Friday, August 10, 2012

Hexes In Texas by Michelle Korpa




Hexes In Texas
By Michelle Kopra

Genre: Urban Fantasy
ISBN: 9781476226156
ASIN: B008G0EQ42

Number of pages: 128
Word Count: 40740


Book Description:

Fed up with the slushy snow of winter, and the frigid Canadian wizards Julie McNabb wants a transfer to somewhere warm, and where the men are smoking hot!

Instead, she ends up in Bug Tussle. A small wizard farming community in Texas where the unicorns freak her out, and the resident witches watch NASCAR and eat Barbeque.

Despite her goals to get out as fast as she can, Julie makes friends, has fun, and falls for Vance, the hunky animal manager.

Now if only Julie can convince Vance to give up on Mrs. Right, for Mrs. right now!



Teaser Excerpt:

“There has to be something more than this,” I sighed as the broom came dangerously close to the road. Before I turned into witch jam, I used my magic to stop the broom, tilting it up, and slowing its descent until my purple boots skidded against the pavement.

“Like what?” Skippy asked.

“I don’t know, but flying around at night, maintained spells, checking perimeters? How is that living? I want a life that’s exciting. I don’t want to die a thousand years from now, regretting I lived all my life in Hamilton.”


 Interview questions for On the Broomstick:

1. What was the inspiration for Hexes?

A few things inspired me to write Hexas. The first was Bug Tussle. It’s a country road along the side of the I35 between DFW and Waco, Tx. I had driven passed the sign for years and thought it was a funny name. But I was also inspired by my pets, my hometown, Hamilton, and by my mother’s fetish for tiger print.

2. Have you ever been to Texas? What is your favorite part about it?

I moved to Texas 6 years ago. I have traveled all over the state, and lived in San Antonio. But I would have to say my favorite part of Texas is DFW. Not only because my house is here, but I do love the blend of cultures here. Plus I like having a chance of a bit of snow in the winter. If I had to pick a second favorite city, it would be Houston. Love The Woodlands, Kemah, and Galveston.

3. Margaritas vs. Bud Light

Margaritas. It’s a tossup between sangria swirled or corona-rita, both are awesome.

4. Fajitas vs. Cheeseburger

Fajitas! Growing up in Canada my food choices were on the bland side, what with meat loaf and pork chops. Then I moved south and fell in love with Mexican food.

5. Harry Potter vs. Practical Magic (or both)

Both. I love the detail and the creatures in Harry Potter. However when I watched Practical Magic the first time, I realized witches could be sexy, as well as funny.

6. What was the funniest scene you ever wrote?

I’m not sure. But I loved writing about Julie’s black cat, Skippy. I still laugh when I go back and read the dialogue between them.

7. Which do you find is harder to write, love scenes or action scenes?

Love scenes. I spend more time trying to make the scene sexy and emotional. So I do a lot of researching positions and descriptions.

8. Have you written other books, or in other genres?

The story ideas tend to be split between urban fantasy and steam punk. I have seven other short stories also available on Amazon.

9. What is your current project?

I am wrapping up the final book to my Shimmy and Steam series. I’m also plotting a new urban fantasy called “Something witchy this way comes.” It’s about three sisters competing to become the new mayor of Fairy, Texas.

10. What is your favorite paranormal character?

Gosh, do I have to have just one?

Thanks!

Thanks for having me!

 Overall:

I liked the voice of this book, and the snap of the characters. It had an overall witchy chick lit kind of feel, with a talking cat familiar and some pretty fun adventures. If you are looking for a light read with a witchy heroine, then this is your book. Spice, magic, broom rides, talking cats with attitude...what more can you want. 

When Julie decides to get a transfer to New Orleans, things really get interesting! No more telling. You have to read this one for yourself.

4/5 Fun broomstick ride!



  About the Author:

I suppose you are dying to know who this Michelle Kopra is; n'est pas?

If you figure it out, please let me know ;)


I have worked in hospitals, in zoo's, in casinos, and with shoes (hey, look at that, I rhymed).

I am a day dreamer, not much of a day tripper, or day trader for that matter. But I do get lost in my own little world about Fairies, Elves, brass goggles, nifty airships, and steamy romances.

