On the Broomstick

Monday, July 23, 2012

Spirit In the Trees Blog Tour

Spirits in the Trees

by Morgan Hannah MacDonald

SOME FAMILY SECRETS ARE BETTER LEFT BURIED.

An abandoned house, a psychotic killer, and a victim reaching out from the grave. A woman must unearth deadly family secrets before she becomes a ghost herself.

Madeline Anderson goes to Isabelle Island, Washington, to sell a family home abandoned over forty years before. Bizarre things occur the moment she steps on the property. Inside the dilapidated old house, items move about of their own accord. Strange noises come from empty rooms. She has a vivid, recurring dream of a woman running for her life. The wind rustling through the trees sounds like urgent, murmuring voices. When the cacophony dies down, one single word emerges:

MADELINE,MADELINE,MADELINE.

At first, Doug Lindstrom, the hot fireman helping Maddy restore the old home, doesn't believe anything is going on. He’s certain Maddy is jumping at shadows because she heard the local kids call the house haunted. That is, until he witnesses horrific violence himself that he can't explain away. After Maddy’s life is threatened not once, but twice, Doug vows there will not be a third time.

EVIL DOES EXIST.

While searching for answers, Maddy uncovers astonishing secrets about her aunt's past. Finding more questions then answers, she digs deeper until she stumbles across evidence of a cold case involving a serial killer nicknamed The Seaside Strangler. Together, Doug and Maddy must unmask a killer. The lives they save just might be their own.

WARNING: This book contains mild language, explicit sex and graphic violence.

e-book

Excerpt:

“And your brilliant idea would be?” Maddy asked, smiling.

Angie got off the floor, sat on the ottoman across from her and leaned over clasping her hands. “We’re going to have a séance, ask the spirits why they’re here.”

Maddy jerked her hands back. “No way, you have no idea how scary this is. Believe me.”

“Exactly. I’ve always wanted to see a ghost, now here’s my chance!” Angie tried to grab her hands again, but Maddy held them out of her reach.

“No, you don’t understand, this is not a game.”

“Don’t be silly, I’ve seen this done on TV hundreds of times.”

“This could be dangerous, something could go wrong. When I was a kid I remember hearing stories of people conjuring up ghosts with the Ouija board. Ghosts that killed and maimed!”

“Those are just urban legends. Besides, we already have the ghosts, and we’re not using a Ouija board.” Insistently she shook her open hands at Maddy and waited for her to comply.

Maddy stared at her new friend a moment. “I don’t know, Ang, what did you say about malevolent beings?”

“Those are rare. Besides, if you had one of those, you would be dead already. Now shush and give me your hands.”

“Great, I feel so much better.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm. Reluctantly Maddy relinquished her hands.

“Okay, close your eyes and I’ll do the rest.”

Angie was quiet a moment, then said, “We are addressing the spirits that live in this house, tell us why you are here.”

The women sat in silence, waiting.

Maddy squinted with one eye. “It’s not working, maybe we should give up.” She pulled her hands back.

“Shh!” Angie opened her eyes and snatched Maddy’s hands back impatiently. “We are addressing the spirits that live in this house. Show us a sign!” Angie spoke a little louder this time.

Again, nothing. The women sat in silence looking around the room, then at each other.

Suddenly the fire in the hearth flared up twice its size, reaching out toward them, knocking the screen down with its force. They screamed and jumped out of the way. A door slammed upstairs, then another. Doors all over the house slammed one at a time.

Maddy swallowed hard. “Ang,” she whispered.

“Shh,” When all was silent again, Angie yelled at the ceiling. “Tell us why you are here?”

“Angie, please. Don’t make them mad!” Maddy pleaded in a hushed tone while she held tight to her friend’s arm.

“It’s okay. They’re just acknowledging our presence.” Angie assured her, patting her hand.

A crash came from behind.

They spun around.

A lamp from the end table smashed against the opposite wall.

Maddy gasped.

Out of nowhere, a book flew toward Angie, she ducked just in time.

Maddy screamed, her head jerked backward.

“What?” Angie turned in time to see Maddy’s hair floating in the air.

“Someone just yanked my hair, hard!” Maddy answered rubbing the back of her head.

