Friday, April 25, 2014

Spotlight and Excerpt: Revelation Pagan Eyes Book Two by Rayna Noire


Revelation
Pagan Eyes
Book Two
Rayna Noire

Genre: Paranormal YA

Book Description:

Nora’s impending college graduation is a triumph over the dark incident in her past that changed her life and stopped her best friend’s.  Balancing school, work and her demented admirer at the diner is tough.  All she has is six more months, but it similar to walking a tightrope blindfolded.

Life-like dreams pull her into the 19th century world of Clayton.  A man who declares he’s her soul mate.  Even though, she’s decided against romance, the young witch finds herself drawn to the Irish healer, even hearing his voice in her head.

This would make most people question their sanity. Nora needs to find out if Clayton is real and if she’s crossing over into another world in her sleep. If she is, will she end up stuck in the past? Can magick bring them together?



Book Trailer http://youtu.be/zWNT-FbyvvA


He presented the bowl to her, along with a spoon. “Eat.”

Nora dug into the stew thick with potatoes, chunks of meat, and gravy. The taste resonated on her tongue with the right blend of spices. Tonya would have appreciated the dish. She closed her eyes and savored the flavor before swallowing.

“I’d count myself a happy man if I put that expression on your face instead of my rabbit stew,” Clayton murmured the words close by, causing her eyelids to pop open.

Nora didn’t know what to say to what was clearly flirtatious remark. Instead, she ate more stew, even though the thought of rabbit made it harder to choke down the meat.

Clayton intertwined his fingers and gazed down at them as he spoke. “I’ve been warned that a person doesn’t force fate’s hand. I’d be agreeing with that, except, if fate didn’t want you to be here, you wouldn’t be.”

His bit of cracked reasoning had her almost choking on a potato. A hearty back slap sent the errant vegetable airborne. Blinking, she looked into Clayton’s concerned face. The firelight did nothing to negate the strong lines of his face or the lively blue eyes. Handsome he might be, but there was also sincerity, a sense of compassion that she often found lacking in twenty-first-century males. “How did you find me?”

His hand stroked his chin. “Well, I tell ya, it was no simple matter. I am growing older every day. I am nigh on to thirty-three.”

Nora pretended to be horrified. “That old?”

Taking her pretense for real, he nodded his head gravely. “Yes, that old, and there’d been no sign of my soul mate, despite my looking. I dreamt you were in America, but unfortunately the time I was unclear on. I left Ireland in search of you.”

Nora stirred her delicious stew, debating if she could eat any more of it knowing it was composed of creatures she was more used to seeing singing and dancing in children’s movies. “That doesn’t answer my question of how you find me.”

He lifted his eyebrows. “I see you haven’t changed much. Still demanding answers. I did some divination magick. Much to my horror, I found we were in two different centuries, both alone. This I found hard to accept. At night when my loneliness was at its peak, I searched for you across time, calling your name. Did you ever have a sense of me?”

“Well, at first I would say no, but lately yes. Your voice is in my head, making me wonder if I am losing my mind. I noticed it because it sounds like you and not my own internal musings. Why is that?”

Nora placed the forgotten bowl on the log. Clayton picked it up and stirred the stew before taking a bite that he obviously relished before finishing the rest in four rapid bites. He went back to the pot to dip up more food.

Noticing her attention on the bowl, he explained, “I have only one bowl. I know I should have bartered for another, but I wasn’t too sure if I could bring you across. Even now you are here only on the strength of my will and need.” He dug his spoon back into his bowl.

The idea that he could just snatch her out of time should have frightened her. Instead, it mesmerized her with possibilities. “Could I just pull Napoleon or Ben Franklin out of time if I chose?”




About the Author:

Rayna Noire is an author and a historian. The desire to uncover the truth behind the original fear of witches led her to the surprising discovery that people believed in magick in some form up to 150 years ago. A world that believed the impossible could happen and often did must have been amazing. With this in mind, Ms. Noire taps into this dimension, shapes it into stories about a Pagan family who really isn’t that different from most people. They do go on the occasional time travel adventures and magick happens.












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Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Blitz: Dark Light of Day and Fiery Edge of Steel by Jill Archer



Dark Light of Day
Noon Onyx
Book 1
Jill Archer

Genre: Fantasy

Publisher: Ace
Date of Publication: September 25, 2012

ISBN-10: 0425257150
ISBN-13: 978-0425257159
ASIN: B007A9KSMY

Cover Artist: David Palumbo



Book Description:

Noon Onyx has been accepted into the prestigious St. Lucifer’s Law School where her mother hopes she’ll be trained as a Maegester. But Noon doesn’t want to control demons, set fires, or destroy things. She wants to become a Mederi so she can grow gardens and heal people.


Noon's best friend, Peter Aster, is an Angel spellcaster who thinks he has the answer to Noon's predicament - an ancient, mysterious, lost spell that can turn Noon into the Mederi she always wanted to be. Only one person stands in the way of Noon's dream - Ari Carmine, a fellow classmate who seems fascinated by Noon's fiery side. 

