Monday, October 8, 2012

Action, Romance, and Feel-Good Family...

Are all recipes Whimsical Publications has cooked up to keep you warm and happy this fall. Check out these great new releases!


 

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Falling in love was the last thing on Marcie’s mind when she came to Milan from Philadelphia and got a great job in an international company—where a charming Italian named Roberto happens to be her closest coworker.

When Roberto tells her about his unhappy love affair with another woman, Marcie is deeply moved—and at the same time realizes that she has fallen in love with him. Roberto seems to be falling in love with her too. But how could he even think of starting a love affair right after ending another one? He is bound by ties he can’t escape—a wife he doesn’t love and a seriously ill daughter he cares very much about. She wasn’t sure she wanted any part of such an ill-fated affair.

Marcie falls into a restless sleep burdened with this realization. She awakens the next morning in Roberto’s body. This has to be a dream, she thinks, until she goes to her office and collides with the real Roberto—who has just had a dream of waking up in her body. As even stranger events follow, Marcie begins to wonder, suppose they were really in each other’s bodies? Can forbidden love be that strong?



 

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 Everything in thirteen-year-old Tim McGrew’s life stinks. It was bad enough his dad left, but even worse, he must move to his grandparent’s remote ranch on Nowhere Mountain, leave his friends and school behind, and give up playing baseball.

He loves his whacky grandma and enjoyed summer visits at the ranch backpacking and horseback riding with his
grandpa. But now Grandpa is dead. And Tim and his dog, Tiny, are the only males in a house full of women. To top off his problems, Grandma adopts a wild burro from the Bureau of Land Management and expects him to train it.

Tim hopes it’s true that Grandpa’s ghostly vibes still linger around the ranch because he needs help taming the long-eared donkey with a noisy bray, and even more important, needs advice on how to get his parents back together. 




 

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It is December 2012 and the world is on edge about the foretold end of humankind. 12 follows multiple characters
through the Mayan prediction of the end of the world. While battling for their lives, these individuals come up against natural disasters of every kind. Go on a thrill ride with Peyton, a teenaged babysitter who suddenly finds herself protecting her charge amidst devastating tornadoes. Join college student Lily Singh while she struggles to survive earthquakes in a foreign country. Follow scientist Kyle Phelps as he discovers the local volcano is about to erupt and there is nothing he can do but try to outrun it. There’s even the tale of an entire nation sinking to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, taking along its inhabitants and possibly the American news crew sent to broadcast the events. Will humanity be able to persevere as it always has? Or will they slip silently into the night, returning earth to its original owner, Mother Nature?
 

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Great New Titles from Purple Sword!

 

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Author: Daphne Monet and Anastasia Rabiyah
Genre: Fantasy Erotic Romance
Length: Novella, 23001 words. 65 Pages PDF
Heat Level: Erotic
Warnings: Violence


Shauna wanted some time to herself to regain her sanity after almost making the biggest mistake of her life. Then she found Ewan wounded in the forest near her secluded cabin. He was different than any other man she’d ever met, his outdated chivalry the first clue that he was definitely not from her world. Despite the undeniable passion between them, he has to go back to his world to fulfill his duties and stop the Kelden invasion of his village. Shauna has to face her own problems in her world. But given the chance, will either give up their lives to be together, and which world will they choose?

 

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Author: Crymsyn Hart
Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance
Length: Novella, 30394 words, 86  Pages PDF
Heat Level: Erotic
Warnings: Violence
Valerie dreams of a man who ties her up and pleasures her all night long. When she wakes, his soft caresses follow her.  All she wants is to sink back into her dreams and become his slave. 
Her sister, Niki conjures an evil djinn into their world. James and Valerie must stop the genie before it brings others of its kind into their world.
When her dream master offers a solution to defeat the djinn, Valerie is hard pressed not to take his proposition. If she does, will she be releasing the lesser of two evils?


 

Monday, August 27, 2012

Interview with Tex Leiko


We have author Tex Leiko here this week talking about himself and his writing! Drop a comment below to be eligible to win a free signed copy of his novel, Crimson Rain.





WR: Tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you write? Why?

T: I write science fiction because I love technology. I love the idea of exploring the stars and what the future holds. However, I tend to write about dystopian societies because it doesn’t take a genius to look around at the world and see that things are wrong and only getting worse. Anyhow, I have much hope for the future, however I write the way I envision worst case.

I also write fantasy, it is yet to be published (though my first work, Crimson Rain, has elements that border fantasy) Anyway, I also write fantasy because as a kid growing up I did nothing but nerd out on both pen and paper rpgs as well as just about everything that came out on PC. I loved the classics like Lord Of The Rings and a lot of R.A. Salvatore’s works.

Last but not least, I like to dabble in steam-punk and western themes. Mostly because I hate westerns in general. The wild west was a fun and interesting time, however most tales that I see/read of that era are utterly and completely boring! I don’t care enough to write a true western however I do like throwing those elements in to a story which is why steam-punk interests me greatly.

WR: If you could be any one of your characters, who would you choose?

T: I don’t know how to break this to you all… But I am already two of my characters, and in all reality I am all of them and they are all me. I’m happy with that, I wouldn’t want to be any of them because I have to be all of them.

WR: What is your creative process like? Do you need music to write? Silence?

           
T: It is always different, it just depends on what kind of scene I am working on. Sometimes I’m drinkin’ scotch and blasting music, everything from heavy-metal, to 40’s-50’s jazz to hardcore ambient techno. Other times, total silence, and on occasion, while having a full on conversation with my fiancée. Anyhow, my creative process is just me living and doing my thing, if you’re looking for any tips on inspiration all I’ve got to say is go live life, and imagine.

WR: What is a guilty pleasure of yours?

T: Katy Perry in a blue wig, Rebecca Black’s song “Friday” cus it makes me giggle, those frickin’ chewy ginger candies and lighting things on fire to watch them burn!

WR: What inspires you?

T: Life and just really…taking it in.

WR: What is one of your worst pet peeves?

T: Being late, or slow with anything. Or being incompetent! I am currently an amateur author and though I can’t go into great detail, with my current job I am constantly forced into working with people who don’t know how to do their frickin’ job and it is really frickin’ important that they do, but they don’t! *End rant*

WR: Describe what a perfect day would be for you.

T: Wake up, get laid, go rock climb, get laid again, have some scotch while twirling it in a glass and overlooking a cityscape, ride my bike down to a cruddy hole in the wall Vietnamese restaurant and get a huge bowl of Pho and some fresh spring rolls, take the scenic route through the park to get home, get laid, do some writing, get laid then go to sleep.

WR: If you could bring any fictional character to life, yours or anyone else’s, who would you pick?

T: Ares…from the Korean manga, Ares. That character is radical, though he is fictional (I know) he lived a life of loss. Loss of family, later the loss of his master and a total jerk cutting out one of his eyes and left bleeding with his mortal enemy taunting him to come and take his revenge…at this point he is eight years old.
           
Joins a group of mercenaries at like age twelve, makes a best friend…best friend is the king of an enemy country and he betrays your friendship but taking everything he learned about you and your country and uses it to wage war against you! WTF!!! But still, Ares just moves ahead. He finds the silver lining and doesn’t stop, never gives up, and in the end has a heart large enough to forgive some who don’t deserve it. Also he is a total badass who is always taking on fights in which he is outnumbered and typically wins hands down.