I used to be a closet writer, writhing in agony if anyone came near me when I was trying to put story to paper.

Then I had kids. Two of them, with big brown eyes, and sweet little giggles and sticky fingers that goober up my computer screen, and suddenly I didn't care how silly my stories seemed to the rest of the world. Well, not as much anyways ;)

I have six stories published on Amazon.com for the moment, with several more in the works. Please feel free to contact me, I can be found on Facebook, twitter, and at my website michellekopra.com. Let me know if you love my stories, or hate them, or if I parked in your spot!


michellekopra.com

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Nightfall Blog Tour and Giveaway



Nightfall
By PW Creighton

Blurb:

Three years after everyone important to Connor Maitland was murdered by a fanatical cult he is still attempting to put his life back together. Accompanied by his ex-girlfriend and business partner, Alison Herne, he is making a living as a jack-of-all-trades running a security company, sailing charters, and even photographing weddings out of Dolliber Cove, Massachusetts. Connor’s world is finally coming back together until they find one of Alison’s ghost hunter friends murdered.

When a childhood love he thought was dead, appears on his doorstep during their investigation, Connor is forced to confront memories he convinced himself were the delusions of a man deep into grief. They are being stalked by a mysterious man who appears to know far too many of their secrets. After Alison is almost killed confronting her occult past, it is impossible for Connor to deny the connection between the cases. Someone is attempting to end Connor’s life and the lives of all those who surround him.

The crazed rantings of the murderous cult may be the key to his survival.








Nightfall Excerpt:

                “Maitland, this is Tabitha. I know you’re not really into this stuff, but I think you might want to make an exception this time. Well, I’m out by Rockport off Old Cathedral with Camilla and Don, and I think we’ve got something for you. It’s…wait— What are—” The voice stopped. “End of new messages. If you would like to listen to your messages, press One.” An electronic beep sounded and the voicemail started again.

The taste of wet concrete and a throbbing headache made me roll onto my back and open my eyes to a dark mass overhead. It was too dark to make out anything more than vague shapes without a flashlight.

“Ow.” I managed to sit up while the wireless headset continued to repeat the voicemail in my right ear. A few feet away, my flashlight blinked at a stack of wet pallets. I reached across the concrete to retrieve the flashlight and twisted the end to get a steady beam. A quick survey of my surroundings revealed a number of pallet stacks, the red metal pipe-railing I had just hopped over, a pile of heavy rope tangled around my feet, and a lowhanging pulley block. This is why they say you should not be fussing with your cell phone when you investigate a potentially dangerous environment.

“Crap.” I scanned the floor for my lousy phone and found it lying with its touchscreen against the corner of a pallet. I shut off the voicemail and wiped off the grime to tuck it into my gray pea coat.

I forced myself to my feet only to stagger and lean on the nearest stack of pallets. Between the weather and that pulley, I would need a heavy dose of aspirin. I shook my head to clear my mind, but the phone screamed for attention. I groaned and hit the button on my headset.

“Yeah?”

“Everything is all set for you tonight,” a woman announced from the other end with a touch of nervousness. Her again.

“All right. We’ll check into that and then hit the place this weekend.” I swept the light across the stacks of pallets. Through one of the dirty skylights, I saw a flash of lightning. Can’t the weather ever cooperate?

“I can’t thank you enough.” Her voice trembled.

“Right, see you then.” I tapped the headset and rubbed my temple. The woman had been nothing but trouble since I had agreed to help her. I was not in the mood to deal with anyone indecisive enough to keep rescheduling a project because they were terrified by what I might find. When a client is constantly rescheduling a site analysis, it means one of two things: either they couldn’t afford the work or they were afraid I might find something illegal. Either way, the job had eaten up my time and my patience. I had more important issues than a simple security analysis.