Fiery Edge of Steel
Noon Onyx
Book 2
Jill Archer

Genre: Fantasy

Publisher: Ace
Date of Publication: May 28, 2013

ISBN-10: 0425257169
ISBN-13: 978-0425257166
ASIN: B009NY48SO

Cover Artist: Jason Chan



Book Description:

Noon Onyx is the first woman in memory to wield waning magic. Her unique abilities, paired with a lack of control and reluctance to kill, have branded her as an outsider from her peers. Only her powerful lover, Ari Carmine, and a roguish and mysterious Angel, Rafe Sinclair, support her unconventional ways.


When Noon is shipped off to a remote outpost to investigate several unusual disappearances, it seems Luck is not on her side. But when the outpost settlers claim that an ancient and evil foe has stepped out of legend to commit the crimes, Noon realizes that she could be facing something much worse than she ever imagined…


About the Author:

Jill Archer writes dark, genre-bending fantasy from rural Maryland. Her novels include Dark Light of DayFiery Edge of Steel, and White Heart of Justice. She loves cats, coffee, books, movies, day tripping, and outdoor adventuring.






BONUS: FUN PROMO TWEETS AND TWITTER CONTEST! :-D

Anyone who tweets one of these will be entered to win ANY fantasy book of their choice from Book Depository (so long as Book Depository ships to your address) (up to $10.00). Contest ends on June 3, 2014. One tweet/entry per person.

Lucem in tenebras ferimus. Into the darkness, we bring light.” @archer_jill #DARKLIGHTOFDAY

“When traveling into the unknown, sometimes the biggest danger is the one you bring with you…” @archer_jill #FIERYEDGEOFSTEEL

“One out of every two hunters who follow the Old Trail will not return.” @archer_jill #WHITEHEARTOFJUSTICE


Finally! I’m looking forward to seeing Noon embrace her fiery magic. @archer_jill #WHITEHEARTOFJUSTICE

Ari Carmine is smokin’ hot. I wanna see if Noon can forgive him for that nasty surprise at the end of B2. @archer_jill #WHITEHEARTOFJUSTICE

I heard a rumor that Rafe Sinclair makes a wish and I wanna know if it’s granted. @archer_jill #WHITEHEARTOFJUSTICE

Nocturo. Tall dark handsome. Heard his scalpel’s put to good use. Is he gonna threaten Brunus w it again? @archer_jill #WHITEHEARTOFJUSTICE

I love the characters, but I’m really just in it for the monsters and magic. Bring on the ice demons! @archer_jill #WHITEHEARTOFJUSTICE

Armageddon is over. The demons won. But it’s not as dark as all that. Parts of it are romantic and sweet. @archer_jill #NOONONYXSERIES


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Spotlight and Except Berman's Wolves by Gretchen SB

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

Interview- HE: A Sexual Odyssey by Stephan Morsk


What inspired you to become an author?  

Reading got me through some tough times, specifically reading about authors.  I decided I admired writers about as much as I admired any profession.  When I was growing up you used to see authors on TV more often, they had a presence and an (often eccentric) personality.  They were looked up to.  Now they’re largely invisible.  I decided I’d like to become one of those guys. 

Do you have a specific writing style?  

My favorite author is Norman Mailer.  I could never hope to approximate his writing style, but have drawn from several writers I respect including Elmore Leonard, Philip Roth, Erica Jong, Hunter S. Thompson.  (I’m dating myself I know.)  The bottom line is you choose which aspect or aspects of writing you think are most important and push them to the max.  I used to think the only essential element in writing was sound.  I submitted a whole collection of short stories called ‘Radish Heart’ to the Flannery O’Connor prize.  I didn’t win, but I respected myself for remaining true to that ideal, even though I’ve moved on from that.  You’ll see some stories like that on my website morsklitmonthly.com

Do you write in different genres?  

I invented my own genre term, ‘mysteroticom’ combining mystery, comedy and erotica.  As far as I know I’m the only one doing it.  I do it well.  If I’m not enjoying the writing I know it’s time to change something.  I go for entertainment value, lightening fast reads with horse-like doses of sex, humor, even drugs. 

If yes which is your favorite genre to write?  

‘Mysteroticom’ as I said.  I write in the first person.  Mailer called this his ‘trump card’.  I think it gives an immediacy of experience if you get inside the narrator’s head and know exactly what they’re thinking and feeling.  My novella, “HE: A Sexual Odyssey” is in the third person however which suits its plot line to a tee.  

How did you come up with the title for your latest book?  

It was originally called ‘crispi-sulcans’ which means winding or serpentine in Latin.  But since few people would have any idea of what that meant, I simply changed it to encompass what I felt was the most salient feature, this introverted protagonist searching for Ms. Right and connecting only with his penis.

Do you title the book first or wait until after it’s complete?  

I changed it along the way.  Usually I do title my books when I start and stick to it.  The title provides a guidepost for what the book’s supposed to be about, albeit a rather vague one. 