WR: If you could shape-shift, what animal would you turn into and why?

T: An arctic wolf. Man they’re beautiful.

WR: Where can we find you and your work around the web?

T: Well I have my own site, www.whoistex.com. There you will find updates and whatever. I will post teaser chapters to upcoming works and works that are out, maybe the occasional short story or poem, we will see. I’m new to the whole posting interweb materials and whatnot.

Also I have a facebook page, an author one and a personal one. Be sure to go and “like” me, that is if you like me.

Last but not least my publisher’s website, www.worldcastlepublishing.com.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Great Books to Start Your Week Off Right!

 

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How can four stranded children survive and get back home after finding themselves transported to an alien planet in a distant part of the galaxy?

Following a family tragedy, the Seekers children find themselves transported to a strange, alien world named Zantura, where a powerful, evil being named Sarin has either murdered or enslaved nearly everyone. The siblings must face and survive a series of seven deadly trials on the journey to find a long-lost ancient relic, which has the power to save Zantura from Sarin, and to send the children home.


 

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All Tess Knight wanted was a loan to purchase a car but what she got was pulled into the middle of a bank robbery. She's able to shield herself and hide in the shadows until she is able to eliminate the robbers one by one. During the attack, she's injured and has lost a lot of blood. The only one that Bradley feels can save her is Aaron since he is the strongest one. As she is being transported, they notice she has a mark on her and Mel, the Queen of Magic has to be contacted.

Nathaniel Tremont is hot on the trail of Brian Manchester for a string of bank robberies. He's an FBI agent and has been following him for several weeks now. With Brian now dead, all he wants to do is return to his home, but that isn't going to be the case for him. He's been chosen to give Tess blood and now there is a tie between them. He knows this is his mate but he doesn't want to accept it. All he wants to do is go home.

Things aren't so wonderful for Nathaniel and Tess in the beginning because she knows he doesn't want to be tied down. Can Nathaniel change his mind about her? What will happen to Tess once Nathaniel finds out what she really is? Is it something he wants to accept? With Shamus, her army and The Kiss will they be able to convince Tess of her fate? There will be many surprises along the way.

 

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 Gustov Stoneheart is an unlikely hero, a dwarf who’s magically torn from friends and family, thrown into a world where magic collides with steampunk. A prophecy predicts that he will bring down the human federation, and they hunt him with a passion. Hiding from them isn’t easy in the federation’s police-state, and Gustov must rethink his deep seated bigotry as orcs, elves, and his own changed kind aid him to make the prophecy come true.

 

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What’s the world to do when gold starts disappearing and the agents assigned to the case are turned into life-size lawn ornaments?

Send in Double O Fang Agent Pierce De Vein, and Shifter Intelligence Agent (SIA) Kitty Katt to investigate. Unhappy with their forced alliance, each loner must learn to work with a partner and stop trying to outdo one another long enough to solve the case. When the evidence points to an evil gnome and his army of rogue leprechauns, the agents infiltrate the organization in the forms of a bat and a cat.

Will their plan work, or will they end up sleeping with the daisies as a pair of garden decorations?

Monday, August 6, 2012

Stave Away Summer Boredom with These Great Titles!

 

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The Elven Chronicles: Revelation is the first in a six part series about the awakening, adventures, and scarifying threats to life and limb of a boy who doesn't in the beginning know he's an elf and what it portends. The enormity of his task would be difficult for any adult to bear, but Kai must not only bear up, he's also forced to fight fierce fantasy beings to reach his fantastic destiny, an existence for which only he is suited.


 

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Resilient and practical, Kara Barton has continually strived to live a respectable life. She went to college, embarked on a promising career as an attorney, married a great guy, and always appeared to be the perfect wife and mother. But all is not what it seems, and the troubling past Kara has been running from her entire life is about to catch up with her. Urged on by her insecurities about growing older, and desperately wanting to feel one more night of passion, Kara agrees to share a tryst in a hotel room with a sexy business associate, Scott Ellsworth. But Scott wants more than one night together, and Kara quickly discovers it is impossible to resist him. Soon Kara finds herself transformed into the kind of woman she vowed never to become, and the secure world she has struggled all her life to build begins to fall apart. Kara Barton is about to find out how a one-night stand can change everything.


   

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Darkness Falls is a frame novel, a story within a story. Primarily, it tells the story of one man, Robert Hendricks. We first meet him in 2179 onboard an alien star ship approaching Earth. He is the lone human on the ship and it will be the first time he sees his planet in over 150 years.

He has been away so long, in fact, that Hendricks has very little in the way of actual memories of his home. The only thing he knows for sure is that his feelings about going back are far from positive. This is a problem for his extra-terrestrial hosts, the Gulran. The Gulran have a growing interest in this sector of the galaxy and Earth is vital to their plan. With Hendricks as an ambassador the Gulrani High Arbitor, Gorak, thinks the mission has a good chance of success. Without the human's help, he's not so sure. In order to ensure a positive outcome - but also to help his troubled friend - Gorak hypnotizes Hendricks and, through his recollections, travels back with him to the Earth of 2026.

For Hendricks, the end begins with a total blackout of North America. It doesn't take long for him to learn that the line between order and chaos is as thin as a stream of electrons flowing down a copper wire.

 

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 They do exist and they always have. They live, love, and work amongst us and they are part of us. But they are different too, they are stronger and they live longer. They are the topic of many books, movies and myths, but their existence remains a secret, not everyone would accept them. And like us, they have those that are simply evil. Keeping these evil ones under control is the price they must pay to continue the lives they love. They must protect their human brethren from the Dark Ones, those that would rather kill than preserve.

Century after century the good battled the Dark Ones, always prevailing and preserving the lives of their beloved humans. In the 17th century, two powerful Dark leaders emerged, they organized their forces and a bitter war ensued. It was a fight to the death and the good thought they?d won. Four warriors led the battle, four warriors whose strength was beyond anything they knew, four warriors whose legacy had to be protected?

The good formed a consortium and with the help of a powerful sorcerer, a spell was cast; a spell that would follow the warriors? lineage in case their power was needed again. The warriors are long dead, but their heirs are not, and now they must fight. The Dark Ones have re-emerged, they are more powerful, more resourceful and they want to control mankind and the world.

Book 1

Clare had an ideal life. She lived in the perfect little town, had a great family and four of the best friends in the world. She also had nightmares, nightmares that plagued her for almost a decade. But these are not ordinary nightmares; they are premonitions, warnings of what is to come and what she will become.

She discovers that she isn?t alone in these vile dreams; her friends are having them too. They are dreaming of their ancestors and their own future... The discovery of their destiny and the future they must embrace is shocking and terrifying.


 

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Just when Margaret thought it was safe to get back into the dating game, she meets Cole. Sexy as hell with a magnetism she can’t fight, Margaret gives in to temptation and spends the night with him. It’s when she wakes up that her whole world is turned upside down.When Kevin discovers his sister, Gail, has been harmed, he rushes to her aid and finds her friend, Margaret, has also suffered the same fate as his sister. His inner tiger yearns to claim Margaret as his own, but also to defend his sister from the man who marked her for a tiger. Cole is their combined enemy and soon the claws will come out and the fur will fly.


