Showing posts with label Dark Fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dark Fantasy. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Book Spotlight & Giveaway~ Calling the Reaper


Please remember to enter the giveaway at the end of the post. Jason will be awarding 1 print copy of Calling the Reaper,(international winner) or 2 ebooks (one of Calling the Reaper and the second winner's choice) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. The tour is sponsored by Goddess Fish Promotions and you can follow the tour HERE

Now let's check out Jason Pere's Calling the Reaper....


GENRE: Dark Fantasy

The time of the Unity has ended. Now, the realm of man is stranded between Paradise and Purgatory. The Valkyrie and Reaper battle over the fate of all who pass from the land of the living and into the afterlife.

Eight mortal spirits from vastly different worlds tread the same, inevitable path toward their last, crucial decision. Within them all exists the defining conflict every man must face—to look upon the end of their life with glory and honor, or to give credence to their baser longings, calling the Reaper to their own demise.

In this rich, harrowing tale of pride, deceit, honor, vengeance, and redemption, each individual must battle their inner turmoil, facing the sacrifices they have made before their unavoidable end in the land of the living.

But their last day in life is also their first day of death amidst the terrors of the underworld. Lord Master Death wants them all…and the real battle has only just begun.

Excerpt:

Aristo reached far within and blocked all the pain shooting through his being. I am Praetorian, my flesh does my bidding. Again, he commanded his eyes to open. When he finally managed to force them open, the agony consuming his head must have felt very much like staring straight into the blazes of the sun. He felt the tearing of skin as his world instantly turned from the darkest black to a moment of brightest white. His eyes watered heavily and he blinked, trying to clear away at least some of the dried blood which had sealed his eyes shut. For several moments, everything was a blur, but then he could distinguish colors and shapes again.

He nearly wished that he had in fact been blinded; he would have at least been spared the image before him. Aristo had been wounded in battle before, but never like this. His body lay covered in a blanket of dried crimson. No one would have known that he bore the deep purple uniform of the Praetorian Legion had they even bothered to look at him. It was confounding that he had bled so profusely and could still draw breath, still feel the beat of his heart within his chest. A moment of warrior’s pride overtook him when he studied his twisted form and realized the excruciating pain was not unwarranted. Then he remembered.

Captured, he thought. I’ve been captured.

Available at:

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Jason Pere is a born-and-raised New Englander. He always had a passion for the arts and creative storytelling. At the age of thirteen, Jason took up the craft of acting for film and theater. He pursued that interest for over a decade until refocusing his medium of expression into writing.

At first, Jason took a causal interest in writing, starting with poetry and journaling. Over time, he honed his direction and finally began writing larger works. In November of 2012, Jason self-published his first book, Modern Knighthood: Diary of a Warrior Poet.

Since then, Jason has continued writing on his own, mostly short stories and poetry. Calling the Reaper was his first experience committing to a full-length Fiction title.

In early 2015, Jason became affiliated with Collaborative Writing Challenge (CWC). Since then, he has joined many other writers on numerous collaborative projects. Jason is a regular contributor to CWC and is scheduled to have multiple pieces of his work appear in their publications throughout 2016.

You can find out more about Jason Pere’s involvement and publications in collaborative fiction at: www.collaborativewritingchallenge.com

To connect with Jason, check him out at: www.facebook.com/jason.pere.7

Jason also writes fanfiction for Team Covenant on their Blog of the Pheonixborn, dedicated to the new game by Plaid Hat Games, ‘Ashes’. Go to http://teamcovenant.com/ashesonline/ to read Jason’s flash fiction work.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Book Review- Autumn Thorns by Yasmine Galenorn

An introduction to the dark and spooky world that makes up Whisper Hollows from master storyteller, Yasmine Galenorn.

My Rating for Autumn Thorns: 5 Stars and a Recommended Read

In Whisper Hollow, the spirits walk among you, magic is alive and the residents are more than a little odd. But for Kerris Fellwater, she was coming home after fifteen years away. Now she is taking the mantle of spirit shaman after her grandmother died and finds more questions than answers as she reacquaints herself to the town and friends there. But danger is circling the town and murder is the end game. With the help of her new neighbor, Bryan and some friends, Kerris will have to figure it out before the enemy that is trying to infiltrate the town sets their sights on Kerris.