I walked around a stack of pallets, stooped down and checked the strange scratch marks in the concrete floor. I focused my light on the corroded tin-and- wood wall ahead of me. Various bundles of rope and rusted tools hung from the exposed wall supports. Using the flashlight, I followed a taut rope to a large rowboat suspended from the rafters. Everything was damp and reeked of stale seawater. I followed the path between the stacks of pallets and stepped around the odd tool in my path. The winds rushed the structure; the walls creaked as waves crashed outside. I rounded another stack of pallets and spotted the doorway to the office. It didn’t bode well.

 As I approached, my light revealed the remains of a modified digital camcorder still attached to a tripod. I knelt down to check the camera only to find that even the hard drive was smashed to bits. Completely unsalvageable. I stepped past the remains and pushed open the worn, blue door. The office was in no better shape.

The office had not been used in years, but on the far side of the room were a couple of open cases of electronics. A battery-powered lantern flickered on the floor and illuminated the destruction with a pale fluorescence. Clumps of old tools covered the walls, and boxes left only a narrow path to a stack of old desks under a fenced window. Pages from a spilled file folder were strewn about the floor with various electronics.

It doesn’t take a professional investigator to recognize a crime scene, but a professional knows what to look for without compromising the scene. I craned my neck to look at the top of the equipment case that had been knocked on the floor. RPS. It was Tabitha’s, all right, but where were they?

I tried to spot anything that screamed out what could have happened with their investigation. Amateur investigators are prone to panic when they take on the wrong case, but professionals like Tabitha wouldn’t just abandon thousands of dollars worth of electronics. Mixed in with the equipment were a number of ritual tools for protection that included a silver dagger, several bundles of incense, and candles. What had they attempted to protect against? I pulled out my camera and snapped a couple of pictures of the scene before I switched to video.

 I shut off the camera and moved through the partially open exterior door. The winds rushed me and rippled my coat. The fresh air felt good but also unsteady with the storm that approached. Waves sloshed against the wharf on both sides under a thin mist. In the distance I could just make out a figure on the beach, rapidly moving away.

Overall Review:

This book was a fast paced read and had a good voice. Action is at the ready and it catapults you into the thick of things. The tone of the book reminded me a little of The Dresden Files and the gritty male character at the forefront and the high paced investigative tone. There are things that go bump in the night and some things are better left undisturbed. When someone from Connor's past appears and Alison is almost killed, Connor begins to see that the cases might just have more in common than he thought. 

Occult, mystery and mayhem make this story a fast paced thriller that will keep you on your toes.

4/5



1. What inspired you to write the story line for this book?

The story of Nightfall began with a short story for a college creative writing class. It was about two of the main characters and how they were pushed to the edge and tormented by their past. I really wanted to follow their story or something similar so I started hunting through bookstores and couldn’t find anything to fit the bill but the story stuck with me. So I started expanding on the characters, how they got there and then it started coming together. I took all of the very vivid scenes I had envisioned and sculpted a story that put it together.  I finished the story but their stories kept going and before I knew it I had completed three books and still had more to come.

2. Are you a fan of ghost hunting shows?

Wouldn’t quite say fan but there are a few shows I like to watch with regularity. I love watching Destination Truth, you never know what will happen between the travel, locations and cultures. The new show ‘Haunted Highway’ does well to introduce a much more personal feel that conveys what these investigations are truly like.

3. What was the toughest scene you have ever written?

The toughest scene to write so far in the series is actually in the sequel to Nightfall. A number of scenes take place in the wilderness and when the scenery remains fairly consistent, it’s hard to not rush through a scene to the most interesting points. I constantly had to police myself to keep consistent and focused. 

4. Plotter or Pantster?

Plotter through and through. I began writing by flying the Pantser way but the more complex the story the more I needed plot it out. I’m so locked into plotting it that I create outlines for what will happen in each chapter and the points for each page.

5. What was your favorite part about writing Nightfall?

The characters. Their interactions, personalities and emotions are so engaging. I’ve been caught up in their story for so long now that they feel like close friends.


6. Did you create a playlist?

Yes, Nightfall flows and actually has a few moments that are meant to feature songs either playing in the character’s car or in a club.