   

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 Tired of the politics as well as the bureaucracy of his job, Lieutenant Brad Schrader is contemplating early retirement  and pursuit of another career, that of a mystery writer. His endeavors prove useless when he’s called upon to  investigate the murder of Melody Anselmo, a Radio City Music Hall Rockette. While searching for the killer, Brad becomes personally involved with the twin sister of the victim.

The story is based on Lieutenant Brad Schrader’s notes while working the case with his partner, Sergeant Detective Phil Barrecca. During the investigation, the pair discover something neither ever expected, something best left unsaid. They agree to let matters rest and not expose the killer even though they know the consequences of their actions could be disastrous.

To this date, the murder of Melody Anselmo is still on the books as a cold case in New York City.

 

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Interview with Jeff LaFerney

We have author Jeff LaFerney here with us at Writer's Rendezvous this week talking about himself and his writing. Drop a comment below and you could win a free ebook of one of his titles!


Loving the Rain


Tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you write? Why?
I am a married father of two who teaches junior high English full time.  I write a series of suspense/mysteries about my two heroes with parapsychological abilities.

If you could be any one of your characters, who would you choose?
I would be Clay Thomas.  He’s a morally good man who wisely controls the use of his gifts and unselfishly uses them to help other people.

What is your creative process like? Do you need music to write? Silence?
I can write in practically any environment, but at my desk is the most comfortable with distractions closed off and music down low.

What is a guilty pleasure of yours?
I like popcorn with lots of salt and butter and Mountain Dew to wash it down.

What inspires you?
Smiles from others and words of encouragement inspire me.  I like to know that I’ve made others smile, but I also appreciate it when others lift me up too.

What is one of your worst pet peeves?
I really don’t like certain grammar errors:  Examples are “I seen it…it don’t matter…I’ll read them books…I don’t have none.”

Describe what a perfect day would be for you.
My perfect day would have to be 24 hours long without rest necessary so I could accomplish more than usual.  I’d read, write, play, laugh, watch a great movie, spend time with my closest friends, and spend some quiet time alone.  I’d eat my favorite foods, watch my son score 30 points, talk for a while with my daughter, and…

If you could bring any fictional character to life, yours or anyone else’s, who would you pick?
My favorite character of all time is Edward Pierce from Michael Crichton’s The Great Train Robbery, but he was actually not fictional, so I’d say Spenser from Robert B. Parker’s series.

If you could shape-shift, what animal would you turn into and why?
My vision of Heaven includes large, wild cats as pets, like lions, tigers, panthers, etc.  I want one.  Of those, I think I’d want to be a cheetah because they’re so fast.  :)

Where can we find you and your work around the web?
Author page on facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jeff-LaFerney/139308736084156
Webpage with links to my books:  http://jefflaferney.com/
Amazon page:  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Jeff+LaFerney
Publishers website with links to purchase my books:  http://www.worldcastlepublishing.com/home.html

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Check these titles out!

 

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Gordon Force only had two weeks to go on his job. He was going to be working with his brother Dallas in keeping their alpha safe. But he had a favor to fulfill, a shop to visit and only a question or two to ask. He never expected four kids, two goofy aunts and his mate to walk into his life.

Alexis Dark was hiding. Her brother-in-law was a real piece of work and she knew he'd killed his wife, her sister. But no one wanted to believe that he had done it. The marks on the body were too consistent with that of an animal not a human they'd told her. Well she knew better.

When Gordon went to her house to speak to her again she met him at her door smelling like soap, shampoo and oh so lovely sex.

She closed her eyes to the almost purr of his voice. It was hypnotic and the most soothing thing she'd ever heard in her life. When she found herself pressed against him she looked up into his eyes suddenly very afraid and very needy.

"Don't," she said as he lowered his head to hers. "Please, don't."

"Too late." He brushed his mouth over hers once then pulled back to look at her again. "Christ, it's you." This time when he took her mouth, it was to devour her.



 

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 Sydney was nothing if not direct. She was a captain in the military and had been sent on another assignment. Being in the Army was her life. She was one of Cain's sisters. On a fateful mission, Sin was injured and left for dead but it wasn't how the stars were aligned for her life to end. She had been shot 5 times on her right side, once in the right shoulder, and in her belly. The outcome didn't look good for her. Once recovered as best as she could be, she went to stay at one of Cain's and Alyssa's homes to decide what was left of her life and what she should do.

Payton Cooperider was a detective and a good one at that but someone wanted him dead and would do anything to make that happen. He'd been shot in the gut and was now waiting for the lights to go out on his life when he made a phone call for someone to come to his rescue. While in the hospital, plans were made between him and his mother for him to go to Ohio to recuperate. His mom's cousin, Thomas Miller had made arrangements for him to stay at one of Cain's homes to get well while an investigation was going on for his attempted murder.

After out running late at night, Sin stopped an intruder and managed to hurt her knee again. Back at the hospital she has her first encounter with her new roommate, Coop. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

But someone is still out to get Coop and Sydney has a high price over her head. How are they going to be tied into each other's lives? Will Coop still want Sydney when he finds out that she can't give him what he wants?

Join us in the third installment of the Waite family.

 

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 Kathryn Broussard has managed her life with dignity and an I know you have feelings, but I'm coming through anyway attitude. She exudes confidence and control over the land much as a reigning queen rules her court. Her main focus-Grace, her daughter. Although grown, Grace depends on her mother's razor sharp decision-making ability for everything. All is well in the land of dysfunctional mother-daughterhood until the unthinkable happens. Kathryn dies. With her mother now gone, Grace is forced to manage her own life for the first time. And Kathryn must find a way to maintain control of her daughter, even though unusual circumstances from the "Other Side" present a fair share of obstacles to overcome.

A mother's love, however dysfunctional, is a force to be reckoned with.

 

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The choices that you make today are the ones you will live with forever. As I drive through many different cemeteries you will hear the voices of those behind these stones. Some are old and worn while others are just beginning to fade as the memories of those teens whose names are on the stones. Bad Choices are made when teens become despondent, feel all alone, do not fit in or even just want to become popular at any cost to themselves or others. The ground is flat and filled with mold and mildew on some of the plots and stones while others are covered with moss. The newer graves that have just been dug have no bushes or grass as the occupants have just arrived and their graves have yet to settle. Get in the back seat of the limo and join the driver and find out just why each of these teens wound up behind the many different stones in the many different cemeteries you will be visiting. Bad Choices: we all make them but some are more costly than others. Open the door the driver is waiting and maybe you won't wind up as a face behind the stones. 

Monday, July 16, 2012

Hot new titles to sizzle your summer!

 

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A cursed lineage. A secret magic. A destiny that neither one of them could have predicted.

When Elkliss Keep is rampaged by her sinister Uncle Simeon, Lysandra lost everything she had ever known or loved within a heartbeat. Destiny catapults her into a life she could never have foreseen; a life filled with an unquenchable desire for a man, whose aloof people harbor a secret almost as dangerous as her own.

When Aiden first sets eyes on Lysandra, the beast inside will not be fulfilled until he possesses her. He soon he realizes that Lysandra could be the one true mate that would make his cursed life easier to live.



   

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Immerse yourself in the thrilling adventure of a young woman who is thrown into an ancient mystery that forces her to question everything she knows about her life and her family.

A powerful, secret organization.

An audacious scheme.

Questionable loyalties.

And the priceless talisman of Charlemagne.

Josie Ersman escapes a life of deception in America to make a fresh start in Germany. But she soon finds that her new world is more dangerous than the one she left behind.