I got to admit whenever this author has a new book out, I put whatever I am reading down and go immediately to her new book. She is just that damn good! This is an author who weaves a spell around her readers the moment they open one of her books. She is an expert storyteller who knows how to intrigue the reader, entice them and keep their attention as they flip the pages to see what happens next. Her latest book is an introduction to her new series, Whisper Hollows, and boy does it deliver! We got spirits, magic, evil and romance all rolled up in a ball with a bow on it. Ms. Galenorn weaves a story full of intriguing characters, a town that just calls to you to visit and a mystery that sets up a series that will surely become just as popular as her last ones (Otherworld/Sisters of the Moon, Indigo Fey, etc). All I know was when I turned the last page; I was left waiting for more. I wanted to see what would happen next for Kerris & Bryan and the rest of the cast of characters that I quickly fell in love with. The story moves at a nice pace, the author’s world building just blows my mind and multi-dimensional characters that stole my heart right from the beginning. This is an author who knows how to tell a story that dark, deadly and full of things that go bump in the night.

Meet Kerris Fellwater. After being away from Whisper Hollow for fifteen years, she finds herself called back to the town after her grandparents die and finds more questions than answers when she gets there. For Kerris is now the town’s spirit shaman and she has to figure out her powers, the town and more all the while trying to stay one step ahead of an enemy that is determined to destroy  her and the town. I love Kerris. She is a strong female character that just resonated with me. She is complicated, determined and knows to do her duty as the spirit shaman but there is a steep learning curve to overcome. The sparks fly with Bryan
and I loved seeing these two together. The sex scenes are so hot, I swore my book was about to catch itself on fire. The secondary characters are a delight to know. They are just as entertaining and intriguing as the main characters were.

What blew me away was how much darker this book was than her other series such as the Otherworld series and the Indigo Court books. The different spirits alone made me shiver and fear as well as the different residents’ abilities made the story so much stronger in my opinion. AUTUMN THORNS is a world class story that will suck you in until the very last page is read. Now all I got to ask is how long till book two is here?

Buy the book at Amazon

Monday, July 15, 2013

Book Review~ Soul Debt: The Boon Collector by Sara Jay

The Boon Collector by Sara Jay
A Soul Debt Multi Author Series, Book Five
Changeling Press
March 22nd,2013
Paranormal, Dark Fantasy, BDSM, Erotic Romance, Interracial/Multicultural
Buy at Publisher

My Rating: Three and a half Stars

Trisha Sanderson has never had much luck in love and in life. Timid to a fault, she finds herself in the clutches of a demon that came to collect a debt her ex-boyfriend owed him. Demon Bane finds Trisha and takes her as payment instead. What happens next for Trisha has her learning about herself and her hidden desires. Will Trisha want to leave Bane when her time is up?

My Review:

Whoa mama this was one hot story from start to finish. Author Sara Jay delivers a story full of sexiness, demon goodness and more all within the pages of The Boon Collector. This is an author who brings sexy to the pages and delivers a scorching hot read that will tease the senses and ignite the imagination. The writing is tight, story moves at a nice smooth pace and the sex scenes alone will leave you racing to cool off in a cold shower….or tackling your significant other for some release.

Meet Sexy as sin demon Bane. He is here to collect his debt from Trisha’s ex and he won’t take no for an answer. When he spies Trisha instead, well let’s just say she is perfect in his eyes and the answer to the debt he needs to collect. Bane is one sexy demon that had me all a flutter. He is bigger than life and downright sexy...made me want to see for myself what Bane’s charms are all about. The sparks fly once Trisha finds her way with Bane and their sex scenes are totally white hot....I mean ‘off the charts, melt the polar ice cap’ hot. Ms. Jay definitely delivers on that part of the story in more ways than one. The characters are quite enjoyable, intriguing and I wished for more Bane goodness when the last page was read.

The Boon Collector is one wild ride from start to finish. The sparks fly between Bane and Trisha and I, for one, wanted more of these two wonderful characters. If you are looking for a hot sexy story to warm up your nights, then I can recommend The Boon Collector. I do recommend having your significant other, play toys or a bucket of ice nearby to cool you down.  I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for her readers in the future.

This reviewer got the an ARC from the author to review. This is an objective review and not an endorsement of any kind.



Friday, February 8, 2013

Welcome Kennedy Streath today


Roman (Saints and Sinners) by Kennedy Streath
Saints and Sinners, Book One 
PubRight 
Dark urban fantasy, occult/supernatural, paranormal romance

Buy link:

KINDLE US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AMSUDOS
KINDLE UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00AMSUDOS
PRINT (Amazon): https://www.createspace.com/4095733
OmniLit: https://www.omnilit.com/product-romansaintsandsinners-1018608-140.html
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/264317

Book Blurb:

Benedict Nowak bailed on his marriage, taking his son with him but leaving behind his five year old daughter. He had his reasons. He had no idea they’d come back to haunt him.

TJ had come to terms with the mother she despised, making those small concessions that made life bearable. But her mother’s death changed everything.

Roman Rincon was the juvie rescued by Father Marcus and placed in the care of Benedict Nowak. With his records sealed, no one knew what happened that fateful night when Roman was only fourteen. All Father Marcus knew was the boy had confessed to a crime not even the cops would talk about.