What I Liked:

This book took off from the first page and didn't let me go. Maddy has had some hard times with the death of her family and now to move into a house where a psycho is after her and is haunted, well, lets just say that the action doesn't stop. If you read the above excerpt you can see the author knows how to do action, have convincing dialogue and have enough plot twists and turns to keep me focused on her book. Some days, with my reading schedule, that can be challenging. I usually can tell a few pages in if the book is going to hold me. This one did. I love a great ghost story!!

What I Didn't:

More!!! More!!! Double darn. It had to end. *sad*

Overall:

If you love a great suspenseful story with a character that gets into your head and your heart, give this book a try. Some scenes will make you laugh out loud and others will have you looking under the bed to make sure there is nothing lurking. A woman grieving over the senseless death of her family, a psycho on the loose, ghosts and mayhem abound. Loved it. Morgan Hannah MacDonald just landed on my favorite authors list. I think she will be on yours too.

1. What first attracted you to ghosts and the paranormal?

Well, I did spend a summer in Massachusetts when I was sixteen and that place is steeped in the paranormal, especially Salem. I also read Stephen King's The Shining while I was there.

2. Do you watch true crime TV or read any authors that really bring it to life?

I do watch shows on serial killers and I'd have to say Stephen King does spin a good yarn.

3. What is your favorite thing about Spirits in the Trees?

I like that it takes place on an island in the Pacific Northwest and that it's creepy, but I'd have to say the title. I just woke up one day with it in my head.

4. What about paranormal shows? Are you a fan of one in particular?

I like the show A Haunting. It has real ghost stories dramatized from beginning to end so you can actually see the ghosts. I also like Paranormal State. It's short and only shows the good stuff.

5. What is one ghost story that to this day gives you the case of the willies?

I can't think of an actual ghost story, but the movie The Exorcist still does it to me.

6. Do you write to music?

Right now I don't have that available to me, but I'm in the process of moving and my new office will have stereo. I'm planning on getting some French music since that's where my next book takes place.

7. Are you a plotter or a seat of your pants writer?

Pantser for sure. I never know where my characters will take me. LOL

8. What is your current writing project?

I'm working on book two of The Spirits Trilogy,; Spirits Among Us.

Thanks for having me on your blog!

Morgan

Praise for SPIRITS IN THE TREES

GREAT HAUNTED THRILLER!, By D.C. Newland

A CHILL OF SUSPENSE! By shmily25

SPOOKY!!!, By Terri Camp -

GRIPPING! By bella200

MORGAN DELIVERS AGAIN!!!, By Adriana-

AND I THOUGHT HER FIRST BOOK WAS GOOD! By Bill Gibson

FANTASTIC!, By Lori Petticrew

ANOTHER GREAT BOOK FROM THIS AUTHOR!! By Robyn Still

A MYSTERY WITH A SPIRITED TWIST!, By Carol (Idaho)

I read the first book by Ms. MacDonald and found it a very excellent read, so that when this book came along I was excited to dig into it. I wasn't sure what the book was about and when I found it was a paranormal, I hesitated as I do not read those kinds of books, but continued because of "Sandman". I have to say I was not disappointed. I was laughing so hard in parts of the book that I began snorting (terribly embarrassing at work, I was on my lunch break) and my cat thinks I'm crazy. Other parts will have you biting your nails.

I truly love the way Ms. MacDonald writes; she doesn't bog you down with a lot of detail, allowing your mind to wonder and imagine and if there are ghosts around, well, it becomes a rollercoaster of a ride!

The hero in this was exciting and I too, would have been drooling over him. I like the fact that the heroine was able to overcome tragedy, live through strange occurrences, and welcome love.

This is one author to watch for; her mysteries are exactly that, and to also to tell your friends about, I know I have!

Great work, can't wait for your next book. A trilogy? Brilliant!

BUCKLE UP FOR AN AMAZING RIDE!,By Skye Doggett (Oklahoma City, OK) Morgan Hannah MacDonald does it again! When I read "Sandman", I thought it can't get any better than this but Spirits in The Trees does just that! I know, "I couldn't put it down" is highly overused but it is the truth. I started reading it first thing in the morning, and literally got nothing done until I finished it (thank goodness it was my day off)! It has the best of everything; edge of your seat suspense, a mystery that deepens with each page, a nail biting ghost story, and a passionate love story. Ms. MacDonald breathes flesh and life into characters that are deep and whom you come to care about very quickly. I love that the main character Maddie, though she endures more than your average woman in a mystery story (not giving away any spoilers!), still comes across as having strength. I highly recommend this book to anyone loving a good mystery/suspense/ghost story with a healthy dose of romance.