Her German employer plans to clone Charlemagne, the greatest medieval king, and install him at the head of the European Union. But there is an age old secret concerning who is buried in Charlemagne's tomb. Will they attempt to clone the magnificent monarch or an evil imposter?

Through no choice of her own Josie finds herself at the center of their bold experiment and a lightning rod for danger. She turns to an exciting Englishman, who has ties to her employer and its adversaries. Their attraction is immediate and undeniable, but can she trust this enigmatic man?

With peril at every turn and enemies chasing her from country to country, across continents, Josie uncovers clues that will solve the twelve hundred year old mystery of Charlemagne...a puzzle that has ramifications for every person living on the European continent.

Long Live the King is a suspense-filled novel that will keep you guessing until the very last page!


 

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In the not too distant future a young woman bears witness to the end of her world.

Earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions rock the planet, reducing cities to smoking rubble, burying entire islands and coastlines beneath cataclysmic waves.

Religious fervor and human evil erupt and entwine, becoming a maelstrom of madness in the days after, bringing with it the horror of apocalyptic war.

As a population in the depths of despair struggles to overcome insurmountable odds, can a single glimmer of hope flare into a beacon for the survivors?

This is her tale...the world is ours...and now, it's STORY TIME.

   

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A ragged band of vampires are cutting a bloody path of destruction from Alaska to Washington State! As frost turns the leaves gold and paints the high mountain treetops silver, hundreds of hunters arrive in Swan Valley for their annual deer hunt. What they don't know is an outcast band of vampires have arrived, as well. Raphael Goldhawk, king of the high vampire council, has decreed the taking of human life unlawful. Raul Stannard, an ancient enemy of the half-human king, is determined to overthrow the council, even if it means the exposure and eventual annihilation of the vampire race. Four people, a Ferry County forest ranger (Roger Atley), an Indian spirit-walker (Harley Truefeather), and a young married couple (Brian and Holly Jensen), are about to be caught up in an ancient power struggle, and in a love affair as old as time itself. This novel combines ancient history with modern times, in an epic show-down between good and evil, love and hate. Grab your camping gear and hold on tight! It's time for DETOUR TO DUSK!

   

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Bruno returns to his pack only to find utter devastation. The woman he loves is all alone and there is an evil creeping in the darkness of the forest. Being a God fearing werewolf, he takes it upon himself to confront the evil and drive it back to hell.Serena’s heart is tied to an outlaw. All her life she has been an outcast. Evil is tormenting her and the pack. Her only hope is her motorcycle riding, biker werewolf, Bruno. Together they will face their nightmares and goodness will prevail.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Interview with Bret Jordan


 We have Bret Jordan with us today talking about his work and his life. Drop a comment below and have a chance to win a free ebook copy of his story The Haunted Brothel! 


 


WR: Tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you write? Why?

 B: In elementary school, more years ago than I would like to count, I picked up a book my grandmother had read to my grandfather. He was a quadriplegic, so I imagine books and movies filled in the time on some very long days. The book was The Hobbit. I was hooked on the first page. Once I’d read The Hobbit, I devoured The Lord of the Rings and then anything I could get my hands on. My love of books started out with Fantasy, then Science Fiction, Horror, Westerns, just about anything I could get my hands on. I often read during lunch, after school, before bed, I took every opportunity I could get to immerse myself in another world. By the time college rolled around I wanted to be a writer, unfortunately life took my in a different path for several decades. I made a living by programming computers, married a wonderful woman, and had four daughters before I decided to tackle writing again.

I began with short stories of horror submitted for e-zines, and anthologies. As I wrote my new stories became more involved and longer, and they slowly took on a fantasy element as I got back to my childhood roots. Today I write fantasy stories with a twist of horror, and often a bit of romance.

WR: If you could be any one of your characters, who would you choose?

B: Several years ago I wrote a story about a druid who has an affair with a dryad. It was a short novella length story that had a sad ending. A year after writing the story I returned to the druid and dryad’s world and gave them a daughter named Shaylee. She was a young girl on the brink of womanhood. Unlike other women her transition from child to woman brought about an unexpected change as her dryad side emerged. Shaylee: Druid’s Daughter was a sweet tale about change, people, friends, and magic. This story was followed a year later by Shaylee: Druid’s Staff. Shaylee is a young adult in this tale and she is coming into her own as far as her powers are concerned. Writing about Shaylee over the last few years was like watching a child grow up, and she is a character that I have a soft spot for. She is a troubled girl, but centered and ready to deal with whatever comes her way. Of all the characters I’ve written about I think Shaylee is the one I would choose, not only because of her special abilities, but because of her personality, and her desire to overcome any challenge that comes her way.

WR: What is your creative process like? Do you need music to write? Silence?

B: My stories begin with notes scratched on everything from paper napkins to receipts. I like to think about a story for a good while and make sure all the pieces fit before I start. My notes and initial ideas aren’t set in stone, but they give me a solid foundation to start with. Once my notes are taken and the story has a solid form in my mind I begin the rough draft on my iPad. Each evening I write a thousand words or so and when I’m ready to call it quits for the night I send the document to my computer to add what I’ve done to a rich text file. Months later, when the story has completely written on my iPad and transferred over to my computer I begin to go back over it. I add ideas that I jotted down while writing - I often think of details later that I have to go back and fill in. I also do what editing I can and make sure the story has good flow. I repeat this process several times until I’m satisfied the story is what I want it to be. Once I’m a happy camper I button it up and send it on to the publisher.

While writing I’m one of those guys who has to be completely focused on the story. No background music for me. I try to time my writing for when the kids are in bed or otherwise occupied, so things are as quiet as they can possibly be. 

WR: What is a guilty pleasure of yours?

B: I’m not sure how guilty I feel about it, but I suppose if I had to say I had a ‘guilty pleasure’ it would be beer. I like dark beers, such as Guinness. I like having a beer or two while watching a movie, or reading a book.

WR: What inspires you?

B: Of all the questions, this one is probably the most difficult. It’s not because I’m hard to inspire, it’s because I can be inspired by darned near anything. Driving in the car and listening to music might bring on a stray thought that gives me inspiration. Mowing the yard might get my brain working toward an inspiring story idea. I suppose the common theme here is doing something that is monotonous so that I can crawl inside my head and just think.

WR: What is one of your worst pet peeves?

B: You know how, when your driving your car, and the passenger reaches over and changes the radio station? That would probably be my worst pet peeve. I don’t mind if someone asks to change the station before they do it, but it’s just darned rude to do it without asking. I think this pet peeve comes from when I worked construction and car pooled with another guy. He not only changed the radio station to music that I absolutely hated, but he went through my glove compartment, and just generally fiddled with everything he could. I kept my cool and just fumed until one day he reached over and honked my horn at a girl he didn’t know as we were passing. At that point I had no choice but to say something…and I remember saying a lot.

WR: Describe what a perfect day would be for you.

B:A perfect day for me would be a day where I ride my motorcycle a couple of hour to the lake and meet up with my family. At the lake I would take a hike with the kids and read a good book under a tree. That evening I would sit by a campfire with my wife and enjoy a few beers while visiting with her and the kids.

WR: If you could bring any fictional character to life, yours or anyone else’s, who would you pick?