In the small coal mining town of Montville, two teens whose lives have been shattered beyond repair must find a way to cope: with school, with each other, with growing up marked as broken in a town dying under the weight of secrets and lies.

Warned off having anything to do with Roman, TJ is all too willing to agree, except for one little thing. The young man lives in the apartment above her father’s car repair business so avoiding him might be a problem.

As for Roman, he will take his secret to the grave, no matter what the cost.


Excerpt:

She slipped her shoes, letting her socks glide unaided across the salt-licked surface. Following Roman, she paused as he reached for the uniform, lifting an eyebrow, letting her eyes dart right to left, acknowledging his ache, questioning his intent. She reached for the fabric clutched in his fist, muttering, “I’ll change in the office.”

“No…” quieting her sputter of denial with a glare, “…let me,” the words wielded with scalpel precision—a threat, a request, a bitter intangible plea for mercy.

Her body betrayed her willingness, ignoring the sluice of voiceless outrage as she watched, fascinated, while he unbuttoned her blouse, the left hand fumbling with the faux bone toggles, the accidental grate of a broken nail rasping across soft flesh sending shivers up and down her spine.

He kept his head and his starkly heathen gaze down, avoiding eye contact. Darkness pulsed around her in waves, ebony strands licking her chin as she focused on the far wall, plastering the blue sheets of insulation with her insecurity and her imagination. Hissing in annoyance at the layers, he impatiently yanked at the cotton, sending it fluttering to the cold concrete. The tee-shirt followed, pulling her white blond lengths into an orgasm of frizz as the chill and the dryness lifted and separated, defying gravity.

Capillaries engorged in rosy rebellion, following the upstroke and hiss of surprise and dismay. He’d been expecting an industrial strength foundation garment, not the flush of pale skin warming to rosy beige. Definitely not the pert attention of nubs gone hard and stiff under the onslaught of chill and desire.

TJ had always traded off embarrassment for empowerment, proud that she was athletically lean and untroubled by her lack of curves, until now. Clutching at the jacket, she shrugged into the garment and wrapped it tightly about her torso, willing her mind and body to transport to another dimension, to the one where Roman would not be disappointed in her lackluster appearance.

Ears buzzing, she fought off the light-headedness, only dimly aware when the cotton pants nestled low on her hips, the uniform and her alienation complete. The glare of the lights winked in and out as darkness advanced and receded, brushing across her ears and down her arms, the sensation of movement felt even through the sturdy cotton sleeves. Madness suggested it was alive, sentient … sanity refused to argue. Whatever it was, she was loath to lose the tingle of flesh gone taut with anticipation.


Author Bio and links:

My debut novel, Roman (Saints and Sinners), started as a personal challenge, writing on the fly, 2-3 chapters per week and posting them blog style, never completely sure where the characters and the story would take me. As the project gathered fans (some rabid and very supportive) and a life of its own, I found that sweet spot where creativity and energy found synergy.
I hope you like the outcome.
Book Two: Sacrifice is on deck and will follow the same format.



Thursday, January 5, 2012

WRITERS WRITE...WRITING PARTNERS FEUD



INTERVIEWING VIXEN BRIGHT AND ZACHARY ZANE

We welcome two of our dearest friends. We are such close pals, we could actually...well...errrr...be them. Hope y'all enjoy the interview.

How long have you been writing?

V: I believe it all started when I began drawing stick-figure stories on cave walls. Yes, I am that old, at least I believe my soul has roamed this universe since forever. However, seriously, it began when word processing came with just a spell check and cut and paste was awesome.

Z: It dates back to when I first started dating and recognized that sharing written thoughts—enhanced opportunity . As time passed and the poems transmorphed from roses are red to my heart hugs, I recognized the empowerment words held. How many years is that? Let’s say forever.

What, or who, inspired you to write?

V: Rosemary Rogers…ah yes, the original Bodice Ripper queen. The heat! The tension! The muscles! Oh yeah, no more sweet kisses, there was tongue! That was what I wanted to write. Also, William Shakespeare. I mean, he was cutting edge in his time, full of drama. I adore drama.

Z: Dyslexia, the hundreds of books read via candlelight, and high testosterone.

Do you find a difference in writing erotic books than just regular romance or romantic suspense books?

V: You have to think a whole lot more. Always asking ourselves, is that even possible? Sooo, where are the Barbie and G. I. Joe dolls? Get them in the assumed position, I’ll tell Zane. He’ll come back with, but they’re too stiff. And we go on in that vein for awhile, and then comes the, what are they thinking? I tell Zane, Barbie is considering what outfit to wear at her Malibu beach house. At that point, Zane starts banging his head against the wall.

