Showing posts with label Paranormal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paranormal. Show all posts

May 17, 2016

Coming Soon! Characters Interview & Excerpt: Welcome To Sortilege Falls by Libby Heily


Sixteen-year-old Grape Merriweather has just moved to Sortilege Falls and already she knows something isn't right. A small pack of teenage models, too beautiful for words, holds the town in their sway. The models have no plans on making Grape's life easy. But no matter how cruel they are to Grape and the other “Normals”, no one can stay angry with them for long.

Grape's life changes for the better, or so she thinks, when Mandy, the only “nice” model, befriends her. But that’s when the trouble truly begins. Mandy's friendship places Grape smack in the middle of a medical mystery that has the entire town on edge. One by one, the models fall ill from an incurable disease. Grape quickly realizes that the models' parents are hiding a secret, even as they watch their children die. To save her only friend, Grape will have to find the truth–and that means putting her life in danger.

Release Date: May 31st


Today, I'll be interviewing two characters from my book, “Welcome to Sortilege Falls.” This feels a little weird for me. It's not everyday your creations come to life and answer your questions. I'm so nervous. What if they don't behave? Better get this over with.

Grape, Liam, would you like to introduce yourselves?

Grape: Hi! My name's Grape. I wish I had a nickname but it's pretty hard to shorten Grape. My family just moved to what I thought was going to be a cute little town in Missouri, but it totally isn't. Not at all.

Liam: Hello, Miss Heily. It is a pleasure to meet you.

Wow, Liam! Your accent is so much crisper in real life. Were you born in Eastern Europe?

Liam: I was born far away, that is most accurate.

That didn't really answer my question but I guess that's okay. Moving on. I want to let Mikky's readers get to know you guys. What are some of your hobbies?

Grape: I love watching movies. Acting's kind of my thing and I really like to watch others perform so I can pick up techniques. Especially anything with Lance Irving. He plays my favorite character, Stone Huntington, Teen PI. I want to be cast on that show so bad!

Liam: Well, my busy schedule does not leave much time for hobbies. I am a nurse and a club owner. The club is more of a coffee house really. I also have a community to watch over.

Grape: Yeah, a community of creepers.

Now, now, we promised no fighting.

Liam: Who is fighting? Grape is, as usual, just a bit sour.

Grape: I never heard that one before.

Try not to strain a muscle rolling your eyes, Grape. Let's move on. How old are you?

Grape: Sixteen. Finally! Getting my license was huge for me. Not that my mom lets me drive that often. She's a doctor and she sees a lot of car wreck victims. So...not much driving for me.

Liam: I am far older than I look.

Grape: Can you give it a rest with the Dracula thing for a bit? It's embarrassing.

Dracula?

Grape: Can't you tell by the way he's dressed that he wants to be a vampire?

I just thought he came from a funeral.

Liam: No, I do usually wear a lot of black. It goes well with my pale skin.

Grape: So would a tan. Maybe you should try a tan.

Getting a little heated in here. Let's keep rolling, huh? If you could spend the day with any one person, who would it be?

Liam: I had to leave someone behind when I moved to Sortilege Falls, someone very close to me. I would spend the day with her, and every day after if I could.

Weird how you answered that and didn't really answer at the same time.

Liam: Details are for friends, my dear. Generalities are for everyone else.

What about you, Grape?

Grape: My dad. Definitely my dad. He passed away a few years ago. I think that's why Mom wanted to move, to be somewhere new. My dad and I were really close. He gave me my name. I miss him. A lot. My mom and brother do, too. It would be nice to see him again.

I'm sorry to hear about your father.

Grape: Thanks.

I tell you what, let's lighten the mood. What is your favorite thing about living in Sortilege Falls?

Liam: The safety, of course. Where I come from, there is much violence. War is constant and unforgiving. Here is peace.

Grape: Wow, I was going to say the mall is okay. I feel a little silly now. We didn't have much war in Virginia. I mean, I've only lived here a few days and I don't have much to go on. There are a lot of gnomes, though. I mean, why does everyone have garden gnomes on their front lawn, and back lawn, and side lawn? They're practically everywhere you look.

Kind of a gnome infestation, huh?

Grape: I don't know. Sometimes I could swear I've seen them breathing. That's crazy, I know. I guess there are just so many of them that you start seeing things.

I'm just going to pretend like that didn't happen. Describe your first meeting.

Grape: Ugh. Well, originally, I saw him talking to a kid outside of my high school during lunch. I thought that was weird because this guy is way too old to hang out with high school kids. I mean waaaaaaaaay too old. But we didn't really meet then.

Liam: No, but I do remember seeing you.