I’m sure nostalgia is playing harder here than anything else because I’ve got three names in my head on this question: Allanon from The Sword of Shannara, Gandolf from The Lord of the Rings, and Duncan Idaho from Dune. All three of the characters were introduced to me in my earliest reading years and they seem to have stuck the hardest. Of the three I would have to choose Allanon. He’s a mysterious, brooding druid and he’s been with me so long and I’ve read the books so many times he almost feels like a family member now. LOL

WR: If you could shape-shift, what animal would you turn into and why?

B: I think I would turn into a hawk. Having the ability to fly would be awesome, and they look so noble and strong, like they could stand up to anything and come through it unscathed.

WR: Where can we find you and your work around the web?

B: Many of my books are available through the Amazon.com, Barnes and Nobles online, Smashwords, and through purplesword.com and dopamalovibooks.com. If you check out my website at bretjordan.com you can find links to all my books in the writing section of the site. I’m also on facebook at facebook.com/bret.Jordan.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Whimsical Publications' Author of the Week: Destiny Booze



About Destiny: Destiny Booze grew up at a campground in Virginia where her childhood was full of hard work. There was also an element of excitement as she met a large variety of diverse people with widespread tales about fun and adventure. She grew into a young lady with a very active imagination.

Destiny attended Virginia Western Community College for two years. Her writing career began as a community journalist, yet creative writing was always her passion. In May of 2009, she released her debut romantic suspense novel, Altered Beginnings.

Other titles by Destiny Booze: Predetermined Endings (2009), The Curse of a Mind (2010).

Destiny resides in Botetourt County, Virginia with her husband, son and house full of pets where she strives to be the best wife, mother and writer that she can be. Her family is always priority number one. Other things of great importance to her are friends, and YOU, the readers!

Find her here: http://www.destinybooze.com/


And check out her book Altered Beginnings!
 
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The headline in the small town newspaper read Girl Missing, Presumed Dead or Worse.

Leigh Lawson returned to Nags Head, North Carolina after four years with a huge shock. That big and bold headline was about her! Everyone thought she was dead!

The truth was that she was doing well. While gone, she had gotten clean from drugs and worked hard to get her
bachelor’s degree in engineering. With her life back on track, she returns home in hope that she will receive a warm welcome. Instead, she gets the townsfolks' disdain.

Everyone hates her, everyone except Jason Altarez, an ambitious and resilient reporter with his sights locked on
Leigh. He chases her with oozing charm and romance, but does he really want her or is he after his next story?

Leigh’s life soon spirals out of control when the police recruit her for an undercover assignment. They want her to go back to the life of her troubled teenage years, back into the drugs, and help them to bring the local drug supplier to conviction. It may be Leigh’s only chance to redeem herself with her family and friends. If she can complete this one assignment, the town will forgive her. The only problem is that she needs to figure out how to stay alive in the process…

Jason is her continuous partner through it all, proving his dedication to her as he struggles to keep her safe. Leigh
wants to believe he is a man of his word. She wants to believe that her heart isn’t completely foolish for falling for him, especially when she discovers evidence that Jason may be working for the very drug dealer that Leigh is trying to have arrested. Will he betray her in the end or will he demonstrate the most romantic notion of all – that love at first sight truly exists?

Sci-fi Goodness....Check these titles out!

 

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What would you do in a world where everything is legal and the laws in place don't protect anyone but the rich? What would you do if you could be bought and sold on a whim? What would you do if your sister was kidnapped by a vicious cult of raiders? If the option to genetically splice your body to become stronger, faster, or more intelligent were available, would you use it? What makes a human a human? Where are the lines?

Several decades after a nuclear catastrophe rocked the globe only two bastions of civilization stand secure on the planet. Amongst the technology and the relative peace and serenity, though, lies a darkness that is kept anything but secret. The government allows the rich to victimize the poor and large corporations to kidnap people like guinea pigs for their experiments.

Two corporations seek to overthrow the governments and reach for global domination. Meanwhile, three unlikely heroes are seeking change, each one for their own purpose. Can they stop the change that is to come before it is too late or will they fail, dooming the earth to slavery at the hands of these evil corporations?

When the government finally intervenes, will it be for the benefit of all humanity, or just themselves? Whose side would you pick? Who will win?

 

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Soon to be a motion picture...

It's the near future hell of global warming and the world is burning up. Nicole Sky can't take it anymore. The water rationing, the stifling heat, her frazzled parents arguing in the other room . . . . It's all too much for her, and she runs outside to escape her misery. It's no better outside. Smoke from uncontrollable fires billows in the air. Sirens wail in the distance. Lawns are dead from lack of water. Nicole finds a tree to take shelter from the blazing sun when a strange, nearly featherless bird scratches on the ground nearby, revealing a gold pocket watch buried under some scattered twigs. Nicole soon discovers that it's no ordinary watch. The watch face has odd symbols on it and sixteen blue buttons instead of a clock face and hands. Fired with curiosity, Nicole presses one of the strange buttons and a blue light engulfs her. Before she knows it, she's no longer on Earth but instead on a strange world of twin suns and mist-like alien flowers. Nicole is scared and disoriented, but it's cool, and it's such a relief to her, to be freed from the oppressive heat of Earth! She's curious, so she begins to explore. And when Nicole encounters a magnificent flaming bird a phoenix she knows that there is quite an adventure ahead of her. Soon she meets Lily, a sweet-natured, purple-furred alien, who reveals their whereabouts as Lunara, a planet far from Earth. Together, they set out for adventure but are soon caught in a terrifying storm. A flash of lightning guides them safely to a small cottage called The Various Doohickey Place. The establishment's shopkeeper Madam Banda has dark secrets of her own. Venturing off on their journey once again, Nicole and Lily are beset by the Omenra, an evil race of aliens bent on galactic conquest. Led by General Malkior Taggerath, the Omenra send an assassin on Nicole's trail. She and Lily are saved from certain death by shadowy Diu of the Airioth rebel faction. Diu soon reveals that it was he who left the gold watch, a teleporter called the Galactera, back on Earth. But even more, he informs Nicole that Earth is in grave danger in just one month, the Terranova, an Omenra-engineered weapon of mass destruction, will destroy her home world. After learning of the war between the Omenra Empire and the Airioth rebellion force that is tearing the galaxy apart, Nicole and her newfound allies set out on a quest to collect four enchanted artifacts mystical crystals with the power to destroy the Terranova in which dwell the enchantments of water, air, fire, and earth. Now, chosen by fate, guided by destiny, and driven by a prophecy in which she does not believe, Nicole must embark upon a perilous journey, ally with a dangerous force, and unravel the secrets of the Galactera to find a way back home. Because Earth has a deadline.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Whimsical Publications' Author of the Week: Janet Durbin

About Janet:

I've been told "remember us when you're famous" by several people I know, especially after they heard I've written three books. But that is not my intentions.

My intentions is to have something out there for people to enjoy, to talk about, to wonder where in the heck the idea for that book came from. Not for fame and fortune.

After is a creation from love, love for my son. It became something fun and exciting when he moved away from writing to other things. Stolen is a continuation of that fun, and Vengeance will close out that trilogy. But, fear not, other books are in outlined form for those characters. Drayco, Shyanne, and Drizzle are too near and dear to my heart to let them end so suddenly.

Innocence Taken was a step out of the norm for me. I seldom swear, much less use the type of language used in that book. But it too was fun to write. It was a challenge. A challenge that forced me to step out of my comfort zone. And I feel I met that challenge. More books with Nature and Web are planned; and who knows, they may be just as graphic. Just make sure to keep all the lights on when you read them.

