Showing posts with label urban fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label urban fantasy. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Fusion Tour Blitz!!



Paranormal Urban Fantasy
Date Published: December 16, 2014

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NEW from HIJINKS INK PUBLISHING…..

FUSION: Nine outstanding fantasy stories merged together to create a bestselling reaction.

An anthology designed for readers of fantasy . . . Paranormal, urban/contemporary fantasy, science fiction and dystopian fused together in one epic fantasy bundle. Make your way through fire and ice, love, lust and hate as NINE International Bestselling Authors come together to spin their tales of magic and destruction. This is a truly unique bundle that successfully blends all aspects of the Fantasy genre.


"ELEMENTALLY PRICELESS" an EXCLUSIVE Novella by SHANNON MAYER (International Bestselling Author)

Urban Fantasy, Heat Rating: 2

"My name is Rylee, and I am a Tracker."

A missing child, a deadly prophecy, and a world of unusual supernaturals slam together in this EXCLUSIVE novella from Shannon Mayer. Meet Rylee, a Tracker of missing children, and Lark, an Earth Elemental as they tackle a case neither could crack on their own dodging the world of the supernatural and FBI alike. Separate, they are deadly, strong, and determined. Together, they are unstoppable. Or so they think.


"ETHEREAL (Celestra Series, Book 1)" by ADDISON MOORE (NY Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author)

YA Paranormal Romance, Heat Rating: 2

The Celestra Series has been optioned for film by 20th CENTURY FOX

Sixteen year-old, Skyla Messenger is a dead girl walking. With her life in upheaval, she finds refuge in Logan Oliver, a boy who shares her unique ability to read minds and has knowledge she desires. If only he would share. Skyla’s bloodlines to angelic beings may not be able to save her from those who want her dead, but Skyla is nowhere near done living --- and she’s not going down without a fight.



"HERE (On the Otherside Series, Book 1)" by DENISE GROVER SWANK (NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author)

YA Science Fiction, Heat Rating: 2

Sixteen year old Julia Phillips buries herself in guilt after killing her best friend in a car accident. But guilt can’t explain howshe can suddenly draw, has false memories of the accident and how a bracelet engraved with her name ended at the scene. Suddenly, Evan Whittaker is interested in her and her life. Why he was missing for two days and returns wearing a pendant she’s been drawing for months leads the two on a journey to find out how Monica is still alive and just where Even is really from.


"INESCAPABLE (The Premonition Series, Book 1)" by AMY BARTOL (International Bestselling Author)

YA Paranormal Romance, Heat Rating: 2

I’m Evie and this was to be the making of me-my first year of college. I’d hoped that once I’d arrived at Crestwood, the nightmare that I’ve been having would go away. It hasn’t. At 17, I may be inexperienced, but I’m sane. When Reed is near, however, nothing makes any sense. He’s not what he seems to be…and neither am I. I’m afraid that the nightmare my dream is foretelling is…inescapable.


"THE CURE” by STEPHANIE ERICKSON (Bestselling Author)

YA Dystopian, Heat Rating: 1

“One life will make the difference.”  Macey Holsinger has heard that phrase her whole life, in the name of fighting a disease that has claimed so many lives.  How much will she be willing to sacrifice in the name of the cure? 


"UPRISING (A Collide Novel, Book 2)" by SHELLY CRANE (NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author)

YA Science Fiction, Heat Rating: 2

Sherry and Merrick come face to face with old friends and new enemies in this sequel to Collide. When a little girl is found, things change for everyone and loyalties will be tested. New romances, drama and rivalries may upset the delicate balance they established while transformations on both sides of good and evil will arise as the series continues.



"ARCADIA’S GIFT (Arcadia Series, Book 1)" by JESI LEA RYAN (Bestselling Author)

 YA Paranormal, Heat Rating: 2

When teenager Arcadia Day wakes in a hospital after what can only be described as a psychic episode, she finds her family in tatters. As her home life crumbles and her emotional control slips away, she begins to suspect that her first psychic experience was just the beginning.