Grape: I know, you practically stared me down.

Liam: I was sizing you up.

Grape: Whatever. Mr. Undead here and I met when I went to his “club” which is not really in town, by the way. It's more on the outskirts, in the woods, near nothing. This is the weirdest thing about Liam, and trust me, everything about this guy is weird, he has a throne in the club. Like an honest-to-goodness throne. Who owns a throne?

Liam: I bought it at a yard sale.

Grape: What?

Liam: People have expectations. I do not wish to disappoint. It is an image thing. Silly really. I feel much more comfortable on the floor but comfort does not a business make.

Grape: Yeah, well, when I went to his club we had a bit of a discussion but Liam shot down my questions pretty quickly.

Liam: You were asking me questions I could not answer in front of people, much like this interview. Secrecy is a must.

So, I take it sparks didn't fly?

Grape: Ewwww. Gross. He's like a million years old. I'm in high school, you do know that, right?

Of course I do.

Liam: Grape Merriweather is right. Love between us would be inappropriate, for many reasons. I also prefer older women. Her mother, on the other hand, is quite stunning.

Grape: Hey!

Liam: I am just stating the obvious.

Okay, let's try to cool this off before an actual fight breaks out. Favorite color? That seems tame enough.

Grape: I hate to admit it but it's purple. In no way should it be, but it is. Purple. Crap. I really wish my name wasn't Grape.

Liam: I know you expect me to say black, everyone does. But it's actually yellow. I look quite handsome in yellow. It is a shame that I rarely get to wear it.

How do you feel about the Models getting sick?

Grape: It's awful. Mandy, she's the only one who's been really friendly, is starting to get stomach aches. That means that she might only be days from dying. We've hung out a few times and I've been over to her house to watch movies. Her life isn't as easy as you would think. I mean, her mom decorated their entire house in pictures of Mandy. How weird is that? And the kids at school follow her around like puppy dogs. They've broken into the stall in the bathroom when she's, you know, peeing just to get a look at her. But despite that, she's a really good person. She stopped a group of Models from picking on me. It's just awful to watch anyone suffer, especially people you care about.

Liam: It is unfortunate, as is all suffering. The Models are paying for the mistakes of others.

Grape: There, see that? Right there? That's the most helpful he gets. You can tell he knows something, but he won't say it.

Liam: We do not reveal our secrets in public. That is how we ensure they remain secrets.

Grape: Really? How am I supposed to find a cure when this is what I run into?

Liam: Perhaps there is no cure. Perhaps there is no help.

Grape: You are such a downer.

Liam: Hmmm? Most people seem to like me.

Grape: Well, I guess I'm not most people.

Liam: You are very correct.

Well, I'd love to say this was a pleasure but, yeah, you guys have made it kind of awkward. I was hoping we could build a bridge here but I guess that won't be happening.

Grape: Sure, we can build a bridge. And then we can push Liam off of it.

Liam: So much hostility in someone so young. I do not understand it.

Grape: I don't even think his accent's real.

Okay, time to get these guys safely back in their book. We don't need a war on your blog. Thanks Mikky for having us over! I promise next time, I'll bring some characters who behave.


Stale air filled the club. The smell was so old, so ancient, that it distracted her for a few moments from the man sitting on a throne in the middle of the room. Even in the dim light, she recognized Graeson’s vampire-wannabe friend. It seemed as if he recognized Grape as well, judging by the pointy-toothed grin he gave her. His tailored black suit and red tie made him look even more like a member of the bloodthirsty undead. Stretched out in front of the throne lay a woman wearing a green bikini beneath a sheer body stocking. Her silky red hair lay splayed out around her. The woman glanced at Graeson and then sealed her gaze on Grape.

“Graeson, you brought a friend,” the vampire said in his clipped accent.

The door shut behind them, sealing out the sunshine. Dull yellow and blue light bathed the room. Candles and strings of Christmas lights provided most of the illumination in the club—that, and the faint glow of the vamp’s skin.

The few patrons in the room looked up from their board game to inspect the newcomers. They sat tucked away in a booth in the far corner. Mugs of steaming coffee were the only things on the table that Grape recognized. She wasn’t sure what their costumes were about, but she noticed that none of them were dressed like vampires, though one did seem to be wearing a werewolf mask.

“Role playing,” the vamp said, catching the direction of Grape’s gaze. “It is a specialty here, no?”

“I can see that,” Grape said, glancing from him to Graeson, the only two people in the room dressed in costumes that were suitable for real life as well. The woman on the floor could have worn hers to the beach, she guessed, but it didn’t look appropriate for an afternoon out.

