming out this morning!
Thanks again and I will update as soon as I know more!

http://www.goredforwomen.org/


Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Shadow Series Promo


Here’s a blurb about Shadow Slayer (Shadow Series #2):

Shadows will do anything to become human.
You see their influence everyday.
You say things you don’t mean or do things that aren’t like you.
You look, different.
Friends you’ve known forever suddenly never call.

As a freshman, Roxie just wants to fit in which is impossible because she barely runs into her friends at her huge high school. Adrianne’s disappearance and Hayden’s attention rock Roxie’s world. But nothing rocks it like the most gorgeous guy at school, Drew. And nothing is more important to Roxie than astral projecting back to Planet Popular to solve the mystery of the map. But that changes when Drew invites Roxie to homecoming. Hayden warns her that something’s wrong. Why would a guy like Drew like Roxie anyway? Drew must want something. Hayden’s right. Drew is…different. Planet Popular was just the beginning. Part of a bigger world, the Shadow World. There’s a war brewing between the world of humans and the world of shadows. When the shadow invasion begins at Roxie’s high school, she’ll not only fight for her life but the lives of her family and friends, when she discovers she’s the Shadow Slayer, the one human who can save Earth from the shadow onslaught. But, Roxie can’t even kill a spider. Oh yeah, there’s an evil English teacher, an enchanted play, a sword of Sandonian steel, a homecoming of horrors, and seven magic words too.

One paragraph summary of the Shadow Series:

In 13 ON HALLOWEEN, Roxie’s quest for popularity leads her to receive a birthday gift that’s literally out of this world and it astral projects her to Planet Popular where she becomes seventeen instantly and gets everything she’s always wanted but all isn’t what it seems. In SHADOW SLAYER, Roxie is one year older and discovers Planet Popular was just the beginning––part of a bigger world, the shadow world. She’ll find the agony of fitting in at high school nothing compared to saving the world from the shadow onslaught. 13 on Halloween, (Shadow Series #1) is now available for free at Amazon and also as an audiobook on iTunes, Audible or Amazon.


Homecoming teaser:
The band’s taken a break and we’re dancing slow to a song I’ve never heard before. It’s perfect for right now. My first dance at my first homecoming on Earth. I place my head on Drew’s chest and breathe easy for what seems like the very first time all night. He sighs, stroking my thumb with his. I could stay here forever.
“Sorry about that,” Drew says.
“Old girlfriend?” I ask, straightening up just a little, leaning my head back. I catch Drew staring down at me with his golden eyes and forget all about the way he tricked me at the labyrinth. One look at him and I melt.
“Very old.”
“Am I your girlfriend?” I can’t help it. The words just leave my lips, and in the silence after, I wish I had some sort of filter. A boyfriend filter that would stop me from asking lame questions like am I your girlfriend? I can’t help but think that Adrianne would never ask a question like that. And girls that do can’t help but sound kind of psycho. I can’t believe no one has heard from Adrianne. It’s been months.
“What do you think?”
I think I might be too young to feel the way I do about Drew, but it’s been hard coming back as a younger girl after I lived a day as a seventeen-year-old high school homecoming queen in the shadow world. Some things I can’t forget. Some things I can’t change. I’m older now. Even though I don’t look like it.
Drew slides his hands over my hips then they travel up, inch-by-inch, along my ribs. He grabs a hold of my hands and unwraps them from around his neck. We stand toe-to-toe facing each other. Drew spins me in a circle. The reflections from the disco ball shower us and make it seem like we’re dancing in a dream world. He spins me again then pulls me close. I bury my head in his chest and stare at our shadows on the floor. But I only see one. Mine.

