Interview - Once Her Man, Always Her Man by Heather Long

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Review: Crimson Shadow - Nathan Squiers

*Note: This is more of a horror story so if you don't like horror you can skip this review

Xander Stryker has been trying nightly to end his life for over five years. He is tormented and bullied at school and even the teachers won't stand up for him. Every night he takes out a case with a pair of custom hand-guns and plays roulette with the one round in the chambers of the gun he calls "Yin". Will tonight be the night his torment ends? Alas, a click is the only sound and he must suffer through yet another day of torment. He is followed to school and picked on for his attire and anything else they can think of. When he gets to class and his monotone teacher starts lecturing his brain takes a timeout. Thus awakening old painful memories of his mother and the torture she suffered under his step-father, Kyle. But there is more awaiting Xander as a strange looking boy starts appearing when he is nearing home after school... the boy is casually dressed and has cold dark eyes, he merely asks Xander to come with him and is spooks Xander. Soon after tragedy hits hard and Xander is left reeling in the aftermath and rage that are fighting inside him.

The Odin clan is patiently waiting for the time when the prodigal Srtyker son can join the clan, but they are bound by an oath they took to Xander's family. It's only after the tragedy strikes that they seek out Xander and offer him a chance to become something great and immortal...a true vampire. Xander has always known about his strange abilities, but never how to control them. He learns he is an Auric - a being who absorbs others psychic energies. And his powers are only goingto grow stronger as he ages in his soon to be immortal body. However he must survive the change and the future that awaits him as others are also wanting him, but for their own purposes. He is happy accept the offer and become immortal and learn about who his father really was.

Awakening as an immortal should have been a happy day, but the second he awakens, smoke and burnt flesh smells assault his nose. He knows something is wrong as his chamber is empty and even his mentor isn't there to greet him in his new life. He soon finds his new home, family and friends are dead and they are all left as a message for him. He finally meets up one one survivor and they flee to safety so Xander can get properly trained to use his new powers. Xander is a natural and he picks up on things rapidly. And on the last day of training he is given a few gifts...rings symbolic to his clan and to his father.

He also finds out a little about his step-father....he too has powers and is preying on another young mother and son. Xander knows he has to end things and kill Kyle before he sucks the joy from another family and rips them apart. But Kyle is old and powerful and he will even put innocent humans in Xander's path to tempt him into killing innocents. Xander knows that Kyle's victims are all going to be shells of their former selves if they get out alive. He tries to spare as many as he can, but in order to end things...some will die and Xander may eventually face the Great Council for doing what he must.

I must admit I felt so badly for Xander and his life. He was kept from knowing exactly who his father was by his only living relative...his Grandmother who raised Xander after his father was killed and his mother died in child birth. He never knew what he was truly meant to be until the offer came. And when he thinks things are going to go in his favor, another shocker hits causing his rage to flare again, and he unknowingly unleashes his powers around him like a hurricane. As he learns to hold in his rqage and focus his Auric powers he learns much about who is he, why "Yin" failed him night after night, and how to face his past to move onto his future.

Nathan did a superb job spinning Xander's story and making us feel what Xander does as he goes through the pain of being bullied, loosing your last loved one to bad blood, and finding the courage to face your past. Xander grows infinitely stronger and finds his way of living life, and fiding what makes it worth continuing to live. There are so many wonderful characters we get a small glimpse of and other who we get to see in many ways. This book was a wonderful and skillfully written story that will have you thinking. A solid 4 of 5 stars to this first story in the series.

I will mention that a portion of the book sales are going to a very appropriate cause "To Write Love On Her Arms" or TWLOHA. This is a antisuicide and self-mutilation cause to help those who are facing the thoughts of suicide and self-mutilation as means to an end.

Interview with Nathan Squiers - Crimson Shadow

Happy Manic Monday to you all. I have a guest for you today. I am honored to have Nathan Squiers "AKA The Literary Dark Prince" Here to talk about Crimson Shadow.

Hello Nathan, or should I call you The Literary Dark Prince and thanks for being today’s “Pick”.

Please share a little about yourself, your works and what got you into writing.