“Would you like something to drink?" the vamp asked. “Or to eat? This one, I’m sure has a great appetite.” He nodded his head to Grape as he spoke.

“I’m not hungry. What do you mean about my appetite?” How the hell could he know she ate all the time?

“I meant no harm. You are a teenager. Teenagers eat constantly.”

“I’ll have some wine," Graeson said, not looking up from the woman at the vamp’s feet.

“Dear, get our guests some wine.”

The woman stretched out her lanky body. She stood in one elegant motion. Her red hair trailed down her back to the tops of her buttocks. There was no sign of the white cream that Graeson wore, but her skin was deadly pale nonetheless.

“That’s my ex-girlfriend,” Graeson whispered to Grape as the woman walked away.

“No way.” She couldn’t imagine a world where that woman and Graeson dated.

“So, Grape Merriweather has decided to speak to me again,” the vamp said, his eyes twinkling. 

“Not on purpose,” Grape said, her voice flat. She didn’t feel nearly as nervous as she had the day before in the hospital, but that was mostly because it was hard to be intimidated by a man when just behind him sat a boy in troll makeup arguing that the spell he’d used should have vanquished the wood nymph to his right.

“You know her?” Graeson asked his friend.

“We have been acquainted,” the vamp said. “Grape is such an unusual name.”

“My name isn’t the most unusual thing in this room.”

Graeson glanced quizzically from the man on the throne to Grape. “Liam, when did you meet Grape?”

“Liam?” Grape tried hard to keep herself from chuckling. “Like the actor?”

“I was Liam first,” the vamp said. “Many, many years before this so-called actor.



Libby Heily began writing after spending years as an obsessive reader. Nothing was safe from her eyes – she tore through books, magazines, cereal boxes, and shampoo bottles with equal enthusiasm. Libby's written plays, screenplays, flash fiction, short stories, and novels. When not spending time in made up places with invisible friends, she enjoys running, hiking and performing improv in Raleigh, NC. 
Enter to win a copy of Welcome to Sortilege Falls – hosted by Goodreads:


May 13, 2016

Excerpt & Giveaway! The Neverland Wars by Audrey Greathouse


Magic can do a lot—give you flight, show you mermaids, help you taste the stars, and… solve the budget crisis? That’s what the grown-ups will do with it if they ever make it to Neverland to steal its magic and bring their children home.

However, Gwen doesn’t know this. She’s just a sixteen-year-old girl with a place on the debate team and a powerful crush on Jay, the soon-to-be homecoming king. She doesn’t know her little sister could actually run away with Peter Pan, or that she might have to chase after her to bring her home safe. Gwen will find out though—and when she does, she’ll discover she’s in the middle of a looming warbetween Neverland and reality.

She’ll be out of place as a teenager in Neverland, but she won’t be the only one. Peter Pan’s constant treks back to the mainland have slowly aged him into adolescence as well. Soon, Gwen will have to decide whether she’s going to join impish, playful Peter in his fight for eternal youth… or if she’s going to scramble back to reality in time for the homecoming dance.




Cynara and Lasiandra also began to eat the bright orange fruits as Peter asked again, “Can you tell me what the sky has been doing, what the planets have been telling you?”

Although disappointed she would get nothing more out of him than fruit, Cynara was now willing to discuss the heavens with Peter. “The planets have been all unaligned for quite some time. There is disunity in the sky, and disharmony in the world. Pluto and Neptune will remain in the far corner of this wayward house for many years, but that is the way of this time. The war’s end is not in sight, and nothing you do now will end it.

“It is a turbulent moment, with Jupiter so far from its sister planets, and alone in its own distant house. Mercury is roaming quickly through the houses, but in little more than a week’s time, it will be alongside the other dark planets, just as Venus eclipses Mars. 

“There is envy in the sky, Peter, and when the heavens are jealous, no good can come of it. The stars have stopped shooting. They are holding their breath and waiting to see what magic will govern them in the centuries to come. The sky will not help you, but it will not impede you. These bodies cannot assist in a matter such as your war, but they are firmly sided with you. When your stars and his align, you will have your chance to meet the minstrel. He still moves with the music of the spheres, for now. That music continues to play, but its sound is softening, Peter.

“You must understand that the magic is being drained from the mechanics of it. The constellations have left the stars and the man has left the moon. Your adversaries are emptying out the sky, Peter. They discover more and more every day, but they assign numbers and letters where once they gave names and legends. They are stripping the sky of its majesty. That is why the stars will not aid you in your battle—they are unable. They are too governed by physics and cannot bend to manifest their prophecies. They have whispered our destinies to us, but now it is in our hands to enact them.”