Tempest Teaser:
I pull some blush and mascara out of my makeup bag. I’m late, as usual. No one else is in here with me and it’s too quiet, too quiet for opening night. I try extra hard to keep the makeup off my dress, wedging scratchy brown paper towels all along my shoulder strap to protect it.
I glance over at one of the open, empty lockers. My sword hides in locker number 316, a row away from me. I thought about slaying every one of the shadows that had invaded in dress rehearsal but there was no way for me to ride the bus and sneak my sword in to school without a million eyes on me. Without getting noticed by some teacher who’d confiscate it and expel me for bringing a weapon to school. I had so much stuff to take for the play that Mom offered to give me a ride at the crack of dawn this morning. I hid my sword under my dress. Mom was so scattered because of her big meeting she didn’t notice anything and since it was so early no one was in the halls to give me a second look when I hid my sword in my locker. Note to self: early morning is a good time to hide stuff at school.
I stroke one cheek and then the other with blush and remember standing with Drew at the bonfire. The last night we went out as boyfriend and girlfriend. The last night he was human.
On your 13th birthday, you get the call. By your 14th birthday you find out what the call is.  
Everyone I know is in the audience tonight. Ally, Mom, Dad, Brian, even Mitch because he came home for my birthday. We’re having our family dinner tomorrow night since tonight the cast party’s at Drew’s house, unless I decapitate him first.
“Roxie five minutes!” Hayden yells into the girl’s locker room. As usual I’m the last one out. I sweep my hair up to the side and try to remember my first line. For some reason it’s the one I always forget.
All hail, great master! grave sir, hail! I come
To answer thy best pleasure...
I open locker 316, grab my sword and just as I step outside of the locker room Wanda runs up to me and starts talking non-stop about her nerves and how they’re getting worse and worse.
“What’s that?” she asks. I stop cold in my tracks at the backstage door.
“There are lots of words for things that don’t exist––the unseen. Like monsters and aliens and dragons and vampires and ghosts,” I say sort of in a trance.
“Yeah, so?” Wanda says, wringing her hands.
“If they don’t exist, why are there words for them? All the stuff I thought was crazy really isn’t crazy at all,” I say, finally getting what Drew was trying to tell me at the bonfire at the estate at homecoming. What the human Drew said before I danced with his shadow. My role in the unseen, the shadow world. Still, I don’t know so many things. Like, what happens to a shadow once I slay it? And where do humans go when their shadows invade? How can I save my human friends?
“Roxie, I caught you! I was so late because Brian’s car got a flat. He fixed it so great, I couldn’t believe it. It’s like he went to bad ass school or something,” Ally says, laughing.
“Ally. Finally!” We hug. I swallow hard. Brian. Fixed. A. Flat. I mean it’s not brain surgery but believe me, if it doesn’t have an LCD screen Brian doesn’t think it exists. He doesn’t know how to fix a flat. O.M.G. Brian is probably a shadow too.

Zombie Teaser:

I turn another corner in the labyrinth. Every leaf, every twig, and the grass changes colors. Unnatural colors. I startle at a huge rustle beside me and bite my nails.
Two disembodied arms stick out of the bush next to me. My heart beats hard against my chest. I try to wriggle out of his grip but whoeveritis clamps down on my arms making it hard for me to get any leverage.
“AAAAAHhhhhh!” I scream, writhing back and forth. I fight to free my arms but he’s already wrestled them to my sides. I can’t move. He lifts me a few inches off the ground. I kick and stare at my useless hands and spot the long nails with black nail polish that begin to dig into my skin. There’s a tattoo on each finger. All the same. Stars, I think.
“I want to suck your blood!” he says laughing, lowering me to the ground. As soon as my feet get a little traction I kick and try to run away.
“Ouch! Drew, control your woman!” One of the guys says, a familiar voice. A football player steps out of the bushes. He loosens his grip and places an arm, the size of my thigh, over my shoulders. He marches us out of the labyrinth. I twist around, searching the maze. There’s no sign of the sword, my sword.
Drew doubles over, laughing and the prankster takes my hand and places it in Drew’s. My gaze falls on the spot of fabric where Drew’s boutonniere isn’t. We’re surrounded by a bunch of homecoming zombies. Sixteen-year-old zombies. Their tuxedo coats all ripped and fake-aged with chalk or something. The black make-up around their eyes smudge into their white make up, their faces so pale they kind of glow in the moonlight.
“Zombies don’t suck blood!” Drew says between laughs.
“I know it just sounds so much better than I’d like to eat your brains,” the guy says. “Who’s this tasty morsel?”
“Roxie, this is everyone,” Drew says. In the middle of a circle of homecoming zombies, I immediately breathe easier. “Everyone, this is Roxie,” Drew gives my hand a little squeeze. I sink into his hug, floating my fingers over the spot where his boutonniere should be.
“Finally. Hey, I’m Franklin.” A large guy, the guy who had me in his grip and the size of a line backer, exactly the size of a line backer, pulls me away from Drew and buries me in a bear hug.
“That’s enough,” Drew says, taking a hand to Franklin’s shoulder, separating us.
“This is the one, huh?” another guy, smaller than the rest, says. “I’m CeCe.” He kind of scowls as he puts his hands in his pockets and rubs his chin with his shoulder. A little of his undead makeup rubs off on his brown suit coat.
“Hey,” I say. “What’s with the whole Halloween homecoming get up?” It’s all I can manage. I get super shy when I’m around people I don’t know, let alone football players who are years older than me who I barely know. Guys who just tricked me.
“She totally fell for it guys!” Another of the guys says.
“This is Randy,” Drew says, using his whole arm to point him out.
Randy makes like he’s going to run into me and dodges me at the last minute. “May I have this dance?” he says in a made-up English accent. He doesn’t wait for an answer and twirls me around then dips me and says, “I am you know... randy....” with a mischievous smile.
I turn to face Drew. “So what? All that was a joke?”
Drew gazes at the ground before he walks over and wraps me in his arms. His lips meet mine in a forceful kiss. “All of that,” he says. It’s like the best date ever, aside from the fact he made me believe I’m a Shadow Slayer and have to save the world.

Stuff for Tweets / FB posts :D

As a freshman, Roxie just wanted to fit in...SHADOW SLAYER (Shadow Series #2) Just released! #ya #paranormal #fantasy http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Slayer-The-Series-ebook/dp/B009CJ5DXE

13 on Halloween (Shadow Series #1) FREE! http://www.amazon.com/Halloween-The-Shadow-Series-ebook/dp/B005NFPDL8 #ya #romance #fantasy SHADOW SLAYER book 2, just released!


Laura A. H. Elliott BIO:
I love writing about enchanted road trips, shadow worlds, and alien romance while eating lots of popcorn. I live in a tree house on the central California coast. After twenty-plus years as a freelance graphic designer/animator with clients including E! Entertainment Television and The Los Angeles Times, I crossed over into the world of publishing non-fiction and followed my heart to the world of fiction. Check out my other books at Laurasmagicday.wordpress.com or find me on Facebook or @Laurawriting!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Just This Once by Rosalind James

Contemporary Romance
Date Published: 8/30/12

Everyone needs to be rescued sometimes.

Everyone but Hannah Montgomery, that is. She just needs a vacation. Three weeks in New Zealand to sort out her life, figure out what she wants, seems just right. Oh, and to relax. She should definitely put that on the agenda. She certainly isn't looking for a fling with a professional rugby player, no matter how attractive he is. Hannah doesn't do casual. But maybe just this once. . .

Drew Callahan is happy to help Hannah find all the fun she's been missing. But as much as he's shared with her, he's kept one very big secret. And learning the truth, now that she's back home again, has made Hannah warier than ever. Drew knows that she's right for him. But how can he convince her to let down her guard enough to explore what they could have together?



First Thoughts After.......

Good conclusion.  My mind isn't wondering what is to come.


How Distracted Did I Get?
Hannah has had a rough life.  She raised her brother and sister and has had responsibility on her shoulders since she was 14.  She doesn't know how to let anyone help her or take care of her.  Just this once has it's ups and downs and stressful moments.  The book is a story of sweet, true love and you find yourself rooting for the unlikely couple.  Drew is a hottie mctottie Rugby player and he stole the book!  I fell in love!  As much as Drew distracted me Hannah drove me crazy a bit.  The kids actually got a full cooked meal for once, no frozen food (LOL). ;)  I give Just This Once.............