Z: The serious answer would be we respect readers of every genre and owe them a responsibility to create the best product. But the irreverent response would be that writing erotic literature is one hootenanny of a good time. We are less encumbered by language, imagery and can allow ourselves the freedom to imagine every naughty what-if. And what is so bewitching is the endless numbers of what-ifs.

With a busy life, how do you stay focused or grounded?


V: Chocolate. Put a box a chocolate next to the computer and it keeps me right on top of our project. Yup, carrot and stick always works for me.

Z: The question answers itself. Since retired, the busy is oft the by-product of being focused and grounded on our literary projects. We just adore the dynamic of creating, sharing, editing and finalizing. Discipline is not always a naughty word.

Do deadlines help or hinder your muse?

V and Z: As a guy, our physiology is a serial deadline, the man is always under some kind of pressure. Guys always want to knock off a piece -- I would provide an abstract wink icon but -- Vixen and I have discovered that storytelling was inoculated upon our soul, and it is so easy. Neither one of us have ever experienced writer’s block and we type fast.

Do you do your own ‘personal’ research for the various sexual positions/interludes, etc. that are in your books?

V: See Barbie and G.I. Joe reference.

Z: Are you questioning the number of video tapes I own? I man who is as old as dirt has a dirthy mind, a dirthy list of experiences, and is just dirthy and old.

Does your family encourage you to write?

V and Z: Absolutely!! My original editor is family, and there you go.

Do you plot or are you a pantser?

V and Z: We absolutely plot being a pantser. One of us outlines, plans, details, foreshadows as the other totally ignores. It is that synergy that provides the unexpected twists and turns.

What is the strangest source of writing inspiration you have ever had?

Z: Watching two snakes mate.

V: The irreverence of Johnny Carson when he told Arnold Palmer’s wife when she said to him I kiss my husband’s balls for luck, and Johnny responded I bet that made his putter stand up, I discovered the irreverence could be intriguing and funny.

What is your creative process like?

V and Z: We have coffee, we have tea, we have donuts, we have five dogs, reams and reams of paper, broken pencils, random musings and in between all of that, we laugh and whine and moan and cry and at the end of all that, we think we found a tale to share.

Do you share rough drafts of your writings with someone whose opinion you trust?

V and Z: Obviously, with each other but there are others that have seen many first drafts, including family members, long time college friends, confidantes and our hair stylist of which we hold her opinion the highest.

Are their subgenres of romance you don’t read?

V and Z: Let us respond, there is nothing we won’t read including cereal boxes.

Do you think that there is a “too far” that authors can go in erotic fiction? (Besides the obvious such as bestiality and pedophile)

Z and V: We consider ourselves very open-minded as well as the sum of all of our experiences because of that by definition there are limitations with us. As partners, we balance between those limitations so that the product is credible considering our knowledge and passion to share. We certainly understand that within this genre there are so many more knowledgeable sages and if we wish to appear viable we can’t be posers. Now, has the genre pushed boundaries? It has. But has it pushed too far? If the literary product is crafty it can take a marginally uncomfortable subject and handle it with respect. Every society shifts its values over time. What was too far when a boy were erotic playing cards. As a man if is so different.

What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

V: Eat and read. Ummm--if forced take long walks.

Z: Man stuff.

*****

We'd love to hear from anyone interested in what we do. Anyone who writes us at writingteamcw@yahoo.com with blog in the subject line and leaves an s-mail address, we will send you a gift and add you to any future mailings.


Angelica Hart and Zi
KILLER DOLLS ~ SNAKE DANCE ~ CHASING YESTERDAY ~
CHRISTMAS EVE...VIL coming soon
www.champagnebooks.com

Vixen Bright and Zachary Zane
STEEL EMBRACE http://www.carnalpassions.com/


THE FABLE OF SIN-SIN CINDERELLA Series
angelicahartandzi.com

TheWritersVineyard.com (monthly piece)
www.champagnebooks.blogspot.com(monthly piece)
Dawn's Reading Nook (Thursday's piece)
lovesbooksandmore.blogspot.com/



Thursday, December 29, 2011

WRITERS WRITE...WRITING PARTNERS FEUD



A THIRD EXCERPT FROM CHRISTMAS EVE…VIL
By: Angelica Hart and Zi

We’d like to share with you an excerpt (non-edited) from our Christmas 2012 release CHRISTMAS EVE…VIL.

About the story:

Resisting the fervent advances of Luke Calico while snowbound isn’t Anya’s only problem, she must also hide from the malicious preacher wishing to harness her power while withstanding the demonic spirit trying to lure her soul.