The mermaid bobbed in the water with playful mystery. Peter pensively considered her words. “Thank you, Cynara, this is… an interesting turn of events.”

“The one you seek is on his way,” she assured him. “His travels will be safe, and he will be invincible until he lifts his instrument again. The stars still love him, even if man has forgotten. If you want to find him, seek out the aviator, Peter. He is closer to the stars than you realize. The aviator has seen the whole world over from his place in the sky, and he will know how to find the piper.”

“Will it really be that easy, Cynara?”

“Oh, by no means. Even if you find that minstrel, you’ll still have to convince him to play his star-music once again… thank you for the papaya, Peter.”

Cynara swam off, slyly smiling. She stayed on her back, but sank into the waters, her fruit still in her hands.

Lasiandra retreated, but she kept her eyes peeking out of the water. She still watched Gwen, hardly glancing at Peter at all during this encounter. Gwen held Lasiandra’s eyes, but Peter seemed to have lost sight of her as she drifted back behind a low rock. 

“Perhaps next time, you will come swim with us.” Eglantine giggled. “Then you can speak to the planets yourself.”

“Little boys cannot speak to stars; that’s for those whose dreams are born beneath the saltwater sky.”

“Silly, Peter,” Eglantine replied as she, too, swam off. “Anyone can speak to the sky.” She left the rind of her papaya floating, having already devoured all of its flesh. “The only hard part is getting it to talk back.”



Audrey Greathouse is a lost child in a perpetual and footloose quest for her own post-adolescent Neverland. Originally from Seattle, she earned her English B.A. from Southern New Hampshire University's online program while backpacking around the west coast and pretending to be a student at Stanford. A pianist, circus artist, fire-eater, street mime, swing dancer, and novelist, Audrey wears many hats wherever she is. She has grand hopes for the future which include publishing more books and owning a crockpot. You can find her at audreygreathouse.com



May 4, 2016

Book Promo! The Case of the Thwarted Lovers, A Mark Julian, Vampire P.I. Mystery #6 by L.G. Fabbo Gonella


It’s been a long shift for Detective Vincent Pasquale. Back at his desk at the station he finds a phone message from his vampire spouse, Mark, waiting for him. 

“Hi. I figured calling your station phone number was more secure than using a cell. Listen our friend Dexter found something about who may have tried to frame Jean-Claude. Turns out that there is a lot more to this thing! It’s big. Jean-Claude and Jaime are meeting me here before we all head over to see Tortego at his offices. We should be there in a half hour and we figure this meeting will run most of the day. If you can join us fine but if not I’ll tell you about it later after your shift is over. Call me.” 

A few moments later a report comes into the station about a possible terrorist bomb explosion at a Midtown office building. No survivors are reported. To his horror Vinnie realizes the bombsite’s address is the exact location of Tortego’s offices. In a panic Vinnie rushes to the scene where, out of nowhere, he is shot from behind by an unknown assailant. Its’ four funerals and a wedding, as the newest Julian book unfolds.





L.G.Fabbo-Gonnella is a resident of NYC. He has often said Manhattan is the underlying unspoken character in many of his books. "I guess it’s a love affair that I have with her," he once said. "I could live here forever and yet still find magical things about her that I never knew existed.”

When not seeking out interesting new locales for his books he can be found dinning with friends and enjoying all the city he adores has to offer.

Though he has not yet met the supernatural denizens of NYC, he does hope too one day. And yes, there is a "letter Lounge" albeit under a different name.



April 27, 2016

Excerpt & Giveaway! Mate Me, Hate Me, Date Me (Unexpected #3) by Chris McHart


When his father, King Harold, forces Prince Gerome to mate a complete stranger in order to save his unborn child, he complies with a heavy heart and says goodbye to all his dreams of finding love. Gerome’s hurt and treats his mate the way he’s been taught all his life: through power and submission. But with Luis, it doesn’t work.

When Luis is mated off to a stranger, his world ends. He was a carefree student one day and the next a vampire prince demands his submission. He can’t run, but he can hide and hate in silence. So he withdraws until only a shell remains.

Neither of the men has any chance of finding love together until a friend intervenes. Can Gerome forget what he’s been taught all his life, and is it possible for Luis to forget what’s happened to him? Will they ever find their own happy ending? Or can love blossom where only hate exists?




Luis’ mother turned to him and took his hand with her cold one. Her beautiful blue eyes sought his, and she visibly took a deep breath. “I have to tell you something. Please hear me out before you say anything.”

