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Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Only for adults.. yummy book reviewed.


Book Review of Staring Into the Eyes of Chance by Kay Dee Royal

Staring Into the Eyes of Chance
by Kay Dee Royal

Releasing March 2012

Book one in the LIIA Series (Lycan International Investigation Agency)

Featuring Werewolves, Paranormal Abilities, Explicit Love Scenes 

Tagline:

Olivia swears off men until she meets Chance, a Lycan alpha. He ignites an undeniable hunger they can only sate together.

Muse It Up Publishing: http://tinyurl.com/6rubdud

Excerpt:

Olivia closed her eyes, calling up her animal sensitivity ability, while shoving down her own panic. After years of psychically working with animals, she knew they sensed panic and fear. Her breathing needed regulating.

Olivia relaxed as best she could and opened her mind. She sensed the wolf; masculine. He came across with an urgent need to protect, more like helping her feel safe. Another howl, with a deep and sinister timbre, shattered her concentration. A stab of electricity zipped through her, pumping adrenaline and tightening every muscle. This howl came from farther inside the forest than the first one. She sensed aggression in the wolves within the forest, ready for battle. Her heart drummed against her ribs in anticipation of an answering call, and she couldn’t stop the tremors running rampant in her belly.

Instead she saw the lights go out through her closed eyelids. She opened her eyes and saw nothing but blackness.

Nine o’clock on a September evening, what did she expect? Damn power company! Hopefully Lacey sat in the Jacuzzi and wouldn’t come running out.

She lay listening for any sound. Her own breath, the loudest panting she’d ever heard, came in at a close second to her heart banging against the walls of her chest. Slowly, she sat up. The back of her head throbbed, her spine hurt, and the front of her body ached, especially her breasts. She bent her legs to stand and in that same moment a jet of hot mist coated her face.

Wolf breath.

Olivia froze, tamping down the run-for-your-life urge. Her mind reached toward the beast beside her, searching his energy markers, his emotions, urges. She read him as curious, stimulated. Maybe a misread of…sexually stimulated? She sat back on her haunches, figuring if she stretched at least four feet of her five-foot ten frame, maybe she’d appear larger. His breath assailed her from above, she remained squatted.

Damn, this thing is huge!


He sniffed the top of her head, down by her ear, licked the length of her neck and up the side of her face. Another howl close by, echoing near the tree-line, got the wolf’s attention. He raised his head from her and shoved her body back with his own. She went down on her butt, folding her legs sideways. Fur from his backside pressed into the front of her, including her face. Olivia turned her head away and took a breath. A shiver began in her belly and inched through her arms, legs, and up her neck. She sensed his urgency, he must move and his need…again, to keep her safe and again something else, another misread?

He moved back, his head next to hers. A growl vibrated, harsh and deep, beside her ear. Olivia jumped when he yipped instead of howled. He circled her, stopping behind her. A sudden scratch of claws and pebbles from rain washout near the barn pelted her. Air swirled around her as the wolf leaped over her head in the direction of the woods.

Olivia’s breath whooshed out like a balloon being released. Tears welled and trickled down her face. The wolf’s size was about as abnormal as it got. She’d never heard of any wolf being that large. She’d done plenty of research on the species, brushing up for the wolf pup she rehabilitated and released back into the wild years ago when Ray and she first opened the refuge, before they owned the preserve property.

Olivia pushed herself up onto wobbly legs, her stomach lurched, and before she could blink, vomit spewed. She retched hard, falling onto her hands and knees, weak and crying, something she hadn’t done since Ray’s funeral. As if on cue, all the lights popped on, illuminating her shadow against the barn wall.

Oh, that’s lovely. Damn power company.

A howl, and then another and another, echoed from different locations in the forest. Her forest, her wildlife preserve, not a place for a beast like her visitor, and most definitely not a place for the aggressive lot in the forest. She swiped her face with the bottom of her shirt and looked toward the woods.