Excerpt:

She perceived his struggle as if his mind told him to step away. Yet his mouth moved towards hers with irrevocable insistence. He cupped her face with his hands and met her lips like a hushed whisper, barely touching. In that instant, she fully opened to him, spread out for him like a feast that he could plunder at will, her look further inviting him to devour her. Her lips parted, but their gazes didn’t. It was as if their gazes linked their souls, binding them as surely as if the tether were tangible. He brushed her mouth once more, and again she didn’t oppose him. She became as solvent as liquid, leaning into him, conceding that this was as inevitable as sunrise. Finally, his arms wrapped around her, tightening in a hold that rebuffed struggle as his tongue pierced her mouth.

She didn't comprehend the logistics of this all-consuming want, and found her sensibilities fractured by it. He asked for a more cordial home front, didn't but she sensed he hadn't expected intimacy. Of course, he asked for friendship but nowhere had he implied with benefits. Did he want her touch? A man was oft simplistic. She hoped Luke at that moment in time wanted nothing less than what she wished to share.

Anya couldn’t refuse even if she gave herself that option. She was very far from promiscuous, but she had never experienced this rush of sensation before. Its raw savagery tore through her, demanding a response and she gave it, surrendering without thought, without hesitation. Would that personify her as loose? That mattered not. No one ever invaded her mouth like this, and it tossed her into spasms of ecstasy, traversing regions of her body that she was unaware felt. None ever held her so tightly yet with such care as if she might break, protective yet seductive. She wanted to squeal like a schoolgirl seeing her first prom dress. Sensing his deft skillfulness, she feared she was not as adroit and wasn’t certain what to do with her mouth or tongue, but she tried, mirroring every thrust, every fusion of lips, every plundering motion. His lead in so many ways made it acceptable and with acceptance came pleasure. Her head reeled and her pulse thudded against her wrists and throat with rapid potency. Why had Luke so released her? It was as if he gave her permission to lust and enjoy every bit of those experiences. She couldn’t breathe and she didn’t want to breathe. She couldn’t think and she didn’t want to think. She only wanted now, this moment, this emotion, this tumbling off the brink of sanity to never end. She wanted to fuse in the harmony with sensation, dreaming its epic tale.
***

We'd love to hear from anyone interested in what we do. Anyone who writes us at writingteamcw@yahoo.com with blog in the subject line and leaves an s-mail address, we will send you a gift and add you to any future mailings.


Angelica Hart and Zi
KILLER DOLLS ~ SNAKE DANCE ~ CHASING YESTERDAY ~
CHRISTMAS EVE...VIL coming soon
www.champagnebooks.com

Vixen Bright and Zachary Zane
STEEL EMBRACE http://www.carnalpassions.com/


THE FABLE OF SIN-SIN CINDERELLA Series
angelicahartandzi.com

TheWritersVineyard.com (monthly piece)
www.champagnebooks.blogspot.com(monthly piece)
Dawn's Reading Nook (Thursday's piece)
lovesbooksandmore.blogspot.com/



Thursday, December 22, 2011

WRITERS WRITE...WRITING PARTNERS FUED



I QUOTE, YOU QUOTE, WE ALL QUOTE
Compiled by: Angelica Hart and Zi

This week we want to share some funny quotes about the holidays. The writings don’t necessarily reflect our own attitudes, but they did make us chuckle!

"In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukka' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukka!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!'" Dave Barry

The Supreme Court has ruled that they cannot have a nativity scene in Washington, D.C. This wasn't for any religious reasons. They couldn't find three wise men and a virgin. Jay Leno

"Mail your packages early so the post office can lose them in time for Christmas." Johnny Carson.

Why is Christmas just like a day at the office? You do all the work and the fat guy with the suit gets all the credit. Anonymous A Christmas shopper's complaint is one of long-standing." Jay Leno.

"I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph." Shirley Temple

Christmas is a race to see which gives out first - your money or your feet. Anonymous

Christmas begins about the first of December with an office party and ends when you finally realize what you spent, around April fifteenth of the next year." P. J. O'Rourke

Did you ever notice that life seems to follow certain patterns? Like I noticed that every year around this time, I hear Christmas music. Tom Sims

Anyone who believes that men are the equal of women has never seen a man trying to wrap a Christmas present. Anonymous

"Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people once a year." Victor Borge

"There is a remarkable breakdown of taste and intelligence at Christmastime. Mature, responsible grown men wear neckties made of holly leaves and drink alcoholic beverages with raw egg yolks and cottage cheese in them." P.J. O'Rourke.

We want to wish all a Happy Holiday Season whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kiwansa. Enjoy family and friends. Take time to cherish your blessings. But most of all, love each other with pure hearts and happy spirits.

****
We'd love to hear from anyone interested in what we do. Anyone who writes us at writingteamcw@yahoo.com with blog in the subject line and leaves an s-mail address, we will send you a gift and add you to any future mailings.


