Review: The Knight Trilogy: Complete Series (Book One, Two and Three) by Katie M. John

I read The Knight Trilogy: Complete Series (Book One, Two and Three) by Katie M. John. But I have decide that I wanted to review each book individually instead of as one book.

Book Title: The Forest of Adventures

Author: Katie M. John

Series: Knight Trilogy #1

Published: October 26, 2010

Publisher: Little Bird Publishing House

Kindle Edition

Pages: 384

GOODREADS SYNOPSIS

The Forest of Adventures

For Mina Singer, falling in love with a knight on a white horse was never part of the plan.

Finding herself catapulted into fairyland she discovers that the Real World is not quite what she thought and fairyland is not quite what she imagined.

The question is... who will come out alive?

MY REVIEW

The Forest of Adventures

The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.

Mina is a seventeen year old still in school and on the a-list. She has been studying real hard to keep her grades up so that she can go on to college. She wants to make a life for herself as well as have a career. Mina lives with her mother, Martha. Martha is the kind of parent that trusted Mina to go and come as she pleases. She has let Mina's boyfriend, Sam live with them because of his home life. Sam and Mina have been together for two years. Mina knows that she loves Sam but for some reason unknown to her she has not let Sam into her bed.

But when Mina meets Blake a knight of the Realm they fall instantly in love. After meeting Blake Mina begins to understand why she has never let Sam into her bed. She now knows that she has always loved Sam but like you would a brother. Martha doesn't approve of Blake but I think she is just partial to Sam. Or maybe she just likes Sam better for whatever reason. Martha never actually spent anytime with Blake long enough to know him.

Blake is an old fashion kind of guy. He will only hold Mina's hand, he won't kiss her because he says she doesn't belong to him. She belongs to Sam and will until she can end her relationship with him. That is a true and honest person right there now. He is really a shining knight in armour. Blake wants to do what is right for Mina as well as for Sam. He is thinking of someone else instead of himself. He is a guy that he will give up his own happiness so that he will not hurt some else and to do what is right or moral.

I really liked the person that Blake is. His ways, attitude, the things he believed in really made him stand out to me. He was always wanting to do the right thing. So yes this makes me "Team Blake". Sam is not a bad guy either. He understood and let Mina go when the time came for him to do so. If it upset him to let her go he never said a word about it. He kept it all to himself and never told anyone. What I don't get though is Mina's mother, Martha why did she not like Blake? Why did she never give him a chance? She trusted Mina enough to let her lead her own life. Why did she not trust her enough to know that Blake was the one meant to be with Mina and not Sam? I would like to have known more about Martha's feelings on this.

Book Title: Immortal Beloved

Author: Katie M. John

Series: Knight Trilogy #2

Published: August 21, 2011

Publisher: Little Bird Publishing House

Kindle Edition

Pages: 222

GOODREADS SYNOPSIS

Immortal Beloved

THIS TIME, THE DAMSEL MUST RESCUE HER KNIGHT IN DISTRESS.

As Mina Singer tries to piece together her broken heart, Blake's adventure in Egypt places his in serious peril.

As ancient and terrifying Egyptian rituals are ressurected by the sorceress Morgan Le Fay, Blake embarks on the most horrifying quest yet - one which no other mortal has ever survived.

This time, the damsel must rescue her knight in a terrifying race against death.

"Deeply moving, scary and thrilling, 'Immortal Beloved' is the compelling sequel to 'The Forest of Adventures."

MY REVIEW

Immortal Beloved

The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.

Mina is lost in her own little world after losing her beloved Blake. She feels as if her heart has been torn from her body. But she struggles to regain her life without him while at the same time she is hurting from the pain that she knows that she must have caused Sam when their relationship ended so abruptly well to Sam that is how it must have felt.

But later Mina finds out that there is a way to save Blake. Sam, Mina and Delta has to go to Egypt on a quest to save him. But when they get their they find out only Mina can save Blake. Mina is one brave, strong girl to go through what she has to to save her one true love. The love Mina feels for Blake is very strong to do what she does to save him. Can you image loving someone that much? I know we all believe that we love our spouses or partners that much. I am one of those people who believes that I would do anything for my husband. But how can we ever know what we would do unless we have walked in someone elses shoes. And there is no way to walk in someone elses shoes because even though our stories may be similar they can never be the same. So therefore we can never know what someone else is going through or how they feel.

I love the way Sam goes on with his life after Mina ends their relationship. Sam and Delta have their own relationship. They love each other in their own way and really enjoy being together. Sam is such a nice guy in that he never holds it against Blake for taking the love of his life from him. Blake and Sam somehow put aside their differences and become friends. They probably do this for Mina because they both care so much for her.

I would like to have known more about Delta and her life. Who was she really? Who were her parents? Where did she live? What kind of life did she have? What made her the person that she is?

I loved how Mina loved Blake so much that she would and did put her life in danger to save him. But at the same time she still cared and loved Sam but in a different way. Mina was always thinking and putting someone elses feelings before her own.

Book Title: Star Fire

Author: Katie M. John

Series: Knight Trilogy #3

Published: June 29, 2012

Publisher: Little Bird Publishing House

Kindle Edition

Pages: 338

GOODREADS SYNOPSIS

Star Fire

Book Three of the highly praised 'The Knight Trilogy'

Egypt changed them both in ways no one ever expected.

As murder and dark arts cast a terrible shadow over both The Real World and The Realm, Mina's connection to the mysterious Star Fire Sisterhood causes her to become The Templars' number one suspect.

Set amongst the snowy mountains of Switzerland and the ancient magical forests of of France, Blake and the House of Beldevier are given just one chance to save Mina's life - the recovery of The Holy Grail.

In this epic heart-racing finale, ancient myths come alive and old scores are settled. One thing is for sure ... the clock is ticking.

MY REVIEW

Star Fire

The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.

Now we come to the conclusion of The Knight Trilogy in Star Fire. Mina and Blake both have their own secrets. Secrets that they haven't even told each other much less anyone else. Blake has not told anyone what happen to him on his quest when he was close to dying. While Mina had to fight with a demon which would help her to save Blake's life.

When Mina's secret is revealed and the truth comes out about who or what she has become. Mina is arrested and taken to the mountains in Switzerland and locked up. Blake and Sam must go on a journey to the ancient magical forests of France. Blake is given one chance to save Mina's life. He must go and find The Holy Grail and bring it back with him to save her life. Will Blake find The Holy Grail? Can he make it back in time to save Mina?

Blake is given a certain amount of time to go and find The Holy Grail or Mina will die. The quest that he must make is a test of the mind and heart and not physical. He must remain strong and never forget his love for Mina.