Tracks:

-          “Carnival of Rust” – Poets of the Fall
-          “I Want Love” (Studio Mix) – Akira Yamoka/Melissa Williamson
-          “Haunted” - Poe
-          “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” – Iron Butterfly
-          “No, I Don’t Remember” – Anna Ternheim
-          “You’re Not Here.” – Akira Yamoka/Melissa Williamson
-          “Someday” – Chris Cuevas/Debbie Gibson
-          “I Want U Back” – Cher Lloyd
-          “Cooler Than Me” – Mike Posner
-          “Hysteria.” – Muse
-          “Up Jumped The Devil” – Nick Cage and the Bad Seeds
-          “Don’t Fear the Reaper” – Blue Oyser Cult (BOC)
-          “War” – Poets of the Fall


7. What are some of your favorite witchy movies or books?

Favorite witchy books? I love the Dresden Files and of course, the Rachel Morgan series. As for the movies there a few favorite ‘witchy’ ones like the Craft, Practical Magic, and a few campy fun ones like Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Teen Witch and Hocus Pocus. There aren’t too many serious and strong movies in the genre. TV has fared a bit better with Hex and Secret Circle.

8. What is your current writing project?

I am currently working on two projects at once. A non-fiction paranormal guide about New York and the sequel to Nightfall tentatively called Eventide. Both are currently in the editing stage and should be available this fall.


Author Bio:

Author of the Psychological, Supernatural Thriller Series Nightfall, Writer, adventurer, archaeologist, photographer, videographer, Tech-Geek, Investigator

Originally from California, PW moved frequently, living in many places including Vermont, Tennessee and currently New York where PW took his interest in adventure to college earning a Bachelors in Folklore Anthropology, Archaeology and Art Studio. After his work was displayed in gallery exhibits and television documentaries, he returned to college for his MSEd as a Communications Specialist in Media Production. Between rock climbing, sailing and investigations, there's barely enough time in the day but it's all a modern adventure.

Social Media Links:





Win a paperback edition of Nightfall and a very sexy pendent! Enter the giveaway below!

Monday, August 6, 2012

The Ancient Ones: Goddess Music From Kellianna


Music is a huge part of my life. As a music reviewer, I am listening day in and day out, when I am not working on my book, at work or sleeping. Music, like the written word, is the air that I breathe, and breathing in Kellianna is a treat to be had. The Ancient Ones is a blend of Celtic and Native American mythologies. 


Kellianna is an artist with roots in the pagan community. Her music is a blend of mythology, powerful vocals, chanting and primal drumming. She has toured all over the United States. The Ancient Ones is her fifth album.

When I received this album, I was delighted. Kellianna's previous albums have all been a treat, working within the structures of Celtic mythology, chanting and spirit strengthening vocals and rhythms. With the opening track of “Thank You Mother” taking off with acoustic guitar flair and wind instruments to blend with Kelliana’s hypnotic vocals, I knew this album was going to be just as inspiring as some of her past works. The harmonies are done well, and the flow of the music rolls over you, taking you into the realm of the Goddess for a much needed spiritual reprieve.





For my full review, visit this link:

Track listing:

1. Thank You Mother
2. The Ancient Ones
3. Mists of Avalon
4. Lugh
5. Wild Maiden
6. Bless Our Planet
7. Artemis of the Hunt
8. Daughters of the Earth
9. Witch's Reel
10. To the Summerlands

Many thanks to Kellianna for sending her lovely music to review!






Saturday, August 4, 2012

Revisited Blog Tour: An Interview with Lindsey Gray



As the Redemption series continues, in Revisited everyone's path leads into one.


Lily Edwards, the last remaining female vampire, is facing a daunting task. She has to find Liam Caldwell, the vampire she was forced to create, and change him back to his human state.


But Lily's task will not be an easy one as fellow remaining vampires, Filipp and Debir, have been secretly plotting her demise for decades and were the ones responsible for Liam being turned.


While Liam is grateful for Filipp and Debir's guidance during his transformation into the vampire he felt destined to be, he's having second thoughts as he learns their whole plan is not what it seems. A hand-picked army of humans waits for Liam to change them into vampires at Filipp's instruction. Adding to the mix is Valentina Pavel, the last member of a coven Romanian witches, who brings forth new challenges of her own. Together, they all have Liam doing the unthinkable, pleading for a way out.