~I was birthed in the decrepit and long-since abandoned ruins of an old church to a jackal mother set to a chorus of eerily harmonized men in pitch-black robes wielding sacrificial daggers!
Or so I wish…
To tell the truth, I was an overly-sheltered child (both a benefit and a handicap, I suppose) and, as a result, I studied a great deal and avoided anything and everything "scary". This avoidance gave way to morbid obsession, which gave way to further research (I suppose I thought knowing more about monsters would save me from them). All that research shifted the focus of interest, and I went from fearing and loathing darkness to loving it. A great example of this shift was one day when I came across a magazine at a barber shop that Marilyn Manson had done a guest article in. Now, prior to that day I'd been terrified of Manson (though I'll admit now I'd never even HEARD his music before that point [yea, I want to slap my inner child, too]), but, as I read the words that The Antichrist Superstar had graced this particular publication with, I suddenly found that what I'd passed off as a mindless monster was, in fact, a brilliant and philosophical mind! With a new curiosity, I further delved into the abyss and found it quite to my liking. Because I'd always loved making stories (I've never been good at drawing or painting but I love to create characters and developing their legacies) writing just became the most convenient outlet for my insanity to spill on.
From there, a few body piercings, some tattoos, and a great deal of purity-warping horror films turned me into The Literary Dark Prince we all know and love.

I see Xander is a bit suicidal at first until he meets Marcus and Sophie and learns a bit more about what he has the potential to become. Why the extreme with a suicidal character?

Book #1 of Crimson Shadow was written so I could vent my own aggressions safely. Xander, in the early developmental stages, represented who I wanted to be, but he had to start where I was, and, at that time, suicide was our common ground.

With another death in the family and his last real friend gone and the aftermath, did Xander’s anger only help bring out his hidden powers more?

Xander's always had a foot unknowingly dipped in the paranormal pool, and his emotional instability certainly didn't help to keep them in check. As he grew older and more psychologically destructive, the magic within him responded accordingly. The problem with this being that the paranormal world can easily hone in on that sort of "spill-over".

I was really intrigued by your idea of the sangsuigas (blood-drinkers) versus the Aurics (Psychic Energy) in the world you wove. Where did those names stem from and can toy tell more about each?

The foundation for the two breeds of vampire derived from my research into various types of life-feeders. While the list can go on forever, it all can be narrowed down to four types: mortal blood-drinking, immortal blood-drinking, mortal psychic, & immortal psychic. The concept of "mortal" vampires comes into play lightly with my work, but since they're all basically humans and we see those tired things day-in and day-out I figured I'd give readers a little more excitement.

Sangsuigas ("sang" being the Latin root for "blood") is a common global term for immortal blood-drinkers (mortal blood drinkers being sanguinarians--essentially translated to "thirst for blood").

For my immortal psychics, I wanted to shy away from the term "psychic"--because of the implications to mystics sitting over crystal balls--I decided to work off of their connection to their auras and using them to both feed and fight. I wanted to give the creatures in my books a diversity that mimicked human society so that there was a greater sense of complexity in an unknown "community" of non-humans.

Which one would you be?

If I had a chance to pick, I'd say an auric. Because of their nature of using their minds to alter the reality in their victims' minds would tie in nicely to my enjoyment of planting images in peoples' minds. Sangs are pretty gnarly and I love the idea of the ferocity and being all fanged and gnarly, but all that running and jumping just ain't for me. lol.

When Xander accepts the clans offer to become a true vampire he eagerly jumps, knowing he’s becoming the man he thinks he was supposed to be. Did he find some resolution to everything that had happened in his life prior knowing that he found a place to fit in?

I'd certainly say so. By that point--after five years of trying to put a bullet in his brain, multiple cutting sessions, and self-destructive magical practices--he was aching for any sort of escape from his life. The promise of an escape from humanity AND the idea of acceptance and familiarity made the choice a pretty obvious one to make.

We got a brief glimpse of Estella in the book. I have a feeling she knew more then she let on about Xander from the beginning. Can you share a little about her and her developing powers.

Estella is what we in the business call a "nerd" (of the book-nerdus variety). As such, she's spent her entire life reading and growing in intellect. By a young age, she was reading college-level material with ease and, never one to settle and easily bored, she'd pursued newer and more complex reading materials. Having always been interested in the stories of witches, the concept of magic and witchcraft enticed her and encouraged a desire to study the realm of magic for herself and, like everything else, she excelled at that rather quickly, as well.