"BIRTH (Allie’s War, Early Years)” by J.C. Andrijeski (Bestselling Author)

Contemporary Fantasy, Heat Rating: 4

High in mountain caves, surrounded by kind-hearted monks, the shadow of the Rooks hangs over Revik’s head, a constant reminder of the dark warrior he used to be. When strange, militant Seers appear, asking for his help, his first impulse is to say no...until he learns it is Kali who needs saving… the one person he cannot refuse.


"WICKEDEST WITCH” by EVE LANGLAIS (New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author)

Paranormal Romance, Heat Rating: 4

Evangeline is not a very nice witch, and she’s not afraid to show it. She lands a job where she is forced to work with a rude, cocky and totally unsuitable shifter. Despite it all, she can’t help craving his touch. When Ryker is partnered with the witch, he does everything he can to fight her allure. And fails. Vampires, a wedding from hell, and a cackling boss make this an action packed and humorous romance to remember.








About the Authors

Shannon Mayer

Shannon Mayer lives in the southwestern tip of Canada with her husband, dog, cats, horse, and cows. When not writing she spends her time staring at immense amounts of rain, herding old people (similar to herding cats) and attempting to stay out of trouble. Especially that last is difficult for her.
She is the author of the The Rylee Adamson Novels, The Nevermore Trilogy, A Celtic Legacy series and several contemporary romances.  Please visit her website at http://www.shannonmayer.com  for more information on her novels.



Addison Moore

Addison Moore is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author who writes contemporary and paranormal romance. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine. Previously she worked as a therapist on a locked psychiatric unit for nearly a decade. She resides on the West Coast with her husband, four wonderful children, and two dogs where she eats too much chocolate and stays up way too late. When she's not writing, she's reading. Addison’sCelestra Series has been optioned for film by 20th Century Fox.


Denise Grover Swank

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank was born in Kansas City, Missouri and lived in the area until she was nineteen. Then she became a nomadic gypsy, living in five cities, four states and ten houses over the course of ten years before she moved back to her roots.

She speaks English and smattering of Spanish and Chinese which she learned through an intensive Nick Jr. immersion period. Her hobbies include witty Facebook comments (in own her mind) and dancing in her kitchen with her children. (Quite badly if you believe her offspring.)

Hidden talents include the gift of justification and the ability to drink massive amounts of caffeine and still fall asleep within two minutes. Her lack of the sense of smell allows her to perform many unspeakable tasks. She has six children and hasn't lost her sanity. Or so she leads you to believe.

You can find out more about Denise at www.denisegroverswank.com or email her at DeniseGroverSwank@gmail.com.



Amy Bartol

Amy A. Bartol is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Premonition Series, which includes: Inescapable, Intuition, Indebted,Incendiary and Iniquity. She has also written the Kricket Series, which includes: Under Different Stars, Sea of Stars, and Darken the Stars. She lives in Michigan with her husband and two sons. Visit her at her website: http://www.amyabartol.com.



Stephanie Erickson

Stephanie Erickson has always had a passion for the written word. She pursued her love of literature at Flagler College, in St. Augustine, FL, where she graduated with a BA in English Literature. She has received several honors in her writing career, including recognition in the 72nd Annual Writer's Digest Competition.
After graduation, she married and followed her husband in pursuit of his dream. The Cure and The Blackout were written to reignite Stephanie's passion, when she found the time. Now that he is settled in his career, it's her turn to devote more time and energy into writing.  Unseen, released in November, is her first book since she started writing full time.

Stephanie has three projects planned for 2015. Her next release is well underway and is slated for a March, 2015 publication date, with the sequel to Unseen—Unforgiven—slated for release in July.

Stephanie, of course, loves to read and write. She also enjoys living on the beach on Florida's Treasure Coast. Most of all, she and her husband are head over heels in love with their baby girl.


Shelly Crane

Shelly is a NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author from a small town in Georgia and loves everything about the south.