I have other ideas ready when the time arises for me to get to them. And as long as there are people who want to read my books, I will continue to write them. Even if people forget who I am, I will still write. For it is not my intention to be famous and without privacy. It is my intention to fulfill a dream, which I am doing...one book at a time.

Hugs to all my readers.

Find Janet here:
http://www.janetdurbin.com/

And don't miss her great scifi/adventure book After!
 


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Have you ever wondered what the world would be like if something created by the government escaped? What if it was  a virus, a virus so deadly it killed incredibly fast? So fast that a cure was out of the question. What would you do?

Journey with me to find out how the twins, Shyanne and Drayco, handle the outcome of just such a virus, and how the  world around them seems to have fallen back in time to an era before technology, an era where the sword rules.

The twins become separated shortly after the deaths stop. Over time, they begin looking for one another when the  longing for family fills them. After they find each other, they learn that someone else is looking for them, as well. The  Boss wants Shyanne badly. Why—they don't know—but they're going to find out.

With their animal companion, a genetically altered mountain lion named Drizzle, the twins embark on a cross-country  journey. They encounter many obstacles along the way, but the worst is a mercenary named Ruben. He will stop at  nothing to accomplish what he is paid to do, even if it involves killing his own men. Unfortunately, he succeeds in
getting Shyanne.

Now Drayco must survive his biggest challenge, a challenge filled with pain and suffering, if he is to help his sister  survive the Boss.

Get Ready for the Weekend with these Great Reads!

 

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 THE BOOK OF MYSTERIES

Enter The Book of Mysteries at your own risk with Tyler Trent and his best friend, Zack Vander. Tyler and Zack live in an apartment house in New York City. Tyler's uncle sends him to a find a disappearing bookstore, an ancient bookseller, and The Book of Mysteries, where exciting and danger-filled adventures await them.

REVENGE OF THE WIZARD


In the strange world of Balara, the two boys, with the help of a Balaran girl, a dragon-slayer giant, and a yellow, polka-dot dog, must un-mask and force a wizard to release a fire-breathing dragon from a deadly spell. The boys must complete the quest before they can they return home, that is, if the disappearing bookstore is still there and they remember the magic words.

THE GARGOYLES OF GOTHICA

In the second novella, Tyler and Zack face marauding gargoyles. Good King Elveron's golden scepter has the power to keep the country of Gothica safe and thriving, but it has been stolen by his evil stepmother, the former queen. She has cast a spell on the gargoyles that sit atop Blackthorne Castle, home of the King's half-brother, Lord Malevil, and the winged-beasts menace the countryside every night. The boys, with the help of twin Goth princesses, Lily and Ivy and their cousin, Sir Valor, must retrieve the scepter and free Gothica from the terror of the Gargoyles. Only then can they return to their own world through the bookstore that may have disappeared.

THE CENTAURS OF SPYR

This could be the last adventure Tyler and Zack undertake, for they may not be able to return home. They emerge in a world populated by the hairless people of Haven, trees that can speak and move, and colonies of mythical beasts that live in the surrounding plains and mountains. There is imminent war between Griffons and Hippogriffs and Haven lies between. Even guarded by a massive forest of trees, the destruction of Haven appears to be a real possibility, unless Tyler and Zack and their Haven friends, Kai and Cassa, can find a stolen crystal, prized by the Centaurs in the mountains of Spyr and convince them to help stop the war. The Centaurs live in isolation and want nothing to do with the other inhabitants of the country. Tyler and Zack face the most dangerous quest of all, and this could be their final journey into The Book of Mysteries.



 

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 Shawn MacFarland is heading to Aaron MacManus home when he makes a stop at a bar in Columbus to feed. He wants to leave his master because he is a pretty bad guy. He wakes up to find blood on his clothes and a switchblade stuck in his ribs and can't remember how it got there and what has happened. Everything is a blur because now his memory is gone as well. What was he doing there? He knows it wasn't a robbery because he has all his credit cards and his id so he at least knows who he is. Shawn has gotten up and started walking till he comes to a deep cave and decides he needs to rest so he can find food and heal.

Cade is a cook by trade. She works in a restaurant during the day and a bar maid during the night. She's got to pay her bills and make money so she can find a place to stay that has running water and heat before the winter. Her home has been a cave. She's shopping when she runs into Duncan and they start a conversation. He mentions to her that Ms. Penny, the cook they have at the MacManus home is going on vacation for two weeks and they need someone to cover. Cade offers because she could use the extra money.

She's never been around a vampire that can be up during the day, wolfs, nymphs, and faeries. She's fine with that as long as she isn't dinner for anyone. She's exhausted after the past few days so she heads to her temporary home, the cave. She hears a noise after lying down, and before she knows it, there's a hand covering her mouth. This man wants to feed from her and terror fills her body. Once he feeds, he forgets to seal the wound and it is history in the making for them. She's weak and isn't positive of all the details anymore but when she gets to the MacManus home she collapses.

Can Shawn save Cady from her brother and Gabriel? Will Cady learn to accept Shawn and be able to keep him and the MacManus family safe from harm?



 

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Does she always have to be so bossy, Andrew thought to himself? Quinn Waite was Cain's sister and worked for his wife, Alyssa as a secretary and her own personal security. Quinn owed Alyssa that much for saving her from being killed by her own father. Quinn had been married in the past to an abusive man and once her sister Sydney found out, she taught her self-defense causing the man to sign the papers for divorce.

Andrew Miller works as an attorney for Alyssa at her company Howard Enterprises. They have been friends for years and he as well was there to protect Alyssa. She still has enemies that are out to get her.

Quinn and Drew have an eye for each other but after a night of passion, she's accused him of taking advantage of her and cries rape. Drew is livid and takes off to Paris on a business trip to get away. Not remembering till too late that it was a mutual encounter, she finds out later that she is pregnant and isn't sticking around. How is Drew going to fix the mess he's gotten himself in? Will love prevail for them and can they live happily ever after?

When Alyssa's mother Shannon and Guinevere, Cain's mother get together, things will never be the same. They both have their own reasons to have her eliminated and they would stop at nothing. But what tricks do these women have up their sleeves?

Join us in our journey for the second installment of The Waite Family.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Interview with Sandra Sookoo

We have Sandra Sookoo here today talking about herself and her great stories! Drop a comment below and have a chance to win some book swag and a copy of one of Sandra's back list books (2012 books excluded)!

 Damaged Cargo



WR: Tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you write? Why?
S: Hi, my name is Sandra Sookoo.  I’m an almost forty writer with a big imagination and a wicked sense of humor.  I write romantic fiction—all kinds!  From contemporary stories to paranormals, from sci-fi tales to historical drama, I love writing it all.  Why?  Well, for the promise and the lure of the happily ever after.  I’m a sucker for it.

WR: If you could be any one of your characters, who would you choose?
S: Hmm, that’s a hard question!  The one I’m most like is Kate Little from Wedgie Tales and Panty Lines, but I’m awfully partial to my stronger heroines like Joy from Cairo Nights or  Emma from Damaged Cargo.

WR: What is your creative process like? Do you need music to write? Silence?
S: Usually I’ll listen to music while I’m doing research, plotting and outlining.  While I’m writing, I like silence.  Maybe, if I’m writing from home, I’ll put on the Food Network in the background.