Luis swallowed hard. What would come now? His hands were clammy, but he could only wipe one on his jeans as his mother still held the other. Luis stared at her face and tried to figure out what was wrong. Something bad happened. Something really bad. Blood pulsed in his ears while he waited for his mother or father to speak again.

“The Vampire King from Munich visited us yesterday. He had a proposal for us. His son, Gerome, needs a mate. He’s seen the picture of you at the coven meeting from a few months ago and thinks you’d be a good match. The prince is going to take over the crown soon, and he needs a mate by his side. You, to be specific.” His mother paused and tightened her hold on his hand. “I agreed. A mating to the prince will bring a lot of power to our coven. And the king paid us a good deal of money for the match.”

“You what?” Luis yelled, trying to pull his hand back, but his mother held him tightly. He jumped up from his seat and tried to yank away from his mother’s grasp. What the fuck were they thinking? They had to be kidding. He was not going to mate some guy he never met. They were totally crazy. Nuts.

His mother didn’t relent, firmly keeping his hand in her grip.

“Let me go! I won’t mate someone you picked! What do you think you’re doing?” His voice cracked, but his mother didn’t even flinch.


Chris McHart lives in Germany, with her husband, slave, Dom, partner in crime, and muse (all in one person, not even she’s that kinky!). She loves her husband, men in kilts and Scotch Whisky. Her idea of a perfect evening is to curl up with her laptop and write (the other options are not suitable to post in public).


April 26, 2016

Teasers, Guest Post & Double Giveaway! Daughter of Isis, Descendants of Isis #1 by Kelsey Ketch

“Her mouth parted slightly, waiting for Seth to breathe life into her own body, just like in the story. She wanted him to awaken her senses.”

Their worlds collide in California’s high desert.

The last thing Natara “Natti” Stone wants to do is to start anew at Setemple High School. She wished she had never left London. Yet the brutal murder of her maternal grandmother has made her life very complicated. The only clue related to her murder is an ancient, encrypted necklace Natti discovered after her grandmother’s death. And if trying to adjust to American life is not enough, Natti is being stalked by a mysterious, charming high school senior, Seth O’Keefe, who is annoyingly persistent in his attempts at seduction.

Seth O’Keefe is secretly a member of the Sons of Set, an order that worships the Egyptian god of chaos. Seth’s blessing from Set, his “charm,” never failed, except with one person: Natti Stone. Her ability to elude him infatuates and infuriates him, and he becomes obsessed with the chase. But the closer he gets to her, the more his emotions take a dangerous turn, and he risks breaking one of the most valued covenants of his order. The punishment for which is a fate worse than death.

The adventure this unlikely couple becomes engulfed in could cost them their lives and their souls.

*Note: Content for Upper YA*





Descendants of Isis Personality Quiz

1. Choose your favorite color from the list.

a. Red

b. Black

c. Blue

d. Green

e. Pink

2. Pick a food item you most likely eat.

a. Steak, mushroom, and ale pie

b. Anything is good.

c. Tex-mex

d. Corn dogs

e. Salad

3. What interests you most?

a. Tennis

b. Flirting with the opposite sex

c. Reading

d. Gaming

e. Cheerleading

4. What word best describes your personality?

a. Stubborn

b. Charming

c. Hardworking

d. Loyal

e. Subservient

5. What drink would you like to have with your order?

a. Tea

b. Coffee

c. Water

d. Soda

e. Diet soda

6. If you could live in any one of these cities, which would it be?

a. London, England

b. Luxor, Egypt

c. San Francisco, California

d. Los Angeles, California

e. Paris, France

7. How do you describe your fashion style?

a. Sporty

b. Designer

c. Casual

d. T-shirt and jeans

e. Bold

8. How would you describe your love life?

a. Honest

b. Passionate

c. Disappointing

d. Complicated

e. Misleading

9. Which Egyptian god/dess do you relate to most?

a. Isis, goddess of magic

b. Osiris, god of death and rebirth

c. Nephthys, goddess of protection

d. Anubis, god of cemeteries

e. Hathor, goddess of love

Answers:

If you got…

Mostly A’s: You are most like Natara. You embrace life. Being healthy is important to you. You eat well and exercise, but you also don’t lose sight of what is truly meaningful in your life. You have the gift of seeing people for who they really are, and you accept them for it, no matter your differences. You also value honesty and trust in all your relationships.

Mostly B’s: You are most like Seth. You are extraordinarily confident. You have the looks and charm to win everyone over. Unfortunately, you feel there’s still something or someone keeping you from your greatest potential. You seek more from life. A destiny that will give you purpose. Look deep into your heart to find it.