About the Author

Morgan Hannah MacDonald writes Romantic Thrillers that are NOT for the faint of heart. She has always been interested in writing and serial killers, but it wasn’t until she found she had dated one herself that a true writer was born. She belongs to Romance Writers of America, the San Diego Chapter, as well as the Kiss of Death Chapter. She resides in San Diego, California where she is busy working on her next novel.

She can be found at

www.morganhannahmacdonald.com and

http://www.facebook.com/#!/MorganHannahMacDonald.Author

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Mark of the Witch by Jessica Gibson : The Interview

Magic flows through Jillian Proctor's veins as surely as blood, but so far her life outside Boston has been peaceful. William Morgan blows into Jilly's life like a hurricane, unleashing her magic and sending her out of control. Unknowingly, William brings an enemy who only wants to posses the power of the witch. Jilly must learn to harness her magic before she loses it - and everything in her life is destroyed.

Goodreads

e-book

1. What first made you fall in love with witches and magic?

The Wizard of Oz actually, when I saw that movie when I was 6 or 7, I was hooked. I read the entire series, and loved them all.

2. What are some of your favorite books and movie witches?

I love love love, the Gwen Sparks series by Stephanie Nelson! Also H.P. Mallory’s Jolie Wilkins series is really good. Olivia Hardin’s Bend Bite Shift series has some really amazing witches in it too. I could go one forever lol, I love a good witchy book.

3. Practical Magic or Harry Potter?

Oooh, that’s a tough one. I adore Harry Potter, the books are amazing,and I’ve read the whole series through probably 3 times. The movies were fun too, I own all of them (not surprising right?) I think I’m going to say both on this one lol. Practical Magic is one of my favorite movies, I love Sally! She’s so strong for her sister and her children.

4. What you rather be, a good witch or a bad witch and why?

Probably a good witch, they still get to have all the fun, just without the consequences of being evil :)

5. Do you have a playlist for Mark of the Witch?

I listened to a lot of Christina Perri and Paramore while I was writing Mark of the Witch. Oh, and Apocalyptica, I loved the instrumental versions of Fade to Black and Nothing Else Matters.

6. What is your current writing project?

Right now I’m working on a few projects lol, story of my life. Chasing the Witch, the sequel to Mark of the Witch is finished, it will be going to the editor soon! I’m hoping to have it out in October at the latest. Currently I’m working on a vampire book titled Love and Blood, and a short story for an anthology due out around Christmas time featuring one of the vampires from Love and Blood.

7. Tell us about the toughest scene you ever had to write.

Love scenes are the hardest for me. I’m good with blood and action, and all of that, but give me a love scene to write and I get squeamish. Author Belinda Boring said it best when she told me, “I want all the swoon without the body parts”.

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

What I Liked:

The sisters in this book were great characters and I loved the myth and magic theme. It reminded me a great deal of Practical Magic and you can't go wrong with that. One sister embraces magic and the family, while the other goes running for the hills. Jilly really touched my heart because she is so fierce. William adds a dark element to the story that adds some spice. (not telling!!!) The character development was great. Author Jessica Gibson has a flair for crafting some interesting spells and I am anxious to see how this series unfolds with the second book.

What I Didn't:

There were some flow issues and grammar usage that bothered me from time to time. Some of the dialogue was a little awkward, but there is great potential here.

Overall:

This book is a great story for anyone who loves a witchy read. If you are a fan of stories with witchy sisters like Practical Magic, then this read is right up your alley. I will be watching for more books from this author and am very excited to see that there is another one due out soon! The only off points were flow can be a bit draggy at times and the dialogue needs to be a little more real, but all in all, it was a great read. The characters are wonderful, the plot a good one with some paranormal twists that make this a fun broomstick ride.

3.5/5

Friday, July 20, 2012

Hereafter Cover Reveal and Giveaway

Short Excerpt Hereafter:

A boy appeared in her path. She veered around him and then skidded to a halt. Something about him made her stop. She turned around to look at him and realized he was staring at her, his face a mask of astonishment, his mouth hanging open.

“Hey kid, watch where you’re going!” she said, more surprised than annoyed.