She is wife to a fantastical husband and stay-at-home mom to two boisterous and mischievous boys who keep her on her toes. She hoards paperbacks, devours sweet tea, searches year-round for candy corn, and loves to spend time with her family and friends, go out to eat at new restaurants, site-see in the new areas they travel to, listen to music, and, of course, loves to read, but doesn’t have much time to these days with all the characters filling her head begging to come out.

Her own books happen by accident and she revels in the writing and imagination process. She doesn't go anywhere without her notepad for fear of an idea creeping up and not being able to write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night, where her best ideas are born.



Jesi Lea Ryan

Jesi Lea Ryan grew up in the Mississippi River town of Dubuque, IA. She holds bachelor degrees in creative writing and literature and a masters degree in business. She considers herself a well-rounded nerd who can spend hours on the internet researching things like British history, anthropology of ancient people, geography of random parts of the world, bad tattoos and the paranormal. She currently lives in Madison, WI with her husband and two exceptionally naughty kitties.


JC Andrijeski

JC Andrijeski writes urban fantasy, dystopian and paranormal romance. Current works include the gritty, epic, urban fantasy series, Allie’s War, which follows Allie Taylor and her antihero partner, Revik, in their attempts to save the world from a dark, psychic force bent on controlling Earth. She also has a new adult dystopian series, Alien Apocalypse about Jet Tetsuo, survivor and slave under alien conquerors, and the Gate Shifter series, about a shape-shifting alien and a tough-girl PI.

She also writes crime fiction, children’s and some literary under different names, although her first love will always be of the supernatural, especially when it involves kick-ass superpowers and people fighting for the light and against their own inner demons.
JC currently lives and writes full time in Bangkok, Thailand, although she tends to get itchy feet on a fairly regular basis, so can’t quite commit to that as a final resting place...

Eve Langlais

Hello, my name is Eve and I am a Canadian author who pens steamy romance--usually with shapeshifters, cyborgs or aliens lol.I love to write, and while I don't always know what my mind is going to come up with next, I can promise it will be fun, probably humorous, and most of all romantic because I love a happily ever after.I look forward to seeing you again, whether online or between the pages of a book.



Buy Links



Giveaway

eBook Copy of Fusion: An Anthology




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Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Fusion Box Set Book Blast

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FusionHR Authors: Shannon Mayer, Denise Grover Swank, Addison Moore, Shelly Crane, Amy Bartol, Eve Langlais, Stephanie Erickson, Jesi Lea Ryan, JC Andrijeski

  NEW from HIJINKS INK PUBLISHING….. FUSION: Nine outstanding fantasy stories merged together to create a bestselling reaction. An anthology designed for readers of fantasy . . . Paranormal, urban/contemporary fantasy, science fiction and dystopian fused together in one epic fantasy bundle. Make your way through fire and ice, love, lust and hate as NINE International Bestselling Authors come together to spin their tales of magic and destruction. This is a truly unique bundle that successfully blends all aspects of the Fantasy genre.  

Buy on Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Smashwords

    "ELEMENTALLY PRICELESS" an EXCLUSIVE Novella by SHANNON MAYER (International Bestselling Author) Urban Fantasy, Heat Rating: 2 "My name is Rylee, and I am a Tracker." A missing child, a deadly prophecy, and a world of unusual supernaturals slam together in this EXCLUSIVE novella from Shannon Mayer. Meet Rylee, a Tracker of missing children, and Lark, an Earth Elemental as they tackle a case neither could crack on their own dodging the world of the supernatural and FBI alike. Separate, they are deadly, strong, and determined. Together, they are unstoppable. Or so they think.

  "ETHEREAL (Celestra Series, Book 1)" by ADDISON MOORE (NY Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author) YA Paranormal Romance, Heat Rating: 2 The Celestra Series has been optioned for film by 20th CENTURY FOX Sixteen year-old, Skyla Messenger is a dead girl walking. With her life in upheaval, she finds refuge in Logan Oliver, a boy who shares her unique ability to read minds and has knowledge she desires. If only he would share. Skyla’s bloodlines to angelic beings may not be able to save her from those who want her dead, but Skyla is nowhere near done living --- and she’s not going down without a fight.  