Did the plot and characters work out as you wanted or did they shape the book as you were writing?

The general plot for book #1 of Crimson Shadow has, for the most part, remained solid (certain elements have changed here-and-there--Xander had started a bit more volatile and, as a result, a few too many innocent people died for my liking [he'd never killed anybody on purpose, per se, but the idea of him being directly responsible for the death of an innocent struck me as making him a villain before he even had a chance to be a hero]). There were also some changes made to certain character developments to better suit the interaction with other characters.

I'm proud to say, however, that enough time was spent in character development that their personalities were powerful driving forces in shaping the overall piece.

This is the first in a potential series, what can readers expect from the next book? Without spoilers please if possible.

The series is going to be seven books in total (all of which have already been planned to some extent or another) that unfolds into Xander's legacy, but he still has some personal affairs to settle. Book #2 (working title "Sins of the Father") puts the spotlight on the other half of Xander's family, and some of the secrets revealed will change how some perceive book #1. As the first book implies, Xander and Estella's relationship becomes more intimate, and Xander's new ties to the paranormal world introduce him to some new creatures.

Also, as always with the Crimson Shadow series, Xander's psyche comes into play (in any CS book there is always AT LEAST two antagonizing forces: whoever Xander is pitted against and himself) and, of course, over-the-top stylized violence (if The Matrix has taught us anything, it's that something should be intelligent and complex, but NEVER without eye-candy and excessive violence).

It was so devious to see the way Xander found how to finally be free of Kyle *shivers thinking about the demon he was* How did his teachings help him figure out how to overcome the rage he had to find a way to make things work in his favor?

I think it's safe to say that everyone has had a "Kyle" of some sort or another in their lives (I know that some have suffered through similar endeavors of their own, but I would never wish that exact situation on anybody). It's not always a matter of being beaten or abused or tortured, but, rather, being shown beyond a shadow of a doubt that decency is a blessing, not a privilege and certainly not commonplace behavior in the world.

There's no end to the types of bullies that people will encounter in their lives--no end to the soul-crushing crap that day-after-day weighs down on the hearts of so many (not just people like Xander, but EVERYONE)--and there's only two ways to receive that constant barrage: by succumbing to it and letting it destroy you in one way or another, or to adapt and evolve into a stronger self that is capable of overcoming the mundane and transcending into a better person. In Xander's case, that evolution included a blood-red eye and a gnarly set of retractable fangs that he enthusiastically uses to rip into people, but the metaphor applies all the same.

Those that fall under the pressure should be mourned, because it is ALWAYS a tragic loss, but for those that can overcome their attackers--that can overcome their fear--they come to a conflicted realization that their strength is, in fact, a gift. Those that dedicated their efforts to hurting those they deemed "weak" are often the architects of their own defeat, because inevitably there will be the one victim who finally overcomes them.

What did Kyle teach Xander? The same thing any victim eventually learns:

You either stand for something, or fall for anything.

Lastly the fun questions:
Plotter or pantser?
~Compulsive & habitual plotter.

Early Bird or Night Creature?
I am a man who loves his naps during the day, and as such I am a man that is usually not tired at night. I have to say that I'm a creature of the night, but only because I succumb so eagerly to a beckoning mattress!

Are you more like Marcus, Depok or Stan?
I wasn't sure how to answer this, so I resorted to asking my fiancé, Megan Parker (another of CH&BB's authors as well as their video-editor). We both agree that I'm not a Depok, but to side between Stan and Marcus is a bit of a challenge. The two represent two sides of the supernatural world that Xander must master and, therefore, gifted in those areas… but which can I associate more strongly with…?

Many may see me as being a great deal like Marcus--sort of a jerk, but with his endearing qualities and strengths. But I also think those that know me and have seen me in my "element" will admit I'm like Stan--aware of himself and others, but capable of an unseen darkness when crossed.

Truthfully, I'd be honored to be compared to either.

White, Milk or Dark chocolate?
Ordinarily I'm not a lover of sweet things, but I do LOVE a white-or-milk chocolate-covered pretzel (if I had to pick I'd say a salty-sweet combination with milk chocolate is about as close to Nirvana as a living person can get).