Mostly C’s: You are most like Alison. You hide behind your work in the hopes that it’ll speak for itself. You tend to be a little too serious, making it harder to connect with others or even make friends. Yet behind the mask, you are still a sensitive individual with an uncanny ability to see things that others let go unnoticed. Your perception will serve you well.

Mostly D’s: You are most like Kevin. You are the classic small town American. You’re all about hanging with your friends, and visiting all the usual haunts you’ve known since you were five. You have a pure American palate, loving hotdogs and hamburgers; as well as enjoy American pass times such as American football and baseball.

Mostly E’s: You are most like Mandy. You have a presence that makes itself known the moment you step into the room. You are attractive, confident, and know exactly what you want in life. And you often wish to please others, some of whom might not have your best intentions in mind. When setbacks and bad choices lead you a stray, cling onto the hope that something better will be waiting on the other side.




During her high school years, Kelsey Ketch could always be found tucked away in a little corner of the hall or classroom, writing her fantasy worlds and creating illustrations and maps. Today is no different, except now she’s writing in the break room at her office building or at the tables of the Barnes and Noble Café in Cary, North Carolina. She is also an avid reader, a part-time book blogger at Ketch’s Book Nook, and lives with her two orange tabbies and awesome and humorous flat-mate.

For more information, please visit her site at kelseyketch.com.




April 13, 2016

Excerpt & Giveaway! The Dilemma, Sirius Wolves #5 by Victoria Sue


Marcus has just become the only human ever to be Alpha of a werewolf pack and thwarted the plans of Anubis to destroy the goddess Sirius' creation – the werewolves. 

Now, Anubis has decided to focus his efforts instead on Marcus and his new pack, to try and destroy the pack from within. In order to do this, Anubis seeks the one thing Marcus wants above all else and when he finds it, will use that to get him to walk away from his lovers and the pack. 

Unaware of the evil god's plans, Marcus works together with Kellan and Ricoh, not only trying to help Nate recover from the vicious torture he has undergone at the hands of the terrorist group, The Winter Circle, but to also come to terms with leading a pack of over two thousand wolves. 

Marcus soon will be faced with a dilemma, but will he give everything up for his mates and the pack or will the temptation Anubis offers him be too much for one human to refuse? Will Marcus put his wolves before himself or will he be tricked into leaving them behind forever?




Nate opened his eyes slowly and looked down. Kellan blinked as they both seemed to shimmer for a few seconds and then gaped as he stared at the white wolf now standing shoulder to shoulder with a black one. 

Nate had shifted. Not only had he shifted into a beautiful wolf, his wolf was black. Nate was an Alpha.

“Does that mean what I think it does?” Marcus said quietly. 

“I’ve never seen his wolf,” Ricoh said, awe coloring his words.

Then in another second, Nate had shifted back, and that was their second surprise. He was fully clothed. Kellan realized there had been no torn clothes on the floor, and as far as he knew Darric was the only wolf with that ability.

Nate stood. The wolf, Chris, was still close enough so Nate could burrow his hands in the thick white fur. 

Marcus took a step forward and Nate lifted his head — and they all gasped. All hesitancy, all trace of fear, all the remnants of pain that Nate seemed to carry with him constantly — it all vanished as the man took a step and Marcus opened his arms for Nate to step into them. 

The white wolf shook himself, casually licked a paw, and headed for one of the smaller meeting rooms. Conner followed him with some jeans he had been carrying. In seconds Chris and Conner were walking over to Marcus, Chris fully shifted back and clothed. Nate and Marcus stood quietly holding each other.

Blaze spoke up. “Unless it’s essential for you all to be here would you please give your Alphas some privacy?”

In seconds everyone had disappeared except for both Alpha groups and Chris. Blaze drew some chairs together and sat down. Aden chuckled, his arms full with a sleeping baby. “Well, you don’t see that every day.”

“Look,” Marcus said quietly, holding one of Nate’s scarred hands. The skin was smooth. Injury free, no burn marks, no missing nails.

Aden stared in astonishment. “That’s incredible. Shifting heals, but it doesn’t remove scars.” Darric dropped a hand on his leg. “I should know,” Aden whispered.

Kellan swallowed, guilt immediately swamping him. Kellan had lured Aden back to their old pack the last time when he got injured again.

Aden lifted his head and stared at Kellan. Then he smiled, and Kellan felt the guilt ease. He was grateful. He wasn’t sure he deserved it, but he was grateful.

“I have to ask,” Blaze said when they were all sitting down. Marcus and Nate were side by side, but Kellan had drawn Ricoh to him. Of them all, Ricoh seemed the most shocked. “I understand you were thrown out of your pack as a child. Was it because you are an Alpha?”