  "HERE (On the Otherside Series, Book 1)" by DENISE GROVER SWANK (NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author) YA Science Fiction, Heat Rating: 2 Sixteen year old Julia Phillips buries herself in guilt after killing her best friend in a car accident. But guilt can’t explain how she can suddenly draw, has false memories of the accident and how a bracelet engraved with her name ended at the scene. Suddenly, Evan Whittaker is interested in her and her life. Why he was missing for two days and returns wearing a pendant she’s been drawing for months leads the two on a journey to find out how Monica is still alive and just where Even is really from.  

  "INESCAPABLE (The Premonition Series, Book 1)" by AMY BARTOL (International Bestselling Author) YA Paranormal Romance, Heat Rating: 2 I’m Evie and this was to be the making of me-my first year of college. I’d hoped that once I’d arrived at Crestwood, the nightmare that I’ve been having would go away. It hasn’t. At 17, I may be inexperienced, but I’m sane. When Reed is near, however, nothing makes any sense. He’s not what he seems to be…and neither am I. I’m afraid that the nightmare my dream is foretelling is…inescapable.  

  "THE CURE” by STEPHANIE ERICKSON (Bestselling Author) YA Dystopian, Heat Rating: 1 “One life will make the difference.” Macey Holsinger has heard that phrase her whole life, in the name of fighting a disease that has claimed so many lives. How much will she be willing to sacrifice in the name of the cure?  

  "UPRISING (A Collide Novel, Book 2)" by SHELLY CRANE (NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author) YA Science Fiction, Heat Rating: 2 Sherry and Merrick come face to face with old friends and new enemies in this sequel to Collide. When a little girl is found, things change for everyone and loyalties will be tested. New romances, drama and rivalries may upset the delicate balance they established while transformations on both sides of good and evil will arise as the series continues.  

  "ARCADIA’S GIFT (Arcadia Series, Book 1)" by JESI LEA RYAN (Bestselling Author) YA Paranormal, Heat Rating: 2 When teenager Arcadia Day wakes in a hospital after what can only be described as a psychic episode, she finds her family in tatters. As her home life crumbles and her emotional control slips away, she begins to suspect that her first psychic experience was just the beginning.  

  "BIRTH (Allie’s War, Early Years)” by J.C. Andrijeski (Bestselling Author) Contemporary Fantasy, Heat Rating: 4 High in mountain caves, surrounded by kind-hearted monks, the shadow of the Rooks hangs over Revik’s head, a constant reminder of the dark warrior he used to be. When strange, militant Seers appear, asking for his help, his first impulse is to say no...until he learns it is Kali who needs saving… the one person he cannot refuse.  

  "WICKEDEST WITCH” by EVE LANGLAIS (New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author) Paranormal Romance, Heat Rating: 4 Evangeline is not a very nice witch, and she’s not afraid to show it. She lands a job where she is forced to work with a rude, cocky and totally unsuitable shifter. Despite it all, she can’t help craving his touch. When Ryker is partnered with the witch, he does everything he can to fight her allure. And fails. Vampires, a wedding from hell, and a cackling boss make this an action packed and humorous romance to remember.  

About the authors:

Shannon Mayer: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShannonMayerAuthor Website: http://www.shannonmayer.com/ Newsletter Sign Up: http://eepurl.com/CNe8T

  Author Bio: Shannon Mayer lives in the southwestern tip of Canada with her husband, dog, cats, horse, and cows. When not writing she spends her time staring at immense amounts of rain, herding old people (similar to herding cats) and attempting to stay out of trouble. Especially that last is difficult for her. She is the author of the The Rylee Adamson Novels, The Nevermore Trilogy, A Celtic Legacy series and several contemporary romances. Please visit her website at http://www.shannonmayer.com for more information on her novels.