Mean while Delta has her own little quest to make and things that she has to do in order to save Mina's life herself. Delta is one of the best friends that anyone could ever have. Is Delta strong enough to fight a demon to keep Mina alive? Can she actually do what is asked of her to save Mina? How many friends would do what she did and went through to save your life? I really loved how Mina, Blake, Sam and Delta cared for each other to do the things they did for each other. How they put the others feelings before their own. These four people were not selfish in any way. How many of us would love or do have friends like this?

ONLINE LINKS

Website

Goodreads

Twitter

Facebook

Buy The Books

The Forest of Adventures
Knight Trilogy #1

Amazon Smashwords

Immortal Beloved
Knight Trilogy #2

Amazon Smashwords

Star Fire
Knight Trilogy #3

Amazon Smashwords

The Knight Trilogy: Complete Series
(Book One, Two and Three)

Amazon Smashwords

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Review: The House On Blackstone Moor By Carole Gill

Book Title: The House on Blackstone Moor

Author: Carole Gill

Series: The Blackstone Vampires

Published: May 2nd 2012

Publisher: Tudor Rose Press

Kindle Edition

Pages: 242

GOODREADS SYNOPSIS

The House on Blackstone Moor

This is a tale of vampirism, madness, obsession and devil worship as Rose Baines, only survivor of her family’s carnage, tells her story.

Fragile, damaged by the tragedy, fate sends her to a desolate house on the haunted moors where demons dwell.

The house and the moors have hideous secrets, yet there is love too; deep, abiding, eternal, but it comes with a price, her soul.

MY REVIEW

The House on Blackstone Moor

The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I received a copy of the book as a free download on Amazon.

Rose Baines comes home one night to find her whole family dead, her mother, two sisters, brother and father. Her mother, sisters and brother were killed by her father, with him committing suicide. Rose is so upset and can't stop screaming. Rose's life has been nothing but tragic. She has been abused by her father since she was a child and now he has gone and taken her family from her.

Rose is first taken to "Bedlam" hospital where is treated and the taken to an insane asylum. Where she meets the "good' Dr. Bannion who tries to help Rose so she thinks. Rose doesn't believe that she will ever leave the asylum because she is told by another inmate who becomes her friend that no one ever gets out alive.

A woman who is friends with Dr. Bannion who comes to the asylum on occasion to bring things for the patients sees Rose and wants to help her. She talks to Dr. Bannion about having Rose work for her at her home on Blackstone Moor as governess to her children. Dr. Bannion agrees that working for Mrs. Darton would be good for Rose. He thinks that Rose should stay at his home for a month before starting her new job. He says she needs time to adjust in the outside world before jumping into a new job and home with people she doesn't know.

Rose is very happy with the prospect of a job and place to live. She is just thrilled that she is getting out of the asylum. Rose has no idea who or what kind of people the Dartons are nor what she is getting herself into by taking the job at Blackstone Moor. Upon arriving at Blackstone moor Rose becomes so confused with all the things that she sees and witness. She doesn't know if she is dreaming or if it is all real. Rose has no clue as to who she can trust or not trust. She begins to have feelings for Mr. Darton, feelings that she knows she should not be having for a married man.

Rose comes to love the children even when she sees them doing wired and creepy things. She loves them so much that she would give up her own life and soul to save them. With all the dark and evil things that Rose witness at Blackstone Moor she wonders if she is crazy and maybe she should leave. But she can't leave Mr. Darton and the children after falling in love with them.

I loved reading The House on Blackstone Moor with all the dark, creepy, evil things that goes on there. The House on Blackstone Moor has a lot of different paranormal creatures in it. Like vampires, fallen angels, demons and even Satan himself. I love reading books with all of these creatures in them and to find one that has all of them in it and not just one is awesome.

The House on Blackstone Moor had me hooked from the first sentence. In the very first sentence Rose has just came home to find her family dead. That is a very well written book when it can pull you in from the beginning and keep you hanging on til the last sentence in the book. Carole Gill has done a tremendous job of creating a dark world full of vampire, demons and fallen angels. I can't wait to read the sequel to The House on Blackstone Moor, Unholy Testament: The Beginnings.

ONLINE LINKS

Website

Goodreads

Twitter

Facebook

Buy The Book

Amazon

As of yesterday, the last time I checked The House on Blackstone Moor was still free on Amazon. So if you have not read it go check it out.

You can also pick up a copy on Smashwords in any format for free.

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Blog Tour: If Wishes Were Shadows By A. Sangrey Black (Review + Giveaway)

Hello and welcome to the If Wishes Were Shadows (The Shadows Series, #1) by A. Sangrey Black Blog Tour presented by FMB Author Promotions. Please join me in welcoming A. Sangrey Black to The Avid Reader today. Thanks for stopping by A. Sangrey Black. Please be sure and check out A. Sangrey Black's novel If Wishes Were Shadows book #1 in the The Shadows Series. Please check out my review of If Wishes Were Shadows. Oh and be sure to enter the giveaway before you leave.

Book Title: If Wishes Were Shadows

Series: The Shadows Series, #1

Author: A. Sangrey Black

Genre: Paranormal, Erotica, Menage (m/m/f), BDSM, Vampire,

Publisher: Cobblestone Press

Ebook:

Words: Approx. 14,000

PURCHASE
If Wishes Were Shadows

Cobblestone Press

BOOK DESCRIPTION
If Wishes Were Shadows

Calinda Byer is all assertiveness in her daytime life, but when it comes to the bedroom, she leaves her will at the door with her clothes. Her vampire Dom, Adam Straton, refuses to turn her until she has witnessed the darker side of immortality and the true depths of his sexuality -- including his male vampire lover. A weekend at his country estate promises dark, twisted delights the likes of which Calinda could never have imagined. All she has to do is use the safe word, and she can return to the "normal" world alone. But will she?

EXCERPT
If Wishes Were Shadows

Calinda spotted him from her accustomed table in the corner by the door, the perfect location to watch the crowd of rich, beautiful people coming and going. Adam caught her eye the moment he sat down, all yummy and big and dark, just the way she liked them. Six-feet-two at least, broad of shoulder and back with neatly trimmed black hair, and a pinstripe suit that no doubt cost ten times more than her own was worth. His bold, straight posture told her beyond any doubt that he was the king of all he surveyed. No, emperor was closer to the mark.

But it was one fine detail that had grabbed her attention and imagination in a vise grip and wouldn't let go, that set her pulse racing and her junkie heart pounding…

His lack of reflection in the mirror above the bar. Calinda checked at least four times, even shifted to different places in the restaurant to be certain, but no matter where she went… there he wasn't.

It was by far the biggest adrenaline rush of a lifetime spent awash in them. A vampire. An actualvampire. They not only existed, but there was an unbelievably hot one sitting right there in her favorite restaurant, casual as you please. Anyone who looked hard enough would be able to tell-what kind of balls did that take?

How could she resist?

She'd sidled up to the suddenly mysteriously empty seat beside the gorgeous vampire and slipped onto the high stool. Not one much for subtlety, she let her skirt ride up just high enough to allow a peek at her lacy stocking tops, crossed her long, slender legs to show off the heels, ordered a red wine for herself, and turned to her attention to her soon-to-be-new vampire friend.