About thirty yards away in the mowed meadow, her wolf circled with another, close-in-size, milky-eyed wolf with a deformed face, both spot-lighted in the yard light. They flashed razor sharp teeth and glowing eyes, with the exception of the one’s coated eye. Their vicious growls and snapping jaws filled the air. Olivia found her tranq gun on the ground and grabbed it. By the time she turned for a shot, she saw the tail end of both wolves leaping into the woods, her wolf chasing the other.

Olivia leaned against the barn, adjusting her position in accordance with her pain. She thought of the curious readings she sensed from her wolf, not sure of their meaning. She never questioned first impressions from readings anymore. Years of experiences proved first intuitive readings rang as authentic truth in almost every case.

She closed her eyes and pictured her wolf looking at her for the first time, the way his head snapped in her direction and how their gazes met and connected. She touched her neck, sliding fingertips up her cheek where his tongue touched her skin.

Her breath caught, heart raced, and her eyes opened wide. She laughed out loud, maybe in relief, maybe in a small fit of hysteria, or maybe because she consider that wolf as “her” wolf. Her “stimulation” readings from him threw her off, knowing it wasn’t a possibility.

Author Information:
Kay Dee Royal writes paranormal and fantasy erotic romance—maybe because it's also her favorite genre to read! She pens tales with wild, rugged heroes and strong, intelligent heroines. She'll give them both a few shadowy secrets, making her stories intriguing and fun. She resides in Southern Michigan with her family (her dogs, her cats, her caged husband... you get the idea) You can reach her at her blog and find the latest on her titles from her publisher, MuseItHot.

Book Review:
Olivia endures a thirty-four year passionless marriage, discovering her dead husband’s philandering history at his funeral. She devotes her energy and life-long sensitivity with animals to her wildlife refuge and preserve.

Chance, a Lycan alpha and leader of the Lycan International Investigation Agency (LIIA) throws himself into his investigations. He chooses to neglect his duty of finding a primal-mate after watching his father become an empty shell over the loss of his.

A murderous rogue pack draws Chance onto Olivia’s wildlife preserve, sending Olivia’s animal sensitivities into overdrive. Chance and Olivia discover a sizzling force driving them together.

Will they succumb to its enticing tether, or fight to resume their loveless lives apart?

Okay, so not the kind of book I usually review, but va-va-va-voom.  Definitely a keeper.  This is a book for grown-ups only.  Hot, Hot, and yummy.

Okay, so maybe my naughty little secret is I like my romance with a little heat or erotic moments thrown in.  This is definitely the book for that.  Not only is it a well written story (any yes, we like our erotica with a “real” story not just heat), it has all the sizzle guaranteed to make my hubby smile later.

This is a great read because of the story.  The heat is a bonus perk.  The story is about two strong alphas, one male and one female, fighting for the land and to save what they love.  So they clash and sizzle and clash some more, but in the end they find that fighting is more fun when you work together for what you want.

Unfortunately all the questions were not answered and boy do I have some questions left over.  Can’t wait to see how they are resolved.  This is absolutely 4 of 5 clouds.

Welcome to the Author of Rae of Hope: W. J. May


Rae’s Story

I’ve often been asked by kids, adults and other writers (who sometimes don’t quite fall into the kid category or the adult one either J )  So, while visiting Mindy’s blog today, I figured I’d share the story – from start to finish.

Sit back, unbutton your suit jacket and grab yourself a snack and cup of coffee (better make it a small one, my story’s not that long!)

I wrote as a kid (sadly, I figured I’d make a wonderful romance, harlequin writer – which, coming from a small Christian School I should have realized I’d never make the cut J )  However, writing dreams got pushed aside for Olympic dreams when I began high jumping in tenth grade and began representing Canada. Well, I never quite made the Olympics (made World Championships, won Olympic Trials, but never quite made that extra 2cm required by Canada to make the standard).