  Addison Moore: Website: http://addisonmoorewrites.blogspot.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Addison-Moore/140192649382294 Newsletter Sign Up: http://blogspot.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=75b60ef733&id=b8bbf0dd80

  Author Bio: Addison Moore is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author who writes contemporary and paranormal romance. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine. Previously she worked as a therapist on a locked psychiatric unit for nearly a decade. She resides on the West Coast with her husband, four wonderful children, and two dogs where she eats too much chocolate and stays up way too late. When she's not writing, she's reading. Addison’s Celestra Series has been optioned for film by 20th Century Fox.

  Denise Grover Swank: Website: www.denisegroverswank.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/deniseswank Newsletter Sign Up: http://eepurl.com/j9OQj

  Author Bio: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank was born in Kansas City, Missouri and lived in the area until she was nineteen. Then she became a nomadic gypsy, living in five cities, four states and ten houses over the course of ten years before she moved back to her roots. She speaks English and smattering of Spanish and Chinese which she learned through an intensive Nick Jr. immersion period. Her hobbies include witty Facebook comments (in own her mind) and dancing in her kitchen with her children. (Quite badly if you believe her offspring.) Hidden talents include the gift of justification and the ability to drink massive amounts of caffeine and still fall asleep within two minutes. Her lack of the sense of smell allows her to perform many unspeakable tasks. She has six children and hasn't lost her sanity. Or so she leads you to believe. You can find out more about Denise at www.denisegroverswank.com or email her at DeniseGroverSwank@gmail.com.

  Amy Bartol: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoramyabartol Website: http://www.amyabartol.com/

  Author Bio: Amy A. Bartol is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Premonition Series, which includes: Inescapable, Intuition, Indebted, Incendiary and Iniquity. She has also written the Kricket Series, which includes: Under Different Stars, Sea of Stars, and Darken the Stars. She lives in Michigan with her husband and two sons. Visit her at her website: http://www.amyabartol.com

  Stephanie Erickson: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephmerickson Website: http://www.stephanieericksonbooks.com/ Newsletter Sign Up: http://www.stephanieericksonbooks.com/thanks-for-reading/

  Author Bio: Stephanie Erickson has always had a passion for the written word. She pursued her love of literature at Flagler College, in St. Augustine, FL, where she graduated with a BA in English Literature. She has received several honors in her writing career, including recognition in the 72nd Annual Writer's Digest Competition. After graduation, she married and followed her husband in pursuit of his dream. The Cure and The Blackout were written to reignite Stephanie's passion, when she found the time. Now that he is settled in his career, it's her turn to devote more time and energy into writing. Unseen, released in November, is her first book since she started writing full time. Stephanie has three projects planned for 2015. Her next release is well underway and is slated for a March, 2015 publication date, with the sequel to Unseen—Unforgiven—slated for release in July. Stephanie, of course, loves to read and write. She also enjoys living on the beach on Florida's Treasure Coast. Most of all, she and her husband are head over heels in love with their baby girl.

  Shelly Crane: Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/shellycranefanpage Website : http://shellycrane.blogspot.com/

  Author Bio: Shelly is a NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author from a small town in Georgia and loves everything about the south. She is wife to a fantastical husband and stay-at-home mom to two boisterous and mischievous boys who keep her on her toes. She hoards paperbacks, devours sweet tea, searches year-round for candy corn, and loves to spend time with her family and friends, go out to eat at new restaurants, site-see in the new areas they travel to, listen to music, and, of course, loves to read, but doesn’t have much time to these days with all the characters filling her head begging to come out. Her own books happen by accident and she revels in the writing and imagination process. She doesn't go anywhere without her notepad for fear of an idea creeping up and not being able to write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night, where her best ideas are born.