Nate sat a little taller. “I’m not an Alpha,” he said hesitantly.

“I can assure you,” Darric interrupted, “your wolf is black. Alpha marked. Besides which, I can feel your energy.” He paused and assessed him. “That’s new, isn’t it?”

“New?” Marcus asked.

“My wolf is gray,” Nate said hesitantly. He looked at Chris who was sitting quietly with Conner. “Did you do that? I felt an incredible amount of power when I touched you.”

Chris put his head to one side and laughed nervously. “I don’t think so. I just remember thinking you seemed hurt and that I had to help you.”

“I felt the Alpha power. I can sense it in you,” Darric said.

Nate turned his head and gazed at Darric. “I’m sorry. I know those are words often said with little meaning, but I—”

Darric reached over and clasped Nate’s hand. “The gods knew what they were doing. I think everything happened as it should.” Darric smiled. “I think you are an Alpha for a reason, and I think the gods have a purpose for you.”

Kellan gazed at everyone’s awed faces and knew that Darric was right. Even he could feel the steady thrum of Alpha power coming from Nate. What did that mean for their future?
****
Marcus stared in awe. He wasn’t totally sure what was happening here. “Are you saying that because Nathaniel has a black wolf, he’s an Alpha, and that his wolf has changed color?”

“There are different types of Alphas, Marcus. My wolf is silver,” Darric said.

“Stephen’s is golden brown, as is mine,” Conner said.

Marcus frowned. “Then why do you say black means Alpha-marked if an Alpha can be any color?”

Darric smiled. “Alpha-marked also means marked by gods.” He gestured at Blaze. “Blaze’s wolf is black. It’s usually an indication of leadership as well.”

Marcus gazed at Nate. “What does that mean for you?” Did that mean he should be running the pack? But Nate never left their rooms. He looked like he had a newfound confidence, but he was still curled into Marcus’ side as if he needed protection.

Nate looked at a complete loss. Aden spoke up. “I am not completely sure but I would hazard a guess that Sirius has a specific job for you to do,” he said quietly.

Marcus nearly shook his head in complete disbelief, but then he knew all the other incredible things that had happened, Darric being alive, the baby that Aden was cuddling. If they had happened, why was it such a leap to believe Nate had a higher purpose of some sort?

Marcus thought hard. Even as the other Alphas stood and congratulated Nate and fussed over Chris, he let the conversation swirl around him and he knew. Kellan was a strong werewolf. Ricoh had gotten a strength of purpose planning the new school and helping the kids he loved.

And Nate — his fragile boy, the one who Marcus had never been able to leave for long, because he needed him so much ... Nate was an Alpha werewolf. If he wasn’t about to run a pack then he was destined to play some important role. God touched.

Marcus eased his arm away from Nate as Nate laughed at something Darric said. At the end of the day, Marcus was fooling himself. Nate healing had just taken away his reason for being here, and he was very much afraid none of them needed him now.


Victoria Sue has loved books for as long as she can remember. Books were always what pocket money went on and what usually Father Christmas brought. When she ran out of her kids' adventure stories, she would go raid her mom's. By the age of eight she was devouring classics like Little Women, and fell in love with love stories.
She especially loves writing gay romance because as far as she’s concerned the only thing better than one hot guy, is two of them.



April 11, 2016

Teasers, Author Interview, Excerpt & Giveaway! The Warrior Prophet, The Watcher Saga #3 by Lisa Voisin


Mia Crawford is a prophet.

She can see angels. She also sees demons. Everywhere.

The angels are preparing for war to get her fallen angel boyfriend, Michael, back. A war that could take years.

Haunted by visions of Michael’s soul being tortured, Mia can’t rest until she knows he’s safe.

To save him, she must make an impossible journey through Hell with the one person she prayed she’d never see again.



He tucks his wings into himself, but they are still so close I could touch them. He walks a small circle around me. Still a dance.

“That’s very different,” he says.

“I don’t see how. I am human. They are my people.”

He bends forward until his face is inches from mine. “Your mother had passed. You needed me. We’re allowed to appear when we are needed.”

His breath warms my cheek and it’s all I can do not to lean closer. 

“Really?” My eyes search his for a sign—any sign—of feelings for me. “She died ten moons ago.” Did only pity bring him? “Why did you stay?”

A light breeze ruffles the leaves overhead. It’s warm but welcome. Michael backs away, the tops of his cheeks lit with pink. He swallows and his Adam’s apple jumps in his throat. “Perhaps I needed you.”

His voice is music, and his energy hums through me, making me bold. I couldn’t imagine him needing anyone, least of all me. With a smile, I glance at him and hold up the feathery filament. A small piece of his magic, its light sparkles and plays along my hand, the lines of his throat and jaw, the front of his tunic.