"So I wonder," she said, looking directly at the place where his face should appear in the mirror. "Do you drink… wine?"

She caught his smirk out of the corner of her eye. "Why, would you like to be… I'm sorry, excuse me, buy my drink?"

They laughed. There was no secret about what he was. No doubt that she knew. They were made for each other. It had been all adventure and blood, paddles and leather, feathers and handcuffs, hot wax and hot sex in wild and often public and dangerous places ever since. She didn't know if it was obsession or love, and she didn't care. Adam told her he had never known anyone like her in two thousand years, and without a doubt, she had never known anyone like him in twenty-six.

Her "monster."

MY REVIEW

If Wishes Were Shadows

The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I was given a free copy of the book from the author for an honest review.

Calinda is someone who loves having a good time in the bedroom, know what I mean? She likes it hard and rough. The more pain she feels the more she is turned on. She likes for the guy to take over and for him to be her master when in the bedroom. But in her life she can be very aggressive and persuasive. She can take over and be the boss herself.

Calinda meets this guy a vampire, Adam in a bar one night and is very attracted to him as he is to her. Adam wants to turn Calinda but he's not sure if she can handle being apart of his private life not with the way he plays his little games. He thinks Calinda can handle his private life but he needs to show her before he turns her. He needs to make sure that she knows what she is getting into. Adam whats Calinda be absolutely sure that she wants to be a vampire and a part of his life. So he takes her to his home for the weekend to show her how he lives his life privately in his home.

I am pretty sure that this is the first BDSM book that I have read. So therefore I wasn't real sure what it would be about. I knew it would be about vampires and I love reading books with any paranormal creäture in it. If Wishes Were Shadows was very well written. I mean A. Sangrey Black knows how to write a good story. She puts everything out there on the table for you and leaves nothing to the imagination. Most of the books that I have read leave a whole lot for you to figure out what is going on. I have read a few erotica books in the last few weeks and have decided that everyone should spice up their reading materials once in a while. I have nothing against books that are m/m, f/f or m/m/f as long as the story is good but I am more of a m/f kind of person myself. But that doesn't mean I won't read them in the future if I know the writer is good or the story sounds like it would be a good read.

About the Author

Alexia enjoys the darker side of entertainment, including literature from the classic gothic style to the modern horror novel, erotica and romance that walks in the shadows off the beaten path. She loves horror movies both psychological and gory, and nurses a fascination for and dedication to the rights and practices of alternative lifestyles. What two or more adults do in the privacy of their dungeon is her... rather THEIR business. Vampires are her great fictional (or are they?) love, but all things that hunt the night, human or otherwise, forever capture her imagination and demand that she tell their stories. A denizen of the Adirondack Mountains of New York, there are plenty of legends, ghost stories, and creepy happenings in the deep forests and abandoned caves to keep her writing for the rest of her life.

A. Sangrey Black also writes more mainstream paranormal romance and urban fantasy as H.A. Fowler. She loves to hear from readers of both styles, so feel free to drop her a line or visit her blog or Facebook.

ONLINE LINKS

Blog: Shadowed Hearts

Author Facebook

Facebook Page for IF WISHES WERE SHADOWS

Twitter: @ASangreyBlack

GIVEAWAY

The giveaway is for:

An eBook copy of If Wishes Were Shadows by A. Sangrey Black

Any eBook copy by H.A. Fowler

1 $10 Gift Certificate from All Romance Ebooks

1 eBook copy of If Wishes Were Shadows by A. Sangrey Black

Grand Prize: 1 "Naughty" Toys kit

1 eBook copy of If Wishes Were Shadows by A. Sangrey Black

US Only.

Ends Jan. 30th

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TOUR SCHEDULE LINK

This tour was put together by FMB Author Promotions

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Blog Tour: Goal Driven Women by Yales Smith

Goal Driven Women

by Yales Smith

Hello my name is Yales Smith I am originally from Fort Worth, Texas however; I have resided in Houston, Texas for the last seven years. I am an educator, father, veteran, supporter of Breast Cancer Awareness, and a lover of life. I believe that everyone has a purpose in life and you are either living your purpose or you are still trying to find yourself.

Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

This is a inspirational and motivational book written to help anyone achieve their goals by applying the WAVA process. In addition, this book has a secret code that can be cracked and you could win $1000.00 if you are the first to crack the code. Also each book that is sold part of the proceeds will go towards Breast Cancer Awareness don't wait any longer if you want to be successful.

Gener: Self-Help

Release Date: September 24, 2012

Amazon

EXCERPTS

Goal Driven Women

You have the ability to create whatever life you want if you are willing to work hard (pg 1).

Over the next several years women will make significant educational accomplishments, and I believe that you will be one of them (pg 19).

One of the most transformational events that will take place over the next few years will be women assuming more leadership roles (pg 29).

It is important that women have a life outside of work and family so that they will be able to have a healthy state of mind (33).

As women continue to advance they will be able to make their mark in whatever new technological changes that will shape their future (pg69).

Women today can no longer put of investing in order to get a pedicure or manicure (pg 85).

Whenever two people come together, there needs to be some honest discussion about what their expectations are for marriage (pg106).

In far too many relationships, the early sex is the best it will ever be (pg 119).

Giveaway: There will be surprise gift cards $10 - $20 awarded during tour

for Amazon & Starbucks Gift Cards during the tour, so please let your readers know and encourage them to comment and share.

In Addition - if you crack the secret code in the book, you could also win $1000

Part of the Proceeds of this book go to Breast Cancer Awareness
Leave a review on Amazon for an extra entry (hosts welcome) and don't forget to click the "Like" button while you're there :). Just add GDW at the end of your review and it will be included as an extra entry when tallying total reviews.

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Blog Tour: Grim By Joseph Spencer (Interview + Giveaway)

Hello and welcome to the Grim (Sons of Darkness Series, Book 1) by Joseph Spencer Blog Tour presented by FMB Author Promotions. Please join me in welcoming Joseph to The Avid Reader today. Thanks for stopping by Joseph. Please be sure and check out Joseph's novel Grim book #1 in the Sons of Darkness Series. Please check out my interview with Joseph. I am also hosting a giveaway that is tour wide for 10 eBook copies of Grim and ends on 02/18/2013.

Book Title: Grim

Series: Sons of Darkness Series, Book 1

Author: Joseph Spencer

Genre: Crime, Dark, Horror, Mystery, Paranormal, Thriller,

Publisher: Damnation Books

Ebook/Paperback:

Words: 93,000

PURCHASE

Grim

Damnation Books

Amazon (Kindle)

Amazon (Print)

Barnes and Noble

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Grim

When everything is taken from him, Detective Adam White must choose what's most important. Does he stick to the heroic ideals which made him a famed paragon of justice and take down a murderous madman? Or does he give in to his vigilante impulses, avenge his wife's murder, and become the type of killer he's hunted for so many years?