  Jesi Lea Ryan: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jesi-Lea-Ryan/152086598147945 Website: http://www.jesilea.com/ Newsletter Sign Up: http://jesilea.us8.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=f64bf4e1a803d3df961f0a6da&id=d5961348b5

  Author Bio: Jesi Lea Ryan grew up in the Mississippi River town of Dubuque, IA. She holds bachelor degrees in creative writing and literature and a masters degree in business. She considers herself a well-rounded nerd who can spend hours on the internet researching things like British history, anthropology of ancient people, geography of random parts of the world, bad tattoos and the paranormal. She currently lives in Madison, WI with her husband and two exceptionally naughty kitties. JC Andrijeski: JC’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/J.C.Andrijeski JC’s newsletter sign up link: http://tinyurl.com/JCAndrijeski JC’s Website: http://jcandrijeski.com

  Author Bio: JC Andrijeski writes urban fantasy, dystopian and paranormal romance. Current works include the gritty, epic, urban fantasy series, Allie’s War, which follows Allie Taylor and her antihero partner, Revik, in their attempts to save the world from a dark, psychic force bent on controlling Earth. She also has a new adult dystopian series, Alien Apocalypse about Jet Tetsuo, survivor and slave under alien conquerors, and the Gate Shifter series, about a shape-shifting alien and a tough-girl PI. She also writes crime fiction, children’s and some literary under different names, although her first love will always be of the supernatural, especially when it involves kick-ass superpowers and people fighting for the light and against their own inner demons. JC currently lives and writes full time in Bangkok, Thailand, although she tends to get itchy feet on a fairly regular basis, so can’t quite commit to that as a final resting place...

  Eve Langlais: Website: http://www.EveLanglais.com/ Newsletter sign up: http://www.evelanglais.com/newrelease Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eve.langlais.98

Author Bio: Hello, my name is Eve and I am a Canadian author who pens steamy romance--usually with shapeshifters, cyborgs or aliens lol. I love to write, and while I don't always know what my mind is going to come up with next, I can promise it will be fun, probably humorous, and most of all romantic because I love a happily ever after. I look forward to seeing you again, whether online or between the pages of a book.

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Friday, August 8, 2014

Blog Tour: Incantation Paradox by Annamaria Bazzi (Guest Post and Review)


I'm excited to have Annamaria Bazzi on the blog today with a Guest Post for the Incantation Paradox Blog Tour!

First... a little about the book!

Magic is an illusion. It doesn’t really exist. Or does it?
A horrible car accident destroys Dolores Reynard’s life. But instead of waking up in a hospital bed, she awakens in a teenager’s body. Soon, she discovers she is at the heart of the murderous mystery surrounding the death of Mona, the young girl whose body she occupies. Caught between an evil greater than she ever imagined and a wizard who heals her tattered heart, she is forced to play a dangerous game of intrigue in the hopes of finding a way to return to her previous life.
Will magic be her ally, or will it lead to her demise once and for all.

Book Links:



Now... let's hear from Annamaria!

Balancing the emotions of a teen with the thoughts of an adult...

When I was a teen, I struggled with my mother whose ideas I believed to be antiquated, but as an adult, I struggle with my children because I now understand that although fashion and slang may change the struggles teens go through to find their identity don’t change so much.

It was these conflicts in my life that made me want to revisit the struggle with a twist—two essences in one body.

Watching my children go through puberty made me realize that the new hormones cursing through their bodies, at times, made them resemble irrational, hormonal pregnant women. I knew what that felt like after having had four children. This became one aspect I played upon to bring forth Dolores’ struggle with the teen hormones in Mona’s body. It didn’t take too much to get the protagonist to realize this fact.

Hormones are powerful and, many times, they engulfed Dolores, pushing her into irrational acts she had a hard time reconciling because they came from the teenager. In many ways they felt familiar—the mood swings of a hormonal pregnant woman.

Sometimes it became difficult to find her adult feelings and rational.

At times, I had to sit back, close my eyes and just try to feel my way through a situation, thinking about my girls and how they would react. Although I have to be honest, it was easier to describe the reactions of the teen then those of the woman. Somewhere along the way, I think I forgot to grow up.

To find a good balance between the two women proved to be a bigger challenged than I had original thought when embarking on this adventure. Many times, even Dolores’ reactions were too childish and those kind souls critiquing the first drafts would chastise, wondering where the woman had disappeared too.

Throughout this journey I’ve come to have a greater appreciation for character driven novel—the inner struggles people have in their lives.