He was maybe fourteen and nearly as tall as her, at that “beanpole” stage, as her grandmother had called it—the tall and scrawny look of one growing too fast. What little of his face visible under a curtain of straw-colored hair was pointed and sharp—cheekbones, chin, and nose. His hair, cut in an asymmetrical bob that left it longer in the front than the back, was parted on the side and hung in his face, concealing his left eye. Somehow, the way one washed-out hazel eye was visible and the other hidden reminded her of Pete, the dog from the Little Rascals.

She realized he hadn’t moved a muscle and was still staring at her gape-mouthed.

“Did you hear me?” she asked.

He gave a little shake of his head, as if he was doing a double take. The motion caused the curtain of hair hanging over his eyes to sway. “Yeeesss,” he said in a slow, cautious, drawn-out way.

“Why are you staring at me?”

“Well, it’s just, because…you know. You’re…” He trailed off.

Irene narrowed her eyes. “I’m what?”

The boy turned beet red and took a step back, giving a hard gulp that made Irene fear he had swallowed his tongue. “Well…dead,” he stuttered.

HEREAFTER

By:

Terri Bruce

Why let a little thing like death get in the way of a good time?

Thirty-six year old Irene Dunphy didn't plan on dying any time soon, but that’s exactly what happens when she makes the mistake of getting behind the wheel after a night bar-hopping with friends. She finds herself stranded on Earth as a ghost, where the food has no taste, the alcohol doesn’t get you drunk, and the sex...well, let’s just say “don’t bother.” To make matters worse, the only person who can see her—courtesy of a book he found in his school library—is a fourteen-year-old boy genius obsessed with the afterlife.

This sounds suspiciously like hell to Irene, so she prepares to strike out for the Great Beyond. The only problem is that, while this side has exorcism, ghost repellents, and soul devouring demons, the other side has three-headed hell hounds, final judgment, and eternal torment. If only there was a third option…

About the Author:

Terri Bruce has been making up adventure stories for as long as she can remember and won her first writing award when she was twelve. Like Anne Shirley, she prefers to make people cry rather than laugh, but is happy if she can do either. She produces fantasy and adventure stories from a haunted house in New England where she lives with her husband and three cats.

Contact Details

Email: tbruce@terribruce.net

Website/Blog: www.terribruce.net

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/user/show/8244272-terri-bruce

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Terri-Bruce-Fan-Page/325830544139030

Twitter: @_TerriBruce

Want the chance to win one of three prizes tour wide? You can win a $10 Amazon gift card and 2 swag packs! Just comment below and leave your email address for a chance to win!

Etsy Awesome: Witch Block Set

Witch Block Set

This block set is super cute and adorably witchy! Just perfect for a mantle or bookshelf. Check out the other offerings at Summer Scraps on Etsy. :)

Monday, July 16, 2012

Etsy Awesome: Witchy Leggings by Pretty Snake

Witchy Leggings by Pretty Snake

Witch crop top

Hurray for some vacation time and a few moments to play on Etsy again. I love noodling around on here and giving you fun and witchy finds. These two are a whole lot of cool with their old fashioned wood block print style. Click the link to see what else Pretty Snake has for sale and let him know you stopped by On the Broomstick!

Sunday, July 15, 2012

The Gates Blog Tour

The Gates

The Resistance Trilogy, #2

By Rachael Wade

Getting There is Half the Battle...

Armed with more unsettling knowledge about Gavin Devereaux and her circle of friends, Camille Hart is faced with new adversities and lethal propositions when she returns to the Amaranth exile to carry out Gavin’s risky crusade.

Realizing her journey through the bayou was only the beginning of her struggle to stay with Gavin, she finds that leaving her Louisiana home is the least of her worries. New evils await her on the other side, and as she and her friends press on with their mission, they are confronted with the reality that everything doesn't always go according to plan.

As secrets unfold and alliances are formed and broken, only the strongest will survive and the power of love will be tested when a war between witches, humans, and vampires erupts into an all-out power struggle and all is on the verge of being lost.

In case you missed it:

An interview with Rachel Wade:

1. What was your inspiration for this story?

I was really inspired by Tim Burton and his version of Alice in Wonderland in particular. Also tons of music, especially Florence and the Machine. I must’ve listened to Seven Devils until my ears bled. I love epic fantasy, and I recall watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy (for the thousandth time) while writing this, so that inspired me as well.

2. Do you have music in mind when you are in writing mode?

Always. Music and writing are synonymous for me. Listening to music before I write scenes is really crucial to my writing process. I have to listen and visualize the scenes, meditate on them, before I sit down to write.