EXCERPT

Grim

Adam heard a few sounds of Velcro peeling from its straps. Suddenly, Black Mask shed the mystery and ambiguity of his head gear. He became another mystery altogether. What happened to this guy? He looked like he'd seen hell, escaped, and doctored his face to give everyone else on Earth a preview.

Black Mask obviously suffered from rosacea because his skin was inflamed, swollen, and the angriest shade of red Adam had ever seen. A jagged circular scar similar to a clock face ran from Black Mask's forehead down his cheeks to his chin. A vertical scar ran straight down the middle of his forehead and along the bridge of his nose. Two horizontal scars extended from the side of his nose and curved upward toward the temples. Two additional scars extended outward at angles from just under his nose, across his lips and ended on either side of his chin. All of the scars connected to the outer circular one like spokes to resemble a starfish shape. Adam struggled not to have any reaction, but failed to keep the corner of his mouth from inching up into a grimace.

Black Mask smirked and put his right hand up to his face. He pretended to be admiring himself in the mirror. "It's okay, Detective. Your reaction is fairly common and a lot more subdued than most. Of course, I bet you've seen a lot of horrors in your line of work.

"So, you want to know the tale of Heath Grim, do you?"

INTERVIEW
With
Joseph Spencer

The Avid Reader: What inspired you to write Grim?

Joseph Spencer: I've always enjoyed crime novels. I've read every Sherlock Holmes story which Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote, and I'm also a fan of Patricia Cornwell's Dr. Kay Scarpetta books. However, I wanted to add a different spin with the paranormal aspect I put into my book. I enjoy TV series like Dexter and Supernatural and stories about possession. I'm also a fan of Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy, and I named my title character Heath for Heath Ledger because I was blown away by his performance as the Joker in Dark Knight. There's a bit of inspiration in there from all of those books and shows.

The Avid Reader: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Joseph Spencer: I found out after I graduated from Southern Illinois-Carbondale that I like writing in print media more than being an on-air personality in radio or TV. Over a decade, I worked as a sports staff writer in papers at Peoria, Ill., Decatur, Ill., Burlington, Iowa, and Grand Junction, Colo. When the Web started forcing print outlets to consolidate newsrooms, I decided to switch careers. I'm a supervisor of the Emergency Communications Center in Peoria now. We take all the 9-1-1 emergency calls for police, fire and ambulance in our county. I love my job, but I missed writing so that's when I started working on Grim.

The Avid Reader: What is the earliest age you remember reading your first book?

Joseph Spencer: My mother believed reading was very important, and I can remember her reading Dr. Seuss books and fairy tales to me. I loved reading Greek mythology, Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories and the Chronicles of Narnia when I was growing up in school.

The Avid Reader: What genre of books do you enjoy reading?

Joseph Spencer: I read a variety all of the time. I love Charlaine Harris' Harper Connelly and Sookie Stackhouse books. I enjoy YA novels like the Beautiful Creatures, Hunger Games and Mortal Instruments series. When the show hit HBO, I discovered the genius of George R.R. Martin's Song of Fire and Ice fantasy series. I think Jeff Lindsay is absolutely brilliant with his Dexter crime series. He made a serial killer an iconic hero. I also like the disturbing stuff from Chuck Palahniuk like Fight Club.

The Avid Reader: What is your favorite book?

Joseph Spencer: I've always fallen for revenge tales, so when I read Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo as a teenager I can remember being blown away. Edmond Dantes shouldn't be a hero for what he's doing. He's been wronged, sure. But societal rules tell us that you can't go around ruining the lives of every enemy you've ever made. He's the first anti-hero I can remember reading, and that story arc fascinated me. I've always loved characters which are gritty and morally gray.

The Avid Reader: Who is your favorite author and why?

Joseph Spencer: It's probably not a unique answer, but I'm amazed by the works of William Shakespeare. Everyone else is hard pressed to write stories as compelling as he wrote in the 1500s in one genre. He not only wrote classic works in different genres, but he wrote it as poetry. The type of talent you need to pull something like that off is immense, and I think that's reflected in that we still read and learn from his work today.

The Avid Reader: If you could travel back in time here on Earth to any place in time, where would you travel and why?

Joseph Spencer: I'd travel back in my life to the 1980s so that I could see my Grandfather Charles McLaughlin and Grandmother Cleo McLaughlin one more time. I didn't have a traditional family life, and my grandparents were like parents to me. My grandfather died two days before my 10th birthday suddenly and tragically. It was my first brush with death. Though I carry the memory of my grandparents with me every day, there will always be a hole in my life because of their absence.

The Avid Reader: When writing a book, do you find the writing comes easy to you or is it difficult?

Joseph Spencer: For me, there are ebbs and flows. I've got a full-time job in which I routinely work 50-60 hours per week, so my writing time is limited at times. When I'm hard at work on a project, I set a goal of 3-4 pages per day. I try my hardest to accomplish it, but it doesn't always happen. With that sort of delay in the process, it's hard to just jump right back to where I left off and get rolling. Some scenes come pouring out of me, and some fight me to the last word. I just try to be patient and let the scenes come to me.

The Avid Reader: Do you have any fuzzy little friends?

Joseph Spencer: My wife, Amy, brought with her to our family a 15-year-old orange tabby cat named Murphy. They are inseparable, but there are times when Murphy avoids me. He's just not as used to me as my wife. He's a great cat, though. He's pretty lively for an older cat. My wife thinks of him as her child, and I tease her that he's just like one because he tends to cry loudly at night and wake us up.

The Avid Reader: What is your "to die for" foods to eat?

Joseph Spencer: I've got several foods which I crave. In central Illinois, there's a locally-owned Italian restaurant named Avantis which makes sweet bread and sub sandwiches called Gondolas which everyone around here loves. There's a popcorn place in Galena, Illinois, (www.greatpopcorn.com) , which makes any type of flavor popcorn imaginable from sweet to spicy. My wife and I love a pizza place called Poppa Dell's in Champaign, Illinois, where she attended vet school at the University of Illinois. I'm a fan of about any flavor of ice cream, too.

The Avid Reader: Do you have any advice for anyone who would like to become an author?

Joseph Spencer: Just don't give up. Give yourself a chance. No matter how many times you want to quit, or how many times you get rejected, don't give up. If you work hard enough and want it bad enough, you'll get published. It's like anything else. Some roads are longer and harder for some people, but it doesn't mean you lack the talent or drive to get there. I can tell you, though, that it's rewarding to see your work enjoyed by other people.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

INTRO

Joseph Spencer is the author of the Sons of Darkness series launched by his debut novel, Grim, on September 1, 2012. Work on his second book of the series, Wrage, is already underway and is expected to be released some time in 2013.