~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~
Although born in the United States, Annamaria Bazzi spent a great deal of her childhood in Sicily, Italy, in a town called Sciacca. Italian was the language spoken at home. Therefore, she had no problems when she found herself growing up in a strange country. Upon returning to the states, she promised herself she would speak without an accent. She attended Wayne State University in Detroit Michigan, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Computers with a minor in Spanish.

Annamaria spent twenty years programming systems for large corporations, creating innovative solution, and addressing customer problems. During those years, she raised four daughters and one husband. Annamaria lives in Richmond Virginia with her small family where she now dedicates a good part of her day writing.

You can visit Annamaria at:
blogwebsite : facebook page : email twittergoodreads : Kendíka’s facebook page

And now for the review...

Waking up with the body of a teenager might be a pleasant surprise for a forty-something year old woman. Except, it's not her body. More than a little freaked out, Dolores is desperate  to find out why everyone is calling her Mona and acting like nothing is wrong.

Right from the beginning chapter, I loved the premise for this book! The concept of a woman's  spirit, or essence, being pulled from her dying body into that of a complete stranger is captivating. The repercussions  are endless! Not only is Dolores utterly confused and frightened, she also has to deal with the conflicting and often irrational hormones of a teenage girl. Keeping hold of her real identity becomes more and more difficult as the days pass. She doesn't understand, and has a hard time escaping, the teenage lust felt toward Eric, even when he scares her and gives off a serious  creeper vibe.v At the same time, grown-adult-Dolores is finding herself inexplicably attracted to Mona's "uncle" Jason. It's a mess. One Dolores has no clue how to fix.

On top of the emotional conflict and confusion, Dolores misses the two teenage daughters she was pulled away from. She's desperate to get back to her old life, but reluctant to leave Jason behind. No matter what, she needs help to figure out how to set things right. Eric doesn't seem to be an option, despite her poured-on charisma. She fears Jason is hiding things from her, though, and doesn't know if she can trust him completely. Watching her figure out who to trust was very intriguing. I was pulled into the story and was very eager to see how Dolores would escape the danger she finds herself in. I loved the romantic elements in the story. It was a tricky situation to navigate, but the author handled it beautifully. The last chapter was agonizing as I couldn't wait to see how everything would work out. This is a great read for teens (very clean story) and for adults who want a bit of  magic and mystery!


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Thursday, April 3, 2014

Interview: Nicole Pouchet (author of Layla's Gale)

Today I'm pleased to welcome Nicole Pouchet to the blog to talk about her new book, "Layla's Gale."

First, a little about the book...

Life is finally on track for fledgling stage actress Layla Cohen until she realizes her gorgeous new director, Sebastian, is the star of the erotic dreams which she’s been having for months. She could handle the uncomfortable work situation if not for the further evidence she’s losing her mind: The wind suddenly whooshes at her command; memories of a past life emerge; and she’s sure someone is trying to kill her.

Meanwhile, director Sebastian Tawanti is steering his small D.C. theater company into the big-time with his Incan mythology-based play. The culmination of his life’s work, he won’t let anything stand in the way of his play's success--not his mother's objections, not the inappropriate heat he feels for Layla, and not even the mysterious, empathic symptoms he's experienced since meeting her.

LAYLA’S GALE is Book 1 of the four-book, paranormal romance / urban fantasy ELEMENTAL MYTHS romance series. Similar in subject matter, it is a lighter, more carefree read than Deborah Harness’ All Souls Trilogy. This paranormal romance series is sure to entice readers of Karen Marie Moning's Fever series and Marjorie M. Liu's Dirk and Steele series. ELEMENTAL MYTHS follows four couples as they bond together in steamy romance, supernatural powers, and predestined battle to save modern mankind from the mysterious demise of the vanished Incan Empire.

As Layla and Sebastian struggle with new love and burgeoning power, a sinister force unravels to fulfill an ancient prophecy. Will they learn the truth behind the Incan script in time to save their lives, the love they’re destined to share, and the future of humanity?

The Interview...