3. What paranormal being would you be if you could chose?

I’d be a vampire. I always get the “ew” reaction when I choose that over a fairy or something haha. I guess in a traditional sense, they are pretty gross creatures. But they’re also mysterious and sensual, and in recent years, have evolved into these superhuman beings, which I love even more. I’d love to have that superhuman strength.

4. Are you a outliner or a seat of your pants writer?

Both. When I began writing the Resistance Trilogy, I had a very organized, rigid structure as far as outlining went. And to some extent, I still always need a loose outline to work with. But lately, I don’t stick to those outlines very much. I prefer to start with a loose outline and then just write, see where it takes me. That’s always more fun and the plot and characters end up surprising me more that way.

5. What is your next writing project?

Right now I’m wrapping up The Tragedy of Knowledge, book 3 of The Resistance Trilogy, which picks up right where The Gates leaves off, and I’m also working on Repossession, the first book in a post-apocalyptic sci-fi romance series, the Keepers Trilogy, which is set to release in December.

6. What was the hardest scene that you have ever written and why?

Tough question. So far, I guess I’d say a scene in Preservation that involved the issue of rape. That whole novel was very personal and that scene hit close to home, but it was empowering to write and really helped give me some closure.

Thanks for having me! :)

Excerpt One:

The twelve vampires all joined together in a circle, waiting for Gavin’s direction, flashlights in hand, game faces on. Scarlet leaned back toward the magic oak, draped her arms across the rugged branch that held the key to our entry, sultry and comfortable in tight-fitting pants and a revealing halter top. Hussy. Must have read the wrong dress code. We weren’t headed for Studio 54, for crying out loud.

“As discussed, it’s imperative to keep your mojo bag on you, as close to your skin as possible, at all times. Keep it out of sight, under your clothes, and be sure to feed it with the oils I gave you intermittently, or the spells will wear out and we can’t have that.” Gavin spoke loud and authoritative. It was a tone I wasn’t used to hearing him take: one full of power, possession, and most of all, determination. He was such a leader. It was … hot. I smiled to myself, mesmerized as I watched him speak, dagger in hand, dressed in black jeans and a faded gray shirt, tousled brown hair as perfect as ever.

As I admired him, I noticed Scarlet staring intently, too, her eyes catching mine. There was a glint in them, an unspoken challenge that made me furious. Her coy smile made me even more agitated. Where was my jealousy coming from? It was so strong, so urgent, getting harder to contain by the second. Gavin had already assured me she was nothing to worry about. But something about her seared my skin, sank into my bones and settled there, leaving me on edge. I looked away, focusing again on Gavin’s pep talk.

“We’ve had an advantage, an extra defense against humans, against those who practice hoodoo—the ability to be unaffected by their magic. And yet, we can use their magic among our own kind. Their magic isn’t limited to Samira and Gérard’s use, although they love for us to think that. An original conjurer, a good friend of ours, has gone out of her way to help create these protection spells for us. They are just as strong as Samira’s magic, and will keep us safe when we approach her. They’ll also give us copious amounts of energy to thrive.”

My thoughts trailed to Vivienne and her haint blue shop behind the pizzeria, her cautious eyes and generous heart. She really wanted to help us, even though she wasn’t sure what it would mean for her people, and even though the frozen souls had disrespected her magic, her faith, for all of these years. I smiled at the thought, thankful for the sweet, wise old woman.

Gavin began meandering around the inside of the circle, locking vision with each vampire. “Samira has no idea we have a conjurer’s help, and no idea we’ve acquired this amount of energy. Even if she doesn’t reveal it, she’ll be surprised that our magic is able to withstand her own. Stand strong, and stand tall. Do not falter, because the time is coming, and her kingdom will fall. Remember to be on guard within the villages. We don’t know for certain the conditions we face. We must gain the peoples’ trust, even as we show Samira that she can trust us to restore her order. Our obedience is the only thing that will keep her unaware until the rest of the resistance arrives to help us.”

“What if we don’t make it past the moat?” one of the twelve stammered, shaking in obvious fear.

Gavin stopped in the middle of the circle and turned to him. “The moat? We will make it through the gates.”

The nervous vampire reluctantly shook his head, taking a deep breath.

