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?