THE ROAD HERE

The Sons of Darkness is a series of paranormal crime thrillers following investigations into mysterious deaths in the central Illinois city of Prairieville. Home of the notorious serial killer, The Reaper, Prairieville has had a history of violence centered on an ongoing feud between the Marino and Black organized crime families. When bodies start showing up again at the abandoned Marino State Hospital, many fear the Reaper has returned. The people of Prairieville are about to find out their problems stem from a supernatural source which has lurked in secret for decades.

THE STORYTELLER'S STORY

As a boy, Joseph Spencer immersed himself in the deductive logic of Sherlock Holmes, the heroic crime fighting of Batman and Spider-Man, and a taste for the tragic with dramas from poets like Shakespeare and Homer.

Before Joseph took to spinning his own tales, he pursued a career in print sports journalism, graduating with honors from Clinton (IL) High School in 1996 and summa cum laude from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in 2000. He covered such events as NASCAR's Subway 500 race in Martinsville, the NBA Draft Camp in Chicago, the Junior College World Series, and Minor League Baseball's Midwest League All-Star Game during a ten-year career throughout the Midwest. Now, he works as an emergency telecommunications specialist with an Illinois police department. The combination of years of writing experience with a background working with law enforcement professionals gave rise to his writing aspirations.

Joseph was married Dr. Amy (Waggoner) Spencer, an accomplished veterinary doctor, on March 14, 2012. He received word his debut novel was accepted by his publisher, Damnation Books, the next day. Joseph and Amy look forward to their honeymoon in Paris in September 2012. Murphy, a 15-year-old orange tabby, is perhaps the most vocal member of the family. The Spencer family enjoys reading Charlaine Harris, George R.R. Martin, Mary Janice Davidson, and most paranormal stories. The Spencers also enjoy quoting movie lines from The Princess Bride, Rain Man, Bridesmaids, and Office Space.

ONLINE LINKS

Website

Twitter

Facebook

GIVEAWAY

The giveaway it is tour wide for 10 eBook copies of Grim and ends 02/18/2013.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE LINK

This tour was put together by FMB Blog Tours

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Blog Tour: Hereafter by Joya Fields

Welcome to an Excerpt from Hauntings at Inner Harbor "Hereafter"  

by Joya Fields

Book BLURB:
When by-the-numbers accountant Rob Morrison, a skeptic of all things paranormal, moves into a new apartment and discovers it is haunted by the corporeal ghost of a beautiful woman, he must hastily reconsider his beliefs and revisit his painful past.
With no memory of her time on earth, Angie Barsotti doesn't understand why she’s compelled to visit the same apartment every night as a ghost caught between two worlds. If she’s to have a chance to move on, she needs to find the missing pieces of her life and death through the man who lives there…if only he’d believe in her.
Together they struggle to find the truth about her death and stumble upon a very pleasurable way to time travel, hopeful they can prevent her death. But someone doesn't want them to discover the truth. And if she’s human again, will she have any memories of her time as a ghost…and more importantly, will she remember the man who helped her find her way?




BIO:
Joya Fields has had over 100 stories and articles published in local and national magazines and her debut novel, BENEATH THE SURFACE, a romantic suspense, released in January, 2012. LOVE DELIVERED, a contemporary romance, is also now available.
     Over the years, Joya has taught arts and crafts, worked in public relations, owned a daycare center, helped her children raise prize-winning 4-H livestock, competed in three marathons, and even spent a year as a Baltimore Colts cheerleader. Joya loves spending time with her high school sweetheart/husband of over twenty years, two very supportive children, and a pug who follows her everywhere.

ONLINE LINKS:

• Website www.joyafields.com 

• Blog http://joyafieldswriting.blogspot.com/ 

• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JoyaFieldsAuthor 

• Twitter @joyafields 

• Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5395700.Joya_Fields





The Excerpt:

Angel’s body tingled. Her skin rippled with electricity, and she recognized the signs that she’d be transported soon. Yes. Finally. She closed her eyes, wishing she could rush the transition from her world to his. Cool air prickled her skin and she stood in the man’s dark apartment. With moonlight shining through the sheers, she could make out his form on the sofa. He jumped up and faced her. She wanted to speak, but she couldn’t. “The electricity went off again,” he said. She frowned. He stepped closer. “Ghosts don’t exist.” No. He couldn't banish her again. She needed something in this world. The lights flickered, sizzled, and then went off again. Please don’t tell me to go away; it makes me go away. She might not have a voice in this world, but she could at least think it. She would not go, not when potential answers waited in this place. The man stepped closer. “What are you doing? Angie, why do you keep coming here?” Don’t tell me to leave…don’t tell me to leave. Pictures flew into her mind. People smiling and laughing. A tree in the corner with white lights and boxes under it…. He’d called her Angie. “You know me?” Her words came out a whisper, but at least they finally came out. Tears tracked down her cheeks. The electricity flickered on, and then, stayed off. The air stopped sizzling. She blinked to adjust her eyes to the darkness again. “Christ, this can’t be happening.” He moved his fingers over something in his hand and then pocketed it. She closed the distance between them and grasped his upper arms, pleading him with her eyes because her voice had left her again. “Yes, I know you.” He glanced away and looked out the window, let out a huff of breath, and then gazed at her. “Your name is Angie Barsotti and you used to live here.” No wonder the place felt so familiar. Her spirits lifted. He could help her find out who she was, help her find out what was going on. “And,” he dragged a hand through his hair. “You died and I don’t believe in ghosts.” Cold air, cold as ice tore through her, ripping her from the apartment.

Buy it at : Amazon  Decadent Publishing  Barnes and Noble

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Blog Tour: Pharaoh, Mine By Kerry Adrienne (Review + Giveaway)

Hello and welcome to The Avid Reader. Please join me in welcoming Kerry Adrienne to The Avid Reader today. Thanks for stopping by Kerry. Please be sure and check out Kerry's novel Pharaoh, Mine book #3 | 1Night Stand. Please check out my review of Pharaoh, Mine. I am also hosting a tour wide giveaway for 5 eBook copies of Pharaoh, Mine by Kerry Adrienne.

Book Title: Pharaoh, Mine

Series: All Mine #3 | 1Night Stand

Author: Kerry Adrienne

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Genre: Time travel, Erotic Romance,

Ebook:

Pages: 47

PURCHASE

Pharaoh, Mine

Decadent Publishing

ARe

Amazon

B&N

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Pharaoh, Mine

Kathryn is a veterinarian with a cause-she risks her financial security to help local cat rescue groups. When a stray cat, black with one green eye and one blue, meows at her door one night, Kathryn's view of rescues changes quickly.

In Ancient Egypt, the throne is passed to the firstborn son, and when the sun rises over his father's fresh tomb, Seti will claim his crown. Seti doesn't want to rule, but the only other option is death, and his half-brother is happy to oblige. Though Seti and Kathryn each need fulfillment in their lives, for one night they find peace in each other's arms. At dawn, Bast will return to ferry them back to their responsibilities.