“Of this, I am certain.” Gavin gave the vampire a firm nod, then shouted, “To strong will and sweet freedom!” He waved his hands to encourage his people. Everyone took the cue, shouting in unison, repeating his words, chanting them. He stormed toward me, eyes blazing, his fiery gaze taking me by surprise. It made me melt, witnessing him take such control, but then I shivered as I felt the bayou’s temperature begin to drop, calling us toward the portal, tempting us to pull the branch and unlock the gateway.

“You’re really ready for this, aren’t you?” I asked him as he grabbed his bag.

“This is going to work. I know it. My parents will finally have peace.” He reached up and ran his fingers over his mother’s locket around my neck, then gave me a breathtaking smile and pulled me into his embrace, kissed me hard and desperately.

The group’s energy buzzed, everyone chattering and pumping one another up. When Gavin let go of me, I surveyed the bayou and swallowed, realizing this was it. I’d somehow managed to entangle myself in the beginning of a vampire war. I was no longer that book-nerd loner girl from Louisiana, no longer the damaged girl from Seattle who once put up with so much abuse from men.

I was now Gavin’s support, love and future, and he was mine. Better yet, he encouraged my personal dreams despite his all-consuming lifestyle. He didn’t want me to give myself up, even though I was lost in all of his madness. My new path was suddenly tangible beneath my feet, although I couldn’t quite see it brick for brick yet. Hope bloomed in me, and the same energy that now possessed Gavin filled me too. I was ready for this, ready to do anything for this man, for these people, for our friends. Purpose panged my stomach and I was overwhelmed with the need for justice.

“Scarlet,” Gavin called to her while taking my hand. She raised her eyebrows and smiled at him, slowly, lasciviously, keeping her eyes on his as she snapped the oak’s branch. My green envy flared at the sight.

The gorgeous violet light over the bayou began to illuminate the murky water, lighting up our surroundings more and more, the wind dancing around us with fury. The water churned, and it was time.

Excerpt Two:

He clutched me in his arms and his fiery gaze danced across my body. “Can we talk about it after?”

“What? Gav, we need to talk about it now. What are we going to do—? And after what exactly?”

“After I taste you.” He dipped his mouth down to mine, letting his tongue slip between my lips. The panic I felt passed through me and a soft moan replaced the tension. I melted in his arms and slipped my hands around his neck, pressed my body harder to his, pulling down on his cloak to peel it over his shoulders.

He spun me around and pushed me up against the door, leaning his weight against my back to pin me to it with his hips. Angling my chin to the side so he could see my mouth, his other hand clasped the side of my waist and his breath flickered hot in my hair. “You don’t know how good you taste,” he breathed, finding my elbow and gently rubbing his thumb across my thick bandage. “This feeling okay? I’ll be gentle with it, I promise.”

“Mhhmm. It’s better.” I welcomed his soft strokes over the crease of my elbow and swiveled my head farther back, to bring my lips closer to his.

He leaned in and looked at my lips with wonder before he kissed them hungrily again, his hands gliding down the sides of my hips to clutch my rear. “I can’t promise the same for this delicious backside, though.”

“No safety pin today,” I whispered against his jaw.

He snatched up my skirt, tore it straight down the middle and gathered it near my waist. “Won’t be needing it.”

“Gavin! What’ll I wear home?”

“Cloak.” His voice roughened and he ripped harder, tossing the material to the ground. I felt his smile when he kissed my neck, and shivers ran down my back at the sound of his low growl.

“I made that! I don’t have many of those, you know.”

“Cam,” he snaked one hand around my stomach and made his way north, slipping one hand into my corset top to grope my chest. “You won’t be thinking about it when I’m inside you.” His hips shifted off my back and he separated my legs with his knee, his breathing ragged against my shoulder. “Now forget the damn dress.” Keeping my head pressed to the side of the door, I could see him pull at his shirt collar to loosen it, which instantly made my knees shake and my pulse thump with desire. Unsure if I’d be able to hold myself up as he had his way with me from behind, I knew the image of him there would be my undoing. There was nothing sexier than seeing this normally shy, composed man morph into a voracious creature with such insatiable, starved need in his rich, chocolate eyes. And the sleeves rolled to his elbows … that wasn’t helping.

I snuck a glance at his forearms. Nope, not helping at all.