Coffee Tea or other?
Both are great for their own reasons (I LOVE tea as a means of relaxing, but I am obsessed with coffee). However, my obsession with coffee has made it VERY difficult to keep me awake with any amount of caffeine (I tend to peak at about eight-shots of espresso in my standard beverages and can still fall into a deep sleep thereafter). Because of this, I've found that my perpetual exhaustion can be wavered with energy drinks (guarana and taurine work wonders).

Music or quiet while working? The Literary Dark Prince loathes silence (it's too damn eerie). I can't start slinging words 'til I've thrown down a gnarly beat.

Favorite place to sit and write? Wherever my butt fits and I can consume caffeine for a prolonged period of time (I do get a lot done at Starbucks, though [yea, I'm one of THOSE authors]). *Snickers*...Coffehouse author

• Computer or good old pen and paper?
Computer (my hands cramp if I scribble too long and I can type faster, anyway).

Pick your poison (alcoholic drink of choice when going out)
None (I'm straightedge; no drugs or alcohol).

Thanks for stopping in Nathan, it was great to be able to pick your mind and talk about Xander and what is to come!

Crimson Shadow
By Nathan Squiers

Xander Stryker wants to die.

Ever since witnessing his mother's murder at the hands of his abusive stepfather when he was a boy, he has spent every day trying to reach that goal. But every night he's denied the death he craves.

When his eighteenth birthday approaches, an unforeseen chance for change is offered when his life is plunged into chaos and he's dragged into a supernatural world of vampires and other creatures of darkness. Caught in the depths of this new reality, mysteries of his supernatural lineage begin to unravel and Xander is given the ultimate choice:

Continue on with his wretched life or begin a new one as the vampire he was always meant to be.

Unfortunately, the supernatural world can be just as unforgiving and brutal as any other and Xander's choice is met with disastrous consequences. Now, with the chaos of the new world pressing down on him, his past reemerges and once again threatens to crush him. Will Xander be able to use his new strength to conquer his fears, or will he succumb to his own bloody darkness...

... and allow it to finally destroy him.

Book Trailer

Excerpt

"I'M NOT YOUR GOD DAMN SON!" Xander shrieked, bracing himself for the familiar agony of Kyle's belt. His eyes flew open as he shot upright. Sweeping some strands of hair from his sweat-soaked brow, his panicked heart finally settled in his chest as he saw that he was not at the mercy of his stepfather.

Instead, his entire first period class stared at him.

Somebody up front snickered as others turned to whisper to their neighbors. Feeling his face redden, Xander did his best to ignore his peers and took a deep breath.

"Stryker!"

Xander cringed and watched as Mister Nimbe navigated his way from the chalkboard towards him. In a lot of ways seeing the portly teacher calmed him. Letting out a slow breath, he reassured himself of the truth:

Kyle was dead.

". . . enough, Stryker!"

Hearing his name, Xander snapped out of his thoughts and looked up at Mister Nimbe.

"Huh?"

The teacher's jaw shifted before he slapped a heavy palm down on the desktop. Xander stared at him, continuing to ignore his peers as they gossiped and laughed.

He didn’t want this kind of attention.

"Don't play games with me, you little punk!" Mister Nimbe's voice was hard though he spoke softly, "The next time you decide to act up in my class, it's your funeral!"

A girl sitting nearby cackled, "That’ll be the day!"

There was another bout of laughter.

Xander forced himself not to look away from Mister Nimbe, who seemed to bask in the approval of his class. Unable to handle another moment of the humiliation, he snatched his backpack by the strap and pulled it with him as he stood from his desk and hurried for the door. Behind him he heard Mister Nimbe yell after him, but he was already too far out the door to hear it or care.

"Fucking assholes!" Xander spat. The burning in his cheeks had spread and now his entire body felt hot with his growing rage. You need to calm down. Trepis said.

Xander shook his head at the advice. He let out a growl and threw a balled fist into a nearby locker; a jolt of magical energy following through. Withdrawing his hand he saw that he had nearly torn the metal off its hinges. He smirked at the results and started walking again.

Trepis sighed, Was that really necessary?

"Is any of this really necessary?" He retorted.