EXCERPT

Pharaoh, Mine

The king's sarcophagus lay on a large carved stone in the center of the torch lit chamber. Seti paced across the compacted dirt, the oily smoke from the flames trailing behind him in a whirlwind of memory. Musky incense swirled over mounds of beaded offerings to the gods. He fell onto his knees, trembling. The lone melody of a cane ney snaked down into the tomb, the musician somewhere outside, with most of the mourners.

"Father," he whispered. No tears came. He fingered the painted hieroglyphs lining the edges of the wooden likeness of his father. The markings told stories of the king's honored past. The wars. The blood. The lives cut short and the many children. Many brothers.

"And I am firstborn. Why?" He pressed his sandal toe against the earthen floor and balled his hands into fists. Shaking, he stormed over to the servants who knelt by the vizier at the tomb's entrance. "Leave!"

The servants, half-bowing, scampered through the shortened doorway. Seti shook his head. They scurried like startled rats who had been lurking in shadows, waiting for the humans to leave the kitchen so they could rush out and steal crumbs.

"My king, you must calm down," the vizier said. The old man moved his staff side to side, in deference.

"I am not yet king, Pensekhmet. Not until morning." Seti rested his head on his father's image, freshly kohled on the surface of the wooden coffin. The paint smelled of sharp pine and heavy clay, alive and fresh-but his bitter old father lay inside-wrapped in linen and empty of his soul. The tyrant had finally had passed into the afterworld. Even now, he walked with the gods.

"When the sun rises, you will be king. It is time to put away your childish notions and accept your destiny."

Seti beat his fists against the wood in a slow rhythm. "I do not want to rule Egypt."

MY REVIEW

Pharaoh, Mine

The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I was given a free copy of the book from the author for review.

Kathryn Adams is a veterinarian and she is having Financial problems. She is not sure how much longer she can keep her practice going without making any money. The reason that she is having problems is because she likes helping the local cat rescue groups. They have so many cats in need of her services that she doesn't have time for appointments with other animals.

Seti has just laid his father to rest in Ancient Egypt. Seti is the firstborn son and when the sun rises over his father's tomb Seti will become the new king of Egypt. Seti does not want to be king and doesn't want to rule over Egypt. But the only way he can get out of being the new king is through death, his death. His half-brother is more than happy to help Seti with his problem.

Kathryn and Seti knew that something was missing from their lives but didn't know exactly what that something was. But with the help of Madame Eve's 1Night Stand and an ancient Egyptian goddess they get to spend 1Night of hot, sizzling passionate night of sexual activity together. Will 1Night be enough for the both of them? Can they be together forever? How would that be possible?

I am beginning to really become addicted to the 1Night Stand Series. I want to read all of them. I have only read a couple but they are addictive. They are short, sweet and get right down to business real quick like. If you like reading erotica with a paranormal twist added in that is also a quick read then you will love reading Pharaoh, Mine or any of the 1Night Stand books.

About the Author

Kerry holds a BA in English with a minor in Classical Studies from NC State University. She has extensive freelance editing experience, and teaches various fiction writing classes at a local college. She's an Associate Editor with Entangled Publishing, and is Managing Editor of the Covet line, Entangled's paranormal contemporary line. In addition to editing, Kerry writes science fiction, romantic fantasy, and paranormal romance. In her free time, she is a costumer, artist, cat collector, and guitarist.

ONLINE LINKS

Facebook

Website

Twitter

GIVEAWAY

The giveaway is for 5 eBook copies of Pharaoh, Mine by Kerry Adrienne.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE LINK

This tour was put together by FMB Blog Tours

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Releasing The Wolf By Dianna Hardy (Review + Giveaway)

Hello and welcome to The Avid Reader. Please join me in welcoming Dianna Hardy to The Avid Reader today. Thanks for stopping by Dianna. Please be sure and check out Dianna's novel Releasing The Wolf book #1 in the Eye Of The Storm Series. Please check out my review of Releasing The Wolf. And because she is just a very sweet lady Dianna is letting me give away 1 E Book copy of Releasing The Wolf in any format the winner chooses. The giveaway is International and ends on Jan. 11.




Book Title: Releasing The Wolf
Author: Dianna Hardy
Series: Eye Of The Storm #1
Published: November 30th 2012
Publisher: Satin Smoke Press
Ebook




PURCHASE

Releasing The Wolf Amazon Kindle Amazon Paperback






BOOK DESCRIPTION Releasing The Wolf


Lydia Martin has always had dreams, the weirdest and hottest of them all involving a faceless, muscle-bound man that speaks like sin and smells like sex. Like any sane person, she always put the dreams down to an overactive imagination, coupled with a higher than average libido.
One night, however, instead of their usual, erotic encounters, she finds him in her dream, chained to a wall and screaming in pain. Not only that, but she thinks she recognises the building he's being held captive in as one that's just a few streets away.
Awaking with an irrepressible need to save her fantasy lover, Lydia decides to humour her dream self and head on over to where she thinks he's imprisoned.
What unfolds is beyond even her wildest imaginings, as she's sucked into a dangerous and deadly world she never knew existed ... and it turns out that the man who inhabits her darkest fantasies, isn't the only one that needs releasing.
Word count: over 34,000 words This is an adult paranormal fantasy novella containing scenes of explicit sexual content and some violence, entwined with romantic elements.






GUEST POST Why Paranormal?
by Dianna Hardy


Thank you, Nancy, for suggesting this as a topic for this blog post: what made me decide to write paranormal fiction?
The truth may be a little out there for most! The thing is, that the paranormal has always been more real for me than the "normal". Ever since I can remember, I've had dreams about totem animals and my spirit guides, one of my totems being a snake. Snakes always appeared to me in my dreams from the age of at least three, to protect me when I needed protecting … from entities that I call "the shadow men".
Are you weirded out yet? Lol.
I'm not going to go into too much detail here, but I grew up in a normal family, within a well adjusted childhood, going to a normal school with normal friends … but no, I never felt "normal" and I suppose most people don't - I don't think that's too unusual.
At the age of nineteen, I had my very first proper Tarot reading by a friend and a clairvoyant. It was a fine reading, but I didn't think it was amazing or ground-breaking and soon forgot about it … until the Tarot found me again a year later and wanted me to be the reader. It sounds bizarre, but that's what happened.
And so, I began a journey of self-discovery, magick, witchcraft, shamanism … I delved into any and every occult area I could find, being sceptical of some, not interested in many, intrigued by others, and blown away by some.
Seven years later, and I was seeing warrior angels, fairies, entities which I didn't know (and still don't know) the names of, dream-journeying, talking to those passed over occasionally (not my forte), and all sorts. My life was very not normal, but normal for me.
The paranormal was normal for me, and that is the key to why I write it.
When it came to writing and publishing, I had no intention of writing fiction. I thought I would go into poetry and I had begun to put together a couple of small, mind-body-spirit "how-to" guides in chapbook form (they're due a reprint, actually…). I thought that that was the way I was going with writing.
Completely unprecedented, I discovered and started to write erotica as a way to expand my knowledge of ePublishing, and also because I enjoyed the challenge of writing sex scenes - sex, as one of the most intense and direct forms of energy, has close ties to magick - and I actually found it quite therapeutic to write! But writing in that genre didn't fulfil me completely. I'm more about character interactions and the plot, and I found myself beginning a story with those elements behind it: The Witching Pen series.
I was astonished at how people took to it, and I haven't looked back. I found my niche and my passion in writing. Paranormal and Fantasy fiction (for adults!) felt the most natural way to express my thoughts and creative flair. I feel much more comfortable writing fiction, because, for me alone, it means that I can be more "real" - ironic, huh?
Nowadays, I talk less about my occult background. It's there, still embedded within my life - it still exists; it can never not exist - but it is not my career as I once thought it would be. What I give to you is my writing instead: fiction, with elements of truth for anyone who resonates with it, and simply an enjoyable read (hopefully) for anyone who doesn't resonate with it in that way :)