Angelica Hart and Zi
KILLER DOLLS ~ SNAKE DANCE ~ CHASING YESTERDAY ~
CHRISTMAS EVE...VIL coming soon
www.champagnebooks.com

Vixen Bright and Zachary Zane
STEEL EMBRACE http://www.carnalpassions.com/


THE FABLE OF SIN-SIN CINDERELLA Series
angelicahartandzi.com

TheWritersVineyard.com (monthly piece)
www.champagnebooks.blogspot.com(monthly piece)
Dawn's Reading Nook (Thursday's piece)
lovesbooksandmore.blogspot.com/



Thursday, December 15, 2011

WRITERS WRITE...WRITING PARTNERS FEUD



A SECOND EXCERPT FROM CHRISTMAS EVE…VIL
By: Angelica Hart and Zi

We’d like to share with you an excerpt (non-edited) from our Christmas 2012 release CHRISTMAS EVE…VIL.

About the story:

Resisting the fervent advances of Luke Calico while snowbound isn’t Anya’s only problem, she must also hide from the malicious preacher wishing to harness her power while withstanding the demonic spirit trying to lure her soul.

Excerpt:

When the medical community labeled her with an obscure illness that smacked of being a hypochondriac, she winced with disbelief, hating being sloughed off as being unimportant. She fled to the supernatural world seeking angelic help. Not knowing the genesis of Winston in her life, she trusted him. The day she transmorphed into the supernatural realm, through a clandestine act on his part, he witnessed and observed with far too much awe. She noticed. And flashed, something was awry.

She pulled away before contact with a Seraph could be made, but not before Winston had seen, maybe too much. He repeatedly questioned her about what had happened. His queries were far too many, far too insistent, and far too overbearing. Shades of Becky brought her hesitancy. She rationalized with him, telling him he had been dreaming. He didn’t believe her. Why? She later learned he knew.

The real Winston emerged. How? As an ugly monster. How? He trafficked his integrity by selling her secret to an unscrupulous preacher via a mysterious agent. The arrogance of the man stank as he promised to deliver her, basically pandering. Was it money that corrupted? Want of power? The want to impress? Mattered not. Winston's vile and deplorable side emerged.

Distraught, abandoned and betrayed, uncontrollable hurt ravaged her. She refused to dwell in those emotions. She had been forced to run, forced to be at the mercy of a stranger, Luke, who somehow reached into her in a way she couldn’t discern, adding confusion onto confusion.

She tucked in her bottom lip and bit hard, closed her eyes and clung to Smokey, feeling the powerful thump of his heart against her chest. She wanted to cry because her fragile plans had shattered, and because a stranger seemed to care more than those who were supposed to have loved her had ever cared. She needed her safe place and had never had it but for a brief six years with Mrs. Dowd.

Anya would love to blame Becky for all her insecurity as well as her current predicament, but she had accepted Winston’s flash and presence in her life of her own volition. She had chosen to use her ability to breach the barriers between realms and open up doors better left shut. She had been the one to make unwise choices and now she was the one to pay.

A merry tune invaded her room and she realized it was her cell. She had bought a five hundred minute pre-paid cell phone upon arriving in New Mexico, but she hadn’t given the number to anyone but Nina and Gerald Quin. She didn’t want to talk to either of them, but recognizing avoidance, a trait she wanted to overcome, she sought it out and glanced at the number. Her flesh chilled, perspiration spouted, she recognized the spontaneous race of her heart, and the clench of stomach muscles involuntarily tightening. Her hand quivered, and she dropped the phone as might one a spider they just noticed. The caller ID screen looked back at her, displaying a number she knew instantly as Winston’s.
***

We'd love to hear from anyone interested in what we do. Anyone who writes us at writingteamcw@yahoo.com with blog in the subject line and leaves an s-mail address, we will send you a gift and add you to any future mailings.


Angelica Hart and Zi
KILLER DOLLS ~ SNAKE DANCE ~ CHASING YESTERDAY ~
CHRISTMAS EVE...VIL coming soon
www.champagnebooks.com

Vixen Bright and Zachary Zane
STEEL EMBRACE http://www.carnalpassions.com/


THE FABLE OF SIN-SIN CINDERELLA Series
angelicahartandzi.com

TheWritersVineyard.com (monthly piece)
www.champagnebooks.blogspot.com(monthly piece)
Dawn's Reading Nook (Thursday's piece)
lovesbooksandmore.blogspot.com/



Thursday, December 8, 2011

WRITERS WRITE...WRITING PARTNERS FEUD



AN EXCERPT FROM CHRISTMAS EVE…VIL
By: Angelica Hart and Zi

We’d like to share with you an excerpt (non-edited) from our Christmas 2012 release CHRISTMAS EVE…VIL.