Trepis, after an airy sigh, went silent.

Xander nodded to himself, satisfied that the voice in his head was finally done criticizing him and continued down the hall. Gripping the pack of cigarettes in his pocket, he turned onto the East Wing, dragging the fingers of his left hand across the rows of lockers as he walked.

Going to see Stan?

"You know it." Xander said as he turned another corner and stopped just before the cafeteria, pushing open the door labeled "TEACHERS LOUNGE" without hesitation.

An old coffee machine to his right gurgled and belched its greeting as a fresh batch of sludge dripped into a carbon-stained pot. Nearby, a wild-haired woman who Xander recognized as one of the English teachers sat with a crossword puzzle while an over-caffeinated math teacher grunted something about a failing sports team. Reaching blindly for his cup of coffee, he knocked it onto his crotch and swore as steam rose from his pants.

As expected, neither noticed Xander as he walked in.

Unable to wait any longer, he retrieved a cigarette and began working to light it. The worn-out lighter sparked uselessly.

"Damn it!" Xander said, scowling at the lighter before tossing it into the trash.

"Need a light?" Stan's voice emerged from the corner of the lounge.

Xander smiled, "Would you?"

"Hey!" the coffee-stained teacher frowned at Xander, "You're not supposed to be in--"

The man's eyes went dull, followed soon after by the woman's, before both stood and walked out the door, closing it behind them as they did.

Once they were alone, Xander turned towards his friend and smirked, "You're going to have to teach me how to do that." Stan's dirty-blonde hair shifted as he shook his head. "Xander, Xander, Xander... it's not even second period." he scolded as he held out his hand.

Xander watched as the cigarette sparked and magically ignited and he was rewarded with a rush of flavor. He smiled and took a long drag before taking it between his fingers and sitting beside his friend.

"Had the dream again."

Stan nodded, his blue-green eyes going solemn, and leaned his head back.

Xander thought for a moment that he might offer Stan a cigarette as a joke, but thought better of it. Stan always said that the things were a poison and putting those substances in your system was like allowing your own personal Trojan horse into your body time and time again.

Scowling, Stan turned his head towards him, "What are you going to do with your life, Xander? I see the potential, but..." he sighed then, shaking his head.

Xander didn't take his eyes from the floor, "Maybe Yin will take me tonight. Then I won't have to worry about where I'm going, right?"

Stan rolled his eyes, "I doubt you're going to find your escape in the barrel of that old revolver tonight. Or tomorrow... or even the day after that." He chuckled, "I mean, if I seriously thought you were in any danger I'd have had you put away long ago."

"So why haven't you?" Xander allowed his eyes to shift in Stan's direction.

Stan shrugged, "It's that whole potential thing I was talking about. You're not worth much to the world in a padded cell."

Xander scoffed, "Wouldn't say I'm worth much to the world at all!"

"Or maybe you just don't see that potential yet." Stan curled his lip.

Xander frowned, "Then can you tell me what's going to happen?"

Stan shook his head, "I’ve told you before: the future can't be seen. It hasn't been written yet."

"But you must know something!" Xander did what he could to hide his aggravation, but his lingering rage and growing confusion became too much and the wall groaned against the magical energy and cracked under the pressure.

Stan sighed, "I know that I'm tired of mending this damn wall!"

Xander nodded, "Sorry."

He had lost count of all the times his friend had used his magic to fix what he had broken with his own. This time wasn't any different:

Stan focused on the wall; his eyes narrowing with the same intensity they'd shown when lighting Xander's cigarette. After a silent moment, the pieces of cracked plywood shifted and cracked as they bonded together and the drywall reformed, leaving the wall looking good as new. When it was done, he went back to staring at the ceiling. "How's Trepis?"

"He's... still Trepis."

Stan tilted his head and gave him a skeptical look, "Trep?"

Doing fine. Trepis answered in Xander's head, Kid's just being a brat.

Both Stan and Trepis laughed.

Xander frowned.

"Oh, stop being so sensitive!" Stan gave him a few hard pats on the back; his energy stinging like lightning under his skin before it spread like a sweet drug through his system. "You can't take everything so seriously!"

Xander smiled against the bizarre sensation and leaned into the couch, "Yea, right." He tried to mask the sarcasm in his voice.