WR: What is a guilty pleasure of yours?
S: Watching America’s Next Top Model.  Shh, but don’t tell anyone…

WR: What inspires you?
S: Life.  Music, books, photos, paintings, song lyrics, snippets of conversations I heard in passing, animals, flowers.  Inspiration is everywhere, you just have to open yourself to it.

WR: What is one of your worst pet peeves?
S: Spelling errors in social media statues and/or restaurant signs.

WR: Describe what a perfect day would be for you.
S: The perfect day is one where I can do what I love and know my hubby is there waiting for me at the end of it.

WR: If you could bring any fictional character to life, yours or anyone else’s, who would you pick?
S: In no particular order:  Han Solo, Amelia Peabody, Tom Sawyer, Sherlock Homes

WR: If you could shape-shift, what animal would you turn into and why?
S: Wow, definitely  a big cat, maybe a lion or a tiger.  I’m a lover of all felines and I’d love to see the world like they see it.

WR: Where can we find you and your work around the web?
Believing is Seeing blog:  http://sandrasookoo.wordpress.com/
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/sandrasookoo
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/sandra.sookoo

Monday, June 4, 2012

Whimsical Publications' Author of the Week: Tara Manderino

Whimsical's Author of the Week is Tara Manderino! Check her out!

About Tara: Always a daydreamer, author Tara Manderino loves to create stories and situations for the people running around in her head. She first began writing in third grade when she realized she couldn't afford her reading habit.

She writes and is published in a variety of genres and finds that each one is her favorite at the time.

Tara resides in her native town in southwestern Pennsylvania. When she’s not chasing Lydia, the boxer, she’s writing her own stories, or reading, Tara likes to bake, watch old movies, and do a variety of crafts.



Find Tara HERE


And don't miss her book False Notes!



 

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In late summer 1874, Simon Barr, one of the premiere agents of the newly evolving US Secret Service, arrives in the Oklahoma Territory, to meet his partner, Luke Hayden, and begin their investigation of a large scale counterfeiting operation. In town for a short time the Secret Service agents investigate a large scale counterfeiting operation that threatens the US economy, while finding romance along the way.

Simon meets Kirsten Bentzer, who is the niece of one man and the fiancée of another that he comes to suspect are
behind the escapade. His attraction to Kirsten catches him off guard and wars with his sense of duty. Surely, she can’t be innocent, no matter how much he wishes it were so.


EXCERPT:

 “Oh no, off you go,” Simon told him as he pushed against him. “This is my mystery. You were sent here to deal with a bigger one.”

Luke stepped away from the railing, put his hands in the air and chuckled. ”If that’s the way you want it. Remember, the offer for dinner still stands. And if not dinner, lunch. I’ll be waiting at the Grand.”
Only Simon would have picked up the undertone in his friend’s voice, and nodded agreement. It was Luke’s way of telling him that if he didn’t see him at one meal, he would expect him at the next. If he still didn’t see him, he would come looking.

Simon anticipated the youth coming past the hotel at some point. When it hadn’t happened in the next few minutes, Simon resigned himself to the fact that he would simply have to go looking. Then, she made an appearance. It just wasn’t quite the appearance he expected. When he heard loud voices coming clearly from down the street, he turned in that direction, ready to deal with whatever came his way.

In the semi-darkness, he couldn’t make out the figures, but there seemed to be plenty of action behind the saloon doors. He stood on alert, straining to hear the words. Deciding he would have to move closer, he stayed in the shadows of the buildings, and steadily made his way to the voices. No matter how interesting the youth or how much he wanted to pursue that mystery, he couldn’t lose sight of why he was in town—to check on Gregory Weldon and follow the trail of counterfeit money that seemed to surface in Hobart.

“Told you before, you whelp, no matter how much money you bring to the table, it’s not going to be enough. Now, scat.”

“I need that information, Mr. Weldon.”

Simon’s brows snapped together. He knew that husky voice. Great, they were tangled together, the youth and his
number one suspect. The youth’s bravado made Simon break out in a sweat. He, or as he strongly suspected, she, was no match for the man confronting her. Weldon’s voice, if that was who was speaking, was deep and rough, sounding as if it belonged to a much older man.

“I told you I would pay anything for it.” Now Simon’s ears pricked up for an entirely different reason. Those were the words of a desperate person. Perhaps they really were tied together! That’s what he was here to find out. He pushed away any preconceived notion he might have had that the youth was innocent. He knew that neither age nor gender would have anything to do with a person’s acts.

Not a full moment later, there was a scuffle, and then the youth was practically thrust through the saloon doors.  He stumbled, but before he could recover his balance, Simon came up behind him from the shadows and covered his mouth, grabbed him by the arm, and dragged him around the side of the building. The youth struggled to gain foothold on the walk.

Definitely a female, Simon thought, grinning to himself. No self respecting boy would fight that way. He locked one of his arms around both of hers, just below her elbows to still her. She still tried to kick him, but with his feet braced wide, she had a difficult time finding a target. “Hold still,” he whispered into her ear when it was close enough. “I’m not going to hurt you.” She slowed her thrashing but still struggled against him. When he made no untoward move, she stilled, looking at him warily from the corner of her eye. He could hardly blame her for that.

“I overheard you out there, and I have some questions.” He spoke softly so that his voice wouldn’t carry.  She pulled against him, but he held her easily. “It sounds as if you’re in trouble. Are you?” When she made no response, he gave her a little shake. “Are you?”

Finally, she shrugged her shoulders.

He bit back a grin. Stubborn thing. “Perhaps we can help each other out.”

She stiffened in his arms, then started to thrash about, nearly slipping through his hands. He tightened his grip and
brought her back hard against his chest. “Just listen before you make any decision.” There was no response. “Will you do that much?”

At least he got a very reluctant nod that time.
“Fine. Now, I’m going to remove my hand, but I expect you not to scream. Got it?” Again, a hesitant nod. “Now you can lead me somewhere where we can talk.”

Slowly, he removed his hand and she looked at him warily, but she didn’t scream.

“How do you know I won’t lead you somewhere you can be killed?” her voice whispered in the dark.

Simon lowered his hands. There was always that possibility. “I trust you,” he said. “All I want is to talk, and from something you said, I think you can help me. We can help each other,” he amended at her cautious look.

Have you met author Melissa Hosack?

About Melissa:

Melissa Hosack lives near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her husband Jeremy and their four pets: Duke, Edge, Eddie, and Leia. She writes a monthly short story column titled Frequent Flyer for a government newspaper and had a short story, More Bark Than Bite, published by Mystic Moon Press in September of 2008.

Find her here: http://sites.google.com/site/melissahosack/

And don't miss her great romantic suspense book, Deadly Encounters of the Supernatural Kind!




 

Beauregard Channing has devoted the past four hundred years to tracking down items that, if put in the wrong hands, have the ability to cause destruction and damage to innocent lives. Though sworn to defend mortals, Beau feels removed and detached from humankind. He loses all desire for personal interaction with mortals until his next target, Bradley Hildebrand, turns out to be the one woman he cannot seem to get off his mind.

Against his better judgment, Beau attempts to charm his way into Bradley's heart while simultaneously trying to coax her into giving him the relic he seeks before the wrong people discover its location. Bradley immediately annihilates Beau's plan of a peaceful compromise by refusing to believe that a world of vampires and supernatural creatures could exist without her knowledge.