Dianna xxx

The Witching Pen Novellas are available in digital format, with the first trade paperback having been released in April. All info and buy links can be found on the series website The Witching Pen Novellas.
My latest series, Eye Of The Storm, is about werewolves! You can read all about that on my website.
And thanks so much to Nancy for taking the time to have me on her blog today.






MY REVIEW Releasing The Wolf


I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.
Lydia has been having these dreams and not just any ordinary dreams. These dreams are about a very hot, sexy and muscled hulk of a man. This dude is so hot he will make your tongue reach out and slap your brains out. Well actually all the guys in Releasing The Wolf are very attractive. Lydia had been having these dreams for a very long time.
Lydia is a very independent girl who works 3 jobs just so she can make it on her own and not have to depend on her mother. On occasion she will go out on a date with a man, a date that usually ends up with them in one of their beds. Lydia has a very strong libido. Lydia does care about the guys she goes out with but at the same time the reason she goes with them is because of her highly over active need to have sex.
The new twist that Dianna has put on the werewolf mating ritual is awesome! It is very unique and intriguing. Dianna knows how to tell a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, hanging on waiting to see what is going to happen next. Releasing The Wolf is one of those stories that will pull you into its world and make you feel like you are a part of Lydia's world.
I have never read erotica much but as long as it has a paranormal twist to it I will give it a try. I am so very glad that I decided to read Releasing The Wolf even with knowing it was erotica. I have now come to the conclusion that maybe everyone should mix things up once in a while and go out side their realm of things and add a little spice to their reading material. I can't wait to shake up my reading world a little more with Cry Of The Wolf the second book in the Eye Of The Storm Series. Expected to be released April 19, 2013.





About the Author



Dianna Hardy is a multi-genre author of paranormal things, dark things, poetic things, sexy things, taboo things, and sometimes funny things. She writes about witches, demons and angels. All info about her books can be found on her website Dianna Hardy












ONLINE LINKS
Website Series Website Goodreads Facebook Twitter





GIVEAWAY


One eBook copy of Releasing The Wolf.
The giveaway is international.
The winner chooses format.
Giveaway ends on Jan. 11.



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Review: Drawing Blood By Richard Finney

Book Title: Drawing Blood

Author: Richard Finney

Series: Relict, #1

Published: October 15th 2012

Publisher: Lono Publishing

Paperback

Pages: 236

GOODREADS SYNOPSIS

Drawing Blood

With humanity at the edge of self-annihilation…

Vampires, living in the shadows of humans for thousands of years, joins the war to end all wars. Their intervention is motivated by the fear that without their intervention the extermination of their food supply will trigger their extinction as well.

Matt Haynes and Tyra Redmond briefly met in the Green Zone. He was a world weary mercenary. She was working for the State Department trying to rebuild a country.

Years later, when their paths cross again, a war has ravaged the planet and decimated the human population. Both are now prisoners at a “Blood Donation Center,” known as CCC197, where they must endure a daily dehumanizing existence of being kept alive only to serve as a source of blood for their captors.

Matt and Tyra must overcome their clashing personalities if they are to plan and execute an audacious escape to freedom which will include all the inmates of CCC197.

Standing in their way is a security team manned by human traitors working for the Vampires. And of course any attempt to escape from the concentration camp will mean defeating a species that has superior strength, cunning, and intelligence.

And for Matt Haynes, there is an even more compelling complication -- one of the vampire commanders of CCC197 is his brother… or was his brother… before he became a member of the undead.

“Drawing Blood” is a heart stopping, paranormal, thriller about the fight for survival, and the struggle to maintain human relationships in a world that has been re-made by the undead.

This is the first of the RELICT BOOK SERIES, each an OPEN ENDED NOVEL depicting the fall of humanity and the attempt by the Vampires to maintain control of their new world order.

The text of “Drawing Blood” is over 47,000 words! But…

ALERT TO ALL INTERESTED READERS: The novel does “end” with “TO BE CONTINUED.” Meaning this is the first book in a series of books.

ANOTHER WARNING: Even if you have read dozens of books about the undead, we bet you will discover “Drawing Blood – Book One of the RELICT Series,” is not your typical Vampire novel.

MY REVIEW

Drawing Blood

I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.

The vampires in Drawing Blood are unlike others that I have read. They don't sparkle, they don't fall in love or have feelings. Not that I don't like the sparkly kind which I do. The vampires have taken over the world. They are now in charge and rule over the human population. The humans are captured and kept in donation camps. The vampires refer to them as "juice boxes". These vamps have come up with a brilliant idea on how to take care of their feeding process. They treat the humans the same way as humans treated their animals. But this is all humans are to them they are their food supply. (Ok now this thought is making me think about how cows and pigs feel).

Now on to some of the characters. We have Matt who was a world weary mercenary. Matt acts like some with no feelings as if he only cares about himself. Matt has seen and been through a lot as a mercenary not to mention what he has witnessed since the vamps have taken over. Matt has a brother, Ian one of the commanders in the camp that he believed died a long time ago. But when he is captured and thrown in one of the donation camps he finds out that his brother has become a member of the undead.

Then we have Tyra who worked for the State Department trying to rebuild a country. Matt and Tyra have met before in the Green Zone. If they are going to escape from the camp they have to put aside their inconsistencies and work together. They need to come up with a very good plan otherwise they will never get out. The vamps have humans who has turned to the dark side to help out the vamps. The vamps use humans as guards for the prisoners in the camp. Let me rewind here for minute. I say humans that has turned to the dark side but how do I know if they have actually turned against humans. What if this is the only way they know how to survive? What if the vamps gave them no other choice? If they had refused then the vamps would probably have killed them.