1. What inspired you to write this book? 
Years ago, my husband and I were chatting about the Mayan calendar ending in 2012. He said it would be interesting if the world morphed into something spectacular at that date, as opposed to all the doom and gloom being predicted. His idea planted the seed for my Meso-American mythology based paranormal series.

2. Would you classify your writing more as plot driven or character driven? 
I think I fall in love with my characters a bit. I want to be true to them, so I’m always trying to figure out exactly how they should respond in certain situations. That said, I won’t hesitate to drop them in horrendous predicaments if it further the plot. So, my writing is probably plot-driven.

3. Can you tell us a little about your main?
The main character of Layla’s Gale is Layla Cohen. She’s living in D.C. and trying to make it as an actress/waitress. Her biggest fear at the beginning is that she’s more waitress than actress. She’s determined to make her career work, devoted to her friends, and willing to make the “right” choices. But she’s always a little afraid that she’s not good enough.

4. Without giving away too much, tell us a little about the main conflict in this book. 
Once Layla gets a big role in a play about Incan history, all kinds of mysterious things start happening. Along with inappropriate feelings for her director—and new boss—she’s suddenly having memories of a past life. The wind suddenly whooshes at her command and someone is trying to kill her. Layla must figure out the truth behind the play and their pasts before a sinister force unravels to fulfill an ancient prophecy.

5. What do you hope readers take away from your book? 
Layla’s Gale is Book 1 of the Elemental Myths paranormal romance series. This book sets up the world of goddesses, reincarnation, and the responsibility we have to our fellow man. Along with these light topics, I hope people can relax into a light read and escape life into this world for a time.

6. Now for a few fun questions! What song best describes your writing style?
Ha! Probably “You Learn” by Alanis Morissette. It’s a song about screwing up over and over until you get it right. I am a big believer in the “shitty first draft.” So my writing is a mess at first, but I’m always happy that I started.

7. Night Owl or Early Bird?
I’d love to say Night Owl, but I think having kids coupled with insomnia has turned me into an Early Bird. I actually wrote the bulk of my novella, Cadence’s Cauldron, from 4-6am over two months. I couldn’t sleep, so I stopped fighting it!

8. Skittle or M&Ms?
Skittles, even better if they’re sour. I’m still waiting for the perfect time to set out a bowl mixed with both for company.

9. Who are your favorite authors?
I grew up reading poetry by Nikki Giovanni, and I love her work. Within my own genre, I love Diana Gabaldon, Marjorie M. Liu, and Karen Marie Moning.

10. Can you tell us about your future projects? 
I’m currently writing Cadence’s Cauldron, A Paranormal Romance. It’s Book 2 of the Elemental Myths series and features a jazz singer in London. Look for it in the fall. And, I also just started a messy synopsis for a new series about shape shifters. I’m excited about both projects. It’s thrilling to get these ideas onto paper and finally out to the public.

You can get your copy of "Layla's Gale" on Amazon.

Meet the Author

Still amazed to be an adult, Nicole co-owns a marketing agency and writes paranormal romance novels. She has managed to center her life around raising her two small sons and being true to her family (including husband and friends), and is happiest near the water.

Nicole wrote a weekly column about life’s mysterious and mundane moments called “A Discerning Eye” for her local branch of AOL’s news website, Patch. Her poetry and articles have been published in journals including Executive Pie, Sacramento Poetry Corner, Mother Earth Journal, Lummox Journal, Poetry Now, Poetry Motel, and The Duke University Archives.
Nicole holds an English degree from Duke University where she studied poetry under Lucille Clifton and Debbie Pope.

As a former theater hand, Nicole assistant directed Broadway’s Little Women and Broadway’s A Thousand Clowns; served as prop master’s assistant for Broadway’s Birdy; and directed and stage managed a host of regional plays in Durham, North Carolina and Charles Town, West Virginia.
Nicole is a partner at marketing agency BlueTreeDigital, an outsourced marketing department for small-to-medium sized businesses. She lives in Leesburg, Virginia with her husband and two small sons.

Connect with Nicole online: 

Nicole Pouchet’s website: www.NicolePouchet.com
Nicole Pouchet’s Facebook page