“If I return this,” I say. “What will you give me in exchange?”

“Well.” He frowns and thoughtfully strokes his chin, but his eyes are still smiling. “What do you want? Riches and jewels aren’t mine to command. I am but a humble servant.”

“Can you make it rain? It would be good for my father’s crops.”

“You know I cannot,” he scolds. “Doing so would be interfering.”

I do know, but enjoy the game, the way he looks at me as though he sees something hidden deep inside me, the secret of who I am.

“How about a kiss?” I ask.

He casts his gaze to the ground and bows his head. “Of course. A blessing.” He rests his hands on my shoulders, and even that light touch scorches me. White-hot like the sun.

Closing his eyes, he leans in to kiss my forehead, but I want a real kiss. Not the kiss of an angel, but of a lover. I rise to my toes, lifting my chin, and press my lips to his.



Hi, Lisa! Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi! Thank you so much for having me on your blog today. I’m thrilled to be here.

As you’ve probably guessed, I’m an author of young adult fiction. In my spare time, I lead a writing group for teens in my home town of North Vancouver, Canada. I’m also a meditation teacher who’s curious about all things metaphysical. My 15 years of metaphysical study piqued an interest in angels and demons that only writing about them could satisfy.

On a more personal note, I live with my fiancé and our two cats. 

How long have you been writing?

I've been writing stories since I was in elementary school. I kept writing through high school, to the point where I preferred writing stories over doing other homework. My parents started to get concerned about me and tried to talk me out of this ridiculous notion that I could be an author.

They won out for a little while, then I went to university and took up technical writing just to prove I could earn an income from the written word. Though my mom is no longer around to see me follow my dreams, my dad is now one of my biggest supporters. 

Your book, The Warrior Prophet, is about angels. Who’s your favorite angel? In books? In TV? In movies?

On TV, I love Castiel from the show Supernatural. I think he’s incredibly complex and very funny and I just love the way he smites! I even love the word “smite”. On the opposite end of the spectrum, I’m also fond of Lucifer from the new TV series with the same name.

In books, I’m a huge Neil Gaiman fan, so I loved his Radio play Murder Mysteries, and Aziraphale from the book Good Omens. 

In movies, I really enjoyed Wim Wenders’ film, Wings of Desire, and the angels in that.

If you were to have your heroine, Mia Crawford over for dinner, what would you cook and why?

I don’t cook as much as I used to. My fiancé does the cooking. If it weren’t for him, I’d never have time to write! But if I were to cook, I’d probably make Mia a chicken curry of some sort, because she seems to eat chicken a lot. 

So you meditate. How does meditation help you with writing? How does it hinder it?

All my ideas come from meditation. Because I also have a day job as a technical writer, I need to clear my mind at the end of the day in order to let the ideas come forward. Meditation helps me to silence the inner critic that holds me back from writing and calm the stress of daily life that can get in the way of the creative process. I’d say the only way that meditation has ever hindered writing is that sometimes, after I’ve gone pretty deep, it takes me a little while to find words again. When I truly shut off the inner monologue and get to a place of being, I do get ideas or downloads of information. Sometimes, the information links together in unusual ways. 

After years of meditation, you start to think differently, for example, I know how to turn off my inner critic. It still springs up from time to time, but I know it for what it is. Because everyone has one, it can be difficult sometimes to create an authentic character voice without adding it back in. It adds an inner adversary to the character’s thoughts.

What was your favorite part to write in The Warrior Prophet and why?

I think I had more fun writing The Warrior Prophet than I have any other book. I believe it’s because I know the characters and their world so well. It was simply great to spend time with them again. Ironically, I think the most fun part to write about was Hell. It was really fun to come up with such a dark place where there are no limits to how bad things can get. It was also really fun to write interplay between Mia and her “guide”, because their interaction came naturally. I also really enjoyed writing some of the scenes from Mia and Michael’s past life together.




A Canadian-born author, Lisa Voisin spent her childhood daydreaming and making up stories, but it was her love of reading and writing in her teens that drew her to Young Adult fiction. 
Lisa is a technical writer, a meditation teacher, and the leader of the Lynn Valley Literary Society’s Young Writer’s Club, a writing group for teens. A self-proclaimed coffee lover, she can usually be found writing in a local café. When she's not writing, you'll find her meditating or hiking in the mountains.
Though she’s lived in several cities across Canada, she currently lives in Vancouver, B.C. with her fiancé and their two cats.
More about Lisa can be found on her web site: http://www.lisavoisin.com.