How will Matt, Tyra and the rest of their friends escape? What kind of plan will they come up with? Will their plan work? What will they find on the outside if they do escape? Well I am afraid that I may have already gave away too much so I am not going to say any more. You will just have to read it to find out. If you love vampires then I am sure you will love Drawing Blood as I did.

I would now like to thank the author Richard Finney for contacting me about reviewing Drawing Blood. I had entered Goodreads First Read contest but sadly I didn't win. I was looking forward to reading it so you can image how I felt when I didn't win. But Richard Finney really made my day when he contacted me. Thanks Richard Finney!

ONLINE LINKS

Blog

Goodreads

Google+

Facebook

Buy The Book

Amazon

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Blog Tour: Wild Thunder By Kacey Hammell (Interview + Giveaway)

Hello and welcome to the Wild Thunder (In the Arms of the Law, #2.75) by Kacey Hammell Blog Tour presented by FMB Author Promotions. Please join me in welcoming Kacey to The Avid Reader today. Thanks for stopping by Kacey. Please be sure and check out Kacey's novel Wild Thunder (in the Arms of the Law Series, #2.75. Kacey is a also giving away 3 eBook copies of Illusions (In the Arms of the Law #1) by Kacey Hammell.

Book Title: Wild Thunder

Series: In the Arms of the Law, #2.75

Author: Kacey Hammell

Genre: BDSM, Contemporary Erotic Romance,

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Format: Ebook

Words: 5-7k

PURCHASE

Wild Thunder

Decadent Publishing

Amazon

aRe

B&N

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Wild Thunder

On leave of absence from the police force and desperate to resolve the intense anger inside him, Ethan James escapes to the Shenandoah Mountains...alone.

During one of the worst storms to hit the area in years, he's surprised when he opens the door to find Shanay Gold, an old friend, and sometime submissive lover, dripping wet and looking sexy as hell. So sexy, he has to keep reminding himself he's kept her at arms-length because of the future she wants. A future he can't give her.

When lightning sparks an old flame, desires blaze to life, and Shanay and Ethan are left with little choice but to roll with passion's Wild Thunder.

EXCERPT

Wild Thunder

Shanay Gold…the very last person he expected to see. He'd tried to avoid her during the last couple of times he'd been home to see his parents. A coward's way of things, but after their last time together, he'd resolved not to repeat the mistake again.

She wanted things in life that he did not. Kids, home, and garden, savings plans and forever-after. She didn't deserve a man who bedded her and left before morning. Though he'd wanted a relationship with Isabella, he hadn't been hurrying into anything long-term. Of course, that was before everyone he knew paired up…and seemed so happy.

Besides, Shanay was a family friend. If things didn't work out with her, he'd never hear the end of it from his mother. He'd never be able to look her father in the eye again. It had already proven difficult, and no one knew about them. It would be hell if their parents found out.

"Hang on a sec, would you? I want to get out of these clothes before I wrap the blanket around me."

Her words registered. His body jerked as she pulled off the sweatshirt, revealing a lime green bra underneath. His heart raced, seeing her luscious body encased by the lace. He coughed to clear his dry throat. "There is a bathroom just down the hall."

Her laughter surprised him. He didn't see anything humorous.

"As if you haven't seen it all before. Don't be such a prude. Besides, I don't want to track water all over, and it's warmer here."

INTERVIEW

Kacey Hammell

The Avid Reader: What inspired you to write Wild Thunder?

Kacey Hammell: The hero, Ethan. He's been through a lot, needed his story told, and is stubborn as hell. When he really needs to let loose he does it all in his own way. *g* Plus there's a thunderstorm brewing outside too!

The Avid Reader: When or at what age did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Kacey Hammell: My husband encouraged me to write and it was about eight years ago. I never had ambitions to sit and write a story but I did and I'm forever grateful to him for suggesting it. I love every minute of the writing journey - even when there are ups and downs - and can't envision doing anything else now.

The Avid Reader: What is the earliest age you remember reading your first book?

Kacey Hammell: That first book that I loved and that I remember so greatly/fondly, was when I was 13, and it was The Diary of Anne Frank. There were many before that since I've been an avidreader for decades but that was one of the most profound books I'd ever read.

The Avid Reader: What genre of books do you enjoy reading?

Kacey Hammell: There are many but I love Contemporary Romances and Suspense stories best.

The Avid Reader: What is your favorite book?

Kacey Hammell: Again, a lot of books on my keeper shelves, but along with Diary of Anne Frank, I love Little Women, Of Mice & Men, Les Mis, Pride & Prejudice, and anything by JD Robb/Nora Roberts, Cherry Adair.

The Avid Reader: You know I think we all have a favorite author. Who is your favorite author and why?

Kacey Hammell: Too many to list, but top 3 - Cherry Adair, Jaci Burton, Nora Roberts/JD Robb.

The Avid Reader: If you could travel back in time here on earth to any place or time. Where would you go and why?

Kacey Hammell: Ireland. My paternal grandfather told us kids so many stories/memories from his childhood before they moved here. I'd love to visit some of the places he mentioned.

The Avid Reader: When writing a book do you find that writing comes easy for you or is it a difficult task?

Kacey Hammell: Depends on the story/characters/plot. There are many hills and valleys to writing. Where one thing can come easily, there might be another angle that is difficult to shove through. When everything finally comes together seamlessly is when I smile wide.

The Avid Reader: Do you have any little fuzzy friends? Like a dog or a cat? Or any pets?

Kacey Hammell: I live on a cattle farm, and have been a cowgirl all my life. With a herd of cattle and chickens, we also have a budgie named Dino, a cat named Lily, and a Cockapoo named Peaches. And there are many rabbits and deer that move from field to field which always makes me smile.

The Avid Reader: What is your "to die for", favorite food/foods to eat?

Kacey Hammell: Tacos, chocolate, spaghetti (my husbands!!!), and peanut butter cookies. But none of it all together! LOL

The Avid Reader: Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to be an author?

Kacey Hammell: Write what you love…the genres you love to read. Read as many stories from some of the best authors, identify the elements of each genre that really seem to hit with readers and learn your craft. Then just write and write. The best promo for any author is that next release. Never give up.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The writer: Kacey is a multi-published erotic romance author who writes mainly in the Contemporary/Romantic Suspense genres. She is a true romantic at heart.

The Wife and Mom: Born, raised and still living in her hometown in Ontario, Canada, Kacey found true love with her husband. As a Mom of three, Kacey has made certain that each of her children know the value of the written word and the adventures they could escape on by becoming book-a-holics in their own right.

ONLINE LINKS

Website/Blog

Facebook

Facebook Author Page

Twitter

Amazon

Goodreads

Giveaway

The giveaway is for 3 eBook copies of Illusions (In the Arms of the Law #1) by Kacey Hammell and ends Jan. 16th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE LINK

This tour was put together by FMB Author Promotions

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