Lily's adopted daughter, Becca, is also preoccupied with a few dilemmas of her own. Discovering that the angel, Sam Fleming, is her biological father presents her with a choice to accept the powers of her birthright, or continue her human existence. She must find the answer while continuing to fight the feelings she has for fellow angel, Abe North, and her missing new love, Ian Holt.


Ian's world has been turned upside down now that the body-stealing demon, Gideon, is controlling him. Ian struggles as Gideon's decisions cause them both mental and physical pain. The only thing they agree on is their insatiable need to be with Becca at all costs.


Friends-now-turned-enemies struggle for their eternity, while enemies-turned-friends fight side by side.Will Lily's past give her the answers she needs to reach the future?


e-book





Prologue

T
he disheveled young man awoke with a start, realizing he was in his bedroom of his New York mansion. Sweat dripped from his temples as his heart pounded against his breastbone and his lungs attempted to expand. He tore the sheets back before setting his bare feet down on the cold hardwood floor.
He neglected to grab his robe and raced down the hall toward his study, gooseflesh rising across the expanse of his skin. Clad in just his boxer shorts, he entered his sanctuary and dove for the book he needed.
“Come on. Where is it?” he muttered, flipping through the pages while searching for the confirmation he desperately needed.
He settled at his desk as his eyes roamed over each page. His nightmare had brought visions of demons in their truest form. He seldom had visions while dreaming, but when he did, he knew they were the most important ones. This particular demon was one who taunted him for years, yet evaded him at every turn. If he could find the demon, it might very well force him back into the ranks several were so desperate for him to rejoin.
“Finally.” He settled on the entry he had read several times before. Gideon: the destroyer. Source of power embedded in his forearm.
He sat back in his leather desk chair and expelled a shaky breath. He’d just experienced a vision of Gideon with Becca and another man. Then he saw Gideon transferring his essence into another body, his hand and forearm melding into the new body. Watching and unable to stop the scene had been terrifying.
“Fuck!” He swept the papers violently from his desk.
It had been years since Gideon placed a black mark on Nathaniel’s soul and determined to make his life a living hell. Day after day, night after night, he lived just that—a never ending cycle of pain and suffering.
“If I could just . . .” He grasped at the remaining traces of the visions.
In his mind, he saw Gideon walking with a dark haired man into a cave. He saw their flesh and bone become one as the molten lava vibrated its blistering light off the cave walls. He saw the body he had feared for a decade thrown into the fire, but could not make out the new vessel’s face.
He knew who he needed to call, the one man who might make sense of it all, and the only one in authority who might listen. He took the receiver from the cradle before dialing the number he knew by heart. After three rings, he heard a click on the line.
“Yes?” a strong female voice answered.
“Give me Eli Manchester now, please.”
Another soft click and then a faint whirring sound followed. “Voice identified. Nathaniel Archer. Your call will now be completed as directed.”
He released the breath he had held. He hadn’t used the number in the last three years and was fearful he might not attain access to the only man who could help him.
“Eli Manchester. Go,” the stern voice of his mentor answered.
“It’s Nathaniel.”
“Boy, what are you calling me for at this hour? It’s three in the morning where you are.” The edge of concern dripped from each word.
“I’ve had visions of Becca and . . .” Nathaniel took a deep, shaky breath. “Of Becca and Gideon. Gideon has moved on to a new vessel. I’m not sure of the new identity other than some physical features like his build and hair color, but I am positive it was Gideon.” He gulped and waited for a reply.
“Get to JFK as fast as you can. I’ll have a jet fueled and waiting.” The tremor in Eli’s voice was well hidden, but not well enough from his own flesh and blood.
“Uncle, what am I missing?”
“The girls need you now. Pack for a long stay and don’t forget your umbrella. It’s been raining for days.”
“I won’t forget.” Nathaniel chuckled at the idea of an umbrella being of any real importance. “Are they okay?”
“They’ll be better once you’re here. Safe travels, my boy.”
The line went dead.
Nathaniel Archer sat in his late father’s chair in his ancestral home. He hadn’t left it in over three years. He knew the mess he was about to get involved with might never bring him home again, but for them, he would do it. Lily and Becca had risked their existence for him. It was time for him to return the favor.