My Dad passed away in 2008 from a strong, six year batter with cancer.  During one of our last conversations we had, he encouraged me to chase after my dreams.  So, that Christmas (2 mths later) I began writing again. I wrote a book called Riding Hood (which is actually being edited with my agent and going out to publishers in the near future – it’s now titled Seventh Mark).  Rae of Hope, the first book in the Chronicles of Kerrigan came along 2 months later, and ironically, 2 mths later it was finished. 

I decided that if I ever wanted my kids to read my work, I needed to fine tune it so they wouldn’t make fun of me.  My kids are 6,5 and 21mths – I figured I had plenty of time before they start reading a YA book.  Anyways, I joined a critique group (www.critiquecircle.com – which I highly recommend to any writer) and learned loads, met great friends (especially the Golden Girls – who are not old, but are 5 star worthy) and learned valuable information.  On CC I was encouraged to look for an agent to represent my work. 

I didn’t believe that any of my writing was publishing worthy but got curious.  I sent Rae of Hope out to five agents and within the week, all five requested the entire MS.  I didn’t realize that in itself was a big feat – I assumed that was normal.  Well, within two months, I had two agents interested in representing Rae.  I did some homework (not quite sure what I needed to do, but I did ask a lot of questions). I signed on with Dawn Dowdle from BlueRidge Literary Agency.  She was interested in representing Rae of Hope, and also Riding Hood/Seventh Mark.

Learning about edits, about re-reading and revising (something I had ALWAYS hated to do as a kid) became something fun J Crazy ‘eh?  I had no idea what track changes were or how to do anything about them when I got my first MS back.  The red lines and comments made me think I had to rewrite the ENTIRE ms over again! Ha ha – Dawn patiently explained what needed to be done.

The time came to start publishing rounds for Rae of Hope.  A large number of houses were interested and it was exciting to get requests, along with responses of no’s – as a lot of editors gave suggestions what they felt the story needed.  I followed their advice and I kept writing and learning all the while.  Chicken House – a UK publisher – showed strong interest and we got fantastic feedback on what they would like us to do.  I rewrote and made the story stronger.  In the meantime (it took me quite a while as three kids and a business kept me busy J ), CH found a similar story that they were interested in, or they simply weren’t interested in it anymore.  No matter what the excuse, I learned more valuable information and was extremely grateful for it.

kNight Romance Publishing contacted Dawn between Christmas and New Years to say that they were interested in Rae and her series.  So, on January first of 2011, I signed my first official publishing contract.  (yeah me!)

Mitchell Morris Publishing became on imprint (or KRP became an imprint) – I’m not 100% sure how to say that one correctly and Rae of Hope went from a single book to a four book contract.

More edits, more learning and now I began to be able to share my opinions and understanding of the story and the edits better – and Rae of Hope hit e-book format in August of 2011, the paperback released the end of November.  It was original a POD, but is now going to traditional publishing, along with the next book, Dark Nebula, coming out this fall/winter.

I sit here giggling over the fact that I am able to hold my story in my hands.  It’s surreal. Amazing. Exhausting. Confusing. Fun. Inspiring.
… The best part – I know my Dad would be as proud of my writing career as he was of my high jump career. And the better part? I know he’s prouder of my three kids than anything else J  So am I.

Thanks for letting me stop by Mindy and share my story.   I really appreciate it!

Links:
Also Facebook: Rae Kerrigan
Twitter: @wanitajump

And a special thank you from us for stopping by and sharing your great story... and your fabulous book with us all.  Thank you from visiting W.J.May

Book Review of Rae of Hope


Book Review of Rae of Hope by W. J. May


Rae of Hope
ISBN: 9780983129790
Author: W. J. May
Trade paperback 6x9
Pages 248
Price $17.99
Genre: YA Fantasy

Book Synopsis:

How hard do you have to shake a family tree to find out the truth about the past?

Fifteen-year-old Rae Kerrigan never questioned her family’s history. That is until she accepted a scholarship to Guilder Boarding School in England. Guilder is an exclusive, gifted school. Rae has no idea what she is getting herself into or that her family’s past is going to come back and taunt her.