While he is attempting to make Bradley see reason, Beau's worst fear comes true. A group that intends nothing but devastation to those around them discovers the location of Bradley and her artifact. After an attack that leaves Bradley lucky to be alive, the men take off with the widely sought after historical object. Now it is up to Bradley, Beau, and Bradley's slightly unorthodox and eccentric best friend Camden to track down the artifact and save innocent lives from
falling victim to its powers. If the three of them don't end up killing each other, Beau just might be able to persuade Bradley to fall in love with him.


Dark Divas had this to say about Deadly Encounters:

"Because of the title, I was expecting this book to be a bit on the dark side, but I just couldn't resist such a title. There was quite a bit of the dark side with vampires, werewolves and witches battling it out, but even more surprising was the unexpected humor provided by Beau and Bradley. Needless to say, I was drawn in at the beginning of the book and couldn't lay it down until I was finished.

I was immediately drawn in by Beau. He is funny, witty, and cocky. His internal dialogue is nearly as good as his speaking. He has sworn off of relationships and doesn't want to fit the common vampire image. He does his job and lives alone and in violence. Then he meets Bradley, making the book even more interesting. Bradley is attracted to Beau but
argues with him constantly. Beau comes back with funny and sarcastic comments, leaving Bradley tied in knots and me giggling. Bradley realizes that she shouldn't develop feelings for a vampire, but she can't help herself. She can tell he cares about her and that she matters more to him than she has ever mattered to any other man. Each of the characters were so life-like, I felt as if I knew them personally. Then there was Camden, a very strong secondary character who just added to the humor.

The plot was well-thought out and organized. It is nice to think that there are vampires out the trying to protect the human race, rather than think of us as just food. This is a fast-paced book packed with action, humor, and tenderness; and it is one that I will not soon forget. I would love it if this book were turned into a series, because I am just dying to know how things turn out for Camden. Melissa Hosack is certainly an author to keep an eye on and I plan to watch for
more books from her."

-Melissa
Reviewer for Dark Diva Reviews
Rating: 5 Delightful Divas and a Recommended Read

Hot New Titles from World Castle Publishing!

 

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What happens when you mix white magic and black magic? You get twin sisters that are at first pure of heart until one is changed to pure evil.

There is a fabled power that only they can wield. It is the Dragon's Bow. Adria wants it to change her dark sister Audra back to her pure self. But Audra wants it to join to her true father to rule the world.

Can Adria stop her father...and will she be able to save her own sister?

Follow Adria and Audra as they are put through the challenges of a life of magic and mystery.


 

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As steady as a heart beat and as neat and orderly as an apple orchard, Mel Tibets feels he has the true American dream in the small country town of Clover Creek, Washington. He lives in a nice home with his loving and beautiful wife Arlene. They have good neighbors and friends. He has a job he enjoys and he couldn't ask for more as the town marshal of a place he would describe as a little piece of God's heaven here on earth. What happens if the wind blows hard enough to uproot the trees and the heart beat is altered? Mel is about to find out the truth of the destruction the devil can bring when suddenly his peaceful town is turned upside down by a serial killer. The small town now plagued with fear wonders if it's a stranger passing through or one of their own. The towns people begin to suspect people they have known for years. Mel makes an arrest but the killings continue. Could there be more than one killer out there? Mel and others work feverishly to find the answer before someone else meets an untimely death. Who will be the killers' next victim and can Mel stop it before it happens again?


 
 

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Lifeblood is a powerfully moving supernatural romance, filled with rich details and fast paced action. Lind has a brilliant way with words, creating a vivid atmosphere and filling it with characters that come to life with his words." --Diana Bennett, The Midwest Book Review

All Ana Vasilifata ever wanted was a simple life, with a good husband, children, and a happy home. What she found was a vampire who made her his bride. And when she fled to England in the winter of 1665, she found a stake at the hands of a fearful and angry mob.

Over three hundred years later, an accident reanimates Ana in the quiet town of Meriwether, Iowa. She flees to an abandoned house where she meets Joshua Davidson, a kind-hearted carpenter who helps Ana adjust to this strange place and time. As her friendship with Joshua deepens, Ana begins to hope she can finally find the peace she has always sought. But dangers still haunt her, for even now there are some who believe in the stories of vampires. This time she is not friendless -but, she wonders, would Joshua continue to help her if he knew what she was? And even if he would, could he protect her from all the monsters lurking in the shadows?

 

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 Jenna Austin is a young, widowed artist raising a teenage son on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. As the costs of living in paradise rise, she struggles to make ends meet. Life isn't easy, but she manages.

When her car breaks down, she trudges on. She assumes life can't get any more complicated than it is. But it can...

Chance brings her nose to well-formed chest with Tres Coulter, the handsome, affluent aid to Governor Hunt. Jenna and Tres share a history; they also share a love they thought long lost. Their lives are about to be altered forever as the deceptions of the past transform the very foundation of the present.

The price of happily ever after may be too steep to pay once the past comes due.

 

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Head of an organization of elite spies, Dallas August is asked to uncover what secrets a reclusive woman, Gwen Marsh, is hiding about a mafia kingpin's death. Dallas must pose as a bodyguard in order to get close to Gwen, but the stubborn woman wants nothing to do with her cool and contentious protector. Dallas soon learns that others are interested in Gwen when he stumbles upon the FBI monitoring her every move. Intrigued by the challenge of her analytical mind and aloof demeanor, Dallas has found his equal in Gwen. But with the FBI and the Mafia vying for the woman's information, he can't afford to lose his objectivity. The sexual tension grows between them until Gwen finally lowers her defenses and confides in Dallas. His job done, Dallas returns to his organization in New York. But an unexpected turn of events leads Dallas back to Gwen's doorstep, where he discovers the Gwen Marsh he thought he was protecting, wasn't Gwen Marsh at all. Determined to find out who betrayed him, Dallas must put his life on the line to search for answers about a woman he thought he knew. Dallas August is about to find out how dangerous life can be as one of ...The Secret Brokers




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Vicky Phillips faces challenges that will test her faith in family and morality.

A family member that she thought was dead comes back into her life. With his return, he reveals the family's darkest secrets-a blood sister-another white witch, and her worst enemy. This revelation has her questioning her faith in her dad. He also reveals that she and her sister each have soul mates and both share a legacy-a birthright. The four young adults must learn to trust one another to embrace the birthright or they all die. Mistrust and hatred run deep. Can they learn to get past the betrayal and hatred? Or, are they all doomed before they begin?  


 

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  It's January 1943 and things are slow for Sam Flanagan, Detroit private detective. He's about to call it a day and return to the woman he shares a home with; his eighty two year old grandmother, when in walks Chicago socialite Phyllis Killburn. She's the daughter of the late tire tycoon, Alden Whitaker, and she's got troubles. It seems her husband may be stepping out on her with another woman and he's keeping a big secret as to his involvement with the military. She wants to know what's going on and she's willing to pay big bucks for the information.

Sam travels to the Windy City and looks up his longtime friend, Harry Blevins, journalist for the Chicago Tribune. With Harry's assistance, and with the inadvertent ramblings of his grandmother, will Sam be able to put all the pieces together to solve what is happening within the walls of the Whitaker Estate to stop a murder plot? The deeper Sam digs into the case, he uncovers more twists. Does Sam find a method to this madness?