In case you missed it:




Life is for living. Afterlife is a chance at redemption. As the only remaining female vampire in existence, Lily attempts to make her way towards her ever after. But with best friend Becca, new beau Ian, human husband Ryan, Archangel Peter, and a host of demons all standing in the way of Lily’s chance at a peaceful eternity, how can she possibly survive?






1. What about vampires fascinates you?

I’ve always been intrigued by the supernatural. When I was young, I watched “The Wizard of Oz”. Being a young girl from Kansas, the movie scared the hell out of me. I had nightmares for weeks about flying monkeys and houses getting dropped on me. I think that fear turned into me wanting to understand the supernatural. Vampires seem to be publicized the most in books and movies so I grasped on to the idea of them. When I began writing The Redemption Series, I knew I wanted to do something different. My first thought was fewer vampires, less fear, but as the series continues, you will learn there is not always strength in numbers.

2. Do you have a playlist for the Redemption series?

Lily’s Song “Feel” by Robbie Williams
Ian’s Song “Long Time Coming” by Oliver James
Abe’s Song “When You’re Gone” by Avril Lavigne
Sam’s Song “Smile” the Robert Downey Jr. version
Liam’s Song “E.T.” by Katy Perry
Ryan’s Song “Don’t Fear the Reaper” by Blue Oyster Cult
Peter’s Song “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers

Miscellaneous Songs:

“Love Remains the Same” by Gavin Rossdale
“Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak
“Hurt” by Johnny Cash
“Female of the Species” by Space
“99 Problems” by Hugo
“Broken Hearted Soul” by Ra
“Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley

3. What are some of your favorite vampire movies and TV series?

I’m a huge Joss Whedon fan, so obviously “Buffy, The Vampire Slayer” and “Angel”. The “Twilight” Saga films. “Van Helsing” with Hugh Jackman. Campy films such as “Love at First Bite” with George Hamilton and “The Monster Squad” with Duncan Regher as Dracula.

4. When you are writing, what is the most challenging thing for you?

Oddly enough, finding the time to do it. Once I get going it usually flows well. Since I have two kids, a husband, and an additional full-time job, I have to get creative finding time to write.

5. What are you currently working on?

I’m working on the third book of The Redemption Series and the first book in a new series that I hope to release by 2014.

6. Do you write in any other genres?

My first novel was a Romance/Thriller. When I tried putting another of that type together, it didn’t work so well. I believe the Paranormal is my strong suite so I’m sticking with it for the foreseeable future.

7. If you could tell someone who is just starting out as a writer anything, what would it be?

If writing is something you are passionate about, don’t give up. Find out what works for you and get comfortable. There are thousands of resources out to help improve your writing. Take advantage of them.

8. True Blood or Dark Shadows?

Hands down, True Blood.

9. What are some of your favorite witchy reads or movies?

Movies: “Practical Magic”, “The Witches of Eastwick”, “Hocus Pocus”, “Bedknobs and Broomsticks”, “Teen Witch”, “Stardust”, and “Sleepy Hollow”.

Books: The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling and The Darkest Powers Series by Kelly Anderson




What I Liked:

This book slides right in after Redemption and carries the story well. The journal entry makes a good recap if you haven't read the first book and that is a plus. Moving into the story, the plot is a good one, the characters ones you will grow to love and the dialogue and character action flows well. I love a good story that has angels, vampires, witches and demons and this is one e-book that I am really enjoying.

What I Didn't:

At first, I thought the journal entry was a slow way to start the novel, but as it moved into the story, I was happy for the recap so I could get in pace with the book. 

Overall:

If you are a fan of Discovery of Witches or True Blood, you will like this series. Lily is a character you will grow to love. The other characters are also addictive and each of the subplots are potent and keep you turning the pages without fail. One of the things that either wins me over or has me cringing is the use of dialogue and how natural it feels. Lindsey does a great job. Her use of action is spot on and you really feel what is going on in the story. The complexities of vampire and human relationships are explored, as are a host of other paranormal beings. Angels, demons, witches....what more can a girl ask for. 