She learns she is part of an unparalleled group of individuals who become inked with a unique tattoo (tatu) on their sixteenth birthday. The tatu enables them to have supernatural powers particular to the shape of their ink-art. Both of her parents where inked, though Rae never knew, as they passed away when she was young. Learning about her family's past, her evil father and sacrificial mother, Rae needs to decide if there is a ray of hope in her own life.

Book trailer:  http://youtu.be/iauHkcm6UQo


Author Information:
Wanita May grew up in the fruit belt of Ontario - St.Catharines.  Crazy-happy childhood, she always has had a vivid imagination and loads of energy.

The youngest of six -- four older brothers, and sister -- they taught her at a young age to be competitive in all aspects of life.

At sixteen, she began competing in athletics (track and field) and before she turned seventeen, she was representing Canada in high jump.  She continued to compete, breaking Canada's JR High Jump record (1.92m - 6' 3 1/2" for those metric-ly challenged).  She attented University of Toronto, and Kansas State University - graduating with a BS degree in Kinesiology and beginning her Masters in Business.

She is currently married, and the mother of three adorable kids.

After her father passed away in 2009, from a six-year battle with cancer (which she still believes he won the fight against), she began to write again.  A passion she'd loved for years, but realized life was too short to keep putting it off.

Her first book, Rae of Hope - from the Chronicles of Kerrigan - is available Nov 15, 2001 by Mitchell Morris Publishing.  It is contracted as a four book series and available in print and ebook through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Smashwords and other online sites.

She is currently represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. Wanita is a writer of Young Adult, Fantasy Fiction and where ever else her little muses take her.


Book Review:
I admit that when I first started reading this book, my first thought was that it was a “Harry Potter” wannabe with a female lead.  However, the further I read the more I realized that Rae of Hope is a unique view on “magic” and people who can do extraordinary things.  The more Rae learned about her birthright world, the more we did.  It brought to mind Savvy where at a certain age you gain powers of some sort.  In this world the powers are tied to a tatu that forms when you reach 16 years of age.
Her parents were rebels with two tatu people marrying, a frowned upon notion.  To bring even more drama to the situation, she finds herself the center of attention for the first time in her life.  This confuses Rae as much as the whole tatu issue.
Intriguing read:  making you care about what happens to Rae.  Suspenseful: in that you don’t know if will be like her father… or her mother… or both.  After all they both had valid points.  And her “friends”, are they trying to help her or lead her down a dangerous path. 
Great read.  Surprising twists and unexpected turns.  Can’t wait to read more about Rae and her friends.  I give this 4 of 5 clouds.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Prayers Poems Songs Guest Post





Cesar:
Cesar has a very experienced background in the spiritual world. He was brought up in a Christian family, but branched out from that base as he got older, seeking answers about the world around him, and the spiritual world around him. In his mid-twenties dramatic events occurred in his life which challenged his very existence, but he learned from these experienced and most of learned that how that life is not just in our own hands. Now Cesar is a firm believer that everyone has their own path to walk in life, and part of that walk is all about the choices that you make. Some people choose a good life and some a wicked life, but most of us live the life in the middle, influenced by the world around us and our own upbringing, Cesar understands that life is simply not black and white.


Title: Prayers Poems Songs
Format: Print
Genre: Inspirational
Publisher: Self-Published
Released: April 13, 2012


Purchase Link:


This collection of 250 poems was written by Cesar during his late teens, and each piece of writing was originally intended to remain as a personal record of his journey with God. Yet the collection at some point became much more than mere thoughts about the world and God; they developed into poems, lyrics and poetry on a full range of subjects.

Then the writing stopped and the pages of thought and devotion were lost to time, gaining nothing but dust in an attic. That is where Cesar found them thirteen years later, and he chose to publish them as a testament to the influences which once surrounded his life, and as a dedication to God for his faithfulness.

The book is also dotted with hand drawn sketches which adds an additional level to the book.