3 BASKETS!!!!!!!

Author Bio
Rosalind James is the author of three romance/women’s fiction novels in the "Escape to New Zealand" series, and is hard at work now on the fourth book. A marketing professional and publishing industry veteran, she has lived all over the United States and in a number of other countries, traveling with her civil engineer husband. Most recently, she spent several years in Australia and New Zealand, where she fell in love with the people, the landscape, and the culture of both countries.
Rosalind self-published the first three books in the “Escape to New Zealand” on August 31, 2012, and offered the first book, “Just This Once,” as a free download through Amazon’s Kindle Select program on September 7. The book was downloaded over 14,500 times in three days, reaching #2 in Women’s Contemporary Fiction, #7 in all Romance, and #23 among all free Kindle books. Within four days of the promotion, James had sold over 800 books, and “Just This Once” had reached #82 in Women’s Contemporary Fiction in the Amazon store. James credits the book’s overnight success to the fact that “everyone would like to escape to New Zealand! I know I did!”

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Blog Tour/Review Dangerous Embrace by Dana Mason

Romantic Suspense/ Thriller
Date to be Published: 10/04/12
Publisher: Sapphire Star Publishing


$3.99 on Kindle


Sarah Jennings wants nothing more than a quiet life—alone.
Raised by an eccentric mother, their life on the road only taught her how to run away from hard times. But when she finds herself in an abusive relationship, this lesson serves her well.

Now, back in her hometown, she's found a place she loves. She’s a first grade teacher, and with few friends and less family around, she has what she wants, a quiet life under the radar where she can be free of her past and live quietly. Finally comfortable in her own skin, she’s settled, and less fearful than she’s ever been in her life.

But it only takes one night and one act of violence for everything to change. Injured and afraid, Sarah wants to run again, but Mark Summors refuses to let her go.

Just when Sarah thinks she can have Mark and the life he promises, her past comes back to haunt her.

Mark Summors was born and raised in Santa Rosa. He married his high school sweetheart and never questioned his life, until he found his wife with another man.

Now divorced, he wants something more. He’s passionate about his job, he wants to protect people, and he devotes his life to it.

This time he’s protecting more than just another client, he’s protecting his future; at least, Sarah Jennings will be his future, once he convinces her she loves him.

MY REVIEW


First thoughts after.....
I foresee a sequel???  GREAT book!  Hopefully there will be another book

How Distracted Did I Get??
Dangerous Embrace is high paced action/suspense/romance!  I had a hard time putting my Kindle down!  I made mom drive to Walmart so I could continue reading!!!!  LOL  (seriously I did)  Sara is a tough girl!  Anyone having gone through what she did.......well, lets just say I don't think I'd be strong enough.  There were times when I was saying "what's wrong with you?" and "OMG"  and "Dana's a genius!" Yes I did pm that to someone on FB.  Anywhoooo  Dangerous Embrace is a definite must read!  I give Dangerous Embrace...........



5 Baskets!!!!!!

Author Bio
Dana Mason started writing to prove to her computer geek husband and her math & science geek kids that she actually has a brain; it’s just a right functioning brain instead of a left. She’s lived all over the country and uses that experience in her writing and character studies. Her debut novel, Dangerous Embrace, is the first in a contemporary romance series about a group of friends from Northern California who learn just how short life can be when you don’t hold on to what’s important. Second chances don’t come easy…but sometimes love is worth the risk.
When not writing, Dana specializes in professional development and training. She’s also a board member on the local Art's Council and does what she can to support the art community.
As an avid reader and movie watcher, she always requires a happily ever after ending.
Website
Publisher Author Page
Twitter - @danamason06
Facebook


Want to win an eBook copy of Dana's book? 
Leave a comment below WITH EMAIL.  Without email I can't contact you.  Giveaway ends 10/25/12