Stan, ignoring Xander's attitude, stared back up at the ceiling, "So what do you want for your birthday?"

Xander sighed and took another long drag, not stopping until he'd burned up the cig to the filter and blowing the smoke out slow. "I want freedom, Stan."

About Nathan Squiers

Nathan Squiers (The Literary Dark Prince) is a resident of upstate New York where he lives with his loving fiancé and two demonic beings that have, for the time being, chosen to disguise themselves as cats (incredibly demanding and out-of-control cats).

Living day-by-day on a steady diet of body modification and potentially lethal doses of caffeine, he often escapes reality through novels, comics & manga, movies, and (of course) his own writing. When he's not immersed in the realm of fiction (be it his own or someone else's), he can be found in the chair of a piercing studio/tattoo parlor or reacquainting himself with the real world.

Visit Nathan and find out more about him and his work at Nathan's website | Facebook | His Personal page

JUST BREATHE Cover Reveal & Behind the Scenes Pics

Happy Friday to everyone. I have an extra treat today. The ever awesome Kendall Grey is sharing!! I know uber cool right? Today she is sharing behind the scenes photo Shots from the cover of the third and FINAL book in her Just Breathe Trilogy. Without further ado I bring you the Shoot and pics.

JUST BREATHE, the final book in Kendall Grey's JUST BREATHE urban fantasy trilogy is coming soon to a book seller near you! Kendall enlisted photographer Teresa Yeh to shoot a custom cover image of Gavin and Zoe's clasped hands. Check out these pics from the photo shoot:

Awesome body painter Vonetta Barry goes to work on model Bradley Nethercutt's "tattoos."

Poison: I have to admit from this angle he remind me of Robin Dunne:

Vonetta paints a whale.

The crew sets up.

Photographer Teresa Yeh goes to work!

The whole crew!

And the winning photo is…

Once Kendall chose her favorite picture, she turned it over to the talented Claudia McKinney from Phat Puppy Art. Claudia added an ocean backdrop and a whale fluke, then mixed in a little of her creative magic. Here's the final product:

Here's the working blurb for JUST BREATHE. It may change.

He sacrificed his soul to the devil he hates to spare the heart of the woman he loves… After a terrible accident rocks the foundation of their relationship, Gavin Cassidy, leader of the Sentinels who protect humans in Australia, and whale biologist Zoe Morgan call it quits on their short-lived affair. He can’t come to terms with the trust he inadvertently shattered, and being with him is killing her. Literally. But love is a powerful motivator, and neither biology nor misguided oaths sworn to mortal enemies is strong enough to keep them apart, despite the fact their new paths are on a collision course that can only end badly. When Gavin’s illicit alliance with his most hated foe threatens to betray millions of innocents to ruthless Fyre Elementals, Zoe vows to sacrifice everything - including the whales she loves - to stop him from making the biggest mistake of his life.