He ran his fingers down my back and licked his lips, the sensations of his fingertips over my spine making my head spin. Before I had time to muster my strength, I heard his zipper and felt him jerk my slip aside. He slid into me and leaned close again, his jaw slack at the side of my face. I palmed the door with my good hand and reached back to latch onto the side of his hip with the other, his name spilling from my lips as he drove into me.

“I adore you, do you know that?” he murmured against my ear, his panting feeding my fervor and sending my desire into an irrepressible frenzy. “I’m yours always, baby.”

I gripped the door harder for support and dug my nails into his hip to return the passion, closing my eyes when his cries seeped into my ear. They were too much. “Gavin, please …” He thrust harder, a desperate urgency in each sharp charge, stirring my release, coaxing it into a ferocious delirium, spinning it out of control. He lifted a hand and trailed fingers over my lips, tilting and crushing his mouth on mine to silence my whimpering.

“Not yet,” he sighed against my lips and wrenched my hair back, forcing me to arch against his chest, tightening his grip on my waist before running his other hand down my front to cup it between my thighs. “Ask me again.”

“Please,” my voice hummed, barely audible as he skimmed his nose over my neck, his fingers kneading in front while he buried himself in me.

“Please, what. Tell me.”

“Please, Gavin. Let me go.”

I felt him slow and readjust his stance, then slide in deeper and pick up speed, pushing me farther and farther into luscious oblivion from behind, his fingers continuing to torture in front. “Mmm. I love hearing that.”

His forehead grazed my cheek and his sweat stuck to my skin, a sweet, heady aroma that sent my knees quaking. I cried out, feeling myself quicken, his strangled moan causing my body to cave against the door as I found my release.

“Cam … damn it.…” He pulled his hand from my thighs and braced the door next to my face, his palm spreading over the dark, battered wood, his fingers close enough for me to taste. My eyes fluttered and found his, their scorching warm glow penetrating me with crazed longing. His breath hissed and he reached his climax, hauling his fingertips through my hair and over my scalp as he stilled, my name escaping his lips one last time.

I let myself slump against his shoulder while he rested his forehead on the door, one arm drawn close around my waist to hold me upright.

“Love, making it out of this place alive is the least of my worries. If you keep making me crazy like that, you’ll be the death of me.” He snickered against my neck, his lips kissing my wet skin.

“Well,” I panted, “if you ravage me like that again, there’s a very good chance you’ll take me with you.”

What I Liked:

This book is a continuation of a series choc full of vampires and voodoo witchery. The first book was good and this one just gets better. The seductive sex scenes are smokin' hot and nothing makes me happier than to have a sexy book tucked in for a summer nights reading.

What I Didn't:

If you haven't read the first book in the series, you will be a bit lost if you start with The Gates. You may want to pick up Amaranth to get the story background.

Overall:

The Gates is a continuation of a series and I found the writing style even better than the first book and story line gripping. The politics of the vampires and the voodoo fun will keep you turning the pages on a hot summer night. Fans of True Blood and Discovery of Witches will love this series.

About the Author:

Rachael Wade is the author of the Amazon #1 best-selling paranormal romance series, The Resistance Trilogy, and the best-selling contemporary romance, Preservation. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and her work has been published in The Storyteller, A Hudson View International Poetry Digest, and Amulet Poetry. When she's not writing, she's busy learning French, watching too many movies, and learning how to protect wildlife and stop animal cruelty. The first title in her post-apocalyptic sci-fi romance series, The Keepers Trilogy, is set for release winter of 2012.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRachaelWade

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/RachaelWade

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4831558.Rachael_Wade

Web page: www.RachaelWade.com

Friday, July 13, 2012

Her Loving Husband's Curse Blog Tour and Guest Post

Her Loving Husband’s Curse
Book Two of The Loving Husband Trilogy
By Meredith Allard

How far will you go to protect the one you love?

Finally, after many long and lonely years, James Wentworth’s life is falling into place. Together with his wife, Sarah, the only woman he has ever loved, he has found the meaning behind her nightmares about the Salem Witch Trials, and now they are rebuilding the life they began together so long ago.

But the past is never far behind for the Wentworths. While Sarah is haunted by new visions, now about the baby she carried over three hundred years before, James is confronted with painful memories from his time with the Cherokee on the Trail of Tears. Through it all, the persistent reporter Kenneth Hempel reappears, still determined to prove that the undead walk the earth. If Hempel succeeds in his quest, James and Sarah will suffer. Will the curse of the vampire prevent James and Sarah from living their happily ever after?