Excerpt:

Haunted shame, distant pain
Hidden deep, am I sane
Can I make them hands stop
Fade away into the shade
Softest of songs drift above
Peace inside, peace within
Mumblings made to story tell
Drive this home, hope you’re well
Flying away you look down
Turn those hands and see the dirt
Nothing washes, nothing cleans
Burying deep my drifted dreams
Build me a wall and make it strong
So I can fall, trip, trip and fall
Swimming no limbs, flying no wings
Drift here to see my drunken words
House washed away by my broken tears
Soul taken by the rising flood
To carry me home, twisted fate

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Exciting giveaway

Mom to Bed by 8 is excited to present the Housewarming Dyson Event from June 1 to June 15. This is a free blogger event and accepting signups now.
Join the Housewarming Dyson Giveaway event today, grow your readership and offer one fantastic cleaning tool giveaway!
Dyson Giveaway 
The Housewarming Dyson Event is a free blogger event. You will receive one link at no cost as a thank you for participating in this event.
Link options are: GFC, Email, RSS, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Vote (as long as it is a no signup or like required, example picket fence). G+ is not allowed as it is against google rules.
Prize: Dyson DC23 TurbineHead Vacuum (retail value $399)
Open to: Worldwide (note – if the winner is outside of the US are responsible for any duties, taxes,etc that is not covered by basic shipping cost).
The event dates: June 1 at 12:01 am to June 15 11:59am
What is required to join? 
  • Post about the event with the button above linking back to this post. Feel free to copy paste this (below) along with the button.
Mom to Bed by 8 is excited to present the Housewarming Dyson Event from June 1 to June 15. This is a free blogger event and accepting signups now.
Join the Housewarming Dyson Giveaway event today, grow your readership and offer one fantastic cleaning tool giveaway!
  • If you do not wish to post the announcement, send the $5 via paypal to goodnightmommyboutique@gmail.com with your email address and Housewarming Dyson Event in subject line or notes portion of the form.
  • Once you have posted your announcement or sent the paypal payment, fill out this form.
  • You will receive an email from me with 72 hours, confirming your participation. If you do not, please email me at teri@momtobedby8.com and I will check into it for you.
  • Then around May 30th you will receive another email from me with the html code for publishing the giveaway.  Note it is required that you publish the giveaway html in full to be included in this event. I will verify links on June 1st around 8am central and if you have not done so, your link on the rafflecopter will be removed. This keeps this event fair for all who joins.
Referral prize: The two bloggers who refer the most people will receive a $10 Amazon e-code for your effort. Just make sure to add on your announcement that they should add your blog name or url in the referred by section on the signup form. This bonus will be paid the on June 2nd after your referral links have been verified.

Cover Reveal for Frozen Heart

Featuring the cover reveal of the first Sci-fi Romance from Inkspell Publishing, Frozen Heart! The moment we saw it, we fell in love and often come back to stare at it during a day. It keeps us chilled!
Without further delay, presenting you the debut novel by Annabelle Blume, Frozen Heart!

Picture     A decade surviving on her own. 
       Three days with the enemy. 
            Can love conquer all?

Cressenda knows how to survive. With her sled dogs as her only companions, she’s spent the past ten years hiding in the snow covered wilderness from the oppressive regime of the Affinity. When a routine trip to civilization takes a turn for the worst, Cressenda is forced to take refuge with the enemy or lose her life to the frozen countryside.

But Beckett, a Guard of the Affinity, is more than a man in uniform. His desperate need to help Cressenda escape both- the blizzard and the Affinity- makes her feelings for him all the more troubling. Will Beckett be true to his word and set Cressenda free? Will her heart let her leave after all they’ve shared?

Release Date: August 7th, 2012
Format: eBook and Paperback
Length: NovellaISBN: eBook: 978-0-9851483-6-2
Paperback: 978-0-9851483-5-5
Price: $6.00 (Paperback)
          $2.99 (eBook)