About the story:

Resisting the fervent advances of Luke Calico while snowbound isn’t Anya’s only problem, she must also hide from the malicious preacher wishing to harness her power while withstanding the demonic spirit trying to lure her soul.

Excerpt:

With reluctance, he turned from the vivid tapestry and went after his pup Smokey. As he sprinted along the forest trail, nature provided a banquet of scents and sounds. Firs and pines rustled about him, seemingly corresponding with the wind and rendering a crisp aroma to the falling snow. He wasn’t upset by Smokey's actions just worried he’d stray too far and get caught in the storm that promised to be brutal and unrelenting. Quickening his step, Luke shouted the dog’s name, adding bribes, "Cookies!" A word that never failed to bring him running. "Come get Fluffy!" His favorite toy. "Let's play!" Romping about that they did nearly every evening.

A familiar bark pierced the belligerent storm. As Luke severed the distance between them, he could hear Smokey’s whimpers and experienced a sudden fear that the dog might be hurt. Fear departed as the dog bounced out of the white wind like ebony smoke. He jumped on Luke’s legs, scratching and whining, then running a few feet ahead and coming back to jump up again, adding ferocious barks, demanding Luke’s absolute attention.

Luke sensed this wasn’t just a game, that something was wrong. “Okay, boy, I understand. I’m coming.”

Another few steps and Luke spotted a figure propped against a tree. What appeared to be paw prints decorated a feminine light-colored parka.

“Oh, buddy, what did you do?” he bemoaned.

Leaning toward her, worried, he took in her scarf and mittens, thinking them inappropriate. Insulated gloves would have been better, and a hat rather than just a headband would have kept body heat from escaping. A further concern manifested believing she wasn’t a local. She probably didn’t know that the weather could change abruptly and drastically this time of year.

Where in blazes did she come from? Could Sullivan have company? Luke’s closest neighbor lived a few miles away and as far as he knew, Reverend Bradford Sullivan was as much of a hermit as Luke, probably more so. A self-proclaimed, somewhat eccentric online evangelist, he had a regular flock visit his chat room and website for weekly sermons. Bradford used to be an addict and felt living outside society, far from easy buys and sordid companions was the only way to ensure he stayed clean. Somewhere along the line he equated being drug-free to a life of mostly isolation. If his attitude changed, he had good taste, Luke sniggered beneath his breath.

All this blitzed through Luke's head as he knelt beside the still figure and checked for a pulse. Though strong, she was as pale as the snow that now nearly obscured her headband. Luke swallowed hard stifling concern as he ran fingers over the back of her head. He didn’t feel any bumps, discerned that no evident cuts, and hoped the apparent impact with the tree only knocked her out, totally unaware that Smokey caused the ordeal.


***
We'd love to hear from anyone interested in what we do. Anyone who writes us at writingteamcw@yahoo.com with blog in the subject line and leaves an s-mail address, we will send you a gift and add you to any future mailings.


Angelica Hart and Zi
KILLER DOLLS ~ SNAKE DANCE ~ CHASING YESTERDAY ~
CHRISTMAS EVE...VIL coming soon
www.champagnebooks.com

Vixen Bright and Zachary Zane
STEEL EMBRACE http://www.carnalpassions.com/


THE FABLE OF SIN-SIN CINDERELLA Series
angelicahartandzi.com

TheWritersVineyard.com (monthly piece)
www.champagnebooks.blogspot.com(monthly piece)
Dawn's Reading Nook (Thursday's piece)
lovesbooksandmore.blogspot.com/



Thursday, December 1, 2011

WRITERS WRITE...WRITING PARTNERS FEUD



WHEN THE THOUGHT REALLY DOES COUNT
By: Angelica Hart and Zi

Z: What are you doing? (Tries to make out what Angelica is typing)
A: (Tongue hangs out the side of her mouth as she concentrates) A list.
Z: Checking it twice?
A: Nope. Nothing naughty just nice. (Does that tongue thing again before adding) Ummm…maybe a little naughty.
Z: (Wheels her away from the computer, and then grins) Ahhhh, you think you’re Santa!
A: Nope…just a romantic little elf that wants to share some ideas.
Z: Share on, m’Rudolph…share on!

There are times that romance crosses the transom from literary to reality. And since this is the month of giving in an economy that urges more thought and less expense, we’d like to share a list of romantic gifts, some can be wrapped and others…well…unwrapped comes to mind. For some of the gifts, those where you actually do something physical, create a computer generated gift certificate, using a fancy font, and then place the certificate in a box, wrap the box, taking care to make an elaborate bow. (Taking time with the wrapping is a gift within itself.)