4/5



About the author:





I dreamed of being several different things as a child such as a doctor, an actress, and a chef, but none held my attention like putting pen to paper and creating my own world through words. Those words led me to The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House and the rest, as they say, is history. Revisited, my third full-length novel due out in summer 2012, is the second in The Redemption Series, and I have no plans to slow my creations down any time soon.


A mid-west native, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children, reading on my new e-reader, and making life interesting at each and every turn.


Goodreads Page


Leave a comment to win an e-book copy of Revisited in the tour wide giveaway!


Question:


What is your favorite supernatural being?





Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Sarim's Scent by Juliette Springs: The Blurb Blitz Tour




The blurb:

Fueled with thoughts of anger and revenge, Victoria embarks on a mission to find her father, certain he has the answers to questions she's had her entire life. Questions about why she prefers the night, gravitates toward the paranormal, and bears a strange tattoo on her neck, one she'd never put there. Her journey leads her into the arms of her childhood friend, Ivan, the only man she lets close to her heart. He understands her and has always been her confidant. But would he remain loyal if she revealed all of her secrets and the real reason she's searching for her father?


Weary of living a lie and unable to walk away from family obligations, Ivan is forced to deceive the only woman he has ever cared about, one who he now realizes is his mate. Ivan knows he's doing the unforgivable, and it's just a matter of time before Victoria finds out the truth, but he can't resist the chemistry between them or deny the sensuous passion he experiences with her. When Victoria's search becomes life threatening, Ivan must find the strength he needs to tell her the truth, or risk losing her altogether.






EXCERPT:

Victoria ignored the concerned, covert glances from the few in attendance at the open grave site. Damn them all, she thought, my mother is dead and it was that bastard’s fault.  She would avenge her mother's death. She would destroy the man who reduced her mother from a strong, vibrant woman to a lifeless, weak one. Even if it meant his death or the death of everything he loves.

Her eyes blinked rapidly in an attempt to keep the tears at bay. Inhaling deeply she let her lungs feel with fresh air, with eyes closed, her body relaxed as she exhaled slowly. They were close and had gotten closer during her mother's last years. If she thought of her mother as gone, Victoria knew she would lose what little control she had left.  Sunlight hurt her eyes as they opened. Pain was good, she was back in control. Victoria had seen it all. She remembered how her mother's pale, gaunt face lit up whenever she talked about her father.  Like a good daughter, she listened. Now her mother was dead.  She would be an even better daughter and avenge her mother’s death. At first, Victoria had no idea where to start looking for him. Her mother told her he wasn't from the Boston area or even Massachusetts. It was said he had a New York sort of accent, but the child support database had found no one with his name there. Something kept pulling her to go to North Carolina. She couldn't explain why, but Victoria knew he was there.She also knew her father had a triangle tattoo on the side of his neck. He never answered her mother's questions about what it was, what it stood for, or how he got it. Her mom assumed it was a tattoo representing a symbol of a gang.

"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust." As the preacher spoke, Victoria’s mind flew back to the present. Her eyes still dry, her gaze still focused on the casket. Grief was a foreign emotion right now. Tomorrow she would leave home to travel to the unknown North Carolina. She had to find the man who was her father not only for vengeance but for another reason.  A strange design on the side of her neck had appeared on the first day of her period when she was thirteen. One she didn't have tattooed.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Juliette Springs writes about the darker side of romance, is the alter ego of a Southern chick who is a mother (two teenage girls and a wild three year old). In another life she works in the education field and holds degrees in English and Special Education. Juliette loves the paranormal (especially vamps) and devours romance novels (particularly paranormal). She is also addicted to the Vampire Diaries, and TruBlood.

She is a paranormal romance author, whose debut book Sarim's Scent is avaliable from

Buy links: www.soulmatepublishing.com  and www.amazon.com 
Author website: www.darkersideofromance.com
Follow on Twitter:@JulietteSprings



Juliette will award an eBook copy of Sarim's Scent to a randomly drawn commenter at every stop.

To follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/06/virtual-book-blurb-blitz-sarims-scent.html