Body Painter:Vonetta Barry
Painting Assistant & Behind-the-Scene Pictures taken by Keston Sylvester-Carrington
Male Model: Bradley Nethercutt
Female Model: Hope Danielle Smith
Photographer: Teresa Yeh
Photo Assists: Abdul Khan & Chelsea Baucom
~~~~~~~~

Feature & Follow #22

Welcome to the Feature & Follow

Gain new followers and make new friends with the Book Blogger Feature & Follow! If this is your first time here, welcome! You are about to make some new friends and gain new followers — but you have to know — the point of this hop is to follow other bloggers also. I follow you, you follow me.

If you are new to the #FF fun, Feature & Follow Friday is a blog hop that expands your blog following by a joint effort between bloggers. Feature & Follow Friday is now hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it’ll allow us to show off more new blogs!

How does this work? First you leave your name here on this post, then you create a post on your own blog that links back to this post (easiest way is to just grab the code under the #FF picture and put it in your post) and then you visit as many blogs as you can and tell them “hi” in their comments (on the post that has the #FF image). You follow them, they follow you. Win. Win. Just make sure to follow back if someone follows you!

Now to make this #FF interesting we do a FEATURE blogger. If you are interested in becoming a Feature click on the drop down link above FEATURES > Feature & Follow Friday and get on the waiting list! How do you follow someone? Well, if you have a preference, state it in your #FF post. A lot of blogs are transitioning to WordPress in which they do not have the luxury of GFC, so an RSS subscription is appreciated or if you choose an email subscription. If you don’t have GFC please state in your post how you would like to be followed.It is also required, that if you participate you must follow the hosts (Parajunkee & Alison Can Read) and the two Feature blogs.

Parajunkee's Feature – Ali's Bookshelf Reviews

Alison Can Read's Feature - The Housework Can Wait

And now the Random Question of this week:

What is one thing you wish you could tell your favorite author?

That's an easy one! LMAO

Dear Laura Kaye,
You already know I'm a very dedicated fan of yours. I've been lucky enough to interview you and I consider you a friend. (After all, who else would know when you aren't teaching your enjoying bit of writing time at your local Panera.)

I've asked most of the questions I've always wanted, but one snuck by.. What's one thing that surprises you most about becoming an author?

Your Eternally Dedicated Fan,

Dirtt Little Secret #31

<center><a href="http://underthecoversbookblog.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h367/utcgraphics/Memes/dirty-little-secret.jpg" /></a></center>
Dirty Little Secret is a weekly meme hosted by Under the Covers. Every Thursday we get to know other bloggers and our readers more intimately by asking them a question hoping to reveal their dirty little secrets. We hope that you will all join us!
To participate in the meme all you need to do is:

1. Be a follower of Under the Covers.
2. Create a post in your blog taking the meme image (code above) and copy instructions.
3. Answer the question proposed! This can be done in any way you like, post a video, write a post etc.
4. Then add your link below.

Non-bloggers: We want to hear from you as well!!! Let us know your answer in the comments!
We hope you join us and let us know your Dirty Little Secrets!

"If we were unforgivably rude and snatched your purse from you, what would we find inside? "

Oh Geez! My purse is always a damn mess...

Mines, not exactly this same color, but design and cross are! Hey! I've been looking for those (sunglasses). My Kindle is usually in there, so is a small pocket calendar, my android phone, my iPod Touch for music at work, Pack of Kleenex, 2 pens, a cleaning cloth for my phone and kindle screens, change is scattered across the bottom, a lip stick, mirror compact, lip gloss, Ed Hardy travel perfume (see below for pic), car keys of course and some feminine stuff for emergency tucked in the lining pocket. A girl can never go out unprepared!

And there you have the contents of my purse.

INHALE Flash Mob

INHALE, an urban fantasy romance by Kendall Grey, is now available in paperback and e-book for Kindle (MOBI) and Nook (EPUB). INHALE is the first book in the JUST BREATHE trilogy. Kendall is donating all profits from the sale of the trilogy to programs that educate people about whales and the challenges they face. Watch the video to find out why.

Kendall encourages interested readers to consider purchasing an e-book instead of a paperback. E-books save trees, cost considerably less, and bring in much more money for the whales.

Thank you for supporting INHALE, and most importantly, the whales that need our help.

INHALE blurb:

Strangers in reality, inseparable in dreams…

After years of suffocating under her boss’s scrutiny, whale biologist Zoe Morgan finally lands a job as director of a tagging project in Hervey Bay, Australia. Success Down Under all but guarantees her the promotion of a lifetime, and Zoe won’t let anything—or anyone—stand in her way. Not the whale voices she suddenly hears in her head, not the ex who won’t take no for an answer, and especially not the gorgeous figment of her imagination who keeps saving her from the fiery hell of her dreams.

Gavin Cassidy hasn’t been called to help a human Wyldling in over a year, which is fine by him. Still blaming himself for the death of his partner, he keeps the guilt at bay by indulging in every excess his rock star persona affords. That is, until he’s summoned to protect Zoe from hungry Fyre Elementals and learns his new charge is the key to restoring order in the dying Dreaming. He never expects to fall for the feisty Dr. Morgan…nor does he realize he may have to sacrifice the woman he loves to save an entire country.

*This book contains graphic language, sex, and some violence. Not suitable for readers under the age of 18.
**The author will donate all profits from the sale of the JUST BREATHE trilogy to programs that educate people about whales and the challenges they face.

Kendall Grey

Blog | Facebook | Despicable Tweets | Goodreads | Newsletter