1. Make a CD with his/her favorite love songs.
2. Create a handmade book of poetry; search the Internet for love poems. (Errr, just don’t pass them off as your own.)
3. If you are a poet, write one on special paper and frame it. You could even translate it into a romantic language such as French or Italian, and frame that one. (Have a translation on hand.)
4. A handmade box of chocolate candy. (Craft stores sell molds and molding chocolate.)
5. A half-dozen handmade Christmas tree ornaments. Cut out pictures of you and your lover in various shapes, paste picture to felt, trim with something glittery or lacy, and add a hook.
6. A scrap book of your life together, or of special memories.
7. Basically, anything hand-crafted will melt a heart, for it means you took the time to put it together, thinking of the person you love while doing so. Ideas: Scented candles, scented soap, knitted hat and scarf, jewelry just to name a few.
8. A memory jar. (Any jar with a lid and a bow around the neck. Write your favorite memories that you share on bits of colored paper and put them in the jar)
9. Tickets to a either a high school or local theater play, a romantic one would be best, i.e. South Pacific, Romeo and Juliet…. (The tickets are often very inexpensive)
10. A collage of pictures that include all your favorite places as well as places you dream of visiting together, of course, include a few smiling photos of the two of you.
11. Turn your bathroom into a romantic spa complete with candles, soft music, bubbles and a willing attendant (YOU) to provide a chilled drink and tasty treats.
12. Declare that your partner will be King/Queen for the day, and do whatever they wish, maybe starting with breakfast in bed.
13. Invent a meal, cook it and name it after your partner.
14. Create a shadow-box using mementoes of all the things you’ve done together. (Example: Ticket stubs, seashells, a pressed flower, a program, cards….)
15. Recreate your first date, or your favorite date.
16. Give your partner a pedicure and foot rub.
17. Offer a back rub and full-body massage.
18. Write an old-fashioned love letter, be lavish, dramatic and flowery. Use fancy paper and script.
19. Create a website that is all about your relationship.
20. Using a pocket calendar, write a personal message or a love quote for each day of the year.

****
We'd love to hear from anyone interested in what we do. Anyone who writes us at writingteamcw@yahoo.com with blog in the subject line and leaves an s-mail address, we will send you a gift and add you to any future mailings.


Angelica Hart and Zi
KILLER DOLLS ~ SNAKE DANCE ~ CHASING YESTERDAY ~
CHRISTMAS EVE...VIL coming soon
www.champagnebooks.com

Vixen Bright and Zachary Zane
STEEL EMBRACE http://www.carnalpassions.com/


THE FABLE OF SIN-SIN CINDERELLA Series
angelicahartandzi.com

TheWritersVineyard.com (monthly piece)
www.champagnebooks.blogspot.com(monthly piece)
Dawn's Reading Nook (Thursday's piece)
lovesbooksandmore.blogspot.com/



Thursday, November 24, 2011

WRITERS WRITE...WRITING PARTNERS FEUD



THANKSGIVING’S ROMANTIC BLESSINGS
By: Angelica Hart and Zi

We are thankful for words that flow
Creating muscle-tight heroes, oh oh
And lovely heroines so sexy and bold
A sensual love story’s bound to unfold
It is our need to give you a savory taste
Of passion’s pinnacle at a slow pace
Lips so rough against a mouth that quivers
Arms that embrace to bring you shivers
Characters entwine as hearts double-beat
Building and building to an incredible heat
We are grateful if you become breathless
As a character utters, oh yes, yes, yes
A strong hand must fondle and explore
As deep desires grow and searing senses soar
Clothes peel away, leaving nature’s allure
And one offers as the other pleads for more
Oh, we so appreciate delivering pull and tug
Sexual tension that becomes a seductive drug
A story of fantasy might be your cuppa tea
Or does a space captain bring you pure glee
Something contemporary might be the key
Or is it the erotic that sets your heart free
No matter the genre, no matter the plot or tome
How grateful we are that you bring our story home
But most of all it is you the reader we appreciate most
Thank you for letting us be your romantic literary host

****
We'd love to hear from anyone interested in what we do. Anyone who writes us at writingteamcw@yahoo.com with blog in the subject line and leaves an s-mail address, we will send you a gift and add you to any future mailings.


Angelica Hart and Zi
KILLER DOLLS ~ SNAKE DANCE ~ CHASING YESTERDAY ~
CHRISTMAS EVE...VIL coming soon
www.champagnebooks.com

Vixen Bright and Zachary Zane
STEEL EMBRACE http://www.carnalpassions.com/


THE FABLE OF SIN-SIN CINDERELLA Series
angelicahartandzi.com

TheWritersVineyard.com (monthly piece)
www.champagnebooks.blogspot.com(monthly piece)
Dawn's Reading Nook (Thursday's piece)
lovesbooksandmore.blogspot.com/



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