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?  

A couple of themes stand out in “HE: A Sexual Odyssey.”  The protagonist, a thirty-ish law student in Manhattan is in search of salvation from his rather isolated existence.  He’s looking for Ms. Right.  Women are largely seen by “HE” as the blessed immaculate deliverance from his cubby hole existence.  The power of women, emotionally and sexually stands out.  Finally, the cruelty of a tornadic vortex of gonzo karma is ever present.  “HE” is thrust into a series of intolerable situations through no fault of his own. 

Is the book, characters, or any scenes based on a true life experience, someone you know, or events in your own life?  

Most of it is made up.  Characters are drawn from people in my life past and present but then altered subtly to fit the ongoing landslide of the plot line.  I always visualize someone whether from TV, real life, movies, etc. when I describe a character. 

What books/authors have influenced your life?  

As I said, I’m old school.  Norman Mailer, Erica Jong, Philip Roth, Hunter S. Thompson, Elmore Leonard to name a few.  I haven’t connected with any contemporary authors, probably because I’m too busy writing and don’t have time to read much.  When I go on vacation I bring a book with me.  Usually it’s an old classic and I rarely finish it.  I’m a shamelessly slow reader. 

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?  

Mailer. Read his book “American Dream”.  It reads like genre but is chilling in the anvil-like sense of guilt pervading its pages, its lush descriptives, you name it.  Also read “Tough Guys Don’t Dance.”  Devastating.  By the way he won TWO Pulitzer’s. 

What book are you reading now?  

None!  I’m a sloth in the reading department. 

What books are in your to read pile?  

I’ve never read “The Naked and the Dead,” Mailer’s out of the box hit after WWII.  But I’m not big on war books.  I tried to read “A Visit From the Goon Squad” once but just didn’t connect with it. 

What is your current “work in progress” or upcoming projects?  

“Green Light.”  It’s part of a series (As is “HE”) about a screenwriter’s misadventures.  Again the insouciance of blitzkrieg fate shines through, and the adoration of women.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?  

In “Green Light” the screenwriter, a successful guy in his forties outside of LA, meets a woman in a bar. A few days later she shows up at his door.  The next day she leaves but is later found dead.  Wouldn’t you know it?  Shit for karma.  He thinks he knows who the murderer is and gets beaten up over it.  By the way, he has a mammoth penis.  So be it. 

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?  

Keeping it always fresh, deliberately humorous and intriguing, always changing to keep the reader (and myself) entranced.  If you try “HE” you’ll see what I mean.  It’s sexy as hell and a lighting fast novella.  (71 pages)

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Mailer’s descriptives, the constant impression of his thought processes, his invincible timing.  He also ran for mayor of New York, made films, stabbed one of his wives, was an alcoholic and spent time in Bellevue.  Harvard grad.  He held his own in an interview with William F. Buckley.  Quite a character to earn two Pulitzer’s. 

Do you have to travel much to do research for your books?  

Not at all, except mentally. 

Who designed the cover of your latest book?  

I did with help from Infinity Publishing.  I sort of had second thoughts about it for a while, but now I’m convinced it’s just perfect. 

Do you have any advice for other writers?  

Write, write and then write some more.  Identify what it is in writing that intrigues you and push that aspect to its God forsaken limits.  Then start all over again. 

Do you have a song or playlist (book soundtrack) that you think represents this book?  

“I Dig a Pygmy” by the Beatles.  Just kidding. 


          Thanks so much for allowing me this time to elucidate a bit about myself and my work.  Follow me on morsklitmonthly.com, Twitter (@SMorsk), Facebook.  “HE:A Sexual Odyssey” is available in softcover (Amazon), and e formats Kindle and Nook.  

HE: A Sexual Odyssey
Stephan Morsk

ASIN: B00E3GZPTI
ISBN: 0-7414-8224-X

Genre: erotica

Book Description:

In HE the unnamed protagonist, a law student, is involved with a series of women who either loathe him, try to poison him, save his life or exploit him sexually. The first is the nanny of his ex boss’ kid. She sends him a hateful letter, enclosing a pubic hair and rubbed with pheromones. After observing a woman in a coffee shop whose breasts are ‘freaks of nature’ she leaves a briefcase and departs. He’s unsuccessful in returning it to her, but this karmic event exposes him to a bevy of dangerous and seductive paramours.

Available at  Buy Books on the Web and at Amazon



About the Author:

Stephan Morsk is a mental health professional who writes daily.  He won a 7th and an 8th place in the Writer’s Digest competition 2001 out of a field of 19,000 writers.  He has published a short story and won honorable mentions in other years.  His web site morsklitmonthly.com offers a new short story each month.  He is interested in novellas and recently submitted “Parrot Moon” to the Paris Literary Prize.  He’s finished several other short books, part of a four part series including “HE”, “Trashy Novel-A Love Story”, “She” and “I”.  He lives in rural Minnesota with his family.  Favorite novelist, Normal Mailer.  He enjoys exercise and is a reasonable amateur magician.   






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